bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Memory Deficit Associates with miR-153-3p Upregulation in the Hippocampus of Middle-Aged Mice
Authors: Stabile Francesca , Torromino G. , Rajendran S. , Del Vecchio G. , Presutti C. , Mannironi C. , De Leonibus E. , Mele A. , Rinaldi A.
Published: November 2023

The early stages of ageing are a critical time window in which the ability to detect and identify precocious molecular and cognitive markers can make the difference in determining a healthy vs unhealthy course of ageing. Using the 6-different object task (6-DOT), a highly demanding hippocampal-dependent recognition memory task, we classified a population of middle-aged (12-month-old) CD1 male mice in Impaired and Unimpaired based on their short-term memory. This approach led us to identify a different microRNAs expression profile in the hippocampus of Impaired mice compared to Unimpaired ones. Among the dysregulated microRNAs, miR-153-3p was upregulated in the hippocampus of Impaired mice and appeared of high interest for its putative target genes and their possible implication in memory-related synaptic plasticity. We showed that intra-hippocampal injection of the miR-153-3p mimic in adult (3-month-old) mice is sufficient to induce a short-term memory deficit similar to that observed in middle-aged Impaired mice. Overall, these findings unravel a novel role for hippocampal miR-153-3p in modulating short-term memory that could be exploited to prevent early cognitive deficits in ageing.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Crime: a Systematic Review
Authors: Hoeboer C. M. , Kitselaar W. M. , Henrich J. F. , Miedzobrodzka E. J. , Wohlstetter B. , Giebels E. , Meynen G. , Kruisbergen E. W. , Kempes M. , Olff M. , de Kogel C. H.
Published: November 2023

COVID-19 caused a great burden on the healthcare system and led to lockdown measures across the globe. These measures are likely to influence crime rates, but a comprehensive overview on the impact of COVID-19 on crime rates is lacking. The aim of the current study was to systematically review evidence on the impact of COVID-19 measures on crime rates across the globe. We conducted a systematic search in several databases to identify eligible studies up until 6–12-2021. A total of 46 studies were identified, reporting on 99 crime rates about robberies (n = 12), property crime (n = 15), drug crime (n = 5), fraud (n = 5), physical violence (n = 15), sexual violence (n = 11), homicides (n = 12), cybercrime (n = 3), domestic violence (n = 3), intimate partner violence (n = 14), and other crimes (n = 4). Overall, studies showed that most types of crime temporarily declined during COVID-19 measures. Homicides and cybercrime were an exception to this rule and did not show significant changes following COVID-19 restrictions. Studies on domestic violence often found increased crime rates, and this was particularly true for studies based on call data rather than crime records. Studies on intimate partner violence reported mixed results. We found an immediate impact of COVID-19 restrictions on almost all crime rates except for homicides, cybercrimes and intimate partner violence.
Trophic Structure and a Temporal Shift in Trophic Diversity of Mobile Consumers in a Subarctic Estuary
Authors: St. George Jillian R. , Petersen Stephen D. , Roth James D. , Ferguson Steven H. , Yurkowski David J.
Published: November 2023

Quantifying trophic relationships within and between species in terms of trophic position, ontogeny and trophic diversity provides information on community-level structure and function. Little attention has been focused on examining the trophic structure and temporal changes of communities in freshwater-marine coupled systems in the subarctic and associated impacts of anthropogenic activity on trophic interactions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the trophic position of mobile consumers (15 species in total) within the lower Churchill River area (Churchill, Manitoba, Canada), examine trophic position variation in relation to ontogeny, and measure the trophic diversity of a fish assemblage before (1993–1995) and after (2019–2020) the installation of the Churchill River weir in the late 1990s. We used stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to quantify individual and group-level variation in trophic position of thirteen fish species and two seal species and also assessed six community-level metrics of a three fish species assemblage between time periods. Overall, species that mainly foraged on freshwater resources occupied lower trophic positions than species that mainly consumed marine resources. Trophic position increased with fish age only in cisco, fourhorn sculpin, Greenland cod and northern pike. A temporal shift from a trophically diverse to a more trophically redundant fish assemblage occurred between 1993–1995 and 2019–2020. As a result, these predator species now play similar trophic roles. Information on the long-term change in trophic structure of this sub-Arctic estuarine system may help with understanding how anthropogenic activity and climate change have influenced the trophic diversity of a fish assemblage inhabiting this system.
Isotopic insights into the Early Acheulean (1.95 Ma–1.66 Ma) high-elevation paleoenvironments at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia)
Authors: Briatico Giuseppe , Bocherens Hervé , Bonnefille Raymonde , Geraads Denis , Mussi Margherita
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of fauna tooth enamel from Garba IVD (1.95 Ma) and Gombore IB (1.66 Ma), two Early Acheulean sites of Melka Kunture (Upper Awash, Ethiopia), and discuss faunal taxonomy and fossil pollen. Our aim is to infer the diet and habitat of the fossil fauna, as well as the environment of both sites, in order to provide a broader paleoecological reconstruction. During the Pleistocene, the vegetation of the highlands of Ethiopia belonged to the Dry evergreen Afromontane Forest and grassland complex, which is distinct from the savanna of lower elevations in eastern Africa. Our carbon isotopic results indicate that all the analyzed faunal taxa were grazers consuming C4 plants, whereas oxygen isotopic results discriminate the taxa according to their semiaquatic or terrestrial habitats. These results are consistent with the taxonomic composition of the faunal assemblages and the palynological results, suggesting extended mountain grasslands in the landscape at Garba IVD. In contrast, the carbon isotopic results do not totally agree with the pollen paleoenvironmental reconstruction at Gombore IB, where the open vegetation was interrupted by forests and bushy vegetation. Stable isotope and pollen data provide different outcomes (feeding strategies vs. nearby plants) and have different temporal and spatial resolutions. This is relevant when reconstructing past environments by using independent proxies. Furthermore, isotopic comparisons with other Early Pleistocene paleontological and archaeological sites from eastern Africa indicate that all the analyzed taxa in common fed on C4 plants and that their dietary strategies were not affected by variations linked to the difference in elevations.
Determinants of Japanese-trained Chinese PhDs’ academic career attainments
Authors: Meng Shuoyang , Shen Wenqin
Published: November 2023

The Chinese government has been actively recruiting foreign-trained Chinese scholars to return to China since the Chinese brain drain began. Japan is among the most popular destinations for Chinese scholars seeking to receive doctoral training. This study explores the factors contributing to the stratification of Japanese-trained Chinese PhDs’ academic career attainments using the Mertonian norm of universalism. The results indicate that the norm of universalism can partly explain the stratification of Japanese-trained Chinese PhDs. The reason for this is that their higher pre-graduation productivity enhances the chance that Japanese-trained Chinese PhDs have of obtaining an academic position at a top university in China. In addition to pre-graduation academic productivity, other factors, including the prestige of the university attended, the duration of the academic sojourn in Japan, and the ethnicity of the supervisor influence employment outcomes.
Long-term vs short-term subsite erosion rates on microtidal shore platforms (Southern Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Gómez-Pujol Lluís , Fornós Joan J.
Published: November 2023

We address changes in microtopography of a supratidal rocky surface on calcareous rocks in the shore platform of s'Alavern (S de Mallorca) by means of a TMEM monitoring device. TMEM site was installed in 2004 and subsequent microtopographies were obtained in 2005, 2008 and 2021; as well as a bi-hourly monitoring in 2005. When comparing subsite short-term erosion rates against long-term erosion rates, the results indicate that the erosion rates obtained during time intervals of less than 5 years show higher erosion rates (0.45 vs. 0.22 mm year−1) and with greater variance than those obtained for monitoring intervals greater than a decade. When comparing the variability of the value of the microtopographical altitude in hourly intervals with the behaviour of those same points on a long-time scale, it is evident that, in the short term, those points that experience negative displacements show higher long-term erosion rates than those that experience positive shifts on an hourly scale. However, this pattern is not statistically significant, which suggests that the magnitude and trend of the microtopography change is reflecting the role of different processes and agents that are operating at different temporal scales.
Triple-Diffusive Bioconvection Flow of Sutterby Nanofluid Over an Oscillatory Stretchable Surface Immersed in a Darcy-Forchheimer Porous Medium
Authors: Mkhatshwa Musawenkhosi
Published: November 2023

To respond to the demands of modern technological processes, the employment of nanofluids to maximize energy efficiency has been a topic of interest to many scientists. The stability of such nanofluids can be appropriately enhanced with the use of gyrotactic microorganisms. In the current framework, we inspect the triple-diffusive bioconvection flow of electro-magnetized Sutterby nanofluid via an oscillatory stretchable surface with Brownian diffusion of both nanoparticles and microorganisms, thermophoresis, buoyancy, and inertial forces. With the utilization of acceptable dimensionless variables, the governed flow equations are first metamorphosed into non-dimensional form, and solutions of the resulting equations are computed using the overlapping grid spectral collocation scheme. The rationale for choosing this numerical approach is provided by computing residual errors and condition numbers. The significance of physical parameters on the quantities of engineering interest and flow profiles is discussed. The main results include that reduced surface shear stress and minimal oscillatory nature of velocity are achieved with the inclusion of porous media, inertial forces, bioconvection, and nanofluid buoyancy forces. Temperature and rate of heat transfer are upsurged with the existence of variable thermal conductivity, nonlinear radiation, and convective heat conditions, which advocate that such features promote superior heat transport within the Sutterby working fluid. Growth in solutal Dufour Lewis number increases solutal concentration while reducing solutal-mass transfer rate. Improvement in microbial Brownian diffusion parameter causes enhancement in the rate of motile microorganisms transfer and reduction in the concentration of gyrotactic microorganisms. This implies that the random motion of motile microorganisms plays a prominent role in the dynamics of microorganisms.
Artificial intelligence to improve ischemia prediction in Rubidium Positron Emission Tomography—a validation study
Authors: Frey Simon M. , Bakula Adam , Tsirkin Andrew , Vasilchenko Vasily , Ruff Peter , Oehri Caroline , Amrein Melissa Fee , Huré Gabrielle , Rumora Klara , Schäfer Ibrahim , Caobelli Federico , Haaf Philip , Mueller Christian E. , Remppis Bjoern Andrew , Rocca Hans-Peter Brunner-La , Zellweger Michael J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients are referred to functional coronary artery disease (CAD) testing based on their pre-test probability (PTP) to search for myocardial ischemia. The recommended prediction tools incorporate three variables (symptoms, age, sex) and are easy to use, but have a limited diagnostic accuracy. Hence, a substantial proportion of non-invasive functional tests reveal no myocardial ischemia, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure and costs. Therefore, preselection of patients before ischemia testing needs to be improved using a more predictive and personalised approach.

Aims

Using multiple variables (symptoms, vitals, ECG, biomarkers), artificial intelligence–based tools can provide a detailed and individualised profile of each patient. This could improve PTP assessment and provide a more personalised diagnostic approach in the framework of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM).

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 2417) referred for Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography were evaluated. PTP was calculated using the ESC 2013/2019 and ACC 2012/2021 guidelines, and a memetic pattern–based algorithm (MPA) was applied incorporating symptoms, vitals, ECG and biomarkers. Five PTP categories from very low to very high PTP were defined (i.e., < 5%, 5–15%, 15–50%, 50–85%, > 85%). Ischemia was defined as summed difference score (SDS) ≥ 2.

Results

Ischemia was present in 37.1%. The MPA model was most accurate to predict ischemia (AUC: 0.758, p < 0.001 compared to ESC 2013, 0.661; ESC 2019, 0.673; ACC 2012, 0.585; ACC 2021, 0.667). Using the < 5% threshold, the MPA’s sensitivity and negative predictive value to rule out ischemia were 99.1% and 96.4%, respectively. The model allocated patients more evenly across PTP categories, reduced the proportion of patients in the intermediate (15–85%) range by 29% (ACC 2012)–51% (ESC 2019), and was the only tool to correctly predict ischemia prevalence in the very low PTP category.

Conclusion

The MPA model enhanced ischemia testing according to the PPPM framework:

The MPA model improved individual prediction of ischemia significantly and could safely exclude ischemia based on readily available variables without advanced testing (“predictive”).

It reduced the proportion of patients in the intermediate PTP range. Therefore, it could be used as a gatekeeper to prevent patients from further unnecessary downstream testing, radiation exposure and costs (“preventive”).

Consequently, the MPA model could transform ischemia testing towards a more personalised diagnostic algorithm (“personalised”).
EpiPredict: Agent-Based Modeling of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Suer Janik , Ponge Johannes , Hellingrath Bernd
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impact of emerging infectious diseases on various aspects of public life. Decision-makers in the public-health sector faced the challenge of selecting effective countermeasures for a newly emerging disease with limited historical data and little understanding of its dynamics. To evaluate these decisions, infectious disease modeling has proven to be a valuable tool, providing insights into disease dynamics and predicting future outcomes for different scenarios. Agent-based models, which simulate populations at an individual level, are especially well-suited to capture the complex individual behaviors and the arising aggregated system evolution, making these models suitable tools to evaluate disease progression within highly heterogeneous populations. This paper focuses on the EpiPredict project, which has aimed to develop a flexible, easy-to-use simulation framework for constructing, executing, and analyzing agent-based infectious disease models. The project objective arose from the observation that epidemiologists or public-health decision-makers, i.e., people without a strong IT background, lacked simulation tools, as most available tools required extensive programming skills to create and simulate agent-based models. Within this paper, the EpiPredict project and platform will be presented, and the relation of agents to the field of artificial intelligence discussed.
An FDD-based modal parameter-less proportional flexibility-resembling matrix for response-only damage detection
Authors: Calidori Andrea , Bernagozzi Giacomo , Castellaro Silvia , Landi Luca , Diotallevi Pier Paolo
Published: November 2023

Modal flexibility-based methods are effective tools for vibration-based structural damage detection, including in the output-only case. These methods are typically characterized by two stages: first, the modal parameters are identified, thus obtaining a certain number of modes; second, these modal parameters are used to assemble the modal flexibility matrix. This paper proposes a method for estimating a matrix that approximates a proportional flexibility matrix, termed proportional flexibility-resembling (PFR) matrix, and shows that this matrix can be used for damage detection and localization purposes. This matrix is obtained through signal processing operations to be executed after applying the first steps of the frequency-domain decomposition (FDD) technique—i.e., after the singular value decomposition of the spectral density matrix. The defining aspect of the PFR matrix is that, differently from the traditional formulation of modal flexibility and proportional flexibility matrices, it can be assembled without the need of an explicit identification of the modal parameters. In fact, the matrix is estimated by processing all first singular vectors and also all first singular values in a selected frequency range. In the proposed method, the typical two stage approach of traditional modal flexibility methods is avoided, and the intervention of an operator is limited to setting the values of a few parameters in the initial phase of the process. Numerical simulations and experimental data from a testbed structure were used to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and the analyses were performed by considering structures with different damage scenarios and damping properties.
Real and illusionary difficulties in conceptual learning in mathematics: comparison between constructivist and inferentialist perspectives
Authors: Uegatani Yusuke , Otani Hiroki , Shirakawa Shintaro , Ito Ryo
Published: November 2023

Due to the learning paradox, students cannot have real difficulty in understanding a mathematical concept that they have not yet understood. There is a gap between real difficulties, directly experienced by students, and illusionary ones, only observed by researchers. This paper aims to offer a critical reflection on our understanding of the term difficulty in mathematics education research. We start this paper by arguing that a constructivist perspective, which has often been adopted in researches on mathematical task design, can deal with difficulties in solving a mathematical problem, but it cannot theoretically deal with those in understanding a mathematical concept. Therefore, we need the alternative philosophy of Robert Brandom’s inferentialism to capture students’ real difficulties in conceptual learning. From an inferentialist perspective, we introduce the idea of illusionary and real difficulties. The former is defined as what students cannot do, but they are not conscious of what they should do, while the latter is defined as what students cannot do despite their consciousness of what they should do. Through an eighth grade classroom episode, we argue that it is important in mathematics education research to focus not only on illusionary difficulties but also on the transition from illusionary to real difficulties. Researchers are encouraged to design a learning environment in which students become conscious of what they cannot do and to observe their mathematics learning in such an environment.
On minimal Gorenstein Hilbert functions
Authors: Bezerra Lenin , Gondim Rodrigo , Ilardi Giovanna , Zappalà Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

We conjecture that a class of Artinian Gorenstein Hilbert algebras called full Perazzo algebras always have minimal Hilbert function, fixing codimension and length. We prove the conjecture in length four and five, in low codimension. We also prove the conjecture for a particular subclass of algebras that occurs in every length and certain codimensions. As a consequence of our methods we give a new proof of part of a known result about the asymptotic behavior of the minimum entry of a Gorenstein Hilbert function.
Strategies for Digital Clinical Teaching During the COVID Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Voss Miranda , Geniets Anne , Winters Niall
Published: November 2023

Widespread “lockdowns” during the COVID pandemic in 2020–2021 restricted medical students’ access to patients. We used a scoping review with exploratory thematic synthesis to examine how reports of digital clinical teaching during the first year of the COVID pandemic could inform digital clinical teaching in the post-pandemic world. We looked at strategies used and outcomes reported, lessons learned about how best to use digital methods for clinical teaching, and learning theories used. The eighty-three articles included in the final review fell into four groups. These were telehealth interventions; virtual case-based teaching; multi-modal virtual rotations; and a small group of “other” strategies. Telehealth reports indicated that COVID has probably accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and these skills will be required in future curricula. Engagement with virtual case-based teaching was problematic. Virtual rotations were particularly valued in specialties that relied on visual interpretation such as radiology and dermatology. For general clinical specialties, digital clinical teaching was not a satisfactory substitute for real clinical exposure because it lacked the complexity of usual clinical practice. Sixty-seven articles reported students’ reactions only, and 16 articles reported a change in knowledge or skills. Demands on instructors were considerable. Few studies were theorized and none tested theory, which limited their transferability. While telehealth teaching may be a valuable addition to some curricula, digital clinical teaching is unlikely substantially to replace exposure to real patients outside of specialties that rely on visual interpretation. High demands on instructors suggest little potential for new, scalable digital clinical offerings after COVID.
Estimate for the largest zeros of the D’Arcais polynomials
Authors: Heim Bernhard , Neuhauser Markus
Published: November 2023

The zeros of the nth D’Arcais polynomial, also known in combinatorics as the Nekrasov–Okounkov polynomial, dictate the vanishing properties of the nth Fourier coefficients of all complex powers x of the Dedekind $$\eta $$
η
-function. In this paper, we prove that these coefficients are non-vanishing for $$\vert x \vert > \kappa \, (n-1)$$

|
x
|
>
κ

(
n
-
1
)

and $$\kappa \approx 9.7225$$

κ
≈
9.7225

. Numerical computations imply that 9.72245 is a lower bound for $$\kappa $$
κ
. This significantly improves previous results by Kostant, Han, and Heim–Neuhauser. The polynomials studied in this paper include Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, 1-associated Laguerre polynomials, Hermite polynomials, and polynomials associated with overpartitions and plane partitions.
A novel fuzzy TOPSIS method based on T-spherical fuzzy Aczel–Alsina power Heronian mean operators with applications in pharmaceutical enterprises’ selection
Authors: Liu Peide , Khan Qaisar , Jamil Ayesha , Haq Ijaz Ul , Sikandar Waseem , Hussain Fawad
Published: November 2023

One of the most significant and complete approaches to accommodate greater uncertainty than current fuzzy structures is the T-Spherical Fuzzy Set (TSPFS). The primary benefit of TSPFS is that current fuzzy structures are special cases of it. Firstly, some novel TSPF power Heronian mean (TSPFPHM) operators are initiated based on Aczel–Alsina operational laws. These aggregation operators (AOs) have the capacity to eliminate the impact of uncomfortable data and can simultaneously consider the relationships between any two input arguments. Secondly, some elementary properties and core cases with respect to parameters are investigated and found that some of the existing AOs are special cases of the newly initiated aggregation operators. Thirdly, based on these AOs and Aczel–Alsina operational laws a newly advanced technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS)-based method for dealing with multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems in a T-Spherical fuzzy framework is established, where the weights of both the decision makers (DMs) and the criteria are completely unknowable. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to evaluate and choose the pharmaceutical firms with the capacity for high-quality, sustainable development in the TSPF environment to demonstrate the usefulness and efficacy. After that, the comparison analysis with other techniques is utilized to demonstrate the coherence and superiority of the recommended approach.
“Out of my control”: science undergraduates report mental health concerns and inconsistent conditions when using remote proctoring software
Authors: Pokorny Annika , Ballen Cissy J. , Drake Abby Grace , Driessen Emily P. , Fagbodun Sheritta , Gibbens Brian , Henning Jeremiah A. , McCoy Sophie J. , Thompson Seth K. , Willis Charles G. , Lane A. Kelly
Published: November 2023

Efforts to discourage academic misconduct in online learning environments frequently include the use of remote proctoring services. While these services are relatively commonplace in undergraduate science courses, there are open questions about students’ remote assessment environments and their concerns related to remote proctoring services. Using a survey distributed to 11 undergraduate science courses engaging in remote instruction at three American, public, research-focused institutions during the spring of 2021, we found that the majority of undergraduate students reported testing in suboptimal environments. Students’ concerns about remote proctoring services were closely tied to technological difficulties, fear of being wrongfully accused of cheating, and negative impacts on mental health. Our results suggest that remote proctoring services can create and perpetuate inequitable assessment environments for students, and additional research is required to understand the efficacy of their intended purpose to prevent cheating. We also advocate for continued conversations about the broader social and institutional conditions that can pressure students into cheating. While changes to academic culture are difficult, these conversations are necessary for higher education to remain relevant in an increasingly technological world.
Simulation of In-Space Fragmentation Events
Authors: Olivieri Lorenzo , Giacomuzzo Cinzia , Lopresti Stefano , Francesconi Alessandro
Published: November 2023

In the next years, the space debris population is expected to progressively grow due to in-space collisions and break-up events; in addition, anti-satellite tests can further affect the debris environment by generating large clouds of fragments. The simulation of these events allows identifying the main parameters affecting fragmentation and obtaining statistically accurate populations of generated debris, both above and below detection thresholds for ground-based observatories. Such information can be employed to improve current fragmentation models and to reproduce historical events to better understand their influence on the non-detectable space debris population. In addition, numerical simulation can also be used as input to identify the most critical objects to be removed to reduce the risk of irreversible orbit pollution. In this paper, the simulation of historical in-orbit fragmentation events is discussed and the generated debris populations are presented. The presented case-studies include the COSMOS-IRIDIUM collision, the COSMOS 1408 anti-satellite test, the 2022-151B CZ-6A in-orbit break-up, and a potential collision of ENVISAT with a spent rocket stage; for these events, results are presented in terms of cumulative fragments distributions and debris orbital distributions.
Determination of lead and cadmium concentration in cosmetic products in the Saudi market
Authors: Alqahtani Alaa M. , Mojally Mariam , Sayqal Ali , Ainousah Bayan E. , Alqmash Afrah , Alzahrani Shafuq , Alqurashi Ghaidaa , Wawi Omniyah , Alsharif Azizah
Published: November 2023

This study was undertaken to determine the cadmium and lead concentrations in low-price cosmetic products in the Saudi market. An analytical test was performed for 13 cosmetic products (five lipsticks, five foundations, and three eyeliners) using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The lead and cadmium heavy metals were determined as trace minerals in all 13 samples. The mean value for each metal in the three different products was as follows: 0.019532 (lipstick group), 0.020842 (foundation group), 0.026237 (eyeliner group) ppm for cadmium, and 0.032744 (lipstick group), 0.046466 (foundation group), 0.041903 (eyeliner group) ppm for lead. The results also indicated that the lead concentration was higher than cadmium in all samples under investigation. Moreover, the results indicated that the levels of cadmium and lead are affected by the company of the cosmetic products. Also, the results indicated that the cadmium and lead levels were within the allowable FDA values. Regular monitoring of the presence of heavy metals in cosmetic products should be continuously undertaken as these metals are reported to show harmful effects on the human body even in very small amounts.
Prevalence of malaria parasite and its effects on some hematological parameters amongst pregnant women in Yola, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Blessing Nkechi , Chessed Godly , Erukainure Frank Efe , Ekeuhie Jerry Chima , Philips Vandi
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaria infection during pregnancy presents a substantial health threat, adversely impacting both the mother and fetus. Its pathogenesis and clinical consequences further complicate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, particularly in endemic regions. The precise impact of malaria infection on hematological profiles needs to be clearly elucidated, and the occurrence of malaria in expectant mothers still needs to be explored. Consequently, this study aims to assess the prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women as well as to investigate and correlate the effects of this infection on the hematological parameters of pregnant women in Yola, Nigeria.

Methods

A structured hybrid questionnaire was used to gather socio-demographic, clinical, and obstetric data from 100 pregnant women aged 15–45 years. Malaria parasitemia was determined and confirmed using a light microscope, blood smear-staining techniques, and rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). At the same time, the packed cell volume (PCV) was measured using a microhematocrit reader. Also, the complete blood count was determined using Turk’s solution and Neubauer’s counting chamber (hemocytometer).

Results

Out of the 100 participants in the study, 76 tested positive for malaria, resulting in a prevalence rate of 76%. The age group between 30 and 34 years and multigravida recorded high values of malaria-infected women, accounting for 18 (23.7%) and 49%, respectively. Also, the study’s findings indicate that malaria-infected pregnant women had a significantly higher occurrence of anemia than those not infected (P = .045). In addition, eosinophil counts, total white blood cells (WBC), and neutrophil count were notably higher in pregnant women infected by malaria compared to those not infected (P < .05). Conversely, lymphocyte count, basophil count, and monocyte count were significantly lower in pregnant women infected by malaria compared to uninfected pregnant women.

Conclusion

Pregnant women participating in prenatal care at the Specialist Hospital in Yola, Nigeria, exhibited a relatively high occurrence of malaria parasite infection, and these infected pregnant women displayed a notable change in specific hematological parameters. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of malaria during pregnancy and contribute to improved diagnostic and management strategies for pregnant women at risk of malaria infection.
Language Learning with Digital Video
Authors: Goldstein Ben , Driver Paul
Published: November 2023

Practical activities and ideas for using a variety of video types in the language classroom, including student-generated video.

Language Learning with Digital Video is for teachers who are interested in using a range of video in the language classroom, from documentaries to You Tube clips and learner-generated material. The book contains a variety of generic, easy-to-use, practical activities as well as a number of ready-made worksheets for specific video clips. Activities require minimal preparation and are suitable for a range of ages and levels, and for both the experienced and less experienced teacher. There is also a useful list of sources, detailing a wide range of video clips, plus a bank of technical tips and advice.
A ‘legacy of suspicion’: the UK National Archives, the ‘migrated archives’ and the insecticide debacle of 2022
Authors: Banton Mandy
Published: November 2023

In early 2022 the UK National Archives (TNA) suddenly withdrew one of its most sensitive archival collections from public access. There was no warning, and, for a considerable time, no explanation, thus fuelling a decades-long ‘legacy of suspicion’ about the underlying motives of TNA, the Foreign Office and even the entire British government. This article traces that story using early speculations expressed by users (and potential users) of the so-called ‘Foreign and Commonwealth Office migrated archives’, information eventually provided by TNA, and an analysis of some requests submitted under the UK Freedom of Information legislation. It concludes with a discussion of a new TNA programme to open up the collection to the national archives of the countries from which the records were removed at independence.
Detailed characterization of kHz-rate laser-driven fusion at a thin liquid sheet with a neutron detection suite
Authors: Knight Benjamin M. , Gautam Connor M. , Stoner Colton R. , Egner Bryan V. , Smith Joseph R. , Orban Chris M. , Manfredi Juan J. , Frische Kyle D. , Dexter Michael L. , Chowdhury Enam A. , Patnaik Anil K.
Published: November 2023

We present detailed characterization of laser-driven fusion and neutron production (

$\sim {10}^5$

/second) using 8 mJ, 40 fs laser pulses on a thin (<1 μm) D

${}_2$

O liquid sheet employing a measurement suite. At relativistic intensity (

$\sim 5\times {10}^{18}$

W/cm

${}^2$

) and high repetition rate (1 kHz), the system produces deuterium–deuterium (D-D) fusion, allowing for consistent neutron generation. Evidence of D-D fusion neutron production is verified by a measurement suite with three independent detection systems: an EJ-309 organic scintillator with pulse-shape discrimination, a

${}^3\mathrm{He}$

proportional counter and a set of 36 bubble detectors. Time-of-flight analysis of the scintillator data shows the energy of the produced neutrons to be consistent with 2.45 MeV. Particle-in-cell simulations using the WarpX code support significant neutron production from D-D fusion events in the laser–target interaction region. This high-repetition-rate laser-driven neutron source could provide a low-cost, on-demand test bed for radiation hardening and imaging applications.
Predicting turbulent dynamics with the convolutional autoencoder echo state network
Authors: Racca Alberto , Doan Nguyen Anh Khoa , Magri Luca
Published: November 2023

The dynamics of turbulent flows is chaotic and difficult to predict. This makes the design of accurate reduced-order models challenging. The overarching objective of this paper is to propose a nonlinear decomposition of the turbulent state to predict the flow based on a reduced-order representation of the dynamics. We divide the turbulent flow into a spatial problem and a temporal problem. First, we compute the latent space, which is the manifold onto which the turbulent dynamics live. The latent space is found by a series of nonlinear filtering operations, which are performed by a convolutional autoencoder (CAE). The CAE provides the decomposition in space. Second, we predict the time evolution of the turbulent state in the latent space, which is performed by an echo state network (ESN). The ESN provides the evolution in time. Third, by combining the CAE and the ESN, we obtain an autonomous dynamical system: the CAE-ESN. This is the reduced-order model of the turbulent flow. We test the CAE-ESN on the two-dimensional Kolmogorov flow and the three-dimensional minimal flow unit. We show that the CAE-ESN: (i) finds a latent-space representation of the turbulent flow that has

${\lesssim }1\,\%$

of the degrees of freedom than the physical space; (ii) time-accurately and statistically predicts the flow at different Reynolds numbers; and (iii) takes

${\lesssim }1\,\%$

computational time to predict the flow with respect to solving the governing equations. This work opens possibilities for nonlinear decomposition and reduced-order modelling of turbulent flows from data.
Interacting density fronts in saturated brines cooled from above
Authors: Ezraty R. , Rubinstein S.M. , Lensky N. , Meiburg E.
Published: November 2023

When a saturated brine layer is cooled from above, both a convective temperature front as well as a front of sedimenting salt crystals can form. We employ direct numerical simulations to investigate the evolution and interaction of these two density fronts. Depending on the ratio of the temperature front velocity and the crystal settling velocity, which is governed by a dimensionless parameter in the form of a Rayleigh number, we find that either two separate fronts exist for all times, two initially separate fronts combine into a single front after some time or a single front exists at all times. We furthermore propose approximate scaling laws for the propagation of the thermal and crystal fronts in each regime and compare them with the simulation data, with generally good agreement.
Indicadores de poblamiento inicial en paisajes semidesérticos de la Pampa Occidental (Argentina)
Authors: Berón Mónica , Aizpitarte Manuel Carrera
Published: November 2023

En este trabajo se discute un conjunto de indicios de poblamiento humano en diferentes locus de la Pampa Occidental: el sitio 1 de la localidad Tapera Moreira, El Carmel y Casa de Piedra. El poblamiento inicial de este territorio ha estado restringido a un solo dato cronológico correspondiente al Holoceno temprano, proveniente del sitio Casa de Piedra 1 (8620 ± 190 años aP) que no ha sido replicado en ese u otros sitios de la región. Por ello no ha sido incorporado en la agenda de la discusión sobre esta temática en publicaciones recientes. Sin embargo, en años posteriores a su publicación se han suscitado diversos hallazgos cuyos contextos señalan gran potencial informativo en relación con la ocupación humana inicial de paisajes sin historia previa. Se presentan indicadores de cultura material (puntas de tipo cola de pescado, litos discoidales y materias primas muy seleccionadas y con tratamiento térmico) recuperados en asociación en diferentes locus pampeanos, que se relacionan con las expectativas generadas para una etapa de ocupación inicial del paisaje. Se propone un modelo de exploración lenta y discontinua que utilizó vías de transitabilidad de distinto rango en el proceso de conocimiento y colonización de estos ambientes desérticos.
Mezclas pigmentarias, recetas pictóricas e historias: Una aproximación fisicoquímica a las prácticas sociales de pintado en el cerro de Oyola (Catamarca, Argentina)
Authors: Ahets Etcheberry Eugenia , Gheco Lucas , Tascon Marcos , Quesada Marcos , Halac Emilia , Reinoso María , Marte Fernando
Published: November 2023

Este trabajo se propone avanzar en la comprensión de los procesos históricos de pintado del sitio arqueológico de Oyola (Sierra El Alto-Ancasti, Catamarca, Argentina). En particular, se evalúan similitudes y diferencias en la composición material de las mezclas pigmentarias para entrever la existencia de antiguas recetas pictóricas en la confección de las pinturas rupestres negras. Para ello se realizaron análisis microestratigráficos de 28 motivos mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido con análisis elemental por espectroscopía dispersiva en energía de rayos X (MEB-EDS), y microespectroscopía Raman (RS). Su estudio comparativo señaló el uso alternativo de dos pigmentos negros (carbón vegetal y óxidos de manganeso) combinados, en algunos casos, con un aditivo (sulfato de calcio). De esta forma, fue posible conocer ciertos aspectos de las recetas pictóricas que orientaron la preparación de las mezclas pigmentarias negras, aproximándonos a algunas de las tradiciones y saberes retomados. Para alcanzar una comprensión histórica de dichas recetas, se evaluó la distribución espacial, temporal y algunas características formales de los motivos rupestres realizados con ellas. Al no identificarse tendencias claras, se propone una definición menos normativa de receta pictórica que resalta los aspectos compartidos entre distintos episodios de pintado sin perder de vista las posibilidades creativas de cada evento.
Theory Choice as Niche Construction: The Feedback Loop between Scientific Theories and Epistemic Values
Authors: De Benedetto Matteo , Luchetti Michele
Published: November 2023

We focus on a neglected aspect of scientific theory choice: how the selection of theories affects epistemic values. Building on Kuhn, we provide a general characterization of the feedback-loop dynamic between theories and values in theory choice as analogous to the relationship between organisms and the environment in niche construction. We argue that understanding theory choice as niche construction can explain how certain values acquire more weight and a specific application over time, and how resistance to scientific change can, therefore, arise. We illustrate our picture by looking at the Mendelian–biometrician controversy.
Dietary polyamine intake and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Japanese adults in the Takayama study
Authors: Nagata Chisato , Wada Keiko , Yamakawa Michiyo , Nakashima Yuma , Sugino Masaaki , Mori Tomoka
Published: November 2023

Epidemiological studies on the potential health effects of dietary polyamines are scarce. The present study aimed to estimate habitual intake of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and examine whether spermidine intake is inversely associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a population-based cohort study in Japan. The study included 13 355 men and 15 724 women aged 35 years and older. Diet was assessed via a validated FFQ at the baseline in 1992. The intake of polyamines was estimated mainly using databases of polyamine content in foods consumed among Japanese population. Sex-specific hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for all-cause and cause-specific mortality were estimated according to polyamine quartiles. During 16 years of follow-up, 2901 deaths in men and 2438 in women occurred. The intake of any polyamine was not significantly associated with all-cause or cause-specific mortality after controlling for covariates in men and women. There was a suggestive positive association between spermidine intake and cancer mortality in women: HR for the highest v. lowest quartile were 1·38 (95 % CI (0·99, 1·93); Ptrend = 0·02). Our results did not provide support for the notion that dietary spermidine has beneficial effects on mortality. Further studies on dietary polyamines and longevity, as well as the morbidity of specific diseases, including cancer, are needed across populations with different dietary habits.
Subducted oceanic slab break-off in a post-collisional setting: Constraints from petrogenesis of Late Carboniferous dykes in central West Junggar, Xinjiang, NW China
Authors: Gao Rui , Li Jinke , Kerr Andrew C. , Wu Tao , Xiao Long , Wang Guocan , He Xinxing
Published: November 2023

Numerous Late Carboniferous – Early Permian dykes are found in West Junggar and represent an important part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. In this contribution, we use these dykes to assess the tectonic regime and stress state in the Late Carboniferous – Early Permian. The West Junggar dykes are mainly diorite/dioritic porphyrite with minor diabase and were formed in 324–310 Ma. They have been divided into two groups based on their orientation, petrology and geochronology. Group 1 dykes mostly comprise WNW-striking dioritic porphyrite and NE-striking diorite with minor diabase and resemble the Karamay-Baogutu sanukitoid. They were probably formed from depleted mantle at a relatively high temperature and pressure with the addition of 1–2% sediment/sedimental partial melt and 0–5% trapped oceanic crust-derived melts. Group 2 dykes are ENE-striking and are similar to sanukite in the Setouchi Volcanic Belt. These dykes were also derived from depleted mantle at a shallow depth but high temperature with the addition of 2–3.5% sediment/sedimental partial melt. Magma banding and injection folds in dykes and host granitoids indicate magma flow. Paleostress analysis reveals that both groups of dykes were formed in a tensile stress field. Their emplacement is favoured by presence of pre-existing joints or fractures in the host granitoids and strata. We conclude that large-scale asthenosphere mantle upwelling induced by trapped oceanic slab-off can explain the magmatism and significant continental crustal growth of West Junggar during Late Carboniferous to Early Permian.
Time Variation in the News–Returns Relationship
Authors: Glasserman Paul , Li Fulin , Mamaysky Harry
Published: November 2023

The speed of stock price reaction to news exhibits substantial time variation. Higher risk-bearing capacity of financial intermediaries, lower passive ownership of stocks, and more informative news increase price responses to contemporaneous news; surprisingly, these interaction variables also increase price responses to lagged news (underreaction). A simple model with limited attention and three investor types (institutional, noninstitutional, and passive) predicts the observed variation in news responses. A long–short trading strategy based on news sentiment earns high returns, which increase when conditioning on the interaction variables. The interactions we document are robust to the choice of news source.
A Nicandrian Nero? The Symbolic Significance of the Viper in Acts 28.1–6
Authors: de Vos Craig S.
Published: November 2023

While surviving the shipwreck and the viper bite in Acts 28.1–6 have often been recognised as symbolic assertions of Paul's innocence, the viper may hold further symbolic significance. Following his act of matricide in 59 ce, Nero was linked to Aeschylus’ portrayal of Orestes, who, in turn, was linked to a tradition that understood a viper's birth as matricidal. Thus, through his encounter with the viper, Paul symbolically ‘appears before’ the emperor Nero—something that is anticipated yet never happens overtly in the narrative of Acts itself.