bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital rights in perspective: The evolution of the debate in the Internet Governance Forum
Authors: Meireles Adriana Veloso
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the transformations of technology in the last two decades, especially those related to privacy, based on the digital rights perspective. It debates how the concept of privacy is grounded on the distinction between public and private, a spatial metaphor no longer applicable in the face of the ubiquity of information and communication technologies. Hence, there is a premise stating the personal is increasingly more political nowadays, due to the phenomenon of surveillance capitalism. To anchor the theoretical debate in an empirically informed discussion, the work analyzes discourses about digital rights used in the main sessions of the Internet Governance Forum. The goal is to map the main Forum controversies about digital rights and their relation with contemporary democracies. Using a combined methodology based on both quantitative and qualitative data from the main sessions of the event, the analysis starts from a survey of the recurrence keywords related to the research; privacy, rights, surveillance, and freedom. From these results, a qualitative analysis of the discourses mobilized in these activities is conducted. The outcomes of the empirical analysis are then discussed from examples of technology regulation in the United States and the European Union. Among the main conclusions of the work, the emphasis lies on the need for transparency and accountability of the artificial intelligence algorithms.

Related Articles

Glen, Carol M. 2021. “Norm Entrepreneurship in Global Cybersecurity.” Politics & Policy 49(5): 1121–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12430.

Robles, Pedro, and Daniel J. Mallinson. 2023. “Catching Up with AI: Pushing Toward a Cohesive Governance Framework.” Politics & Policy 51(3): 355–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12529.

Zeng, Jinghan, Tim Stevens, and Yaru Chen. 2017. “China's Solution to Global Cyber Governance: Unpacking the Domestic Discourse of ‘Internet Sovereignty.’” Politics & Policy 45(3): 432–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12202.
Comprehensive analysis of Trichoderma ressei mediated CO2 stress attenuating responses and de novo transcriptome sequencing of rice flag leaf
Authors: Mishra Nishtha , Prasad Priti , Mahfooz Sahil , Shivhare Radha , Verma Pratibha , Singh Satyendra Pratap , Mishra Seema , Kumar Mishra Shashank , Bajpai Ramakant , Mishra Aradhana
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the alterations in physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional reactions in the flag leaf of rice following the application of Trichoderma as a biofertilizer (BF) at both ambient (aCO2; 395 ppm) and enhanced (eCO2; 550 ppm) carbon dioxide levels. A comparatively smaller percentage change was observed in the photosynthetic parameters, including photosynthetic rate, respiration, and stomatal conductance, subsequent to the introduction of BF in the elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) environment. Furthermore, biochemical analysis revealed a noteworthy elevation in photosynthetic pigments, total sugar, proline, and ascorbate peroxidase concentration levels in plants treated with BF under ambient and increased carbon dioxide conditions. The buildup of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) was shown to be increased in rice treated with BF under both conditions. Moreover, ICP‐MS analysis demonstrated an augmentation in the levels of vital micronutrients in the experimental group while observing no alterations in the carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio within the flag leaf. The examination of transcriptional responses in the flag leaf demonstrated an increase in the expression of genes associated with the photosynthetic system, amino acid metabolism, several transporters, including aquaporin, and the phosphate pathway, as well as carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Hence, our work elucidates the effective role of Trichoderma in mitigating the adverse consequences associated with elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2).
The psychometric upgrade psychophysiology needs
Authors: Clayson Peter E.
Published: January 2024

Although biological measurements are constrained by the same fundamental psychometric principles as self‐report measurements, these essential principles are often neglected in most fields of neuroscience, including psychophysiology. Potential reasons for this neglect could include a lack of understanding of appropriate measurement theory or a lack of accessible software for psychometric analysis. Generalizability theory is a flexible and multifaceted measurement theory that is well suited to handling the nuances of psychophysiological data, such as the often unbalanced number of trials and intraindividual variability of scores of event‐related brain potential (ERP) data. The ERP Reliability Analysis Toolbox (ERA Toolbox) was designed for psychophysiologists and is tractable software that can support the routine evaluation of psychometrics using generalizability theory. Psychometrics can guide task refinement, data‐processing decisions, and selection of candidate biomarkers for clinical trials. The present review provides an extensive treatment of additional psychometric characteristics relevant to studies of psychophysiology, including validity and validation, standardization, dimensionality, and measurement invariance. Although the review focuses on ERPs, the discussion applies broadly to psychophysiological measures and beyond. The tools needed to rigorously assess psychometric reliability and validate psychophysiological measures are now readily available. With the profound implications that psychophysiological research can have on understanding brain‐behavior relationships and the identification of biomarkers, there is simply too much at stake to ignore the crucial processes of evaluating psychometric reliability and validity.
Silviculture treatments hasten seedling growth on seismic disturbances in boreal treed fens
Authors: Shellian Colette A. , Linke Julia , McDermid Gregory J. , Cody Michael , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: January 2024

Seismic lines in western Canada's boreal region are linear disturbances that affect the habitat of threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). To hasten the return of forest cover and ultimately to restore caribou habitat, restoration managers use silviculture treatments in wet areas that involve the mechanical mounding of seismic lines to create artificial hummocks. Tree planting then takes place on top of these hummocks. However, the effectiveness of this silviculture technique for restoring seismic lines in peatlands is largely untested. Here we sampled incremental height growth of coniferous seedlings at 41 seismic line plots in poor and rich treed fens in northeast Alberta, Canada. We compared lines that had been treated with inverted mounding (a type of mechanical mounding) and subsequent tree planting, to nearby lines that were left untreated for natural recovery. We used generalized linear mixed models to test the effect of silviculture treatments on 5‐year growth increments of black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina). Overall, we found that mounding and tree planting improved seedling growth compared to seismic lines regenerating naturally. However, growth responses were found to vary by species, ecosite, initial seedling size, and light availability. This suggests that site‐specific prioritization of mounding within peatlands may be more efficient considering the widespread nature of seismic lines. Future experiments testing growth responses to other mounding techniques that are designed to preserve the soil profile. It is also important for managers to weigh restoration goals beyond tree establishment and an accelerated return to forest cover.
Exploring the impact of spatial patterns on restoration efforts: promoting self‐facilitating feedback mechanisms with an innovative biodegradable seed mussel collector
Authors: van den Bogaart Lisanne A. , Capelle Jacob J. , Schotanus Jildou , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: January 2024

Transplantations of organisms in aquatic ecosystems play an important role in ecological restoration and commercial practices. However, success rates of these transplantations, especially when ecosystem engineers are involved, are often low. To enhance transplantation success, the promotion of self‐facilitation between transplants that mitigate environmental stressors is crucial. Besides, spatial patterns resulting from self‐facilitation can enhance ecosystem resilience. Using blue mussels as a model organism, we explored the possibility of increasing transplantation success in a subtidal ecosystem. We used biodegradable structures (“BioShell‐SMCs”) to ameliorate self‐facilitating feedback mechanisms to overcome environmental stressors in the initial post‐transplantation phase, and to increase transplantation success by implementing large‐scale spatial configurations, mimicking natural mussel bed patterns. The structures are an innovation of traditional seed mussel collectors (SMCs) used in mussel cultivation. They consist of a biodegradable net based on a compound of aliphatic polyesters, filled with empty cockle shells around a coconut fiber rope. We tested whether different spatial configurations could increase transplantation success of mussel seed: low versus high density labyrinth pattern and banded pattern. The results of this experiment showed high losses (approximately 75%), with no significant variation between configurations. The lack of migration due to unexpected retention of the biodegradable net hindered the initiation of natural aggregations, resulting in increased competition among mussels. Besides, factors such as hydrodynamic dislodgement, burial and interannual variation likely contributed to the observed losses. While the BioShell‐SMC has not demonstrated large‐scale success, this research contributes to understanding the mechanisms that underlie successful transplantation strategies in aquatic ecosystems.
Diasporic scholarship: racialization, coloniality and de‐territorializing knowledge
Authors: Patel Kamna , Sanyal Romola
Published: January 2024

In considering how knowledge reproduces the dynamics of coloniality in Geography, scholars have looked beyond the Global North and Global South as cartographical sites, instead seeing them as conceptual frameworks and epistemic positions. Building on this rich work, we draw attention to specific issues obscured within it. Whilst geographical scholarship has moved to recognizing how the Global North and South bleed into each other, it frequently continues to locate scholars themselves within specific territories, labelling them of the Global North or of the Global South, thereby re‐territorializing scholars and their work and reflecting and revealing processes of racialization within the academy.

We ask how those who do not fit into neat geographical imaginations of North and South represent ways to understand and know the world? Specifically, how can we centre the idea of diaspora as part of wider geo‐ and body political projects that aim to decentre knowledge production? We bring diaspora back into debates on knowledge production to explore how their understanding of the world, rooted in hybrid and transnational ways, can enrich engagements around postcoloniality and decoloniality. We detail how such voices illuminate how racialization, coloniality and difference continue to mark how we know and teach the world. Our argument makes imperative the case for de‐territorializing scholars and scholarship.
Between Conventional and Experimental
Authors: Hess Regine , Ben-Asher Gitler Inbal , Fainholtz Tzafrir , Allweil Yael
Published: January 2024

Mass housing and prefabrication shaped global modernist architecture like no other aspect of industrialised construction. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of how both conventional and experimental prototypes and series gave rise to an architecture for all, often responding to crises, the imperatives of nation-building, and housing shortages by rapidly developing, distributing, and assembling structures. The book’s contributions, with a geographical emphasis on Europe and Israel, offer innovative approaches to the history of prefabrication. Some explore partially unearthed empirical ground, such as cases from Finland and Sweden, while others offer a fresh interpretation of prefabrication’s role in the history of global architecture and planning after WWII, notably in the USSR and Italy. The chapters encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including colonial expansion, international collaboration, and the achievements and setbacks of industrialised design. The authors scrutinise the cultural impact of mass housing and prefabrication, tracing this influence through exhibitions, memory culture, and typologies, ultimately concluding with an outlook on the preservation and repair of structures and their adaptation for the future. Within the broader context of transnational and regional research, Between Conventional and Experimental presents novel and forward-thinking approaches to prefabrication and mass housing. Drawing from transnational architectural history, construction history, housing studies, monument preservation, and exhibition studies, it effectively highlights the profound relevance of prefabrication history to our understanding of the cultural and material history of the built environment.
Thermo‐haemodynamic coupling during regional thigh heating: Insight into the importance of local thermosensitive mechanisms in blood circulation
Authors: Koch Esteves Nuno , McDonald Jeneil , González‐Alonso José
Published: January 2024

A positive relationship between local tissue temperature and perfusion exists, with isolated limb‐segment hyperthermia stimulating hyperaemia in the heated region without affecting the adjacent, non‐heated limb segment. However, whether partial‐limb segment heating evokes a heightened tissue perfusion in the heated region without directly or reflexly affecting the non‐heated tissues of the same limb segment remains unknown. This study investigated, in 11 healthy young adults, the lower limb temperature and haemodynamic responses to three levels of 1 h upper‐leg heating, none of which alter core temperature: (1) whole‐thigh (WTH; water‐perfused garment), (2) quadriceps (QH; water‐perfused garment) and (3) partial‐quadriceps (PQH; pulsed shortwave diathermy) heating. It was hypothesised that perfusion would only increase in the heated regions. WTH, QH and PQH increased local heated tissue temperature by 2.9 ± 0.6, 2.0 ± 0.7 and 2.9 ± 1.3°C (P < 0.0001), respectively, whilst remaining unchanged in the non‐heated hamstrings and quadriceps tissues during QH and PQH. WTH induced a two‐fold increase in common femoral artery blood flow (P < 0.0001) whereas QH and PQH evoked a similar ∼1.4‐fold elevation (P ≤ 0.0018). During QH and PQH, however, tissue oxygen saturation and laser‐Doppler skin blood flow in the adjacent non‐heated hamstrings or quadriceps tissues remained stable (P > 0.5000). These findings in healthy young humans demonstrate a tight thermo‐haemodynamic coupling during regional thigh heating, providing further evidence of the importance of local heat‐activated mechanisms on the control of blood circulation.
Cine, dialogismo y psicología histórico-cultural: la constitución del self de Mirabel, en Encanto
Authors: Queiroz de Oliveira Souto Natália , Suarez Di Santo Marcella , Teixeira Borges Fabrícia
Published: January 2024

Objetivo. Analizar la alteridad, el dialogismo y la polifonía en el proceso de constitución del self de Mirabel en Encanto (2021). Método. Se realizó un análisis temático de la película Encanto, relacionando el lenguaje del cine, los temas presentes y la lucha de la protagonista Mirabel por sentirse parte de la familia Madrigal, así como la identificación de su don de habilidades extraordinarias y su papel en una familia. Resultados. No solo los llamados marginados buscan autoafirmación frente a un grupo, también aquellos cuyo don no es suficiente y deben afirmarse en su sistema de significados. Conclusión. La constitución del self no es un desafío solo para los individuos que no están enteramente integrados, y la otredad no se percibe solo de parte de quien se siente excluido. La alteridad se constituye como un factor fundamental para la construcción de las identidades de todos en un mismo contexto. El ejercicio de aproximación entre la teoría y la producción fílmica evidenció el potencial de ampliación de procesos comprensivos y de aplicabilidad teórica.
The Construction of Male Identities from the Perspective of High School Students
Authors: Mendes Gomes Brasil de Holanda João , Do Amaral Madureira Ana Flávia
Published: January 2024

Objective. To analyze issues related to the construction of male identities in the school context from the perspective of high school students, based on a Cultural Psychology framework. Method. Qualitative research composed of a focus group with eight male high school students from a public school in Federal District, Brazil. As a method of analysis, thematic content analysis was used, with an emphasis on interpretive work, which allowed for the creation of four analytical categories. Results. Participants associated masculinity with violence, and the role of men as the leading family provider. However, this association was made in a critical tone, and participants attributed their critiques to the exchange with women and friends with different opinions, specifically at school. Although participants often criticized schools’ efforts at standardization, they recognized their teachers' efforts in promoting a more individualized experience. Conclusion. The analyzed results suggest that considering the voice of students is crucial to the promotion of a culture of peace in schools and further research concerning students’ and other school faculty’s views on gender and violence should be made. Cultural Psychology can provide powerful theoretical tools to construct deep critical analysis of socially relevant issues, such as hegemonic masculinity and violence.
Agencialidad y reflexividad en las transiciones educativas: un estudio longitudinal con un joven estudiante
Authors: Pimentel Faria de Miranda Fernanda , Barbato Silviane
Published: January 2024

Objetivo. Analizar la producción de significados en posicionamientos generados en transiciones de educación media a universidad en la pandemia. Método. Se empleó un estudio de caso durante 25 meses, en cuatro etapas multimétodo, a través de entrevistas: narrativas abiertas, con objetos y semiestructuradas sometidas a análisis dialógico-temático. Resultados. Las acciones hacer amigos, buscar y brindar apoyo, cuestionarse y dedicarse a lo que le gusta se realizaron en el ir y venir en los espacios-tiempos (cronotopos) de la escuela, de la familia y del ciberespacio. A lo largo de la transición, el interjuego de las relaciones movilizó el desplazamiento de los posicionamientos de estudiante principiante, veterano y futuro profesional. En este proceso, las interpretaciones de sí mismo se modificaron en reflexividad, generando cambios de la agencialidad participativa a la transformación autoral de sí y de los espacios compartidos. En la pandemia, ambivalencias entre incertidumbres presentes en discontinuidades con el pasado produjeron el posicionamiento yo universitario aislado, transformando la agencialidad con intentos intermitentes de autocuidado, cambios de rutina y formación profesional. Las transiciones educativas atravesadas por esas crisis se transformaron en liminalidades, que son rupturas espacio-temporales de la cotidianidad desplazada al ciberespacio. Conclusión. La imprevisibilidad en cambios prolongados puede comprometer la salud mental, acentuando rupturas en las transiciones y decisiones sobre el futuro.
Relatos de vida laborales sobre la atención en salud a mujeres trans en Colombia
Authors: Arce-Leonel Diana Estefanny , Hoyos-Hernández Paula Andrea , Ramos-Lucca Axel
Published: January 2024

Objetivo. Caracterizar los relatos de vida laborales de un grupo de profesionales del ámbito de la salud en Colombia, con experiencia en la atención a mujeres trans. Método. Investigación con un diseño narrativo, que contó con la participación de ocho personas que laboran en contextos de salud en Colombia. Por medio de una entrevista en profundidad se indagó sobre los relatos de vida laborales a partir de sus experiencias en la atención a mujeres trans. Resultados. Las personas participantes dieron cuenta de las barreras que existen en la atención en salud, como consecuencia de la falta de rutas de atención en salud, el desconocimiento de las identidades trans, sus necesidades y formas de acompañamiento, así como por el estigma que predomina en Colombia al ser una sociedad cisnormativa. Conclusión. La atención en salud para las mujeres en tránsitos de género es deficiente, poco humanizada y transafirmativa. Se requiere la creación de rutas basadas en la evidencia, construidas de manera colaborativa con las comunidades trans, los sectores de la salud, educativos y gubernamentales.
Type 1 immunity enables neonatal thymic ILC1 production
Authors: Tougaard Peter , Pérez Mario R. , Steels Wolf , Huysentruyt Jelle , Verstraeten Bruno , Vetters Jessica , Divert Tatyana , Gonçalves Amanda , Roelandt Ria , Takahashi Nozomi , Janssens Sophie , Buus Terkild B. , Taghon Tom , Leclercq Georges , Vandenabeele Peter
Published: January 2024

Acute thymic atrophy occurs following type 1 inflammatory conditions such as viral infection and sepsis, resulting in cell death and disruption of T cell development. However, the impact type 1 immunity has on thymic-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) remains unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed neonatal thymic–resident type 1 ILCs (ILC1s) as a unique and immature subset compared to ILC1s in other primary lymphoid organs. Culturing murine neonatal thymic lobes with the type 1 cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 resulted in a rapid expansion and thymic egress of KLRG1
+
CXCR6
+
cytotoxic ILC1s. Live imaging showed the subcapsular thymic localization and exit of ILC1s following IL-12 + IL-18 stimulation. Similarly, murine cytomegalovirus infection in neonates resulted in thymic atrophy and subcapsular localization of thymic-resident ILC1s. Neonatal thymic grafting revealed that type 1 inflammation enhances the homing of cytokine-producing thymus-derived ILC1s to the liver and peritoneal cavity. Together, we show that type 1 immunity promotes the expansion and peripheral homing of thymic-derived ILC1s.
Microstructural and chemical features of impact melts on Ryugu particle surfaces: Records of interplanetary dust hit on asteroid Ryugu
Authors: Matsumoto Megumi , Matsuno Junya , Tsuchiyama Akira , Nakamura Tomoki , Enokido Yuma , Kikuiri Mizuha , Nakato Aiko , Yasutake Masahiro , Uesugi Kentaro , Takeuchi Akihisa , Enju Satomi , Okumura Shota , Mitsukawa Itaru , Sun Mingqi , Miyake Akira , Haruta Mitsutaka , Igami Yohei , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Zolensky Michael , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Miyazaki Akiko , Yogata Kasumi , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Usui Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Nakazawa Satoru , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: January 2024

The Hayabusa2 spacecraft delivered samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu to Earth. Some of the sample particles show evidence of micrometeoroid impacts, which occurred on the asteroid surface. Among those, particles A0067 and A0094 have flat surfaces on which a large number of microcraters and impact melt splashes are observed. Two impact melt splashes and one microcrater were analyzed to unveil the nature of the objects that impacted the asteroid surface. The melt splashes consist mainly of Mg-Fe–rich glassy silicates and Fe-Ni sulfides. The microcrater trapped an impact melt consisting mainly of Mg-Fe–rich glassy silicate, Fe-Ni sulfides, and minor silica-rich glass. These impact melts show a single compositional trend indicating mixing of Ryugu surface materials and impactors having chondritic chemical compositions. The relict impactor in one of the melt splashes shows mineralogical similarity with anhydrous chondritic interplanetary dust particles having a probable cometary origin. The chondritic micrometeoroids probably impacted the Ryugu surface during its residence in a near-Earth orbit.
Ferroelectric FET-based context-switching FPGA enabling dynamic reconfiguration for adaptive deep learning machines
Authors: Xu Yixin , Zhao Zijian , Xiao Yi , Yu Tongguang , Mulaosmanovic Halid , Kleimaier Dominik , Duenkel Stefan , Beyer Sven , Gong Xiao , Joshi Rajiv , Hu Xiaobo , Wen Shixian , Rios Amanda Sofie , Lekkala Kiran , Itti Laurent , Homan Eric , George Sumitha , Narayanan Vijaykrishnan , Ni Kai
Published: January 2024

Field programmable gate array (FPGA) is widely used in the acceleration of deep learning applications because of its reconfigurability, flexibility, and fast time-to-market. However, conventional FPGA suffers from the trade-off between chip area and reconfiguration latency, making efficient FPGA accelerations that require switching between multiple configurations still elusive. Here, we propose a ferroelectric field-effect transistor (FeFET)–based context-switching FPGA supporting dynamic reconfiguration to break this trade-off, enabling loading of arbitrary configuration without interrupting the active configuration execution. Leveraging the intrinsic structure and nonvolatility of FeFETs, compact FPGA primitives are proposed and experimentally verified. The evaluation results show our design shows a 63.0%/74.7% reduction in a look-up table (LUT)/connection block (CB) area and 82.7%/53.6% reduction in CB/switch box power consumption with a minimal penalty in the critical path delay (9.6%). Besides, our design yields significant time savings by 78.7 and 20.3% on average for context-switching and dynamic reconfiguration applications, respectively.
Skin preparation–free, stretchable microneedle adhesive patches for reliable electrophysiological sensing and exoskeleton robot control
Authors: Kim Heesoo , Lee Juhyun , Heo Ung , Jayashankar Dhileep Kumar , Agno Karen-Christian , Kim Yeji , Kim Choong Yeon , Oh Youngjun , Byun Sang-Hyuk , Choi Bohyung , Jeong Hwayeong , Yeo Woon-Hong , Li Zhuo , Park Seongjun , Xiao Jianliang , Kim Jung , Jeong Jae-Woong
Published: January 2024

High-fidelity and comfortable recording of electrophysiological (EP) signals with on-the-fly setup is essential for health care and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Microneedle electrodes allow direct access to the epidermis and eliminate time-consuming skin preparation. However, existing microneedle electrodes lack elasticity and reliability required for robust skin interfacing, thereby making long-term, high-quality EP sensing challenging during body movement. Here, we introduce a stretchable microneedle adhesive patch (SNAP) providing excellent skin penetrability and a robust electromechanical skin interface for prolonged and reliable EP monitoring under varying skin conditions. Results demonstrate that the SNAP can substantially reduce skin contact impedance under skin contamination and enhance wearing comfort during motion, outperforming gel and flexible microneedle electrodes. Our wireless SNAP demonstration for exoskeleton robot control shows its potential for highly reliable HMIs, even under time-dynamic skin conditions. We envision that the SNAP will open new opportunities for wearable EP sensing and its real-world applications in HMIs.
Ultralight, strong, and self-reprogrammable mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Gregg Christine E. , Catanoso Damiana , Formoso Olivia Irene B. , Kostitsyna Irina , Ochalek Megan E. , Olatunde Taiwo J. , Park In Won , Sebastianelli Frank M. , Taylor Elizabeth M. , Trinh Greenfield T. , Cheung Kenneth C.
Published: January 2024

Versatile programmable materials have long been envisioned that can reconfigure themselves to adapt to changing use cases in adaptive infrastructure, space exploration, disaster response, and more. We introduce a robotic structural system as an implementation of programmable matter, with mechanical performance and scale on par with conventional high-performance materials and truss systems. Fiber-reinforced composite truss-like building blocks form strong, stiff, and lightweight lattice structures as mechanical metamaterials. Two types of mobile robots operate over the exterior surface and through the interior of the system, performing transport, placement, and reversible fastening using the intrinsic lattice periodicity for indexing and metrology. Leveraging programmable matter algorithms to achieve scalability in size and complexity, this system design enables robust collective automated assembly and reconfiguration of large structures with simple robots. We describe the system design and experimental results from a 256–unit cell assembly demonstration and lattice mechanical testing, as well as a demonstration of disassembly and reconfiguration. The assembled structural lattice material exhibits ultralight mass density (0.0103 grams per cubic centimeter) with high strength and stiffness for its weight ( 11.38 kilopascals and 1.1129 megapascals, respectively), a material performance realm appropriate for applications like space structures. With simple robots and structure, high mass-specific structural performance, and competitive throughput, this system demonstrates the potential for self-reconfiguring autonomous metamaterials for diverse applications.
Effects of reductive soil disinfestation combined with different types of organic materials on the microbial community and functions
Authors: Zhan Yu , Zhou Yi , Wang Ergang , Miao Xinyue , Zhou Tingting , Yan Ning , Chen Changbao , Li Qiong
Published: January 2024

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) is an effective method to inhibit soilborne pathogens. However, it remains unclear how RSD combined with different types of organic materials affects the soil ecosystems of perennial plants. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of RSD incorporated with perilla (PF), alfalfa (MS), ethanol, and acetic acid on soil properties, enzyme activities, microbial communities and functions, and seedling growth. Results showed that RSD-related treatments improved soil properties and enzyme activities, changed microbial community composition and structure, enhanced microbial interactions and functions, and facilitated seedling growth. Compared with CK, RSD-related treatments increased soil pH, available nitrogen, and available potassium contents, sucrase and catalase activities, and decreased soil electric conductivity values. Meanwhile, RSD-related treatment also significantly reduced the relative abundance of
Fusarium
while increasing the relative abundance of
Arthrobacter
,
Terrabacter
, and
Gemmatimonas
. The reduction was more evident in PF and MS treatment, suggesting the potential for RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes to suppress pathogens. Furthermore, the microbial network of RSD-related treatment was more complex and interconnected, and the functions related to carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen cycling were significantly increased, while the functions of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens were decreased. Importantly, RSD-related treatments also significantly promoted seed germination and seedling growth. In summary, RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes is better than liquid easily degradable compounds by regulating the composition and function of microbial communities to improve soil quality and promote plant growth.

IMPORTANCE

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) is an effective agricultural practice. We found that RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes is better than that of liquid easily degradable compounds, may improve soil quality and microbial community structure, inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and contribute to the growth of replanted crops. Thus, RSD combined with solid agricultural wastes is more effective than liquid easily degradable compounds.
Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among renal transplant recipients in Beijing Omicron wave
Authors: Li Guangping , Wu Jiangtao , Huang Ying , Wang Qi , Xing Tianying , Ou Tongwen
Published: January 2024

The novel coronavirus disease-19 had become an unprecedented global health emergency, quickly expanding worldwide. Omicron (B.1.1.529), as a novel variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was initially identified in South Africa and Botswana. Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are a special group and are more vulnerable to viral pneumonia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia that occurred in RTRs with Omicron infection. This single-center case-control study enrolled the RTRs who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test, which were divided into two groups according to the imaging features of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The parameters were collected by questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions. A total of 313 RTRs completed the questionnaires, and 131 were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 42.66 years. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among the enrolled participants was 76.3%. The first symptoms included fever (89.3%), cough (93.1%), and expectoration (81.7%). From the comparison, the parameters such as age, gender, body mass index, lymphocyte count, and the percent of neutrophils and the basic serum creatinine before SARS-CoV-2 infection were significantly different between the two groups (
P
< 0.05). In multivariate analysis, age and the basic serum creatinine were independent risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (
P
< 0.05). Older RTRs with a high level of serum creatinine before SARS-CoV-2 infection were more at risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. More randomized controlled studies are needed.

IMPORTANCE

This study aimed to assess the incidence and the risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia that occurred in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with Omicron infection. In conclusion, older RTRs with a high level of serum creatinine before SARS-CoV-2 infection were more at risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and should be timely treated, in case of severe pneumonia.
Insights into Caribbean tectonics from a detrital zircon U-Pb provenance study of siliciclastic strata in western and central Cuba
Authors: Ascanio-Pellon Patricia , Stockli Daniel F. , Ruiz-Arriaga Daniel , Stockli Lisa
Published: January 2024

The tectonic affinity and origins of the Jurassic, siliciclastic San Cayetano and Constancia formations exposed in western and central Cuba in the Caribbean region remain debated. The scarcity of modern geochronologic studies on these Cuban units hampers both sedimentary provenance and palinspastic reconstructions, resulting in Caribbean models that tend to oversimplify the formation of Cuba and correlate the Jurassic strata to various regions such as North America, South America, the Yucatán margin, or the conceptual Caribeana domain. Using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), we conducted a detailed detrital zircon (DZ) U-Pb provenance study of these Cuban siliciclastic strata that provides critical insights into understanding the formation of Cuba during the Early Jurassic rifting stages of Pangea. Results from 19 San Cayetano Formation samples show a dominant Oaxaquia (ca. 1 Ga) and Chiapas batholith (ca. 250 Ma) signature, while six Constancia samples display variable ca. 1 Ga and ca. 250 Ma grains. The Lower Cretaceous Polier Formation and the Paleocene Moncada Formation also display the same ca. 1 Ga and ca. 250 Ma signatures. After comparing these Cuban data with data from other regional DZ studies, we propose that that the San Cayetano and Constancia formations are correlative to the Todos Santos Formation located in the southwestern Yucatán region of Mexico. These Cuban units were predominantly deposited adjacent to the Chiapas batholith during the Early Jurassic in northwest–southeast-trending basins created by Pangean rifting. They were eventually sheared during eastward migration of the Caribbean plate and transported northward until they collided with the North American continent in the Paleogene. This DZ study provides new constraints on the tectonic provenance of western and central Cuba and improves plate tectonic reconstructions of the Caribbean.
HomozygousCARD14variant presenting as infantile erythroderma
Authors: Shajil Chandana , Sathishkumar Dharshini , Kumar Sathish , Danda Sumita
Published: January 2024

A wide range of inherited and acquired conditions can manifest as infantile erythroderma, among whichCARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption (CAPE) is a rare cause. An infant boy presented with a psoriasiform rash that progressed to erythroderma and was unresponsive to topical steroids and cyclosporine. The early onset of the disease, its severity and resistance to conventional treatment were suggestive of a genetic cause. Genetic evaluation revealed a homozygousCARD14variant of uncertain significance establishing the diagnosis of CAPE, and his parents were heterozygous carriers. There was only minimal improvement in the condition with supportive management and treatment with acitretin. Unfortunately, the child succumbed to sepsis and metabolic complications following a sudden worsening of skin disease. This case highlights the significance of genetic studies in diagnosing treatment-refractory cases of infantile erythroderma and emphasises the importance of early recognition of this rare condition.
Eculizumab in severe Shiga toxin-mediated haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Carroll Mitchell , Blake Louise , Sharma Susheel
Published: January 2024

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producingEscherichia coli-mediated haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a primary thrombotic microangiopathy, typified by the development of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and acute renal failure. It is a leading cause of acute renal failure in paediatrics, with a second peak in prevalence in adults over the age of 60. Presentations of Stx-producingE. coli-mediated haemolytic uraemic syndrome in young adults are rare. We present the case of a previously well female in her early 30s presenting with Stx-producingE. coli-mediated haemolytic uraemic syndrome with severe renal and neurological manifestations. Eculizumab was administered due to the severity of presentation and disease trajectory refractory to initial supportive therapy. A significant clinical and biochemical improvement was observed following eculizumab.
Coil migration through two flow-diverting stents
Authors: Rogers Patrick Scott , Pickett Gwynedd , Vandorpe Robert , Volders David
Published: January 2024

We report a case of a patient who initially presented with a subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to a ruptured supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) blister aneurysm. The patient was treated successfully with a flow diverter stent (FD) and coiling; however, a large aneurysm recurrence via a feeding posterior communicating artery (PCOM) was noted on the 1-year follow-up angiogram. During the retreatment, a second FD in the ICA resulted in insufficient aneurysm stasis. Therefore, the decision was made to coil sacrifice the PCOM via posterior circulation access. During the first coil deployment, the distal coil end migrated through the mesh of two overlapping FD into the middle cerebral artery. This complication was a previously unrecognised possibility given the composition of the FD. This case report aims to discuss this process as a potential complication during neurointerventional procedures using these devices.
Mottled Raynaud’s phenomenon and hand-arm vibration syndrome: followed up for 10 years
Authors: Hirano Harukazu
Published: January 2024

Vibration white finger is a form of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) caused by the use of handheld vibrating tools. RP usually appears on the extremities of the fingers, and its borders are well recognised. No reports have been published on ‘mottled’ RP in continuous observation from the onset to the disappearance of RP. A man in his 60s who had been using vibrating tools such as jackhammers and tampers for 30 years presented with sensations of coldness, burning and numbness. Whole-body cold exposure was performed outdoors in winter, and RP was photographed continuously. ‘Mottled’ RP can be defined as triphasic colour changes: white, blue and red. The patient was taken off work, kept warm and medicated. His symptoms improved slightly after 10 years of follow-up, but the RP did not disappear. ‘Mottled’ RP is rare and refractory and should be recognised as a form of RP.
Causes of sudden cardiac arrest and death and the diagnostic yield of sport preparticipation screening in children
Authors: Graziano Francesca , Schiavon Maurizio , Cipriani Alberto , Savalla Francesco , De Gaspari Monica , Bauce Barbara , Rizzo Stefania , Calore Chiara , Thiene Gaetano , Paiaro Stefano , Basso Cristina , Zorzi Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Objective

Evidence on the increased risk of sports-related sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) and the potential benefit of cardiovascular preparticipation screening (PPS) in children is limited. We assessed the burden and circumstances of SCA/D and the diagnostic yield of cardiovascular PPS in children aged 8–15 years.

Methods

Data on the incidence and causes of SCA/D from 2011 to 2020 were obtained from the Veneto region (Italy) sudden death registry, hospital records and local press. During the same period, we assessed the results of annual PPS in 25 251 young competitive athletes aged 8–15 years who underwent 58 185 evaluations (mean 2.3/athlete) in Padua, Italy.

Results

Over 10 years, 26 SCA/D occurred in children aged 8–15 years in the Veneto region: 6 in athletes (incidence 0.7/100 000/year, all ≥12 years) versus 20 in non-athletes (0.7/100 000/year, 17/20 ≥12 years). In total, 4/6 athletes versus 1/20 non-athletes survived. The cause of SCA/D remained unexplained in four athletes and in nine non-athletes. No athlete suffered SCA/D from structural diseases potentially identifiable by PPS. The incidence of SCA/D in athletes and non-athletes was 0.2/100 000/year in the 8–11 years group versus 1.3/100 000/year in the 12–15 years group. PPS identified 26 new diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) at risk of SCA/D, more often in children ≥12 years old (0.06%/evaluation) than <12 years old (0.02%/evaluation, p=0.02). Among athletes with a negative PPS, two suffered unexplained SCA/D during follow-up, one during exercise.

Conclusions

In children aged 8–15 years, the incidence of SCA/D and the yield of PPS for identifying at-risk CVD were both substantially higher in those ≥12 years, suggesting that systematic PPS may be more useful beyond this age.
Barriers to and facilitators of living guidelines use in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Meteku Bekele Tesfaye , Quigley Matthew , Turner Tari , Green Sally E
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Living guidelines provide reliable, ongoing evidence surveillance and regularly updated recommendations for healthcare decision-making. As a relatively new concept, most of the initial application of living approaches has been undertaken in high-income countries. However, in this scoping review, we looked at what is currently known about how living guidelines were developed, used and applied in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

Searches for published literature were conducted in Medline, Global Health, Cochrane Library and Embase. Grey literature was identified using Google Scholar and the WHO website. In addition, the reference lists of included studies were checked for missing studies. Studies were included if they described or reflected on the development, application or utility of living guideline approaches for low-income and middle-income countries.

Results

After a full-text review, 21 studies were included in the review, reporting on the development and application of living recommendations in low-income and middle-income countries. Most studies reported living guideline activities conducted by the WHO (15, 71.4%), followed by China (4, 19%), Chile (1, 4.8%) and Lebanon (1, 4.8%). All studies based on WHO reports relate to living COVID-19 management guidelines.

Conclusions

Most of the studies in this review were WHO-reported studies focusing solely on COVID-19 disease treatment living guidelines. However, there was no clear explanation of how living guidelines were used nor information on the prospects for and obstacles to the implementation of living guidelines in low-income and middle-income countries.
Association of body composition and physical activity with pain and function in knee osteoarthritis patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tong Beibei , Chen Hongbo , Wang Mengqi , Liu Peiyuan , Wang Cui , Zeng Wen , Li Dan , Shang Shaomei
Published: January 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to delineate disparities between patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) based on obesity status, investigate the interplay among body composition, physical activity and knee pain/function in patients with KOA and conduct subgroup analyses focusing on those with KOA and obesity.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Residents of eight communities in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, were surveyed from March 2021 to November 2021.

Participants

178 patients with symptomatic KOA aged 40 years or older were included.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome measure was knee pain, assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index-pain (WOMAC-P) scale. Secondary outcome measures included function, evaluated through the WOMAC-function (WOMAC-F) scale and the Five-Time-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST). Data analysis involved t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, χ2tests, linear and logistical regression analysis.

Results

Participants (n=178) were 41–80 years of age (median: 65, P25–P75: 58–70), and 82% were female. Obese patients (n=103) had worse knee pain and self-reported function (p<0.05). In general patients with KOA, body fat mass was positively associated with bilateral knee pain (β=1.21 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.15)), WOMAC-P scores (β=0.25 (95% CI 0.23 to 1.22)), WOMAC-F scores (β=0.28 (95% CI 0.35 to 1.29)) and FTSST (β=0.19 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.42)), moderate-intensity to low-intensity physical activity was negatively associated with bilateral knee pain (β=−0.80 (95% CI −0.10 to –0.01)) and Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was negatively associated with WOMAC-F scores (β=−0.16 (95% CI −0.66 to –0.03)). In patients with KOA and obesity, SMI was negatively associated with FTSST (β=−0.30 (95% CI −3.94 to –0.00)).

Conclusion

Patients with KOA and obesity had worse knee pain and self-reported function compared with non-obese patients. Greater fat mass, lower muscle mass and lower moderate-intensity to low-intensity physical activity were associated with increased knee pain and poor self-reported function. More skeletal muscle mass was associated with the improvement of objective function.