bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical assessment of changes in land–atmosphere interactions during the rainy season in South America using an updated vegetation map
Authors: Talamoni Isabella L. , Kubota Paulo Y. , Cavalcanti Iracema F. A. , de Souza Dayana C. , Baker Jessica C. A. , Vieira Rita M. S. P.
Published: June 2024

Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULCC) is a key driver of changes in land–atmosphere interactions, playing an essential role in climate and weather patterns in South America (SA). This study used a modelling approach to assess the land–atmosphere changes introduced by LULCC over the Brazilian territory. Numerical experiments of early (2006), neutral (2004) and late (2008) rainy season onset years were performed in the Integrated BIosphere Simulator (IBIS) to assess the land‐surface parameters, and in Brazilian Atmospheric Model (BAM) to assess the atmospheric variables. The models were run with a natural (NAT) vegetation map and an updated (UP) vegetation map, which incorporated realistic Brazil deforestation up to the early 2000s. The differences between the two maps were particularly larger over 25°–15°S and 50°–40°W, where the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes were replaced by pasture. IBIS experiments showed that over the area of larger LULCC there was an increase in albedo of up to 8% while reductions in net radiation, surface heat fluxes, surface temperature and surface roughness were noticed. Land–atmosphere feedbacks assessed with BAM experiments showed that LULCC contributed to a drier and colder (stable) atmosphere over central‐east SA that opposes the necessary conditions for the rainy season onset. The changes included increases in surface pressure and low‐level wind associated with reductions in 2 m temperature and surface roughness. These changes contributed to decrease the cloud formation and less precipitation in all three rainy season onset years, but particularly in the late rainy season onset year during September–October–November (SON). The atmospheric changes induced by LULCC show a pattern of dry atmosphere (reduced precipitation), similar to those of late onset years, and indicate that LULCC enhances the late rainy season onset condition over central‐east SA. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of considering up‐to‐date vegetation maps because these changes significantly affect both surface and atmospheric variables.
Robot‐assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Araujo Sérgio Eduardo Alonso , Seid Victor Edmond , Portilho Ana Sarah , Horcel Lucas de Araujo , Tustumi Francisco
Published: June 2024

This is a video vignette of a 57‐year‐old asymptomatic female patient. The patient underwent a screening colonoscopy which revealed a 10 mm scar in the rectum. Biopsy resulted in a well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging confirmed tumor characteristics without distant or lymph nodal metastasis. A minimally invasive robotic transanal resection using the Da Vinci Xi platform was performed, achieving full‐thickness lesion excision with uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed intramucosal adenocarcinoma with free margins. Local resection is advocated for selected T1 lesions and demands a thorough preoperative assessment. Robotic‐assisted surgery presents a valuable alternative for early rectal adenocarcinoma management.
Effect of NaClO4 Dopant on Chemical Bond and Electrochemical Characteristic of Benzoyl Kappa‐Carrageenan Gel Biopolymer Electrolyte
Authors: Manap Nor Rahafza Abdul , Shrgawi Norsyabila , Shamsudin Intan Juliana , Hanibah Hussein , Kasim Norherdawati , Noor Siti Aminah Mohd , Pongali Priyatharshiny , Abdullah Norli , Rosli Nurul Hazwani Aminuddin
Published: June 2024

Gel biopolymer electrolytes based on benzoyl kappa‐carrageenan (Bz‐κcar) as polymer host and sodium perchlorate (NaClO4) as dopants are successfully produced. The concentration of NaClO4 is varied from 0.5 to 3.0 wt% to investigate its effects on the chemical bonds and electrochemical characteristic of electrolytes. Characterizations are performed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance analysis (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry, and transference number measurement. Significant changes in the FTIR spectra are detected, which indicate chemical interactions between Bz‐ƙcar and NaClO4. The ionic conductivity (σ) of the gel electrolytes increases with higher concentrations of NaClO4, suggesting that NaClO4 is an effective charge carrier in the system. The highest σ of the gel electrolyte attained at ambient temperature is 1.29 × 10−3 S cm−1. The temperature dependence of conductivity is Arrhenian in the studied temperature range and achieves an elevated σ of 7.90 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 373 K with small values in the activation energy (Ea) observed in all the prepared electrolytes. Electrochemical stability of 1.50 V achieves the highest conducting electrolyte by means of linear sweep voltammetry. Transference number measurement confirms that ions predominate the conduction of electrolyte with 0.85 ion transference number.
Multicenter expanded access program for access to investigational products for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Neel Dylan V. , Baselga‐Garriga Clara , Benson Molly , Keegan Mackenzie , Chase Marianne , D'Agostino Derek , Drake Kristin , Hagar Jennifer Linn , Hasenoehrl Meredith Gibbons , Kulesa‐Kelley Jennifer , Leite Alex , Mohapatra Silpa , Portaro Susanna Marie , Pothier Lindsay M. , Rosenthal Jesse , Sherman Alexander V. , Yu Hong , McCaffrey Alexandra , Ho Doreen , Luppino Sarah , Bedlack Richard , Heitzman Daragh , Ajroud‐Driss Senda , Katz Jonathan , Felice Kevin , Whitaker Charles , Ladha Shafeeq , Alameda Gustavo , Locatelli Eduardo , Qureshi Irfan A. , Hotchkin Michael T. , Hayden Michael R. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Babu Suma , Berry James D. , Paganoni Sabrina
Published: June 2024

Introduction/Aims

Expanded access (EA) is a Food and Drug Administration‐regulated pathway to provide access to investigational products (IPs) to individuals with serious diseases who are ineligible for clinical trials. The aim of this report is to share the design and operations of a multicenter, multidrug EA program for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) across nine US centers.

Methods

A central coordination center was established to design and conduct the program. Templated documents and processes were developed to streamline study design, regulatory submissions, and clinical operations across protocols. The program included three protocols and provided access to IPs that were being tested in respective regimens of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial (verdiperstat, CNM‐Au8, and pridopidine). Clinical and safety data were collected in all EA protocols (EAPs). The program cohorts comprised participants who were not eligible for the platform trial, including participants at advanced stages of disease progression and with long disease duration.

Results

A total of 85 participants were screened across the 3 EAPs from July 2021 to September 2022. The screen failure rate was 3.5%. Enrollment for the regimens of the platform trial was completed as planned and results informed the duration of the corresponding EAP. The verdiperstat EAP was concluded in December 2022. Mean duration of participation in the verdiperstat EAP was 5.8 ± 4.1 months. The CNM‐Au8 and pridopidine EAPs are ongoing.

Discussion

Multicenter EAPs conducted in parallel to randomized clinical trials for ALS can successfully enroll participants who do not qualify for clinical trials.
Estimating gear selectivity and population composition of common whelks Buccinum undatum from tagging experiments and comparative gear trials
Authors: Colvin C. N. , Phillips E. C. , Hoenig J. M. , Gross J. M. , Hold N.
Published: June 2024

Objective

The common whelk Buccinum undatum is of great commercial and ecological importance, but little information is known regarding the gear selectivity of the fishery. Understanding gear selectivity is key for the long-term sustainability of a stock and has applications in stock assessments and fishery management.

Methods

We investigated the effect of gear (pots) on the selectivity of catch within the common whelk commercial fishery through a mark–recapture study and comparative gear trials across Wales. The size composition of the population in the water was estimated by dividing the numbers at size brought onboard by the selectivity of the pots. The selectivity of experimental pots (commercial pots that were modified to catch a wider size range) was estimated by comparing the size composition of whelks caught in the experimental gear to the estimated size composition of the population.

Result

Peak selectivity of commercial pots occurred around the current minimum landing size (65 mm total shell length) for common whelks, with selectivity sloping off gradually for larger individuals and rapidly for undersized individuals. Across regions, less than 30% of the catch from baited lay-down pots was discarded. Experimental pots were found to have a more variable but generally dome-shaped selectivity curve similar to that of the commercial pots.

Conclusion

The fishery appears to be well designed, with gear successfully targeting the legal-sized catch, which is promising for the conservation of the stock if discards have a high survival rate. Experimental gear is ideal for stock assessment purposes, and methods developed to estimate the selectivity of the experimental pots reduce the need for further intensive mark–recapture studies as fishing gear evolves over time.
Generalized particle domain method: An extension of material point method generates particles from the CAD files
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Dong Genwei , Zhang Zhigong , Li Haiyang , Wu Zhangming
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a generalized particle domain method (GPDM) is proposed and developed within the framework of the convected particle domain interpolation method. This new method generates particles directly from non‐uniform rational B‐spline (NURBS)‐based CAD file of a continuum body. The particle domain corresponds to a NURBS element even for trimmed elements of solids with complex geometries. The shape functions and the gradient of shape functions are evaluated using NURBS basis functions to map material properties between particles and grid nodes. It approves that this proposed GPDM can track the domain of particles accurately and avoid the issue of cell‐crossing instability. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the high performance of this proposed new particle domain method. It is shown that the results obtained using the proposed GPDM are consistent with the experimental data reported in the literature. Further development of the generalized particle domain method can provide a link to the material point method and isogeometric analysis.
Biological and molecular characterization of pydiflumetofen and phenamacril dual‐resistant Fusarium graminearum strains
Authors: Liu Chang , Shao Wenyong , Duan Yabin , Zhao Youfu , Liu Zunyong , Ma Zhonghua
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSG) remains a major challenge to cereal crops and resistance to key fungicides by the pathogen threatens control efficacy. Pydiflumetofen, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor, and phenamacril, a cyanoacrylate fungicide targeting myosin I, have been applied to combat this disease. Nonetheless, emergence of pydiflumetofen resistance in a subset of field isolates alongside laboratory‐induced facile generation of phenamacril‐resistant isolates signals a critical danger of resistance proliferation.

RESULTS

Our study investigates the development of dual resistance to these fungicides in F. graminearum. Utilizing pydiflumetofen‐resistant (PyR) and ‐sensitive (PyS) isolates, we obtained dual‐resistant (PyRPhR) and phenamacril‐resistant (PySPhR) mutants on potato sucrose agar containing phenamacril. Mutation rates for phenamacril resistance were comparable between pydiflumetofen‐resistant and ‐sensitive isolates, implying independent pathways for resistance development. The mutants compromised in fungal growth, competitive viability and deoxynivalenol production, suggesting fitness penalties for the dual‐resistant mutants. However, no cross‐resistance was found with tebuconazole or fludioxonil. In addition, we characterized four critical amino acid changes (S217L, C423R, K537T, E420G) in the Myo1 that were verified to confer phenamacril resistance in F. graminearum.

CONCLUSION

This research indicates the possibility of resistance development for both pydiflumetofen and phenamacril in F. graminearum and emphasizes the need for fungicide resistance management for FHB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding the urban‐rural fertility divide in sub‐Saharan Africa: The critical role of social isolation
Authors: Crombach Lamar G. A. , Smits Jeroen
Published: June 2024

Current models inadequately address the role of information transfer in explaining the slow fertility decline in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) in the 1990s and 2000s. We posit that an important reason for this slow decline was the high level of social isolation of the rural population in the region, as a result of which new ideas regarding fertility had difficulty reaching them. Applying Poisson regression to survey data on 180,000 women across 25 SSA countries spanning 1995–2010, we find clear associations of travel distance to urban areas and TV ownership with desired and actual fertility. Interaction analyses reveal a compensatory relationship between distance and TV ownership, with the effect of distance almost disappearing for households with a TV and the effect of TV disappearing for households close to urban areas. The role of information access is further stressed by the finding that socioeconomic factors, while highly significant overall, offer limited explanatory value for women living at great distance from urban centres or without TV access. If information transfer is indeed as important as our findings suggest, the increasing availability of smartphones and social media in rural SSA might lead to a faster fertility decline in the region than foreseen by the latest UN population estimates.
Quantifying the influence of atmospheric rivers on rainfall over the Jianghuai River Basin during the 2022 Mei‐yu season
Authors: Zhang Y. , Han Y. , Xuan Y. , Zhou H. , Gao H. , Yang N.
Published: June 2024

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow, elongated belts of intense water vapor transport that often occur in mid‐latitude areas and are the primary drivers of heavy precipitation in these regions. This study investigates the impact of ARs on precipitation patterns in the Jianghuai River Basin during the Mei‐yu period. Focusing on a specific rainstorm event on June 27, 2022, we analyze atmospheric circulation, water vapor attributes, and transport trajectories. Three distinct classes of grids (Class A, significantly influenced by ARs; Class B, moderately affected; and Class C, untouched by ARs) are identified based on their response to ARs. Class A grids, located centrally, experience substantial precipitation, with a higher probability of rainstorm events. Class B grids, situated at a distance from ARs, exhibit moderate precipitation and a longer duration of rainy days. Class C grids, minimally affected by ARs, experience minimal precipitation with almost no chance of rainstorm events. The results from grid‐based analysis emphasize the localized influence of ARs, indicating a 8–30 times increase in precipitation intensity of Class A compared to Class C. The 23‐day Mei‐yu period is further categorized into AR days and non‐AR days, revealing that ARs amplify precipitation intensity by 2–5 times on average. Grid‐based and day‐based analyses provide complementary insights, with the former offering a broader spatial perspective and the latter emphasizing temporal distinctions. These findings underscore the nuanced influence of ARs on precipitation, emphasizing their role in extreme events and highlighting the importance of considering both spatial and temporal factors in understanding precipitation variability.
Bayesian batch optimization for molybdenum versus tungsten inertial confinement fusion double shell target design
Authors: Vazirani Nomita N. , Sacks Ryan , Haines Brian M. , Grosskopf Michael J. , Stark David J. , Bradley Paul A.
Published: June 2024

Access to reliable, clean energy sources is a major concern for national security. Much research is focused on the “grand challenge” of producing energy via controlled fusion reactions in a laboratory setting. For fusion experiments, specifically inertial confinement fusion (ICF), to produce sufficient energy, the fusion reactions in the ICF fuel need to become self‐sustaining and burn deuterium‐tritium (DT) fuel efficiently. The recent record‐breaking NIF ignition shot was able to achieve this goal as well as produce more energy than used to drive the experiment. This achievement brings self‐sustaining fusion‐based power systems closer than ever before, capable of providing humans with access to secure, renewable energy. In order to further progress toward the actualization of such power systems, more ICF experiments need to be conducted at large laser facilities such as the United States's National Ignition Facility (NIF) or France's Laser Mega‐Joule. The high cost per shot and limited number of shots that are possible per year make it prohibitive to perform large numbers of experiments. As such, experimental design relies heavily on complex predictive physics simulations for high‐fidelity “preshot” analysis. These multidimensional, multi‐physics, high‐fidelity simulations have to account for a variety of input parameters as well as modeling the extreme conditions (pressures and densities) present at ignition. Such simulations (especially in 3D) can become computationally prohibitive to turn around for each ICF experiment. In this work, we explore using Bayesian optimization with Gaussian processes (GPs) to find optimal designs for ICF double shell targets, while keeping computational costs to manageable levels. These double shell targets have an inner shell that grades from beryllium on the outer surface to the higher Z material molybdenum, as opposed to the nominally used tungsten, on the inside in order to trade off between the high performance associated with high density inner shells and capsule stability. We describe our results for “capsule‐only” xRAGE simulations to study the physics between different capsule designs, inner shell materials, and potential for future experiments.
Augmenting agricultural sustainability: Investigating the role of agricultural land, green innovation, and food production in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Abbasi Kashif Raza , Zhang Qingyu
Published: June 2024

Sustainable agriculture practices are necessitated for environmental, population, and resource conservation. Embracing sustainability can enhance food security, preserve ecosystems, and help combat climate change, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDGs 2, 7, and 13. Given that, the study explores agricultural land, green innovation, food production, renewable energy, and food trade openness impact on global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while interacting green innovation with agricultural land, for the top 20 agricultural countries from 1980 to 2021. The study utilized innovative methods including method of moments quantile regression, Dumitrescu, and Hurlin 2012 causality also for robustness DKSE, NWSE, and ridge regression applied. The findings unveil that agricultural land, green innovation, and food production escalate the GHG emissions throughout quantiles. While renewable energy, food trade openness, and interaction between green innovation and agricultural land reduce GHG emissions. Additionally, DH causality shows a bidirectional causal association among the variables. Whereas the robustness is confirmed by DKSE, NWSE, and ridge regression. This research significantly contributes to SDGs 2, 7, and 13, offering a comprehensive framework for crafting effective policies that balance productivity and environmental sustainability. As the world's top agricultural producers confront evolving global challenges, this study lays out a roadmap toward a resilient and ecologically conscientious future.
Gendered Athletes in Sports: CEDAW’s Role in Tackling Heterosexist and Racialized Uniforms in Sports
Authors: Holzer Lena
Published: June 2024

This chapter examines the human rights implications of gendered and racialized clothing regulations in sports. It specifically uses the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as the framework to discuss how gendered and racialized clothing regulations contravene international human rights law. By analysing the applicability of CEDAW to the issue of heterosexist clothing regulations in sports, the chapter provides general insights into the protection of human rights in sports through reliance on existing international instruments.
Filipinos First? Exploring Xenophobia and Its Legal Remedies in Philippine Amateur Basketball
Authors: De Leon Joseph Benjamin B.
Published: June 2024

This chapter analyzes the discrimination that foreign student-athletes (FSAs) face through policies instituted by the Philippines’ top collegiate amateur sports organizations, which restrict participation in competitions. These policies ostensibly uphold amateurism and develop local talent, but negatively impact student-athletes from Nigeria, Cameroon, and other African countries who tend to excel compared to local student-athletes. While these restrictions have been widely criticized as racist, and detrimental to basketball as a sport, it appears likely that they will remain in place. The ban on FSAs is reinforced explicitly and/or implicitly in law and league regulations, confirming a recurring nationalist theme within Philippine sports. To the extent that law and jurisprudence can have a positive normative effect on society, it is important to find legal avenues to resist these measures. This chapter argues that there is the possibility under Philippine law for affected FSAs to protect their freedom through litigation based on equal protection and non-discrimination, and discusses potential modes of action and evaluates elements that may affect their success.
Frequency and variability of nonmetric dental crown traits of primary and permanent molars in a group of orthodontic patients
Authors: Blancato Ariane Beatriz , Paddenberg-Schubert Eva , Proff Peter , Hueb de Menezes-Oliveira Maria Angélica , Beisel-Memmert Svenja , Baratto-Filho Flares , Lippold Carsten , Kirschneck Christian , Calvano Küchler Erika , Lepri Cesar Penazzo
Published: June 2024

Background

The present study aimed to assess the frequency and variation of 13 nonmetric dental crown traits (NDCT) in permanent and primary molars in German orthodontic patients.

Methods

Dental records from orthodontic patients were screened and evaluated. First and second permanent and primary upper and lower molars (from left and right sides) were assessed. Teeth with cavitated dental caries, occlusal wear, restorations and obvious dental deformities were not evaluated. The NDCT for permanent molars were identified and scored according to the odontoscopic system developed by Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS). The NDCT for primary molars were identified and scored according to ASUDAS, Hanihara’s method and Sciulli’s method. The χ2 test was used to investigate side preference and sexual dimorphism at a significance level of p ≤ 0.050.

Results

A total of 163 orthodontic patients (82 males and 81 females) aged 8–14 years were included. A sexual dimorphism was observed for the hypocone in first upper permanent molar (p = 0.041). The protostylid was observed in lower permanent molars (range 2.1–10%). Males presented more hypoconulid than females (p = 0.019). Only females presented the distal trigonid crest in lower first permanent molars (p = 0.002). The most common groove pattern in primary molars was Y; male presented more Y grade than females in the lower second primary molar (p = 0.039). Asymmetry was observed in some traits, ranging from 0 to 100%.

Conclusion

The present study showed the frequency of NDCT of molars in German orthodontic patients and demonstrated that some traits present sexual dimorphism.
Reconfiguring the alterity relation: the role of communication in interactions with social robots and chatbots
Authors: Root Dakota
Published: June 2024

Don Ihde’s alterity relation focuses on the quasi-otherness of dynamic technologies that interact with humans. The alterity relation is one means to study relations between humans and artificial intelligence (AI) systems . However, research on alterity relations has not defined the difference between playing with a toy, using a computer, and interacting with a social robot or chatbot. We suggest that Ihde’s quasi-other concept fails to account for the interactivity, autonomy, and adaptability of social robots and chatbots, which more closely approach human alterity. In this article, we will examine experiences with a chatbot, Replika, and a humanoid robot, a RealDoll, to show how some users experience AI systems as companions. First, we show that the perception of social robots and chatbots as intimate companions is grounded in communication. Advances in natural language processing (NLP) and natural language generation (NLG) allow a relationship to form between some users and social robots and chatbots. In this relationship, some users experience social robots and chatbots as more than quasi-others. We will use Kanemitsu’s another-other concept to analyze cases where social robots and chatbots should be distinguished from quasi-others.
Makulaschichtforamen – im Zentrum der vitreomakulären Grenzflächenerkrankungen
Authors: Klaas Julian E. , Lommatzsch Albrecht , Krohne Tim U. , Hattenbach Lars-Olof , Priglinger Siegfried
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Das Makulaschichtforamen (LMH) zeichnet sich durch eine differenzierte, morphologische Konfiguration aus und lässt sich anhand eindeutiger morphologischer Merkmale von nahestehenden Entitäten wie dem makulären Pseudoforamen (MPH) und der epiretinalen Membran mit Foveoschisis (ERM-FS) abgrenzen.

Ziel

Anhand des aktuellen Wissenstands soll die pathophysiologische Funktion des LMH im Spektrum vitreoretinaler Grenzflächenerkrankungen beschrieben und therapeutische Konzepte sollen vorgestellt werden.

Methoden

Die verfügbare Studienlage wird durch Fallberichte erweitert, um zu einer schematischen Übersicht der Spontanverläufe und Therapiekonzepte am vitreomakulären Übergang zu gelangen.

Ergebnisse

Das Makulaschichtforamen kann beim erwachsenen Patienten als retrospektiver Marker für eine stattgehabte pathologische hintere Glaskörperabhebung interpretiert werden und steht im pathophysiologischen Zentrum der traktiven Makulopathien. Verschiedene vitreomakuläre Pathologien können in einem LMH resultieren: eine gelöste vitreomakuläre Traktion, ein spontan verschlossenes durchgreifendes Makulaforamen oder eine epiretinale Membran mit Foveoschisis. Pathophysiologisch ist von einem degenerativen, progressiven Verlust der Architektur des fovealen Müller-Zell-Konus auszugehen, der in der typischen Unterminierung der Lochränder und vereinzelt im Verlauf auch in einem durchgreifenden Makulaforamen münden kann. Der optimale Zeitpunkt sowie die adäquate Operationsmethode stehen im Fokus aktueller klinischer Studien.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Pathophysiologie des LMHs deutet auf einen fließenden Übergang der traktiven Makulopathien hin, die standardisiert und prospektiv ausgewertet werden sollten, um evidenzbasierte Therapiestrategien beim LMH entwickeln zu können.
Batch and semi-continuous treatment of cassava wastewater using microbial fuel cells and metataxonomic analysis
Authors: Quintero-Díaz Juan Carlos , Gil-Posada Jorge Omar
Published: June 2024

The treatment of agroindustrial wastewater using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is a technological strategy to harness its chemical energy while simultaneously purifying the water. This manuscript investigates the organic load effect as chemical oxygen demand (COD) on the production of electricity during the treatment of cassava wastewater by means of a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell in batch mode. Additionally, specific conditions were selected to evaluate the semi-continuous operational mode. The dynamics of microbial communities on the graphite anode were also investigated. The maximum power density delivered by the batch MFC (656.4 μW m$$^{-2}$$

-
2

) was achieved at the highest evaluated organic load (6.8 g COD L$$^{-1}$$

-
1

). Similarly, the largest COD removal efficiency (61.9%) was reached at the lowest organic load (1.17 g COD L$$^{-1}$$

-
1

). Cyanide degradation percentages (50–70%) were achieved across treatments. The semi-continuous operation of the MFC for 2 months revealed that the voltage across the cell is dependent on the supply or suspension of the organic load feed. The electrode polarization resistance was observed to decreases over time, possibly due to the enrichment of the anode with electrogenic microbial communities. A metataxonomic analysis revealed a significant increase in bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, primarily of the genus Enterococcus.
Platform investment and seller competition in two-sided markets
Authors: Angelini Francesco , Castellani Massimiliano , Zirulia Lorenzo
Published: June 2024

Platforms can create value within their ecosystems through their investments. In this paper, we model a monopolistic platform choosing the level of a demand-enhancing investment and the membership fees that sellers and buyers pay to access the platform. We find that platform size and quality are large when the degree of product differentiation among sellers and investment productivity are high. Platform profit and users’ surplus are aligned. If the platform sells a product under its brand, incentives to invest are higher, compared to a pure marketplace, and sellers’ surplus can be larger if the degree of product differentiation is low.
Neural models for semantic analysis of handwritten document images
Authors: Tüselmann Oliver , Fink Gernot A.
Published: June 2024

Semantic analysis of handwritten document images offers a wide range of practical application scenarios. A sequential combination of handwritten text recognition (HTR) and a task-specific natural language processing system offers an intuitive solution in this domain. However, this HTR-based approach suffers from the problem of error propagation. An HTR-free model, which avoids explicit text recognition and solves the task end-to-end, tackles this problem, but often produces poor results. A possible reason for this is that it does not incorporate largely pre-trained semantic word embeddings, which turn out to be one of the most powerful advantages in the textual domain. In this work, we propose an HTR-based and an HTR-free model and compare them on a variety of segmentation-based handwritten document image benchmarks including semantic word spotting, named entity recognition, and question answering. Furthermore, we propose a cross-modal knowledge distillation approach to integrate semantic knowledge from textually pre-trained word embeddings into HTR-free models. In a series of experiments, we investigate optimization strategies for robust semantic word image representation. We show that the incorporation of semantic knowledge is beneficial for HTR-free approaches in achieving state-of-the-art results on a variety of benchmarks.
Usefulness of bicarbonate-based Impella purge solution in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: the first case report of long-term management in Japan
Authors: Nagai Shin , Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Ito Ryota , Koyama Yuichiro , Kondo Kiyota , Kazama Shingo , Kondo Toru , Morimoto Ryota , Okumura Takahiro , Ito Hideki , Yoshizumi Tomo , Mutsuga Masato , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: June 2024

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support utilizing micro-axial flow pumps, such as the Impella group of devices, has become a life-saving technique in the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock, with ever-increasing success rates. A 30-year-old man presented with acute decompensated heart failure and a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (17%). Despite initial treatment with inotropic drugs and intra-aortic balloon pump support, his hemodynamic status remained unstable. Transition to Impella CP mechanical circulatory support was made on day 6 owing to persistently low systolic blood pressure. A significant decline in platelet count prompted suspicion of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), later confirmed by positive platelet-activated anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibody and a 4Ts score of 6 points. Argatroban was initially used as the purge solution, but owing to complications, a switch to Impella 5.0 and a bicarbonate-based purge solution (BBPS) was performed. Despite additional veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support on day 24, the patient, aiming for ventricular assist device treatment and heart transplantation, died from infection and multiple organ failure. Remarkably, the Impella CP continued functioning normally until the patient’s demise, indicating stable Impella pump performance using BBPS. This case highlights the usefulness of BBPS as an alternative to conventional Impella heparin purge solution when HIT occurs.
Group A Streptococcal meningitis in children: a short case series and systematic review
Authors: Dou Zhen-zhen , Li Wanrong , Hu Hui-Li , Guo Xin , Hu Bing , Chen Tian-ming , Chen He-ying , Guo Ling-yun , Liu Gang
Published: June 2024

Background

Group A streptococcal(GAS) meningitis is a severe disease with a high case fatality rate. In the era of increasing GAS meningitis, our understanding about this disease is limited.

Purpose

To gain a better understanding about GAS meningitis.

Methods

Five new cases with GAS meningitis were reported. GAS meningitis related literatures were searched for systematic review in PUBMED and EMBASE. Case reports and case series on paediatric cases were included. Information on demographics, risk factors, symptoms, treatments, outcomes, and emm types of GAS was summarized.

Results

Totally 263 cases were included. Among 100 individuals, 9.9% (8/81) had prior varicella, 11.1% (9/81) had anatomical factors, and 53.2% (42/79) had extracranial infections. Soft tissue infections were common among infants (10/29, 34.5%), while ear/sinus infections were more prevalent in children ≥ 3 years (21/42, 50.0%). The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was 16.2% (12/74). High risk of death was found in patients with shock or systemic complications, young children(< 3 years) and cases related to hematogenic spread. The predominate cause of death was shock(6/8). Among the 163 patients included in case series studies, ear/sinus infections ranged from 21.4 to 62.5%, while STSS/shock ranged from 12.5 to 35.7%, and the CFR ranged from 5.9 to 42.9%.

Conclusions

A history of varicella, soft tissue infections, parameningeal infections and CSF leaks are important clinical clues to GAS in children with meningitis. Young children and hematogenic spread related cases need to be closely monitored for shock due to the high risk of death.
Impact of interprofessional student led health clinics for patients, students and educators: a scoping review
Authors: Prestes Vargas Janine , Smith Moira , Chipchase Lucy , Morris Meg E.
Published: June 2024

Background: Although interprofessional student led health clinics have been implemented worldwide, the impact of this model await confirmation. Objectives: To conduct a critical analysis of the literature on interprofessional student led clinics, and the views of stakeholders on feasibility and the barriers and facilitators to implementation. Design: A scoping review, evidence synthesis and quality appraisal were conducted using PRISMA Scr. Eight databases were searched from 2003 to 2023: Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane, Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science and Informit Health Collection. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to analyse data from patients, students and educators and inductive thematic analysis identified emergent themes. Results: Forty-six studies were included from a yield of 3140 publications. A key theme to emerge was that patients perceived improvements in their health and wellbeing and valued gaining health information from student led clinics. Student experiences were mostly positive although some found it challenging to work in interprofessional teams and roles were not always clear. The clinics enabled students to improve communication skills and autonomy. Clinical educators reported that students benefited from experiential learning within an interprofessional context. The clinics were feasible, provided that sufficient funding, infrastructure, staff and resources were available. Barriers to implementation included lack of funding, excessive waiting times and non-aligned student timetables. Pre-clinic orientation and support from on-site clinical educators facilitated implementation. Conclusions: Despite some challenges with implementing interprofessional student led clinics, they can have a positive impact on student learning and patient experiences.
Dynamic YOLO for small underwater object detection
Authors: Chen Jie , Er Meng Joo
Published: June 2024

The practical application of object detection inevitably encounters challenges posed by small objects. In underwater object detection, a crucial method for marine exploration, the presence of small objects in underwater environments significantly hampers the performance of detection. In this paper, a dynamic YOLO detector is proposed as a solution to alleviate this problem. Specifically, a light-weight backbone network is first constructed based on deformable convolution v3, with some specialized designs for small object detection. Secondly, a unified feature fusion framework based on channel-wise, scale-wise, and spatial-aware attention is proposed to fuse feature maps from different scales. This is particularly critical for detecting small objects since it allows us to fully exploit the enhanced capabilities offered by our proposed backbone network. Finally, a simple but effective detection head is designed to handle the conflict between classification and localization by disentangling and aligning the two tasks. Extensive experiments are conducted on benchmark datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Without bells and whistles, dynamic YOLO outperforms the recent state-of-the-art methods by a large margin of $$+\,0.8$$

+

0.8

 AP and $$+\,1.8$$

+

1.8

 $$\text {AP}_{S}$$

AP
S

on the DUO dataset. Experimental results on Pascal VOC and MS COCO datasets also demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method. At last, ablation studies are conducted on DUO dataset to validate the effectiveness and efficiency of each design in dynamic YOLO. Source code will be available at https://github.com/chenjie04/Dynamic-YOLO.
It is More Anxiousness than Role-playing: Social Camouflaging Conceptualization Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum Compared to Persons with Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Pyszkowska Anna
Published: June 2024

Purpose. Autistic individuals consider social camouflaging, e.g., masking autistic traits or social skills compensation, as exhausting and effortful, often leading to diminished well-being or burnout, as well as adaptive for satisfying social interactions. Developing camouflaging may result in isolation, social avoidance, increased self-stigmatization, and misdiagnosis, including social anxiety disorder. The study’s objective was to explore and conceptualize social camouflaging, with a particular focus on social anxiety symptoms, autistic burnout, and public stigma, among autistic individuals, with two comparative samples: with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and dual diagnoses (SAD + ASD). Methods. 254 individuals participated in the study (including 186 females, 148 with ASD diagnosis). CAT-Q, AQ-10, AASPIRE’s Autistic Burnout Scale, LSAS-SR, The Perceived Public Stigma Scale were used. Results. The findings suggest differences in the interrelation dynamics between the samples studied, with autistic burnout and social anxiety symptoms of essential significance in camouflaging strategies, and autistic traits being of secondary importance. Structural equation models showed that the proposed conceptualization, with camouflaging and autistic burnout as the outcome variables, exhibited acceptable fit, implying that this strategy is costly and may result in exhaustion. Conclusion. The total score of camouflaging did not differ between the groups studied, suggesting that a tendency to camouflage is rather transdiagnostic, deriving from anxiousness and negative self-perception, not being autistic per se.
Utilising Behavioural and Sensory Profiles and Associated Perinatal Factors to Identify Meaningful Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Shirley Jane , John James Rufus , Montgomery Alicia , Whitehouse Andrew , Eapen Valsamma
Published: June 2024

The heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinically and aetiologically hinders intervention matching and prediction of outcomes. This study investigated if the behavioural, sensory, and perinatal factor profiles of autistic children could be used to identify distinct subgroups. Participants on the autism spectrum aged 2 to 17 years and their families were sourced via the Australian Autism Biobank (AAB). Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups within this cohort, utilising twenty-six latent variables representing child’s behavioural and sensory features and perinatal factors. Four distinct subgroups within the sample (n = 1168) distinguished by sensory and behavioural autism traits and exposure to perinatal determinants were identified. Class 2 and Class 4, which displayed the greatest behavioural and sensory impairment respectively, were associated with the highest perinatal factor exposure. Class 1, labelled “Most behavioural concerns and moderate sensory and behavioural skills concerns” had mixed exposure to perinatal determinants while Class 3, named “Least sensory and behavioural skills concerns” had the least perinatal determinant exposure, indicating a directly proportional correlation between severity of clinical features and perinatal factor exposure. Additionally, association between specific exposures such as maternal mental illness in Class 1 and significant behavioural concerns was recognised. Identifying distinct subgroups among autistic children can lead to development of targeted interventions and supports. Close monitoring of children exposed to specific perinatal determinants for developmental differences could assist early intervention and supports.
Questioning the Emergence of Time
Authors: Riggs Peter J.
Published: June 2024

The Evolving Block Universe is a model where spacetime continuously emerges leading to a ‘growth’ of spacetime by which there is a passage of time. Its most recent version extends ideas on the passage of time and the various arrows of time (determined by the cosmological evolution of the whole universe). Attention is drawn to some principal problems with this model, especially how the present moment and the passage of time are defined.
Impedimetric monitoring of microRNA-200c-3p using hydroxyapatite nanoparticles modified pencil graphite electrodes
Authors: Congur Gulsah , Erdem Arzum
Published: June 2024

It is important to monitor miRNA-200c-3p as it can potentially serve as an important biomarker for respiratory diseases including COVID-19 and cancer. Despite the importance of microRNA monitoring, there are few previous studies for miRNA-200c-3p monitoring, and the application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HaNP) in miRNA biosensors is quite limited. This study aims to fill this gap by utilizing the advantageous properties of HaNPs to develop a powerful strategy to detect microRNA-200c-3p. First, HaNPs were modified on the surface of pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs). Subsequently, hybridization between a phosphate-labeled miRNA-200c-3p-specific DNA probe and its complementary RNA target was carried out in the solution phase. The DNA-RNA hybrid forms were immobilized on the surface of the HaNP-PGEs and the impedimetric measurements were performed. The changes at the charge transfer resistance value (Rct) were evaluated in terms of the hybridization and optimization of the experimental conditions. The detection limits (DLs) were calculated as 0.12 µg/mL (16.19 nM) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.40) and 0.31 µg/mL (41.82 nM) in synthetic plasma. The selectivity of the developed biosensor was tested against miRNA-200c-5p and miRNA-141-3p. The results promise a significant improvement in public health in terms of a leap forward in the early diagnosis of many serious diseases.
Predicting short-term outcomes in brain-injured patients: a comprehensive approach with transcranial Doppler and intracranial compliance assessment
Authors: Brasil Sérgio , Cardim Danilo , Caldas Juliana , Robba Chiara , Taccone Fabio Silvio , de-Lima-Oliveira Marcelo , Yoshikawa Márcia Harumy , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Paiva Wellingson S.
Published: June 2024

Neurocritical patients frequently exhibit abnormalities in cerebral hemodynamics (CH) and/or intracranial compliance (ICC), all of which significantly impact their clinical outcomes. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and the cranial micro-deformation sensor (B4C) are valuable techniques for assessing CH and ICC, respectively. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding the predictive value of these techniques in determining patient outcomes. We prospectively included neurocritical patients undergoing intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring within the first 5 days of hospital admission for TCD and B4C assessments. Comprehensive clinical data were collected alongside parameters obtained from TCD (including the estimated ICP [eICP] and estimated cerebral perfusion pressure [eCPP]) and B4C (measured as the P2/P1 ratio). These parameters were evaluated individually as well as in combination. The short-term outcomes (STO) of interest were the therapy intensity levels (TIL) for ICP management recommended by the Seattle International Brain Injury Consensus Conference, as TIL 0 (STO 1), TIL 1–3 (STO 2) and death (STO 3), at the seventh day after last data collection. The dataset was randomly separated in test and training samples, area under the curve (AUC) was used to represent the noninvasive techniques ability on the STO prediction and association with ICP. A total of 98 patients were included, with 67% having experienced severe traumatic brain injury and 15% subarachnoid hemorrhage, whilst the remaining patients had ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. ICP, P2/P1, and eCPP demonstrated the highest ability to predict early mortality (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, and p = 0.006, respectively). P2/P1 was the only parameter significant for the prediction of STO 1 (p = 0.03). Combining B4C and TCD parameters, the highest AUC was 0.85 to predict death (STO 3), using P2/P1 + eCPP, whereas AUC was 0.72 to identify ICP > 20 mmHg using P2/P1 + eICP. The combined noninvasive neuromonitoring approach using eCPP and P2/P1 ratio demonstrated improved performance in predicting outcomes during the early phase after acute brain injury. The correlation with intracranial hypertension was moderate, by means of eICP and P2/P1 ratio. These results support the need for interpretation of this information in the ICU and warrant further investigations for the definition of therapy strategies using ancillary tests.