bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical cancer - is there anything to worry about? Research on knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among Poles
Authors: Mańdziuk Dominika , Kołodziej Klaudia , Żuchowski Michał , Niewinna Patrycja , Zaroda Przemysław , Dąda Paweł , Pawlik Paweł , Kołodziej Wojciech , Wawrzkowicz Jakub , Korga Monika
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer poses a global health challenge, being one of the most common cancers of the reproductive organs and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease, resulting from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), tends to develop in advanced stages, significantly complicating effective treatment. Despite advancements in medicine, diagnostics, and therapy, cervical cancer remains a serious public health threat. Periodic surveillance through screening has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer; however, in Poland, there is a notable gap between potentially available preventive measures and their actual utilization by the population. It has been observed that only around 20% of Polish women participate in screening programs, contributing to Poland having one of the highest rates of incidence and mortality from this type of cancer in Europe. This leads to the conclusion that cervical cancer constitutes an unresolved oncological and epidemiological problem in Poland. In the context of these challenges, a crucial aspect is understanding the level of public knowledge about cervical cancer, its risk factors, and available preventive measures. This study focuses on evaluating the societal knowledge regarding the risk factors of cervical cancer, identifying existing gaps, and suggesting potential areas for educational interventions.
Advantages of oral collagen supplementation. Review of the literature
Authors: Kotowicz Zuzanna , Pich-Czekierda Aleksandra , Proszowska Patrycja , Orzeł Adrianna , Sieniawska Daria , Madoń Magda , Sieniawska Julia
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCollagen is a protein that has found widespread use both as an ingredient in cosmetics applied externally and as an oral supplement. This substance is obtained from a number of animal sources, including bovine tissues, as well as marine fish. The characteristic properties of collagen peptides, such as scientifically proven anti-inflammatory effects, activation of fibroblast skin cells, stimulation of synovial cells to produce hyaluronic acid, and much more make this type of supplement promising in improving the body's general condition and in alleviating the symptoms of many ailments. Numerous scientific studies have shown that supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen has a beneficial effect on both the overall condition of the skin by improving its elasticity, hydration level, and positive action on its protective barrier and on the musculoskeletal system, where, when combined with appropriately selected physical activity, it can help to reduce pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and even increase the range of movement in the joints. Easy availability, user-friendly forms of administration, such as powders or ready-to-drink liquid formulations, and a low incidence of side effects make this supplementation highly beneficial for users.  Aim of the studyThis study aims to discuss the known processes and review the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on the human skin and musculoskeletal system.Material and methodThis article presents the current state of knowledge about the benefits of oral collagen peptide supplementation in various scientific articles. Publications describing the mechanisms of action and the effects of collagen supplementation on skin conditions and the musculoskeletal system, including recent reports in this field, were reviewed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords ‘collagen’, ‘collagen supplementation’, ‘nutritional supplement’, ‘recovery’
La guerra sí tiene rostro de mujer
Authors: Beltrán y Puga Alma Luz
Published: May 2024

En este capítulo, se discuten las contribuciones de Alexiévich en el entendimiento de las narrativas de la guerra, mostrando cómo los testimonios de las mujeres muchas veces se censuran o se excluyen del relato general. Se argumenta cómo desde las herramientas de la literatura se pueden incluir mejor las experiencias y narrativas de las mujeres que han vivido la guerra, discutiendo si es cierto que hay una “guerra masculina” y una “guerra femenina”. Para aterrizar cómo se pueden aplicar las lecciones de Alexiévich en sociedades atravesadas por la justicia transicional, se analizará cómo han sido retratadas las narrativas de las mujeres en la guerra en los ejercicios de memoria colectiva por algunos tribunales de la verdad en América Latina. Especialmente, se analiza la Comisión de la Verdad y Reconciliación (CVR) de Perú por ser un caso de la historia reciente latinoamericana. En particular, se busca responder a las siguientes preguntas: ¿qué particularidades tiene incluir las narrativas de las mujeres en el gran relato de la guerra?, ¿qué papel desempeña la memoria en la búsqueda de justicia, verdad y reparación en las sociedades que atraviesan un posconflicto? y ¿por qué y cómo incluir los testimonios de las mujeres en los tribunales de verdad, justicia y reconciliación?
The Gatekeeper Effect: The Implications of Pre-Screening, Self-Selection, and Bias for Hiring Processes
Authors: Koren Moran
Published: May 2024

We study the problem of screening in decision-making processes under uncertainty, while focusing on the impact of adding an additional screening stage, commonly known as a “gatekeeper.” Although our main analysis is rooted in the context of job market hiring, the principles and findings are broadly applicable to areas such as educational admissions, patient healthcare selection, and financial loan approvals. The gatekeeper’s role is to assess applicant suitability before significant costs are incurred. Our study reveals that although gatekeepers are designed to streamline selection processes by filtering out the candidates who are less likely to be selected, sometimes they inadvertently affect the candidate’s own decision-making process. We explore the conditions under which the introduction of a gatekeeper can enhance or impede the efficiency of these processes. Additionally, we consider how gatekeeping strategies can be adapted to influence the accuracy of selection decisions. Our research also extends to scenarios in which gatekeeping is influenced by historical biases, particularly in competitive settings like hiring. We discover that candidates confronted with a statistically biased gatekeeping process are more likely to withdraw from the job application process, thereby perpetuating the previously mentioned historical biases. The study suggests that measures such as affirmative action can effectively address these biases. Although centered on hiring, the insights and methodologies from our study have significant implications for a wide range of fields to which screening and gatekeeping are integral.

This paper has been This paper was accepted by Nicolas Stier-Moses for the Special Issue on the Human-Algorithm Connection.

Funding: Financial support from the Center of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (CMSA) at Harvard University and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Israel (Yitzhak Shamir Fellowship) is gratefully acknowledged.
Sustainable Management Technique for Recalcitrant Leaf Litter of Mesua Ferrea L. in Avenue Plantations
Authors: Linggi Nirigi , Bharti Ajay , Singh S Sureshkumar
Published: May 2024

Avenue plantation produces a significant amount of leaf litter throughout the year, and sustainable management is a primary concern in various establishments. Mesua ferrea L. (MF) is a widely grown avenue tree species that produces enormous amounts of leaf litter throughout the year. The litter remains undecomposed in natural conditions for a long time (2-3 years), requiring labour-intensive management. The rate of decomposition, nutrient dynamics and microbial species involved in the decomposition process has been studied by the modified litterbag method in natural conditions using intact and shredded MF leaf litter. The results of the study revealed 50% biomass loss from intact and shredded MF leaf litter within 120 days as compared to the negligible biomass loss in the control treatment. The percentage of nutrients released followed the same pattern as biomass loss for intact and shredded MF samples. The decay constant values were observed as 1.99, 1.92 and 0.33 for shredded, intact and control treatments, respectively. Penicillium with 12 isolates was recorded as the most dominant cellulose-degrading fungi during the decomposition of MF leaf litter. The study observed that the embedding of shredded MF leaf litter in soil significantly reduced the time required for the decomposition of litter. It is concluded that embedding shredded MF leaf litter in the soil can enhance rapid decomposition while improving soil fertility. The proposed technique may be employed in the sustainable management of MF leaf litter in particular and other litter in general.
Mapping long-term Transformation of Wetlands and Annual Rainfall Variability in Madhubani District (1975-2022).
Authors: Das Sonu Kumar , Sharma Manu Raj
Published: May 2024

In addition to supporting a rich biodiversity, wetlands serve as ecosystems that connect aquatic and terrestrial settings. They also play a critical ecological role by providing essential supplies. According to the National Wetland Atlas (2010), Bihar has a total of 21,988 wetlands with a total area of 4,03,209 hectares. These wetlands exhibit great range of floral and faunal diversity with large number of endemic species. The present paper endeavors to map the natural wetlands of Madhubani district of North Bihar and assess their evolving hydro-physiographic characteristics. The study area is endowed with numerous small wetlands as it receives high average annual rainfall in Bihar. This study primarily emphasizes on identification of wetlands and their spatial-temporal assessment during the period 1975-2022 by utilizing datasets from various sources like topographical maps, satellite imageries, and other ancillary data. It uses geospatial tool like Arc Hydro and indices like Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) and Normalized Difference Wetness Index (NDWI) for identification and spatial-temporal assessment of wetlands during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season. The study finds that despite being one of the rainiest districts of Bihar, the annual rainfall trends in Madhubani is decreasing. This has impacted upon the water quality, productivity, biodiversity and annual recharge of wetlands of Madhubani. Its entire geographic region has thus been significantly reduced as a result. Other important factors like accelerated anthropogenic intervention, land use changes and process of urbanization have contributed towards rapid transformation of floodplains of Madhubani District. These changes may affect future water potential of the region and thus threaten sustainability in the region.
Phytochemical Estimation of the Biocrude of Pedilanthus tithymaloides- A Petrocrop with Pharmacognostic Properties
Authors: Rani Anshu
Published: May 2024

Researchers have taken an interest in finding crop species as alternative sources of nonconventional energy as fossil fuels or petroleum-derived fuels are quickly being reduced with the economic and political development and increasing use of automobiles. Hence, there is a scarcity of petroleum-derived fuels and industrial feedstock it has become essential to search for renewable sources of organic compounds. Solar energy is transformed into a by-product by green plants which are at par with synthetic petrochemicals. Pedilanthus tithymaloides L. Poit (Euphorbiaceae) has considerable potential as hydrocarbon yielding plant with its pharmacognostic properties also. Analysis of latex has revealed the presence of a large number of secondary metabolites. Extraction of bio crude was done in hexane using Soxhlet apparatus followed by column chromatography using solvents serially on the basis of their increasing polarity. The solvents used were hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and chloroform in a sequence. Twenty-one fractions were collected from the extract and analysis of fractions was done using GLC. Fraction obtained in hexane: benzene (1:1) showed four major peaks at retention time 4.90, 5.10, 6.76 and 8.86 minutes at chart speed 1.0 cm/per minute. Fraction obtained in benzene and fraction obtained in benzene: ethyl acetate in the ratio of 1:1 and 1:3 showed various peaks. Major peaks obtained were at 2.98, 4.36, 5.71, 6.79, 8.76 and 9.11 minutes at chart speed.1.0 cm/min. in the fraction obtained in pure ethyl acetate. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plants revealed flavonoid, triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, saponins and anthraquinones in all the three varieties of Pedilanthus tithymaloides i.e. var. green, cuculatus and variegates.
Multi-plane imaging based on cascade spintronic terahertz emitters with curved substrates
Authors: Chen Shixin , Wang Xinke , Ye Jiasheng , Han Peng , Sun Wenfeng , Feng Shengfei , He Zehao , You CaiYin , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2024

As a novel terahertz (THz) source, a spintronic THz emitter (STE) has become a research hot topic recently due to its ultra-broadband emission, powerful scalability, simple fabrication, and ultrawide pump-wavelength range. To optimize the performance of a STE, its spintronic heterostructure has been extensively investigated and its accessories have been also appropriately improved. In this work, a curved substrate of a STE was proposed and utilized to achieve the modulation of the THz wave front as a new degree of freedom. A STE with a neutral-meniscus substrate was designed and fabricated to attain the focusing function of the emitted THz radiation. Coaxial THz bi-focus with a non-overlapping spatio-temporal distribution were effectively generated and applied in multi-plane imaging by properly using two cascade STEs. Amplitude- and phase-type objects consisting of bilayer structures were measured by the scheme. The focused and defocused regions of the samples were distinguished and analyzed on different cross sections. Furthermore, a STE with a spiral stair substrate was manufactured in this way and the generation of a THz vortex beam was fulfilled. The convenient approach offered more possibilities for developing THz optospintronic devices.
Real-time forecasting of COVID-19-related hospital strain in France using a non-Markovian mechanistic model
Authors: Massey Alexander , Boennec Corentin , Restrepo-Ortiz Claudia Ximena , Blanchet Christophe , Alizon Samuel , Sofonea Mircea T.
Published: May 2024

Projects such as the European Covid-19 Forecast Hub publish forecasts on the national level for new deaths, new cases, and hospital admissions, but not direct measurements of hospital strain like critical care bed occupancy at the sub-national level, which is of particular interest to health professionals for planning purposes. We present a sub-national French framework for forecasting hospital strain based on a non-Markovian compartmental model, its associated online visualisation tool and a retrospective evaluation of the real-time forecasts it provided from January to December 2021 by comparing to three baselines derived from standard statistical forecasting methods (a naive model, auto-regression, and an ensemble of exponential smoothing and ARIMA). In terms of median absolute error for forecasting critical care unit occupancy at the two-week horizon, our model only outperformed the naive baseline for 4 out of 14 geographical units and underperformed compared to the ensemble baseline for 5 of them at the 90% confidence level (n = 38). However, for the same level at the 4 week horizon, our model was never statistically outperformed for any unit despite outperforming the baselines 10 times spanning 7 out of 14 geographical units. This implies modest forecasting utility for longer horizons which may justify the application of non-Markovian compartmental models in the context of hospital-strain surveillance for future pandemics.
Factors associated with differential seropositivity to Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri in a high transmission urban setting for leptospirosis in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Daiana , Khalil Hussein , Almerinda G. Palma Fabiana , Santana Roberta , Nery Nivison , C. Quintero-Vélez Juan , Zeppelini Caio Graco , Almeida do Sacramento Gielson , Cruz Jaqueline S. , Lustosa Ricardo , Santana Ferreira Igor , Carvalho-Pereira Ticiana , Diggle Peter J. , Wunder Elsio A. , I. Ko Albert , Alzate Lopez Yeimi , Begon Mike , G. Reis Mitermayer , Costa Federico
Published: May 2024

Background

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospira. Most studies infer the epidemiological patterns of a single serogroup or aggregate all serogroups to estimate overall seropositivity, thus not exploring the risks of exposure to distinct serogroups. The present study aims to delineate the demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors associated with seropositivity of Leptospira serogroup Icterohaemorraghiae and serogroup Cynopteri in an urban high transmission setting for leptospirosis in Brazil.

Methods/Principal findings

We performed a cross-sectional serological study in five informal urban communities in the city of Salvador, Brazil. During the years 2018, 2020 2021, we recruited 2.808 residents and collected blood samples for serological analysis using microagglutination assays. We used a fixed-effect multinomial logistic regression model to identify risk factors associated with seropositivity for each serogroup. Seropositivity to Cynopteri increased with each year of age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.06) and was higher in those living in houses with unplastered walls (exposed brick) (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.09–2.59) and where cats were present near the household (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.03–3.88). Seropositivity to Icterohaemorrhagiae also increased with each year of age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.03) and was higher in males (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.09–2.10), in those with work-related exposures (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.10–2.66) or who had contact with sewage (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.00–2.03). Spatial analysis showed differences in distribution of seropositivity to serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae and Cynopteri within the five districts where study communities were situated.

Conclusions/Significance

Our data suggest distinct epidemiological patterns associated with the Icterohaemorrhagiae and Cynopteri serogroups in the urban environment at high risk for leptospirosis and with differences in spatial niches. We emphasize the need for studies that accurately identify the different pathogenic serogroups that circulate and infect residents of low-income areas.
Optimal scheduling strategy of electric vehicle based on improved NSGA-III algorithm
Authors: Wu Yun , Yan Du , Yang Jie-Ming , Wang An-Ping , Feng Dan
Published: May 2024

Aiming at the problem of load increase in distribution network and low satisfaction of vehicle owners caused by disorderly charging of electric vehicles, an optimal scheduling model of electric vehicles considering the comprehensive satisfaction of vehicle owners is proposed. In this model, the dynamic electricity price and charging and discharging state of electric vehicles are taken as decision variables, and the income of electric vehicle charging stations, the comprehensive satisfaction of vehicle owners considering economic benefits and the load fluctuation of electric vehicles are taken as optimization objectives. The improved NSGA-III algorithm (DJM-NSGA-III) based on dynamic opposition-based learning strategy, Jaya algorithm and Manhattan distance is used to solve the problems of low initial population quality, easy to fall into local optimal solution and ignoring potential optimal solution when NSGA-III algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective and high-dimensional scheduling model. The experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the owner’s satisfaction while improving the income of the charging station, effectively alleviate the conflict of interest between the two, and maintain the safe and stable operation of the distribution network.
Female genital mutilation and safer sex negotiation among women in sexual unions in sub-Saharan Africa: Analysis of demographic and health survey data
Authors: Aboagye Richard Gyan , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Frimpong James Boadu , Adu Collins , Hagan John Elvis , Ahmed Salma A. E. , Yaya Sanni
Published: May 2024

Background

The practice of female genital mutilation is associated with harmful social norms promoting violence against girls and women. Various studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated factors. However, there has been limited studies conducted to assess the association between female genital mutilation and markers of women’s autonomy, such as their ability to negotiate for safer sex. In this study, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and women’s ability to negotiate for safer sex in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

We pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted from 2010 to 2020. Data from a sample of 50,337 currently married and cohabiting women from eleven sub-Saharan African countries were included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between female genital mutilation and women’s ability to refuse sex and ask their partners to use condom. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the findings of the logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

Female genital mutilation was performed on 56.1% of women included in our study. The highest and lowest prevalence of female genital mutilation were found among women from Guinea (96.3%) and Togo (6.9%), respectively. We found that women who had undergone female genital mutilation were less likely to refuse sex from their partners (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.96) and ask their partners to use condoms (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.86) compared to those who had not undergone female genital mutilation.

Conclusion

Female genital mutilation hinders women’s ability to negotiate for safer sex. It is necessary to implement health education and promotion interventions (e.g., decision making skills) that assist women who have experienced female genital mutilation to negotiate for safer sex. These interventions are crucial to enhance sexual health outcomes for these women. Further, strict enforcement of policies and laws aimed at eradicating the practice of female genital mutilation are encouraged to help contribute to the improvement of women’s reproductive health.
Electronic knowledge books (eK-Books) as a medium to capitalise on and transfer scientific, engineering, operational, technological and craft knowledge
Authors: Baudrit Cédric , Fernandez Christophe , Couteaux Julien , Ndiaye Amadou
Published: May 2024

The capitalisation on and transfer of technological, engineering and scientific knowledge associated with empirical know-how is an important issue for the sustainability and development of manufacturing. Indeed, certain sectors of industry are facing the increasing ageing of the labour force, recruitment difficulties and high staff turnover, leading to a loss of knowledge and know-how. In a context of numerical and digital transition and the migration of processes to industry 4.0, one of major challenges manufacturers face today is their capacity to build intelligent platforms for acquiring, storing and transferring their know-how and knowledge. It is crucial to create new media and tools for staff training and development capable of capturing knowledge and reusing it to create a project history through expertise and data collection. This paper presents the methodology and guidelines for implementing electronic knowledge books (eK-Books), along with their uses. The eK-Book is a semantic web-based hypertext medium (channel) allowing stakeholders to capitalise on, structure and transfer knowledge by using concept maps, process maps, influence graphs, downloadable documents, web pages and hypermedia knowledge sheets. They are intended for engineers, expert or novice technicians, manufacturers, sector coordinators and plant managers, as well as trainers and learners. They are usable and manageable in all types of environments and with different levels of accessibility. This paper highlights (1) the transfer knowledge capacity of eK-Books and (2) their usability in two agri-food sectors namely (1) the cheese sector with protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI), and (2) the butchery and cold meat sectors.
Measurement and determinants of multidimensional urban poverty: Evidence from Shandong Province, China
Authors: Zhao Bo , Cheah Phaik Kin , Moses Priscilla
Published: May 2024

China eliminated rural poverty under current poverty standards in 2020. However, compared with rural poverty, urban poverty in China has been somewhat neglected. This paper aims to discover the changes and determinants of multidimensional urban poverty in Shandong Province, a representative province in Eastern China. Using a nationally representative panel dataset, the China Family Panel Studies, and the Dual Cutoff method, this study creates a multidimensional poverty index with four dimensions and 11 indicators to measure urban poverty in Shandong Province. This paper discovers that while the incidence of multidimensional urban poverty in Shandong Province decreased from 47.62% in 2010 to 36.45% in 2018, the intensity of multidimensional poverty only decreased from 41.27% to 37.25%, which indicates the inadequacy of urban anti-poverty efforts in Shandong Province. This paper also uses logistic regression to identify the determinants of multidimensional urban poverty. The findings suggest that income, health, drinking water, and durable goods are the main determinants of multidimensional urban poverty in Shandong Province. Based on these findings, this study provides targeted recommendations for future urban anti-poverty policies in Shandong Province.
Evaluation of Tunisian wheat endophytes as plant growth promoting bacteria and biological control agents against Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Saadaoui Mouadh , Faize Mohamed , Rifai Aicha , Tayeb Koussa , Omri Ben Youssef Noura , Kharrat Mohamed , Roeckel-Drevet Patricia , Chaar Hatem , Venisse Jean-Stéphane
Published: May 2024

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) applications have emerged as an ideal substitute for synthetic chemicals by their ability to improve plant nutrition and resistance against pathogens. In this study, we isolated fourteen root endophytes from healthy wheat roots cultivated in Tunisia. The isolates were identified based from their 16S rRNA gene sequences. They belonged to Bacillota and Pseudomonadota taxa. Fourteen strains were tested for their growth-promoting and defense-eliciting potentials on durum wheat under greenhouse conditions, and for their in vitro biocontrol power against Fusarium culmorum, an ascomycete responsible for seedling blight, foot and root rot, and head blight diseases of wheat. We found that all the strains improved shoot and/or root biomass accumulation, with Bacillus mojavensis, Paenibacillus peoriae and Variovorax paradoxus showing the strongest promoting effects. These physiological effects were correlated with the plant growth-promoting traits of the bacterial endophytes, which produced indole-related compounds, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and solubilized phosphate and zinc. Likewise, plant defense accumulations were modulated lastingly and systematically in roots and leaves by all the strains. Testing in vitro antagonism against F. culmorum revealed an inhibition activity exceeding 40% for five strains: Bacillus cereus, Paenibacillus peoriae, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Pantoae agglomerans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These strains exhibited significant inhibitory effects on F. culmorum mycelia growth, sporulation, and/or macroconidia germination. P. peoriae performed best, with total inhibition of sporulation and macroconidia germination. These finding highlight the effectiveness of root bacterial endophytes in promoting plant growth and resistance, and in controlling phytopathogens such as F. culmorum. This is the first report identifying 14 bacterial candidates as potential agents for the control of F. culmorum, of which Paenibacillus peoriae and/or its intracellular metabolites have potential for development as biopesticides.
Enhancing transmission type frame structures: A BBO algorithm-based integrated design approach
Authors: Yang Jian , Yang Zhiyong , Wang Yuhao
Published: May 2024

The stable and site-specific operation of transmission lines is a crucial safeguard for grid functionality. This study introduces a comprehensive optimization design method for transmission line crossing frame structures based on the Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) algorithm, which integrates size, shape, and topology optimization. By utilizing the BBO algorithm to optimize the truss structure’s design variables, the method ensures the structure’s economic and practical viability while enhancing its performance. The optimization process is validated through finite element analysis, confirming the optimized structure’s compliance with strength, stiffness, and stability requirements. The results demonstrate that the integrated design of size, shape, and topology optimization, as opposed to individual optimizations of size or shape and topology, yields the lightest structure mass and a maximum stress of 151.4 MPa under construction conditions. These findings also satisfy the criteria for strength, stiffness, and stability, verifying the method’s feasibility, effectiveness, and practicality. This approach surpasses traditional optimization methods, offering a more effective solution for complex structural optimization challenges, thereby enhancing the sustainable utilization of structures.
White matter trajectories over the lifespan
Authors: Conte Stefania , Zimmerman Dabriel , Richards John E.
Published: May 2024

White matter (WM) changes occur throughout the lifespan at a different rate for each developmental period. We aggregated 10879 structural MRIs and 6186 diffusion-weighted MRIs from participants between 2 weeks to 100 years of age. Age-related changes in gray matter and WM partial volumes and microstructural WM properties, both brain-wide and on 29 reconstructed tracts, were investigated as a function of biological sex and hemisphere, when appropriate. We investigated the curve fit that would best explain age-related differences by fitting linear, cubic, quadratic, and exponential models to macro and microstructural WM properties. Following the first steep increase in WM volume during infancy and childhood, the rate of development slows down in adulthood and decreases with aging. Similarly, microstructural properties of WM, particularly fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), follow independent rates of change across the lifespan. The overall increase in FA and decrease in MD are modulated by demographic factors, such as the participant’s age, and show different hemispheric asymmetries in some association tracts reconstructed via probabilistic tractography. All changes in WM macro and microstructure seem to follow nonlinear trajectories, which also differ based on the considered metric. Exponential changes occurred for the WM volume and FA and MD values in the first five years of life. Collectively, these results provide novel insight into how changes in different metrics of WM occur when a lifespan approach is considered.
Effect modification of diabetic status on the association between exposure to particulate matter and cardiac arrhythmias in a general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tassanaviroj Kiattichat , Plodpai Pimchanok , Wongyikul Pakpoom , Tanasombatkul Krittai , Shinlapawittayatorn Krekwit , Phinyo Phichayut
Published: May 2024

Particulate matter (PM) has various health effects, including cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to PM and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) have been associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. However, no comprehensive synthesis has been conducted to examine the modifying effect of DM on the association between PM and arrhythmia events. Thus, the objectives of this review were to investigate whether the association of PM is linked to cardiac arrhythmias and whether DM status modifies its effect in the general population. The search was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase until January 18, 2023. We included cohort and case-crossover studies reporting the effect of PM exposure on cardiac arrhythmias and examining the role of diabetes as an effect modifier. We used the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model to calculate the pooled estimates. A total of 217 studies were found and subsequently screened. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and five of them were included in the meta-analysis. The participants numbered 4,431,452, with 2,556 having DM. Exposure to PM of any size showed a significant effect on arrhythmias in the overall population (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.16). However, the effect modification of DM was not significant (OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.01–1.38) for DM; OR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.14) for non-DM; p-value of subgroup difference = 0.304). Exposure to higher PM concentrations significantly increases cardiac arrhythmias requiring hospital or emergency visits. Although the impact on diabetic individuals is not significant, diabetic patients should still be considered at risk. Further studies with larger sample sizes and low bias are needed.
Artificial intelligence augmented home sleep apnea testing device study (AISAP study)
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Olgers Kassandra , Knollinger Scott , Somisetty Saivenkat , Seol Calvin , Yanamala Naveena
Published: May 2024

Study objective

This study aimed to prospectively validate the performance of an artificially augmented home sleep apnea testing device (WVU-device) and its patented technology.

Methodology

The WVU-device, utilizing patent pending (US 20210001122A) technology and an algorithm derived from cardio-pulmonary physiological parameters, comorbidities, and anthropological information was prospectively compared with a commercially available and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) device. The WVU-device and the HSAT device were applied on separate hands of the patient during a single night study. The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) obtained from the WVU-device was compared to the respiratory event index (REI) derived from the HSAT device.

Results

A total of 78 consecutive patients were included in the prospective study. Of the 78 patients, 38 (48%) were women and 9 (12%) had a Fitzpatrick score of 3 or higher. The ODI obtained from the WVU-device corelated well with the HSAT device, and no significant bias was observed in the Bland-Altman curve. The accuracy for ODI > = 5 and REI > = 5 was 87%, for ODI> = 15 and REI > = 15 was 89% and for ODI> = 30 and REI of > = 30 was 95%. The sensitivity and specificity for these ODI /REI cut-offs were 0.92 and 0.78, 0.91 and 0.86, and 0.94 and 0.95, respectively.

Conclusion

The WVU-device demonstrated good accuracy in predicting REI when compared to an approved HSAT device, even in patients with darker skin tones.
Barriers to participation in biosampling-based translational research: A cross-sectional survey of Canadian critical care researchers
Authors: Cani Erblin , Tsang Jennifer L. Y. , Binnie Alexandra , dos Santos Claudia C. , Fowler Robert , Lamontagne Francois , Mehta Sangeeta , Liaw Patricia C. ,   on behalf of the Canadian Critical Care Translational Biology Group (CCCTBG), and the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group (CCCTG)
Published: May 2024

Background and objective

Collection of biosamples for translational research studies is vital for understanding biological pathways, discovering disease-related biomarkers, and identifying novel therapeutic targets. However, a lack of infrastructure for sample procurement, processing, storage, and shipping may hinder the ability of clinical research units to effectively engage in translational research. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers to biosampling-based translational research in the critical care setting in Canada.

Methods

We administered an online survey to members of the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group (CCCTG), the Canadian Critical Care Translational Biology Group (CCCTBG), and the Canadian Critical Care Research Coordinators Group (CCCRCG). The survey focused on participants’ personal experience of biosampling research, research infrastructure, motivating factors, and perceived barriers.

Results

We received 59 responses from 31 sites, including 6 community intensive care unit (ICU) sites. The overall response rate was 11.3%. The majority of respondents were research coordinators (44%), followed by clinician-investigators (33.8%), graduate students (10.2%), and PhD-investigators (8.5%). Although most (63.8%) respondents reported an interest in participating in translational research, they also reported that their ICUs were currently contributing to a third of the number of translational studies compared to clinical studies. For respondents with experience in participating in translational research studies, the most common barriers were lack of funding, lack of time, and insufficient research staff. For respondents without previous experience, the perceived facilitators were more interest from their research group, improved training/mentorship, increased funding, and better access to laboratory equipment.

Conclusions

Our survey found that the majority of participants were interested in and recognize the value of participating in biosampling-based translational research but lacked funding, time, and research personnel trained in biosampling protocols. Our survey also identified factors that might encourage participation at new sites. Addressing these barriers will be a key step towards increasing translational research capacity across Canada.
Exploring empathic engagement in immersive media: An EEG study on mu rhythm suppression in VR
Authors: Lee Jong-Hyun , Lee Sung Eun , Kwon Young-Sung
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the influence of immersive media, particularly Virtual Reality (VR), on empathic responses, in comparison to traditional television (TV), using electroencephalography (EEG). We employed mu rhythm suppression as a measurable neural marker to gauge empathic engagement, as its increase generally signifies heightened empathic responses. Our findings exhibit a greater mu rhythm suppression in VR conditions compared to TV conditions, suggesting a potential enhancement in empathic responses with VR. Furthermore, our results revealed that the strength of empathic responses was not confined to specific actions depicted in the video clips, underscoring the possibility of broader implications. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the effects of different media environments on empathic engagement, particularly emphasizing the unique role of immersive technologies such as VR. It invites further investigation into how such technologies can shape and potentially enhance the empathic experience.
Eye tracking evidence for the reinstatement of emotionally negative and neutral memories
Authors: Brooks Paula P. , Guzman Brigitte A. , Kensinger Elizabeth A. , Norman Kenneth A. , Ritchey Maureen
Published: May 2024

Recent eye tracking studies have linked gaze reinstatement—when eye movements from encoding are reinstated during retrieval—with memory performance. In this study, we investigated whether gaze reinstatement is influenced by the affective salience of information stored in memory, using an adaptation of the emotion-induced memory trade-off paradigm. Participants learned word-scene pairs, where scenes were composed of negative or neutral objects located on the left or right side of neutral backgrounds. This allowed us to measure gaze reinstatement during scene memory tests based on whether people looked at the side of the screen where the object had been located. Across two experiments, we behaviorally replicated the emotion-induced memory trade-off effect, in that negative object memory was better than neutral object memory at the expense of background memory. Furthermore, we found evidence that gaze reinstatement was related to recognition memory for the object and background scene components. This effect was generally comparable for negative and neutral memories, although the effects of valence varied somewhat between the two experiments. Together, these findings suggest that gaze reinstatement occurs independently of the processes contributing to the emotion-induced memory trade-off effect.
Fostering voice behavior in correctional institutions: Investigating the role of organizational support and proactive personality
Authors: Adikoeswanto Dodot , Nurjanah Siti , Mukhtar Saparuddin , Eliyana Anis , Pratama Andika Setia , Anggraini Rachmawati Dewi , Mohd Kamil Nurul Liyana
Published: May 2024

This research delves into the intricate interplay between perceived organizational support, proactive personality, and voice behavior. Furthermore, it establishes the pivotal role of work engagement as a mediating factor within the articulated research model. The study engaged 287 healthcare professionals within correctional institutions and detention centers in Indonesia, employing a dual-phase questionnaire distribution to capture the dynamic aspects of the participants’ experiences. Utilizing the statistical technique of Partial Least Square—Structural Equation Modeling with the SmartPLS 4 program as an analysis tool, the collected data underwent comprehensive analysis. The outcomes reveal that proactive personality significantly influences voice behavior both directly and indirectly through its impact on work engagement. Conversely, perceived organizational support directly influences work engagement but does not exhibit a direct impact on voice behavior. These findings underscore the significance of proactive personality in fostering a conducive environment for constructive organizational change from a grassroots perspective. The study suggests that organizations prioritize the cultivation of proactive personality traits to stimulate voice behavior, thereby facilitating ongoing improvements and sustainable organizational progress.
WilsonGenAI a deep learning approach to classify pathogenic variants in Wilson Disease
Authors: Vatsyayan Aastha , Kumar Mukesh , Saikia Bhaskar Jyoti , Scaria Vinod , B. K. Binukumar
Published: May 2024

Background

Advances in Next Generation Sequencing have made rapid variant discovery and detection widely accessible. To facilitate a better understanding of the nature of these variants, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association of Molecular Pathologists (ACMG-AMP) have issued a set of guidelines for variant classification. However, given the vast number of variants associated with any disorder, it is impossible to manually apply these guidelines to all known variants. Machine learning methodologies offer a rapid way to classify large numbers of variants, as well as variants of uncertain significance as either pathogenic or benign. Here we classify ATP7B genetic variants by employing ML and AI algorithms trained on our well-annotated WilsonGen dataset.

Methods

We have trained and validated two algorithms: TabNet and XGBoost on a high-confidence dataset of manually annotated, ACMG & AMP classified variants of the ATP7B gene associated with Wilson’s Disease.

Results

Using an independent validation dataset of ACMG & AMP classified variants, as well as a patient set of functionally validated variants, we showed how both algorithms perform and can be used to classify large numbers of variants in clinical as well as research settings.

Conclusion

We have created a ready to deploy tool, that can classify variants linked with Wilson’s disease as pathogenic or benign, which can be utilized by both clinicians and researchers to better understand the disease through the nature of genetic variants associated with it.
Religion, authority and denunciation in the paradigm of mediatization: The case of the Congolese diaspora of the Salvation Army
Authors: Bratosin Stefan , Ngoulou Paterne
Published: May 2024

The article aims to explain denunciation as a form of communication with regards to contestation. It examines this object within the limits posed by the conceptual triangle that associates religion, authority and media. The empirical field investigated considers the case of two virtual communities of the Congolese diaspora of the Salvation Army. Denunciatory occurrences were identified using the thematic analysis of occurrences with the aim of understanding the function and communicational substance of the public denunciation of the respective religious leadership, as well as the major issues that focus the questioning of the authority of this leadership on social media. Findings indicate that the influence of mediatization on religious diasporas have produced a challenge to religious authority that is forged through practices of public denunciation in digital media. Religious leadership, religiosity, doctrines and dogmas are subject to a communicative intention which makes them vulnerable.
Financial management engagement and small and medium-sized businesses in eThekwini municipality, South Africa
Authors: Aliamutu Kansilembo , Mkhize Msizi
Published: May 2024

Small and medium-sized businesses are widely recognised as the cornerstone of growth in emerging and middle-class countries, and South Africa is no different. They generate many job possibilities and salaries for many individuals who live in cities, making them an essential component of average national production. The main objective of the research was to examine the level to which Small and Medium-sized businesses in the eThekwini Municipality used financial management. The research project used a quantitative method to collect and analyse data from the field. The survey included 60 participants from various small and medium-sized businesses in eThekwini. Proprietors and managers of small and medium-sized businesses were among those who responded. The rate at which organisations implement systems that effectively organise their money was a crucial component in analysing the financial management engagements of small and medium-sized businesses. This can be assessed in various ways, including distributing closed-ended surveys to responders. As a result, the proprietors of small and medium-sized businesses were prompted to score their companies based on the level to which financial preparation strategies were implemented and the funding sources. The research found that small and medium-sized businesses in the research areas did not develop long-term financial strategies that included investments in non-current assets, shares, stocks, and real estate initiatives. Small and medium-sized businesses must establish trustworthy systems for accounting information, disclose and analyse their financial challenges regularly, and advocate for laws that make it simpler for small and medium-sized businesses to obtain inexpensive financing. Since small and medium-sized businesses are recognised as contributing significantly to national economic growth, they must keep growing.