bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical and Respectful Engagement in Cervical Cancer Screening Research in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Lidya Genene , Wondimagegnehu Abigiya , Labban Laith A. , Teka Brhanu , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Abebe Tamrat , Kantelhardt Eva J. , Addissie Adamu , Gizaw Muluken
Published: June 2024

Background
Screenings for cervical cancer are rare in developing countries due to several barriers, the major being convenience and privacy. Thus, there was a need to conduct a study to identify ways to overcome barriers related to cervical screening participation. This rapid ethnographic assessment aimed to explore respectful and ethical engagement with research participants and their communities for a cluster randomized trial that compared different cervical cancer screening strategies at the community level in Ethiopia.
Methods
This study was conducted in three rural and one urban kebele (administrative unit) of Butajira, Southern Ethiopia, with purposively selected study participants. Two different interview guides were prepared to facilitate focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community elders, religious leaders, women's representatives, and Ekub or Eder (traditional savings and support system) leaders. All the interviews and discussions were audio-recorded, and the interview guides covered topics related to research participation, decision-making, preferences, and cervical cancer screenings. QCAmap software was used for analysis. Qualitative content analysis was done, and selected quotes are presented to illustrate the themes.
Results
Some study participants believed women would be willing to participate in research that required self-sampling for HPV testing. Barriers identified were primigravids, fear of pain, and a lack of privacy. If involved in a study, it was assumed that women might expect to receive results, treatment, and education, among other incentives. Most agreed that the women could provide written consent, while few raised some concerns about providing a signature. The decision-makers for women to participate in the study were believed to be herself with her husband’s involvement. The participants preferred health posts for self-sampling and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) to be done by female health workers.
Conclusions
The results of this study emphasize the importance of understanding the perceptions of women regarding screening procedures. We also identified perceived barriers that would hinder women’s participation in research involving cervical cancer screenings, highlighting their expectations, consent, and the husband’s role.
Metabolite ratios in white and gray matter obtained with miltivoxel H-MRS in patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Khomenko Yulia G. , Kataeva Galina V. , Bogdan Andrey A. , Chernysheva Elena M.
Published: June 2024

It is wellknown that there are technical difficulties in assessing absolute metabolite concentrations from peak values during in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At the same time, in other neuroimaging methods, for example, positron emission tomography, relative evaluations are widely used, when a radiopharmaceutical accumulation in the region of interest is normalized to its accumulation in the reference area. In this study we used the same approach in multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy and evaluated the metabolites ratios in gray and white matter. The ratios of N-acethylaspartate, creatine and choline in gray and white matter in supraventricular area were studied in patients with cognitive impairment and age-related healthy controls. The creatine ratios in white and gray matter differed significantly in the observed groups and correlated with the cognitive tests scores and cortex thickness. The obtained results show that for the correct interpretation of magnetic resonance spectroscopy data could be useful to evaluate not only traditional metabolites ratios, but also ratios of metabolite concentrations in white and gray matter.
A Multi-Scale Local Attention Mechanism for Aspect Extraction
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhu Jinsen , Du Hongyu , Xia Haoran , Shao Sisi , Wang Wentao , Yuan Chen , Ji Yimu
Published: June 2024

Aspect extraction is a critical step in constructing knowledge graphs and involves extracting aspect information from unstructured text. Current methods typically employ attention-based techniques such as global or local attention mechanisms, each with significant limitations. Global mechanisms are prone to introducing noise, while local mechanisms face challenges in determining the optimal window size. To address these issues, we propose a novel aspect extraction approach utilizing a multi-scale local attention mechanism (MLA). This method leverages a pre-trained model to convert text into vector representations. Feature extraction is then performed with gated recurrent units, followed by representation learning at various window sizes through the MLA. Features are selected using max pooling and decoded by a fully connected neural network combined with a conditional random field to generate precise aspect labels. Experimental validation on the Zhejiang Cup e-commerce review mining dataset demonstrates that our proposed method outperforms existing models in aspect extraction performance.
Single-Iso-Multiple-Targets (SIMT) Radiosurgery Plan Quality Control via a Novel Deep Neural Network with Spherical Convolutions
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Khazaieli Mercedeh , Vaios Eugene , Zhang Rihui , Zhao Jingtong , Mullikin Trey , Yang Albert , Yin Fang-Fang , Wang Chunhao
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose
Accurate prediction of normal brain dosimetric parameters is crucial for the quality control of single-center multi-target (SIMT) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment planning. Currently, the clinical SIMT SRS planning process suffer from unreliable estimations of normal brain doses, leading to frequent plan revisions that are both time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study aimed to develop a spherical coordinate-defined deep learning model to predict dose to normal brain for SIMT SRS treatment planning.
Methods
By encapsulating the human brain within a sphere, 3D volumetric data of PTVs can be projected onto this geometry as a 2D spherical representation (in azimuthal and polar angles). A novel deep learning model (SCNN) was developed based on spherical convolution to predict brain dosimetric evaluators from spherical representation. Utilizing 106 SIMT cases, the model was trained to predict brain V50%, V60%, and V66.7%, corresponding to V10Gy and V12Gy, as key dosimetric indicators. The model prediction performance was evaluated using the coefficient of fitting determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean percentage error (MPE).
Results
The SCNN accurately predicted normal brain dosimetric values from the modeled spherical PTV representation, with R2 scores of 0.92 ± 0.05/0.94 ± 0.10/0.93 ± 0.09 for V50%/V60%/V66.7%, respectively. MAEs values were 1.94 ± 1.61cc/1.23 ± 0.98cc/1.13 ± 0.99cc, and MPEs were 19.79 ± 20.36%/20.79 ± 21.07%/21.15 ± 22.24%, respectively.
Conclusions
The deep learning model provides treatment planners with accurate prediction of dose to normal brain, enabling improved consistency in treatment planning quality. This method can be extended to other brain-related analyses as an efficient data dimension reduction method.
Classifying physical activity levels using Mean Amplitude Deviation in adults using a chest worn accelerometer: validation of the Vivalink ECG Patch
Authors: Luckhurst Jim , Hughes Cara , Shelley Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Background:
The development of readily available wearable accelerometers has enabled clinicians to objectively monitor physical activity (PA) remotely in the community, a superior alternative to patient self-reporting measures. Critical to the value of these monitors is the ability to reliably detect when patients are undergoing ambulatory activity. Previous studies have highlighted the strength of using mean amplitude deviation (MAD) as a universal measure for analysing raw accelerometery data and defining cut-points between sedentary and ambulatory activities. Currently however there is little evidence surrounding the use of chest-worn accelerometers which can provide simultaneous monitoring of other physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR), RR intervals, and Respiratory Rate alongside accelerometery data.
We aimed to calibrate the accelerometery function within the VivaLink ECG patch to determine the cut-point MAD value for differentiating sedentary and ambulatory activities.
Methods:
We recruited healthy volunteers to undergo a randomised series of 9 activities that simulate typical free-living behaviours, while wearing a VivaLink ECG Patch (Campbell, California). MAD values were applied to a Generalised Linear Mixed Model to determine cut-points between sedentary and ambulatory activities. We constructed a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to analyse the sensitivity and specificity of the cut-off MAD value.
Results:
Eighteen healthy adults volunteered to the study and mean MAD values were collected for each activity. The optimal MAD cut-point between sedentary and ambulatory activities was 47.73mG. ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.99 (p<0.001) for this value with a sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 100% respectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MAD cut-point determined in our study is very effective at categorising sedentary and ambulatory activities among healthy adults and may be of use in monitoring PA in the community with minimal burden. It will also be useful for future studies aiming to simultaneously monitor PA with other physiological parameters via chest worn accelerometers.
Avocado consumption during pregnancy is associated with child's lower food allergy risk in the prospective KuBiCo study
Authors: Cheng Feon W. , Bauer Ella , Ford Nikki A. , Backman Katri , Voutilainen Raimo , Pasanen Markku , Keski-Nisula Leea , Hantunen Sari
Published: June 2024

Background
Maternal exposures (e.g., nutrition) during pregnancy play a critical role in offspring's health outcomes. Certain nutrients found in avocados have been associated with lower allergic health outcomes in children when consumed during pregnancy, but no study has examined this association. Thus, this study aimed to investigate how maternal avocado consumption during pregnancy relates to offspring allergic health outcomes using the Kuopio Birth Cohort (KuBiCo) Study.
Methods
This prospective cohort study used data from KuBiCo. Avocado consumption was assessed using an online food frequency questionnaire in trimesters (T) 1 and 3. Avocado consumers were defined as participants who reported consuming any avocado (> 0 grams) in T1 and/or 3, and avocado non-consumers were defined as those who didn’t report consuming any avocado (0 grams) in both T1 and 3. The 12-month follow-up questionnaire captured offspring allergic outcomes (rhinitis, paroxysmal wheezing, atopic eczema, and food allergy).
Results
Of 4,647 participants, 2,272 met the criteria and were included in the analysis. Compared to avocado non-consumers (during pregnancy), avocado consumers (during pregnancy) had 43.6% lower odds of reporting food allergy among their children at the 12-month follow-up questionnaire while adjusted for relevant covariates. No significant associations were noted in the other three allergic health outcomes in the fully adjusted model.
Conclusions
Avocado consumption during pregnancy was associated with lower odds of infant food allergies at 12 months, even when accounting for potential covariates.
Hydrogen Bonding in 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol
Authors: Ng Soon , Xie Yaoming , III Henry F. Schaefer
Published: June 2024

Context
2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (TFE) is known as a membrane mimetic solvent. The IR spectrum, 1H NMR spectrum and 13C NMR spin‒lattice relaxation times (T1) and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) data are consistent with extensive hydrogen bonding in TFE, but do not lead to structural features of the hydrogen bonding. Hence DFT computations were carried out. The results predict the existence of a set of H-bonded dimers and trimers. The bond lengths and dihedral angles in these complexes are obtained, together with their dissociation energies. Computations were also performed for the geometry of the two conformers of the isolated monomer. The structure of one of the dimers consists of a 7-member cyclic fragment with a free CF3CH2 side chain. One set of the trimer structure involves the OH of a third monomer H-bonding to one of the F in the CF3 group of the side chain of this dimer; and thereby creating three trimer isomers. A fourth trimer cluster is formed from three monomers in which three OH∙∙∙O bonds create a cyclic fragment with three CF3CH2 side chains. The high dissociation energy (with respect to three monomers) indicate the high stability of the trimer complexes. The structural features of the trimer complexes resemble the structure of a conventional liquid crystal molecule and is postulated to resemble the latter in properties and function in solution but at a much shorter timescale because of the noncovalent bonding. This hydrogen bonding phenomenon of TFE may be related to its function as a membrane memetic solvent.
Methods
Initially IR and NMR spectroscopic methods were used. Standard procedures were followed. For computational calculations a hybrid meta-GGA DFT method, M06-2X/6-311 + G**, was used. The basis set, 6-311 + G**, is of triple-ζ quality, in which polarization functions were added for all atoms and a set of s and p diffuse functions was augmented for the C and F atoms. All computations were carried out with the Q-Chem 5.0 program and the (99, 590) grid was applied for the DFT numeric integrations.
Translational mobility in ternary systems “lithium acetate – cesium acetate – water” according to PFG NMR data
Authors: Mukhin Kirill A. , Pestova Olga N. , Matveev Vladimir V. , Chizhik Vladimir I.
Published: June 2024

The development of ecofriendly electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries is one of the actual tasks of modern electrochemistry. In particular, to this purpose the highly concentrated ternary aqueous systems based on lithium acetate (LiOAc) have been actively investigated. Here, the diffusion coefficients of 7Li+ and 133Cs+ cations, OAc– anion as well as water (1H), in ternary aqueous solutions of cesium and lithium acetates in a range of temperature (– 15 ÷ 35 °C) have been measured using the PFG NMR method. A direct attempt to interpret the obtained dependences within the framework of the Stokes-Einstein model led to the fact that the calculated hydrodynamic radius of the Cs+ cation turned out to be noticeably smaller than its crystallographic one. An approach to describing the high rate of diffusion of cesium cations is proposed, based on taking into account the local viscosity near cations of both types. The use of the approach allowed us to calculate more correctly the hydrodynamic radii of cations, while remaining within the framework of the Stokes-Einstein model. As a result, it has been possible to describe the features of translational motion of components in a complex system that is interesting for electrochemical applications.
Evaluation of the influence of four mandibular planes on the diagnosis of high and low mandibular plane angles
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Kong Runze , Liu Shijie , Wu Yue , Hu Jinyue , Shao Xiyi , Lv Libo , Lu Yun
Published: June 2024

Four mandibular planes (MPs) are distinguished different when constituting mandibular plane angle (MPA) with sella-nasion (SN) or Frankfort horizontal (FH) plane, which would make high-MPA or low-MPA selection confusing. This study aimed to determine the impact of four MPs—MP gnathion-to-gonion (MP [G]), MP tangent (MP [T]), MP menton (MP [Me]), and MP gonion-to-menton [Go-Me])—on the diagnosis of high and low MPAs and reveal their association with chin morphology. This cross-sectional study was based on cephalometric lateral radiographs from 321 orthodontic samples. MP (G), MP (T), MP (Me), and MP (Go-Me) were analyzed. Regarding MP-SN and MP-FH angle analyses, there were statistically significant differences in the MPA formed by the MP (T) vs. MP (Me); MP (T) vs. MP (G); MP (Go-Me) vs. MP (G); and MP (Go-Me) vs. MP (Me). The numbers of high-MPA cases screened out by the four MPs were (in descending order): MP (T)-SN/FH > MP (Go-Me)-SN/FH > MP (Me)-SN/FH > MP (G)-SN/FH. Considering low-MPA cases, the descending order was MP (Me)-SN/FH > MP (Go)-SN/FH > MP (T)-SN/FH > MP (Go-Me)-SN/FH. Orthodontists should be aware of the differences in MPAs formed by the MP (T), MP (G), MP (Go-Me), and MP (Me) during diagnosis.
Multiple-analytical study on the initiation and technology of Zhaili celadon from the late sixth to the seventh centuries
Authors: Geng Chao , Shen Jingyi , Lang Jianfeng , Chen Zhanglong , Lu Chen , Liu Wei
Published: June 2024

Zhaili kiln is considered one of the earliest kilns sites in northern China, however, there is currently little comprehensive research on the Zhaili production. Therefore, in this study, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffraction were performed on thirty pieces of typical Zhaili celadon from the late sixth to seven centuries to explore their raw material feature and manufacturing technique. In addition, the motivations for the initiation of Zhaili celadon were also further explored.
CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy with novel compound heterozygous variants followed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over 17 years: a case report
Authors: Ohira Masayuki , Saitsu Hirotomo , Nakashima Mitsuko , Sato Noriko , Inoue Ken , Takao Masaki
Published: June 2024

Background
CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy (CC2L) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic variants of CLCN2 encoding chloride channel 2 (ClC-2) which is one of the nine chloride-transporting proteins in the ClC family. Although CC2L is associated with distinct radiological features, it presents a wide range of clinical features.
Case presentation
A 34-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a sudden onset of vertigo with headache. The patient reported noticing intermittent headaches and tingling in both arms since the age of 31. On the first visit, the patient was alert and neurologically intact, except for slight hyperflexion of the limbs without laterality. Head MRI showed high-intensity signals on axial T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted images bilaterally in the posterior limbs of the internal capsules, cerebral peduncles, superior and middle cerebellar peduncles, decussation of superior cerebellar peduncles, and central tegmental tract. All of the patient’s symptoms were resolved or eased following supportive care. The patient stopped attending our hospital at the age of 46 because her symptoms had ameliorated. At 51 years of age, the patient revisited our hospital because of the recurrence of vertigo, headache, and nausea. She did not present with any abnormalities, including ataxia, on neurological examination. Head MRI showed widespread high-intensity signals similar to those exhibited 17 years ago. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygous variants in CLCN2 (NM_004366.6): a novel variant c.1828C > T, p.(Arg 610*) from her father and c.61dup, p.(Leu21Profs*27) from her mother. The patient was finally diagnosed with CC2L. She received supportive treatment, which made her symptoms manageable.
Conclusions
This is a detailed report of a patient with adult-onset CC2L who was successfully diagnosed and followed with head MRI. This report provides new insight into CC2L, highlighting longstanding and distinct characteristics of head MRI and the difficulty performing diagnosis without it when patients have minimal and common symptoms, such as the present case.
Hydrogen sulfide upregulates HIF-erythropoietin signaling pathway in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hajiaqaei Mahdi , Ranjbaran Mina , Kadkhodaee Mehri , Shafie Anahid , Abdi Arash , Lorian Keivan , Kianian Farzaneh , Seifi Behjat
Published: June 2024

Introduction:
The mechanism of beneficial effects of H2S in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the aim of the present study to examine the effects of the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on renal function parameters, oxidative stress indices and expression levels of HIF-2α gene and erythropoietin protein in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure in rats.
Methods and Materials:
Male rats were assigned into 3 groups (n = 8): Sham, CKD and NaHS groups. In the CKD group, 5/6 nephrectomy was performed. In the sham group, rats were anesthetized but 5/6 nephrectomy was not induced. In the NaHS group, 30 µmol/L of NaHS in drinking water for 8 weeks was adminstrated 4 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy induction. At the end of the 12 week, blood and renal tissues were taken to evaluate renal function parameters, oxidative stress indices and expression levels of HIF-2α gene and erythropoietin protein.
Results
The induction of 5/6 nephrectomy significantly caused renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, increased HIF-2α gene expression and decreased erythropoietin levels in renal tissue samples. NaHS administration resulted in a marked improvement in renal function and oxidative stress indicators, a marked reduction in HIF-2α gene expression as well as an increase in erythropoietin protein levels in comparison with the CKD group.
Conclusion
In this study, regional hypoxia and oxidative stress in CKD, may cause the activation of toll-like receptors and stabilization of the HIFs complexes and due to destructive effects of CKD on the kidney tissues, erythropoietin synthesis was not increased. Administration of NaHS caused inhibition of toll-like receptors and increase the blood flow (vasodilation) on kidney tissue and up-regulating HIF-erythropoietin signalling pathway.
Bi-power Lindley ROC curve analysis: Application to Malignant Tumors Diagnosis
Authors: AKGENÇ Ertan , KUŞ Coşkun
Published: June 2024

This paper conducts Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for measurementsthat follow the recently proposed power Lindley distribution. A new index isintroduced to determine a cut-off point, providing an alternative to the well-known YoudenJ index. Firstly, several point estimators are examined for the cut-off points and the AreaUnder the Curve (AUC) measure in the bi-power Lindley (bi-PL) ROC model. Secondly,confidence intervals for these measures are discussed. The point and interval estimates arecompared by using a simulation study. Two numerical examples are presented, one involvingreal data and the other utilizing simulated data, for illustrative purposes. An R library calledPLindleyROC is being developed to enable practitioners to utilize the methodology proposedin this paper.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis infection alters the immune system of the host Thitarodes xiaojinensis investigated by the interaction between immunity and gut microbiota escaping to hemolymph
Authors: Bao Xiu-wen , Wang Qing-he , Li Ting , Li Yong , Liu Si-jing , He Li-ying , Niu Shu-qi , Guo Jin-lin
Published: June 2024

Background Ophiocordyceps sinensis as one typical entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) has the long-term symbiosis process with its host Thitarodes xiaojinensis. O. sinensismainly exists in the hemolymph of the host. However, the mechanism of the host immune response to O. sinensis remains unclear.
Results Here, a multi‑omics approach was used to clarify the role of the interaction between O. sinensis and T.xiaojinensis. The infection of O. sinensis could lead to the increase of hormone levels (20-hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone), the enhancement of antioxidant capacity (total antioxidant capacity and glutathione S-transferase) and the response of humoral immunity based on the antibacterial peptides (AMPs) in the host T.xiaojinensis. Elevated 20E levels in the host when O. sinensis infection might contribute to the enhanced expression of AMPs. O. sinensis infection led to intestinal barrier damage and promoted the translocation of bacteria from the gut to hemocoel. Then, the presence of O. sinensis and other opportunistic pathogenic bacterium from gut disrupted the homeostasis of hemolymph microbiota and increased bacterial diversity of the hemolymph.
Conclusions Overall, this study demonstrated that O. sinensis infection damaged intestinal barrier and induced the translocation of gut bacteria and the disruption of microbial homeostasis in hemolymph. The host T.xiaojinensis activated and exploited humoral antibacterial immunity and to eliminate opportunistic bacteria. our findings reveal a novel strategy of interaction between O. sinensis and T.xiaojinensis.
Intracranial infection and acute obstructive hydrocephalus after lateral ventricle central neurocytoma resection: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jiang Shandong , Dou Zhangqi , Tao Siqi , Chen Gao , Shen Zhiwei
Published: June 2024

Background Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare neurogenic intraventricular tumor that accounts for 0.25–0.5% of all intracranial tumors. Surgery is the cornerstone of therapy in most instances. Postoperative complications such as intracranial infection and hydrocephalus may be serious and even fatal. However, there are few reports on the management of complications after CN resection.Case presentation: The authors described a 41-year-old male patient, whose CN was near the interventricular foramen with a high Ki-67 index. Seven days following surgery, an intracranial infection struck the patient. On the seventeenth day, the patient experienced signs of obstructive hydrocephalus, including headache, unconsciousness, and gatism. One month after surgery, the patient recovered and was discharged with no sequela through high-grade antibiotics, lumbar cisterna drainage and external ventricular drainage.Conclusions For CN with elevated Ki-67 or growing in the lateral ventricle, particularly in the anterior region close to the interventricular foramen, obstructive hydrocephalus was more likely to be complicated after surgery. The temporary external ventricular drainage may be a substitute for VP shunt, avoiding maintenance risks and complications of VP shunt during long-term drainage. Besides, we also need to etiologically personalize the treatment approaches based on the various stages of patient for maximum clinical benefit.
A study of fever definition and vital sign characteristics using tympanic temperature of hospitalized patients : a big-data analysis
Authors: Han Hye Min , Choi Soojung , Park Euyhyun , Chang Jiwon , Jung Hak Hyun , Im Gi Jung
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to analyze vital sign characteristics of adult patients admitted for elective surgery at the Tertiary Hospital of South Korea, and to define fever and average body temperature by examining the tympanic temperatures of all patients. Retrospective medical data were extracted from 9195 patients aged >21 years admitted to a tertiary hospital for elective surgeries between 2016 and 2020. Data regarding the patients’ vital signs during their hospital stay, including body temperature (measured using the tympanic method), heart rate, and respiratory rate, were analyzed according to age, sex, and circadian rhythm. A normal-distribution graph was obtained when all the body temperature results were aligned. The average body temperature measured was 36.91 ± 0.45°C (average ± standard deviation), indicating a potential fever threshold of 37.81°C. When the participants were divided into age groups, the average temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate exhibited parabolic trends. Patients in their 60s exhibited the lowest average temperature (36.88°C), whereas those in their 50s had the lowest average heart rate (75.82/min) and lowest respiratory rate (19.08/min). Heart rate and respiratory rate tended to increase in elderly people older than 81 years. The average body temperature was greater in women than in men (37.27°C vs. 37.22°C), while the average heart and respiratory rates were lower in women than in men (76.04/min vs. 77.40/min and 19.25/min vs. 19.35/min, respectively). According to the time of measurement, the average temperature and heart rate appeared to follow a sinusoidal pattern, suggesting that the circadian rhythm was lowest at 8 am. Tympanic temperature is a convenient and real-time measurement method preferred in hospital settings because it is easier to measure compared to other body parts. To develop an improved device and measurement method in the future, it is necessary to analyze tympanic temperature big data and compare it with past vital sign data or biometric information from other body parts.
Assessing genomic diversity and selection signatures of Rhipicephalus microplus in Shaanxi, China based on whole-genome sequences
Authors: Mou Yi-yao , Wang FU-wen , Yang YU-ying , Liu Tian-yuan , Lei Chu-zhao , Lin Qing
Published: June 2024

Background
Ticks play a crucial role in transmitting and carrying various disease-causing microorganisms, which poses a significant risk to public health and the growth of the animal farming industry. Research on the whole genome sequence of ticks is consistently progressing due to the ongoing advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies.
Methods
This study performed whole-genome resequencing on Rhipicephalus microplus obtained from free-range cattle in Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province. The newly obtained data was then combined with existing whole genome resequencing data of R. microplus from the NGDC database (project ID: PRJCA002242) for further analysis. The purpose of this analysis was to assess genomic diversity and selection signatures in the Shaanxi group.
Results
The study identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) in the Shaanxi group. The R. microplus from China has been classified into three main branches, and there were variations in nucleotide diversity among populations in different places. All populations exhibited a high level of heterozygosity. Additionally, the value of Tajima's D deviated significantly from zero. Upon examining the mitochondrial genetic diversity of the tick, the study observed subtle variations compared to the phylogenetic tree created using the entire autosomal genome. These differences may arise from variances in population structure and migration patterns between the paternal and maternal tick populations. Genes associated with pesticide resistance, metal ion transportation, and antioxidant activity were identified during the selection study of the Shaanxi group.
Conclusions
The data acquired from our research holds significance in comprehending the biology of ticks, enhancing our understanding of their disease transmission, and formulating efficient strategies for tick management.
HEC-HMS-based future streamflow simulation in the Dhaka River Basin under CMIP6 climatologic projections
Authors: Islam Md. Rabiul , Aziz Md. Tareq , Imran H. M. , Haque Akramul
Published: June 2024

This study aims at developing a physically based semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model in the HEC-HMS platform to predict the historical and future stream flow of the Dhaka River basin. This model adopted and integrated several physio-hydrographic parameters as input data, such as LULC, HSG, DEM, observed stream flow, historical and projected future precipitation of the ACCESS-CM2 ensemble of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The stream flow predictability of the HEC-HMS is observed subject to the model functions and simulation controls. After developing the model architecture, during calibration, a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.78 and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.81 were found, which indicates the simulation efficacy of the model setup. Furthermore, in the validation phase, the model demonstrated its robust performance, with R2 = 0.80 and NSE = 0.78. The study showed the predicted yearly peak discharge of about 341685.8 m3/s, 330017.4 m3/s, and 315588.9 m3/s under the SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. Here, the Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope tests were conducted to analyze the daily, monthly, and yearly stream flow trends and they substantiate a significant increase in predicted daily streamflow under both the SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 scenarios and a gradual increase in monthly discharge in May under the SSP5-8.5, as well as in July and August under the SSP1-2.6. Outcome of this study underscores the model’s robustness and contributes vital perceptions for flood control and mitigation strategies.
Exploring the Emergency Response Capacity of Grassroots Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Jiangxi Province: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zhan Xingxin , Hu Zhiyong , Li Hui , You Xiaowei , Lin Zhi , Zeng Ju , Fu Lei
Published: June 2024

Background
As the first responders in public health emergencies, grassroots Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) play a critical role in emergency response efforts. Thus, it is essential to thoroughly understand and improve their capabilities to handle public health emergencies effectively.
Methods
Qualitative interviews involved 35 personnels from 7 grassroots CDCs in Jiangxi province who were actively engaged in or responsible for managing public health emergencies. Both literature research and qualitative research methods were utilized to gather relevant insights and information.
Results
Analysis of the data resulted in the emergence of three themes and eight sub-themes.The findings suggest deficiencies in the authorized strength of grassroots CDCs, with varying talent quality in their emergency response teams. Low remuneration leads to talent attrition and recruitment challenges, while the personnels face heavy workloads and significant psychological stress. Although there have been some improvements in hardware facilities, grassroots CDC's overall predictive and early warning capabilities remain weak.
Conclusion
To enhance the capacity of grassroots CDCs in responding to and managing public health emergencies, it is imperative to prioritize the recruitment and training of skilled personnels and continuously improve their capabilities. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance the predictive and early warning capabilities of these institutions.
Anthropocentric perspective on climate variability: the destination of antibiotics in the Tigris river is not restricted
Authors: Al-Haideri Halah H. , Hassan Fikrat M. , Sattar Shaimaa , El-Sheekh Mostafa M.
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to detect antibiotics in water, particulate, plant, and sediment in the Tigris River within Baghdad City, in addition to their spatiotemporal variations, and related physicochemical parameters. Five sites were selected in the river. Three target antibiotics (tetracycline, gentamycin, and ciprofloxacin) were detected in water, particulate, plant, and sediment of the river at all selected sites. The results clearly showed that the concentrations of target antibiotics were sediment > water > plant > particulate. Site 3 is considered as a risk site where high concentrations of all antibiotics during the wet and dry seasons were recorded. Tetracycline was recorded as a high concentration among other antibiotics in the river. Spearman's correlation and principal component analysis showed only a weak correlation between dissolved oxygen and the electric conductivity of the river's sediment with target antibiotics. To our knowledge, this was the first study of antibiotic traces in the Tigris River ecosystem. Lack of wastewater management, absence of antibiotic treatment, and less public awareness of antibiotic consumption are the main causes of antibiotic risk in the river ecosystem.
Tailoring HIV Care for Black Populations: A Pilot Feasibility Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Young BreAnne , Carrasquillo Olveen , Jones Deborah L , Pan Yue , Kenya Sonjia
Published: June 2024

Background

Research has shown that integrating community health workers (CHWs) into the formal health care system can improve outcomes for people living with HIV, yet there is limited literature exploring this framework among marginalized minority populations.

Objective

Herein, we discuss the feasibility of a clinic-embedded CHW strategy to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among Black people living with HIV in Miami-Dade County, Florida, a designated priority region for the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.

Methods

From December 2022 to September 2023, three CHWs were trained and integrated into the hospital workflow to provide support as members of the clinical team. Ten Black adults with an HIV viral load over 200 copies/mL were enrolled to received 3 months of CHW support focused on navigating the health system and addressing poor social determinants of health. Intervention feasibility was based on 4 criteria: recruitment rate, demographic composition, study fidelity, and qualitative feedback on CHW perceptions.

Results

Participants were recruited at a rate of 5.7 participants per month, with the sample evenly distributed between men and women. Retention was moderately strong, with 7 (70%) of the 10 participants attending more than 75% of CHW sessions. Qualitative feedback reflected CHW perceptions on clinical interactions and intervention length.

Conclusions

Outcomes indicate that a clinic-integrated CHW approach is a feasible and acceptable methodology to address adverse social determinants and improve HIV treatment adherence. By offering targeted social and clinical support, CHWs may be a promising solution to achieve sustained viral suppression and care engagement for Black people living with HIV.
Blended mobile-based interventions with integrated virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety disorders: A thematic analysis of patient perspectives (Preprint)
Authors: Planert Jari , Hildebrand Anne-Sophie , Machulska Alla , Roesmann Kati , Neubert Marie , Pilgramm Sebastian , Pilgramm Juliane , Klucken Tim
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Guided mobile-based interventions may mitigate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder (PD), agoraphobia (AG), or social anxiety disorder (SAD). With exposure therapy being efficacious in traditional treatments for these disorders, recent advancements have introduced 360° videos to deliver virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) within mobile-based interventions.

OBJECTIVE

Despite ongoing trials evaluating the treatment’s efficacy, research examining patient perceptions of this innovative approach is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore patient opinions on specific treatment aspects of mobile-based interventions with mobile VRET and psychotherapeutic guidance for anxiety disorders.

METHODS

Eleven patients diagnosed with PD, AG, or SAD who had previously taken part in the experimental condition of two randomized controlled trials for a mobile intervention including mobile VRET participated in cross-sectional, retrospective interviews. Employing a semi-structured interview format, patients were asked to reflect on their treatment experiences, personal changes, helpful and hindering aspects, motivation levels, and their encounters with the mobile-based intervention, manualized treatment sessions, and the mobile VRET.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis led to the formation of 14 themes in four superordinate categories: (1) perceived treatment outcomes, (2) aspects of the mobile intervention, (3) experiences with mobile VRET, and (4) contextual considerations. Patients offered their insights into factors contributing to treatment success or failure, delineated perceived treatment outcomes, and highlighted favorable aspects of the treatment while pointing out shortcomings and suggesting potential enhancements. Most strikingly, while using a blended application-based intervention, patients highlighted the role of psychotherapeutic guidance as a central contributing factor to their symptom improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the thematic analysis and its diverse patient perspectives hold the potential to guide future research directions to improve mobile-based treatment options for anxiety disorders. Insights from these patient experiences can contribute to refining mobile-based interventions and optimizing the integration of VRET in accordance with patients’ preferences, needs, and expectations.
Mind the gap! Overcoming the lack of evidence to support the innovation journey of AI in healthcare (Preprint)
Authors: Silkens Milou Evelien Wilhelmijn Marie , Leusder Maura , Woznitza Nicholas , Scarbrough Harry
Published: June 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications for the healthcare setting confronts providers and practitioners with the challenge of choosing those applications that have the best chance to reduce the burden of care in their context. This is challenging due to a general lack of evaluation metrics and because the evidential claims provided by AI vendors are not always in line with the forms of evidence needed by healthcare providers and practitioners. This evidence gap currently harms the development of trust in and acceptability of AI, and thereby hampers the successful implementation and adoption of AI in healthcare. In this viewpoint, we argue that closing this evidence gap is crucial to helping AI achieve its full potential in the healthcare context and we provide practical guidance towards this objective.
A Topic Modelling of Muslim Religious Reform in the Colonial Age: A Computational and Digital Study of al-Manār (1898-1935)
Authors: Ryad Umar , Mohamed Emad
Published: June 2024

The present paper is a test case of how far computational sciences and Islamic and Arabic studies can be “partners” in answering cultural-religious and historical questions related to the Arab and Muslim world. The paper mainly discusses methods that could help us computationally track, quantify, and explain the development of religious concerns of reform as reflected in the well-known Muslim reformist journal al-Manār (Lighthouse), published by the Muslim reformer Muḥammad Rashīd Riḍā (1865-1935) from 1898 until 1935 in Cairo. We employ quantitative and qualitative methods based on al-Manār-corpus by using morphological processing, topic modeling in order to examine the thematic co-occurrences of the topics and lexemes pertaining to Muslim thinking and societies in Riḍā’s time.
Two translations of Mahfouz’s Awlad Haratina (Children of our Alley): A computational-stylistic analysis
Authors: Zaki Mai , Mohamed Emad
Published: June 2024

Comparative studies of different translations for the same source text can be valuable sources of insights relevant to the fluid notion of ‘translation style’. Such studies can employ a wide variety of techniques, including computational analysis which targets specific elements in the text in order to allow for a systematic view of translator style. This study attempts a computational-stylistic analysis of the two English translations of Naguib Mahfouz’s controversial novel Awlad Haratina (literally, Children of our Alley). The aim of the study is two-fold. First, it aims to show how quantifiable computational and distant reading techniques can help identify patterns of stylistic differences between these two translations. Second, it attempts to situate the results of this analysis within the wider social context of the two English translations (Stewart 1981 and Theroux 1996) of one of the most famous modern Arabic novels. The results clearly show patterns of linguistic use specific to each of the two translations highlighting differences in lexical variety and richness, sentence structure, readability level, stylometric analysis as well some lexical choices. These results can be interpreted within the social context of producing those two translations, with particular reference to characteristics of retranslation as discussed in the literature.
Cultural Dances as Performative Arts: A Study of the Cultural Dances Associated with the Newar Community
Authors: Sharma Prakash
Published: June 2024

This paper attempts to analyze the cultural dances associated with the Newar community of Baglung Municipality as performative art from the perspective of Performance Studies theory. An effort is made to clarify the historical context of the dances and their present conditions with the problems and possibilities. Our discussion aims to bring to light the glorious history of the cultural dances and the great possibility to develop the cultural identity of the Newar community of Baglung. Similarly, these dances can be discussed and exposed in the world of academia as performative arts. This study reveals that these dances are facing so many problems at present. They are being victims of the western influence in our culture. These problems can be solved only with the united effort of the local government and the local people. If managed properly, they can function as means of promoting tourism in Baglung. This research work uses mixed method and the critical ideas of Performance Study theorists like Richard Schechner for analyzing the dances as performative arts.
Housing activists' science communication: online practices as contextual and reflexive
Authors: Schikowitz Andrea , Davies Sarah R.
Published: June 2024

Based on an understanding of science communication as `social conversation about science', in this paper we explore how technoscientific knowledge is communicated through housing activists' use of online media. We analyse collaborative housing groups in Vienna and find that their online communication practices are contextual and reflexive: technoscientific knowledges are always contextualised through the activists' political issues, while the activists constantly reflect on and negotiate their means and style of communication. The case both offers insights into the diverse ways and sites in which public sense-making about science takes place, and inspiration for other forms of science communication.
Motivic Development - A Tool For Improvisation
Authors: August Estberg
Published: June 2024

In this thesis I explore motivic development to see what effect it has on my improvisation. This exposition will summarize the studies I have done at the NoCoM master program at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, Sweden. I will present my reflections, ideas, audio clips and experiments.

The work is divided into two main parts where the first one will describe the process of how I work with the eight different techniques to develop motives. The second part is the investigation of how I use motivic development as a foundation to improvise and compose.

My conclusion is that motivic development can bring direction, structure and my personal sound into my improvisations. It is a great way for me to set up rules and limitations to make it easier for the listener to follow my intension.

Author: August Estberg
Supervisor: Senior Lecturer Thomas Markusson
Examiner: Professor Anders Hagberg
Cooperative interception guidance law design for incomplete information conditions based on differential game
Authors: Zhu Xueping , Wang Xinxing , Li Yue , Yang Jun
Published: June 2024

An improved linear quadratic differential game guidance law of
cooperative interception is proposed in this paper for the problem of
offense-defense confrontation under incomplete information conditions.
In the case that both offense-defense sides have first-order biproper
dynamics and there are upper limits to their maneuvering capabilities,
the relative motion of them in three-dimensional space is decomposed in
horizontal and plumb planes, and the linear quadratic performance index
is selected according to differential game theory to derive the optimal
strategies of both sides. The guidance law obtained is applicable to
three-dimensional offense-defense confrontation problems, and the impact
of simplifications of motion model on the interception effect is
diminished. In addition, based on the analysis of strategy requirements
of both offense-defense sides, this paper gives selection and correction
methods of weight coefficients in the performance index, so that the
above guidance law can cope with actual interception scenarios where the
maneuvering information of target cannot be accurately measured. The
simulation results show that the guidance law designed in this paper has
superior interception accuracy.