bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Traffic Accidents Mortality and Social Inequalities in Ecuador from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Holguín-Carvajal Juan Pablo , Otzen Tamara , Sanhueza Antonio , Castillo-Carniglia Alvaro , Manterola Carlos , Muñoz Georgina , García-Aguilera Fernanda , Salgado-Castillo Fernanda
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to describe the trend of traffic accident mortality and social inequalities in Ecuador for the period 2011-2020, distributed by year, gender, age group, geographic location, and type of accident, alongside social disparities. An ecological approach was used to evaluate traffic accident mortality data. The average traffic accident mortality rate in the country during this period was 19.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, with rates being significantly higher in males (31.3) than in females (7.2). The highest mortality rate was recorded in 2011, predominantly impacting the 60 and older age group, the Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province, and the Amazon region. The study also noted a declining trend in these rates over the years, with an Annual Percentage Variation of -1.2%. A notable finding was the decrease in traffic accident mortality inequality based on per capita income in 2019, compared to 2011, which rose by 247.7%, whereas the inequality based on illiteracy rates decreased by 18.9% from 2014 to 2019. These findings highlight the significant decrease in traffic accident mortality rates across Ecuador, though marked disparities remain evident across different genders, age groups, and provinces.
From Uncertainty to Tenacity: Investigating User Strategies and Continuance Intentions in AI-Powered ChatGPT with Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Authors: Chang Yu-Hsin , Lee Kuan-Yin , Silalahi Andri Dayarana K.
Published: January 2024

The introduction of ChatGPT in academia has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding issues like plagiarism and the ethical use of generative text for academic purposes. Existing literature has predominantly focused on ChatGPT adoption, leaving a notable gap in addressing the strategies users employ to mitigate these emerging challenges. To bridge this gap, this research utilizes the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) to formulate user strategies for reducing uncertainty. These strategies include both interactive and passive approaches. Concurrently, the study identifies key sources of uncertainty, which include concerns related to transparency, information accuracy, and privacy. Additionally, it introduces the concepts of seeking clarification and consulting peer feedback as mediating roles to facilitate reduced uncertainty. We tested these hypotheses with a sample of Indonesian users (N = 566) using structural equation modeling via Smart-PLS 4.0 software. The results confirm that interactive Uncertainty Reduction Strategies (URS) are more effective in reducing uncertainty when using ChatGPT compared to passive URS. Transparency concerns, information accuracy, and privacy concerns are identified as factors that increase the level of uncertainty. In contrast, consulting peer feedback is the most effective strategy for reducing uncertainty compared to seeking clarification at the individual-system level. Insights from the mediating effects confirm that consulting peer feedback significantly mediates uncertainty sources to reduce uncertainty. The study discusses various strategies for the ethical use of ChatGPT by users in the educational context and contributes significantly to theoretical development.
Explicit P1 Finite Element Solution of the Maxwell-Wave Equation Coupling Problem with Absorbing b. c.
Authors: Beilina Larisa , Ruas Vitoriano
Published: January 2024

In this paper we address the approximation of the coupling problem for the wave equation and Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism in the time domain in terms of the electric field, by means of a nodal linear finite-element discretization in space, combined with a classical'explicit finite-difference scheme for the time discretization. Our study applies to the particular case where the dielectric permittivity has a constant value outside a sub-domain, whose closure does not intersect the boundary of the domain where the problem is defined. Inside this sub-domain Maxwell's equations hold. Outside this sub-domain the wave equation holds, which may correspond to the Maxwell's equations with a constant permittivity under certain conditions. We consider as a model the case of first order absorbing boundary conditions. Optimal error estimates that hold in natural norms under reasonable assumptions are given, among which lies a typical CFL condition for hyperbolic equations.
Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding
Authors: Wang Liyang , Wu Hongxuan , He Wei , Lai Guihong , Li Junxi , Liu Siling , Zhou Qiang
Published: January 2024

The modifications in planting structure and continuous land use adjustments have significant implications for the structure, diversity, and functioning of arthropod communities in farmland landscapes, particularly regarding the biological control of pest insects by natural enemy species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to comprehensively and accurately assess insect community diversity in croplands. In this study conducted between 2022-2023, we utilized Malaise traps and sweep netting to collect insects from three different double-cropping paddy fields. We extracted DNA from preservative ethanol of Malaise traps and tissue samples of selected parasitoid wasps, followed by amplification using DNA barcoding primers to prepare high-throughput sequencing libraries. As a result, we annotated a total of 4956 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 174 genera and 32 families of parasitoid wasps. Our findings demonstrate that the ethanol filter method efficiently captures a wide range of information diversity. However, it demonstrates a lower resolution and may result in a reduction of species abundance. Furthermore, we have identified additional insect species in the parasitoid samples. This demonstrates that high throughput sequencing from adult parasitoid wasps can effectively detect host specie, enabling a comprehensive understanding of host species and providing novel insights into food web construction.
Residual phytotoxicity of tribenuron-methyl on chickpea cultivars under rain-fed conditions
Authors: Fatahi Meysam , Nosratti Iraj , Ghobadi Mohammad Eghbal
Published: January 2024

Tribenuron-methyl is used extensively in Iranian cereal cropping systems under rainfed conditions. However, there is little information on the soil persistence and carryover of this herbicide and its phytotoxicity to subsequent crops in the rotation. This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the sensitivity of different chickpea cultivars to tribenuron-methyl and also finding alternative crops. In field experiments, the chickpea fields of Ravansar County, Kermanshah province, Iran were monitored during 2023-2022, and the growth of chickpea in response to residues of tribenuron-methyl used in the previous wheat crop was evaluated. Furthermore, in a greenhouse experiment, the effect of various concentrations of tribenuron-methyl on the growth of chickpeas, lentil and common vetch was investigated. In all the investigated species in this study, presence of tribenuron-methyl decreased plant growth. Ttotally, among examined crop species, lentil had a higher tolerance to tribenuron-methyl followed by common vetch and chickpea varieties. Bivanij chickpea variety was more sensitive to the residues of tribenuron-methyl in the soil (30% reduction in grain yield) when compared to the other two varieties, namely Mansour and Adel. Based on the results of this study, residues of tribenuron-methyl applied in wheat fields is the main responsible factor reducing the height of chickpea in rai-fed cropping systems of western Iran. It is recommended to replace lentil and common vetch with chickpeas in rotation with wheat in soils heavily contaminated with the residues of tribenuron-methyl.
Engineering A Large Language Model From Scratch
Authors: Oketunji Abiodun Finbarrs
Published: January 2024

The proliferation of deep learning in natural language processing (NLP) has led to the development and release of innovative technologies capable of understanding and generating human language with remarkable proficiency. Atinuke, a Transformer-based neural network, optimises performance across various language tasks by utilising a unique configuration. The architecture interweaves layers for processing sequential data with attention mechanisms to draw meaningful affinities between inputs and outputs. Due to the configuration of its topology and hyperparameter tuning, it can emulate human-like language by extracting features and learning complex mappings. Atinuke is modular, extensible, and integrates seamlessly with existing machine learning pipelines. Advanced matrix operations like softmax, embeddings, and multi-head attention enable nuanced handling of textual, acoustic, and visual signals. By unifying modern deep learning techniques with software design principles and mathematical theory, the system achieves state-of-the-art results on natural language tasks whilst remaining interpretable and robust.
Genetic profile of MRSA and MSSA clinical isolates with daptomycin MIC > 1 mg/L
Authors: Gómez-Casanova Natalia , Gutiérrez-Zufiaurre Mª Nieves , Blázquez de Castro Ana Mª , Muñoz-Bellido Juan Luis
Published: January 2024

Daptomycin is one of the last therapeutic resources for multidrug-resistant gram- positive bacteria. Despite its structural similarities with glycopeptides, its mechanisms of action and resistance are different, and in some respects are not completely understood. Mutations in several genes have been associated to daptomycin resistance, especially in mprF, walkR, rpoB and rpoC, but their role and importance remain to be elucidated. We have studied mutations in 11 genes, which have been previously associated to daptomycin non- susceptibility, in 9 daptomycin non-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates (daptomycin MIC: > 1mg/L). Susceptibility to daptomycin, vancomycin, linezolid, oxacillin, telavancin and dalbavancin were studied. walkR, agrA, cls1, cls2, fakA, pnpA, clpP, prs, rpoB, rpoC and mprF were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sequences were compared with the S. aureus ATCC 25923 complete genome (GenBank gi: 685631213) by using BLAST® software. We did not find any changes in walkR, pnpA, prs and clpP. All isolates excepting isolate 5 showed a high number of significant mutations (between 13 and 25 amino acid changes) in mprF. Most isolates also showed mutations in rpo genes, cls genes and fakA. Daptomycin non-susceptibility in S. aureus clinical isolates seems to be reached through different mutations combinations when compared to S. aureus ATCC 25293. Especially mprF and cls1 showed a very high polymorphism in most isolates. Meanwhile, one isolate, St5, showed only single mutation in mprF (P314T).
Analyzing the Impact of Storm ‘Daniel’ and Subsequent Flooding on Thessaly’s Soil Chemistry through Causal Inference
Authors: Iatrou Miltiadis , Tziouvalekas Miltiadis , Tsitouras Alexandros , Evangelou Elefterios , Noulas Christos , Vlachostergios Dimitrios , Aschonitis Vassilis , Arampatzis George , Metaxa Irene , Karydas Christos , Tziachris Panagiotis
Published: January 2024

The storm 'Daniel' has caused the most severe flood phenomenon that Greece has ever experienced, with thousands of hectares of farmland submerged for days. This led to sediment deposition in the inundated areas, which significantly altered the chemical properties of the soil, as revealed by extensive soil sampling and laboratory analysis. Causal relationships between soil chemical properties and sediment deposition were extracted using the DirectLiNGAM algorithm. Results of causality analysis showed that the sediment deposition affected the CaCO3 concentration in the soil. Also, causal relationships were identified between CaCO3 and available phosphorus (P-Olsen), as well as between sediment deposit depth and available manganese. The quantified relationships between the soil variables were then used to generate data using a Multiple Linear Perceptron (MLP) regressor for various levels of deposit depth (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm). Then linear regression equations were fitted across the different levels of deposit depth to determine the effect of deposit depth on CaCO3, P, and Mn. The results show that there is a linear slope of 0.12, -0.16, and 0.13, for CaCO3, P, and Mn with deposit depth, respectively. Statistical analysis indicates that corn growing in soils with sediment over 10 cm requires a 31.8% increase in P rate to prevent yield decline. Additional notifications regarding cropping strategies in the near future are also discussed.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Convective and Microwave Dried Blackberries Fruits Grown by Organic Procedure
Authors: Petković Marko , Miletić Nemanja , Pantelić Valerija , Filipović Vladimir , Lončar Biljana , Mitrović Olga
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of convective and microwave drying on the content of bioactive compounds of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), drying parameters and energy consumption. The fruit was dehydrated in a convective dehydrator at a temperature of 50 °C and 70 °C and a microwave oven at power levels of 90 V, 180 V and 240 V. The highest amount of anthocyanins, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity were obtained in microwave dried blackberry fruits at 90 V and 180 V. It turned out that microwave dehydration shortened the processing time and lower the energy consumption compared to the convective drying. Blackberry fruits dehydrated at 240 V showed the shortest dehydration time, minimal energy consumption and the most efficient diffusion.
Solicoccozyma aeria YCPUC79 Promotes Tomato Seedling Root Growth by Volatile Organic Compounds Emission
Authors: Carvajal Mariajose , Albornoz Francisco , Catrileo Daniela , Chorbadjian Rodrigo , Gebauer Marlene , Godoy Liliana
Published: January 2024

Beneficial microorganisms promote plant growth through different mechanisms, such as the production of plant hormones, the synthesis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACCD), or, through volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission. There are numerous studies describing a biostimulant action mediated by VOCs released by bacteria and filamentous fungi. However, in soil yeasts, research in this regard is still incipient. In a previous study, we present the stimulatory action of Solicoccozyma aeria YCPUC79 on tomato seedling growth by inoculating the rootzone with this yeast. The positive effect of S. aeria was related to the synthesis of indole acetic acid (IAA) and the presence of ACCD activity by the yeast. In the present study, we evaluated whether S. aeria is capable of emitting VOCs with biostimulant activity. For this, an experiment was conducted to test the release of VOCs in four treatments: S. aeria (Sa), tomato seedlings (T), tomato seedlings sharing the ambient with S. aeria but with no physical contact (TSa) plus a control with no yeast nor tomato seedlings (C). Tomato seedlings exposed to S. aeria in-oculum (TSa) presented 1.2-fold shorter main roots but increased the number of lateral roots by 80% compared to T. Regarding the analysis of VOCs, 59 compounds were identified excluding those found in the control treatment. These compounds represent twelve chemical families, in-cluding alcohols, esters, furans, hydrocarbons, ketones and terpenes. The treatment TSa shows an increased abundance of ketones, alcohols, esters, sulfur-containing compounds, and pyrazines in comparison to T treatment. Three compounds (butyl hept-4-yl ester-phthalic acid, (E)1.3-pentadiene and 1-propenylthiol) were exclusively present in the TSa treatment. This study provides, for the first time, information on a soil yeast capable of promoting the production of lateral roots in tomato through VOCs.
Non-Linear Simulation by Harmonic Balance Techniques of Load Modulated Power Amplifier Driven by Random Modulated Signals. Comparison with measured results.
Authors: Neveux Guillaume , Hallepee Clement , Passerieux Damien , Barataud Denis
Published: January 2024

Non-Linear Simulation by Harmonic Balance Techniques of Load Modulated Power Amplifier Driven by Random Modulated Signals. Comparison with measured results.
The Effectiveness of Case Method to Students’ Paraphrasing Write Skills
Authors: Emawati Emawati , Noermanzah Noermanzah
Published: January 2024

Paraphrasing writing skills are useful for students in writing scientific papers, especially in providing an explanation of a concept using different language from the reference we quote without changing the meaning so as to avoid plagiarism. Writing paraphrases requires critical thinking skills and creativity in processing sentences without changing the meaning. In fact, there are still many students who are not skilled in writing paraphrases. One way to improve students' paraphrasing writing skills is to apply the case method. For this reason, this study aims to determine how much influence the case method has on students' paraphrasing abilities. This research used experimental method with pre-experimental designs. The research design used the One Groups Pretest-Posttest Design. Data collection using paraphrase writing test technique. Analysis of research data by: assessing the results of each student's paraphrasing writing, calculating data normality tests, and conducting hypothesis testing with the Paired Sample T Test using SPSS 23. The results showed that there was a significant effect of the case method on the paraphrasing ability of students of the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Universitas PGRI Palembang. The influence is indicated by the Sig value. (2-tailed) of 0.01 is smaller than 0.05. Students are able to paraphrase using their own language in several techniques, namely changing active sentences to passive ones, shortening sentences, changing sentences to become longer, and replacing words with words that have the same meaning. It's just that there are still some students who paraphrase by only changing some of the words in the quoted sentence by writing the equivalent of the word.
STUDY ON IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MINIMIZING CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL WASTE
Authors: Aji Kurniawan Haryo , Susilowati Fajar , Miftakhul Jannah Ria
Published: January 2024

The implementation of a building construction project is unavoidable from the emergence of waste material. Construction material waste is defined as something that is over what is required. This study intends to find the application of construction waste management in building construction projects to minimize the waste material. Data was collected using observation, interviews, and distributing questionnaires to 4 building project parties in Central Java using a random sampling method. Data analysis was carried out by descriptive analysis to determine the type and cause of the highest waste material and supported by regression and correlation analysis to assess the application of ways to minimize waste material. The results of data analysis show that the most types of waste material are formwork wood, reinforcing steel, concrete, and cement. The factor causing waste material that most often occurs is the design change factor that comes from the design phase. Based on the analysis, the effort to minimize waste material that is the most influential on it is improving the quality of tool and material management by providing training to construction personnel related to materials construction used
EL VOTO FEMENINO
Authors: PEÑA GONZÁLEZ José
Published: January 2024

La llegada de la II Republica y la consiguiente elaboración de la nueva Constitución pondrá sobre el tapete el debate sobre el voto femenino de la mano de la constituyente Clara Campoamor. La gran defensora del voto femenino, casi en solitaria en los debates, será Clara Campoamor. Fue atacada por todos lados, incluyendo sus propios compañeros de partido. Algunos diputados hicieron uso de chocarrerías impropias de su condición parlamentaria y formación científica y casi todos manifiestan su desconfianza en las aptitudes femeninas para la política
accesibilidad en los estudios de traducción e interpretación
Authors: Arias-Badia Blanca
Published: January 2024

El acceso a una educación de calidad y la reducción de las desigualdades son dos de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible establecidos por las Naciones Unidas (2015). Este artículo indaga sobre la percepción del profesorado universitario acerca de las medidas de accesibilidad adoptadas para tener en cuenta las necesidades del estudiantado con ceguera y baja visión. A partir de los resultados del análisis temático de un grupo focal organizado en el marco del proyecto UNIVAC con cinco docentes de los estudios de Traducción e Interpretación, se abordan aspectos como la comunicación de las unidades de inclusión con el profesorado, las pautas y recursos ofrecidos por las universidades, el feedback de los usuarios y la necesidad de formación del profesorado en materia de accesibilidad. La experiencia de las participantes arroja luz sobre el esfuerzo que supone la accesibilidad para los distintos agentes implicados en su gestión. Para los docentes, el esfuerzo se traduce en horas dedicadas a la comunicación con los servicios de inclusión, en tutorías personales con los estudiantes con discapacidad, en la creación o adaptación de materiales accesibles, en la aplicación de metodologías docentes que tengan en cuenta la accesibilidad y en la necesidad de formación continua. Se trata de un esfuerzo que no creen lo suficientemente reconocido por sus instituciones. Los docentes reconocen asimismo el sobreesfuerzo de los estudiantes con discapacidad visual, quienes son descritos como especialmente autónomos. Estos dedican tiempo personal a aclarar y ampliar las escasas pautas otorgadas por las instituciones en su contacto directo con el profesorado.
¿Qué ocurrió en los 80 que sea digno de mención?
Authors: Mazzotti José Antonio
Published: January 2024

La generación poética peruana de los años 80 reelabora creativamente parte de las propuestas de poetas del 68 para sostener una exploración en el lenguaje poético en clave posmoderna y de neovanguardismo. Incorpora lasformas del giro lingüístico barriales y de sectores dominados, naturalizándolos en el poema, además de realizar una crítica a la identidad nacional desde un sujeto escindido y descentrado.
El nacimiento de la lógica moderna: El arte de pensar, de Arnauld y Nicole
Authors: Cerpa Estremadoyro Rafael
Published: January 2024

A pesar de su importancia para comprender un vasto periodo de la historia de las ideas en Hispanoamérica, se ha estudiado muy poco en esta región La lógica o el arte del pensar, de los franceses Arnauld y Nicole (también conocida como la Lógica de Port–Royal, 1662). El presente artículo, preliminar, pretende reconstruir el contexto en el que nace este tratado, así como explicar las razones de la gran influencia que ejerció esta obra en su tiempo.
La sangre de la aurora / Claudia Salazar Jiménez
Authors: Palmeiro Cecilia
Published: January 2024

Abordando la pregunta de: ¿cómo narrar el horror (que conlleva a otras preguntas como ¿el horror es representable?), la novela indaga en la relación entre el lenguaje, cuerpo y política para establecer un puente crítico entre pasado y presente.
Relación de la inteligencia emocional con el desempeño laboral de los servidores del gobierno regional del Cusco - 2021
Authors: Sandoval Yupaiccana Susan Kelly , Cruz-del Mar Elizabeth , Paredes Saavedra Maribel , Geraldo Campos Luis Alberto
Published: January 2024

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación que existe entre la inteligencia emocional y el desempeño laboral de los servidores del gobierno regional del Cusco. La metodología tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo de diseño no experimental de tipo descriptivo-correlacional y de corte transversal. Se encuestaron a 274 servidores, 48.5 % hombres y 51.5 % mujeres, con edades de 20 a más de 50 años, donde el 63.1 % cuenta con más de 5 años de experiencia laboral. Se aplicó un instrumento de inteligencia emocional y desempeño laboral con escala de tipo Likert; los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante la herramienta SPSS, con los que se realizó un análisis descriptivo-inferencial para examinar la correlación entre las variables de estudio y sus dimensiones, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una alta y positiva correlación entre la inteligencia emocional y el desempeño laboral de los servidores (⍴ = .769; ???? < .000); asimismo, existe una relación significativa entre las variables y las dimensiones que las conforman. Se concluye que, a mayor inteligencia emocional, mayor es el desempeño laboral de los servidores; por tanto, los gerentes deben implementar actividades enfocadas en el desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional para mejorar el desempeño laboral, orientado al logro de los objetivos del gobierno regional del Cusco.
High-Rate High Volume a Novel Technique for Uniform Matrix Stimulation of Naturally Fractured Low-Pressure Reservoirs
Authors: Yousuf Arif , Waqas Ghulam Muhammad , Bugti Jahanzeb Ali , Bugti Rizwan , Yousuf Saad , Anwar Rameez , Ahmed Syed Hamza , Rasheed Haroon , Saeed Salman
Published: January 2024

Matrix stimulation techniques are primarily employed to eliminate the near-wellbore skin. In reservoirs with high permeability and natural fractures, achieving a uniform distribution of treatment fluid poses a significant challenge. The use of chemical diverters is not always effective and often leads to fluid losses in zones with high permeability with little to no impact on the production parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate additional parameters and conduct a detailed analysis of past job executions, procedures, and results. Implementing modifications in procedures, stages, and treatment design based on this analysis can enhance the success rate.

A highly effective method for uniformly stimulating the reservoir is a high-rate, high-volume job. By combining a high flow rate with chemical diverters, the high permeability zone is bottlenecked, diverting the flow to the low permeable zone, and ensuring uniform distribution of the treatment fluid. The flow rate is determined based on injectivity tests and maximum pressure limitations, while the volume of the treatment fluid is selected based on the pay zone interval and formation porosity. This stimulation technique is particularly advantageous in low-pressure reservoirs with naturally high-conductivity fractures where losses are very common.

The aforementioned technique has been employed in various wells located in the North and South regions of Pakistan, resulting in significant improvements in almost all cases. For instance, in one case study, it led to a production gain of 03 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), while another case observed a 2,000-barrel per day increase in oil production. This paper describes the modifications implemented in acid placement procedures that ultimately improve the productivity of stimulated wells. It will cover the below:

Various methods of acid placement with their pros and cons. A comparative analysis of conventional acid placement methods vs. adopted methodology. Laboratory analysis illustrating solubility and compatibility of the proposed treatment fluid. Simulations results of adopted methodology along with the execution. A comparison of Post Job Parameters using conventional vs. implemented techniques.
Biportal Endoscopic Trans-Kambin Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Surgical Techniques and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Kuo Kuo-Pin , Choi Dae-Jung
Published: January 2024

Objective: Lumbar interbody fusion with cages is a commonly used surgical solution for spinal conditions that do not respond to conservative management. Biportal endoscopic trans-Kambin lumbar interbody fusion (BE-KLIF) is a modern technique that offers several benefits over prior techniques, including early ambulation, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 128 patients who underwent BE-KLIF between March 2018 and August 2022. The primary indications for surgery were segmental lumbar listhetic instability, failed decompression with neuroforamen stenosis, adjacent segment disease, and burst fracture of the lumbar vertebrae. The outcome measures included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and postoperative fusion status at 1 year after the procedure was graded using the Bridwell fusion grading scale.Results: BE-KLIF yielded significant improvements in patient outcomes. Successful fusion was achieved in 91.8% of segments. The mean ODI score was significantly lower at the 1-year follow-up than before the procedure. Similarly, VAS scores for leg and back pain significantly improved after the procedure. Seven early and 3 late postoperative complications were observed. The mean length of hospital stay was shorter for BE-KLIF than for the older transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion technique.Conclusion: BE-KLIF resulted in less bone removal, preservation of the facet joint, facilitation of a more oblique trajectory, and potential for larger cages with wider effacements compared with prior techniques. However, the technique lacks central and contralateral decompression. We recommend performing same-side unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression to provide central and contralateral decompression.
Landscape-scale Epidemiological Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in White-tailed Deer
Authors: Hewitt Joshua , Wilson-Henjum Grete , Collins Derek , Linder Timothy , Lenoch Julianna , Heale Jonathon , Quintanal Christopher , Pleszewski Robert , McBride Dillon , Bowman Andrew , Chandler Jeffrey , Shriner Susan , Bevins Sarah , Kohler Dennis , Chipman Richard , Gosser Allen , Bergman David , DeLiberto Thomas , Pepin Kim
Published: January 2024

Understanding pathogen emergence in new host species is fundamental for developing prevention and response plans for human and animal health. We leveraged a large-scale surveillance dataset coordinated by United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and state natural resources agencies to quantify outbreak dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in North American white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; WTD) throughout its range in the United States. Local epidemics in WTD were well approximated by a single outbreak peak followed by fade out. Outbreaks peaked earliest in the northeast and mid-Atlantic. Local effective reproduction numbers of SARS-CoV-2 were between 1 and 2.5. Ten percent of variability in peak prevalence was explained by human infection pressure. This, together with the similar peak infection prevalence times across many counties and single-peak outbreak dynamics followed by fade out, suggest that widespread transmission via human-to-deer spillover may have been an important driver of the patterns and persistence. We provide a framework for inferring population-level epidemiological processes through joint analysis of many sparsely-observed local outbreaks (landscape scale surveillance data) and linking epidemiological parameters to ecological risk factors. The framework combines mechanistic and statistical models that can identify and track local outbreaks in long-term infection surveillance monitoring data.
Entwined Origins: Paternal and Maternal Genetic Legacies of Hungarian-Speaking Enclaves in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Borbély Noémi , Dudás Dániel , Tapasztó Attila , Dudás-Boda Eszter , Csáky Veronika , Szeifert Bea , Mende Balázs Gusztáv , Egyed Balázs , Szécsényi-Nagy Anna , Pamjav Horolma
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on exploring the uniparental genetic lineage of Hungarian-speaking minorities residing in rural villages of Baranja (Croatia) and the Zobor region (Slovakia). We aimed at identifying ancestral lineages by examining genetic markers distributed across the entire mitogenome and on the Y-chromosome. This allowed us to discern disparities in regional genetic structures within these communities. By integrating our newly acquired genetic data from a total of 168 participants with pre-existing Eurasian and ancient DNA datasets, our goal was to enrich the understanding of the genetic history trajectories of Carpathian Basin populations. Our findings suggest that while population-based analyses may not be sufficiently robust to detect fine-scale uniparental genetic patterns with the sample sizes at hand, phylogenetic analysis of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) data and entire mitogenome sequences did uncover multiple lineage ties to far-flung regions and eras. While the predominant portions of both paternal and maternal DNA align with the East-Central European spectrum, rarer subhaplogroups and lineages have unveiled ancient ties to both prehistoric and historic populations spanning Europe and Eastern Eurasia. This research augments the expansive field of phylogenetics, offering critical perspectives on the genetic constitution and heritage of the communities of East-Central Europe.
Tumor relapse-free survival prognosis related consistency between cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue in drug repurposing for solid tumor via connectivity map
Authors: Hao Mingyue , Li Dandan , Qiao Yuanyuan , Xiong Ming , Li Jun , Ma Wei
Published: January 2024

Traditional drug discovery encounters challenges, including high costs, time-intensive processes, and inherent risks. Drug repurposing emerges as a compelling alternative strategy to identify new indications for investigational or approved drugs, circumventing these obstacles. Among the various drug repurposing methods, the Disease-specific Signature-based Connectivity Map (Cmap) approach is widely utilized. However, the commonly employed method for constructing disease-specific signatures, known as Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG), faces issues related to inconsistencies between dysregulated genes and the prognosis of genes in tumor tissue, as well as discrepancies in prognosis genes between tumor and normal tissues. In this study, we propose a novel approach, Prognosis Consistency Scoring (PCS), aimed at addressing these inconsistencies. PCS measures the consistency of gene prognosis between tumor and normal tissues by combining the Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) prognosis power of genes in both contexts. Disease-specific signatures are then constructed based on PCS, and drug repurposing is performed using the Cmap and Lincs Unified Environment (CLUE). Validation of predicted drugs is conducted using data from DrugBank and ClinicalTrials databases. Our findings reveal that the aforementioned inconsistencies are pervasive. Compared to signatures based on DEGs, PCS-based signatures exhibit superior performance, identifying more drugs with higher prediction accuracy, as confirmed by DrugBank annotations. Notably, a significant proportion of predicted drugs without corresponding indications were subsequently validated in the ClinicalTrials database. Additionally, PCS-based signatures demonstrate elevated disease specificity and association with Drug Related Gene (DRG).
Polarization sensing over terrestrial optical fiber networks
Authors: Carver Charles , Zhou Xia
Published: January 2024

Wide-scale sensing of natural and human-made events is critical for protecting against environmental disasters and reducing the monetary losses associated with telecommunication service downtime. However, achieving dense sensing coverage is difficult given the high deployment overhead of modern sensor networks. In this work, we offer an in-depth exploration of state of polarization (SOP) sensing over fiber-optic networks using unmodified optical transceivers, establishing a strong correlation with ground truth distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). To validate our sensing methodology, we collect 85 days of SOP and DAS measurements along two colocated, 50km fiber-optic cables in Southern California. We then examine how SOP sensing can improve network reliability by accurately modeling overall network health and preemptively detecting loss of traffic. Finally, we explore the feasibility of wide-scale seismic monitoring with SOP sensing, showcasing the SOP perturbations following low-intensity earthquakes, and the potential to more than double seismic monitoring coverage in Southern California alone.
Workability and environmental evaluation of using sunflower stalk ash (SSA) as an alkali activator with blast furnace slag (BFS) and black rice hull ash (BRHA) to prepare geopolymer grouts
Authors: Zhu Zhijing , Li Xiuhao , Liu Rentai , Wang Zhiheng , Zhang Huasheng , Zhao Dukun , Bai Jiwen , Chen Mengjun , Li Wei
Published: January 2024

To solve the problem of environmental pollution from stockpiling of solid waste and to achieve safe and efficient underground engineering, an environment-friendly waste-based ternary geopolymer grout was developed using BFS, SSA, and BRHA. KOH-activated grouts were used as the controls. The applicability of grouts with different SSA additions was also investigated. The results showed that the 28-day compressive strength of SSA-activated grout reached 24.31 MPa, which exceeded that of the control group by 163.7%. Potassium and calcium salts, such as fairchildite and magnesium potassium silicate, in SSA promoted the formation of C(K)-A-S-H and C-S-H gels. The carbon emissions calculated from global warming potential in the life cycle assessment of the SSA system were 83.5% lower than those of KOH. The leaching results showed that the concentration of all heavy metals dropped below 0.02 mg/L after 28 days of solidification. The immobilization efficiencies of Cr, Pb, and Zn exceeded 98.65%, indicating the considerable immobilization ability of the SSA-activated grout and that it can be used safely in further applications. These findings support the treatment of solid waste resources and preparation of high-performance grouts for underground engineering.
Structural Analysis and Sealing Capacity of Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers with HNBR and EPDM Rubbers
Authors: Zanzi Mateus de Sousa , Dutra Gabriel Benedet , Martins Giovani Silveira Magalhães , Barra Guilherme Mariz de Oliveira , Oliveira Jorge Luiz Goes , Paiva Kleber Vieira
Published: January 2024

Rubber is an engineering polymer of interest in most industrial sectors. In gasketed plate heat exchangers (GPHEs), these elements comprise gaskets that are responsible for sealing the system under high levels of compression, temperature and pressure. Therefore, it is a necessity to understand how operating conditions affect GPHE structural behavior and sealing performance, regarding rubber materials and features. This work aims at determining GPHE integrity and mechanical characteristics with the aid of sealing performance experiments and strain gauge measurements at critical plate locations in a real equipment and in prototypes consisting of GPHE components. Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) and Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber (EPDM) gasket materials were evaluated. Based on compression strength experiments, the effects of the number of plates and the compression level on the system stiffness in the direction where the quasi-static compression load is applied have been determined. Stable compression strength behavior was attained with prototypes containing six gaskets or more. The combined effects of pressure load and compression levels, and rubber material on sealing performance were obtained with prototypes comprising six gaskets. Stress analysis was possible with plate deformation measurements in a heat exchanger comprising twenty plates. Highest stress levels were obtained with EPDM gaskets during tightening. It is conjectured that higher operation loads can occur with the latter material. Empirical correlations relate sealing capacity and compression level for EPDM and HNBR gaskets.
Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training modulate gut microbes, and weaken leaky gut-immune activation reduces systemic inflammation in high-fat diet APOE-KO mice
Authors: tang yingzhe , Wang Juan , Wang Yi-rong , Wu Wei-jia , Meng Xiang-yuan , Chen Dan-dan , Lei Yong , Tao Xia , Yuan Shun-ling , Liu Wen-feng
Published: January 2024

Atherosclerosis is a common disease typically associated with the dysregulation of inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism. Regular exercise can prevent and delay atherosclerosis-related dysfunctions; however the effects of different types of exercise on atherosclerosis and their underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Based on the evidence of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and impaired intestine-liver-brain axis in APOE-knockout (KO) mice, we found plasma lipid profile abnormalities, intestinal microbiota imbalance, intestinal inflammation, liver inflammation, bacterial lipopolysaccharide displacement, and neuroinflammation in APOE-KO mice fed a high-fat diet. Our experimental findings indicate that following a twelve-week intervention of moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training interventions, alterations in the gut microbiota and improvements in the damaged gut-liver-brain axis were partially associated with the beneficial effects of exercise. demonstrating that both forms of exercise effectively reduce body weight and lipid profiles associated with hyperlipidemia in APOE-KO mice, while promoting stability in the gut microbiota of these mice, thereby inhibiting the expression of inflammatory signaling pathways. It is noteworthy that exercise downregulates LPS, retards intestinal leakage and brain leakage in mice, thereby alleviating systemic inflammation linked closely with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-KB inflammatory signaling pathway. The mechanism involves MICT and HIIT reinforcing the gut-liver and gut-brain barriers against LPS interception, weakening LPS translocation to the internal milieu, inhibiting the liver and brain TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathways, and alleviating systemic inflammation in APOE-KO mice. Particularly, HIIT demonstrates superior improvement in plasma lipid profiles in APOE-KO mice compared to MICT.
Psychological Implications of Unemployment among Higher Educated Migrant Youth: A Study in Kolkata City, India
Authors: Biswas Mohai Menul , Das Kailas Chandra , Sheikh Illias
Published: January 2024

Mental health issues are intricately linked to socioeconomic background, employment, and migration status. However, there remains a gap in understanding the mental health challenges faced by graduate youth in India, particularly in Kolkata City. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among higher-educated migrant youth. A survey was conducted on four hundred migrant graduate youths aged 21–35 residing in Kolkata. Measures included socio-demographics and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with mental health issues. The overall prevalence rates were 56.44% for depression, 71.7% for anxiety, and 50.92% for stress. Unemployed youths exhibited significantly more symptoms of depression and anxiety. The logistic regression model showed that unemployed youth, female sex, never married, and second- and third-time migrant youths were risk factors for DASS-21. This study showed that mental health issues alarming in the higher educated migrant youth. The study suggests the implementation of skill-based, job-oriented, and professional courses at the graduation level to prevent graduates from being rendered unproductive and jobless. Beside these, regular psychological support should be provided to the higher educated youth by the local governments.
Utility of Oxygen Saturation Index (Osi) Over Oxygenation Index (Oi) in Monitoring of Neonates with Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Ashwini KH , Badiger Shriharsha , S SATISH T
Published: January 2024

Background: -Respiratory diseases is associated with increased risk of mortality, morbidity and worse neurological outcomes. OI is routinely used as an indicator of severity of respiratory disease in neonates. Study aims to find a non-invasive indicator.
Aims and objectives : To evaluate the correlation of oxygen saturation index and oxygenation index among the term and preterm neonates with respiratory diseases who meets the inclusion criteria.
Materials & Methods : It is a Prospective observational study, conducted at tertiary care NICU , 50 neonates , both preterm and term neonates , who met inclusion criteria were enrolled . Paired samples of OI and OSI were compared.
Results : Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.491 and was statistically significant (p<0.001). This shows significant positive correlation between OI and OSI. Based on the above we propose a regression equation to calculate OS based on given OSI or vice versa, as OSI = 0.391*OI+4.2341
Conclusion : OSI (non invasive measure ) has positive correlation with OI (invasive measure) in neonates with respiratory disease. It can be used to monitor the severity of lung disease thereby preventing sepsis and iatrogenic anemia.
Local and global rhythmic dynamics in small-group conversations
Authors: Farrera Arodi , Rascon Caleb , Ramos-Fernandez Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Rhythmic information is an essential part of verbal and non-verbal coordination during human conversations. In small group settings, who coordinates with whom can further shape the overall coordination and create unique global rhythmic patterns qualitatively different from the individual rhythms involved. Despite their significance, the local and global characteristics of these rhythmic dynamics have rarely been studied directly. To address this gap, our study investigates the network topology of turn-taking and rhythmic information flow in small group conversations from the AMI corpus. Nodes in these networks represent participants and edges are either the number of sequential speech turns or a significant flow of acoustic rhythm information between them, inferred through Multivariate Granger causality. We calculated density and centralization metrics for the network and centrality metrics for each node. Simultaneously, Recurrence Quantification Analysis was used to characterize the collective acoustic rhythm arising from this web of interactions. Our findings reveal at least two distinct local and global dynamics in different conversations: sparse networks with centralized-turn-taking that lead to more organized collective acoustic rhythms with a slow tempo, and decentralized and dense networks leading to less organized collective acoustic rhythms with a faster tempo. By uncovering these regularities, our results complement previous knowledge on the complexity of interpersonal coordination of non-verbal rhythmic information in small groups.