bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic reprogramming during the maternal‐to‐zygotic transition
Authors: Chen Yurong , Wang Luyao , Guo Fucheng , Dai Xiangpeng , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: August 2023

After fertilization, sperm and oocyte fused and gave rise to a zygote which is the beginning of a new life. Then the embryonic development is monitored and regulated precisely from the transition of oocyte to the embryo at the early stage of embryogenesis, and this process is termed maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT). MZT involves two major events that are maternal components degradation and zygotic genome activation. The epigenetic reprogramming plays crucial roles in regulating the process of MZT and supervising the normal development of early development of embryos. In recent years, benefited from the rapid development of low‐input epigenome profiling technologies, new epigenetic modifications are found to be reprogrammed dramatically and may play different roles during MZT whose dysregulation will cause an abnormal development of embryos even abortion at various stages. In this review, we summarized and discussed the important novel findings on epigenetic reprogramming and the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating MZT in mammalian embryos. Our work provided comprehensive and detailed references for the in deep understanding of epigenetic regulatory network in this key biological process and also shed light on the critical roles for epigenetic reprogramming on embryonic failure during artificial reproductive technology and nature fertilization.
Potential use of biodegradable polymers for facemask filter inserts produced using electrospinning methods
Authors: Khan Junaid , Jaafar Mariatti , Osman Baderin , Mahmud Haalah
Published: August 2023

The elevated use of petroleum‐based polymers to manufacture single‐use disposable face masks is a serious environmental concern that has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The research on using biodegradable facemasks is promising to reduce the environmental impacts of the single‐use non‐degradable facemask. A reusable cloth‐based facemask with effective filtration could benefit society. Many studies suggest polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) as viable biopolymers for facemask filter layer fabrication. In this work, an electrospun filter layer inserts with PVA, PBAT, and PLA polymers were produced by depositing electrospun nanofibers on non‐woven cotton layers followed by conventional sealing. The fabricated filter inserts were used in cloth‐based facemasks and were tested for filtration efficiencies and breathability. PVA facemask insert showed the best performance with 66.7% filtration efficiency and breathability of 0.66 m bar, whereas the lowest filtration efficiency was found for PBAT electrospun filter medium. The relation between filter membrane morphology and facemask performance indicates that a smaller diameter and uniform morphology results in better filtration and breathability of the facemask filter inserts.

Highlights

Petroleum‐based facemasks harm ecosystems.

Biodegradable facemasks reduce environmental impact.

Electrospun nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and polylactic acid on cotton.

PVA insert showed 66.7% filtration and 0.66 m bar breathability.

Smaller, uniform fibers enhance filtration and breathability.
Does Leptinotarsa decemlineata larval survival after pesticide treatment depend on microbiome composition?
Authors: Stara Jitka , Hubert Jan
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The microbiomes of some arthropods are believed to eliminate pesticides by chemical degradation or stimulation of the host immune system. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is an important agricultural pest with known resistance to used pesticides. We sought to analyze microbiome composition in CPB larvae from different sites and to identify the effect of pesticides on the microbiome of surviving and dead larvae after chlorpyrifos treatment in laboratory. Changes in the Lactococcus lactis community in larvae treated with chlorpyrifos and fed by potato leaves with L. lactis cover were studied by manipulative experiment. The microbiome was characterized by sequencing the 16S RNA gene.

RESULTS

The microbiome of L. decemlineata larvae is composed of a few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudocitrobacter, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, L. lactis, Enterococcus, Burkholderia and Spiroplasma leptinotarsae). The microbiome varied among the samples from eight sites and showed differences in profiles between surviving and dead larvae. The survival of larvae after chlorpyrifos treatment was correlated with a higher proportion of L. lactis sequences in the microbiome. The S. leptinotarsa profile also increased in the surviving larvae, but this OTU was not present in all sampling sites. In manipulative experiments, larvae treated with L. lactis had five‐fold lower mortality rates than untreated larvae.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the microbiome of larvae is formed from a few bacterial taxa depending on the sampling site. A member of the gut microbiome, L. lactis, is believed to help overcome the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos in the larval gut. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multivariate modeling of magnetic resonance biomarkers and clinical outcome measures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinical trials
Authors: Kim Sarah , Willcocks Rebecca J. , Daniels Michael J. , Morales Juan Francisco , Yoon Deok Yong , Triplett William T. , Barnard Alison M. , Conrado Daniela J. , Aggarwal Varun , Belfiore‐Oshan Ramona , Martinez Terina N. , Walter Glenn A. , Rooney William D. , Vandenborne Krista
Published: August 2023

Although regulatory agencies encourage inclusion of imaging biomarkers in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), industry receives minimal guidance on how to use these biomarkers most beneficially in trials. This study aims to identify the optimal use of muscle fat fraction biomarkers in DMD clinical trials through a quantitative disease‐drug‐trial modeling and simulation approach. We simultaneously developed two multivariate models quantifying the longitudinal associations between 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) and fat fraction measures from vastus lateralis and soleus muscles. We leveraged the longitudinal individual‐level data collected for 10 years through the ImagingDMD study. Age of the individuals at assessment was chosen as the time metric. After the longitudinal dynamic of each measure was modeled separately, the selected univariate models were combined using correlation parameters. Covariates, including baseline scores of the measures and steroid use, were assessed using the full model approach. The nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling was performed in Monolix. The final models showed reasonable precision of the parameter estimates. Simulation‐based diagnostics and fivefold cross‐validation further showed the model's adequacy. The multivariate models will guide drug developers on using fat fraction assessment most efficiently using available data, including the widely used 6MWD. The models will provide valuable information about how individual characteristics alter disease trajectories. We will extend the multivariate models to incorporate trial design parameters and hypothetical drug effects to inform better clinical trial designs through simulation, which will facilitate the design of clinical trials that are both more inclusive and more conclusive using fat fraction biomarkers.
Climatological features of future mesoscale convective systems in convection‐permitting climate models using CMIP6 and ERA5 in the central United States
Authors: Hwang Yunsung , Zhao Xiaohui , You Cheol‐Hwan , Li Yanping
Published: August 2023

Motivated by the limited understanding of future changes in mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), we investigated characteristics of warm‐season (June–August) MCSs in the central United States based on high‐resolution convection‐permitting Weather Research and Forecasting simulations. We examined two 15‐year simulations, which include current simulations (2004–2018) forced by European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) and future simulations (2086–2100) forced by perturbed ERA5 (i.e., ERA5 plus climate change signal derived from 28 Coupled Intercomparison Projected Phase 6 models under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway–Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 emission scenario). The initiations and longevities of MCSs were determined using the object‐tracking algorithm MODE‐Time Domain (MTD) from observation, current simulations (ERA), and future simulations (pseudo‐global warming, PGW). Objects identified by MODE‐Time Domain were divided into short‐/long‐lived (based on 75th percentiles of longevity) and daytime (initiated during 0000–1100 UTC)/nighttime (initiated during 1200–2300 UTC). We found that ERA and observation have comparable occurrences of MCSs. MCSs in PGW are associated with intensified rain rates in New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas and lower rain rates in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas than in ERA. Moreover, the statistical analysis based on 15 parameters before MCSs initiation indicates that short‐lived MCSs in PGW are characterized by prominent changes in precipitable water (PW) and the most unstable convective available potential energy. We also found that long‐lived MCSs in PGW are associated with prominent changes in PW, unstable convective available potential energy, and isentropic potential vorticity at 345 K. According to the statistical results, PW is the most important variable in determining the longevity of MCSs and in understanding future changes.
Observer‐based adaptive event‐triggered consensus for linear multiagent systems with bounded leader's input under directed graphs
Authors: Zhang Juan , Zhang Huaguang , Ming Zhongyang , Sun Jiayue
Published: August 2023

The consensus problem of linear multiagent systems (MASs) with a leader of bounded input under directed graphs is an important research topic. However, for the directed graphs, the existing methods dealing with consensus problem rely on the global information or continuous communication among neighbors. This paper focuses on the consensus problem of linear MASs with a leader of bounded input by adaptive event‐triggered output feedback control, where the digraph contains a spanning tree with the leader as the root. A fully distributed event‐triggered consensus protocol is presented by several observers, which are used to estimate the upper bound of the leader's input and the state of each agent, respectively. Compared with the existing results on the consensus control of MASs under directed graphs, the proposed method is independent of any global information, and is suitable for situations where the states of all agents is unavailable and only a part of followers know the upper bound of the leader's input.
Bacchus Long‐Term (BLT) data set: Acquisition of the agricultural multimodal BLT data set with automated robot deployment
Authors: Polvara Riccardo , Molina Sergi , Hroob Ibrahim , Papadimitriou Alexios , Tsiolis Konstantinos , Giakoumis Dimitrios , Likothanassis Spiridon , Tzovaras Dimitrios , Cielniak Grzegorz , Hanheide Marc
Published: August 2023

Achieving a robust long‐term deployment with mobile robots in the agriculture domain is both a demanded and challenging task. The possibility to have autonomous platforms in the field performing repetitive tasks, such as monitoring or harvesting crops, collides with the difficulties posed by the always‐changing appearance of the environment due to seasonality. With this scope in mind, we report an ongoing effort in the long‐term deployment of an autonomous mobile robot in a vineyard, with the main objective of acquiring what we called the Bacchus Long‐Term (BLT) data set. This data set consists of multiple sessions recorded in the same area of a vineyard but at different points in time, covering a total of 7 months to capture the whole canopy growth from March until September. The multimodal data set recorded is acquired with the main focus put on pushing the development and evaluations of different mapping and localization algorithms for long‐term autonomous robots operation in the agricultural domain. Hence, besides the data set, we also present an initial study in long‐term localization using four different sessions belonging to four different months with different plant stages. We identify that state‐of‐the‐art localization methods can only cope partially with the amount of change in the environment, making the proposed data set suitable to establish a benchmark on which the robotics community can test its methods. On our side, we anticipate two solutions pointed at extracting stable temporal features for improving long‐term 4D localization results. The BLT data set is available at https://lncn.ac/lcas-blt.
Free trade and carbon emissions revisited: The asymmetric impacts of trade diversification and trade openness
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Fuyu , Li Rongrong
Published: August 2023

In the context of trade protectionism impacting economic and environmental sustainability, a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of trade on carbon emissions is critical to economic and environmental sustainability. Existing literature mainly explores the impact of trade on carbon emissions from the perspective of trade openness, neglecting the perspectives of trade diversification and trade direction. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the impact of trade openness (measured by trade volume, import, and export), and trade diversification (measured by import diversification and export diversification) on carbon emissions based on data from OECD and G20 countries between 1997 and 2019. The study further explores the heterogeneity, asymmetry, and mediation effects. The results demonstrate that (i) the impact of trade on carbon emissions is heterogeneous, with trade openness leads to an increase in carbon emissions, while trade diversification leads to a reduction in carbon emissions. Moreover, import diversification has the strongest effect on reducing carbon emissions. (ii) The impact of trade openness on carbon emissions is asymmetry. Trade openness increases carbon emissions at 10%–50% quantile levels and reduces carbon emissions at 80%–90% quantile levels. However, the impact of trade diversification on carbon emissions is consistent. (iii) The impact of trade openness on carbon emissions is mediated by technology effect and structural effect. On one hand, trade openness leads to an increase in carbon emissions by the industrial structure. On the other hand, it contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions by technological progress. These findings could serve to better understand the complexity of free trade's impact on economic and environmental sustainability.
Counterion Influenced Metal‐Organic Frameworks of Cyclam with CuII
Authors: Verma Abhineet , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Reibenspies Joseph , Sunkari Sailaja S.
Published: August 2023

Cyclam is one of the simplest macrocycle that forms stable metal chelates, much explored for their material and biological applications. Varying anion shape is an effective strategy to modulate the supramolecular structure, inspite of same molecular structure. Here, we report six new complexes of cyclam with CuII bound to counterions of different shapes viz., linear (NCS−/N3−), bent (N(CN)2−) or spherical (Cl−/Br−/I−) in which the shape of the anion leads to distinctly different supramolecular structures (ladder/linear chains with linear anions), braid like (with bent anion) and 3‐D hydrogen bonded networks (with spherical anions) due to changes in the non‐covalent interactions, inspite of the same molecular structure. The variations in packing are responsible for their different thermal properties. With metallo‐cyclams being explored for their efficacy in medical and material fields, studies of this type may offer potential candidates to explore.
Two Dimensional Ir‐Based Catalysts for Acidic OER
Authors: Yu Hao , Ke Jia , Shao Qi
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical water splitting in acidic media is one of the most promising hydrogen production technologies, yet its practical applications in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers are limited by the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Iridium (Ir)‐based materials are considered as the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts for acidic OER due to their good stability under harsh acidic conditions. However, their activities still have much room for improvement. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials are full of the advantages of high‐surface area, unique electrical properties, facile surface modification, and good stability, making the development of 2D Ir‐based catalysts more attractive for achieving high catalytic performance. In this review, first, the unique advantages of 2D catalysts for electrocatalysis are reviewed. Thereafter, the classification, synthesis methods, and recent OER achievements of 2D Ir‐based materials, including pure metals, alloys, oxides, and perovskites are introduced. Finally, the prospects and challenges of developing 2D Ir‐based catalysts for future acidic OER are discussed.
The Effect of Nb/Mo on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Fe–Mn–Al–Ni–C Austenitic Steels
Authors: Zhang Hanchi , Wang Yingchun , Qiu Xuyangfan , Gao Chong , Xiong Zhiping , Cheng Xingwang
Published: August 2023

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Fe–24Mn–10Al–6Ni–1C steels microalloyed by Nb, Mo, and Nb–Mo coaddition in both solid solution and aging states are evaluated. The results show that the addition of Nb, Mo, or Nb–Mo leads to a decrease in austenitic grain size and a suppression in κ‐carbides precipitation during aging. Besides, Mo slightly promotes precipitation of both B2 bands and particles as a ferrite stabilizer. However, Nb and Nb–Mo increase the volume fraction of B2 particles together with decreasing B2 bands due to the formation of NbC and (Nb, Mo)C. The strengths and ductility are improved simultaneously after adding microalloying elements. The coaddition of Nb–Mo achieves a best combination of strength and ductility. After aging, the precipitation of κ‐carbides and B2 leads to a further enhancement in yield strength but a reduction in plasticity for all the experimental steels. Additionally, the effect of Nb/Mo on the strain hardening behavior is also analyzed.
Long-term patterns of fish community structure and decline in native species in a Colorado River reservoir, Arizona and Nevada
Authors: Burgad Aaron A. , Kesner Brian R. , Marsh Paul C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The Colorado River has undergone substantial anthropogenic modifications, and a suite of nonnative species have been introduced since the 1800s; consequently, native fish communities are severely imperiled. We examined temporal patterns in fish community structure in Lake Mohave (i.e., lower Colorado River basin) over 40 years from 1980 to 2020.

Methods

We examined long-term abundance and richness trends and the trajectory of fish community structure in multivariate space to assess stability and turnover using results from biannual (spring and autumn) trammel-net monitoring over 40 years from 1980 to 2020.

Result

Nonnative fishes were established prior to sampling, precluding the ability to determine historical fish community structure. Bonytail Gila elegans and Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus were the only two remaining native fishes, and both declined precipitously in abundance through time. However, a repatriation program initiated in 1991 prevented Razorback Sucker from extirpation, while reintroduction efforts for Bonytail have failed. Both wild populations are gone. Total catch per unit effort showed a negative relationship from 1980 to 2020, whereas total species richness showed no relationship. Long-term abundance trends at the species level indicated three nonnative species (i.e., Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis, and Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu) increased, nine decreased, and three showed no relationship. Fish community composition exhibited low stability and moderate turnover and shifted directionally through time in multivariate space, with the formation of three clusters, possibly indicating alternative states.

Conclusion

The contemporary fish community shows little resemblance to the endemic ichthyofauna that has historically occupied the Colorado River, and the Razorback Sucker is the only remaining native species due to recovery efforts. Continued adaptive management will be required to preserve the most genetically diverse Razorback Sucker population in the Colorado River system, especially while coexisting with an unstable nonnative fish community.
Effect of chemical composition of coal ash used to prepare granulated coal ash on the removal of hydrogen sulfide from water
Authors: Asaoka Satoshi , Ishidu Takamichi , Nakamoto Kenji
Published: August 2023

Granulated coal ash was prepared by mixing coal ash derived from a coal electric power plant and blast furnace cement, to remove hydrogen sulfide from aquatic environment. In this study, we investigate the effects of the composition of the coal ash used to prepare the granulated coal ash on its hydrogen sulfide removal performance. Manganese, magnesium, and calcium contents in the granulated coal ash were found to be the major factors in controlling the rate of hydrogen sulfide removal. The kinetics of hydrogen sulfide removal by the granulated coal ash were expressed as a first‐order equation with a rate constant of 0.0081–0.080 h−1. The rate constant for hydrogen sulfide removal obtained in this study correlated well with the manganese content in the granulated coal ash. The increasing surface pH attributed to the hydrolysis of calcium and magnesium on the surface of the granulated coal ash slightly increased the hydrogen sulfide removal rate.

Practitioner Points

Adsorbents for H2S are prepared by coal ash from different coal blend and coal electric power generation processes.

Adsorbents tested in this study could remove hydrogen sulfide effectively.

Manganese oxide in the adsorbents enhanced the removal rate of hydrogen sulfide.

Adsorbents tested in this study contribute to sustainable development goals in terms of coal fly ash recycling.
Introduction: Understanding and Regulating AI-Powered Recommender Systems
Authors: Genovesi Sergio , Kaesling Katharina , Robbins Scott
Published: August 2023

When a person recommends a restaurant, movie or book, he or she is usually thanked for this recommendation. The person receiving the information will then evaluate, based on his or her knowledge about the situation, whether to follow the recommendation. With the rise of AI-powered recommender systems, however, restaurants, movies, books, and other items relevant for many aspects of life are generally recommended by an algorithm rather than a person. This volume aims to shed light on the implications of this transnational development from both legal and ethical perspectives and to spark further interdisciplinary thinking about algorithmic recommender systems.
From Algorithmic Transparency to Algorithmic Choice: European Perspectives on Recommender Systems and Platform Regulation
Authors: Busch Christoph
Published: August 2023

Algorithmic recommendations and rankings have become a key feature of the user experience offered by digital platforms. Recommender systems determine which information and options are prominently presented to users. While there is abundant technical literature on recommender systems, the topic has only recently attracted the attention of the European legislator. This chapter scrutinizes the emerging European regulatory framework for algorithmic rankings and recommendations in the platform economy with a specific focus on online retail platforms. Surveying the new rules for rankings and recommender systems in consumer contract law, unfair commercial practices law, and platform regulation, it identifies shortcomings and inconsistencies and highlights the need for coherence between the different regulatory regimes. The Digital Services Act could change the regulatory trajectory by introducing (albeit hesitantly and incompletely) a new regulatory model that shifts the focus from algorithmic transparency to algorithmic choice. More importantly, a choice-based approach to recommender governance and a market for third-party recommender systems (“RecommenderTech”) could also be facilitated by the new interoperability requirements introduced by the Digital Markets Act.
Recommending Ourselves to Death: Values in the Age of Algorithms
Authors: Robbins Scott
Published: August 2023

Recommender systems are increasingly being used for many purposes. This is creating a deeply problematic situation. Recommender systems are likely to be wrong when used for these purposes because there are distorting forces working against them. RS’s are based on past evaluative standards which will often not align with current evaluative standards. RS’s algorithms must reduce everything to computable information – which will often, in these cases, be incorrect and will leave out information that we normally consider to be important for such evaluations. The algorithms powering these RSs also must use proxies for the evaluative ‘good’. These proxies are not equal to the ‘good’ and therefore will often go off track. Finally, these algorithms are opaque. We do not have access to the considerations that lead to a particular recommendation. Without these considerations we are taking the machine’s output on faith. These algorithms also have the potential to modify how we evaluate. YouTube has modified its algorithm explicitly to ‘expand our tastes’. This is an extraordinary amount of power – and one that if my first argument goes through, is likely to take us away from the good. This influences our behavior which feeds back into the algorithms that make recommendations. It is important that we establish some meaningful human control over this process before we lose control over the evaluative.
Non-invasive Imaging Biomarkers of Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology
Authors: Noortman Wyanne A. , de Koster Elizabeth J. , van Velden Floris H. P. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Vriens Dennis
Published: August 2023

Stratified by ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology, indeterminate nodules are lesions with an intermediate risk of being malignant (approximately 25%). Diagnostic resection of half the thyroid gland provides the true nature of these lesions but at the cost of 75% of the patients being futilely operated. In case a malignancy is found, a second surgery to remove the whole thyroid gland is often necessary. Different approaches either on cytological material or using imaging have been investigated to further stratify these lesions. This chapter reviewed biomarkers obtained using conventional as well as artificial intelligence-based non-invasive imaging strategies for the differentiation of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. An overview of the abilities of different tests to differentiate between benign and malignant nodules was provided, taking into account the clinical readiness and cost-effectiveness.
On the influence of free space in topology optimization of electro-active polymers
Authors: Dev Chaitanya , Stankiewicz Gabriel , Steinmann Paul
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of the surrounding free space on the topology optimization (TO) of electro-active polymers (EAPs). It is well understood that, under the application of an electric field, the deformation of an EAP is not solely determined by the field distribution within the body, but also by the distribution in the free space surrounding it. This is particularly true for electronic EAP, which are emerging as leading candidates for developing artificial muscles. Our study specifically focuses on understanding the influence of the free space in the context of density-based TO. We model the free space as an extended void region around the design domain. Our numerical experiments focus on EAP actuators and take into account their geometrical nonlinear behavior. The results show that incorporating the surrounding free space has a significant impact on the performance of the optimized EAPs with low electric permittivity. This makes it essential to consider in real-world applications.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Electronic Facial Palsy Assessment (eFACE)
Authors: Mato‑Patino Teresa , Sánchez‑Cuadrado Isabel , Peñarrocha Julio , Morales‑Puebla José Manuel , Díez‑Sebastián Jesús , Gavilán Javier , Lassaletta Luis
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The clinician-graded electronic facial paralysis assessment (eFACE) is a relatively new digital tool for assessing facial palsy. The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the eFACE.

Methods

Forward–backward translation from the original English version was performed. Videos and photographs from 65 adult patients with unilateral facial paralysis (any severity, time course, and etiology) were evaluated twice by five otolaryngologists with varying levels of experience in facial palsy evaluation. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α and the intra- and inter-rater reliability were measured using intraclass correlation coefficient. Concurrent validity was established by calculating Spearman’s rho correlation (ρ) between the eFACE and the House–Brackmann scale (H–B) and Pearson’s correlation (r) between the eFACE and the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS).

Results

The Spanish version of the eFACE showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α > 0.8). The intra-rater reliability was nearly perfect for the total score (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.95–0.99), static score (0.92–0.96), and dynamic score (0.96–0.99) and important-to-excellent for synkinesis score (0.79–0.96). The inter-rater reliability was excellent for the total score (0.85–0.93), static score (0.80–0.90), and dynamic score (0.90–0.95) and moderate-to-important for the synkinesis score (0.55–0.78). The eFACE had a very strong correlation with the H–B (ρ =  – 0.88 and  – 0.85 for each evaluation, p < 0.001) and the SFGS (r = 0.92 and 0.91 each evaluation, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Spanish version of the eFACE is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of facial function in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with facial paralysis.
Nutritional status and post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgery for advanced pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer
Authors: Brown Teresa , Edwards Anna , Pashley Alice , Lehn Belinda , Vasani Sarju , Hodge Robert , Bauer Judith
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Malnutrition is an important prognostic indicator of post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer, however, limited studies utilize validated nutrition assessment tools to accurately assess risk. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status on post-operative complications and length of stay for patients undergoing either a laryngectomy, pharyngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy for head and neck cancer.

Methods

Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing a laryngectomy, pharyngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy at a tertiary hospital in Australia were eligible for this retrospective cohort study (n = 40). Nutritional status was assessed by the dietitian on admission using the validated Subjective Global Assessment tool. Clinical outcomes were collected via retrospective chart review and included length of stay and post-operative complications.

Results

Pre-operative malnutrition incidence was 40%. Malnourished patients had higher incidences of any type of complication (57% vs 44%, p = 0.013) and pressure injury (86% vs 14%, p = 0.011) compared to well-nourished patients. Well-nourished patients had a clinically important shorter median length of stay compared to malnourished patients (17.5 vs 20 days).

Conclusion

Early identification and management of malnutrition is essential to minimize risk of post-operative complications and reduce length of stay and should be considered a key component of prehabilitation programs.
Towards improved seasonal rainfall prediction in the tropical Pacific Islands
Authors: Tigona Robson , Ongoma Victor , Weir Tony
Published: August 2023

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major influence on interannual variability of rainfall in stations in the tropical southwest Pacific. Predictions of seasonal rainfall, especially a season or two ahead, are of great value to these countries. This paper therefore examines the correlations over ~ 60 years between seasonal rainfall and 8 ENSO indicators at 16 island stations, allowing for lead times. The results show the influence on rainfall of the position and movement of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) during ENSO events, and that the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), the sea surface temperature anomaly in the central Pacific (Niño 3.4), and the warm water volume in the eastern Pacific (WWV1) have longer lead times compared to most other ENSO indicators. These indicators can therefore be used with confidence in SCOPIC, a widely used statistical tool for prediction of seasonal rainfall. (As global climate models generally have systematic errors in their depiction of the SPCZ, they cannot yet be used directly to reliably predict seasonal rainfall in this region.) For several sites near the SPCZ, we find that a moderately good forecast of rainfall in both spring and summer can be made from indicators measured in June–July (i.e., 3–6 months in advance.)
Neue Berechnungsmethode für die Bestimmung auftretender Zahnfußspannungen in evolventischen flankenzentrierten Zahnwellenverbindungen
Authors: Spura Christian , Pantke Klaus
Published: August 2023

Zur Übertragung hoher Drehmomente wird in der Antriebstechnik am häufigsten die Zahnwellenverbindung eingesetzt. Bezeichnende Einsatzgebiete sind der Gelenkwellen- und Getriebebau, die Lenkungstechnik sowie die Koppelung unterschiedlicher Antriebseinheiten, wie z. B. Motor und Getriebe. Infolge der geometrischen Form kommt es bei Belastung zu einem flächenförmigen Zahnflankenkontakt zwischen Wellen- und Nabenverzahnung. Als lebensdauerbeeinflussende und für die konstruktive Auslegung wichtigste Parameter sind u. a. die Zahnflankenpressung und die Zahnfußspannungen zu nennen. Die Berechnung der auftretenden Zahnfußspannungen war und ist Gegenstand gängiger Literatur. In diesem Beitrag wird die Zahnfußspannung für Zahnwellen nach DIN 5480 mit ihren geometrischen Größen mithilfe der Finite-Elemente-Simulation untersucht. Anschließend wird auf Basis der Simulationsergebnisse eine Berechnungsmethode mittels Einflusszahlen abgeleitet und mit experimentellen Versuchsergebnissen aus der gängigen Literatur abgeglichen. Die abgeleitete Berechnungsmethode enthält Analogien der aus dem Bereich der Laufverzahnungen bekannten Zahnfußspannungsberechnung nach ISO 6336‑3 Methode C. Die berechneten Zahnfußspannungen führen im Allgemeinen zu geringfügig höheren Zahnfußspannungen und liegen damit auf der sicheren Seite. Die Berechnungsmethode ist somit ohne großen Aufwand direkt für die praktische Anwendung einsetzbar und kann im Weiteren für den Einzug in eine Berechnungsrichtlinie genutzt werden.
Passive identification of subjective preferences toward individual items using eye-tracking in a virtual reality environment
Authors: Gabay Michal , Schonberg Tom
Published: August 2023

The usage of virtual reality (VR) has been growing in many fields of research and therapy thanks to its immersive and gamified nature. Detection of the users’ subjective experience is thus essential for the effective personalization of content. Eye-tracking (ET) data and specifically gaze, in two-dimensional tasks, has been linked to value-based choices and emotional states. Therefore, here we aimed to develop a method for passive identification of subjective preferences based on ET data collected during a VR experience. For this purpose, we developed a naturalistic dynamic VR task where participants searched and looked at complex objects of pets and their control shapes that appeared in pre-defined locations in random order. At the end of the task, participants ranked their preference, valence, and arousal of the items they saw during the task. ET data was recorded using a built-in binocular eye-tracker within the VR headset. We found that the gaze behavior features of the median distance of gaze from the center of objects and the median gaze scan speed showed a significant interaction with object type (pets/shapes), as well as a significant positive relation to preference and valence rankings of pets. Our results suggest that these gaze behavior features could be used as passive biomarkers for detecting individual preferences and pleasantness, and in the future may enable successful personalization of VR content in real-time for various applications such as optimization of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment sessions.
Interventions to reduce burnout in students: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Madigan Daniel J. , Kim Lisa E. , Glandorf Hanna L.
Published: August 2023

Burnout is common among students and can negatively influence their motivation, performance, and wellbeing. However, there is currently little consensus regarding how to intervene effectively. Consequently, we provide the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing burnout in students. A systematic literature search returned 17 studies (10 randomized controlled trials and 7 quasi-experimental trials), which included 2,462 students from secondary and tertiary levels of education. These studies used a range of interventions (e.g., mindfulness, rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy). When the effects were aggregated across interventions, there was evidence for their effectiveness in reducing total burnout (g+ = 0.90, p = .02, 95% CI: [0.04, 1.75], k = 14). However, we also found evidence for moderation and nonsignificant effects when certain symptoms, designs, and intervention-types were examined. The strongest evidence for effectiveness was for randomized controlled trials, rational emotive behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. This review provides initial evidence for the efficacy of interventions in reducing burnout in students, but we note that a more systematic examination of particular intervention types, especially those designed to target the organisational-level, would be useful, and to have the most impact in informing policy, so too are studies examining the cost effectiveness of such interventions.
What controls home range relocations by estuarine fishes downstream from watersheds with altered freshwater flow?
Authors: Kendall Matthew S. , Siceloff Laughlin , O’Donnell Patrick , Jessen Brita , Williams Bethany L. , Winship Arliss J. , Ellis Robert D.
Published: August 2023

We tracked locations of three fish species in two bays with differing hydrology in SW Florida in 2018–2020 to test the hypotheses about fish residency, movements, and environmental variables. Due to extensive watershed modification, one bay receives less freshwater and the other receives more relative to natural conditions. Home range duration differed for gray snapper (54 ± 6 days), red drum (132 ± 39), and goliath grouper (226 ± 63). Distances between relocation movements were similar for gray snapper and red drum (~ 1.2 km), but farther for goliath grouper (2.3 ± 0.3 km). Relocations were primarily seaward for gray snapper (83%) but varied for the other species. Home range duration related to age for goliath grouper (< 100 days for 1–1.5-year-olds, 300–425 days for 4–4.5-year-olds). Generalized additive models marginally related probability of gray snapper relocating to salinity and temperature whereas relocations of the other species occurred during all environmental conditions. Movement simulations lacking environmental cues produced similar emigration patterns as observed in tagged fish. Overall, results suggest that movements here are not strongly linked to environmental conditions, will be resilient to watershed restoration that should moderate salinity, and have implications for understanding the impacts of localized depletion due to recreational fishing.
Government debt, European Institutions and fiscal rules: a synthetic control approach
Authors: Kraemer Robert , Lehtimäki Jonne
Published: August 2023

Public debt and its development are key questions of public sector economics and fiscal policy. This paper uses the Synthetic Control Method to study how different large-scale steps of European integration and the establishment of the EU fiscal framework have affected government debt in EU Member States. The results point to a notable debt-restricting effect of EU membership and the introduction of the Stability and Growth Pact for a large majority of the studied country groupings as well as for individual countries. Outside of a few individual countries, the actual government debt levels are substantially lower than in the synthetic alternatives.
Perceived Parental Control, Parent-Adolescent Relationship and Adolescents’ Psychological Adjustment. Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Bacikova-Sleskova Maria , Barbierik Lucia , Orosová Oľga
Published: August 2023

The aim of the present study was to explore the gender-specific links between perceived parental behavioral and psychological control and adolescents’ psychological adjustment directly and indirectly through the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship. The participants in the study were 930 early adolescents (mean age 12.9; SD 0.71; 49.9% girls) who filled in questionnaires about the parenting of their parents (for mothers and fathers respectively) as well as their own psychological adjustment (self-esteem and life satisfaction). The results of the structural equation modeling showed that the perception of adolescents regarding their parents’ behavioral and psychological control is significantly directly and/or indirectly associated with their psychological adjustment. Behavioral control was found to be positively and psychological control negatively associated with psychological adjustment. These associations have shown some gender-specific patterns. Among the boys, perceived control was associated with boys’ psychological adjustment indirectly through the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship for both mothers and fathers. On the other hand, the link between parental control and psychological adjustment among the girls was found to be direct for the father’s control and both direct and indirect for the mother’s control. Maternal control was associated with adolescents’ adjustment only indirectly through the quality of the mother-adolescent relationship while more direct associations were found among the fathers. This was particularly the case for the father-daughter dyad. However, the results were found to contradict previous findings in several points. This could have been attributed to the age of early adolescence as well as the cultural specifics of the sample.
Analysis of retest reliability for pregnant women undergoing cfDNA testing with a no-call result
Authors: He Shuqiong , Zhang Qian , Chen Meihuan , Chen Xuemei , Liang Bin , Lin Na , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu
Published: August 2023

Background

Determining the reasons for unreportable or no-call cell-free DNA (cfDNA) test results has been an ongoing issue, and a consensus on subsequent management is still lacking. This study aimed to explore potential factors related to no-call cfDNA test results and to discuss whether retest results are reliable.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective study of women with singleton pregnancies undergoing cfDNA testing in 2021. Of the 9871 pregnant patients undergoing cfDNA testing, 111 had a no-call result, and their results were compared to those of 170 control patients. The no-call rate was 1.12% (111/9871), and the primary cause for no-call results was data fluctuation (88.29%, 98/111). Medical conditions were significantly more frequent in the no-call group than in the reportable results group (P < 0.001). After retesting, 107 (107/111, 96.40%) patients had a result, and the false-positive rate (FPR) of retesting was 10.09% (10.09%, 11/109). In addition, placental lesions were more frequent in the no-call group than in the reportable results group (P = 0.037), and 4 patients, all in the no-call group, experienced pregnancy loss.

Conclusions

Pregnant women with medical conditions are more likely to have a no-call result. A retest is suggested for patients with a no-call result, but retests have a high FPR. In addition, pregnant women with a no-call result are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In conclusion, more attention should be given to pregnant women for whom a no-call cfDNA result is obtained.
The impact of local financial development and corruption control on firm efficiency in Vietnam: evidence from a geoadditive stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Haschka Rouven E. , Herwartz Helmut , Silva Coelho Clara , Walle Yabibal M.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we use a geoadditve Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis to empirically assess the impact of provincial-level financial development, corruption control, and their interaction on firm efficiency in Vietnam. Using panel data from more than 40,000 Vietnamese firms during 2006-2013, we find that financial development decreases firm efficiency, while corruption control promotes it. Moreover, financial development and corruption control interact positively in affecting firm efficiency. Our results imply that corruption control not only enhances firm efficiency directly by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, costs, and delays, but it also offsets potential inefficiencies that arise from increased financial development.
Optimizing Sanitation Network Upgrading Projects in Slum Areas
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed , Bahi Mahmoud , El-Anwar Omar
Published: August 2023

Infrastructure upgrading projects are a key element in enhancing the livelihood of residents in slum areas. These projects face significant constructability challenges common to dense-urban construction coupled with the unique socioeconomic challenges of operating in slums. This research focuses on sanitation network upgrading projects in slum areas and proposes a novel methodology capable of (1) accounting for the unique constructability challenges for these projects, (2) accelerating the provision of sanitation services, and (3) optimizing construction decisions. The key contribution of this research to the body of knowledge is in developing a comprehensive construction planning framework capable of achieving these three objectives. The proposed framework focuses specifically on sewer lines upgrading within the larger sanitation networks upgrading projects. This framework consists of five main models that can guide planners in selecting the appropriate equipment sizes, trench system configuration, and optimal equipment routing, in addition to identifying all possible execution sequences along with the corresponding construction cost and duration of each sequence. Most notably, this framework proposes an approach to assess the serviceability of different construction plans measured by how fast sanitary services can be provided to slum dwellers. A multi-objective, genetic algorithms optimization model is developed to identify the optimal construction plans that accelerate the sanitary service provision to residents while minimizing construction costs. A real-world example is presented to demonstrate the model capabilities in optimizing construction plans.