bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving to stay the same: life history evolution and tradeoffs in response to high and low total food
Authors: Blake Alexander , Coulson Tim
Published: August 2023

Food drives ecology and evolution, but few studies have directly investigated the impacts of the total amount of food on life history evolution within‐species. Among the limited number of available case studies that do directly test total food effects on life history evolution we still lack consensus, partially owing to incompletely described life histories. We explored life history tradeoffs across the whole life cycle, and the consequences for trait and population dynamics, in a marine copepod evolved under high and low total food using an integral projection model (IPM). Populations were subjected to high‐ and low‐food regimes and a common garden experiment after 30 generations of evolution. We then sampled and measured individual vital rates (growth, reproduction, and survival) from hatching until death, which were used to parameterise IPMs. Food regime had a significant but slight effect on life histories, which appeared ‘slow' and ‘fast' in low‐food and high‐food lineages, respectively. Low‐food lineages grew bigger and produced larger offspring to genetically compensate for their environment, but this compensation came with costs; notably shorter lifespans and less chance of producing clutches of eggs. Despite these differences, population ecology and fitness were similar in high‐ and low‐food lineages as anticipated by per‐capita rather than total food effects. Consequently, though natural planktonic populations may genetically mitigate the effects of climate‐induced food scarcity, there are limits to this compensation and likely unforeseen impacts effects for wider food webs.
Variation of Orthokeratology Lens Treatment Zone (VOLTZ) Study: A 2‐year randomised clinical trial
Authors: Guo Biyue , Cheung Sin Wan , Kojima Randy , Cho Pauline
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To compare axial elongation (AE) and treatment zone (TZ) characteristics in children wearing 6 mm or 5 mm back optic zone diameter (BOZD) orthokeratology (ortho‐k) lenses over 2 years.

Methods

Forty‐five (6 to <11 years of age) myopic (−4.00 to −0.75 D) children of Chinese ethnicity were randomly assigned to use the two different lens designs (23 and 22 wore the 6 and 5 mm lenses, respectively). Data collection was performed at baseline and every 6‐months after commencing lens wear.

Results

After 24 months, subjects wearing lenses with a 5 mm BOZD achieved smaller TZ diameter (horizontal: 2.69 ± 0.28 vs. 3.84 ± 0.39 mm; vertical: 2.65 ± 0.22 vs. 3.42 ± 0.34 mm, p < 0.001) and less AE (0.15 ± 0.21 vs. 0.35 ± 0.23, p = 0.005) compared to those using the 6 mm design, with no difference in choroidal thickness (ChT) changes (p = 0.93). A significant increase in ChT, using pooled data analysis, was noted at the 6‐month (11.8 ± 19.77 μm, p < 0.001) and 12‐month (12.0 ± 23.7 μm, p = 0.004) visits, compared to baseline, indicating a transient change in ChT. Significant associations were noted, using linear mixed models, between AE and the TZ diameters (p < 0.003) after adjusting for baseline data. A very weak association was found between ChT changes and AE, with the effect size close to zero.

Conclusions

Smaller BOZD ortho‐k lenses resulted in a smaller TZ diameter, which was associated with less AE after 2 years of treatment. The changes in ChT played a very weak role, suggesting that other factors may contribute more to the reduced AE in subjects wearing lenses having a smaller BOZD.
Characterisation of starch properties and physical characteristics in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) mutant lacking accumulation of ‘granule‐bound starch synthase a’
Authors: Suzuki Tatsuro , Noda Takahiro , Morishita Toshikazu , Ishiguro Koji , Otsuka Shiori , Aii Jotaro , Nakano Ayana , Katsu Kenjiro , Matsui Katsuhiro , Takeshima Ryoma , Aoki Noriaki , Hara Takashi , Hara Takahiro , Satoh Rie
Published: August 2023

The concentration of amylose, which is synthesised using granule‐bound starch synthase, affects the physical properties of food. However, no studies have focused on starch properties and physical characteristics of low‐amylose buckwheat. Here, we hypothesised that low‐amylose buckwheat would be useful to produce new buckwheat products because low‐amylose characteristics change the texture of buckwheat food. In this study, we bred relatively low‐amylose buckwheat compared to wild type and investigated the causative genes of the traits, starch properties and physical properties of noodles. In the GBSSa mutant, the amylose concentration was lower than that in the wild type. Compared with the wild type, the mutant exhibited the following traits: Amylose concentration decreased by approximately 2%, setback in the Rapid Visco Analyzer decreased by 30 points and the physical characteristics of noodles in the sensory analysis were soft and sticky. These results suggest that this trait may be useful for changing the texture of foods. In addition, the mutant is promising for producing new foods with physical characteristics that are different from those of the wild type.
24‐Epibrassinolide alleviates drought effects in young Carapa guianensis plants, improving the hydraulic safety margin, gas exchange and antioxidant defence
Authors: Ribeiro A. T. , Teodoro G. S. , da Silva K. C. , Pereira‐Matos Y. C. , Batista B. L. , Lobato A. K. S.
Published: August 2023

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events such as droughts, limiting plant growth and productivity. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators, such as 24‐epibrassinolide (EBR), might be a solution as this molecule is organic, eco‐friendly, and biodegradable. This is the first research to examine possible roles of EBR on the hydraulic safety margin, physiological behaviour, and metabolism in Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae) exposed to drought. C. guianensis is a widely distributed tree in tropical forests of the Amazon.

The objective was to determine whether EBR can improve tolerance to water deficit in young C. guianensis by measuring hydraulic traits, nutritional, biochemical and physiological responses, and biomass. The experiment had four randomized treatments: two water conditions (control and water deficit) and two concentrations of EBR (0 and 100 nM EBR).

EBR increased the water potential and hydraulic safety margin, increased CO2 fixation, and improved stomatal performance. EBR also stimulated antioxidant defences (SOD, CAT, APX, and POX).

Overall, tretreatment with EBR improved drought tolerance of young C. guianensis plants.
Lateral variations in the Hosen 8‐2 vein in the Hishikari deposit, Japan: Implications for high Au‐grade zone
Authors: Macuroy Jonathan , Takahashi Ryohei , Hara Akira , Okaue Yoshinori , Imai Akira , Manalo Pearlyn , Sato Hinako , Agangi Andrea
Published: August 2023

Lateral sampling of each blasting interval (~ 2.6 m) along a 79 m strike length was conducted for the Hosen 8‐2 vein on the −5 ML (mining level, meters relative to sea level) of the Main ore zone in the Hishikari epithermal Au deposit, Kagoshima, Japan. The horizontal variation of mineral textures, bulk chemical compositions, and fluid inclusion temperatures and apparent salinity of ore fluids were determined. The major gangue minerals of the quartz veins studied include quartz and adularia with minor amounts of calcite and smectite. The major ore minerals include electrum, galena, and sphalerite with minor pyrite, petzite, and hessite. Electrum commonly occurs in a discrete band with microcrystalline quartz, granular adularia, and smectite. The electrum‐bearing band is followed by tabular adularia, and finally by granular or comb quartz. Mineral textures that indicate high degrees of supersaturation with respect to amorphous silica (presently quartz with microcrystalline/mosaic and feathery textures) and adularia (with tabular, rhombic, and granular textures) were common throughout the vein strike. Bulk chemical analyses indicate that Au grade is positively correlated with Ag, Bi, Pb, and Te contents. A bonanza zone with Au grades up to 10,800 ppm occurs in the central part of the Hosen 8‐2 vein on the −5 ML, and is associated with high adularia content, calculated as adularia / (quartz + adularia). The wide lateral variation in the geochemical composition contrasts with the consistent association of electrum with microcrystalline quartz, granular adularia, and smectite throughout the Hosen 8‐2 vein on the −5 ML. Fluid inclusion microthermometry of primary and pseudosecondary inclusions in quartz and adularia yielded histogram modes of homogenization temperature between 160 and 240°C; the most frequent mode is 200–210°C, with most data within ±10°C from this value. The maximum ice‐melting temperature of most samples excluding late comb quartz is −1.5°C, which is equivalent to an apparent salinity of 2.6 wt% NaCl eq. The wide variation in ice‐melting temperatures and apparent salinities (up to 5.2 wt% NaCl eq.) may be due to dissolved CO2 in the fluids, while the sharp decrease in apparent salinity with temperature decrease indicates CO2 loss due to fluid boiling during vein formation. The intimate association of electrum with microcrystalline quartz that recrystallized from amorphous silica indicate sharp boiling and vapor loss as the primary mechanism of Au deposition in the Hosen 8‐2 vein.
Design for order‐of‐addition experiments with two‐level components
Authors: Huang Hengzhen
Published: August 2023

The statistical design for order‐of‐addition (OofA) experiments has received much recent interest as its potential in determining the optimal sequence of multiple components, for example, the optimal sequence of drug administration for disease treatment. The traditional OofA experiments focus mainly on the sequence effects of components, that is, the experimenters fix the factor level of each component and observe how the response is affected by varying the sequences of components. However, the components may also have factorial effects in that changing their factor levels in a given sequence can affect the response. In view of this, we consider the design problem for OofA experiments where each component is experimented at two levels. A systematic method is given to construct OofA designs that jointly considers the sequence design and factorial design for all components. By appropriately choosing the sequence and factorial designs, we show that the combination of the two parts results in a balanced design with an economical run size. Moreover, the constructed designs enjoy a number of optimality properties such as ‐, ‐ and ‐optimalities under some empirical models. The design method proposed can be extended to some other practical situations like the number of process variables is different from the number of components, and OofA experiments with multilevel components.
The protective role of social network factors during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States
Authors: Gibson Courtney A. , Losee Joy E.
Published: August 2023

The present study examined the relationship between COVID‐19 threat perception, isolating health precautions, and loneliness. As a test of the stress‐buffering hypothesis (Cohen & Wills, 1985), this study also examined if social network factors representing various aspects of social support moderated, or weakened, the relationship between threat perception, isolating health precautions, and loneliness. Participants (N = 1149) provided information about themselves, as well as 15 other people they know via an online survey. We found that structural and compositional social network factors, density, number of close alters, network threat perception, network covid cautiousness and number of vaccinated alters all negatively related to loneliness. Further, using moderated mediation analyses, we found that network threat perception and network covid cautiousness moderated the indirect relationship between threat perception and loneliness through precautions. At high levels of these factors, the mediation was less likely to be significant suggesting that the social network factors may buffer people from the loneliness that sometimes comes with engaging in isolating health precautions in response to the perceived threat of COVID‐19.
Examining approaches to encourage COVID‐19 vaccination on social media
Authors: Stuart Jillian O’Rourke , Cady Noah J.
Published: August 2023

Following the release of the first COVID‐19 vaccinations many people utilized social media to promote vaccination among their social circles. These attempts to persuade others to get vaccinated ranged from positive encouragement (e.g., emphasizing the prosocial benefits and positive outcomes) to shame and threats (e.g., name calling and threating to end friendships over vaccination status). The present study investigated how these different social media messages affected COVID‐19 vaccination intentions. In June 2021, shortly after vaccines had been made freely available to anyone over the age of 16 in the United States, unvaccinated participants read a manipulated Twitter message designed to be either encouraging or shaming. Message‐type did not significantly affect intentions to become vaccinated against COVID‐19; however, participants who saw the encouraging message reported that the post made them feel more likely to get vaccinated. Self‐efficacy was also manipulated but did not reveal any significant effects. Additional analyses suggest that having personal experience with COVID‐19 moderates reactions to these different messages. We discuss limitations and promising avenues for future research on the effects of social media messages on health behaviors.
M0, 5: Toward the Chabauty–Kim method in higher dimensions
Authors: Dan‐Cohen Ishai , Jarossay David
Published: August 2023

If Z is an open subscheme of , X is a sufficiently nice Z‐model of a smooth curve over , and p is a closed point of Z, the Chabauty–Kim method leads to the construction of locally analytic functions on which vanish on ; we call such functions “Kim functions”. At least in broad outline, the method generalizes readily to higher dimensions. In fact, in some sense, the surface M0, 5 should be easier than the previously studied curve since its points are closely related to those of M0, 4, yet they face a further condition to integrality. This is mirrored by a certain weight advantage we encounter, because of which, M0, 5 possesses new Kim functions not coming from M0, 4. Here we focus on the case “ in half‐weight 4,” where we provide a first nontrivial example of a Kim function on a surface. Central to our approach to Chabauty–Kim theory (as developed in works by Wewers, Corwin, and the first author) is the possibility of separating the geometric part of the computation from its arithmetic context. However, we find that in this case the geometric step grows beyond the bounds of standard algorithms running on current computers. Therefore, some ingenuity is needed to solve this seemingly straightforward problem, and our new Kim function is huge.
Resolving the nature and evolution of the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean: New perspectives from the intraplate oceanic-island fragments preserved in Northern Tibet
Authors: Fan Jian-Jun , Zhang Bo-Chuan , Niu Yaoling , Luo An-Bo , Hao Yu-Jie
Published: August 2023

The nature and tectonic evolution of the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean remain unresolved, which seriously restricts our understanding of the role of this ocean in the Tethys tectonic domain and hinders in-depth study of the geodynamics of the Tethyan tectonic evolution. The study of intraplate oceanic-island fragments in the Bangong−Nujiang Suture Zone of Northern Tibet, which are remnants of the oceanic crust, is important for determining the nature and tectonic evolution of the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean. Here, we present a combined analysis of petrological, geochronological, geochemical, and Sr-Nd isotope data for the five intraplate oceanic-island fragments preserved in the Bangong−Nujiang Suture Zone. The oldest intraplate oceanic-island fragment in the Bangong−Nujiang Suture Zone is of Late Permian−Triassic age, and the underlying oceanic lithosphere is Late Permian or older, which indicates the development of the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Oceanic basin at this time. The opening time of the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean must be even earlier than the Late Permian. At least four Triassic intraplate oceanic-island fragments have been recognized in the Bangong−Nujiang Suture Zone, and their assemblages and geochemistry are mostly similar to present-day oceanic-island basalts that erupted onto the thick lithosphere of mature oceanic basins. All of these observations indicate that the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean evolved into a mature oceanic basin during the Triassic. The youngest intraplate oceanic-island fragments are of Late Jurassic−Early Cretaceous ages, which effectively argues for the continued presence of the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean at this time. The abundant data of the intraplate oceanic-island fragments provide strong evidence that the Bangong−Nujiang Tethyan Ocean was a broad oceanic basin that separated Cimmeria from Gondwana during the Permian−Early Cretaceous and experienced complex evolution over at least 160 m.y.
Multiple diachronous “Black Seas” mimic global ocean anoxia during the latest Devonian
Authors: Hedhli M. , Grasby S.E. , Henderson C.M. , Davis B.J.
Published: August 2023

The Devonian-Carboniferous boundary (DCB) Hangenberg extinction in Europe (ca. 359 Ma) and interval of black shale deposition has been considered a global anoxic event, the cause of which remains debated. However, the lack of a prominent global carbon isotope excursion and the duration of anoxia (3–4 m.y. at least) is inconsistent with other global anoxic events (e.g., Mesozoic ocean anoxic events) throughout the Phanerozoic. We examined geochemical and biostratigraphic data along with radiometric dating from purported Hangenberg event sections across the DCB in western Canada and demonstrate that the onset of anoxic pulses in Laurentian seas started before 363 Ma, diachronous with those in Baltica (Europe). Thus, DCB black shales do not record a single global anoxic event. We suggest instead that black shales near the DCB record multiple, but diachronous, Black Sea–like basins around the globe, promoted by the Late Devonian tectonic configuration. This drove a gradual biotic crisis in the form of regional punctuated benthic faunal extinction events.
Kimura disease of naso-orbito-ethmoid region and review of surgical approaches to naso-orbito-ethmoid region
Authors: Sagar Milind , Sagar Prem , Kumar Rajeev , Kaur Kavneet
Published: August 2023

A man in 30s had complaints of glabellar and upper nasal swelling for 8 years. It was insidious in onset and gradually progressive causing epiphora and restriction of nasal visual field. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy revealed features which were suggestive of Kimura’s disease (KD). CT scans showed a well-defined subcutaneous swelling in the naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) region. KD presents as lymphoglandular swelling; however, NOE region is an uncommon site of occurrence. A thyroid-shaped tumour was excised by H-shaped incision approach to the NOE region.
Infant mortality rates and pneumococcal vaccines: a time-series trend analysis in 194 countries, 1950–2020
Authors: Sanchez Carlos A , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Lozada-Urbano Michelle , Best Pablo
Published: August 2023

Pneumonia due toStreptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) is a major cause of mortality in infants (children under 1 year of age), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), delivered during the first year of life, are available since the year 2000. Given those two premises, the conclusion follows logically that favourable impact reported for PCVs in preventing pneumococcal disease should be reflected in the infant mortality rates (IMRs) from all causes. Using publicly available datasets, country-level IMR estimates from UNICEF and PCV introduction status from WHO, country-specific time series analysed the temporal relationship between annual IMRs and the introduction of PCVs, providing a unique context into the long-term secular trends of IMRs in countries that included and countries that did not include PCVs in their national immunisation programmes. PCV status was available for 194 countries during the period 1950–2020: 150 (77.3%) of these countries achieved nationwide PCV coverage at some point after the year 2000, 13 (6.7%) achieved only partial or temporary PCV coverage, and 31 (15.9%) never introduced PCVs to their population. One hundred and thirty-nine (92.7%) of countries that reported a decreasing (negative) trend in IMR, also reported a strong correlation with decreasing maternal mortality rates (MMRs), suggesting an improvement in overall child/mother healthcare. Conversely, all but one of the countries that never introduced PCVs in their national immunisation programme also reported a decreasing trend in IMR that strongly correlates with MMRs. IMRs have been decreasing for decades all over the world, but this latest decrease may not be related to PCVs.
Adverse childhood experiences, the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mamun Abdullah , Biswas Tuhin , Scott James , Sly Peter D , McIntyre H David , Thorpe Karen , Boyle Frances M , Dekker Marloes N , Doi Suhail , Mitchell Murray , McNeil Keith , Kothari Alka , Hardiman Leah , Callaway Leonie Kaye
Published: August 2023

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a profound negative impact on health. However, the strength of the association between ACEs and pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes is not well quantified or understood.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between ACEs and risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Search strategy

A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google scholar up to July 2022.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers independently conducted the screening and quality appraisal using a validated tool. Meta-analysis using the quality-effects model on the reported odds ratio (OR) was conducted. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were examined using the I2statistics.

Results

32 studies from 1508 met a priori inclusion criteria for systematic review, with 21 included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed that exposure to ACEs increased the risk of pregnancy complications (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.57) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.47). In sub-group analysis, maternal ACEs were associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.74), antenatal depression (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.20), low offspring birth weight (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47), and preterm delivery (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.71).

Conclusion

The results suggest that exposure to ACEs increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preventive strategies, screening and trauma-informed care need to be examined to improve maternal and child health.
Postmarketing observational study on the safety of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 influenza vaccination campaigns in Italy: TheShinISS-Vax|Flu study protocol
Authors: Spila Alegiani Stefania , Morciano Cristina , Menniti-Ippolito Francesca , Da Cas Roberto , Felicetti Patrizia , Marchione Pasquale , Petronzelli Fiorella , Marra Anna Rosa , Massari Marco
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The purpose of TheShinISS-Vax|Flu study is to examine the association between influenza vaccines and adverse events requiring hospital admission or emergency care during the influenza vaccination campaigns 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 in Italy.

Methods and analysis

This is a Self-Controlled Case Series multiregional study using linked routinely collected data from regional healthcare databases of the participating regions. Study participants will be persons aged ≥6 months, unvaccinated or who have received influenza vaccine during the influenza vaccination campaigns in the seasons 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 in Italy and who have experienced the outcome of interest for the first time during the study period (1 September 2021–30 June 2022 and 1 September 2022–30 June 2023 for the first and second vaccination campaigns, respectively). Risk periods will be specifically defined for each outcome and further subdivided into periods of 7 days. The exposures will be the first or second dose of the influenza vaccines administered during the two vaccination campaigns. Statistical analysis will be conducted separately for the data of the two campaigns. Exposure risk period will be compared with baseline risk period defined as any time of observation out of the risk periods. The modified SCCS method will be applied to handle event-dependent exposure and mortality and fitted using unbiased estimating equations to estimate relative incidences and excess of cases per 100 000 vaccinated by dose, age, sex and type of vaccine. Calendar period will be included as time-varying confounder in the model, where appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received the approval from the National ethics committee for clinical trials of public research bodies and other national public institutions (PRE BIO CE n.0036723, 23/09/2022). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and reports in accordance with the publication policies of the Italian National Institute of Health and of the Italian Medicines Agency.
To investigate the individual and household-level factors influencing the willingness to pay for cataract surgery among patients aged 50 years and older in rural China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ding Yuxiu , Chen Xiangzhe , Guan Hongyu , Du Kang , Zhang Yunyun , Shi Yaojiang
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To investigate the factors influencing the willingness to pay (WTP) for cataract surgery among patients aged 50 years and older in rural China at both individual and household levels.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted in Gansu, China.

Participants

Patients aged ≥50 years who were diagnosed with cataracts indicated for surgery and lived rural in Gansu from October to December 2020 were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The main study outcome was the patients’ WTP for cataract surgery. The association of individual characteristics, knowledge about cataracts, health status and household characteristics with patients’ WTP was also evaluated based on the collected data using structured questionnaires.

Results

A total of 324 (85.94%) patients in the study reported that they were willing to pay for their cataract surgery. However, only 179 (47.48%) patients were willing to pay over ¥1000 to cover the cost of cataract surgery under the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NRCMS). Patients aged 75 years and older were significantly less likely to pay for cataract surgery (p=0.037). Better visual status (p=0.032), self-reported severe poor visual status (p=0.001), higher annual household income (p=0.052) and a higher level of children’s education (p=0.076) were significantly more likely to pay for cataract surgery.

Conclusions

The WTP for cataract surgery in rural China is still insufficient. More than half of patients’ WTP for surgery do not cover the cost of cataract surgery after reimbursement by the NRCMS. Both individual and household characteristics contribute to the low WTP for cataract surgery.
Effectiveness of educational interventions on hypertensive patients’ self-management behaviours: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Ukoha-Kalu Blessing Onyinye , Isah Abdulmuminu , Biambo Aminu A , Samaila Aliyu , Abubakar Mustapha Muhammed , Kalu Ukoha Agwu , Soyiri Ireneous N
Published: August 2023

Background

Although different educational interventions have been widely used to manage and treat hypertension, alone or in combination with other interventions, there is a significant variation in their claimed effectiveness.

Review question/objective

The objective of this umbrella review is to determine the effectiveness of educational interventions, alone or in combination with other interventions, for improving blood pressure control and self-management practices among hypertensive patients. The review question is: Do educational interventions, alone or in combination with other interventions, improve self-management practices among patients with hypertension?

Methods

We will conduct a review of systematic reviews involving studies that implemented educational interventions, alone or in combination with other interventions, designed to change self-care practices among hypertensive patients who are 18 years and above, regardless of their sex and ethnicity. Following the guidelines set forth in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement, a comprehensive literature search will be conducted from September to December 2023 on six electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar. Search terms will be developed using database-specific indexed terms and text words derived from the review aim. We will present the effects of the educational interventions, alone or in combination with other interventions, on hypertension self-management practices. We will report the outcome data with 95% CIs for each study. Relative risk, mean differences or ORs will be used, depending on the measuring indices in each study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this study will use aggregated data from previously published systematic reviews. However, we have registered the protocol in PROSPERO. We confirm that all methods will be performed following the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki. The findings from this study will be disseminated through presentations at academic conferences and publication in peer-reviewed international journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022375581.
Association between serum ALT levels and incidence of new-onset diabetes in general population of Japanese: a longitudinal observational study (ISSA-CKD)
Authors: Morinaga Akiko , Iwanaga Kazuyo , Maki Kaori , Ueno Tamami , Kawano Kazumi , Funakoshi Shunsuke , Yamanokuchi Toshitaka , Tsuji Masayoshi , Abe Makiko , Satoh Atsushi , Kawazoe Miki , Maeda Toshiki , Yoshimura Chikara , Takahashi Koji , Tada Kazuhiro , Ito Kenji , Yasuno Tetsuhiko , Kawanami Daiji , Masutani Kosuke , Arima Hisatomi
Published: August 2023

Objective

We aimed to clarify the relationship between serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and incidence of new-onset diabetes in a Japanese general population.

Setting

Population-based retrospective cohort study using annual health check-up data for residents of Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.

Participants

A total of 5330 Japanese individuals (≥30 years old) without diabetes at baseline were analysed.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Serum ALT levels were determined using an enzymatic method and were classified into gender-specific quartile groups as follows: group 1 (3–16 U/L in men and 3–13 U/L in women), group 2 (17–21 U/L in men and 14–16 U/L in women), group 3 (22–29 U/L in men and 17–22 U/L in women) and group 4 (30–428 U/L in men and 23–268 U/L in women). The study outcome was the incidence of diabetes (fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, non-fasting glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L, glycated haemoglobin ≥6.5% or use of glucose-lowering therapies).

Results

After an average follow-up period of 5.0 years, 279 individuals developed diabetes. The incidence rate of diabetes increased with elevation of serum ALT levels (0.7% per 100 person-years in group 1, 0.9% in group 2, 0.9% in group 3 and 1.7% in group 4) (p<0.001 for trend). This association was significant after adjustment for other risk factors including age, sex, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, current daily alcohol intake and regular exercise (p<0.001 for trend). Comparable associations were observed between men and women (p=0.459 for interaction).

Conclusion

Serum ALT levels were associated with future development of diabetes in the general Japanese population.
Charged strange star coupled to anisotropic dark energy in Tolman–Kuchowicz spacetime
Authors: Rej Pramit , Karmakar Akashdip
Published: August 2023

The concept of dark energy can be used as a possible option to prevent the gravitational collapse of compact objects into singularities. It affects the universe on the largest scale, as it is responsible for our universe’s accelerated expansion. As a consequence, it seems possible that dark energy will interact with any compact astrophysical stellar object [Phys. Rev. D 103, 084042 (2021)]. In this work, our prime focus is to develop a simplified model of a charged strange star coupled to anisotropic dark energy in Tolman–Kuchowicz spacetime (Tolman in Phys Rev 55:364, 1939; Kuchowicz in Acta Phys Pol 33:541, 1968) within the context of general relativity. To develop our model, here we consider a particular strange star object, Her X-1 with observed values of mass $$=(0.85 \pm 0.15)M_{\odot }$$

=

(
0.85
±
0.15
)

M
⊙

and radius $$= 8.1_{-0.41}^{+0.41}$$

=
8
.

1

-
0.41

+
0.41

km. respectively. In this context, we initially started with the equation of state (EoS) to model the dark energy, in which the dark energy density is proportional to the isotropic perfect fluid matter-energy density. The unknown constants present in the metric have been calculated by using the Darmois–Israel condition. We perform an in-depth analysis of the stability and force equilibrium of our proposed stellar configuration as well as multiple physical attributes of the model such as metric function, pressure, density, mass–radius relation, and dark energy parameters by varying dark energy coupling parameter $$\alpha $$
α
. Thus after a thorough theoretical analysis, we found that our proposed model is free from any singularity and also satisfies all stability criteria to be a stable and physically realistic stellar model.
Efficiency and thermodynamic uncertainty relations of a dynamical quantum heat engine
Authors: Razzoli Luca , Cavaliere Fabio , Carrega Matteo , Sassetti Maura , Benenti Giuliano
Published: August 2023

In the quest for high-performance quantum thermal machines, looking for an optimal thermodynamic efficiency is only part of the issue. Indeed, at the level of quantum devices, fluctuations become extremely relevant and need to be taken into account. In this paper we study the thermodynamic uncertainty relations for a quantum thermal machine with a quantum harmonic oscillator as a working medium, connected to two thermal baths, one of which is dynamically coupled. We show that parameters can be found such that the machine operates both as a quantum engine or refrigerator, with both sizeable efficiency and small fluctuations.
Tree-level new physics in R(K(∗))
Authors: Lee Jong-Phil
Published: August 2023

We implement the [Formula: see text] fit for [Formula: see text] with possible tree-level new physics in a model-independent parametrization. Relevant Wilson coefficients are decomposed into the new physics scale, its power, and the fermionic couplings. Constraints from the branching ratio of [Formula: see text] can be naturally incorporated with the scheme. For a reasonable set of the parameter ranges it is found that the new physics is less than [Formula: see text]. Some new physics models including the leptoquark, [Formula: see text], etc. can be embraced within our framework. We give comments on new LHCb data which are close to the standard model predictions.
Significance of induced magnetic force for bioconvective transport of thixotropic nanofluid with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Almeshaal Mohammed A. , Palaniappan Murugesan , Kolsi Lioua
Published: August 2023

Owing to novel thermos-physical properties, various applications of nanofluids are noted in thermal systems, solar energy, extrusion framework, industrial processes, cooling system, heating devices and biomedical applications. In order to attain more thermal impact of nanofluids, various features are endorsed by researchers. However, the thermal applications of nanofluids with interaction of induced magnetic field intended less attention. The aim of this study is to report the significance of induced magnetic force for non-Newtonian nanofluid containing microorganisms. The thixotropic non-Newtonian fluid model is used to classify the distinct rheological impact. The bioconvective thermal model is presented in view of variable thermal conductivity. The problem is further entertained with thermal radiation impact and activation energy. The convective boundary conditions are used to simulate the computations. The governing system is first reduced into dimensionless models which are numerically treated with implementation of shooting technique. The physical parameters report high fluctuation in the thermal phenomenon which are carefully evaluated.
Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer forced convective pseudo-plastic nanofluid flow through annular sector duct
Authors: Ahmed Farhan
Published: August 2023

In this research paper, we numerically analyze the flow and heat transfer rate of non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic nanofluid with variable apparent viscosity and thermal conductivity effects, respectively, through annular sector duct. Concentric pipes annular sector duct of an apex angle, [Formula: see text] and ratio of radii, [Formula: see text], is filled with saturated porous media. For this purpose, we utilize the power law Darcy–Brinkman flow model along with Forchheimer term. Also, the contribution of nanoparticles is accounted in carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC)-water, which has been taken as base fluid. Finite volume method (FVM) is utilized to discretize the governing mathematical model, whereas algebraic equations are solved numerically by using strongly implicit procedure (SIP). With the help of graphs, the impacts of nanoparticles’ contribution and porosity factor have been discussed by giving physical interpretation. Results are also found in the limiting sense and show the good agreement with already published data. At [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we can observe down in [Formula: see text] and Nu upto [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, when n decreases from 1 to [Formula: see text], whereas [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, by decreasing the value of n from 1 to [Formula: see text]. For both cases of nanoparticles’ contribution, the downs in Nu have been observed same by decreasing the value of n.
Rayleigh–Bénard Convection of Water-Copper and Water-Alumina Nanofluids Based on Minimal- and Higher-Mode Lorenz Models
Authors: Siddheshwar P. G. , Idris Ruwaidiah , Kanchana C. , Laroze D.
Published: August 2023

Linear and nonlinear stability analyses of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in water-copper and water-alumina nanofluids are studied in the paper by considering a minimal as well as an extended truncated Fourier representation. These representations respectively result in a third-order classical Lorenz model and a five-dimensional extended Lorenz model. The marginal stability plots reveal that the influence of added dilute concentration of nanoparticles in water is to destabilize the system. The rate of destabilization depends on the nanoparticles’ thermophysical properties and their volume fraction. Influence of adding an additional mode in the horizontal direction is to modify the cell size. This can be observed through the marginal curves as well as the stream line plots. Further, from the Nusselt number plots it is evident that the presence of dilute concentration of nanoparticles in water is to enhance heat transport in the system significantly. The dynamical behavior of the minimal and the extended Lorenz models is investigated using the bifurcation diagram. From the study an important finding that emerges is that the Fourier truncated solution is predicted to have different effects in lower-order and higher-order models. The extended penta-modal Lorenz system predicts advanced onset of chaos compared to that predicted by the classical third-order Lorenz model. The individual influence of both nanoparticles in water is to advance the onset of convection as well as to advance the onset of chaos.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of the Coupled Gear-Rotor-Bearing Transmission System for a New Energy Vehicle
Authors: Mo Shuai , Wang Zhen , Zeng Yanjun , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

Considering the effects of time-varying meshing stiffness, time-varying support stiffness, transmission errors, tooth side clearance and bearing clearance, a nonlinear dynamics model of the coupled gear-rotor-bearing transmission system of a new energy vehicle is constructed. Firstly, the fourth-order Runge–Kutta integral method is used to solve the differential equations of the system dynamics, and the time-varying meshing force diagram, time history diagram, phase diagram, FFT spectrum diagram, Poincaré map and bifurcation diagram of the system are obtained to study the influence of the external load excitation frequency on the dynamics characteristics of the system. In addition, the multiscale method is used to analyze the main resonance characteristics of the system and to determine the main resonance stability conditions of the system. The effect of time lag control parameters and external load excitation frequency on the main resonance of the system is analyzed by numerical methods. The results show that the gear-rotor-bearing coupled transmission system of the new energy vehicle has obviously nonlinear characteristics, avoiding the system instability interval reasonable selection of external load excitation frequency, meshing damping, time lag parameters and load fluctuations, which can be used to improve the stability of the transmission system of the new energy vehicle.
The Boundedness Locus and Baby Mandelbrot Sets for Some Generalized McMullen Maps
Authors: Boyd Suzanne , Mitchell Alexander J.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we study rational functions of the form [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] fixed and at least [Formula: see text], and hold either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] fixed while the other varies. We locate some homeomorphic copies of the Mandelbrot set in the [Formula: see text]-parameter plane for certain ranges of [Formula: see text], as well as in the [Formula: see text]-plane for some [Formula: see text]-ranges.

We use techniques first introduced by Douady and Hubbard [1985] that were applied for the subfamily [Formula: see text] by Devaney [2006]. These techniques involve polynomial-like maps of degree two.
Solution Structures of an Electrical Transmission Line Model with Bifurcation and Chaos in Hamiltonian Dynamics
Authors: Qi Jianming , Cui Qinghua , Zhang Le , Sun Yiqun
Published: August 2023

Employing the Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE method (RBSM) and improved Weierstrass elliptic function method, we handle the proposed [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear fractional electrical transmission line equation (NFETLE) system in this paper. An infinite sequence of solutions and Weierstrass elliptic function solutions may be obtained through solving the NFETLE. These new exact and solitary wave solutions are derived in the forms of trigonometric function, Weierstrass elliptic function and hyperbolic function. The graphs of soliton solutions of the NFETLE describe the dynamics of the solutions in the figures. We also discuss elaborately the effects of fraction and arbitrary parameters on a part of obtained soliton solutions which are presented graphically. Moreover, we also draw meaningful conclusions via a comparison of our partially explored areas with other different fractional derivatives. From our perspectives, by rewriting the equation as Hamiltonian system, we study the phase portrait and bifurcation of the system about NFETLE and we also for the first time discuss sensitivity of the system and chaotic behaviors. To our best knowledge, we discover a variety of new solutions that have not been reported in existing articles [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The most important thing is that there are iterative ideas in finding the solution process, which have not been seen before from relevant articles such as [Tala-Tebue et al., 2014; Fendzi-Donfack et al., 2018; Ashraf et al., 2022; Ndzana et al., 2022; Halidou et al., 2022] in seeking for exact solutions about NFETLE.
Invariants of spatial graphs coming from maximal trees
Authors: Chen Xing , Liu Luofei
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we find that for each given spatial graph, the number of its maximal trees is finite, and the quotient space corresponding to some maximal tree is also a spatial graph and it is homeomorphic to a disjoint union of wedge sum of circles. That means this quotient space is orientable and colorable. Thus, we define two equivalence invariants of spatial graphs, the coloring number bracket and the Alexander invariant set, which are coming from the coloring invariant and Alexander matrix.
A REVIEW ON THE INFLUENCE OF COOLING APPLICATIONS IN FRICTION STIR WELDING PROCESS
Authors: MYSTICA A. , SENTHIL KUMAR V. S. , RATHINASURIYAN C.
Published: August 2023

Welding, despite being the most efficient joining process, has significant negative impact on the environment and worker health. This paper presents the environmental impact of various conventional welding processes and sustainability of Friction Stir Welding–a Green technology which requires no filler material, no shielding gas, no flux and involves no gas emissions. It is an energy-efficient process that saves significant amount of power and energy when compared to conventional welding processes. The defect-free welds produced have better mechanical and metallurgical properties than other processes. The higher temperature distributed due to the friction heat is established as the source of weld failure. Cooling the weld joint controls the heat conduction thus further enhancing the weld properties. This review paper explores the different cooling techniques employed for cooling the joint during Friction Stir Welding process. The changes in temperature distribution and microstructure caused by the cooling applied and the consequential transformation in material flow, tensile strength, hardness, corrosion, wear, residual stress are discussed. The changes in weld properties obtained by using different cooling media on different materials are reviewed.
PREPARATION AND PHOTOCATALYTIC PERFORMANCE OF AG3PO4/MOS2 COMPOSITE PHOTOCATALYST
Authors: GAO YA , XU ZEZHONG , HU YUHUI , HAN CHENGLIANG , ZHANG LINGYUN
Published: August 2023

Ag3PO4 and MoS2 semiconductor materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The composite materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–VIS DRS), and the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by rhodamine B was studied. The results showed that: Ag3PO4/MoS2 composite photocatalyst is formed by using MoS2 microspheres as the matrix and Ag3PO4 nanoparticles coated on its surface or embedded in its lamellar structure. When the molar fraction of Ag3PO4 in the composite product is 75%, the composite photocatalyst has better light absorption capacity and lower photogenerated carrier recombination rate (optical band gap is 1.24 eV), and shows better visible light photocatalytic degradation activity in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB experiment, the catalytic degradation rate is as high as 95.0%. At the same time, the degradation mechanism showed that H+ and O2− were the main active substances for RhB degradation. The photocatalyst has excellent performance and simple preparation method. It has broad application prospects in the field of photocatalysis.