bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct melanocyte subpopulations defined by stochastic expression of proliferation or maturation programs enable a rapid and sustainable pigmentation response
Authors: Aggarwal Ayush , Nasreen Ayesha , Sharma Babita , Sahoo Sarthak , Aswin Keerthic , Faruq Mohammed , Pandey Rajesh , Jolly Mohit K. , Singh Abhyudai , Gokhale Rajesh S. , Natarajan Vivek T.
Published: August 2024

The ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers a pigmentation response in human skin, wherein, melanocytes rapidly activate divergent maturation and proliferation programs. Using single-cell sequencing, we demonstrate that these 2 programs are segregated in distinct subpopulations in melanocytes of human and zebrafish skin. The coexistence of these 2 cell states in cultured melanocytes suggests possible cell autonomy. Luria–Delbrück fluctuation test reveals that the initial establishment of these states is stochastic. Tracking of pigmenting cells ascertains that the stochastically acquired state is faithfully propagated in the progeny. A systemic approach combining single-cell multi-omics (RNA+ATAC) coupled to enhancer mapping with H3K27 acetylation successfully identified state-specific transcriptional networks. This comprehensive analysis led to the construction of a gene regulatory network (GRN) that under the influence of noise, establishes a bistable system of pigmentation and proliferation at the population level. This GRN recapitulates melanocyte behaviour in response to external cues that reinforce either of the states. Our work highlights that inherent stochasticity within melanocytes establishes dedicated states, and the mature state is sustained by selective enhancers mark through histone acetylation. While the initial cue triggers a proliferation response, the continued signal activates and maintains the pigmenting subpopulation via epigenetic imprinting. Thereby our study provides the basis of coexistence of distinct populations which ensures effective pigmentation response while preserving the self-renewal capacity.
The relative influence of agricultural abandonment and semi-natural habitats on parasitoid diversity and community composition
Authors: Mazón Marina , Bordera Santiago , Rodríguez-Berrío Alexander , Frago Enric
Published: August 2024

Wild biodiversity is usually larger in semi-natural habitats than in croplands, but this pattern is not ubiquitous because it varies among taxa and geographic regions. Knowing how the diversity of natural enemies is structured at the landscape level is important to better understand when semi-natural habitats promote the conservation of natural enemies and ultimately enhance biocontrol. We explore the relative influence of agricultural abandonment and the proportion of semi-natural habitats at the landscape level on the diversity and abundance of parasitoid wasps in the Ichneumonidae family. We studied changes in parasitoid diversity both at local and regional scales (i.e. alpha vs beta diversity), and both at the taxonomic and functional level (i.e. species vs guild identities). We extracted landscape features in circular buffers of varying radii to perform a multi-scale analysis, and to assess at which scale landscape-level effects influenced parasitoid assemblages. We found that parasitoid alpha and beta diversity decreased with an increasing proportion of semi-natural habitats. The multi-scale analysis revealed that for this group of natural enemies, landscape-level effects occur at mid to low distances (i.e. less than 500m). Our results provide insights into the origin of pest natural enemies, their spillover to croplands, and may help to understand under which circumstances semi-natural habitats fail at promoting biocontrol services.
Severe COVID-19 infection: An institutional review and literature overview
Authors: Akpoviroro Ogheneyoma , Sauers Nathan Kyle , Uwandu Queeneth , Castagne Myriam , Akpoviroro Oghenetejiro Princess , Humayun Sara , Mirza Wasique , Woodard Jameson
Published: August 2024

Background

Our study aimed to describe the group of severe COVID-19 patients at an institutional level, and determine factors associated with different outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients admitted with severe acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 infection. Based on outcomes, we categorized 3 groups of severe COVID-19: (1) Favorable outcome: progressive care unit admission and discharge (2) Intermediate outcome: ICU care (3) Poor outcome: in-hospital mortality.

Results

Eighty-nine patients met our inclusion criteria; 42.7% were female. The average age was 59.7 (standard deviation (SD):13.7). Most of the population were Caucasian (95.5%) and non-Hispanic (91.0%). Age, sex, race, and ethnicity were similar between outcome groups. Medicare and Medicaid patients accounted for 62.9%. The average BMI was 33.5 (SD:8.2). Moderate comorbidity was observed, with an average Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI) of 3.8 (SD:2.6). There were no differences in the average CCI between groups(p = 0.291). Many patients (67.4%) had hypertension, diabetes (42.7%) and chronic lung disease (32.6%). A statistical difference was found when chronic lung disease was evaluated; p = 0.002. The prevalence of chronic lung disease was 19.6%, 27.8%, and 40% in the favorable, intermediate, and poor outcome groups, respectively. Smoking history was associated with poor outcomes (p = 0.04). Only 7.9% were fully vaccinated. Almost half (46.1%) were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Patients spent an average of 12.1 days ventilated (SD:8.5), with an average of 6.0 days from admission to ventilation (SD:5.1). The intermediate group had a shorter average interval from admission to ventilator (77.2 hours, SD:67.6), than the poor group (212.8 hours, SD:126.8); (p = 0.001). The presence of bacterial pneumonia was greatest in the intermediate group (72.2%), compared to the favorable group (17.4%), and the poor group (56%); this was significant (p<0.0001). In-hospital mortality was seen in 28.1%.

Conclusion

Most patients were male, obese, had moderate-level comorbidity, a history of tobacco abuse, and government-funded insurance. Nearly 50% required mechanical ventilation, and about 28% died during hospitalization. Bacterial pneumonia was most prevalent in intubated groups. Patients who were intubated with a good outcome were intubated earlier during their hospital course, with an average difference of 135.6 hours. A history of cigarette smoking and chronic lung disease were associated with poor outcomes.
Outcomes of different steroid dosing regimens in critical Covid-19 pneumonia at a Kenyan hospital: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Odhiambo John Otieno , Shah Jasmit , Kunyiha Nancy , Makasa Charles , Riunga Felix
Published: August 2024

Background

Among therapeutic options for severe and critical COVID- 19 infection, dexamethasone six milligrams once daily for ten days has demonstrated mortality benefit and is guideline recommended at this dose. In practice, variable doses of steroids have been used, especially in critical care settings. Our study aimed to determine the pattern of steroid dosing and outcomes in terms of critical care mortality, occurrence of dysglycaemias, and occurrence of superadded infections in patients with critical COVID-19.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out on all eligible patients admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, with critical COVID-19 between 1st March 2020 and 31st December 2021. The intervention of interest was corticosteroids quantified as the average daily dose in milligrams of dexamethasone. A steroid dose of six milligrams once a day was compared to high dose steroid dosing, which was defined as any dose greater than this. The primary outcome measure was ICU mortality and secondary outcomes included occurrence of dysglycaemias, superadded infections and duration of critical care admission.

Results

The study included 288 patients. The median age was 61.2 years (IQR: 49.7, 72.5), with 71.2% of patients being male. The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (60.7%), hypertension (58%), and heart disease (12.2%). The average oxygen saturation and C-reactive protein at admission were 82% [IQR: 70.0–89.0]and 113.0 [IQR: 54.0–186.0], respectively. Fifty-eight percent of patients received a standard dose (6mg) of steroids. The mortality rate was higher in the high-dose group compared to the standard-dose group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (47.9% vs 43.7% p = 0.549). The two most common steroid associated adverse effects were uncomplicated hyperglycemia (62.2%) and superimposed bacterial pneumonia (20.1%). The high-dose group had a higher incidence of uncomplicated hyperglycemia compared to the standard-dose group (63.6% vs 61.1%). However, the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was lower in the high dose group (0.6% vs 6.6%). Oxygen saturation at admission was associated with survival where it was lower among non-survivor patients with critical COVID-19.

Conclusion

The study found that high-dose steroids in the treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia did not confer any mortality benefit and were associated with an increased risk of dysglycemia and superimposed infections.
Modeling the relationship between maternal health and infant behavioral characteristics based on machine learning
Authors: Yang Zhiwen , Guo Xinyi , Chen Xuanzhi , Huang Jianfei
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of maternal health on infant development by developing a mathematical model that delineates the relationship between maternal health indicators and infant behavioral characteristics and sleep quality. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) The use of Spearman’s correlation coefficient to conduct correlation analysis and explore the main factors that influence infant behavioral characteristics based on maternal indicators. (2) The development of a combined model using machine learning techniques, including random forest (RF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) to establish the relationship between maternal health (physical and psychological health) and infant behavioral characteristics. The model is trained and validated by the real data respectively. (3) The use of the Fuzzy C-means (FCM) dynamic clustering model to classify infant sleep quality. An RF regression model is constructed to predict infant sleep quality using maternal indicators. This study is significant in gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between maternal health indicators and infant development, and provides a basis for future intervention measures.
Circulation patterns of East-Central European films on European SVoD catalogues
Authors: Varga Balázs
Published: August 2024

Combining statistical, quantitative analysis with qualitative examination of film titles, the article explores the presence and circulation patterns of films from five East-Central European (ECE) countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia) in European SVoD catalogues. The scene’s continuous change and adaptation pose challenges for analysis due to its fluidity. While examining streaming libraries, it becomes apparent that distinguishing between commissioned and licensed content, a fundamental consideration in such analyses, may hold greater relevance for larger markets compared to smaller, peripheral ones like those in the ECE region. Moreover, while exclusive content is valued among leading streaming providers, there is limited competition for exclusive streaming rights to ECE films. Additionally, classic films from the region’s cinematic history are readily accessible online, often free of charge, offering opportunities for viewers to explore Romanian or Polish cinema without subscription requirements. However, access to classics from other ECE countries may be more limited. Market shares based solely on film quantity require contextual analysis, as they are influenced by niche platforms specializing in specific regions or genres. Notably, recent years have seen shifts in local film cultures and trends in theatrical and VoD distribution, with distinct characteristics observed in different ECE countries. While certain trends, such as the rise of successful genre films like comedies and crime thrillers, are evident, the visibility and distribution of ECE films on European VoD platforms remain influenced by various factors, including festival success, auteur directors and genre preferences. Furthermore, the inclusion of globally popular genres and actors recognized beyond the region can enhance a film’s market reach. The study suggests that peripheralization is not unique to the ECE region, with similar dynamics potentially affecting other European small and peripheral film markets. Ultimately, analysing SVoD presence represents only one aspect of a multifaceted ecosystem, highlighting the complexity of the streaming landscape.
Narrating entertainment streaming in Europe
Authors: Parvulescu Constantin , Georgescu Lucian
Published: August 2024

The Introduction addresses critical issues surrounding digital film and television circulation in Europe and the obstacles encountered by European streaming platforms. It explores the central arguments presented in the Special Issue’s contributions and examines methodological concerns, including ideological influences on research agendas and the difficulties associated with quantitative research. Additionally, the Introduction underscores the pivotal role of Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVoD) services in the industry and reflects on the subaltern status of European SVoD platforms compared to American streaming behemoths within a deregulated market that demonstrates minimal concern for sustainability issues.
Transnational Student Return Migration and Megacities in China: Practices of Cityzenship, Zhe Wang (2023)
Authors: Jia Xinlin
Published: August 2024

Review of: Transnational Student Return Migration and Megacities in China: Practices of Cityzenship, Zhe Wang (2023)

Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan, 155 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-81992-082-2, h/bk, EUR 39.99

ISBN 978-9-81992-083-9, e-book, EUR 32.09
Diseño y evaluación de un programa educativo para la promoción del consumo responsable en grupos estudiantiles universitarios
Authors: Zamora Burbano Winston Fernando , Moncada Rangel José Alí
Published: August 2024

El trabajo presenta el diseño y evaluación de un programa de capacitación en consumo responsable dirigido a clubes estudiantiles de la Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador. Se aplicó una encuesta autoadministrada a 22 líderes estudiantiles de 12 clubes académicos de diferentes facultades para diagnosticar sus nociones de sustentabilidad universitaria y consumo responsable. A partir de esas concepciones, se diseñó e implementó un programa de capacitación y se evaluó su efectividad educativa en términos de aprendizajes obtenidos y formulación de proyectos para implementar en sus clubes. Los resultados muestran que, después de la implementación, los estudiantes ampliaron su visión sobre la sustentabilidad y su multidimensionalidad, así como las implicaciones prácticas que conlleva una universidad sustentable y la importancia de ser consumidores conscientes.
ensino e aprendizagem em Educação Ambiental -
Authors: Smek Uberna Thayse , Trevisan Leivas Peterson
Published: August 2024

Esta pesquisa visou à construção do conhecimento por meio da teoria e da prática em educação ambiental, com a temática: lendas e anfíbios, no contexto da Educação Infantil em Curitiba/PR. A relevância do tema se dá pela sua contemporaneidade, pois as práticas pedagógicas no ensino infantil foram alvo de grandes reflexões nos últimos anos, os estudosna área se modificaram e ampliaram, conforme as formas de pensar e fazer são colocados em prática. Utilizou-se a metodologia bibliográfica para as considerações teóricas, a pesquisa/ação, para a coleta de dados com a aplicação de um projeto de ensino com uma turma de maternal II. Como resultados e discussão colheram-se aprendizagens e experiências por meio de desenhos, registros de conversas sobre as lendas e os anfíbios, respostas para as questões elaboradas e reflexões sobre a prática e construção do conhecimento no processo de ensino e aprendizagem.
Oral Breathing Facilitates Endoscopic Operability Compared With Nasal Breathing in Peroral Endoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Takahashi Keitaro , Iwama Takuya , Muto Momotaro , Tanaka Kazuyuki , Kobayashi Yu , Ando Katsuyoshi , Kashima Shin , Ueno Nobuhiro , Moriichi Kentaro , Tanabe Hiroki , Harada Kazumichi , Teramoto Takashi , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Unsedated peroral endoscopy, including ultrathin endoscopy (UE) and conventional endoscopy (CE), is feasible in clinical practice but requires improved endoscopic operability and patient tolerance. Currently, the impact of the breathing method on these factors remains unclear. We conducted the first randomized controlled trial comparing oral breathing (OB) and nasal breathing (NB) during both UE and CE to assess their influence.

METHODS:

About 252 eligible patients undergoing CE or UE were randomly assigned to OB or NB groups. Endoscopists and patients rated endoscopic operability and patient tolerance using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Visibility from the oral cavity to the middle pharynx was recorded.

RESULTS:

OB led to a higher rate of improved visibility from the oral cavity to the middle pharynx compared with NB, ranging from 79.3% to 81.0%. Multivariate correlation analyses showed significantly lower visual analog scale scores for endoscopic operability with OB compared with NB in both UE and CE groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the overall evaluation of patient tolerance between OB and NB groups in UE and CE, whereas the smaller diameter of UE exhibited better patient tolerance compared with CE. Discriminant analysis comparing endoscope types and breathing methods revealed that UE with OB outperformed other combinations in the overall evaluation of endoscopic operability and patient tolerance (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

OB facilitates endoscopic operability compared with NB in peroral endoscopy. UE with OB is recommended as the preferred choice for unsedated peroral endoscopy in daily practice.
Clinical Characteristics, Endoscopic Findings, and Treatment Outcomes in Lymphocytic Esophagitis Compared With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Visaggi Pierfrancesco , Savarino Edoardo , Del Corso Giulio , Herlihy Naoimh , Ghisa Matteo , Dunn Jason M. , Marciano Emanuele , Wong Terry , Green Michael , de Bortoli Nicola , Zeki Sebastian
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Lymphocytic esophagitis (LyE) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are immune-mediated esophageal diseases. Clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings, and treatment outcomes of LyE were compared with EoE.

METHODS:

This was an international retrospective study on adults enrolled at 3 centers in Europe. We recorded clinical characteristics and endoscopy findings at baseline and symptoms, histology, and endoscopy outcomes after treatment of patients with LyE and EoE.

RESULTS:

Demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, and endoscopy findings were largely different in 35 patients with LyE compared with 59 patients with EoE. Proton pump inhibitor response was generally lower in LyE.

DISCUSSION:

LyE is clinically different from EoE, but differences in treatment response need further investigation.
Discursos sociais em mídias digitais: análise da campanha de conscientização sobre HIV e Aids
Authors: Costa Gustavo de Oliveira , Bittencourt Luan Pazzini
Published: August 2024

Neste estudo analisamos de maneira discursiva-crítica, comentários publicados na rede X/Twitter, a partir da Análise de Discurso Crítica (ADC). Os tweets analisados foram postados a partir de uma publicação de campanha de conscientização sobre HIV e Aids, promovida pelo Ministério da Saúde, em 2022, e neles usuários se posicionam de diferentes formas sobre o tema. Apresentamos a rede X/Twitter como espaço de produção discursiva midiática, refletimos sobre a educação sexual nas escolas, estabelecendo uma relação com os discursos analisados. Os resultados das análises evidenciam que o ensino e sexualidade influenciam na produção de discursos sobre HIV e AIDS nas mídias digitais, desencadeando a manutenção ou não de informações equivocadas sobre o tema.
EVALUATION OF INDONESIAN VERSION OF THE EMOTION WORD FLUENCY TEST
Authors: Pesau Heni Gerda , Sulastri Augustina , Van Luijtelaar Gilles
Published: August 2024

A cognitive assessment is not complete without an inspection of a client’s emotional status. The Emotion Word Fluency Test (EWFT) is a newly developed instrument for Indonesia. It provides similar assessment to other semantic word fluency tasks, linguistic and memory skills, and also a client’s current emotional standing and previously experienced emotions. Our study aims to present the newly-developed EWFT and its scoring system, and the psychometric properties of the test including its test-retest reliability and construct validity, as well as the reliability of the scoring system. Healthy participants with no history of brain-related diseases (n = 98), varying in age and education, were recruited; an additional group (n = 30) was included in the test-retest reliability study. The construct validity was evaluated with a phonemic verbal fluency test (pVFT). The EWFT was correlated (.51-.56) with the pVFT, and the three subscales of the pVFT correlated highly (.75-.80), indicating that the EWFT and pVFT share a common construct, but are also different. The scoring system showed excellent reliability (.86 for the number of correct generated words), and the test-retest reliability for the number of correct words was moderate (.54). Participants produced more negative than positive emotion words, t(29) = 6.33, p < .05. The correlation between the number of positive and negative emotion words was zero. Age affected the performance in both EWFT, F(3, 80) = 3.10, p < .05; and pVFT F(3, 80) = 2.47, p < .05; as was internationally reported. The EWFT scoring system is concluded reliable and the test has moderate reliability.
Alterations of plasma metabolomes and their correlations with immunogenicity in maintenance hemodialysis patients receiving different COVID‐19 vaccine regimens
Authors: Narongkiatikhun Phoom , Thonusin Chanisa , Sriwichaiin Sirawit , Nawara Wichwara , Fanhchaksai Kanda , Wongsarikan Nuttanun , Kumfu Sirinart , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: August 2024

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients exhibit compromised immune responses, leading to lower immunogenicity to the COVID‐19 vaccine than the general population. The metabolomic factors influencing COVID‐19 vaccine response in MHD patients remain elusive. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 30 MHD patients, divided into three vaccine regimen groups (N= 10 per group): homologous CoronaVac® (SV‐SV), homologous ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 (AZ‐AZ), and heterologous prime‐boost (SV‐AZ). Plasma samples were collected at baseline and at 28 days after the final dose to analyze 92 metabolomic levels using targeted metabolomics. The study included 30 MHD patients (mean age 56.67 ± 10.79 years) with similar neutralizing antibody (nAb) levels across vaccine regimens. The most significant differences in metabolomics were found between AZ‐AZ and SV‐SV, followed by SV‐AZ versus SV‐SV, and AZ‐AZ versus SV‐AZ. Overall, the metabolomic changes involved amino acids like glutamate and phenylalanine, and phospholipids. Prevaccination metabolomic profiles, including PG (38:1), lysoPE (20:2), lysoPC (18:2), lysoPI (18:1), and PC (34:2), exhibited negative correlations with postvaccination nAb levels. Different COVID‐19 vaccine regimens had unique interactions with the immune response in MHD patients. Amino acid and phospholipid metabolisms play crucial roles in nAb formation, with the phospholipid metabolism being a potentially predictive marker of vaccine immunogenicity among MHD patients.
A sustainable management model to reduce food loss and waste in agro-processing industries
Authors: Silvestri Bartolomeo , Facchini Francesco , Digiesi Salvatore , Ranieri Luigi
Published: August 2024

Agri-food processing industries generate a significant amount of food waste during different stages of processing. Sustainable food loss and waste (FLW) management aims to reduce, reuse, and recover the waste generated. To successfully implement strategies capable of pursuing these goals there is the need to connect agri-food processing industries with possible stakeholders in the use of waste generated. Primary processing centres are an example of industries that generate waste from the processing of fruits and vegetables. A model able to increase the environmental, economic, and social benefits of FLW reuse with appropriate strategies is proposed in this study. It is based on a multicriteria decision-making approach and a business-to-business web platform to support decision makers in identifying the best FLW management strategies from a quantity reduction and/or sustainability maximization perspective. Numerical simulations highlight the effectiveness of the model in identifying the best FLW management strategies within a panel of alternatives.
Pulse echo method for characterizing the ultrasonic properties of argan oil compared to vegetable oils with similar fatty acid profiles
Authors: Ettahiri Mohamed , Hamine Adil , Ouacha El houssaine , Mesbah Hicham , Tafkirte Mounir
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the use of a non-destructive ultrasonic pulse-echo method to characterize argan oil and other vegetable oils with similar fatty acid profiles. Ultrasonic parameters such as velocity, acoustic attenuation and reflection coefficient were measured across different temperatures. These parameters were used to create predictive models of ultrasonic velocity using partial least squares regression. Results demonstrated significant correlations between ultrasonic properties, oil temperature and fatty acid content. Specifically, ultrasonic velocity was found to be directly proportional to the content of saturated fatty acids and inversely proportional to the content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The reflection coefficient was also found to correlate with the fatty acid composition and temperature of the oils. Additionally, both ultrasonic velocity and acoustic attenuation decreased as the temperature increased from 25 °C to 50 °C. At 25 °C, the acoustic attenuation for argan oil was 22.37 Np/m, decreasing to 11.37 Np/m at 50 °C. These correlations allowed for the differentiation between food-grade argan oil, argan oil from seeds regurgitated by goats, sesame oil and peanut oil. The developed predictive models exhibited high coefficients of determination, with a value of 97.03 for argan oil, indicating strong agreement between measured and predicted ultrasonic velocities. This research highlights the potential of ultrasonic techniques for oil characterization and quality control.
Oral vs. injected: which vitamin D boost works best for low levels?
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Lohani Pallavi , Singh Shruti
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone and mineral balance. This study aims to identify the most effective route for achieving optimal vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL) to support bone and mineral health.

Methods

In this open-label randomized trial, 132 participants aged 18–60 with initial serum vitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL were divided into three intervention groups: daily 800 I.U. oral tablet (Group A), weekly 60,000 I.U. oral sachet (Group B), and monthly 300,000 I.U. intramuscular injection (Group C). The study assessed changes in their serum vitamin D levels at six and 12 weeks.

Results

The monthly intramuscular (IM) group consistently had the highest mean vitamin D levels at six weeks 38.38(±9.953) (p<0.002) and 12 weeks 48.15(±7.71) (p<0.001). Vitamin D insufficiency was reduced to 34.8 % at six weeks (p=0.434) and 6.8 % at 12 weeks (p=0.002). Notably, 100 % of the monthly IM group achieved vitamin D sufficiency at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

The monthly IM route demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to tablets and sachets at both the 6-week and 12-week points. A significantly larger number of monthly IM participants achieved vitamin D sufficiency compared to the other groups.
Banking Crises Under a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Authors: Bitter Lea
Published: August 2024

One of the main concerns associated with central bank digital currencies (CBDC) is the disintermediating effect on the banking sector in general, and the risk of bank runs in times of crisis in particular. This paper examines the implications of an interest-bearing CBDC on banking crises in a dynamic bank run model with a financial accelerator. The analysis distinguishes between bank failures due to illiquidity and due to insolvency. In a numerical exercise, CBDC leads to a reduction in the net worth of banks in normal times but mitigates the risk of a bank run in times of crisis. The financial stability implications also depend on how CBDC is accounted for on the asset side of the central bank balance sheet: if CBDC issuance is complemented by asset purchases, it delays the onset of both types of bank failures to larger shocks. In contrast, if CBDC issuance is complemented by loans to banks, it substantially impedes failures due to illiquidity, but only marginally affects bank failures due to insolvency.
English grammar intelligent error correction technology based on the n-gram language model
Authors: Xiao Fan , Yin Shehui
Published: August 2024

With the development of the Internet, the number of electronic texts has increased rapidly. Automatic grammar error correction technology is an effective safeguard measure for the quality of electronic texts. To improve the quality of electronic text, this study introduces a moving window algorithm and linear interpolation smoothing algorithm to build a Cn-gram language model. On this basis, a syntactic analysis strategy is introduced to construct a syntactic error correction model integrating Cn-gram and syntactic analysis, and English grammar intelligent error correction is carried out through the model. The results show that compared with the Bi-gram and Tri-gram, the precision of the Cn-gram model is 0.85 and 0.91% higher, and the F1 value is 0.97 and 1.14% higher, respectively. Compared with the results of test set Long, the Cn-gram model has better performance on verb error correction of the Short test set, and the precision rate, recall rate, and F1 value are increased by 0.86, 3.94, and 1.87%, respectively. The comparison of the precision, recall rate, and F1 value of the proposed grammar error correction model on the complete test set shows that the precision of the study is 19.10 and 5.41% higher for subject–verb agreement errors. The recall rate is 9.55 and 10.77% higher, respectively; F1 values are higher by 12.65 and 10.59%, respectively. The above results show that the error-correcting technique of the research design has excellent error-correcting performance. It is hoped that this experiment can provide a reference for the relevant research of automatic error correction technology of electronic text.
Hardy-type inequalities for a class of iterated operators and their application to Morrey-type spaces
Authors: Kalybay Aigerim
Published: August 2024

In this study, we discuss new Hardy-type inequalities for operators involving iteration and provide explicit characterizations of these inequalities. As an application of our results, we consider the problem of the boundedness of the multidimensional Hardy operator from a Lebesgue space to a Morrey-type space.
Reproductive outcomes in women with BRCA 1/2 germline mutations: A retrospective observational study and literature review
Authors: Dellino Miriam , D’Amato Antonio , Battista Gaia , Cormio Gennaro , Vimercati Antonella , Loizzi Vera , Laganà Antonio Simone , Damiani Gianluca Raffaello , Favilli Alessandro , Gerli Sandro , La Forgia Daniele , Daniele Antonella , Agrifoglio Vittorio , Cicinelli Ettore , Vitagliano Amerigo , Etrusco Andrea
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the reproductive outcomes of patients bearing BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 mutations.

Methods

In this retrospective observational cohort study, we assessed data from BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 carriers, analyzing demographics, oncological history, and reproductive outcomes. Statistical analysis compared BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 carriers. A thorough review of the literature was carried out.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were included. BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 mutations were equally distributed. Eighty-nine pregnancies occurred in our series, hesitated in 73 live births and 19 miscarriages. Mean age at first and last pregnancy was 27.8 ± 4.8 and 31.6 ± 4.8 years old. Thirty-nine patients have had at least one live birth (67.2%). Mean number of live births was 1.9 ± 0.6. Live birth rate (LBR) was 81.1% and miscarriage rate was 32.8%. Spontaneous fertility was unaltered, as evidenced by high LBR. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences between BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 carriers.

Conclusions

Our results shows that spontaneous reproductive outcomes in BRCA-mutated patients are reassuring. Despite evidence indicating a decrease in ovarian reserve among BRCA patients, this factor seems to not impact spontaneous fertility negatively. Further research is needed, and individuals with BRCA mutations should consider early family planning and fertility preservation in case of partner absence.
Your favourite authors favourite authors: a bibliometric social network analysis of hip-hop education literature
Authors: Cason Marti , Young Jamaal , Young Jemimah
Published: August 2024

Hip-hop culture can be found globally, and hip-hop educators can be found in these same spaces. Therefore, hip-hop has been in classrooms and has been increasingly popular in a multitude of disciplines, including but not limited to health sciences, sociology, and education. Given the vast reach of hip-hop education research, a logical next step is to characterize the impact of hip-hop education scholarship using bibliometrics. We examined hip-hop education through the lens of bibliometrics and social network analysis (SNA). A pool of 371 studies was identified for citation analysis. The findings of this study contribute to the literature by characterizing the development of hip-hop education research. Specifically, we contribute to the field by: (1) identifying key scholarly contributions in hip-hop education and the linkages among them, (2) tracing the evolution of the field over time, (3) analyzing the impact of hip-hop on the field of education, and (4) exploring the cross-disciplinary role of hip-hop education research. Implications are provided for future research and praxis to support learners in urban spaces.
Nancy in Jerusalem: Soundscapes of a City
Authors: Belford Liora
Published: August 2024

Attuned to sonic, aesthetic, and sensory modes of experience, and directed particularly to explore the implications of sound as it informs political thought and actions, in 2021, I began investigating Jerusalem’s soundscape. Following Jean-Luc Nancy’s argument that our perception is impacted by the subjectivity of listening, I invited a group of Palestinian and Israeli artists to work with me on this project, hoping to capture the multiple soundscapes this city offers to its residents, visitors, and passers-by. In this essay, I examine two of the group's projects: “Listening Walks in Jerusalem,” an online sonic archive open for anyone to listen to and download; and “Scores for Social Acoustics in Jerusalem,” an anthology of suggested listening paths in the city. I suggest that these artistic acts succeeded in capturing a range of sonic experiences of Jerusalem and may even have gone beyond Nancy’s words to provide tangible methods for listening to a sound event and hearing it (almost) the same.
Exploring the photocatalytic efficacy of core–shell CeO2/TiO2 nanocomposite synthesized via solution combustion synthesis
Authors: Muhammad Fathima Khyrun , Arulanandam Jegatha Christy
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the photocatalytic efficacy of core–shell CeO2/TiO2 nanocomposite (CT-NC) synthesized via solution combustion synthesis. Various characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) along with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (HRTEM-SAED) were employed to analyze the nanomaterials. XRD pattern confirmed the realization of cubic and tetragonal phases of CeO2 and TiO2. The vibrational modes observed below 800 cm−1 confirmed the metal-oxygen bonds of the synthesized samples. The energy bandgap (Eg) of CT-NC, as estimated from UV–vis spectra, reduced to 2.28 eV, resulting in a significant enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. The various emission peaks in the visible region due to the oxygen vacancies facilitated the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). EDS analysis confirmed the presence of elements and the purity of the samples. Furthermore, CT-NC demonstrated remarkable dye degradation efficiency, achieving a maximum efficiency of 98.15 % under visible light irradiation for 120 min. This enhanced activity is attributed to the Advanced Oxidation Process (AOPs). Overall, the results highlight the potential of CT-NC as an efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation.
Disentangling temporal and rate codes in primate somatosensory cortex
Authors: Callier Thierri , Gitchell Thomas , Harvey Michael A. , Bensmaia Sliman J.
Published: August 2024

Millisecond-scale temporal spiking patterns encode sensory information in the periphery, but their role in cortex remains controversial. The sense of touch provides a window into temporal coding because tactile neurons often exhibit precise, repeatable, and informative temporal spiking patterns. In somatosensory cortex (S1), responses to skin vibrations exhibit phase-locking that faithfully carries information about vibratory frequency. However, the respective roles of spike timing and rate in frequency coding are confounded because vibratory frequency shapes both the timing and rates of responses. To disentangle the contributions of these two neural features, we measured S1 responses as male Rhesus macaques performed frequency discrimination tasks in which differences in frequency were accompanied by orthogonal variations in amplitude. We assessed the degree to which the strength and timing of responses could account for animal performance. First, we showed that animals can discriminate frequency, but their performance is biased by amplitude variations. Second, rate-based representations of frequency are susceptible to changes in amplitude, but in ways that are highly inconsistent with the animals' behavioral biases, calling into question a rate-based neural code for frequency. In contrast, timing-based representations are highly informative about frequency but impervious to changes in amplitude, which is also inconsistent with the animals' behavior. We account for the animals' behavior with a model wherein frequency coding relies on a temporal code, but frequency judgments are biased by perceived magnitude. We conclude that information about vibratory frequency is not encoded in S1 firing rates but primarily in temporal patterning on millisecond time scales.

Significance statementWhile neurons in the cerebral cortex are known to produce temporally patterned responses with single-digit-millisecond precision, whether this patterning contributes to sensory coding remains controversial. The alternative hypothesis is that the critical feature of neuronal responses is the firing rate, and the distribution of the spikes in time only matters at slower time scales. To disentangle these two putative neural codes, we trained animals to discriminate the frequency of skin vibrations while recording from S1. Unlike previous studies addressing a similar question, we randomly varied stimulus amplitude over a wide range. While results from those studies were consistent with either hypothesis, we show that only a timing-based representation of frequency can account for animal performance on this frequency discrimination task.
Reducing Filamin A Restores Cortical Synaptic Connectivity and Early Social Communication Following Cellular Mosaicism in Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathways
Authors: Binder Matthew S. , Escobar Iris , Xu Youfen , Sokolov Aidan M. , Zhang Longbo , Bordey Angélique
Published: August 2024

Communication in the form of nonverbal, social vocalization, or crying is evolutionary conserved in mammals and is impaired early in human infants that are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Defects in infant vocalization have been proposed as an early sign of ASD that may exacerbate ASD development. However, the neural mechanisms associated with early communicative deficits in ASD are not known. Here, we expressed a constitutively active mutant of Rheb (RhebS16H), which is known to upregulate two ASD core pathways, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and ERK1/2, in Layer (L) 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the neocortex of mice of either sex. We found that cellular mosaic expression of RhebS16Hin L2/3 pyramidal neurons altered the production of isolation calls from neonatal mice. This was accompanied by an expected misplacement of neurons and dendrite overgrowth, along with an unexpected increase in spine density and length, which was associated with increased excitatory synaptic activity. This contrasted with the known decrease in spine density in RhebS16Hneurons of 1-month-old mice. Reducing the levels of the actin cross-linking and adaptor protein filamin A (FLNA), known to be increased downstream of ERK1/2, attenuated dendrite overgrowth and fully restored spine properties, synaptic connectivity, and the production of pup isolation calls. These findings suggest that upper-layer cortical pyramidal neurons contribute to communicative deficits in a condition known to affect two core ASD pathways and that these mechanisms are regulated by FLNA.
From the Model to the Glance
Authors: Fernandez-Mulligan Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Between the late 1960s and the early twenty-first century, the process by which astronomers identified gravitational lenses went from a time-consuming spectroscopic experiment to a two-second glance at a telescope image. This article analyzes discoveries of gravitational lenses over this period to explore the questions: How did astronomers learn to see new objects in the sky, and how did they train their eyes to effortlessly recognize these patterns in nature? Rather than separating procedural and intuitive approaches, I argue that the mathematical modeling and the spectroscopic identifications of the sixties and seventies were necessary scaffolding for the development of expert intuition in the eighties. By developing an intuition for what a lens looked like, astronomers increasingly relied on their own expert judgment rather than spectroscopy or calculations to initially identify lensing candidates. Through this history, I highlight intuition as a skill and explore the methods by which scientists train and retrain their intuition over the course of a career. The gamut of gravitational lens discoveries reveals that scientists used models to not only describe the world as it is but also to teach themselves what it could look like. To retrain their intuition and to learn how to see gravitational lenses, astronomers learned to see their models.
Strategi Hubungan Masyarakat dalam Meningkatkan Citra SMK Hidayah Kota Semarang
Authors: Nadia Anggraeni Nadia Anggraeni , Pramusinto Hengky
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate public relations strategies, obstacles faced, and steps taken by public relations to improve the image of prospective students SMK Hidayah Semarang City. This type of research uses qualitative descriptive analysis, data collection techniques for this research use observation, interviews and documentation methods. The research results show that the Public Relations strategy at SMK Hidayah Semarang consists of publications, events, news, community involvement, inform or image, lobbying, and negotiations, social responsibility; Obstacles that occur in carrying out the public relations strategy of SMK Hidayah Semarang, namely the lack of human resources to assist the performance of public relations in schools, and the existence of zoning system regulations; Efforts made by Public Relations to overcome obstacles are by involving all school staff to help with Public Relations activities, either collaborating with other Head of Student Affairs, or requiring teachers to create WhatsApp stories as a form of promotion, and put up banners, distribute brochures, and publicize via the SMK website guidance. This research provides information as a form of evaluation for public relations in schools regarding public relations marketing management
El polen que respiramos: Aerobiología de Galicia
Authors: Aira Mª Jesús , Fernández-González María , Sánchez Espinosa Kenia Caridad , Rodríguez-Rajo Javier
Published: August 2024

Las enfermedades respiratorias se han incrementado enormemente en las últimas décadas, estimándose que afectan entre el 20-25% de la población. Popularmente estas patologías se conocen con el nombre de fiebre del heno. La gravedad de los síntomas puede variar según la cantidad y el tipo de polen en el aire, pero la predisposición a las alergias es el resultado de una interacción compleja entre factores genéticos y ambientales, y provocan una respuesta específica en cada persona. Estas enfermedades representan un problema global de salud pública debido a su alta prevalencia, a la repercusión que tienen sobre la calidad de vida de las personas afectadas y al elevado impacto económico que suponen para los servicios de salud. Por ello, desde hace décadas en todo el mundo se han implementado estaciones de control. En este artículo de divulgación se ofrece una síntesis de los conocimientos actuales sobre este aspecto en Galicia, se facilitan los enlaces digitales para realizar la búsqueda de datos del contenido polínico atmosférico en tiempo real y se mencionan las recomendaciones más adecuadas para las personas alérgicas.
Urgency to secure funding for the promised national school food program amidst the rise of food costs and chronic disease
Authors: Zhang Flora , Ruetz Amberley T. , Ng Eric
Published: August 2024

An overwhelming number of Canadians believe that a national school food program (SFP) would benefit children, but concerns around limited funding are frequently raised. SFPs across Canada are struggling to meet increasing demands due to rising food costs, meaning that food quality and quantity within existing SFPs are suffering. This paper discusses the urgency to implement a cost-shared and federally funded SFP amidst the current economic context and lack of clear direction from the federal government. The paper also explores ways in which federal funding for school meals can help to reduce the rate of chronic diseases and actualize many proven physical and mental health benefits for Canadians, all of which have positive and long-term downstream effects on the country’s economy.