bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land use change from marginal peaty rice fields to other land uses in Air Hitam irrigation area, Bengkulu, Indonesia
Authors: Barchia Muhammad Faiz , Sulistyo Bambang , Putri Elsa L. , Utami Kartika
Published: June 2023

Land use changes cause uncertain conditions for rice production and food security in Indonesia as well as in Bengkulu. The land use changes on infertile peaty soils from paddy cultivation to oil palm plantation and other land uses treat rice production sustainability. The purposes of this research was to show land use conversion from rice field to other land functions in Air Hitam irrigation area, Bengkulu. This study was done from July to November 2021 at Air Hitam rice fields in Central Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. The existing land use in three periods was analyzed using satellite imagery with appropriate resolutions and multitemporal time comprising Landsat 5 TM (Thematic Mapper), Landsat 7 ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper + and Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) taken out 2000, 2010 and 2020 released by United States Geological Survey (USGS). The dominant land uses at the Air Hitam area in year of 2000 were mostly rice fields covering about 71.84%, and the rice fields in year of 2010 decrease to 53.63%. The rice fields conversion still continuous, and in 2020 the rice fields dropped to 47.65% while oil palm plantation covers about 38.74% of the area. In the last two decades the oil palm plantation cultivated by small scale farmers sharp increase, in contrast, rice fields at this area were huge loss. The rice field loss of 292.27 ha at the Air Hitam irrigation area threat rice production in Bengkulu.
Effect of plant population density of black maize on plant growth, baby-corn yield, and biomass
Authors: Purwani Tyastuti , Gunawan Made Candra , Astriani Dian
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of black maize plant population density on plant growth, baby-corn yield, and biomass. The research was carried out from September to November 2021 on the plot of the Merang Mushroom Center and Integrated Farming of Lestari Makmur, Kepuhan Hamlet, Argorejo, Sedayu, Bantul, Yogyakarta with vertisol soil type and an altitude of 87.5 meters above sea level. The plant population density implemented in the number of plants per hole, namely 1, 2, 3, and 4 plants per hole, was tested using Completely Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. Each experimental unit measuring 3m × 3.5m with a plant spacing of 75cm × 25cm. Maintenance of experimental plants following the standard recommendations for corn cultivation. Cow manure 15 tons ha−1 was sown before planting, while NPK fertilizer of 300 kg ha was given 2 times on 2 and 4 weeks after planting, by making a whole, put fertilizer in, then covered with soil again. Detasseling was done before the tassels bloom. Baby corn was harvested up to maximum of 6 days after the ears appear. Biomass was harvested by cutting the plant stand after all baby-corn had been harvested. The observed variables were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), stem diameter (mm), days to tasseling (days after planting), fresh and dry weight of plant (g), weight and diameter of ears, baby corn yield ha−1, and biomass yield ha−1. Data collected were analized by analysis of variance and DMRT at α= 5%. The results showed that the population density of black maize had an effect on stem diameter, plant fresh weight, baby-corn yield, and biomass yield per hectare. The largest stem diameter at a population density of 1 plant/hole. The yield of baby-corn per hectare was highest at a density of 3 or 4 plants per hole, and the highest biomass yield per hectare was at a density of 4 plants per hole. The weight, length, and diameter of baby-corn did not differ at various population densities.
Vortex phase deterioration common-path interferometry
Authors: Shetty Pritam P , Hemalatha V , Babu Mahalingam , Bingi Jayachandra
Published: June 2023

Common-path interferometers (CPIs) are significant due to their compactness and vibration resistance. The usual challenge with CPIs arises due to a very small separation between reference and sample beams, where sending a reference beam through a sample is considered to be a limitation. However, this limitation also makes it difficult to probe the interaction of beams with materials as a function of their phase structure. This study paves the way for a new kind of interferometry that can provide unique phase signatures to study the sample. This paper proposes and demonstrates a novel approach based on thermo-optic refraction, to send both beams through the sample and probe the phase deterioration due to the relative interaction of beams in the material medium. Here, thermo-optic refraction interferometry allows the superposition of a higher-order vortex beam with a non-vortex beam through the phenomenon of thermal lensing. The non-vortex beam is made to expand in a controlled fashion by another laser. The relative interaction between the expanding non-vortex beam and the vortex beam within the sample, results in the output interferogram. The phase deterioration analysis of the output interferogram elucidates medium-driven phase changes. This technique is demonstrated using milk samples by recording the root-mean-square azimuthal phase deterioration of the orbital angular momentum beam.
Computational modeling of sigmoid functionally graded material (SFGM) plate
Authors: Sharma Jai Kumar , Kumar Sateesh , Kumar Nishant , Hasnain S M Mozammil , Pandey Shatrudhan , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Ragab Adham E
Published: June 2023

The first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) was used to explore the natural frequency response of functionally graded piezoelectric plates subjected to static electrical and mechanical strain in this present study. A monomorph model for a functionally graded piezoelectric plate with material properties that change according to sigmoid law with respect to plate thickness has been considered. A three-dimensional finite element model with a free tetrahedral element mesh was created using COMSOL 4.2 Multiphysics® software, with each node having three degrees of freedom. Variations in the FGPM plate’s free vibration boundary conditions, composition, and geometry have all been investigated. In free vibration analysis, non-dimensional natural frequency of FGPM plate initially decreasing considerably and then remaining almost constant with the increase in volume fraction index when material property graded by power law. When material properties are varied by sigmoid law, with an increase in volume fraction index, the non-dimensional natural frequency of FGPM plates remains virtually constant. FGPM plates have a lower non-dimensional natural frequency if the thickness to width ratio is greater. Non-dimensional natural frequencies of Clamped-Clamped FGPM plates (C–C–C–C) are greater compared to Clamped-Free FGPM (C–F–C–F) and Simply Supported Free FGPM (S–F–S–F).
Numerical simulation of ultrashort-pulse reflectometry (USPR) on EAST
Authors: YU Xiaofeng , CHEN Ran , LI Xiaoliang , ZHU Yilun , DOMIER Calvin W , RUAN Xinglei , HUANG Taihao , GUO Jin , LIN Ziyu , XU Guosheng , MAO Shifeng , LUHMANN Neville C , YE Minyou
Published: June 2023

The microwave reflectometer is a popular non-intrusive plasma density diagnostic instrument on tokamaks that provides centimeter and millisecond level resolution. The ultrashort-pulse reflectometer (USPR) achieves plasma density measurement by emitting a chirped wave containing a broadband signal and measuring the time of flight from different frequency components. A USPR system is currently being built on EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak) to meet the needs of diagnostic of the pedestal density evolution, such as high-frequency small edge-localized modes. In order to predict the density reconstruction of the EAST USPR system, this work presents a numerical simulation study of the beam propagation of the chirped wave of extraordinary waves (X-mode) in the plasma based on Python. The electron density profile has been successfully reconstructed by the reflection signal interpretation. The small gap between the right-hand cut-off layer and the electron cyclotron resonance layer, due to the low plasma density on the plasma edge, causes unexpected leakage from the transmitting microwave beam to the pedestal and the core region. This kind of ‘tunneling’ effect will cause the reflected signal to have energy loss in the low-frequency band. The study also discusses the influence of the poloidal magnetic field on the reflected signal. The spatial variation of the poloidal magnetic field will lead to the conversion between extraordinary (X) waves and ordinary (O) waves, which leads to energy loss in the reflected signals. The simulation results show that the ‘tunneling’ effect and the O-X mode conversion effect have little effect on the EAST USPR system. Therefore, the currently designed transmit power meets the working requirements.
Geometry of phase-covariant qubit channels
Authors: Siudzińska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

We analyze the geometry on the space of non-unital phase-covariant qubit maps. Using the corresponding Choi-Jamiołkowski states, we derive the Hilbert-Schmidt line and volume elements using the channel eigenvalues together with the parameter that characterizes non-unitality. We find the shapes and analytically compute the volumes of phase-covariant channels, in particular entanglement breaking and obtainable with time-local generators.
Experimental study on long-term dynamic strength of gravel soil under traffic loading
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Wang Jing , Liu Mengxi
Published: June 2023

In order to maintain the long-term dynamic stability of gravel soil subgrade under traffic loading and prevent fatigue damage, it is necessary to determine the long-term dynamic strength of gravel soil under different working conditions. The dynamic triaxial test was carried out on the 40 groups of remolded gravel soil samples under chosen 8 working conditions. Based on the results of the dynamic triaxial test, the

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p

−
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curves and

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p

−

lg

N

curves were drawn. Further, the

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d

−

lg

N

f

curves of gravel soil were drawn, and finally, the long-term dynamic strength computation model of gravel soil was established. The effects of confining pressure, water content, degree of compaction, loading frequency, and initial static deviatory stress on the long-term dynamic strength of gravel soil were also analyzed. It is concluded that With the increase of confining pressure and compaction degree, the long-term dynamic strength of increases. With the increase of the number of loading cycles and initial static deviatory stress, the long-term dynamic strength decreases. At the optimal water content, the long-term dynamic strength is the highest. And the impact of loading frequency on the long-term dynamic strength is relatively small. The relationship between the long-term dynamic strength under 1 × 106, 5 × 106 and 1 × 107 loading cycles of gravel soil and the resilient modulus was established, and the value of the relationship curve coefficient ranges from 0.885 to 1.945.
Characterization of developed low thermal scanner for DC voltage measurement
Authors: Munir Miftahul , Azzumar Muhammad , Syahadi Mohamad
Published: June 2023

A low thermal scanner has been completely developed for improving DC voltage calibration from semi-automatic to fully automatic measurement system. The application of the switching system inside the built-up scanner introduced offset voltage to the measurement due to thermal electromotive force (EMF). A differential measurement method was proposed to characterize the thermal EMF of the scanner, and this method has been compared to previous characterization using the direct measurement method. The results show that the differential measurement method could minimize the thermal EMF effect, and the thermal EMF had a negligible contribution to the measurement for uncertainty levels around 10 to 11 ppm. Therefore, the differential measurement method is recommended for DC voltage calibration with uncertainty levels below 10 ppm since the thermal EMF can significantly affect the measurement. Furthermore, the direct measurement method is suggested for DC voltage calibration with uncertainty levels above 11 ppm since it can speed up the measurement process.
Learning latent functions for causal discovery
Authors: Díaz Emiliano , Varando Gherardo , Johnson J Emmanuel , Camps-Valls Gustau
Published: June 2023

Causal discovery from observational data offers unique opportunities in many scientific disciplines: reconstructing causal drivers, testing causal hypotheses, and comparing and evaluating models for optimizing targeted interventions. Recent causal discovery methods focused on estimating the latent space of the data to get around a lack of causal sufficiency or additivity constraints. However, estimating the latent space significantly increases model complexity, compromising causal identifiability and making it hard to compare models that correspond to different causal hypotheses. We propose a kernel, non-parametric latent-space modelling approach and deal with the difficulty of comparing causal directions by measuring and controlling for the level of causal assumption fulfilment. We introduce a latent noise causal inference framework to estimate latent factors associated with the hypothesized causal direction by optimizing a loss function with kernel independence criteria. We extend the framework to work with time series using an additional time-dependent kernel regularizer. We discuss the additivity assumption and model complexity and give empirical evidence of performance in a wide range of synthetic and real causal discovery problems.
Determinants of respirable crystalline silica exposure in construction in western Canada
Authors: Gorman Ng Melanie , Li Avril Mu , Lavoué Jérôme , Davies Hugh W
Published: June 2023

Task-based respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure monitoring data was collected from construction work sites across 3 Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia (BC), and Manitoba. In total 373 RCS samples were obtained from 70 worksites across 44 companies. Sampling was conducted between May 2015 and August 2020. The overall geometric mean (GM) RCS exposure was 0.045 mg/m3 (geometric standard deviation, GSD = 6.8). Alberta had the highest average exposure and the highest variability with GM of 0.060 mg/m3 (GSD = 9.3), the GM in BC was 0.044 (GSD = 4.3), and in Manitoba the GM was 0.033 (GSD = 7.0). A multivariable model was built using forward stepwise linear regression modeling. Province, task type, work environment (indoor vs. outdoor), construction material, sampling duration, and engineering control use were all statistically significant predictors of exposure level in partial F-tests (P < 0.05). Overall, the model explained 42% of the RCS concentration variability. Task type contributed most to the model’s explanatory power. The task type with highest average exposure levels was demolition (GM 0.30 mg/m3, GSD 0.49). Breaking (GM 0.16 mg/m3, GSD 8.4) and grinding (GM 0.081 m/m3, GSD 7.4) also had high-exposure levels. Working outdoors was associated with exposure levels 39% lower than indoors. Exposure control measures such as local exhaust ventilation and wetting were also associated with lower exposure levels. Among construction materials, Cement, sand, and stone were associated with higher RCS exposure levels relative to the reference material, concrete. The results of this study indicate that workers in western Canada remain exposed to RCS at levels that exceed the health-based American Congress for Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value of 0.025 mg/m3. Although there were some differences in exposure levels between the provinces, the determinants of exposure were similar in all 3. The overall GM RCS exposure was 0.045 mg/m3 (geometric standard deviation, GSD = 6.8). Alberta had the highest average exposure and the highest variability with GM of 0.060 mg/m3 (GSD = 9.3), the GM in BC was 0.044 (GSD = 4.3), and in Manitoba the GM was 0.033 (GSD = 7.0).
The evolution of extra-pair paternity and paternal care in birds
Authors: Søraker Jørgen S , Wright Jonathan , Hanslin Fredrik Øglænd , Pepke Michael Le
Published: June 2023

Extra-pair paternity (EPP) influences the relatedness between social parents and offspring. Therefore, one might expect the level of EPP to influence levels of paternal investment. Here, we investigated the effect of variation in EPP rates on male contributions to parental care within a phylogenetic framework of up to 271 primarily socially monogamous bird species representing 85 families. We used proportion of male provisioning and occurrence of male incubation and nestbuilding as measures of paternal care. We tested the relationship between EPP rates and different components of paternal care while controlling for various life-history traits, namely lifespan, clutch size, and body mass in a phylogenetic path analysis framework. EPP was significantly negatively associated with the occurrence (i.e., whether males participate or not) of male nestbuilding and incubation, but not with the relative amount (proportion) of nestbuilding or incubation performed by the male. Importantly, the proportion of provisioning and biomass delivery by males was clearly negatively associated with EPP. These analyses thus confirm that the effect of EPP on proportion of provisioning visits by males is similar to proportion of biomass delivery, an often assumed but rarely tested assumption. Analysing only Passerine species provided similar results, although only proportion of provisioning was significantly negatively associated with EPP. This study, therefore, provides the most comprehensive support to date of a negative relationship between EPP and paternal care across species. However, a causal relationship between EPP and paternal care cannot necessarily be concluded. We also identify key methodological improvements for future research within the topic.
ISRES+: an improved evolutionary strategy for function minimization to estimate the free parameters of systems biology models
Authors: Bandodkar Prasad , Shaikh Razeen , Reeves Gregory T
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Mathematical models in systems biology help generate hypotheses, guide experimental design, and infer the dynamics of gene regulatory networks. These models are characterized by phenomenological or mechanistic parameters, which are typically hard to measure. Therefore, efficient parameter estimation is central to model development. Global optimization techniques, such as evolutionary algorithms (EAs), are applied to estimate model parameters by inverse modeling, i.e. calibrating models by minimizing a function that evaluates a measure of the error between model predictions and experimental data. EAs estimate model parameters “fittest individuals” by generating a large population of individuals using strategies like recombination and mutation over multiple “generations.” Typically, only a few individuals from each generation are used to create new individuals in the next generation. Improved Evolutionary Strategy by Stochastic Ranking (ISRES), proposed by Runnarson and Yao, is one such EA that is widely used in systems biology to estimate parameters. ISRES uses information at most from a pair of individuals in any generation to create a new population to minimize the error. In this article, we propose an efficient evolutionary strategy, ISRES+, which builds on ISRES by combining information from all individuals across the population and across all generations to develop a better understanding of the fitness landscape.

Results

ISRES+ uses the additional information generated by the algorithm during evolution to approximate the local neighborhood around the best-fit individual using linear least squares fits in one and two dimensions, enabling efficient parameter estimation. ISRES+ outperforms ISRES and results in fitter individuals with a tighter distribution over multiple runs, such that a typical run of ISRES+ estimates parameters with a higher goodness-of-fit compared with ISRES.

Availability and implementation

Algorithm and implementation: Github—https://github.com/gtreeves/isres-plus-bandodkar-2022.
Beyond Technology-Facilitated Abuse: Domestic and Family Violence and Temporary Migration
Authors: Vasil Stefani , Segrave Marie
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the importance of moving beyond a narrow examination of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) and domestic and family violence (DFV). Drawing on findings from two studies that capture the experiences of over 300 temporary visa holders in Australia, we detail how technology is one tool used within the context of patterns of control and isolation. We detail the experiences of TFA in our sample and then examine the importance of locating TFA within the broader context of structural inequality. We argue that the position of temporary non-citizens must be the foreground to identify the structural conditions that are sustained by the state and leveraged by perpetrators, rather than the specifics of the tools that are used to enact DFV.
Global cost of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery: meta-analysis
Authors: Traeger Luke , Koullouros Michalis , Bedrikovetski Sergei , Kroon Hidde M , Moore James W , Sammour Tarik
Published: June 2023

Background

Following abdominal surgery, postoperative ileus is a common complication significantly increasing patient morbidity and cost of hospital admission. This is the first systematic review aimed at determining the average global hospital cost per patient associated with postoperative ileus.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was performed from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies included compared patients undergoing abdominal surgery who developed postoperative ileus to those who did not, focusing on costing data. The primary outcome was the total cost of inpatient stay. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa assessment tool. Summary meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Of the 2071 studies identified, 88 papers were assessed for full eligibility. The systematic review included nine studies (2005–2022), investigating 1 860 889 patients undergoing general, colorectal, gynaecological and urological surgery. These studies showed significant variations in the definition of postoperative ileus. Six studies were eligible for meta-analysis showing an increase of €8233 (95 per cent c.i. (5176 to 11 290), P < 0.0001, I2 = 95.5 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 66.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (34.8 to 97.9), P < 0.0001, I2 = 98.4 per cent). However, there was significant bias between studies. Five colorectal-surgery-specific studies showed an increase of €7242 (95 per cent c.i. (4502 to 9983), P < 0.0001, I2 = 86.0 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 57.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (36.3 to 78.3), P < 0.0001, I2 = 85.7 per cent).

Conclusion

The global financial burden of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery is significant. While further multicentre data using a uniform postoperative ileus definition would be useful, reducing the incidence and impact of postoperative ileus are a priority to mitigate healthcare-related costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Developing and Evaluating a Social Work Assessment Model based on Co-production Methods
Authors: Montgomery Lorna , MacDonald Mandi , Houston Emeritus Stanley
Published: June 2023

Building Better Futures (BBF) is a structured and systematic model developed in Northern Ireland for assessing parenting capacity when there are childcare concerns. This article focuses on the iterative development of the model, through a social work, practitioner–academic, research collaboration. BBF was developed using a mixed method, flexible and multi-modal, iterative design embracing a collaborative approach between social work academics and practitioners. Five senior practitioners (SPs) were appointed for a three-year period to work on the project. The formative implementation and evaluation of the model consisted of a series of co-produced, in-depth mixed-method evaluation studies across the region. The project outcomes confirmed the utility of the model for social work practitioners and the benefits to families. An evaluation of the co-production methodologies identified the importance of building an inclusive, collaborative team with shared trust. The importance of managing power between the groups was identified, and the absence of parents as part of the collaboration was acknowledged. Engagement in research can enhance professional identity and job satisfaction for social workers and develop social work tools and processes which are ‘fit for purpose’ because they have been influenced by the views of the end users.
Does it matter what is trained? A randomized controlled trial evaluating the specificity of alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback in reducing tinnitus symptoms
Authors: Jensen Martin , Alanis Jose Carlos Garcia , Hüttenrauch Eva , Winther-Jensen Matilde , Chavanon Mira-Lynn , Andersson Gerhard , Weise Cornelia
Published: June 2023

Previous studies showed that alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback was effective in reducing unpleasant psychological, emotional and perceptual consequences of tinnitus. The main goal of the present study was to investigate, whether the specific combination of enhancing alpha frequency band activity and reducing delta frequency band activity was necessary, or merely sufficient, to obtain a positive treatment outcome regarding tinnitus distress and intensity. A second research aim was to assess the relative contribution of neurofeedback-related non-specific and general non-specific effects in neurofeedback treatment. In a three-arm, randomized controlled trial, 94 chronic tinnitus patients were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback (n = 31), beta/theta ratio neurofeedback (n = 28) and non-neurofeedback minimal treatment intervention (n = 35). Neurofeedback participants underwent 10 treatment sessions over a 4-week period. Outcome measures were collected pre-, mid- and post-interventions and at 3-months follow-up. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and the Tinnitus Magnitude Index were used as primary outcome measures for tinnitus distress and tinnitus intensity. EEG data recorded during training supplemented primary outcomes. Since data were repeated measures, the analyses used a two-level mixed effects model approach including by-subject random effects (random intercept). For the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, the results showed no interaction effect. For the Tinnitus Magnitude Index, the analysis showed a significant time × group interaction, indicating that both alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback and beta/theta ratio neurofeedback reported reduced tinnitus intensity. Analysis of EEG data showed a consistent pattern for the alpha/delta ratio over the course of training. Compared to beta/theta ratio neurofeedback, alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback showed an elevated response. Conversely, for the beta ratio to theta ratio, the pattern was more inconsistent, with no clear indication of superiority for beta/theta ratio neurofeedback over alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback. The main question of this piece of research was whether alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback demonstrated frequency band specificity in the alleviation of tinnitus distress and perceived intensity. Results showed that alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback was sufficient but importantly ‘not’ necessary to achieve a positive outcome on both the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Tinnitus Magnitude Index, when compared to beta/theta ratio neurofeedback. Still, the data suggest a trend towards specificity for alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback. Because of this, it may be too premature to discard alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback in the treatment of tinnitus. Recommendations for future studies are outlined.
Covid-19 affects taste independent of taste–smell confusions: results from a combined chemosensory home test and online survey from a large global cohort
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Albayay Javier , Höchenberger Richard , Bhutani Surabhi , Boesveldt Sanne , Busch Niko A , Croijmans Ilja , Cooper Keiland W , de Groot Jasper H B , Farruggia Michael C , Fjaeldstad Alexander W , Hayes John E , Hummel Thomas , Joseph Paule V , Laktionova Tatiana K , Thomas-Danguin Thierry , Veldhuizen Maria G , Voznessenskaya Vera V , Parma Valentina , Pepino M Yanina , Ohla Kathrin
Published: June 2023

People often confuse smell loss with taste loss, so it is unclear how much gustatory function is reduced in patients self-reporting taste loss. Our pre-registered cross-sectional study design included an online survey in 12 languages with instructions for self-administering chemosensory tests with 10 household items. Between June 2020 and March 2021, 10,953 individuals participated. Of these, 5,225 self-reported a respiratory illness and were grouped based on their reported COVID test results: COVID-positive (COVID+, N = 3,356), COVID-negative (COVID−, N = 602), and COVID unknown for those waiting for a test result (COVID?, N = 1,267). The participants who reported no respiratory illness were grouped by symptoms: sudden smell/taste changes (STC, N = 4,445), other symptoms excluding smell or taste changes (OthS, N = 832), and no symptoms (NoS, N = 416). Taste, smell, and oral irritation intensities and self-assessed abilities were rated on visual analog scales. Compared to the NoS group, COVID+ was associated with a 21% reduction in taste (95% confidence interval (CI): 15–28%), 47% in smell (95% CI: 37–56%), and 17% in oral irritation (95% CI: 10–25%) intensity. There were medium to strong correlations between perceived intensities and self-reported abilities (r = 0.84 for smell, r = 0.68 for taste, and r = 0.37 for oral irritation). Our study demonstrates that COVID-19-positive individuals report taste dysfunction when self-tested with stimuli that have little to none olfactory components. Assessing the smell and taste intensity of household items is a promising, cost-effective screening tool that complements self-reports and may help to disentangle taste loss from smell loss. However, it does not replace standardized validated psychophysical tests.
Editorial: Reconceptualizing public sphere(s) in the digital age? On the role and future of public sphere theory
Authors: Eisenegger Mark , Schäfer Mike S
Published: June 2023

Theories of the public sphere—or more recently, of plural public spheres—are core elements of communication and media research. A lively and dynamic debate exists about the respective theories, and the approaches employed to do so have diversified in recent years. This special issue of Communication Theory aims to assess the role and future of public sphere(s) theory in digital societies: if, and where, are concepts of the public sphere(s) still useful and needed, which criticisms are (still) valid, which not, which new ones might be necessary, and which concepts need to be developed or elaborated to respond meaningfully to the digital transformation? This editorial introduces the topic of and contributions to the special issue as well as nine theses on the development of public sphere(s) theorizing.
Timing of citizenship acquisition and immigrants’ children educational outcomes: a family fixed-effects approach
Authors: Labussière Marie
Published: June 2023

Various studies suggest a positive effect of host country citizenship on the educational outcomes of immigrants’ children. However, little is known about when and for whom citizenship matters and how much this is affected by potential endogeneity in the relationship between parental citizenship acquisition and their children’s educational outcomes. Focusing on the Netherlands, this article exploits siblings’ variation in their exposure to naturalization in order to net out the effect of time-constant parental characteristics. Results from a linear mixed model show that children who acquire Dutch citizenship have a substantial advantage in terms of academic performance over those who are still foreign citizens, especially if they naturalized in early childhood. A novel bounding estimator that gauges the sensitivity of the estimates to omitted variable bias confirms the robustness of these results. Moreover, the effects of citizenship are concentrated among students whose parents are at a disadvantage in the labour market and housing market, shedding light on hitherto under-explored effect heterogeneity.
Assessment of internet-based information on statin therapy
Authors: Kwan Jing Yi , Stocco Fabio , Scott David J A , Bailey Marc A , Coughlin Patrick A
Published: June 2023

Aims

The use of statin therapy is deemed to be controversial by mainstream media. Patients increasingly source medical information from the internet, and the use of statins is no exception. This study aims to determine the quality and educational content of statin-focused information on the internet and YouTube.

Methods and results

‘Statin’ was searched on Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and YouTube. The first 50 results obtained from each search engine and the first 20 YouTube videos were screened by two assessors. Websites were assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score, University of Michigan Consumer Health Website Evaluation Checklist, and a customized scoring system evaluating statin-focused content for quality. Videos were scored using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, Global Quality Score (GQS), and the customized scoring system. Websites scored a median FRE score of 57.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 52.1–62.3], median Michigan score of 36 (IQR 32–41.5), and median content score of 5 (IQR 3.75–7). Good interobserver agreement was demonstrated [Michigan score interobserver coefficient correlation (ICC) = 0.968; content score ICC = 0.944]. Videos scored a median JAMA score of 2, median GQS score of 2.5, and median content score of 2.5. Good interobserver agreement was demonstrated (JAMA ICC = 0.746; GQS ICC = 0.874; content score ICC = 0.946).

Conclusion

Quality and readability of statin-focused online information are poor. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the limitations of the current available sources and design online resources that are accurate and patient-friendly.
Training needs assessment of European frontline health care workers on vaccinology and vaccine acceptance: a systematic review
Authors: Lanza Teresa Eleonora , Paladini Andrea , Marziali Eleonora , Gianfredi Vincenza , Blandi Lorenzo , Signorelli Carlo , Odone Anna , Ricciardi Walter , Damiani Gianfranco , Cadeddu Chiara
Published: June 2023

Background

The issue of reluctance towards vaccination is becoming more worrisome. Health care workers (HCWs) are the primary point of contact with individuals who make decisions about vaccination. Therefore, it is crucial that HCWs receive sufficient training and periodic updates. The main objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the HCWs’ training needs in vaccination and vaccine uptake.

Methods

In February 2022, a search was conducted on MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The search included papers written in English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Romanian, with a publication date ranging from 1 January 2011 to 24 February 2022 and conducted in Europe. To assess the methodological quality of the papers, the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies was utilized.

Results

The search of scientific literature yielded 640 outcomes on PubMed, 556 on Scopus and 15 on Google Scholar, for a total of 1211 records. After eliminating duplicates, screening titles and abstracts and evaluating the full text of the articles, only 25 of them were found suitable for inclusion. The studies’ overall quality ranged from moderate to good. The majority of the research emphasized the need for improved knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine efficacy, immunization schedules and vaccine adverse effects.

Conclusions

It is vital to prioritize educational programmes on vaccinology and vaccine hesitancy for HCWs, with the objective of improving their knowledge, awareness and attitudes. Addressing the diversity of educational backgrounds, roles and training requirements of HCWs involved in vaccination across Europe is a critical issue that must be tackled for future initiatives.
An allelic series of spontaneous Rorb mutant mice exhibit a gait phenotype, changes in retina morphology and behavior, and gene expression signatures associated with the unfolded protein response
Authors: Murray George C , Bubier Jason A , Zinder Oraya J , Harris Belinda , Clark James , Christopher Mia-Cara , Hanley Courtany , Tjong Harianto , Li Meihong , Ngan Chew Yee , Reinholdt Laura , Burgess Robert W , Tadenev Abigail L D
Published: June 2023

The Retinoid-related orphan receptor beta (RORβ) gene encodes a developmental transcription factor and has 2 predominant isoforms created through alternative first exon usage; one specific to the retina and another present more broadly in the central nervous system, particularly regions involved in sensory processing. RORβ belongs to the nuclear receptor family and plays important roles in cell fate specification in the retina and cortical layer formation. In mice, loss of RORβ causes disorganized retina layers, postnatal degeneration, and production of immature cone photoreceptors. Hyperflexion or “high-stepping” of rear limbs caused by reduced presynaptic inhibition by Rorb-expressing inhibitory interneurons of the spinal cord is evident in RORβ-deficient mice. RORβ variants in patients are associated with susceptibility to various neurodevelopmental conditions, primarily generalized epilepsies, but including intellectual disability, bipolar, and autism spectrum disorders. The mechanisms by which RORβ variants confer susceptibility to these neurodevelopmental disorders are unknown but may involve aberrant neural circuit formation and hyperexcitability during development. Here we report an allelic series in 5 strains of spontaneous Rorb mutant mice with a high-stepping gait phenotype. We show retinal abnormalities in a subset of these mutants and demonstrate significant differences in various behavioral phenotypes related to cognition. Gene expression analyses in all 5 mutants reveal a shared over-representation of the unfolded protein response and pathways related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, suggesting a possible mechanism of susceptibility relevant to patients.
O-080 An umbrella review of meta-analyses regarding the incidence of female specific malignancies following fertility treatment
Authors: Kasaven L , Saso S , Barcroft J , Galazis N , Grewal K , Bracewell Milnes T , Jones B , Getreu N , Ben Nagi J , Smith R , Yazbek J , Timmerman D , Bourne T , Ghaem-Maghami S , Verbakel J
Published: June 2023

Study question

To investigate the validity of the association between the development of female specific malignancies, including ovarian, endometrial, breast and cervical cancer following fertility treatment.

Summary answer

There is a statistically significant increase in the incidence of ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumours associated with fertility treatment.

What is known already

Approximately 1.3 million IVF cycles have been performed since 1991. The association between fertility treatment (FT) and female-specific cancers however, remains contentious, largely due to the conflicting outcomes published in various meta-analyses.

Study design, size, duration

A thorough literature search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Pubmed was carried out to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses, from inception up until April 2022.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The inclusion criteria included original studies stating the incidence of cancer in FT and control groups (non-FT). The principal outcome of interest was the incidence of cancer (breast, endometrial, cervical, and ovarian) in FT and non-FT groups. The effect estimates, Hazard Ratios and Odds Ratios (OR) were extracted, or calculated de novo. The strength of evidence and extent of potential biases were summarised.

Main results and the role of chance

In total, 3129 publications were identified, and 11 meta-analytical reviews were included. This umbrella review synthesised 324 meta-analyses, including data from over 20 million patients. The incidence of ovarian cancer (OR 1·21;95% CI 1·00-1·45) and BOTs (OR 1.87;95%CI 1·18-2.97) was higher in the FT compared to non-FT group. The meta-analyses related to ovarian cancer was statistically significant (p < 0.05), using a random-effects model. There was no significant association demonstrated between FT and the incidence of cervical, breast or endometrial cancer.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although it has been demonstrated that exposure to fertility treatment does significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer and BOTs, further studies are required in order to draw accurate conclusions.

Wider implications of the findings

Understanding the potential long-term sequelae of FT is fundamental to guide counselling and enable individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive future. Clinicians should engage in appropriate patient selection, with those deemed to be at a higher risk, selected for more personalised fertility treatment and careful preventative follow-up.

Trial registration number

NA
Establishing Bilateral Symmetry in Hydrozoan Planula Larvae, a Review of Siphonophore Early Development
Authors: Mańko Maciej K , Munro Catriona , Leclère Lucas
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

Siphonophores are colonial hydrozoans, characterized by complex colony organization and unparalleled zooid functional specialization. Recent genomic studies have offered an evolutionary perspective on how this morphological complexity arose, but a molecular characterization of symmetry breaking in siphonophore embryonic development is still largely missing. Here, bringing together historical data on early development with new immunohistochemical data, we review the diversity of developmental trajectories that lead to the formation of bilaterally symmetric planula larvae in siphonophores. Embryonic development, up to the planula stage, is remarkably similar across siphonophore phylogeny. Then, with the appearance of the lateral endodermal thickening (= ventral endoderm), larval development diverges between taxa, differing in the location and patterning of the primary buds, chronology of budding, establishment of growth zones, and retention of larval zooids. Our work also uncovers a number of open questions in siphonophore development, including homology of different zooids, mechanisms underlying formation and maintenance of spatially restricted growth zone(s), and molecular factors establishing a secondary dorsal-ventral axis in planulae. By discussing siphonophore development and body axes within the broader cnidarian context, we then set the framework for future work on siphonophores, which is finally achievable with the advent of culturing methods.
Variance of age-specific log incidence decomposition (VALID): a unifying model of measured and unmeasured genetic and non-genetic risks
Authors: Hopper John L , Dowty James G , Nguyen Tuong L , Li Shuai , Dite Gillian S , MacInnis Robert J , Makalic Enes , Schmidt Daniel F , Bui Minh , Stone Jennifer , Sung Joohon , Jenkins Mark A , Giles Graham G , Southey Melissa C , Mathews John D
Published: June 2023

Background

The extent to which known and unknown factors explain how much people of the same age differ in disease risk is fundamental to epidemiology. Risk factors can be correlated in relatives, so familial aspects of risk (genetic and non-genetic) must be considered.

Development

We present a unifying model (VALID) for variance in risk, with risk defined as log(incidence) or logit(cumulative incidence). Consider a normally distributed risk score with incidence increasing exponentially as the risk increases. VALID’s building block is variance in risk, Δ2, where Δ = log(OPERA) is the difference in mean between cases and controls and OPERA is the odds ratio per standard deviation. A risk score correlated r between a pair of relatives generates a familial odds ratio of exp(rΔ2). Familial risk ratios, therefore, can be converted into variance components of risk, extending Fisher’s classic decomposition of familial variation to binary traits. Under VALID, there is a natural upper limit to variance in risk caused by genetic factors, determined by the familial odds ratio for genetically identical twin pairs, but not to variation caused by non-genetic factors.

Application

For female breast cancer, VALID quantified how much variance in risk is explained—at different ages—by known and unknown major genes and polygenes, non-genomic risk factors correlated in relatives, and known individual-specific factors.

Conclusion

VALID has shown that, while substantial genetic risk factors have been discovered, much is unknown about genetic and familial aspects of breast cancer risk especially for young women, and little is known about individual-specific variance in risk.
Traffic sign recognition with low-carbon technology in nighttime environment based on deep learning
Authors: Ranran Liang , Tao Ning , Jiayin Li , Meng Fu
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the decrease in the accuracy of traffic sign recognition due to dim light in the night environment, this paper proposes an improved you only look once version 5 (YOLOv5) algorithm to reduce carbon emissions. An improved adaptive histogram equalization method is designed to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image and highlight the detail information of traffic signs. In response to the higher requirements of the driving assistance system on the recognition model processing speed, the model is lightened and the standard convolution method of the backbone network is designed as a depth-separable convolution method, which greatly reduces the number of model parameters. To address the problem of feature loss during model learning, an improved feature pyramid AAM SPPF path aggregation network (AS-PAN) structure is proposed to enhance the learning capability of the model by adding an adaptive attention module to the Neck head and a spatial pyramid pooling module before its P3 and P4 outputs. Finally, the traditional non-maximum suppression (NMS) generates prediction frames by replacing the traditional NMS with weighted frame fusion weighted boxes fusion (WBF), which changes all possibility target frames from discard to fusion. Experiments demonstrate that the improved algorithm achieves improved detection accuracy, decreased processing time for a single image and low carbon emissions in the traffic sign recognition process compared with the original YOLOv5 algorithm in a self-built nighttime environment dataset.