bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental figures for "Impacts of Aquatic Vegetation Dynamics on Nitrate Removal in Karst Agricultural Streams: Insights From Unmanned Aircraft Systems and In Situ Sensing"
Authors: Agioutanti Rosalia , Ford William , Sama Michael , McGill Timothy
Published: August 2024

In this manuscript, we highlight the following:

Coupling automated segmentation and classification procedures to visible spectrum imagery from UAS captured spatial and temporal distribution of floating aquatic macrophytes in a karst agricultural stream.

High-frequency in situ sensors were utilized to quantify stream metabolism for the karst agroecosystem, and findings contrasted similar systems, reflecting the regulation of the low-flow regime facilitating duckweed proliferation.

Diurnal nitrate variability shifted due to changes in aquatic vegetation, illustrating contrasting processes governing nitrate removal in the channel throughout the growing season.

Comparing results of nitrate monitoring with an extreme learning machine model illustrated the utility of coupling the in situ and aerial imagery for identifying limitations of model performance.
Triple-frequency terahertz modulator based on electronically controllable metamaterial from the coupling effect
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jikun , Zhou Huan , Yang Linji , Xiao Yandong , Chen Xin , Ma Yong , Li Renpu
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a triple-frequency terahertz amplitude modulator that utilizes an I-shaped strip and four U-shaped metal patches within a common metal-substrate configuration. The top metal layer consists of an I-shaped strip and four U-shaped metal patches, while the bottom substrate layer is made of polyimide. Amplitude modulation is achieved through adjusting the plasma frequency of the high-electron-mobility transistors, resulting in a modulation depth of nearly 93% at resonance frequencies of 0.26 and 0.49 THz. At 0.6 THz, the modulation depth reaches 65%, demonstrating excellent performance. Resonance frequencies are determined by electric field and surface current distribution. The triple-frequency terahertz amplitude modulator is applicable in various fields, including terahertz communications and imaging.
Unveiling nanoscale THz-STM imaging techniques on graphene nanoribbons with zigzag edge topology
Authors: Li Hongbo , Wei Wenyin , Wang Tianwu , Chen Luzhen , Zhang Kai , Xu Jingyin , Hu Qin , Song Shaotang , Wu Yirong , Fang Guangyou
Published: August 2024

The development of near-field THz microscopes has transcended the diffraction limitation traditionally constraining THz super-resolution imaging, heralding a new era of precision. Notably, Terahertz combined scanning tunneling microscopy (THz-STM) has distinguished itself by achieving unparalleled spatial resolution alongside remarkable temporal precision. Despite the significant advancements in THz-STM imaging research, a thorough exploration of its unique imaging features remains elusive, particularly in resolving local electronic spectroscopy. This study methodically explores THz-STM imaging over atomically precise 6-zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons (6-ZGNR) on Au(111), employing a constant-current mode. The investigation reveals that intense THz-driven electric fields can induce irreversible alterations to the occupied and unoccupied state densities of the 6-ZGNR. Utilizing these THz-modified nanoribbons, analyses of both THz-driven STM imaging and THz current imaging with an external lock-in amplifier are carried out, and experimental factors affecting their imaging qualities have been investigated. It is demonstrated that the imaging with an external lock-in amplified THz current signal accurately captures the local electronic spectroscopy variations at the nanoscale. What we believe is a novel imaging technique proficiently delineates the features on the Au(111) surface and the 6-ZGNR, showcasing superior performance over direct terahertz-driven STM imaging of the samples.
Physics-informed neural network for nonlinear dynamics of self-trapped necklace beams
Authors: Liu Dongshuai , Zhang Wen , Gao Yanxia , Fan Dianyuan , Malomed Boris A. , Zhang Lifu
Published: August 2024

A physics-informed neural network (PINN) is used to produce a variety of self-trapped necklace solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger/Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We elaborate the analysis for the existence and evolution of necklace patterns with integer, half-integer, and fractional reduced orbital angular momenta by means of PINN. The patterns exhibit phenomena similar to the rotation of rigid bodies and centrifugal force. Even though the necklaces slowly expand (or shrink), they preserve their structure in the course of the quasi-stable propagation over several diffraction lengths, which is completely different from the ordinary fast diffraction-dominated dynamics. By comparing different ingredients, including the training time, loss value, and L2 error, PINN accurately predicts specific nonlinear dynamical properties of the evolving necklace patterns. Furthermore, we perform the data-driven discovery of parameters for both clean and perturbed training data, adding 1% random noise in the latter case. The results reveal that PINN not only effectively emulates the solution of partial differential equations but also offers applications for predicting the nonlinear dynamics of physically relevant types of patterns.
Polar solvent vapor annealing enhanced optoelectronic properties of solution-processed exciplex organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Niu Ziying , Cui Ying , Qi Hengxuan , Feng Chao , Liu Yunlong , Zhao Ling , Wang Wenjun , Li Shuhong
Published: August 2024

Exciplex organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are widely utilized for their high internal quantum efficiency. Although solution-processed devices offer the advantages of simple operation and low cost, few studies have reported on the preparation of exciplex OLED devices using solution methods. This paper presents exciplex OLEDs produced between m-MTDATA and Bphen, fabricated using a solution method and optimized by a polar solvent vapor annealing (PSVA) treatment. Unlike other approaches applied to the transport layer, PSVA treatment was conducted on the exciplex-based light-emitting layer, resulting in successful enhancement of the photoelectric properties of both the light-emitting layer film and OLEDs, thereby achieving the anticipated objective. Optimized performance of exciplex OLEDs was achieved after the emission layer was PSVA treated for 20 min. The maximum luminescence intensity increased by a factor of ∼4 compared to a control device without PSVA treatment. An analysis of charge carrier mobility and impedance spectroscopy also indicated the inevitable presence of interface resistance when PSVA was applied to the exciplex emission layer. However, the total resistance (including interface and bulk resistances) was reduced to a minimum after a 20-minute PSVA treatment. Therefore, higher electron mobility and lower lighting voltage are obtained. The enhanced optoelectronic properties of exciplex OLEDs could be attributed to the PSVA treatment, which induced an alignment of polar molecules and enhanced electron mobility.
Sequentially timed all-optical mapping photography with quantitative phase imaging capability
Authors: Li Zhongxing , Xiao Long , Feng Zonghao , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Du , Lei Cheng
Published: August 2024

Sequentially timed all-optical mapping photography (STAMP) is considered a powerful tool to observe highly dynamic events; however, its application is significantly hindered by its incapability to acquire quantitative phase images. In this work, by integrating diffraction phase microscopy (DPM) and STAMP, we achieve ultrafast single-shot quantitative phase imaging with a frame rate of up to 3.3 trillion fps. The performance of the system is evaluated using a homemade phase module. Experimental results show that the system can accurately record the propagation of laser filamentation in air. We believe our method will greatly enhance the capability of STAMP to measure highly transparent targets.
Lensless phase-only holographic Maxwellian display based on double-phase decomposition for optical see-through near-eye display applications
Authors: Luo Yuhang , Wan Wenqiang , Zhou Yanhong , Su Yanfeng
Published: August 2024

The holographic Maxwellian display holds significant potential as a technique for augmented reality presentations due to its capability to address the vergence-accommodation conflict in see-through near-eye displays. However, conventional lensless holographic Maxwellian displays predominantly rely on amplitude-type holograms, facing challenges such as low diffraction efficiency and interference from conjugate images. To overcome these limitations, we propose a lensless phase-only holographic Maxwellian display tailored for optical see-through near-eye applications. In our approach, a complex amplitude distribution, calculated using the angular spectrum diffraction method, was encoded into a phase hologram via the double-phase decomposition algorithm. This phase hologram can effectively converge the virtual target image onto the viewer’s pupil by multiplying the phase hologram with a convergent spherical wave at the hologram plane, enabling viewers to consistently perceive all-in-focus images at the pupil location. Additionally, we introduced a digital grating to mitigate the interference caused by other-order diffraction images. Finally, experimental results demonstrated that our proposed near-eye display system can accurately generate see-through virtual images without the vergence-accommodation conflict issue by loading the designed phase hologram onto a phase-type spatial light modulator. Furthermore, the eye box expansion has been realized by multiplying the phase hologram with multiple convergent spherical waves.
Improving sepsis prediction in intensive care with SepsisAI: A clinical decision support system with a focus on minimizing false alarms
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Chauhan Ruchi , G Saravanan , Shreekumar Ananth
Published: August 2024

Prediction of sepsis using machine-learning approaches has recently gained traction. However, the lack of translation of these algorithms into clinical routine remains a major issue. Existing early sepsis detection methods are either based on the older definition of sepsis or do not accurately detect sepsis leading to the high frequency of false-positive alarms. This results in a well-known issue of clinicians’ “alarm fatigue”, leading to decreased responsiveness and identification, ultimately resulting in delayed clinical intervention. Hence, there is a fundamental, unmet need for a clinical decision system capable of accurate and timely sepsis diagnosis, running at the point of need. In this work, SepsisAI–a deep-learning algorithm based on long short-term memory (LSTM) networks was developed to predict the early onset of hospital-acquired sepsis in real-time for patients admitted to the ICU. The models are trained and validated with data from the PhysioNet Challenge, consisting of 40,336 patient data files from two healthcare systems: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Emory University Hospital. In the short term, the algorithm tracks frequently measured vital signs, sparsely available lab parameters, demographic features, and certain derived features for making predictions. A real-time alert system, which monitors the trajectory of the predictions, is developed on top of the deep-learning framework to minimize false alarms. On a balanced test dataset, the model achieves an AUROC, AUPRC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.95, 0.96, 88.19%, and 96.75%, respectively at the patient level. In terms of lookahead time, the model issues a warning at a median of 6 hours (IQR 6 to 20 hours) and raises an alert at a median of 4 hours (IQR 2 to 5 hours) ahead of sepsis onset. Most importantly, the model achieves a false-alarm ratio of 3.18% for alerts, which is significantly less than other sepsis alarm systems. Additionally, on a disease prevalence-based test set, the algorithm reported similar outcomes with AUROC and AUPRC of 0.94 and 0.87, respectively, with sensitivity, and specificity of 97.05%, and 96.75%, respectively. The proposed algorithm might serve as a clinical decision support system to assist clinicians in the accurate and timely diagnosis of sepsis. With exceptionally high specificity and low false-alarm rate, this algorithm also helps mitigate the well-known issue of clinician alert fatigue arising from currently proposed sepsis alarm systems. Consequently, the algorithm partially addresses the challenges of successfully integrating machine-learning algorithms into routine clinical care.
Food taboos and preferences among adolescent girls, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children aged 6–23 months in Mainland Tanzania: A qualitative study
Authors: Lekey Aika , Masumo Ray M. , Jumbe Theresia , Ezekiel Mangi , Daudi Zahara , Mchome Nangida J. , David Glory , Onesmo Winfrida , Leyna Germana H.
Published: August 2024

Malnutrition is a serious public health problem and has long-lasting economic consequences for individuals and families and, in turn, affects the economic growth of the country. Understanding food taboos and individual preferences for food items is critical to the development of effective nutritional programs and educational messages. The present study aimed to explore food taboos and preferences in food items among breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, adolescent girls, and their young children aged 6–23 months old. This is a qualitative cross-sectional study employing ethnography. A multistage sampling technique was used to select one region from the seven zones in mainland Tanzania. In each region, we purposively selected one rural ward and one urban ward. We conducted 25 focus group discussions with a total of 208 participants. We also conducted 42 in-depth interviews with nutrition officers, community health workers, religious leaders, influential persons, representatives of civil society organisations, and community leaders in the respective areas. We thematically coded the data and analyzed the narrative. Food taboos and individual preferences in food items continue to be practiced in Tanzania’s Mainland despite efforts to educate people on healthy diets. In some regions of Tanzania’s Mainland, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers were prohibited from eating eggs, meat, fish, or vegetables. In Arusha, adolescent girls were prohibited from eating goat meat similar to Singida where adolescent girls were prohibited from eating chicken thighs. It is believed that by feeding a young child with eggs her hair gets plucked. This study underscores that food taboos and preferences still exist in Tanzania Mainland, and implies gaps in the nutrition education. Thus, nutrition education campaigns and programs should address food taboos and preferences for the meaningful tackling of malnutrition.
The mental health of parent versus non-parent post-secondary students
Authors: Shillington Katie J. , Yates Julia , Mantler Tara , Irwin Jennifer D.
Published: August 2024

Post-secondary students experience abnormally high levels of stress compared to the general population, and parents pursuing post-secondary education have additional demands that challenge their mental health. Understanding the mental health of parent versus non-parent students is imperative to support students in their academic pursuits. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional paper was two-fold: (1) to investigate the mental health (flourishing/languishing) of parents pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada with children/youth aged 0–18 years compared to non-parent post-secondary students; and (2) to explore parents’ and non-parents’ lived experiences of mental health (flourishing/languishing) while pursuing post-secondary education. A total of 374 students (n = 86 parents; n = 288 non-parents) completed an online survey that included demographics and the previously validated Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. A subset of participants (n = 10 parents; n = 10 non-parents) participated in one of six focus groups (3 parent focus groups; 3 non-parent focus groups). Results from the independent sample t-tests indicated no significant differences between the overall mental health scores. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes for student-parents: (1) factors that challenge mental health; (2) realities of being a student-parent; (3) social connectivity among family and friends; and (4) mental health fluctuations. A total of 6 non-parent specific themes were found: (1) social connectivity among peers; (2) factors that challenge mental health; (3) the bidirectional relationship between school and mental health status; (4) prioritizing academic roles; (5) finding purpose through academic pursuits; and (6) admiration for student-parents. Findings from the current study highlight the dichotomy in student-parent versus non-parent academic identities and are important for university personnel to understand to provide tailored supports.
The impact of soil transmitted helminth on malaria clinical presentation and treatment outcome: A case control study among children in Bagamoyo district, coastal region of Tanzania
Authors: Salim Masoud Nahya , Knopp Stefanie , Lenz Nicole , Lweno Omar , Abdul Kibondo Ummi , Mohamed Ali , Schindler Tobias , Rothen Julian , Masimba John , S. Mohammed Alisa , Althaus Fabrice , Abdulla Salim , Tanner Marcel , Daubenberger Claudia , Genton Blaise
Published: August 2024

Background

Parasitic infectious agents rarely occur in isolation. Epidemiological evidence is mostly lacking, and little is known on how the two common parasites Plasmodium and soil transmitted helminths (STH) interact. There are contradictory findings in different studies. Synergism, antagonism and neutral effect have been documented between Plasmodium and STH. This study investigated the impact of STH on clinical malaria presentation and treatment outcome.

Methods

A matched case control study with a semi longitudinal follow up according to World Health Organization (WHO) antimalarial surveillance guideline was done among children aged 2 months to 9 years inclusively living in western rural areas of Bagamoyo, coastal region of Tanzania. Cases were children with uncomplicated and severe malaria enrolled from the health facilities while controls were children with asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia enrolled from the same community.

Results

In simple conditional regression analysis there was a tendency for a protective effect of STH on the development of clinical malaria [OR = 0.6, 95% CI of 0.3–1.3] which was more marked for Enterobius vermicularis species [OR = 0.2, 95% CI of 0.0–0.9]. On the contrary, hookworm species tended to be associated with increased risk of clinical malaria [OR = 3.0, 95% CI of 0.9–9.5]. In multiple conditional regression analysis, the overall protective effect was lower for all helminth infection [OR = 0.8, 95% CI of 0.3–1.9] but remained significantly protective for E. vermicularis species [OR = 0.1, 95% CI of 0.0–1.0] and borderline significant for hookworm species [OR = 3.6, 95% CI of 0.9–14.3]. Using ordinal logistic regression which better reflects the progression of asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia to severe malaria, there was a 50% significant protective effect with overall helminths [OR = 0.5, 95% CI of 0.3–0.9]. On the contrary, hookworm species was highly predictive of uncomplicated and severe malaria [OR = 7.8, 95% (CI of 1.8–33.9) and 49.7 (95% CI of 1.9–1298.9) respectively]. Generally, children infected with STH had higher geometric mean time to first clearance of parasitemia.

Conclusion

The findings of a protective effect of E. vermicularis and an enhancing effect of hookworms may explain the contradictory results found in the literature about impact of helminths on clinical malaria. More insight should be gained on possible mechanisms for these opposite effects. These results should not deter at this stage deworming programs but rather foster implementation of integrated control program for these two common parasites.
Effect analysis of government intervention on scale-heterogeneous farmers’ behavior of groundwater exploitation
Authors: Wang Xin , Lu Qian , Zhang Zhaohua
Published: August 2024

Government intervention has become an important measure to restrain groundwater overexploitation. This paper analyzes the effect of three types of government intervention measures, namely, guidance, incentive and constraint, on farmers’ groundwater utilization behavior, from the perspective of scale-heterogeneity, using general quantile regression model, by survey data of 1122 households in well irrigation area of north China. The results showed that: (1) the incentive and guiding measures have negative effects on farmers’ groundwater usage, while the effect of restrictive measures is not obvious. The guided policy is superior to the incentive measure as to governance effect. (2) With the increase of farmers’ land scale, the influence of incentive measures shows a trend of weakening, and the effect of guided measures on groundwater demand reduction of farmers is stronger. When it comes to the different point of water consumption, when at the point level of 0.25, the incentive measures have the most obvious inhibitory effect. With the increase of water consumption of farmers, the guided measures begin to play a core role. The effect of restrictive measures is not obvious with the increase of water consumption. (3) In addition, farmers’ irrigation water consumption also is affected by gender, cognition of water resources shortage, ecological cognitive level, acquisition ability of disaster information, village rain conditions, the degree of water rights market development, feelings of water fee increase, irrigated disputes in the village, collective economic level of village. The selection of policy tools is flexible according to the farmers’ land scale for groundwater over-extraction control.
Is something rotten in the state of Denmark? Cross-national evidence for widespread involvement but not systematic use of questionable research practices across all fields of research
Authors: Schneider Jesper W. , Allum Nick , Andersen Jens Peter , Petersen Michael Bang , Madsen Emil B. , Mejlgaard Niels , Zachariae Robert
Published: August 2024

Questionable research practices (QRP) are believed to be widespread, but empirical assessments are generally restricted to a few types of practices. Furthermore, conceptual confusion is rife with use and prevalence of QRPs often being confused as the same quantity. We present the hitherto most comprehensive study examining QRPs across scholarly fields and knowledge production modes. We survey perception, use, prevalence and predictors of QRPs among 3,402 researchers in Denmark and 1,307 in the UK, USA, Croatia and Austria. Results reveal remarkably similar response patterns among Danish and international respondents (τ = 0.85). Self-reported use indicates whether respondents have used a QRP in recent publications. 9 out of 10 respondents admitted using at least one QRP. Median use is three out of nine QRP items. Self-reported prevalence reflects the frequency of use. On average, prevalence rates were roughly three times lower compared to self-reported use. Findings indicated that the perceived social acceptability of QRPs influenced self-report patterns. Results suggest that most researchers use different types of QRPs within a restricted time period. The prevalence estimates, however, do not suggest outright systematic use of specific QRPs. Perceived pressure was the strongest systemic predictor for prevalence. Conversely, more local attention to research cultures and academic age was negatively related to prevalence. Finally, the personality traits conscientiousness and, to a lesser degree, agreeableness were also inversely associated with self-reported prevalence. Findings suggest that explanations for engagement with QRPs are not only attributable to systemic factors, as hitherto suggested, but a complicated mixture of experience, systemic and individual factors, and motivated reasoning.
Comparative transcriptomics of Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) across stages of prey capture and digestion
Authors: Rentsch Jeremy D. , Blanco Summer Rose , Leebens-Mack James H.
Published: August 2024

The Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula, is perhaps the world’s best-known botanical carnivore. The act of prey capture and digestion along with its rapidly closing, charismatic traps make this species a compelling model for studying the evolution and fundamental biology of carnivorous plants. There is a growing body of research on the genome, transcriptome, and digestome of Dionaea muscipula, but surprisingly limited information on changes in trap transcript abundance over time since feeding. Here we present the results of a comparative transcriptomics project exploring the transcriptomic changes across seven timepoints in a 72-hour time series of prey digestion and three timepoints directly comparing triggered traps with and without prey items. We document a dynamic response to prey capture including changes in abundance of transcripts with Gene Ontology (GO) annotations related to digestion and nutrient uptake. Comparisons of traps with and without prey documented 174 significantly differentially expressed genes at 1 hour after triggering and 151 genes with significantly different abundances at 24 hours. Approximately 50% of annotated protein-coding genes in Venus flytrap genome exhibit change (10041 of 21135) in transcript abundance following prey capture. Whereas peak abundance for most of these genes was observed within 3 hours, an expression cluster of 3009 genes exhibited continuously increasing abundance over the 72-hour sampling period, and transcript for these genes with GO annotation terms including both catabolism and nutrient transport may continue to accumulate beyond 72 hours.
Impact on step count by commitment-based health application
Authors: Takebayashi Masaki , Namba Mira , Koyama Tatsuya , Kaneda Yudai , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Uemura Chiaki , Shibuya Megumi , Murakami Shin , Fukuda Hiroshi , Shibutani Hirohide
Published: August 2024

Objective

Prior research has implied that promoting sustaining physical activity through nudges is challenging and boosting health literacy is important for the long-term establishment of behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of commitment-based health application on step count and health literacy.

Methods

A control experiment was conducted involving employees from companies located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Participants were divided into three groups: the commitment app group (utilizing a commitment-based application "Minchalle," where teams of around five members were randomly assigned to declare a target step count and report daily step count with pictures), the self-commitment group (individuals declaring a target step count and endeavoring on their own), and the control group (no intervention). Changes in step count and health literacy were examined over one month.

Results

A total of 109 employees from 7 companies participated. The changes in step count were an increase of 893 steps for the commitment app group, 243 steps for the self-commitment group, and 178 steps for the control group, with a significant increase in the commitment app group compared to the control group. Regarding health literacy measures, there was significant progress in four items out of five for the commitment app group compared to the control group, and significant progress in one item for the self-commitment group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Communication within the app teams, such as commitment, sharing photos of their goal achievements and provide encouraging comments to others, functioned as social nudges, suggesting the potential for an immediate increase in step count and long-term behavioral reinforcement through improved health literacy.
Greenium of green securitization: Does external certification matter?
Authors: Li Xiru , Zhu Bo , Zhang Yufei
Published: August 2024

The financing costs of green asset-backed securities (ABS) are deeply affected by the increased information asymmetry and greenwashing risk resulting from risk transferring in securitization. To attract potential investors, many ABS issuers obtain external certifications, yet it is unclear whether they pay off financially. Based on a sample of 588 green ABS issued in China for 2016–2022, this paper examines the impact of external certification in the form of green certification and reputation of financial intermediaries involved in the issuance on the yield discount of green ABS over the paired non-green ABS. The empirical findings show that both external certifications lower the greenium of green ABS by serving as favorable signals and mitigating greenwashing concerns, especially in non-financial industry and the securities exchange market. Moreover, the information asymmetry and credit risk of issuers enhance the pricing effect of financial intermediary certification but undermine that of green certification. Our findings provide valuable implications to facilitate the financing efficiency of green financial markets and promote global low-carbon transition.
Application value of volumetric CT value in quantifying the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma
Authors: Wei Ganhui , Zhang Jiacheng , Qiu Xiaowei
Published: August 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the auxiliary diagnostic value of volumetric CT value in quantifying the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma.

Methods

Chest CT image data of 112 patients with pulmonary tuberculomas who were diagnosed clinically between October 16, 2013 and March 21, 2023 were selected. With the shortest diameter axis>5 mm on the mediastinal window serving as the inclusion criterion, 108 active tuberculomas and 64 non-active tuberculomas were selected. The focused image was manually segmented using ITK-SNAP software, the volumetric CT value of the focus was calculated, and the ROC curve was analyzed. Using the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the auxiliary diagnostic efficacy and consistency of the conventional CT film reading method and volumetric CT value in determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were compared.

Results

The volumetric CT value of 108 active pulmonary tuberculoma lesions (33.39 [28.17,36.23] HU) was significantly less than 64 inactive pulmonary tuberculoma lesions (78.91 [57.81,120.31] HU); the difference was statistically significant (Z = −10.888. P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that at a maximum Yoden index value of 0.963, the optimal volumetric CT threshold value was 45.32 HU, the sensitivity and specificity of the volumetric CT value in determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were 97.2% and 100.0%, respectively, and the maximum area under the ROC curve was 0.998. Taking the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, consistency, and kappa value of the conventional CT film reading method for determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were 72.2% (78/108), 70.3% (45/64), 71.5% (123/172), and 0.413, respectively, while the corresponding volumetric CT values were 97.2% (105/108), 100.0% (64/64), 98.3% (168/172), and 0.951, respectively.

Conclusion

Accurately quantifying the volumetric CT value of a pulmonary tuberculoma focus determines the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma, which has very important auxiliary diagnostic value.
Relationship between types and levels of free fatty acids, peripheral insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in T2DM: A case-control study
Authors: Shiri Hamidreza , Fallah Hossein , Abolhassani Moslem , Fooladi Saba , Ramezani Karim Zohreh , Danesh Behnaz , Abbasi-Jorjandi Mojtaba
Published: August 2024

Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) are vital for energy homeostasis and the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including diabetes. For the first time, we presumed and investigated the types and levels of FFAs and their links to Insulin Resistance (IR) and Oxidative Stress (OS) in T2DM. A case-control study was conducted on 60 individuals with diabetes, 60 prediabetics with IFG, and 60 control groups. A Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) was used to estimate FFAs, which were then classified based on length and saturation. Indeed, antioxidant parameters such as TAC, MDA levels, PON-1, SOD-3, and CAT activity were assessed. Higher levels of LCFFA, SFFA, USFFA, and total FFA were found in people with diabetes and prediabetes. These levels were also linked to higher levels of HOMA-IR, BMI, FBS, HbA1C, and MDA, but lower levels of antioxidants. Furthermore, adjusting the above FFAs with age, sex, and antihypertensive medication increased T2DM development. SCFFA and ω3/6 fatty acids had a negative relationship with HOMA-IR, FBS, and insulin and a positive relationship with TAC. Adjusted SCFFA reduces T2DM risk. According to our models, total FFA is utilized to diagnose diabetes (AUC = 83.98, cut-off > 919 μM) and SCFFA for prediabetes (AUC = 82.32, cut-off < 39.56 μM). Total FFA (≥ 776 μM), LCFFA (≥ 613 μM), SFFA (≥ 471 μM), and USFFA (≥ 398 μM) all increase the risk of T2DM by increasing OS, BMI, and HOMA-IR. On the other hand, SCFFAs (≥ 38.7 μM) reduce the risk of T2DM by reducing BMI, HOMA-IR, and OS. SCFFAs and total FFAs can be used for the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes, respectively.
Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality rehabilitation in stroke patients with sensory-motor and proprioception upper limb deficit: A study protocol
Authors: Ventura Sara , Tessari Alessia , Castaldini Sara , Magni Elisabetta , Turolla Andrea , Baños Rosa , Lullini Giada
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Europe. In the case of stroke survival (almost 70%), only 25% of patients recover completely, while the remaining 75% will undergo a rehabilitation phase that varying from months to years. The primary outcomes of a stroke involve motor impairment in the upper limbs, resulting in a partial or complete inability to move the limb on the right or left side, depending on the affected hemisphere. Furthermore, the motor deficit distorts the proprioception of the body and the embodiment ability of the injured limb. This could be rehabilitated through the paradigm of body illusion that modulates the motor rehabilitation. The present protocol aims to investigate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality system for sensorimotor and proprioception upper limb deficit compared to a traditional upper limb rehabilitation program.

Method

This study has a randomized and controlled design with control and experimental groups, and 4 measurement times: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, and two follow-ups (at 6 and 12 months). The inclusion criteria are: (a) Being 18 to 85 years old, both males and females; (b) Suffering from ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke; (c) The stroke event must have occurred from two to eighteen months before recruitment; (d) Patients must have moderate to severe upper limb motor deficit, and the alteration of sensorimotor and proprioception abilities of the injury upper limb; (e) Patients must understand and sign the written consent for enrolment. The rehabilitation last four weeks with three sessions per week at Bellaria Hospital of Bologna (Italy). The VR protocol uses two types of technology: immersive and non-immersive, and the control group follow the traditional rehabilitation program.
Standing-up against moral violations: The predicting role of attribution, kinship, and severity
Authors: Urschler David F. , Fischer Peter , Kessler Thomas
Published: August 2024

Witnesses of moral violations stand up for their moral principles, despite facing substantial costs for intervening. Notwithstanding its importance, little is known whether responsibility attributions and the relation between the victim and a witness (i.e., kinship) have different effects on the intention to intervene in situations of different severity (e.g., moral courage situations). We predict an interaction between the situation’s severity and the victims’ responsibility for their plight. In less-severe situations, witnesses would be less willing to help when they perceive the victim to be responsible for their plight. However, those who are not seen as responsible would receive more help. For more-severe situations, responsibility is predicted to have no effect. Opposite effects are predicted for the relationship between the helper and the victim. We further predict that perceived costs for helping mediates witnesses’ willingness to intervene. Two studies showed that people are more willing to help individuals who are perceived as being innocent, but only in less-severe situations. In more-severe situations, people’s willingness to intervene increases, regardless of responsibility attributions. We did not observe effects for kinship. Moreover, we provide partial evidence that witnesses of more-severe situations indeed accept higher costs for intervention.
Germination characteristics associated with nicosulfuron resistance in Amaranthus retroflexus L.
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Xu Xian , Zhao Bochui , Li Binghua , Qi Zhizun , Wang Yu , Wang Guiqi , Li Yaofa , Huang Zhaofeng , Liu Xiaomin
Published: August 2024

Nicosulfuron-resistant biotype (R) and -sensitive biotype (S) Amaranthus retroflexus L. seeds were subjected to different temperature, light, salt, osmotic potential, pH value and burial depth treatments. The difference in germination response of two populations to the above abiotic environmental factors was used to study the fitness cost of nicosulfuron-resistance evolution in A. retroflexus. The aim is to find a powerful tool for weed control in the presence of evolutionary resistance selection. The results of this experiment showed that the germination rate and germination index in S population were generally higher than that in R population. When the salt stress was 80 mM, the water potential was -0.1 Mpa ~ -0.4 Mpa, and under strong acid and alkali conditions, the germination index in S population was prominently higher than that in R population (p<0.05). The delayed seed germination in R population indicated that its nicosulfuron resistance may be linked to seed biochemical compositions that altered seed germination dynamics. The resistant and sensitive biotype of A. retroflexus had differently favourable adaptability in diverse environments. Salt, osmotic potential and pH value are not the major constraints for A. retroflexus germination, however, A. retroflexus are strongly responsive to temperature, light and burial depth. Considering that seeds of A. retroflexus are unable to reach the soil surface beyond the depth of 6 cm, deep inversion tillage before sowing may be an effective and economical weed management tool for the control of nicosulfuron resistant A. retroflexus.
Optimised path planning using Enhanced Firefly Algorithm for a mobile robot
Authors: Ab Wahab Mohd Nadhir , Nazir Amril , Khalil Ashraf , Bhatt Benjamin , Mohd Noor Mohd Halim , Akbar Muhammad Firdaus , Mohamed Ahmad Sufril Azlan
Published: August 2024

Path planning is a crucial element of mobile robotics applications, attracting considerable interest from academics. This paper presents a path-planning approach that utilises the Enhanced Firefly Algorithm (EFA), a new meta-heuristic technique. The Enhanced Firefly Algorithm (FA) differs from the ordinary FA by incorporating a linear reduction in theαparameter. This modification successfully resolves the constraints of the normal FA. The research involves experiments on three separate maps, using the regular FA and the suggested Enhanced FA in 20 different runs for each map. The evaluation criteria encompass the algorithms’ ability to move from the initial location to the final position without experiencing any collisions. The assessment of path quality relies on elements such as the distance of the path and the algorithms’ ability to converge and discover optimum solutions. The results demonstrate significant improvements made by the Enhanced FA, with a 10.270% increase in the shortest collision-free path for Map 1, a 0.371% increase for Map 2, and a 0.163% increase for Map 3, compared to the regular FA. This work highlights the effectiveness of the Enhanced Firefly Algorithm in optimising path planning for mobile robotics applications, providing potential improvements in navigation efficiency and collision avoidance.
Long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl 126 induces liver fibrosis and upregulates miR-155 and miR-34a in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Quitete Fernanda Torres , Teixeira Ananda Vitória Silva , Peixoto Thamara Cherem , Martins Bruna Cadete , Atella Geórgia Correa , Resende Angela de Castro , Mucci Daniela de Barros , Martins Fabiane , Daleprane Julio Beltrame
Published: August 2024

Environmental pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), act as endocrine disruptors and impair various physiological processes. PCB 126 is associated with steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and other hepatic injuries. These disorders can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of miRNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with exposure to PCB 126. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PCB 126 (5 μmol/kg of body weight) for 10 weeks. The PCB group showed lipid accumulation in the liver in the presence of macro- and microvesicular steatosis and fibrosis with increased inflammatory and profibrotic gene expression, consistent with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). PCB exposure also upregulated miR-155 and miR-34a, which induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation in the liver and reduce the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, which, in turn, impairs lipid oxidation and hepatic steatosis. Therefore, the present study showed that PCB 126 induced NASH via potential mechanisms involving miR-155 and miR-34a, which may contribute to the development of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies.
Phylogenetic structure of moth communities (Geometridae, Lepidoptera) along a complete rainforest elevational gradient in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Ibalim Sentiko , Toko Pagi S. , Segar Simon T. , Sagata Katayo , Koane Bonny , Miller Scott E. , Novotny Vojtech , Janda Milan
Published: August 2024

We use community phylogenetics to elucidate the community assembly mechanisms for Geometridae moths (Lepidoptera) collected along a complete rainforest elevational gradient (200–3700 m a.s.l) on Mount Wilhelm in Papua New Guinea. A constrained phylogeny based on COI barcodes for 604 species was used to analyse 1390 species x elevation occurrences at eight elevational sites separated by 500 m elevation increments. We obtained Nearest Relatedness Index (NRI), Nearest Taxon Index (NTI) and Standardised Effect Size of Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity (SES.PD) and regressed these on temperature, plant species richness and predator abundance as key abiotic and biotic predictors. We also quantified beta diversity in the moth communities between elevations using the Phylogenetic Sorensen index. Overall, geometrid communities exhibited phylogenetic clustering, suggesting environmental filters, particularly at higher elevations at and above 2200 m a.s.l and no evidence of overdispersion. NRI, NTI and SES.PD showed no consistent trends with elevation or the studied biotic and abiotic variables. Change in community structure was driven by turnover of phylogenetic beta-diversity, except for the highest 2700–3200 m elevations, which were characterised by nested subsets of lower elevation communities. Overall, the elevational signal of geometrid phylogeny was weak-moderate. Additional insect community phylogeny studies are needed to understand this pattern.
Comparison of two popular transducers to measure sit-to-stand power in older adults
Authors: Balachandran Anoop T. , Orange Samuel T. , Wang Yipeng , Lustin Renee , Vega Andy , Quiles Norberto
Published: August 2024

The Tendo Unit (TU) and GymAware (GA) are the two most frequently used linear transducers for assessing muscle power in older adults via the sit-to-stand (STS) test. Unlike TU, GA incorporates a sensor mechanism to correct for non-vertical movements, which may lead to systematic differences between devices. The aim of this study therefore was to compare GA to TU for measuring STS power in community-dwelling older adults. Community-dwelling adults (n = 51, aged ≥65 years, 61% female) completed a single chair stand, with peak power measured simultaneously using GA and TU. Participants also completed the pneumatic leg press, 8-Foot Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and self-reported measures of physical function. Intraclass correlations (ICC) were used to assess agreement, and Pearson’s correlations were used to assess correlations. The study protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework. In alignment with our pre-registered hypothesis, peak power demonstrated an ICC of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.96). For secondary aims, both transducers showed a correlation greater than 0.8 compared to pneumatic leg press power. For physical performance outcomes, both TU and GA showed similar correlations, as hypothesized: SPPB (r = 0.29 for TU vs. 0.33 for GA), Chair Stands (r = −0.41 vs. -0.38), TUG Fast (r = −0.53 vs. -0.52), mobility questionnaire (r = 0.52 vs. 0.52) and physical function questionnaire (r = 0.44 vs. 0.43). GA and TU peak power showed a high degree of agreement and similar correlations with physical and self-reported performance measures, suggesting that both methods can be used for assessing STS power in older adults.
BIOÉTICA NO ENSINO DE BIOLOGIA
Authors: Santos Alisson Carlos Avelino , Marques Eliana De Sousa Alencar
Published: August 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as significações acerca da Bioética e seu ensino, o que inclui reflexões sobre o conhecimento de uma docente acerca da conceituação desse campo de conhecimento e sua relação com os temas desenvolvidos na atividade pedagógica. A participante da pesquisa foi uma professora de biologia no ensino médio da rede pública de Caxias-MA. O instrumento utilizado foi a entrevista e para a análise dos dados, a Análise Textual Discursiva. Os resultados da investigação apontaram significações produzidas pela professora acerca da relação Bioética e a realidade social, da importância da Bioética para a formação profissional e da relação entre Bioética e a atividade pedagógica no campo de atuação da Biologia. É possível afirmar que através das significações apresentadas pela participante, demonstra-se que os temas da Bioética são conteúdos que expandem a consciência dos estudantes contribuindo com a formação humana.
EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL COMO EXPRESSÃO DA CULTURA NO CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO
Authors: Borges Patrícia Spinassé , Bungenstab Gabriel Carvalho
Published: August 2024

O artigo teve como objetivo discutir a concepção de cultura a partir de uma experiência de Educação Ambiental (EA) em um curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo (LEdoC) na Universidade Federal de Goiás/ Câmpus Goiás. Para isso, a pesquisa teve abordagem qualitativa e diversos instrumentos para a coleta dos dados: entrevista com a professora efetiva do curso da LEdoC, questionário exploratório para os alunos, gravações das aulas síncronas e do grupo focal, assim como as atividades realizadas pelos alunos durante o Tempo Comunidade. Pode-se concluir que a utilização da “mística” durante as aulas foi importante, possibilitando o intercâmbio de ideias com os alunos, oportunizando o diálogo sobre as experiências e vivências do cotidiano no campo. Desse modo, torna-se relevante que as atividades de Educação Ambiental voltadas para formação dos discentes da Educação do Campo considerem o território, a cultura, a identidade, os aspectos sociais e históricos dos sujeitos do campo. A presença da EA crítica no curso da LEdoC pode contribuir para a formação de um sujeito emancipado e participativo com vistas à construção de uma sociedade mais justa.