bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Normativity of Health Technology Assessment: Ontological, Moral, and Epistemological Commitments
Authors: Bloemen Bart , Oortwijn Wija , van der Wilt Gert Jan
Published: June 2024

The inherent normativity of HTA can be conceptualized as a result of normative commitments, a concept that we further specify to encompass moral, epistemological and ontological commitments at play in the practice of HTA. Based on examples from literature, and an analysis of the example of assessing Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), we will show that inevitable normative decisions in conducting an assessment commits the HTA practitioner to moral (regarding what makes a health technology desirable), ontological (regarding which effects of health technology are conceivable), and epistemological (regarding how to obtain reliable information about health technology) norms. This highlights and supports the need for integrating normative analysis and stakeholder participation, providing guidance to HTA practitioners when making normative choices. This will foster a shared understanding between those who conduct, use, or are impacted by assessments regarding what are conceivable and desirable outcomes of using health technology, and how to collect reliable information to assess whether these outcomes are (going to be) realized. It also provides more insight into the implications of different normative choices.
Distribution and host range of a highly invasive parasitic copepod
Authors: Ondračková Markéta , Tkachenko Maria Yu. , Vetešník Lukáš , Hronek Jiří , Janáč Michal
Published: June 2024

The parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Ergasilidae), native to East Asia, has spread rapidly around the world over the past half-century and now represents a clear example of successful parasitic invader. The species is now found in western Asia, Europe, America and Africa, with aquaculture and fish introductions identified as the primary vectors of dispersal. Regional field investigations have revealed surprisingly high number of affected localities, indicating potentially wider distribution than currently recognised. Neoergasilus japonicus exhibits low host specificity, parasitising a diverse range of freshwater fishes. This study updates the global fish host species list to 132, spanning 27 families across 15 orders, with Cypriniformes identified as the most susceptible host species. Under experimental conditions in this study, however, N. japonicus avoided its natural host, topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, suggesting a level of resistance to its native parasite. Piscivorous and demersal fish were less infected by copepods than planktivorous, benthivorous, pelagic and benthopelagic species, reflecting the ecology of both the parasite and its hosts. An ability to re-attach to another host, though limited, was confirmed under experimental conditions. Recognising the ecological impacts and potential consequences associated with the introduction of non-native parasites emphasises the need for continuous monitoring and research globally.
A New Polymorph of tert-Butyl (2-Aminophenyl)Carbamate
Authors: Potter Zoe E. , Hill Max T. , Sellars Jonathan D. , Waddell Paul G.
Published: June 2024

A new polymorph of tert-butyl (2-aminophenyl)carbamate was identified using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallised in the centrosymmetric, monoclinic space group P21/n with an asymmetric unit comprising two crystallographically-independent molecules (Zʹ = 2). This new structure was compared to that of the known polymorph with the differences between the two being attributed to a combination of space group symmetry, conformational variation, hydrogen bonding network dimensionality and crystal packing.
Combined Effect of Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation Using Magnesium Oxide Nano-flowers for Tetracycline Removal
Authors: Bekhit Sammer M. , Zaki Sahar A. , Hassouna Mohamed Salah El-Din , Elkady Marwa
Published: June 2024

The extensive use of antibiotics, including tetracycline (TC), has several negative impacts on ecosystems that need attention. In the present study, magnesium oxide nano-flowers (MgO NFs) were examined as an adsorbent and as a degradation photocatalyst for TC elimination. MgO NFs were characterized by XRD, UV-Vis, PL, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. Optimization of the removal process included varying the treatment time, initial pH, MgO NFs dosage, and testing with different initial TC concentrations. The highest removal efficiency (77.3%) was achieved for 50 mg/L TC using 0.6 g/L of MgO NFs at pH 9. Adsorption removal contributed to 26.0% of this removal, while 51.3% was attributed to photocatalytic removal. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant impacts of time, initial pH, MgO NFs dose, and initial TC concentrations on TC removal. Although adding different ions showed strong effects on TC adsorption on MgO NFs, those ions inhibited TC removal by about 5% after photocatalytic degradation. Adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, the adsorption process was monolayer on a homogenous surface based on chemical interactions. Based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, t1/2 values ranged from 60.79 to 76.15 min for TC concentrations varying from 10 to 60 mg/L. Bacterial growth inhibition of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25,922) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 33,019) were reduced after TC treatment. The study evidenced that using MgO NFs in photodegradation is an effective approach for TC removal from water bodies.
Characterisation of asbestos-containing wastes by thermal analysis
Authors: Kusiorowski Robert , Gerle Anna , Kujawa Magdalena , Śliwa Andrzej , Adamek Jakub
Published: June 2024

The study examined building materials containing asbestos, which have been considered hazardous waste for several years. Samples were taken from various places in Poland. The chemical composition was examined using chemical analysis, the mineralogical phases were identified using X-ray diffraction, and the structure was identified using scanning electron microscopy, taking into account energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal tests of the samples were performed using thermal analysis, thermogravimetric measurements and high-temperature microscopy. Additionally, changes that occurred in the microstructure were determined using mercury porosimetry and infrared spectroscopy. All the above research methods were used to characterise the properties of cement–asbestos materials, which were also subjected to isothermal thermal treatment at a temperature of 1100 °C for 4 h. The results proved that the material after thermal treatment undergoes significant structural changes. The thermal decomposition process of cement–asbestos involves dehydration, dehydroxylation and then recrystallisation to new stable crystalline phases but in the context of asbestos, we are dealing here with the so-called phenomenon of pseudomorphosis. Knowledge about the thermal properties of asbestos materials can provide us with data on how the material undergoes significant structural changes, thanks to which it will be possible to use neutralised cement–asbestos waste as possible safe materials.
The Expansion of Incentive (Performance-Based) Regulation of Electricity Distribution and Transmission in the United States
Authors: Joskow Paul L.
Published: June 2024

I examine developments in the application of performance-based regulation (PBR) to electricity distribution and transmission in the United States. Applications of comprehensive PBR to electricity distribution had been slow to diffuse in the U.S. prior to roughly 2000. PBR mechanisms are now being applied more frequently to electricity distribution, which reflects the changing structure of the electric power industry and the increasing obligations that are being placed on electric distribution companies. The new obligations are a consequence primarily of aggressive targets for decarbonizing the electricity sector in nearly half the states and the goal of using “clean” electricity to electrify transportation, buildings, and other sectors. PBR should be viewed as a set of “building blocks” that can be adopted in various combinations and should recognize that PBR and traditional cost-of-service regulation (COSR) are properly viewed as complements rather than substitutes. Recent reforms in the regulation of distribution companies in Great Britain—“RIIO”—have been influential in the U.S. The main reforms contained in RIIO are discussed. There has been essentially no application of PBR by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to owners of transmission assets or to independent transmission operators. FERC has applied targeted incentives to encourage investment in transmission facilities and membership in independent system operator organizations. However, the regulation of transmission rates relies primarily on COSR in the form of formula rates and has poor incentive properties. Regulation of independent system operators is a challenge because they are non-profit organizations with no equity to put at risk. Reforms here are suggested.
Paired metabolomics and volatilomics provides insight into transient high light stress response mechanisms of the coral Montipora mollis
Authors: Bartels Natasha , Matthews Jennifer L. , Lawson Caitlin A. , Possell Malcolm , Hughes David J. , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Suggett David J.
Published: June 2024

The coral holobiont is underpinned by complex metabolic exchanges between different symbiotic partners, which are impacted by environmental stressors. The chemical diversity of the compounds produced by the holobiont is high and includes primary and secondary metabolites, as well as volatiles. However, metabolites and volatiles have only been characterised in isolation so far. Here, we applied a paired metabolomic-volatilomic approach to characterise holistically the chemical response of the holobiont under stress. Montipora mollis fragments were subjected to high-light stress (8-fold higher than the controls) for 30 min. Photosystem II (PSII) photochemical efficiency values were 7-fold higher in control versus treatment corals immediately following high-light exposure, but returned to pre-stress levels after 30 min of recovery. Under high-light stress, we identified an increase in carbohydrates (> 5-fold increase in arabinose and fructose) and saturated fatty acids (7-fold increase in myristic and oleic acid), together with a decrease in fatty acid derivatives in both metabolites and volatiles (e.g., 80% decrease in oleamide and nonanal), and other antioxidants (~ 85% decrease in sorbitol and galactitol). These changes suggest short-term light stress induces oxidative stress. Correlation analysis between volatiles and metabolites identified positive links between sorbitol, galactitol, six other metabolites and 11 volatiles, with four of these compounds previously identified as antioxidants. This suggests that these 19 compounds may be related and share similar functions. Taken together, our findings demonstrate how paired metabolomics-volatilomics may illuminate broader metabolic shifts occurring under stress and identify linkages between uncharacterised compounds to putatively determine their functions.
Enhancement of biomass productivity and biochemical composition of alkaliphilic microalgae by mixotrophic cultivation using cheese whey for biofuel production
Authors: Youssef Ahmed Mohamed , Gomaa Mohamed , Mohamed Abdel Kareem S. H. , El-Shanawany Abdel-Rahim A.
Published: June 2024

The growth of microalgae under alkaline conditions ensures an ample supply of CO2 from the atmosphere, with a low risk of crashing due to contamination and predators. The present study investigated the mixotrophic cultivation of two alkaliphilic microalgae (Tetradesmus obliquus and Cyanothece sp.) using cheese whey as an organic carbon source. The variation in cheese whey concentration (0.5–4.5% (v/v)), culture pH (7–11), and NaNO3 concentrations (0–2 gL−1) was evaluated using central composite design in response to biomass productivity and the contents of lipids, total proteins, and soluble carbohydrates. Both investigated microalgae effectively utilized cheese whey as an organic carbon source. The optimum conditions for simultaneously maximizing biomass and lipid productivity in T. obliquus were 3.5% (v/v) whey, pH 10.0, and 0.5 g L−1 NaNO3. Under these conditions, the biomass, lipid, soluble carbohydrate, and protein productivities were 48.69, 20.64, 7.02, and 10.97 mg L−1 day−1, respectively. Meanwhile, Cyanothece produced 52.78, 11.42, 4.31, and 7.89 mg L−1 day−1 of biomass, lipid, carbohydrate, and protein, respectively, at 4.5% (v/v) whey, pH 9.0, and 1.0 g L−1 NaNO3. The lipids produced under these conditions were rich in saturated fatty acids (FAs) and monounsaturated FAs, with no polyunsaturated FAs in both microalgae. Moreover, several biodiesel characteristics were estimated, and results fell within the ranges specified by international standards. These findings indicate that the mixotrophic cultivation of alkaliphilic microalgae could open new avenues for promoting microalgae productivity through low-cost biofuel production.
The longevity-associated BPIFB4 gene guarantees vascular homeostasis and immune protection through platelets
Authors: Ciaglia Elena , Montella Francesco , Carrizzo Albino , Lopardo Valentina , Esposito Roberta Maria , Basile Cristina , Damato Antonio , De Lucia Massimiliano , Maciag Anna , Spinetti Gaia , Milella Maria Serena , Maselli Davide , Vecchione Carmine , Puca Annibale Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Beyond their activity in hemostasis and thrombosis, recent advances attribute platelets a pro-youthful role capable to attenuate immune senescence and age-related neuroinflammation. Previous studies from our group associated a polymorphic haplotype variant in the BPIFB4 gene (LAV-BPIFB4) with exceptional longevity. Transfer of the LAV-BPIFB4 in preclinical models has proved strategic to cope with frailty conditions, aging-related events, e.g., cardiovascular ones, and immune dysfunction mainly through a favorable conditioning of the immune system. However, whether platelets participate in LAV-BPIFB4 therapeutic action is currently unknown. Herein, we discovered that platelets were instrumental in boosting the favorable health outcomes of the systemic AAV-LAV-BPIFB4 gene transfer in vivo, as the α-CD42b platelet depletion completely abolished the vascular protective action of LAV-BPIFB4 and suppressed its pro-resolutive CD206 + anti-/CD86 + pro-inflammatory Ly6C + monocyte skewing to LPS stimulation. Of note, this is associated with a huge drop in the protective levels of BPIFB4 in the plasma of AAV-LAV-BPIFB4-injected C57BL/6 mice, indicating that plasma circulating platelets may be a reservoir of the BPIFB4 protein. Indeed, we noticed that BPIFB4 was released by human platelets, a process that is amplified in LAV-allele carrier donors. Accordingly, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of human LAV-BPIFB4 isoform, but not WT-BPIFB4 isoform was able in leading differentiated megakaryocytes to release more platelet-like-particles enriched for BPIFB4. In addition, in vitro, the M2 macrophage polarization increased when releasate from platelets, and even more from LAV pre-stimulated once, was added in monocyte cell culture. Our data suggest that platelet release of BPIFB4 and of yet-to-be-determined unidentified factors mediates the therapeutic efficacy of LAV-BPIFB4 treatment.
Implementing ITS1 metabarcoding for the analysis of soil microeukariotic diversity in the Mountain Cloud Forest
Authors: Rivera-Zizumbo Andrea Aurora , Velez Patricia , Ojeda Margarita , Herrera-Mares Angel , Tapia-Torres Yunuen , Gasca-Pineda Jaime
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In threatened diversity hotspots, such as mountain cloud forests, microbiome studies have focused essentially on bacteria. Unlike prokaryotic microbiomes, the study of the microeukaryotes has largely been restricted to the visual identification of specific groups. Herein, microeukaryotic edaphic diversity from a pristine mountain cloud forest (MCF) of Mexico was analyzed via the metabarcoding of the ITS1 region of ribosomal DNA.

Materials and methods

An exploratory triangular sampling was conducted in the mountain cloud forest located in El Relámpago Mount, Santiago Comaltepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. Each vertex was located adjacent to a dominant plant species in the ecosystem (Oreomunnea mexicana and Alsophila salvinii). After DNA extraction the ITS1 region (rDNA) was amplified. Microeukaryotic sequences were filtered by computational subtraction against the ITS2 Database. Next, alpha and beta diversity indexes were calculated, and the relationship between abiotic variables and diversity patterns were inferred by means of a Canonical Correspondence Analysis.

Results

Overall, 138 inferred sequence variants were identified, including 87 protists, 35 animals (microfauna), and 16 algae. Within the animals, the nematodes were the dominant group, chlorophytes dominated algae, and in Protista, no dominance patterns were observed given the high diversity and equitability of this group. Soil available carbon, carbon degrading enzymes and the pH play a key role in modeling the community structure. Remarkably, high beta diversity levels were obtained, evidencing a strong spatial heterogeneity at the small scale.

Conclusions

The ITS metabarcoding proved to be a useful tool to conduct multi-taxa diversity assessments for microeukaryotes, allowing the identification of alpha and beta diversity patterns and overcoming limitations of sampling and the direct observation of individuals. The results presented in this work evidenced high microeukaryotic diversity levels in the soil of MCF and encourage future studies aiming to explore the taxonomic diversity of individual taxa.
Dimensions of Level-1 Group-Based Phylogenetic Networks
Authors: Gross Elizabeth , Krone Robert , Martin Samuel
Published: June 2024

Phylogenetic networks represent evolutionary histories of sets of taxa where horizontal evolution or hybridization has occurred. Placing a Markov model of evolution on a phylogenetic network gives a model that is particularly amenable to algebraic study by representing it as an algebraic variety. In this paper, we give a formula for the dimension of the variety corresponding to a triangle-free level-1 phylogenetic network under a group-based evolutionary model. On our way to this, we give a dimension formula for codimension zero toric fiber products. We conclude by illustrating applications to identifiability.
Haplotype Inference Using Long-Read Nanopore Sequencing: Application to GSTA1 Promoter
Authors: Mlakar Vid , Dupanloup Isabelle , Gloor Yvonne , Ansari Marc
Published: June 2024

Recovering true haplotypes can have important clinical consequences. The laboratory process is difficult and is, therefore, most often done through inference. In this paper, we show that when using the Oxford nanopore sequencing technology, we could recover the true haplotypes of the GSTA1 promoter region. Eight LCL cell lines with potentially ambiguous haplotypes were used to characterize the efficacy of Oxford nanopore sequencing to phase the correct GSTA1 promoter haplotypes. The results were compared to Sanger sequencing and inferred haplotypes in the 1000 genomes project. The average read length was 813 bp out of a total PCR length of 1336 bp. The best coverage of sequencing was in the middle of the PCR product and decreased to 50% at the PCR ends. SNPs separated by less than 200 bp showed > 90% of correct haplotypes, while at the distance of 1089 bp, this proportion still exceeded 58%. The number of cycles influences the generation of hybrid haplotypes but not extension or annealing time. The results demonstrate that this long sequencing reads methodology, can accurately determine the haplotypes without the need for inference. The technology proved to be robust but the success of phasing nonetheless depends on the distances and frequencies of SNPs.
Identification of avaC from Human Gut Microbial Isolates that Converts 5AVA to 2-Piperidone
Authors: Zhou Qiudi , Feng Lihui
Published: June 2024

2-piperidone is a crucial industrial raw material of high-value nylon-5 and nylon-6,5. Currently, a major bottleneck in the biosynthesis of 2-piperidone is the identification of highly efficient 2-piperidone synthases. In this study, we aimed to identify specific strains among 51 human gut bacterial strains capable of producing 2-piperidone and to elucidate its synthetic mechanism. Our findings revealed that four gut bacterial strains, namely Collinsella aerofaciens LFYP39, Collinsella intestinalis LFYP54, Clostridium bolteae LFYP116, and Clostridium hathewayi LFYP18, could produce 2-piperidone from 5-aminovaleric acid (5AVA). Additionally, we observed that 2-piperidone could be synthesized from proline through cross-feeding between Clostridium difficile LFYP43 and one of the four 2-piperidone producing strains, respectively. To identify the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 5AVA to 2-piperidone, we utilized a gain-of-function library and identified avaC (5-aminovaleric acid cyclase) in C. intestinalis LFYP54. Moreover, homologous genes of avaC were validated in the other three bacterial strains. Notably, avaC were found to be widely distributed among environmental bacteria. Overall, our research delineated the gut bacterial strains and genes involved in 2-piperidone production, holding promise for enhancing the efficiency of industrial biosynthesis of this compound.
Implication of homoplasy in hypervariable region (HVR) of mitochondrial DNA in a population of marbled flounder Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae: consideration for conducting population genetic analyses using the HVR
Authors: Yamamoto Yuki , Takanashi Airi , Yokosawa Yuji , Ikeda Minoru
Published: June 2024

The hypervariable region (HVR) in the control region of the mitochondrial DNA has frequently been used for population genetics and phylogeographic studies because of its highly variable nature. Although the HVR is beneficial for evaluating recent evolutionary history, including population demography, recent studies have implied the incidence of homoplasy in this region. To assess the accuracy of relying solely on the HVR for population genetics studies, molecular evolutionary analysis of the HVR, NADH-dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2), and cytochrome b genes were performed using 120 individuals of marbled flounder Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae. The HVR exhibited the highest genetic variability among the three regions, with sites showing high site-specific substitution rates. Considering the reticulate haplotype network structure and evolutionary linkages between regions, homoplastic mutations were indicated in the HVR in addition to ND2, underestimating genetic diversity. We found that homoplasy was less likely to affect coalescent-based demographic inferences in the population; however, there is still a potential risk of misinterpretation of population demography when solely using the HVR owing to its hypervariable nature. Collectively, we suggest analyzing other regions in addition to the HVR in fish population genetic research to improve accuracy and eliminate biases caused by homoplasy.
Suppression of HIV-TAT and cocaine-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation by cell penetrable itaconate esters
Authors: Cui B. Celia , Aksenova Marina , Sikirzhytskaya Aliaksandra , Odhiambo Diana , Korunova Elizaveta , Sikirzhytski Vitali , Ji Hao , Altomare Diego , Broude Eugenia , Frizzell Norma , Booze Rosemarie , Wyatt Michael D. , Shtutman Michael
Published: June 2024

HIV-associated neurological disorder (HAND) is a serious complication of HIV infection marked by neurotoxicity induced by viral proteins like Tat. Substance abuse exacerbates neurocognitive impairment in people living with HIV. There is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies to combat HAND comorbid with Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD). Our analysis of HIV and cocaine-induced transcriptomes in primary cortical cultures revealed significant overexpression of the macrophage-specific gene aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1). The ACOD1 protein converts the tricarboxylic acid intermediate cis-aconitate into itaconate during the activation of inflammation. Itaconate then facilitates cytokine production and activates anti-inflammatory transcription factors, shielding macrophages from infection-induced cell death. However, the immunometabolic function of itaconate was unexplored in HIV and cocaine-exposed microglia. We assessed the potential of 4-octyl-itaconate (4OI), a cell-penetrable ester form of itaconate known for its anti-inflammatory properties. When primary cortical cultures exposed to Tat and cocaine were treated with 4OI, microglial cell number increased and the morphological altercations induced by Tat and cocaine were reversed. Microglial cells also appeared more ramified, resembling the quiescent microglia. 4OI treatment inhibited secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP1-α induced by Tat and cocaine. Transcriptome profiling determined that Nrf2 target genes were significantly activated in Tat and 4OI treated cultures relative to Tat alone. Further, genes associated with cytoskeleton dynamics in inflammatory microglia were downregulated by 4OI treatment. Together, the results strongly suggest 4-octyl-itaconate holds promise as a potential candidate for therapeutic development to treat HAND coupled with CUD comorbidities.

Graphical Abstract

Model of 4OI-mediated neuroprotection against Tat-Cocaine toxicity. Tat and Tat-Cocaine treatment induce neuronal damage, which is mitigated by 4OI through microglia cells. This cartoon shows the reduction of harmful effects such as pro-inflammatory cytokine release, upregulation of P2R, PDE, and Acod1 by the presence of 4OI. This ester modified itaconate triggers anti-inflammatory responses and activates antioxidant pathways
Accurate and affordable detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in Tuberculosis sputum specimens by multiplex PCR-multiple probes melting analysis
Authors: Xie Long , Zhu Xiao-Ya , Xu Li , Xu Xiao-Xie , Ruan Ze-Fan , Huang Ming-Xiang , Chen Li , Jiang Xi-Wen
Published: June 2024

Background

Escalating cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) pose a major challenge to global TB control efforts, necessitating innovative diagnostics to empower decentralized detection of gene mutations associated with resistance to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in resource-constrained settings.

Methods

Combining multiplex fluorescent PCR and Multiple Probes Melting Analysis, we identified mutations in the rpoB, katG, ahpC and inhA genes from sputum specimens. We first constructed a reference plasmid library comprising 40 prevalent mutations in the target genes’ resistance determining regions and promoters, serving as positive controls. Our assay utilizes a four-tube asymmetric PCR method with specifically designed molecular beacon probes, enabling simultaneous detection of all 40 mutations. We evaluated the assay’s effectiveness using DNA isolated from 50 clinically confirmed M. tuberculosis sputum specimens, comparing our results with those obtained from Sanger sequencing and retrospective validation involving bacteriological culture and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST). We also included the commercial Xpert MTB/RIF assay for accuracy comparison.

Results

Our data demonstrated remarkable sensitivity in detecting resistance to RIF and INH, achieving values of 93.33% and 95.24%, respectively, with a specificity of 100%. The concordance between our assay and pDST was 98.00%. Furthermore, the accuracy of our assay was comparable to both Sanger sequencing and the Xpert assay. Importantly, our assay boasts a 4.2-h turnaround time and costs only $10 per test, making it an optimal choice for peripheral healthcare settings.

Conclusion

These findings highlight our assay’s potential as a promising tool for rapidly, accurately, and affordably detecting MDR-TB.
Early Exposure of Medical Students to a Formal Research Program Promotes Successful Scholarship in a Multi-Campus Medical School
Authors: Conover Gloria M. , Monk Mikayla B. , Nigli Selina , Awalt Avery
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Many physicians today struggle to learn the complexities of the biological basis for evidence-based medicine. To bridge this gap, the Medical Scholar Research Pathway Program (MSRPP) founded in 2019 prepares medical students for analytical reasoning and critical thinking while engaging in faculty-mentored research projects in a community-based public medical school.

Methods

MSRPP is an application-based extracurricular research program, designed for novice and experienced medical students. Three distinct pathways offer ample opportunities for pre-clinical and clinical students to participate in research on a flexible schedule. The program director guides students in one-on-one coaching meetings to set achievable goals with their faculty mentor, and plan their research deliverables, considering their interests and residency plans.

Results

We report the implementation of a multi-year and multi-campus research training program for medical students across five campuses. Our results show that five class cohorts (2021–2025) of MSRPP students were twice as likely to seek formal research support than students not in the program. MSRPP students continuously growth their self-confidence to disseminate their research by practicing oral communication in monthly Launch talk research reports and bi-annual research conferences. Moreover, students report they learn technical communication skills and feel inspired to participate in research by interacting with invited faculty seminars. MSRPP students have a significantly higher scholarship output as compared to non-MSRPP students. Early indicators show that students that participate in formal research programs have a measurable difference for matching into competitive residencies.

Conclusions

MSRPP students report that they have gained research competencies and technical skills to establish a baseline to promote their future research engagement. This study provides other peer medical schools with strategies to create the infrastructure to support and promote medical student research.
Feasibility of Biochar from Seaweed for Ferroalloy Production
Authors: Senanu Samuel , Sandquist Judit , Skjermo Jorunn , Rørvik Stein , Windfeldt Magnus
Published: June 2024

Biochar from seaweed, specifically sugar kelp, cultivated on the Norwegian coastline has been investigated as a possible biocarbon source for the metal industry to reduce the dependency on terrestrial biomass. Pre-processing of the biomass prior to pyrolysis is needed to reduce the water and ash content and was performed by water and acid washing followed by drying. The three types of biochar were obtained after pyrolysis at a temperature of 550 °C. Characterization of the three batches of biochars showed that pre-processing of the seaweed as was done during the water and acid washing, plays an important role on the removal of ash content. Due to the enormous amount of woody biomass needed for example in the ferroalloy industry to replace fossil coal, replacing only parts of the woody biomass with kelp biochar could have a significant impact. Water washing combined with acid washing had the best results considering the ash and fixed carbon contents. Microstructural analysis of the seaweed biochars showed a very porous material with the crystal structure resembling that of charcoal, albeit a lower degree of crystallinity.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying missing data handling methods with text mining
Authors: Boros Krisztián , Kmetty Zoltán
Published: June 2024

Missing data is an inevitable aspect of every empirical research. Researchers developed several techniques to handle missing data to avoid information loss and biases. Over the past 50 years, these methods have become more and more efficient and also more complex. Building on previous review studies, this paper aims to analyze what kind of missing data handling methods are used among various scientific disciplines. For the analysis, we used nearly 50.000 scientific articles published between 1999 and 2016. JSTOR provided the data in text format. We utilized a text-mining approach to extract the necessary information from our corpus. Our results show that the usage of advanced missing data handling methods, such as Multiple Imputation or Full Information Maximum Likelihood estimation, is steadily growing in the examination period. Additionally, simpler methods, like listwise and pairwise deletion, are still in widespread use.
Factors Associated with STEM Career Expectations of Greek 15-Year-Old Students
Authors: Pagkratidou Marianna , Michaelides Michalis P. , Pitsia Vasiliki , Karakolidis Anastasios
Published: June 2024

Science, technology engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions offer competitive earnings, tend to be compatible with technological advances, and are predicted to remain in high demand in the future. Many countries, including Greece, have prioritised STEM education on their educational agendas, aiming to prepare students for careers in these fields. In this study, we investigated factors that may predict Greek students’ STEM career expectations through analysing data from the 2015 cycle of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). In doing so, we categorised the responses of 4910 15-year-old students to the question “What kind of job do you expect to have when you are about 30 years old?” into STEM and non-STEM professions, following a wide approach that included health and medical professions in the STEM category and a narrow approach that excluded these professions from the STEM category. Binary logistic regression results showed that student enjoyment of science, instrumental motivation, interest towards broad science topics, and their science performance were associated with their career expectations across both approaches; family economic, social, and cultural status was associated with students’ career expectations within the wide approach only, while gender and achievement motivation were associated with students’ career expectations within the narrow approach only. The differences in the factors predicting students’ career expectations between the two approaches indicate that transparency in the definitions and operationalisations of STEM is needed within the relevant research.
Stress and Strain Characteristics in Flexible Pavement Using Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Nega Ainalem , Gedafa Daba , Nikraz Hamid
Published: June 2024

A new numerical simulation was developed to obtain various structural parameters by employing a nonlinear finite element method using ABAQUS: stress, strain, and the displacement response of five layers on the flexible pavement. The primary purpose of this study was to develop a new simulation that can accurately and effectively characterize stress and strain problems in flexible pavement. New constitutive model equations were developed based on Hooke’s law the three-dimensional model for stress and strain. 40 kN wheel load was used to represent a set of dual tires, assuming a uniformly distributed contact area between the tire-pavement surfaced using linear viscoelastic and nonlinear viscoelastic materials. Four tire-inflation pressures were used 380, 490, 630, and 700 kPa. Results indicated that each flexible pavement layer created with a nonlinear viscoelastic material exhibited a 40% vertical plastic strain reduction compared to linear viscoelastic materials after 7000 s and repeated for 30,000 cyclic loadings. The implication of this newly developed constitutive model was verified against published experimental data. Analyses were completed to simplify the results model results considering the effects of stress and strain on flexible pavement layers. The newly developed constitutive model for solving stress and strain characterization problems can predict the effects on flexible pavement layers and various types of observed flexible pavement failure.
Simulation of large plausible tsunami scenarios associated with the 2019 Durres (Albania) earthquake source and adjacent seismogenic zones
Authors: Xhafaj Edlira , Hassan Hany M. , Scaini Chiara , Peresan Antonella
Published: June 2024

We present an analysis of the hazards of potential earthquake-generated tsunamis along the Albanian–Adriatic coast. The study adopts a case study approach to model plausible tsunamigenic events associated with the 2019 Mw 6.4 Durres (Albania) earthquake source zone. The approach combines current findings on regional tectonics and scenario-based calculations of potential tsunami impacts. The study’s goal is to analyse the propagation of tsunami waves generated by identified seismogenic sources (namely ALCS002 [Lushnje] and ALCS018 [Shijak]) and determine the tsunami risk assessment for Durres City on the Albanian–Adriatic coast. The sources can generate earthquakes with maximum moment magnitudes of Mw 7.5 and Mw 6.8, which are likely to trigger tsunamis that could cause significant impacts in the region. The modelling is performed deterministically with the NAMI DANCE numerical code, including scenarios associated with the largest plausible earthquake. The model integrates bathymetry and topography datasets of large and medium resolutions. Each tsunami scenario simulation is based on the solution of the non-linear shallow water equations used to generate maximum positive wave amplitudes (water elevation), travel time, and tsunami inundation maps. In Durres City, modelling indicates that medium-sized waves could reach up to 2.5 m inland, posing a significant danger to the city’s low-lying areas. The most substantial tsunami waves are expected to impact the area within the first 10 to 20 min. Combining inundation maps and information on exposed assets allows for identifying areas where damages can be expected. In terms of human impact, a preliminary analysis shows that the study area is prone to tsunami threat, with more than 138,000 inhabitants living in vulnerable urban areas of Durres City by 2036. The model’s capacity to capture details related to the presence of buildings is limited due to constraints posed by the resolution of bathymetry and topography datasets available during this study. If refined with high-resolution bathymetry and topography datasets, our results can be considered a backbone for exposure and resilience assessment features to be integrated into preparedness or new urban development plans.
Prison Violence in Latin America: Criminal Governance and an Absent State
Authors: Fondevila Gustavo , Vilalta-Perdomo Carlos
Published: June 2024

Using a survey applied to incarcerated populations in Latin American countries, this study aims to examine the factors that determine the existence of violence in prisons and explain why some penitentiaries are more violent than others by studying variables such as inmate age, sentence length, and crime type. A quantitative examination is used to determine the effect of these variables on prison violence (property theft and beatings), and whether it is a result of the living conditions within the prisons. The results indicate that the most overpopulated prisons, with the worst living conditions, have the lowest levels of violence (in Brazil and El Salvador). The lower rates of violence observed in certain Latin American prisons appear to be explained by the existence of criminal governments within penitentiary systems, organized and run by a dominant prison gang.
Optimizing HAR Systems: Comparative Analysis of Enhanced SVM and k-NN Classifiers
Authors: Shdefat Ahmed Younes , Mostafa Nour , Al-Arnaout Zakwan , Kotb Yehia , Alabed Samer
Published: June 2024

This research addresses the accuracy issues in IoT-based human activity recognition (HAR) applications, essential for health monitoring, elderly care, gait analysis, security, and Industry 5.0. This study uses 12 machine learning approaches, split equally between support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) models. Data from 102 individuals, aged 18–43, were used to train and test these models. The researchers aimed to detect twelve daily activities, such as sitting, walking, and cycling. Results showed k-NN models achieved slightly higher accuracy (97.08%) compared to SVM models (95.88%), though SVM had faster processing times. The improved machine learning approaches proved effective in accurately classifying daily activities, with k-NN models outperforming SVM models marginally. The paper provides significant contributions to the field of HAR by enhancing the performance of SVM and k-NN classifiers, optimizing them for higher accuracy and faster processing. Through robust testing with samples of real-world data, the study provides a detailed comparative analysis that highlights strengths and weaknesses of each classifier model, specifically within IoT-based systems. This work not only advances the theoretical understanding and practical applications of HAR systems in areas, such as healthcare and industrial automation, but also sets the stage for future research that could explore hybrid models or further enhancements, consequently improving the efficiency and functionality of IoT devices based on activity recognition.
Skepticism and physics: epistemic beliefs of Norwegian physics students compared with other student groups
Authors: Kjelsberg Ronny
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine how physics students position themselves compared to other student groups on various attitudes and opinions relevant to the tradition of “scientific skepticism”. Previous research has shown physics students identifying and having mindsets in line with the epistemic ideas from this philosophical tradition, promoting disbelief in epistemically unfounded ideas, and skeptical inquiry as a tool for evaluating claims. In this, we employ quantitative constructs testing conspiracy beliefs and supernatural beliefs along with established psychological constructs for social dominance orientation, and the conspiracy mentality questionnaire that have previously been shown to have interconnectedness. After showing several direct comparisons between different student groups, the paper also examines other elements that can influence “scientific skepticism”, like education level, education type, and gender via multivariate regression analysis. The results suggest physics students tend to position themselves to the end of the spectrum on several constructs connected to scientific skepticism, both compared to students from the humanities and social sciences, and students from other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and the regression analysis finds being a physics student contributes a statistically significant contribution along the tested dimensions. The paper discusses possible reasons for this and what this tells us about physics students and physics education.
A fast and effective approach for microstrip filter design using GA and TL-model
Authors: Singh Aditya , Ritika  , Jangid Ashok
Published: June 2024

Microwaves and RF technology and their components like filters, antennas, etc. are commonly used in wireless networking and communication systems, wireless security systems, radar systems, and environmental remote sensing. In this paper, a fast and effective procedure has been proposed for microstrip filter design using a genetic algorithm (GA) with a transmission line model (TL). GA is modified to be highly efficient and accurate by encoding the topology. For the fixed filter topology, the electrical parameters of the filter are encoded in a single chromosome. To make the proposed procedure fast and effective, a transmission line model has been employed to compute the fitness value in GA. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure, a wideband second-order bandpass filter with a center frequency of 2.3 GHz is examined with a pair of short-circuited stubs and a pair of open-circuited stubs. The optimized design is validated using full-wave methods (MoM and EM simulator CST). The results show a low insertion loss of 0.1 dB and return loss better than 30 dB and a wide bandwidth of 46.95% with − 3 dB cutoff frequencies at 1.76 GHz and 2.84 GHz.
Mechanisms underlying the interactions and adaptability of nitrogen removal microorganisms in freshwater sediments
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Yu Huang , Yu Xiaoli , Yang Yuchun , Wang Cheng , Wu Kun , Niu Mingyang , He Jianguo , He Zhili , Yan Qingyun
Published: June 2024

Microorganisms in eutrophic water play a vital role in nitrogen (N) removal, which contributes significantly to the nutrient cycling and sustainability of eutrophic ecosystems. However, the mechanisms underlying the interactions and adaptation strategies of the N removal microorganisms in eutrophic ecosystems remain unclear. We thus analyzed field sediments collected from a eutrophic freshwater ecosystem, enriched the N removal microorganisms, examined their function and adaptability through amplicon, metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing. We found that the N removal activities could be affected through potential competition and inhibition among microbial metabolic pathways. High-diversity microbial communities generally increased the abundance and expression of N removal functional genes. Further enrichment experiments showed that the enrichment of N removal microorganisms led to a development of simplified but more stable microbial communities, characterized by similar evolutionary patterns among N removal microorganisms, tighter interactions, and increased adaptability. Notably, the sustained provision of NH4+ and NO2− during the enrichment could potentially strengthen the interconnections among denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) processes. Moreover, the identification of shared metabolic traits among denitrification, anammox and DNRA implies important cooperative associations and adaptability of N removal microorganisms. Our findings highlight the microbial interactions affect the adaptive strategies of key microbial taxa involved in N removal.
Managing and Prioritizing Investments in Urban Waterways: Empirical Insights Into the Preferences of the Public and Experts
Authors: Cooper Bethany , Burton Michael , Crase Lin , Rigby Daniel
Published: June 2024

The world is more urbanized now than ever before and maintaining some form of amenity from natural or modified ecosystems in the urban context is an increasingly significant challenge. This is not aided by the somewhat amorphous definition of amenity itself. This article introduces a framework for conceptualizing the amenity of urban waterways and provides empirical evidence about the relative weight of the different determinants of waterway amenity. We use best‐worst scaling to examine how households rate the relative importance of the amenity attributes along with data about how households rate their “connection” to waterways. Comparisons of preferences are made across four cities in Australia, all ranked in the top 10 most liveable cities in the World in 2021. The study also captures the relative importance of how “experts” in the field perceive these attributes. We find evidence that public preferences are not always aligned with those of experts and uncover significant heterogeneity within household respondents. To illustrate one way to cater for this heterogeneity in urban planning we report the results of a total unduplicated reach and frequency analysis as a means of identifying an efficacious portfolio of interventions. Accordingly, the study provides useful insights for waterway managers seeking to improve the allocation of resources and generate the most efficient amenity outcomes.