bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Of Population Behaviour During The Early Phase Of COVID19 Disease Spread In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Using PCA-GIS
Authors: Kalang Lizalin Anak , Eboy Oliver V
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19) has now become a pandemic. In the early stages of the pandemic, Kota Kinabalu was one of the districts in Sabah with the greatest number of COVID19 positive cases. Despite the government’s announcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), some residents were unable to follow the rules. As a result, the number of COVID19 positive cases in Sabah has increased, particularly in the Kota Kinabalu district. The increase of COVID 19 cases is indeed influenced by the behavior of the population in a place. The behavior of the population during previous pandemics has already shown how human attitudes can affect the spread of disease in the area. In Sabah, it is also seen to occur, such as violating the movement control order. Due to a shortage of manpower, it is difficult to identify and monitor residents who violate this MCO. Geographical factors in Sabah are also among the reasons why authorities find it difficult to keep control over all areas. In addition, the lack of technology, such as Geographic Information System (GIS), has made it difficult for authorities to monitor all locations. As a result, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), this study was undertaken to identify the primary determinants of population behaviour that cause the spread of COVID19, which was then mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS). Only zones that registered positive cases of COVID19 from March to August 2020 were included in this study, which included a total of 100 respondents in the Kota Kinabalu area. Population behaviour, factor location, and responder location are among the data sources. To investigate the pattern of population behaviour in Kota Kinabalu, this study used factor analysis using PCA and the classification method using GIS. The study’s findings include a behaviour pattern map for the Kota Kinabalu district, which influences COVID19 distribution in the early phases of the pandemic. This study can assist various parties in identifying a potential area in Kota Kinabalu that has a high risk of COVID19 infection.
Terrain Mapping for the Southwestern Desert of Iraq Using Interferometry Method from Sentinel-1A Images
Authors: Aryan M , Rasib Abd Wahid Bin
Published: July 2022

Synthetic aperture radar Interferometry is a popular three-dimensional imaging technique for creating a Digital Elevation Model. Using traditional methods for creating DEMs and terrain mapping is one of the methods that require high cost and time-consuming, which has affected the creation and updating of terrain maps in Iraq, so this study aims to use the InSAR technology to generate DEM, which contributes to the creation of terrain maps. In this work, the synthetic aperture radar interferometry approach was used on the interference stack generated from a pair of Sentinel-1A images within the SNAP program to generate a DEM and a terrain map of the desert region in south-western Iraq. The elevations of the digital elevation model were compared with those of the RTK-GCPs points in the region of interest. The results obtained from this study are a terrain map with the contour lines generated from the digital elevation model created by the InSAR technique with an accuracy of 18 m, with the root mean square error of the DEM being 8.17. The outputs prove the effectiveness of InSAR technology in generating accurate DEM that contributes to creating terrain maps in less time and cost than traditional methods.
Development of WebGIS using open source geospatial technologies for Krau Wildlife Reserve
Authors: Azmi N A , Shafri H Z M , Abidin F A Z , Shaharum N S N , Al-Habshi M M A
Published: July 2022

Malaysia has a significant amount of biodiversity and has developed protected areas to conserve and sustain this tremendous degree of biodiversity. A protected area is known for its recognized natural, ecological or cultural values. However, the protected areas confront many obstacles, including poor or non-existent management plans. Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help with the speedy and cost-effective identification of biodiversity and environmentally sensitive areas. WebGIS (Web-based GIS) is useful for simplifying complicated geographical and temporal data on biodiversity such as the existence of threatened species, protected areas, and as well as on socially and environmentally significant ecosystem services. This study aimed to produce a WebGIS platform for Krau Wildlife Reserve (KWR) protected area using geospatial remote sensing and GIS data. The developed WebGIS played an important role in evaluating human activities near KWR that may impact the ecology and result in the extinction of natural habitats.
Landslide Exposure Mapping Using GIS Utilization
Authors: Mokhtar MRM , Ir m , Wahab Suriani Ngah Abdul , Husain Mohd Najib , Hashim Haslina
Published: July 2022

There are various methods that had been implemented by many researchers in the previous studies regarding to the monitoring of landslides. At present, is it possible to predict the location of potential landslide occurrence. However, there limitations and constraints in methods that are being implemented and consequently better methods are necessary to improve the monitoring of landslides. Most of the methods discussed cannot be implemented in areas that are inaccessible and dangerous taking as example steep slopes nearby a highway. In addition, monitoring of slopes using existing methods require extensive manpower in the study area, the period of time to obtain complete information is quite long and the total budget is high. Therefore, in order to effectively address the concerns mentioned above, this research study proposes a novel method of monitoring landslides by Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) as a platform for collecting data especially in areas that are not accessible. Finally, the slope profile depicting soil displacement and physical changes is extracted and analyzed using the DEM covering the potential landslide area. The information is obtained through accurate assessment and used to create a 3D model which would be used for monitoring technique applications. The landslide can be detected by calculation of two different epoch data achieved from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation. The paper focuses on observations of the studied area based on DEM area and volume generated from 3D surface analysis.
Detection and classification of land cover change using ISOCLUST classifier and Land Change Modeler
Authors: Syarif Ahmad , Ramdani Fatwa
Published: July 2022

The agricultural sector is a mainstay sector in the Indonesian economy. The government can detect and classify land cover change phenomena using remote sensing technology to present agricultural improvement solutions. Remote sensing is an effective tool for monitoring change that occurs continuously and in a large area. This technology can record the earth’s surface from a height of hundreds of kilometers in outer space. This paper uses the ISOCLUST classifier (by producing 6 classes) and Land Change Modeler on Landsat image data in the study area located in Malang Regency, East Java Province. ISOCLUST is an iterative supervised/unsupervised hybrid classifier. Land Change Modeler is an innovative land planning and decision support software that simplifies change analysis, resource management, and habitat assessment. The results of the study using ISOCLUST showed that the overall Kappa was in medium category, 0.4018 and 0.5711. The agriculture area increased to 14.94%, the open forest area increased to 6.46% between 2015 and 2020, while sparse vegetation decreased by 19.36%. The process of detection and classification of land cover using the ISOCLUST classifier and Land Change Modeler shows that the use of remote sensing satellite data is still a consideration in government policy recommendations.
A systematic study of climate change impact on fish and fisheries sector in Bangladesh and role of Geospatial science in mitigation
Authors: Sunny Bishwajit Karmakar , prapti Dipika Roy
Published: July 2022

Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food-producing sector, with a mean annual growth rate of 5.3% during 2001–2018. Bangladesh, despite being a densely populated and small country, has managed to ensure its high position in this growing economy. Despite widespread benefits, aquaculture in Bangladesh has recently encountered concerns due to climate change, as several climatic threats to fish production have been recognized. It is high time for Bangladesh to try to find an adaptive measure to cope with the adverse effect of climate change, especially in coastal areas. This study will identify the climate change impact on fish in Bangladesh aquaculture and propose how geospatial technology can be utilized to resolve these issues through a systematic literature review from available of past 5 years. The study is expected to benefit the beneficiaries such as aquafarmers, researchers, scientists, and policymakers to resolve the climate-related issues on Bangladesh aquaculture for sustainable production.
Integration of Lidar system, mobile laser scanning (MLS) and unmanned aerial vehicle system for generation of 3d building model application: A review
Authors: Room M H M , Anuar A
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, 3D modelling has become very important because real information can be extracted from the model. UAV is system that was used for developing the 3D model and has proven capable to produce good results. However, the exploration of the integration of UAV with other technology like LiDAR and MLS to develop a more accurate and detailed model is still lacking. This study reviews the aptitudes of the UAV integrated with LiDAR and MLS for developing the 3D building model in Malaysia. Several issues, like type of platform, quality of 3D model and others to review the capabilities of the UAV used for producing very accurate 3D model were critically analysed. Previous research suggests that integration of Lidar with multi-rotor platform fusing with MLS could be used to construct an accurate 3D model. A dense point cloud of the whole building can be obtained from the fusion between Lidar and MLS. Moreover, an accurate 3D model can be generated from this process as the point-cloud from LiDAR and MLS has positional accuracy in centimetre level compared to a non-metric camera integrated with a UAV. This study finds the UAV has the potential to use to produce a quality 3D model.
Vapor–liquid assisted chemical vapor deposition of Cu2X materials
Authors: Shehzad M Arslan , Lee Yea-Shine , Cheng Matthew , Lebedev Dmitry , Tyner Alexander C , Das Paul Masih , Gao Zhangyuan , Goswami Pallab , dos Reis Roberto , Hersam Mark C , Chen Xinqi , Dravid Vinayak P
Published: July 2022

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are known for their layered structure and tunable functional properties. However, a unified understanding on other transition metal chalcogenides (i.e. M2X) is still lacking. Here, the relatively new class of copper-based chalcogenides Cu2X (X = Te, Se, S) is thoroughly reported. Cu2X are synthesized by an unusual vapor–liquid assisted growth on a Al2O3/Cu/W stack. Liquid copper plays a significant role in synthesizing these layered systems, and sapphire assists with lateral growth and exfoliation. Similar to traditional TMDs, thickness dependent phonon signatures are observed, and high-resolution atomic images reveal the single phase Cu2Te that prefers to grow in lattice-matched layers. Charge transport measurements indicate a metallic nature at room temperature with a transition to a semiconducting nature at low temperatures accompanied by a phase transition, in agreement with band structure calculations. These findings establish a fundamental understanding and thrust Cu2Te as a flexible candidate for wide applications from photovoltaics and sensors to nanoelectronics.
Iris Murdoch and the Immoralities of Adaptation
Authors: Wolfe Graham
Published: July 2022

Author of twenty-six novels between 1954 and 1995, Iris Murdoch ventured sporadically into theatre, completing two plays and adapting four of her novels. While she has been the subject of numerous articles and monographs, she has not received much critical attention for these theatrical efforts. Her adaptations, especially the two that she completed most independently—The Black Prince and The Sea, The Sea—are barely mentioned in critical accounts. Focusing on these two works, this article suggests not simply that a closer look reveals previously unperceived strengths and potentials; it argues that Murdoch’s adaptations are provocative and worthy of further study precisely because they are so paradoxical, difficult to reconcile not only with her aesthetic concerns but with her philosophical and ethical positions. Put differently, while other novelists might write theatrical adaptations that are not very good, Murdoch’s raise the question of whether adaptation may indeed be an immoral enterprise. Approaching The Black Prince and The Sea, The Sea from this angle will provoke a reconsideration of Murdoch’s own critical writings on character and on the differing affordances of theatrical forms and novel forms, while also casting new light on the challenges of adapting first-person novels for the stage.
Fetal and Childhood Exposure to Parental Tobacco Smoking and Arterial Health at Age 10 Years
Authors: Monasso Giulietta S , Felix Janine F , Gaillard Romy , Jaddoe Vincent W V
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Exposure to parental tobacco smoking during fetal life and childhood is associated with adverse cardiovascular health outcomes. It is not known whether these adverse parental lifestyle exposures are also associated with changes in the structure and function of the carotid arteries in children aged 10 years.

METHODS

In a population-based prospective cohort study among 4,639 healthy children, we examined the associations of fetal exposure to maternal (no, first trimester only, continued), paternal (no, yes), and combined parental tobacco smoking (nonsmoking parents, mother only, father only, both parents smoked) with carotid intima-media thickness and distensibility at 10 years. We also assessed the associations of exposure to any parental tobacco smoking at ages 6 and 10 years with these outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared with no exposure, fetal exposure to continued maternal smoking was not associated with carotid intima-media thickness (−0.04 standard deviation score (SDS); 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.13, 0.05); and distensibility (0 SDS, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.09) at age 10 years. Fetal exposure to two smoking parents was also not associated with carotid intima-media thickness (−0.07 SDS, 95% CI: −0.16, 0.02) and distensibility (0 SDS, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.10) at this age. Exposure to any parental smoking during childhood also was not associated with these outcomes at age 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to parental tobacco smoking during fetal life and childhood was not associated with markers of arterial health in children aged 10 years. Prevention strategies aiming at minimizing smoke exposure later in life are still relevant regarding arterial health.
Prevalence of Apparent Treatment–Resistant Hypertension in ESKD Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Vareta Georgia , Georgianos Panagiotis I , Vaios Vasilios , Sgouropoulou Vasiliki , Georgianou Eleni I , Leivaditis Konstantinos , Mavromatidis Konstantinos , Dounousi Evangelia , Papagianni Aikaterini , Balaskas Elias V , Zebekakis Pantelis E , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Apparent treatment–resistant hypertension (aTRH) is defined as failure to achieve adequate blood pressure (BP) control despite taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications from different categories or when taking ≥4 antihypertensives regardless of BP levels.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the prevalence of aTRH in 140 patients receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) in four centers of Northern Greece, using the “gold-standard” method of ambulatory BP monitoring for the assessment of BP control status. The presence of subclinical overhydration was evaluated with the method of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS).

RESULTS

Incorporating the diagnostic threshold of 130/80 mmHg for 24-hour ambulatory BP, the prevalence of aTRH in the overall study population was 30%. Compared to patients without aTRH, those with aTRH tended to be older in age, had higher PD vintage, had higher dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio, had more commonly history of diabetes mellitus, and were more commonly current smokers. With respect to the volume status, the overhydration index in BIS was higher in those with versus without aTRH (2.0 ± 1.9 L vs. 1.1 ± 2.0 L, P < 0.05). The prevalence of volume overload, defined as an overhydration index in BIS > 2.5 L, was also higher in the subgroup of patients with aTRH (38.1% vs. 18.4, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that among patients on PD, the prevalence of aTRH was 30%. However, 38% of PD patients with aTRH had subclinical overhydration in BIS, suggesting that the achievement of adequate volume control may be a therapeutic opportunity to improve the management of hypertension in this high-risk patient population.

The present study showed that among patients on PD, the prevalence of aTRH was 30%. However, 38% of PD patients with aTRH had subclinical overhydration in BIS, suggesting that the achievement of adequate volume control may be a therapeutic opportunity to improve the management of hypertension in this high-risk patient population.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT03607747
The Use of a Novel Artificial Intelligence Platform for the Evaluation of Rhytids
Authors: Yoelin Steve , Green Jeremy B , Dhawan Sunil S , Hasan Fauad , Mahbod Brom , Khan Bashir , Dhawan Akash S
Published: July 2022

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms are increasingly being utilized in various healthcare applications. There are few platforms that provide quantifiable assessments of dermatologic or aesthetic conditions by employing industry established scales.

Objectives

The authors sought to report the results of a pilot study that evaluated the utilization and functionality of an AI engine to measure and monitor rhytids (fine lines). For this study, glabellar frown lines were employed as the clinical model.

Methods

Seventy-one patients were enrolled and monitored remotely employing current high-quality mobile phone cameras over a 14-day period. The patients were prompted to take photographs employing this platform at preset intervals, and these photographs were then rated by the AI platform and qualified raters experienced in the field of facial aesthetics.

Results

The AI platform had concordance with 2 qualified raters of 46% to 68%, and the inter-rater concordance between 2 rates ranged from 44% to 66%. The intra-rater concordance for the raters was between 57% and 84%, whereas the AI platform had a 100% concordance with itself. The participant and investigator satisfaction ratings of the platform were high on multiple dimensions of the platform.

Conclusions

This AI platform evaluated photos on a comparable level of accuracy as the qualified raters, and it evaluated more consistently than the qualified raters. This platform may have high utility in clinical research and development, including the management of clinical trials, and efficient management of patient care at the clinical practices.
Understanding the effects of serotonin in the brain through its role in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Shine James M , O’Callaghan Claire , Walpola Ishan C , Wainstein Gabriel , Taylor Natasha , Aru Jaan , Huebner Bryce , John Yohan J
Published: July 2022

The neuromodulatory arousal system imbues the nervous system with the flexibility and robustness required to facilitate adaptive behaviour. While there are well understood mechanisms linking dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine to distinct behavioural states, similar conclusions have not been as readily available for serotonin. Fascinatingly, despite clear links between serotonergic function and cognitive capacities as diverse as reward processing, exploration, and the psychedelic experience, over 95% of the serotonin in the body is released in the gastrointestinal tract, where it controls digestive muscle contractions (peristalsis).

Here, we argue that framing neural serotonin as a rostral extension of the gastrointestinal serotonergic system dissolves much of the mystery associated with the central serotonergic system. Specifically, we outline that central serotonin activity mimics the effects of a digestion/satiety circuit mediated by hypothalamic control over descending serotonergic nuclei in the brainstem. We review commonalities and differences between these two circuits, with a focus on the heterogeneous expression of different classes of serotonin receptors in the brain. Much in the way that serotonin-induced peristalsis facilitates the work of digestion, serotonergic influences over cognition can be reframed as performing the work of cognition. Extending this analogy, we argue that the central serotonergic system allows the brain to arbitrate between different cognitive modes as a function of serotonergic tone: low activity facilitates cognitive automaticity, whereas higher activity helps to identify flexible solutions to problems, particularly if and when the initial responses fail.

This perspective sheds light on otherwise disparate capacities mediated by serotonin, and also helps to understand why there are such pervasive links between serotonergic pathology and the symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
GITR agonistic stimulation enhances the anti-tumor immune response in a mouse model of ESCC
Authors: Wiles Kelsey Nicole , Tsikretsis Lia Elyse , Alioto Cara Maria , Hermida de Viveiros Pedro Antonio , Villaflor Victoria Meucci , Tétreault Marie-Pier
Published: July 2022

Esophageal cancer is a significant health burden in the United States and worldwide and is the 8th leading cause of cancer-related death. Over 90% of esophageal cancers are squamous cell cancers (ESCC). Despite the development of new therapies, the overall 5-year survival rate remains lower than 20%. Recent clinical trials of immunotherapy approaches in ESCC have shown that blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interactions can reduce tumor burden and increase survival, but this only occurs in a fraction of patients. This emphasizes the need for additional therapeutic options to improve overall response rates, duration of response, and overall survival. Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) stimulation has emerged as a promising immunotherapy target, as its stimulation appears to promote tumor regression. In this study, we evaluated the consequences of GITR agonistic stimulation with the DTA-1 antibody (anti-GITR agonist) on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. Increased expression of GITR was observed in esophageal tumors from ESCC patients in comparison to normal adjacent tissue and in a mouse model of ESCC. 100% of mice treated with 4-NQO/IgG control antibody developed invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Less advanced esophageal tumors were seen in mice treated with 4-NQO/anti-GITR agonist compared to 4-NQO/IgG treatment. 4-NQO/anti-GITR agonist-treated mice demonstrated a significant increase in mucosal CTL/Treg ratios as well as decreased gene expression profiles of pathways related to esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis. Thus, GITR agonism merits further study as a treatment strategy for ESCC patients.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Immunocompromised Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Caused by the Omicron Variant: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Malahe S Reshwan K , Hoek Rogier A S , Dalm Virgil A S H , Broers Annoek E C , den Hoed Caroline M , Manintveld Olivier C , Baan Carla C , van Deuzen Charlotte M , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Bax Hannelore I , Van Kampen Jeroen J , Hellemons Merel E , Kho Marcia M L , de Vries Rory D , Molenkamp Richard , Reinders Marlies E J , Rijnders Bart J A
Published: July 2022

Background

Illness after infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is less severe compared with previous variants. Data on the disease burden in immunocompromised patients are lacking. We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of immunocompromised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Omicron.

Methods

Organ transplant recipients, patients on anti-CD20 therapy, and allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients infected with the Omicron variant were included. Characteristics of consenting patients were collected and patients were contacted regularly until symptom resolution. To identify possible risk factors for hospitalization, a univariate logistic analysis was performed.

Results

114 consecutive immunocompromised patients were enrolled. Eighty-nine percent had previously received 3 mRNA vaccinations. While only 1 patient died, 23 (20%) were hospitalized for a median of 11 days. A low SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response (<300 BAU [binding antibody units]/mL) at diagnosis, being older, being a lung transplant recipient, having more comorbidities, and having a higher frailty score were associated with hospital admission (all P < .01). At the end of follow-up, 25% had still not fully recovered. Of the 23 hospitalized patients, 70% had a negative and 92% had a low IgG (<300 BAU/mL) antibody response at admission. Sotrovimab was administered to 17 of these patients, and 1 died.

Conclusions

While the mortality in immunocompromised patients infected with Omicron was low, hospital admission was frequent and the duration of symptoms often prolonged. In addition to vaccination, other interventions are needed to limit the morbidity from COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients.
Development of an Effective Immune Response in Adults With Down Syndrome After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccination
Authors: Esparcia-Pinedo Laura , Yarci-Carrión Ayla , Mateo-Jiménez Gloria , Ropero Noelia , Gómez-Cabañas Laura , Lancho-Sánchez Ángel , Almendro-Vázquez Patricia , Martín-Gayo Enrique , Paz-Artal Estela , Sanchez-Madrid Francisco , Moldenhauer Fernando , Gutiérrez-Cobos Ainhoa , Real de Asúa Diego , Alfranca Arantzazu
Published: July 2022

Background

Immune dysregulation in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) leads to an increased risk for hospitalization and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and may impair the generation of protective immunity after vaccine administration.

Methods

The cellular and humoral responses of 55 individuals with DS who received a complete SARS-CoV-2 vaccination regime at 1 to 3 (visit [V 1]) and 6 (V2) months were characterized.

Results

SARS-CoV-2–reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes with a predominant Th1 phenotype were observed at V1 and increased at V2. Likewise, an increase in SARS-CoV-2–specific circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells and CD8+ CXCR5+ PD-1hi lymphocytes was already observed at V1 after vaccine administration. Specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S protein were detected in 96% and 98% of subjects at V1 and V2, respectively, although IgG titers decreased significantly between both time points.

Conclusions

Our findings show that DS individuals develop an effective immune response to usual regimes of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
The regional distinctiveness and variegation of financialisation in emerging economies
Authors: Karwowski Ewa
Published: July 2022

The world region is missing from financialisation analysis of emerging economies (EEs) with little attention given to regional commonalities or comparative analysis across regions. This article sets out to identify regional commonalities in financialisation experiences across EEs, rooted in domestic institutions and countries’ varying integration into the global financial system. Bringing commonalities within and differences between emerging regions to the fore will help us understand the specificities of their political economies and current capitalist experiences. Based on existing research and data availability, six financialisation indicators across five macroeconomic aggregates are identified. Considering 2008–17, a ranking emerges with the most affected region being Central Easter Europe (CEE), followed by Latin America. Emerging Asia takes an intermediate position while EEs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Africa show limited signs of financialisation. Our analysis identifies distinct regional features. Financialisation in CEE and Latin America is strongly driven by external forces, the key difference being the role that large domestic capitalists play in the process. Across Emerging Asia, financialisation has mainly unfolded in the private sector while state authorities could to some extent insulate public policy. In MENA, much of the private sector appears outside of the reach of financialisation because of the economic and political power of regional conglomerates. In emerging Africa, the phenomenon is concentrated in very few, if intensely affected, financialisation centres. From a theoretical perspective, we find financialisation is driven by a mix of external factors and domestically influential capitalist elites pursuing their interests.
Financialisation of developing and emerging economies and China’s experience: how China resists financialisation
Authors: Xie Fusheng , Kuang Xiaolu , Li Zhi
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we discuss the process of financialisation of developing countries and emerging economies (DEEs) from the perspective of critical realism (CR). We argue that the emergence of financialisation depends on the inherent tendency of the imbalance between the accumulation of productive and financial capital being actualised, and emphasise how government’s intentional actions under current social structures relate to this process. We use China as a case study to illustrate how DEEs can resist financialisation and maintain productive accumulation during development. We elaborate on various institutional and policy adjustments undertaken by China during different phases that promoted productive accumulation and how China avoided financialisation for much of its growth period. Our discussion helps to explain why China’s limited financialisation compared to other DEEs who experienced financialisation featured by dependency. We conclude by highlighting new potential risks and sources of financialisation faced by the Chinese economy.
Clinical Validation of Genome Reference Consortium Human Build 38 in a Laboratory Utilizing Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Lansdon Lisa A , Cadieux-Dion Maxime , Herriges John C , Johnston Jeffrey , Yoo Byunggil , Alaimo Joseph T , Thiffault Isabelle , Miller Neil , Cohen Ana S A , Repnikova Elena A , Zhang Lei , Farooqi Midhat S , Farrow Emily G , Saunders Carol J
Published: July 2022

Background

Laboratories utilizing next-generation sequencing align sequence data to a standardized human reference genome (HRG). Several updated versions, or builds, have been released since the original HRG in 2001, including the Genome Reference Consortium Human Build 38 (GRCh38) in 2013. However, most clinical laboratories still use GRCh37, which was released in 2009. We report our laboratory’s clinical validation of GRCh38.

Methods

Migration to GRCh38 was validated by comparing the coordinates (lifting over) of 9443 internally curated variants from GRCh37 to GRCh38, globally comparing protein coding sequence variants aligned with GRCh37 vs GRCh38 from 917 exomes, assessing genes with known discrepancies, comparing coverage differences, and establishing the analytic sensitivity and specificity of variant detection using Genome in a Bottle data.

Results

Eight discrepancies, due to strand swap or reference base, were observed. Three clinically relevant variants had the GRCh37 alternate allele as the reference allele in GRCh38. A comparison of 88 295 calls between builds identified 8 disease-associated genes with sequence differences: ABO, BNC2, KIZ, NEFL, NR2E3, PTPRQ, SHANK2, and SRD5A2. Discrepancies in coding regions in GRCh37 were resolved in GRCh38.

Conclusions

There were a small number of clinically significant changes between the 2 genome builds. GRCh38 provided improved detection of nucleotide changes due to the resolution of discrepancies present in GRCh37. Implementation of GRCh38 results in more accurate and consistent reporting.
Child dietary patterns in Homo sapiens evolution
Authors: Iannotti Lora L , Gyimah Emmanuel A , Reid Miranda , Chapnick Melissa , Cartmill Mary Kate , Lutter Chessa K , Hilton Charles , Gildner Theresa E , Quinn Elizabeth A
Published: July 2022

Dietary patterns spanning millennia could inform contemporary public health nutrition. Children are largely absent from evidence describing diets throughout human evolution, despite prevalent malnutrition today signaling a potential genome-environment divergence. This systematic review aimed to identify dietary patterns of children ages 6 months to 10 years consumed before the widespread adoption of agriculture. Metrics of mention frequency (counts of food types reported) and food groups (globally standardized categories) were applied to: compare diets across subsistence modes [gatherer–hunter–fisher (GHF), early agriculture (EA) groups]; examine diet quality and diversity; and characterize differences by life course phase and environmental context defined using Köppen–Geiger climate zones. The review yielded child diet information from 95 cultural groups (52 from GHF; 43 from EA/mixed subsistence groups). Animal foods (terrestrial and aquatic) were the most frequently mentioned food groups in dietary patterns across subsistence modes, though at higher frequencies in GHF than in EA. A broad range of fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers were more common in GHF, while children from EA groups consumed more cereals than GHF, associated with poor health consequences as reported in some studies. Forty-eight studies compared diets across life course phases: 28 showed differences and 20 demonstrated similarities in child versus adult diets. Climate zone was a driver of food patterns provisioned from local ecosystems. Evidence from Homo sapiens evolution points to the need for nutrient-dense foods with high quality proteins and greater variety within and across food groups. Public health solutions could integrate these findings into food-based dietary guidelines for children.
Justification, rationale and methodological approaches to realist reviews
Authors: Pearsons Alice , Neubeck Lis , Hendriks Jeroen M , Hanson Coral L
Published: July 2022

Realist reviews offer a method to understand why an intervention is successful or not. Many factors influence how complex healthcare interventions are delivered and this makes understanding what works difficult. Effectiveness depends on delivery context, and success in one setting does not guarantee the same result in alternate settings. How an intervention works (the underlying mechanisms) in a particular setting for one population group, may not work in the same way for a different group. A realist review provides an iterative theory-driven approach to help understand how and for whom and under what conditions an intervention works.
Imp and Syp mediated temporal patterning of neural stem cells in the developing Drosophila CNS
Authors: Islam Ishrat Maliha , Erclik Ted
Published: July 2022

The assembly of complex neural circuits requires that stem cells generate diverse types of neurons in the correct temporal order. Pioneering work in the Drosophila embryonic ventral nerve cord has shown that neural stem cells are temporally patterned by the sequential expression of rapidly changing transcription factors to generate diversity in their progeny. In recent years, a second temporal patterning mechanism, driven by the opposing gradients of the Imp and Syp RNA-binding proteins, has emerged as a powerful way to generate neural diversity. This long-range temporal patterning mechanism is utilized in the extended neural stem cell lineages of the postembryonic fly brain. Here, we review the role played by Imp and Syp gradients in several neural stem cell lineages, focusing on how they specify sequential neural fates through the post-transcriptional regulation of target genes, including the Chinmo and Mamo transcription factors. We further discuss how upstream inputs, including hormonal signals, modify the output of these gradients to couple neurogenesis with the development of the organism. Finally, we review the roles that the Imp and Syp gradients play beyond the generation of diversity, including the regulation of stem cell proliferation, the timing of neural stem cell lineage termination, and the coupling of neuronal birth order to circuit assembly.
Patients With Stricturing or Penetrating Crohn’s Disease Phenotypes Report High Disease Burden and Treatment Needs
Authors: Fan Yanni , Zhang Ling , Omidakhsh Negar , Bohn Rhonda L , Thompson Jennifer S , Brodovicz Kimberly G , Deepak Parakkal
Published: July 2022

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which inflammation can progress to complications of stricturing and/or penetrating disease. Real-world data on burden of complicated CD phenotypes are limited.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from the SPARC IBD (Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with Inflammatory Bowel Disease) registry from 2016 to 2020. Four mutually exclusive phenotype cohorts were created: inflammatory CD (CD-I), complicated CD (stricturing CD, penetrating CD, and stricturing and penetrating CD [CD-SP]). Statistical analyses were performed using CD-I as the reference.

Results

A total of 1557 patients were identified: CD-I (n = 674, 43.3%), stricturing CD (n = 457, 29.4%), penetrating CD (n = 166, 10.7%), and CD-SP (n = 260, 16.7%). Patients with complicated phenotypes reported significantly greater use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (84.2%-86.7% vs 66.0%; P < .001) and corticosteroids (75.3%-82.7% vs 68.0%; P < .001). Patients with CD-SP reported significantly more aphthous ulcer (15.4% vs 10.5%; P < .05), erythema nodosum (6.5% vs 3.6%; P < .05), inflammatory bowel disease-related arthropathy (25.8% vs 17.2%; P < .01), liquid stools (24.2% vs 9.3%; P < .001), nocturnal fecal incontinence (10.8% vs 2.5%; P < .001), and CD-related surgery (77.7% vs 12.2%; P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients with complicated CD phenotypes reported higher rates of active CD-related luminal and extraintestinal manifestations, and underwent more surgeries, despite being more likely to have received biologics than those with CD-I. The potential for early recognition and management of CD-I to prevent progression to complicated phenotypes should be explored in longitudinal studies.
Den-Associated Behavior ofOctopus rubescensRevealed by a Motion-Activated Camera Trap System
Authors: Humbert Jefferson W , Williams Kresimir , Onthank Kirt L
Published: July 2022

Synopsis

Dens are a crucial component of the life history of most shallow water octopuses. However, den usage dynamics have only been explored in a few species over relatively short durations, and Octopus rubescens denning behavior has never been explored in situ. We built four underwater camera traps to observe the behavior of O. rubescens in and around their dens. To distinguish individuals, octopuses were captured and given a unique identifiable visible implant elastomer tag on the dorsal side of their mantle. After being tagged and photographed, each octopus was released back to its original capture site within its original den bottle. The site is unique in that octopuses reside almost exclusively in discarded bottles, therefore aiding in locating and monitoring dens. Motion-activated cameras were suspended in a metal field-of-view above bottle dens of released octopuses to observe den-associated behaviors. Cameras were regularly retrieved and replaced to allow continuous monitoring of den locations in 71 h intervals for over a month. We found that O. rubescenswas primarily active during the day and had frequent interactions with conspecifics (other members within the species). We also found that rockfish and red rock crabs tended to frequent den locations more often when octopuses were not present, while kelp greenling both visited dens more frequently and stayed longer when octopuses were present. Our results, demonstrate the utility of motion-activated camera traps for behavioral and ecological studies of nearshore mobile organisms.
Redesigning patient flow in orthopedics and radiology clinics via a three-phase ‘Kaizen’ improvement approach and interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Sullivan Kali , Topper Langley , Rajwani Aliysa
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The orthopedics clinic at an academic medical center has low patient satisfaction rates for patients that require an X-ray and have difficulty ambulating. The project aimed to reduce the ‘non-value-added’ time during appointments by using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and enhance patient experience.

Methods

An analysis of the current state was conducted using Gemba walks, interviews with subject matter experts and an interrupted time study to assess baseline data. The project was implemented using a three-phase Kaizen event approach.

Results

Interventions implemented included: (i) re-engineering patient flow and (ii) standardizing appointment scheduling guidelines. The ‘non-value-added’ appointment time was measured post-intervention and it decreased from 17 to 8 min (51%), and 87% (N = 47) of patients rated the scheduling process positively.

Conclusion

Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen improvement methodologies are invaluable tools to improve operational efficiency. The implemented interventions enhanced patient experience and improved clinic efficiency.
The Mate Screening Motive: How Women Use Luxury Consumption to Signal to Men
Authors: Chen Qihui , Wang Yajin , Ordabayeva Nailya
Published: July 2022

Previous research has found that for men, activating a mating motive increases luxury consumption as a way to attract a romantic partner. However, little is known about the role of luxury consumption in women’s romantic endeavors. The present research conceptualizes a mate screening motive, which explains how women use luxury consumption to romantically signal to men. Six studies and two follow-ups conducted in controlled and field settings show that the mate screening motive boosts women’s consumption of luxury goods as a way to signal their mating standards to men and thereby deter undesirable pursuers. The effect is diminished when mate screening is less necessary such as when external screening tools are available (e.g., screening filters on dating websites), the quality of potential mates is high, and the focus is on selecting a desirable partner rather than deterring undesirable pursuers. The findings have important implications for understanding how consumers use products and brands in romantic relationships and for designing marketing strategies and communication for luxury brands, commercial dating services, and dating apps. Our findings also provide insights for consumers on how to use brands and products as effective communication devices in romantic endeavors.
Environmental Constitutionalism and Duties of Individuals in India
Authors: Bhullar Lovleen
Published: July 2022

Environmental constitutionalism encompasses rights as well as duties of the State and individuals. However, environmental duties of individuals are seldom discussed in detail. What is their contribution to environmental constitutionalism? This article examines the origin and design, as well as judicial adjudication of the fundamental environmental duty of citizens in the Constitution of India to answer this question. It finds that internal and external factors influence the constitutional origin and design of this duty. The constitution drafters viewed this duty as distinct from the duties of the State. However, judicial practice concerning the nature, scope and content of the duty, as well as its implementation and enforcement evidences a dynamic and symbiotic relationship between constitutional environmental rights and duties. The right-holders corresponding to the duty of citizens may include the environment and future generations. These findings provide a framework for the examination of individual environmental duties in other constitutions.
Genuine paracomplete logics
Authors: Borja Macías Verónica , Coniglio Marcelo E , Hernández-Tello Alejandro
Published: July 2022

In 2016, Béziau introduces a restricted notion of paraconsistency, the so-called genuine paraconsistency. A logic is genuine paraconsistent if it rejects the laws $\varphi ,\neg \varphi \vdash \psi $ and $\vdash \neg (\varphi \land \neg \varphi )$. In that paper, the author analyzes, among the three-valued logics, which of them satisfy this property. If we consider multiple-conclusion consequence relations, the dual properties of those above-mentioned are $ \vdash \varphi , \neg \varphi $ and $\neg (\psi \vee \neg \psi ) \vdash $. We call genuine paracomplete logics those rejecting the mentioned properties. We present here an analysis of the three-valued genuine paracomplete logics. A very natural twist structures semantics for these logics is also found in a systematic way. This semantics produces automatically a simple and elegant Hilbert-style characterization for all these logics. Finally, we introduce the logic LGP which is genuine paracomplete is not genuine paraconsistent, not even paraconsistent and cannot be characterized by a single finite logical matrix.
Expanding the genetic engineering toolbox for the metabolically flexible acetogen Eubacterium limosum
Authors: Sanford Patrick A , Woolston Benjamin M
Published: July 2022

Acetogenic bacteria are an increasingly popular choice for producing fuels and chemicals from single carbon (C1) substrates. Eubacterium limosum is a promising acetogen with several native advantages, including the ability to catabolize a wide repertoire of C1 feedstocks and the ability to grow well on agar plates. However, despite its promise as a strain for synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, there are insufficient engineering tools and molecular biology knowledge to leverage its native strengths for these applications. To capitalize on the natural advantages of this organism, here we extended its limited engineering toolbox. We evaluated the copy number of three common plasmid origins of replication and devised a method of controlling copy number and heterologous gene expression level by modulating antibiotic concentration. We further quantitatively assessed the strength and regulatory tightness of a panel of promoters, developing a series of well-characterized vectors for gene expression at varying levels. In addition, we developed a black/white colorimetric genetic reporter assay and leveraged the high oxygen tolerance of E. limosum to develop a simple and rapid transformation protocol that enables benchtop transformation. Finally, we developed two new antibiotic selection markers—doubling the number available for this organism. These developments will enable enhanced metabolic engineering and synthetic biology work with E. limosum.