bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial, Economic, and Social Sustainability Aspects of Pension Systems. Econometrical Approaches in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Dumiter Florin Cornel , Nicoară Ștefania Amalia , Boiță Marius , Loučanová Erika , Stofkova Katarina Repkova
Published: May 2023

In the current socio-economic context, pension systems have become a crucial topic in the agenda of governments and international bodies. In this paper, an empirical study regarding the economic and social sustainability of pension systems in Central and Eastern European Countries was performed. The goal of the research is to establish the sustainability of pension systems with econometric modeling techniques on three dimensions as the research hypotheses are revealed: first, by strengthening the financial soundness of pension systems; second, consolidating the economic environment of pension systems; third, increasing the degree of social security systems with a direct effect of reducing poverty. The results led to relevant insights emphasizing the need for more inclusive economic, financial, and social reforms. From a policy perspective, these findings could be a starting point for the enhancement of the financial adequacy and economic and social sustainability of pension systems in Central and Eastern European Countries. The econometric techniques in this study highlight those modern pensions systems that need to be addressed in a more complex and empirical context that must encompass the main technical aspects. The conclusions suggest that in the future it needs judicial, economic, and social adjustments for the enhancement of the financial soundness of the pension systems.
Single and Double-sided Coated Gas Diffusion Layers used in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: A Numerical Study
Authors: Okereke Isaac Chukwuemezu , Ismail Mohammed S. , Ingham Derek , Hughes Kevin , Ma Lin , Pourkashanian Mohammed
Published: May 2023

A new three-dimensional numerical model of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with a single straight channel has been developed to primarily investigate the important impact of the double-sided microporous layer (MPL) coating on the overall performance of the fuel cell and the distribution of the current and the oxygen concentration within the cathode gas diffusion layers (GDLs). Realistic experimentally estimated interfacial contact resistance values between the gas diffusion layer and each of the bipolar plates and the catalyst layer values were incorporated into the model, and parametric studies were performed. The results showed that the double-sided MPL coating could significantly improve the fuel cell performance by up to 30%. Also, it was shown that the neglect of the contact resistance between the MPL and the catalyst layer could overestimate the fuel cell performance by up to 6%. In addition, the results showed that the fuel cell performance and the distribution of the current and oxygen are more sensitive to the porosity of the MPL facing the bipolar plate than the porosity of the MPL facing the catalyst layer. All the above results are presented and critically discussed in detail.
Investigation of Electrochromic, Combinatorial TiO2-SnO2 Mixed Layers by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry using Different Optical Models
Authors: Ismaeel Noor Taha , Lábadi Zoltán , Petrik Peter , Fried Miklós
Published: May 2023

We determined the optimal composition of reactive magnetron sputtered TiO2-SnO2 mixed layers for electrochromic purposes. We determined and mapped the composition and optical parameters by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE). The Ti‐ and Sn‐ targets have been placed separately, and the Si-wafers on glass substrate (30 cm× 30 cm) were moved under the two separated targets (Ti and Sn) in Ar‐O2 plasma. Different (Effective Medium Approximation (EMA) and oscillator-type) op-tical models were used to obtain the composition maps and thickness of the sample layer. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) has been used to check the SE results. The ’goodness’ of diverse optical models have been compared, according to the conditions of sample preparation. We show that in the case of molecular-level mixed layers 2‐Tauc‐Lorentz oscillator model is better than the Bruggeman Effective Medium Approximation (BEMA). The electrochromic properties of mixed metal oxides that deposited by reactive sputtering have been mapped, too.
Measurement Methods of the Thermal Resistance of Materials Used in Clothing
Authors: Rogale Dubravko , Firšt Rogale Snježana , Knezić Željko , Jukl Nikolina , Majstorović Goran
Published: May 2023

This paper describes methods for evaluating the thermal properties of textile materials, clothing composites, and clothing using an integrated measurement system that includes a hot plate, a multi-purpose differential conductometer, a thermal manikin, a temperature gradient measurement device, and a device for measuring the physiological parameters of the human body during the exact evaluation of garment thermal comfort. In practice, measurements were taken on four types of materials widely used in the production of conventional and protective clothing. The measurements were carried out using a hot plate and a multi-purpose differential conductometer, determining the thermal resistances of the material in its uncompressed form and a force that was ten times greater than that needed to determine its thickness. Using a hot plate and a multi-purpose differential conductometer, thermal resistances of textile materials were assessed at different levels of material compression. On hot plates, both conduction and convection had an impact on thermal resistance, but in multi-purpose differential conductometer, only conduction did. Moreover, the reduction of thermal resistance was observed while compressing textile materials.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of 316L Stainless Steel Additively Manufactured with Sinter-based Material Extrusion
Authors: Santamaria Ricardo , Wang Ke , Salasi Mobin , Iannuzzi Mariano , Mendoza Michael Y. , Quadir Md Zakaria
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of type 316L stainless steel (SS316L) produced with sinter-based material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM). This technology has been shown to produce SS316L with microstructures and mechanical properties comparable to its wrought counterpart in the annealed condition. However, despite plenty of research on SCC of SS316L, little is known about SCC in sinter-based AM SS316L. This study focuses on the influence of sintered microstructures on susceptibility to SCC initiation and crack-branching. Custom-made C-rings were exposed to different stress levels in acidic chloride solutions at various temperatures. To better understand the SCC behavior of SS316L, solution-annealed (SA) and cold-drawn (CD) wrought SS316L were tested for comparison. Results showed that sinter-based AM SS316L was more susceptible to SCC initiation than SA wrought SS316L but more resistant than CD wrought SS316L. Moreover, sinter-based AM SS316L showed noticeably better resistance to crack-branching than both wrought SS316L counterparts. The investigation was supported by comprehensive pre- and post-test microanalysis using light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)
Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Novel 68Ga-labeled (R)-Pyrrolidin-2-yl-boronic acid-based PET Tracers for Fibroblast Activation Protein-targeted Cancer Imaging
Authors: Bendre Shreya , Kuo Hsiou-Ting , Merkens Helen , Zhang Zhengxing , Wong Antonio A. W. L. , Bénard François , Lin Kuo-Shyan
Published: May 2023

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a membrane-tethered serine protease overexpressed in the reactive stromal fibroblasts of > 90% human carcinomas, which makes it a promising target for developing radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and therapy of carcinomas. Here, we synthesized two novel (R)-pyrrolidin-2-yl-boronic acid-based FAP-targeted ligands; SB02055 (DOTA-conjugated (R)-(1-((6-(3-(piperazin-1-yl)propoxy)quinoline-4-carbonyl)glycyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)boronic acid) and SB04028 (DOTA-conjugated ((R)-1-((6-(3-(piperazin-1-yl)propoxy)quinoline-4-carbonyl)-D-alanyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)boronic acid). natGa- and 68Ga-complexes of both ligands were evaluated in preclinical studies and compared to previously reported natGa/68Ga-complexed PNT6555. Enzymatic assays showed that FAP binding affinities (IC50) of natGa-SB02055, natGa-SB04028 and natGa-PNT6555 were 0.41±0.06, 13.9±1.29 and 78.1±4.59 nM, respectively. PET imaging and biodistribution studies in HEK293T:hFAP tumor-bearing mice showed that while [68Ga]Ga-SB02055 presented with a nominal tumor uptake (1.08±0.37 %ID/g), [68Ga]Ga-SB04028 demonstrated clear tumor visualization with ~1.5-fold higher tumor uptake (10.1±0.42 %ID/g) compared to [68Ga]Ga-PNT6555 (6.38±0.45 %ID/g). High accumulation in the bladder indicated renal excretion of all three tracers. [68Ga]Ga-SB04028 displayed low background level uptake in most normal organs, and comparable to [68Ga]Ga-PNT6555. However, since its tumor uptake was considerably higher than [68Ga]Ga-PNT6555, the corresponding tumor-to-organ uptake ratios for [68Ga]Ga-SB04028 were also significantly greater than [68Ga]Ga-PNT6555. Our data demonstrate that (R)-(((quinoline-4-carbonyl)-D-alanyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)boronic acid is a promising pharmacophore for the design of FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging and radioligand therapy.
Computational Characterization of the Binding Properties of the HIV1-Neutralizing Antibody PG16 and Design of PG16-Derived CDRH3 Peptides
Authors: Deubler Manuel , Weißenborn Lucas , Leukel Simon , Horn Anselm H.C. , Eichler Jutta , Sticht Heinrich
Published: May 2023

PG16 is a broadly neutralizing antibody that binds to the gp120 subunit of the HIV-1 Env protein. The major interaction site is formed by the unusually long complementarity determining region (CDR) H3. The CDRH3 residue Tyr100H is known to represent a tyrosine sulfation site; however, this modification is not present in the experimental complex structure of PG16 with full-length HIV-1 Env. To investigate the role of sulfation for this complex, we modeled the sulfation of Tyr100H and compared the dynamics and energetics of the modified and unmodified complex by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that sulfation does not affect the overall conformation of CDRH3, but still enhances gp120 interactions both at the site of mutation and for the neighboring residues. This stabilization affects not only protein-protein contacts, but also the interactions between PG16 and the gp120 glycan shield. Further, we also investigated whether PG16-CDRH3 is a suitable template for the development of peptide mimetics. For a peptide spanning residues 93-105 of PG16 we obtained an experimental EC50 value of 3nM for the binding of gp120 to the peptide. This affinity can be enhanced by almost one order of magnitude by artificial disulfide bonding between residues 99 and 100F. In contrast, any truncation results in significantly lower affinity, suggesting that the entire peptide segment is involved in gp120 recognition. Their high affinity makes PG16-derived peptides useful building blocks for further optimization to obtain a potent inhibitor that efficiently blocks HIV-1 infection.
Training Natural Language Processing Models on Encrypted Text for Enhanced Privacy
Authors: TAŞAR Davut Emre , ÖCAL TAŞAR Ceren
Published: May 2023

With the increasing use of cloud-based services for training and deploying machine learning models, data privacy has become a major concern. This is particularly important for natural language processing (NLP) models, which often process sensitive information such as personal communications and confidential documents. In this study, we propose a method for training NLP models on encrypted text data to mitigate data privacy concerns while maintaining similar performance to models trained on non-encrypted data. We demonstrate our method using two different architectures, namely Doc2Vec+XGBoost and Doc2Vec+LSTM, and evaluate the models on the 20 Newsgroups dataset. Our results indicate that both encrypted and non-encrypted models achieve comparable performance, suggesting that our encryption method is effective in preserving data privacy without sacrificing model accuracy. In order to replicate our experiments, we have provided a Colab notebook at the following address: https://t.ly/lR-TP
The Dynamics of Gene Expression Unraveling the Immune Response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii Infected by Aeromonas veronii
Authors: Peng Xin , Lan Xuan , Zhong Zhenxiao , Tu Haihui , Yao Xinyi , Tang Qiongying , Xia Zhenglong , Yang Guoliang , Yi Shaokui
Published: May 2023

To further investigate the immune response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii against Aeromonas veronii, comparative transcriptomic analyses of the M. rosenbergii hepatopancreas were conducted on challenge and control groups at 6, 12, and 24 h post-infection (hpi), independently. A total of 51,707 high-quality unigenes were collected from the RNA-seq data, and 8,060 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered through paired comparisons. Among three comparison groups, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that 173 immune-related DEGs were considerably clustered into 28 immune-related pathways, including the lysosome and phagosome, etc. Moreover, the expression levels of the four key immune-related genes (TOLL, PAK1, GSK3β, and IKKα) were evaluated at various stages following post-infection in the hepatopancreas, hemolymph, and gill. Both PAK1 and GSK3β genes were highly upregulated in all three tissues at 6 hpi with A. veronii; TOLL was up-regulated in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph but down-regulated in the gill at 6 hpi; and IKKα was up-regulated in hemolymph and gill, but down-regulated in the hepatopancreas at 6 hpi. These findings lay the groundwork for understanding the immune mechanism of M. rosenbergii after contracting A. veronii.
THE EFFECT OF ACCOUNT RECEIVABLE TURNOVER AND CASH TURNOVER ON LIQUIDITY AT PT PLN PERSERO
Authors: Lestari Anisya , Febriyani Eka Supriatin  , Harjanti Agustina Eka
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to partially examine the effect of account receivable turnover and cash turnover on liquidity at PT PLN Persero, simultaneously evaluate the effect of account receivable turnover and cash turnover on liquidity at PT PLN Persero, and identify the financial ratios (the influence of account receivable turnover and cash turnover), which are more dominant in influencing account receivable turnover and cash turnover on liquidity (current ratio) at PT PLN Persero. Samples were taken from the financial statements of PT PLN Persero from 2010 to 2019 using the purposive sampling technique. The classical assumption tests (normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, and autocorrelation test) were applied in this study. Multiple linear regression was utilized for analysis. To examine hypotheses, t-test, F-test, and coefficient of determination test were used. The results of statistical data tests show that partially account receivable turnover has no significant effect on liquidity (current ratio) and cash turnover has no significant effect on liquidity (current ratio). Thus, users of financial statements can consider these ratios as reference considerations in making decisions.
INDONESIAN HALAL MSME OPEN INNOVATION WITH ISLAMIC FINTECH ADOPTION
Authors:   Bina Nusantara University, Alfarizi Muhammad , Ngatindriatun Ngatindriatun ,   Bina Nusantara University
Published: May 2023

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has led to the development of Islamic FinTech innovations to meet the needs of the Muslim community. This study analyzes the factors that determine the adoption of Sharia FinTech by halal MSME owners. The study utilized an exploratory method based on an online survey of halal MSME owners with 319 samples. The PLS-SEM analysis technique was chosen to prove the research hypothesis. This research finds that variables such as religiosity, Islamic financial literacy, and perception of risk affect the intention to adopt Islamic FinTech. The UTAUT2 variable has a positive effect on knowledge of Sharia FinTech adoption, while the adoption of Islamic FinTech positively impacts the sustainability of halal MSME businesses. The study recommends strengthening the infrastructure of the Sharia FinTech system and enhancing the value of financial services for halal MSMEs. Integrating Sharia FinTech into business operations can also enhance brand image and increase the sustainable business capacity of halal MSMEs. These insights can help develop effective strategies for Islamic FinTech innovation.
Systematic human learning by literature and data mining for feature selection in machine learning
Authors: Sufriyana Herdiantri , Wu Yu Wei , Su Emily Chia-Yu
Published: May 2023

We proposed a learning algorithm for human to conduct literature and data mining for causal factor discovery. The applicability is to select features for a machine learning prediction model, including but not limited to that using real-world, time-varying data from electronic health records. This protocol is relatively quick to find potentially actionable predictors for a clinical prediction while dealing with high dimensionality in big data. However, this protocol might not find a potentially novel cause, since this only exhaustively examines the existing evidences in a single study. The key stages consisted of systematic human learning, causal diagram construction, data preprocessing, causal inference modeling, and development and validation of a prediction model to describe the explainability.
Fire frequency effects on plant community characteristics in the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts of North America
Authors: Stanton Rebekah L. , Nusink Baylie C. , Cass Kristina L. , Bishop Tara B.B. , Woodbury Brianna , Armond David , Clair Sam St.
Published: May 2023

Background:
Wildfire regimes are changing dramatically across North American deserts with the spread of invasive grasses that perpetuate invasive grass fire cycles, resulting in larger and more frequent fires. This study experimentally compared how single and repeat fires, a characteristic of invasive grass fire cycles, influence plant fuels dominated by invasive grasses, in the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts. Both study sites had an identical study design. In the summer of 2011, we experimentally burned half of each experimental block the other half remaining as an unburned control. Half of the burned plots were reburned five years later to simulate a repeat burn characteristic of increasing burn frequency. We estimated non-woody plant biomass, cover and density in plots from 2017-2020.
Results:
Biomass did not vary between sites, but there was higher plant cover but lower plant density at the Mojave site than the Great Basin site. Plant biomass, density and cover varied significantly across years, with stronger annual fluctuations in the Great Basin. At both desert sites, fire increased plant density and biomass compared to unburned plots but had no effect on biomass. The effect of fire on plant cover varied significantly between years for both deserts but was greater in the Great Basin than the Mojave site. Repeat fires did not amplify the initial fire effects.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that annual fluctuations in fine fuel production generally, and in response to fire was more responsive at the Great Basin site than the Mojave site, with no compounding effect of repeat fires.
Assessing Public Health Preparedness and Response in the European Union. A Review of Eu-Level Simulation Exercises and After Action Reviews
Authors: Utheim Mari Nythun , Gawad Mohammed , Nygård Karin , Macdonald Emily , Falk Monica
Published: May 2023

Background: In order to improve preparedness and response capacities in the European Union, a good overview of capacities at both country and union level is needed. The International Health Regulations (2005) Monitoring and Evaluation framework aims to assess capacities in countries. It includes semi-quantitative tools such as the State Parties Annual Report (SPAR) and the Joint External Evaluation (JEE). After Action Reviews (AAR) and Simulation Exercises (SimEx) were included to identify weaknesses in the functionality of capacities which are not addressed by SPAR and JEE. This study presents an analysis of the use of these tools on a regional level, in Europe. It aims to identify their added value by comparing them to standardised monitoring tools and lessons learned from COVID-19, and considers ways to improve their use in assessing capacities in the EU.Methods: We included 17 SimEx and 2 AAR organized by the European Commission between 2005 and 2018. We categorized a total of 357 recommendations according to the IHR (2005) core capacities they addressed and their target audience. We analysed data using language analysis software. Recommendations to countries were compared to SPAR and JEE indicators. Recommendations to EU agencies were compared to the current mandates of the EU agencies, and to lessons learnt during COVID-19.Results: Of all the extracted recommendations, 59% targeted EU agencies, 18% targeted countries, and 16% targeted both. Recommendations mainly addressed areas of IHR coordination (C2), heath emergency management (C7) and risk communication (C10), and not low scoring areas. Recommendations complement SPAR indicators by identifying gaps in functionality. Eight out of ten early lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic had been raised earlier as recommendations from exercises. Exercise reports assessed did not include or result in action plans for implementation, but COVID-19 has accelerated implementation of some recommendations.Conclusion: SimEx/AAR provide valuable insight into public health preparedness at EU level, as they assess functionality of response mechanisms, point out gaps, and provide training and awareness for participants, who often have key roles in public health emergencies. Better follow-up and implementation of recommendations can improve the regional preparedness for international public health incidents.
Bivalent and Monovalent SARS-CoV-2 Variant Vaccine Boosters Improve coverage of the known Antigenic Landscape: Results of the COVID-19 Variant Immunologic Landscape (COVAIL) Trial
Authors: Branche Angela , Rouphael Nadine , Diemert David , Falsey Ann , Losada Cecilia , Baden Lindsey (R) , Frey Sharon , Whitaker Jennifer , Little Susan , Anderson Evan , Walter Emmanuel , Novak Richard , Rupp Richard , Jackson Lisa , Babu Tara , Kottkamp Angelica , Luetkemeyer Annie , Immergluck Lilly , Presti Rachel , Backer Martin , Winokur Patricia , Mahgoub Siham , Goepfert Paul , Fusco Dahlene , Malkin Elissa , Bethony Jeff , Walsh Edward , Graciaa Daniel , Samaha Hady , Sherman Amy , Walsh Stephen , Abate Getahun , Oikonomopoulou Zacharoula , Sahly Hana El , Martin Thomas , Kamidani Satoshi , Smith Michael , Ladner Benjamin , Porterfield Laura , Dunstan Maya , Wald Anna , Davis Tamia , Atmar Robert , Mulligan Mark , Lyke Kirsten , Posavad Christine , Meagher Megan , Stephens David , Neuzil Kathleen , Abebe Kuleni , Hill Heather , Albert Jim , Telu Kalyani , Mu Jinjian , Lewis Teri , Giebeig Lisa , Eaton Amanda , Netzl Antonia , Wilks Sam , Tureli Sina , Makhene Mamodikoe , Crandon Sonja , Montefiori David , Makowski Mat , Smith Derek , Nayak Seema , Roberts Paul , Beigel John
Published: May 2023

Vaccine protection against COVID-19 wanes over time and has been impacted by the emergence of new variants with increasing escape of neutralization. The COVID-19 Variant Immunologic Landscape (COVAIL) randomized clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT 05289037) compares the breadth, magnitude and durability of antibody responses induced by a second COVID-19 vaccine boost with mRNA (Moderna mRNA-1273 and Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2), or adjuvanted recombinant protein (Sanofi CoV2 preS DTM-AS03) monovalent or bivalent vaccine candidates targeting ancestral and variant SARS-CoV-2 spike antigens (Beta, Delta and Omicron BA.1). We found that boosting with a variant strain is not associated with loss in neutralization against the ancestral strain. However, while variant vaccines compared to the prototype/wildtype vaccines demonstrated higher neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/5 subvariants for up to 3 months after vaccination, neutralizing activity was lower for more recent Omicron subvariants. Our study, incorporating both antigenic distances and serologic landscapes, can provide a framework for objectively guiding decisions for future vaccine updates.
Using the Kidney Failure Risk Equation to predict end-stage kidney disease in CKD patients of South Asian ethnicity: an external validation study
Authors: Maher Francesca , Teece Lucy , Major Rupert W , Bradbury Naomi , Medcalf James F , Brunskill Nigel J , Booth Sarah , Gray Laura J
Published: May 2023

Background:
The Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) predicts the 2- and 5-year risk of needing kidney replacement therapy (KRT) using four risk factors – age, sex, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Although the KFRE has been recalibrated in a UK cohort, this did not consider minority ethnic groups. Further validation of the KFRE in different ethnicities is a research priority. The KFRE also does not consider the competing risk of death, which may lead to overestimation of KRT risk. This study externally validates the KFRE for patients of South Asian ethnicity and compares methods for accounting for ethnicity and the competing event of death.
Methods:
Data were gathered from an established UK cohort containing 35,539 individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The KFRE was externally validated and updated in several ways taking into account ethnicity, using recognised methods for time-to-event data, including the competing risk of death. A clinical impact assessment compared the updated models through consideration of referrals made to secondary care.
Results:
The external validation showed the risk of KRT differed by ethnicity. Model validation performance improved when incorporating ethnicity and its interactions with ACR and eGFR as additional risk factors. Further, accounting for the competing risk of death improved prediction. Using a criteria of 5 year ≥5% predicted KRT risk, the competing risks model resulted in an extra 3 unnecessary referrals (0.59% increase) but identified an extra 1 KRT case (1.92% decrease) compared to the previous best model. A hybrid criteria of predicted risk using the competing risks model and ACR ≥70mg/mmol should be used in referrals to secondary care.
Conclusions:
The accuracy of KFRE prediction improves when updated to consider South Asian ethnicity and to account for the competing risk of death. This may reduce unnecessary referrals whilst identifying risks of KRT and could further individualise the KFRE and improve its clinical utility. Further research should consider other ethnicities.
Development, Feasibility, and Acceptability of SPoRT: a Dating Violence and Sexual Risk Prevention Intervention for College Student-Athletes
Authors: Jaffe Nicole , Jones Meredith C. , Angelone DJ
Published: May 2023

Background. Student-athletes are one subgroup of college students in the United States at risk for dating violence and sexual risk behaviors. Despite this, research on student-athletes’ dating behaviors is limited; existing research pertains primarily to NCAA Division I athletes, and focuses on male student-athletes as perpetrators of dating and sexual violence. While some existing programs aim to reduce dating violence and promote healthy relationships, these programs are education-based, and not tailored to the specific strengths and challenges of student-athletes. We therefore designed Supporting Prevention in Relationships for Teams (SPoRT), a novel, four-session prevention intervention for Division III student-athletes of all genders to reduce dating violence and sexual risk behavior by targeting knowledge and skills identified in pilot research, incorporating psychoeducation with techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, bystander intervention, and normative feedback.
Methods. This study represents stage 1 of the NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development, evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of SPoRT. We describe the development, content, and proposed delivery methods for SPoRT, and evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the program using a mixed-methods approach. Thirty college student-athletes (12 men, 18 women) completed questionnaires and participated in focus groups to provide feedback on the program’s length, timing, group size and dynamics, content, and suggestions for making the SPoRT prevention intervention more feasible and acceptable.
Results. Our recruitment procedures were successful, and participants rated the program as feasible in terms of delivery methods and logistics. Participants liked that SPoRT was developed based on pilot data collected from student-athletes, brief, skills-based, and tailored to athletic team needs. SPoRT was perceived as appropriate and relevant to student-athlete needs in terms of dating violence and sexual risk prevention knowledge and skills. Most participants (63%) rated the program as “excellent” and said they would recommend it to others.
Conclusions. We found SPoRT to be both feasible and acceptable in terms of content and delivery. Suggested modifications will be incorporated into the SPoRT healthy relationships prevention intervention to be tested in an NIH Stage I efficacy trial.
Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Tremor clustering reveals precursors and evolution of the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption
Authors: Zali Zahra , mousavi s.mostafa , Ohrnberger Matthias , Eibl Eva , cotton fabrice
Published: May 2023

Timely manner seismic data processing and analyses are essential for potential eruption prediction and early warning in volcanology. However, the complexity of eruption processes and precursory activities makes the analysis challenging. Here, we show that advanced machine learning techniques can provide an effective and efficient tool for extracting overlooked information from continuous seismic signal recorded during the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption in Iceland and reveal the temporal evolution of the eruptive activity. We identify the major phases of the eruption based on observed seismic signals throughout the eruptive activity. We distinguish unrest activities, continuous lava extrusion, and different levels of lava fountaining. We discover a precursory volcanic tremor sequence starting three days prior to the eruption, which could be used as an indicator of imminent eruptive activity. Based on the extracted patterns of seismicity and their temporal variations we provide an explanation for the transition mechanism from vigorous outflow to lava fountaining. Our observation suggests that the transition to episodic tremors in the seismic signal in early May, could be a result of an increase in the discharge rate in late April.
Spatial and Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Correlation between Histone H2A Dioxygenase Gene Expression and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chang Renin , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Tzeng Yen-Dun Tony , Hsiao Jui-Hu , Tsang Yi-Ling , Kuo Chen-Hsin , Li Chia-Jung
Published: May 2023

BackgroundALKBH1 is an important enzyme involved in various cellular processes that regulates RNA demethylation in humans. While its contribution to tumor progression is known, its role in gastric cancer remains unclear. Further research is needed to explore the potential of ALKBH1 in clinicopathology, tumor immune microenvironment, and precision oncology for STAD.MethodsThis study used a multi-omics approach to identify ALKBH1 as an independent diagnostic biomarker for STAD with a correlation to advanced clinical status and poor overall survival rate. We analyzed publicly available datasets from GEO and TCGA, identifying differentially expressed genes in STAD and examined their relationship with immune gene expression, overall survival, tumor stage, gene mutation status, and infiltrating immune cells. We also explored ALKBH1 gene expression in different regions of the STAD using spatial transcriptomics. In addition, we utilized spatial transcriptomic and single-cell RNA-sequencing methods to investigate the correlation between PGAM1 and immune cells. We further confirmed our results by analyzing 60 STAD patient samples and examining the relationship between ALKBH1 expression, clinicopathological features, and prognosis using immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics.ResultsOur study revealed the expression of key gene regulators in gastric cancer that were associated with genetic variations, deletions, and the tumor microenvironment. Mutations in these regulators were positively linked to distinct immune cells in six immune datasets and played a vital role in immune cell infiltration in STAD. We found that high ALKBH1 expression was associated with macrophage infiltration in STAD. Moreover, pharmacogenomic analysis of renal cancer cell lines indicated that ALKBH1 inactivation was correlated with increased sensitivity to specific small-molecule drugs.ConclusionTo sum up, the study indicates that alterations in ALKBH1 may play a role in STAD advancement and reveal new diagnostic and prognostic implications of ALKBH1 in STAD. It emphasizes the importance of ALKBH1 in the tumor immune microenvironment, implying its potential utility as a precision medicine tool and for drug screening in STAD.
Integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analysis identifies the predictive signature for prognosis and neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses in breast cancer
Authors: Feng Ran , Guo Junbin , Pan Lihui , Yao Yarong , Gao Jinnan , Zhang Xiaojuyn
Published: May 2023

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a well-established treatment modality for locally advanced breast cancer (BC). However, it can also result in severe toxicities while controlling tumors. Therefore, reliable predictive biomarkers are urgently needed to objectively and accurately predict NAC response. This study aims to integrate single-cell and bulk RNA-seq data to identify key regulatory factors that contribute to NAC response in BC patients. In specific, we construct an NAC prognostic risk model based on the nine identified prognostic NAC response-related genes and demonstrate its clinical independence and generalizability. Additionally, we explore the underlying cancer hallmarks and microenvironment features of this NAC response-related risk score, and further assess the potential impact of risk score on drug response. In summary, our study involved the development of prognostic biomarkers for NAC in BC, which was accomplished through the integration of single-cell and bulk RNA data. The results of our study are of crucial significance in the prediction of the efficacy of NAC in BC, and may have implications for the clinical management of this disease.
Use of electronic patient records and encrypted email patient communication among Swiss chiropractors: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Hincapié Cesar A , Hofstetter Léonie , Lalji Rahim , Korner Longin , Schläppi Mireille C , Leemann Serafin
Published: May 2023

Background: The implementation of electronic health information technologies is a key target for healthcare quality improvement. Among Swiss chiropractors, reliable data on the use of electronic heath information technologies and distribution of the health workforce was lacking. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of electronic patient record (EPR) and encrypted email communication use among Swiss chiropractors and describe the geographic distribution of chiropractors in Switzerland.
Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study of all active practising members of the Swiss Chiropractic Association (ChiroSuisse) between 3 December 2019 and 31 January 2020. We asked about clinician and practice characteristics, EPR use for clinical record keeping, use of encrypted email for patient communication, and information on EPR and encrypted email communication products used. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the association between clinician and practice characteristics and (1) EPR use and (2) encrypted email use.
Results: Among 286 eligible Swiss chiropractors (193 [68%] men; mean age, 51.4 [SD, 11.2] years), 217 (76%) completed the survey (140 [65%] men; mean age 50.7 [11.2] years). The density of chiropractors in Switzerland was 3.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. 47% of respondents (95% confidence interval [CI], 40% to 54%) reported using an EPR in their practice, while 60% (95% CI, 54% to 67%) endorsed using encrypted email technology. Chiropractors aged ≥60 (versus those ≤39) years were 74% less likely to use an EPR system (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.77), while clinicians from practices with 4 or more chiropractors (versus those from solo practices) were over 5 times more likely to report EPR use (OR 5.6, 2.1 to 16.5). Findings for factors associated with encrypted email use were similar.
Conclusions: As of January 2020, 286 duly licensed chiropractors were available to provide musculoskeletal healthcare in Switzerland — just under 50% of Swiss chiropractors used an EPR system in clinical practice, while 60% used encrypted email technology. Better implementation of EPR and electronic health information technologies in Swiss chiropractic practice is possible and desirable for the purpose of musculoskeletal healthcare quality improvement.
Water stress may decelerate purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) invasion in arid environments
Authors: Eslami Seyed Vahid , Arpanahi Nosratollah Kerimi
Published: May 2023

Cyperus rotundus L. causes high yield losses in fruiting vegetables and cucurbits in eastern and southeastern parts of Iran. Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of degree and duration of water stress on growth, fecundity and biomass partitioning of purple nutsedge. The degree of water stress study included five treatments, where the amount of water applied to each pot at 3-day interval was equivalent to 100, 75, 50, 25, and 12.5% of pot water content. The study of water stress duration included six durations of water stress: 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15- and 18-day intervals, where the amount of water applied to each pot was equivalent to 100% of pot water content. The greatest values for plant height, leaf area, shoot and tuber number and below- and aboveground biomass were recorded at 100% of pot water content and also at 3-day water stress duration, whereas they were reduced as degree and duration of water stress increased. This study shows that although C. rotundus is susceptible to water stress, it allocates greater biomass to underground organs under a higher degree and duration of water stress. This necessitates strategies that minimize water availability to purple nutsedge plants and inhibit new shoot and tuber production.
Device Physics and Design Principles of Mixed-dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Yang Zhenhai , Ma Tianshu , Ai Zhenhai , Bao Yining , Shi Luolei , Qin Linling , Cao Guoyang , Wang Changlei , Li Xiaofeng
Published: May 2023

Mixed-dimensional perovskites possess unique photoelectric properties and are widely used in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to improve their efficiency and stability. However, there is a pressing need for a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms and design principles of mixed-dimensional PSCs, as such knowledge gaps impose restrictions on unlocking the full potential of this kind of PSC. Here, we employ a 2D/3D PSC as an example to clarify the working mechanism of mixed-dimensional PSCs from the perspective of device physics and elaborate on the design rules of high-efficiency mixed-dimensional PSCs. Detailed simulation results indicate that the insertion of a layer of 2D perovskite between the 3D perovskite and the hole transport layer (HTL) could significantly reduce the recombination at the HTL/perovskite interface, and PSCs with a 2D/3D perovskite structure exhibit higher tolerance to material selectivity compared with their 3D counterparts. Additionally, the 2D/3D perovskite design could slow down ion migration and accumulation processes, thereby easing the hysteresis behavior of 2D/3D PSCs. Moreover, we also find that the 2D/3D perovskite structure has a more pronounced effect on improving the efficiency of wide-bandgap PSCs. Overall, this work sheds new light on mixed-dimensional PSCs, enabling better guidance for designing high-efficiency PSCs.
The PRESIDE (PhaRmacogEnomicS In DEpression) Trial: a double-blind randomised controlled trial of pharmacogenomic-informed prescribing of antidepressants on depression outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder in primary care.
Authors: Saya Sibel , Chondros Patty , Abela Anastasia , Mihalopolous Cathrine , Chatterton Mary Lou , Gunn Jane , Chen Timothy F , Polasek Thomas M , Dettmann Elise , Brooks Rachel , King Michelle , Spencer Luke , Alphonse Pavithran , Milton Shakira , Ramsay Georgia , Siviour Zoe , Liew Jamie J. M. , Ly Philip , Thoenig Matthew , Seychell Raushaan , Rocca Floriy La , Hesson Luke B , Mejias Nydia , Sivertsen Terri , Galea Melanie Anne , Bousman Chad , Emery Jon
Published: May 2023

Background:
The evidence for the clinical utility of pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is growing and guidelines exist for the use of PGx testing to inform prescribing of 13 antidepressants. Although previous randomised controlled trials of PGx testing for antidepressant prescribing have shown an association with remission of depression in clinical psychiatric settings, few trials have focused on the primary care setting, where most antidepressant prescribing occurs.
Methods:
The PRESIDE trial is a stratified double-blinded randomised controlled superiority trial that aims to evaluate the impact of a PGx-informed antidepressant prescribing report (compared with standard prescribing using the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines) on depressive symptoms after 12 weeks, when delivered in primary care. Six hundred and seventy-two patients aged 18-65 years of general practitioners (GPs) in Victoria with moderate to severe depressive symptoms, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) will be randomly allocated 1:1 to each arm using a computer-generated sequence. Participants and GPs will be blinded to study arm. The primary outcome is a difference between arms in the change of depressive symptoms, measured using the PHQ-9 after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include a difference between arms in change in PHQ-9 score at four, eight and 26 weeks, proportion in remission at 12 weeks, a change in side-effect profile of antidepressant medications, adherence to antidepressant medications, change in quality of life and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
Discussion:
This trial will provide evidence as to whether PGx-informed antidepressant prescribing is clinically efficacious and cost-effective. It will inform national and international policy and guidelines about the use of PGx to select antidepressants for people with moderate to severe depressive symptoms presenting in primary care.
Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12621000181808. Registered on 22nd February 2021.
Time-course inhibition evaluation of renal fibrosis with bardoxolone methyl in unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Miyano Hiroki , Endo Amane , Mizutani Akira , Nakagawa Mayu , Sakuraya Koji , Murano Yayoi , Nishizaki Naoto , Fujinaga Shuichiro , Ohtomo Yoshiyuki , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Reactive oxygen species can aggravate of renal fibrosis, resulting in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a biological defense factor. Nrf2 exerts a renoprotective effect by producing antioxidant response elements (AREs) that antagonize renal fibrosis. Recently, bardoxolone methyl (BARD), an Nrf2 activator, has attracted attention as a therapeutic agent for chronic kidney disease. We conducted a time course renoprotective evaluation of BARD administration among rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal injury.
Materials and methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats which underwent UUO received BARD for 2 weeks postoperatively to investigate its renoprotective effect using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and histopathological analyses of kidney samples.
Results: Compared with UUO, BARD administration reduced interstitial fibrotic area, causing a substantial decline in the frequency of ED-1–positive cells and the TGF-β area. RT-PCR also showed that BARD administration suppressed the expression of renal fibrotic factors and promoted AREs. Moreover, immunostaining for Nrf2 showed that BARD administration enhanced its activation and translocation to the nucleus.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that BARD induces nuclear activation of Nrf2 to activate AREsover time and enhances renal protection against inflammation and fibrosis caused by UUO.
Efficacy of High-fidelity Simulation in Advanced Life Support Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zeng Qin , Wang Kai , Liu wei-xin , Zeng Jiu-zhi , Li Xing-lan , Zhang Qing-feng , Ren Shang-qing , Xu Wen-ming
Published: May 2023

Background Simulation is an increasingly used novel method for the education of medical professionals.This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy of high-fidelity (HF) simulation compared with low-fidelity (LF) simulation or no simulation in advanced life support (ALS) training.Methods A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Chinese Biomedicine Database, Embase, CENTRAL, ISI, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of HF simulation in ACLS training. Quality assessment was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.0.1. The primary outcome was the improvement of knowledge and skill performance. The secondary outcomes included the participants’ confidence and satisfaction at the course conclusion, skill performance at one year, skill performance in actual resuscitation, and patient outcomes. Data were synthesized using the RevMan 5.4 software.Results Altogether, 25 RCTs with a total of 1987 trainees were included in the meta-analysis. In the intervention group, 998 participants used HF manikins, whereas 989 participants received LF simulation-based or traditional training (classical training without simulation). Pooled data from the RCTs demonstrated a benefit in improvement of knowledge [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.59, P = 0.0003, I2 = 71%] and skill performance (SMD = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.21–1.04, P = 0.003, I2 = 93%) for HF simulation when compared with LF simulation and traditional training. The subgroup analysis revealed a greater benefit in knowledge with HF simulation compared with traditional training at the course conclusion (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.17–0.83, P = 0.003, I2 = 67%). Studies measuring knowledge at three months, skill performance at one year, teamwork behaviors, participants’ satisfaction and confidence demonstrated no significant benefit for HF simulation.Conclusions Learners using HF simulation more significantly benefited from the ALS training in terms of knowledge and skill performance at the course conclusion. However, further research is necessary to enhance long-term retention of knowledge and skill in actual resuscitation and patient’s outcomes.