bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of anti‐modified protein antibodies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kalafatis Dimitrios , Joshua Vijay , Hansson Monika , Mathsson‐Alm Linda , Hensvold Aase , Sköld Magnus
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective

Studies of autoimmunity and anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been confined to investigations of anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies which utilize synthetic peptides as surrogate markers for in vivo citrullinated antigens. We studied immune activation by analysing the prevalence of in vivo anti‐modified protein antibodies (AMPA) in IPF.

Methods

We included patients with incident and prevalent IPF (N = 120), sex and smoking‐matched healthy controls (HC) (N = 120) and patients with RA (N = 104). Serum (median time: 11 months [Q1–Q3: 1–28 months] from diagnosis) was analysed for presence of antibodies towards native and posttranslational modified (citrullinated [Cit, N = 25]; acetylated [Acet, N = 4] and homocitrullinated [Carb, N = 1]) peptides derived from tenascin (TNC, N = 9), fibrinogen (Fib, N = 11), filaggrin (Fil, N = 5), histone (N = 8), cathelicidin (LL37, N = 4) and vimentin (N = 5) using a custom‐made peptide microarray.

Results

AMPA were more frequent and in increased levels in IPF than in HC (44% vs. 27%, p < 0.01), but less than in RA (44% vs. 79%, p < 0.01). We specifically observed AMPA in IPF towards certain citrullinated, acetylated and carbamylated peptides versus HC: tenascin (Cit(2033)‐TNC2025–2040; Cit(2197)‐TNC2177–2200; Cit(2198)‐TNC2177–2200), fibrinogen (Cit(38,42)‐Fibα36–50; Cit(72)‐Fibβ60–74) and filaggrin (Acet‐Fil307–324, Carb‐Fil307–324). No differences in survival (p = 0.13) or disease progression (p = 0.19) between individuals with or without AMPA was observed in IPF. However, patients with incident IPF had better survival if AMPA were present (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of IPF patients present with specific AMPA in serum. Our results suggest autoimmunity as a possible characteristic for a subgroup of IPF that may affect disease outcome.
Power and politics in framing bias in Artificial Intelligence policy
Authors: Ulnicane Inga , Aden Aini
Published: June 2023

Bias is a key issue in expert and public discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI). While some hope that AI will help to eliminate human bias, others are concerned that AI will exacerbate it. To highlight political and power aspects of bias in AI, this contribution examines so far largely overlooked topic of framing of bias in AI policy. Among diverse approaches of diagnosing problems and suggesting prescriptions, we can distinguish two stylized framings of bias in AI policy—one more technical, another more social. Powerful technical framing suggests that AI can be a solution to human bias and can help to detect and eliminate it. It is challenged by an alternative social framing, which emphasizes the importance of social contexts, balance of power and structural inequalities. Technological frame sees simple technological fix as a way to deal with bias in AI. For the social frame, we suggest to approach bias in AI as a complex wicked problem, for which a broader strategy is needed involving diverse stakeholders and actions. The social framing of bias in AI considerably expands the legitimate understanding of bias and the scope of potential actions beyond technological fix. We argue that, in the context of AI policy, intersectional bias should not be perceived as a niche issue but rather be seen as a key to radically reimagine AI governance, power and politics in more participatory and inclusive ways.
Leveraging similarity analysis to understand variability in movement behavior
Authors: Wan Zijian , Dodge Somayeh , Bohrer Gil
Published: June 2023

The increasingly large volume of trajectories of moving entities obtained through GPS and cellphone tracking, telemetry, and other location‐aware technologies motivates researchers to understand the implicit patterns hidden in movement trajectories and understand how movement is influenced by the environmental context. Trajectory similarity serves as an important tool in computational movement analysis and as the foundation of revealing those patterns. However, there are various trajectory similarity measures, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we present a hierarchical clustering framework that integrates five commonly used similarity measures, including Fréchet distance, dynamic time warping, Hausdorff distance, longest common subsequence, and normalized weighted edit distance, a special kind of edit distance for movement analysis. The framework aims at clustering similar patterns and identifying variability in movement. The optimal number of clusters are first obtained. Then, the clusters are characterized by environmental variables to explore the associations between variability in movement and the environmental conditions. We evaluate the proposed framework using 15 years of tracking data of turkey vultures, tracked at 1‐ to 3‐h sampling intervals, during their fall and spring migration seasons. The results suggest that, at 5% significance level, turkey vultures select their movement paths intentionally and those selections appear to be related to certain environmental context variables, including thermal uplift, vegetation state (observed indirectly through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), temperature, precipitation, tailwind, and crosswind. And interestingly, there exist preferential differences among individuals. Although the preference of the same turkey vulture is not strictly consistent over different years, each individual tends to preserve a more similar preference over different years, compared with the preferences of other turkey vultures.
A Novel Efficient Energy Absorber With Necking-Expansion of Foam Sandwich Tubes
Authors: Guo Haoyuan , Zhang Jianxun
Published: June 2023

Foam sandwich tube is composed of two tubes and a lightweight foam core possessing various advantages, i.e., low density, excellent mitigation performance and energy absorption, etc. With the hope of enhancing the load bearing and energy absorption capacity of energy absorbers, a novel efficient energy absorber composed of axial necking-expansion deformation mode for sandwich circular tube with metal foam core (SCMF-Tube) by an inner-outer conical-cylindrical die is proposed. Considering deformation modes including necking, stretching, bending, and strain hardening of metal tubes as well as densification of the metal foam core, we established an analytical model of necking-expansion deformation for the SCMF-Tube. Then, finite element (FE) simulations are conducted. Analytical deformation modes, load-displacement curves, and bending radii all agree well with the FE results. Effects of material property and geometry on the necking-expansion deformation of SCMF-Tubes are discussed in detail based on the validated analytical model. Adjusting parameters, such as the wall thickness ratio of the inner tube to the outer tube and the maximum diameter of the die can improve the load bearing and energy absorption capacity of the novel energy absorber. Finally, the specific energy absorption of the SCMF-Tube under necking-expansion deformation is 68% higher than that of the circular metal tube under expansion deformation.
Characterization of Viscoelastic Properties of EPDM Molding Compound for Door Grommet Component Using Molecular Dynamics and Phenomenological Modeling
Authors: Gómez-Jimenez S. , Saucedo-Anaya T. , Baltazar-Hernandez V. H. , Contreras-Rodriguez A. R.
Published: June 2023

The automotive industry is evolving by incorporating innovative tools to improve production processes. A proper manufacturing process influences the behavior of the door grommet during its lifetime. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to evaluate the chemical and physical crosslinking of the EPDM rubber over a range of temperatures using a COMPASS force field. Then, once the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) model was equilibrated and all possible crosslinks were formed, additional simulations were performed on the model to explore its mechanical behavior. Subsequently, using the superposition principle, viscosity and curing kinetics were evaluated using phenomenological models. To validate the results of the simulations, three injection tests of the door grommet were performed at different temperature conditions. The results indicate that the viscosity and elastic properties increase with increasing levels of crosslink density and that the critical gel point decreases with temperature. Molecular dynamics superposition results in phenomenological models are in reasonable agreement with the kinetic and viscoelastic behavior of EPDM during and after the injection process. The results presented in this paper provide novel molecular-level findings on the crosslinking mechanisms of amorphous polymers and their influence on viscoelastic behavior, which could facilitate the design of the injection process for door grommet applications.
New species and records of Oripodoidea (Acari, Oribatida) from Mexico
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Kontschán Jenő
Published: June 2023

Twelve species, 10 genera and five families of Oripodoidea (Oribatida) are registered from leaf litter in secondary semi-evergreen forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico; of them, five species (Nasobates spinosus, Mucrobates fissuratus, Scheloribates milleri, S. (Perscheloribates) minusculus, Protoribates paracapucinus) are recorded for the first time in this country; two species (Muliercula bilineata, Peloribates (Peloribatodes) roynortoni) are found for the first time in the Neotropical region. Two new species—Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) mexicoensis sp. nov. (Scheloribatidae) and Setoxylobates palaciosvargasi sp. nov. (Haplozetidae)—are described. An identification key to the known species of Scheloribates (Perscheloribates) from the Neotropical region is provided.
Need for complementary techniques for reliable characterization of MoS2-like layers
Authors: Deshpande Aditya , Hojo Koki , Tanaka Koichi , Arias Pedro , Zaid Hicham , Liao Michael , Goorsky Mark , Kodambaka Suneel
Published: June 2023

The observation of characteristic A1g and E2g1 peaks, at around 408 and 382 cm−1, respectively, in Raman spectroscopy is considered the evidence of 2H-structured MoS2, probably the most extensively studied transition-metal dichalcogenide. Here, using a combination of x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and resonant Raman spectroscopy, we show that the detection of A1g and E2g1 modes in Raman spectra alone may not necessarily imply the presence of MoS2. A series of Mo–S films, ≈ 20-nm-thick, are grown on single-crystalline Al2O3(0001) substrates at 1073 K as a function of H2S partial pressure, pH2S (= 0, 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% of total pressure) via ultra-high vacuum dc magnetron sputtering of a Mo target in 20 m Torr (2.67 Pa) Ar/H2S gas mixtures. In pure Ar discharges and with pH2S up to 0.1%, i.e., pH2S ≤ 2.67 × 10−3 Pa, we obtain body centered cubic (bcc), 110-textured films with lattice parameter a increasing from 0.3148 nm (in pure Ar) to 0.3151 nm (at pH2S = 2.67 × 10−4 Pa), and 0.3170 nm (at pH2S = 2.67 × 10−3 Pa), which we attribute to increased incorporation of S in the Mo lattice. With 1% H2S, i.e., pH2S = 2.67 × 10−2 Pa, we obtain 000l oriented 2H-structured MoS2.0±0.1 layers. Raman spectra of the thin films grown using 0.1% (and 1%) H2S show peaks at around 412 (408) and 380 cm−1 (382 cm−1), which could be interpreted as A1g and E2g1 Raman modes for 2H-MoS2. By comparing the Raman spectra of MoS2.0±0.1 and Mo:S thin films, we identify differences in A1g and E2g1 peak positions and intensities of defect-sensitive peaks relative to the A1g peaks that can help distinguish pure MoS2 from non-stoichiometric MoS2−x and multiphase Mo:S materials.
Acoustic characteristics of sibilant fricatives and affricates in
Mandarin-speaking children with cochlear implants
Authors: Yang Jing , Xu Li
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the study was to examine the acoustic features of sibilant fricatives and affricates produced by prelingually deafened Mandarin-speaking children with cochlear implants (CIs) in comparison to their age-matched normal-hearing (NH) peers. The speakers included 21 children with NH aged between 3.25 and 10 years old and 35 children with CIs aged between 3.77 and 15 years old who were assigned into chronological-age-matched and hearing-age-matched subgroups. All speakers were recorded producing Mandarin words containing nine sibilant fricatives and affricates (/s, ɕ, ʂ, ts, tsʰ, tɕ, tɕʰ, tʂ, tʂʰ/) located at the word-initial position. Acoustic analysis was conducted to examine consonant duration, normalized amplitude, rise time, and spectral peak. The results revealed that the CI children, regardless of whether chronological-age-matched or hearing-age-matched, approximated the NH peers in the features of duration, amplitude, and rise time. However, the spectral peaks of the alveolar and alveolopalatal sounds in the CI children were significantly lower than in the NH children. The lower spectral peaks of the alveolar and alveolopalatal sounds resulted in less distinctive place contrast with the retroflex sounds in the CI children than in the NH peers, which might partially account for the lower intelligibility of high-frequency consonants in children with CIs.
A thin-film acoustic metamaterial absorber with tunable sound absorption characteristics
Authors: Xu He , Kong Deyi
Published: June 2023

A thin-film absorber with tunable acoustic properties over a wideband is designed based on the acoustic metamaterial theory. The thin-film acoustic metamaterial absorber (TFAMA) consists of a frame made of piezoelectric material and several flexible films with attached mass blocks (mass-spring vibration system). Based on the vibration mechanism of the mass-spring vibration system, a cellular model of local resonance form is established, and the material properties of negative effective mass are discussed. Combined with the vibration modal analysis of the coupling of mass block, elastic film, and piezoelectric material, the acoustic characteristics of the TFAMA under alternating voltage excitation are studied by finite element and experimental methods. The simulation and experimental results show that the sound wave can be well absorbed when it is incident on TFAMA to cause the membrane-cavity coupling resonance. By applying an alternating voltage to the TFAMA to excite the mass-spring vibration system to generate local resonance, the absorption of sound waves can be further enhanced in a relatively wide band near the excitation frequency. In view of the convenience of voltage parameter adjustment, the sound absorption band can be flexibly tuned in a wide range, including low frequency.
Can low-cost, scalable, online interventions increase youth informed political participation in electoral authoritarian contexts?
Authors: Ferrali Romain , Grossman Guy , Larreguy Horacio
Published: June 2023

Young citizens vote at relatively low rates, which contributes to political parties de-prioritizing youth preferences. We analyze the effects of low-cost online interventions in encouraging young Moroccans to cast an informed vote in the 2021 elections. These interventions aim to reduce participation costs by providing information about the registration process and by highlighting the election’s stakes and the distance between respondents’ preferences and party platforms. Contrary to preregistered expectations, the interventions did not increase average turnout, yet exploratory analysis shows that the interventions designed to increase benefits did increase the turnout intention of uncertain baseline voters. Moreover, information about parties’ platforms increased support for the party closest to the respondents’ preferences, leading to better-informed voting. Results are consistent with motivated reasoning, which is surprising in a context with weak party institutionalization.
Tracking carbon from subduction to outgassing along the Aleutian-Alaska Volcanic Arc
Authors: Lopez Taryn , Fischer Tobias P. , Plank Terry , Malinverno Alberto , Rizzo Andrea L. , Rasmussen Daniel J. , Cottrell Elizabeth , Werner Cynthia , Kern Christoph , Bergfeld Deborah , Ilanko Tehnuka , Andrys Janine L. , Kelley Katherine A.
Published: June 2023

Subduction transports volatiles between Earth’s mantle, crust, and atmosphere, ultimately creating a habitable Earth. We use isotopes to track carbon from subduction to outgassing along the Aleutian-Alaska Arc. We find substantial along-strike variations in the isotopic composition of volcanic gases, explained by different recycling efficiencies of subducting carbon to the atmosphere via arc volcanism and modulated by subduction character. Fast and cool subduction facilitates recycling of ~43 to 61% sediment-derived organic carbon to the atmosphere through degassing of central Aleutian volcanoes, while slow and warm subduction favors forearc sediment removal, leading to recycling of ~6 to 9% altered oceanic crust carbon to the atmosphere through degassing of western Aleutian volcanoes. These results indicate that less carbon is returned to the deep mantle than previously thought and that subducting organic carbon is not a reliable atmospheric carbon sink over subduction time scales.
Inequalities in urban greenness and epigenetic aging: Different associations by race and neighborhood socioeconomic status
Authors: Kim Kyeezu , Joyce Brian T. , Nannini Drew R. , Zheng Yinan , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Shikany James M. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Hu Ming , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Vaughan Douglas E. , Zhang Kai , Hou Lifang
Published: June 2023

Slower epigenetic aging is associated with exposure to green space (greenness); however, the longitudinal relationship has not been well studied, particularly in minority groups. We investigated the association between 20-year exposure to greenness [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)] and epigenetic aging in a large, biracial (Black/white), U.S. urban cohort. Using generalized estimating equations adjusted for individual and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics, greater greenness was associated with slower epigenetic aging. Black participants had less surrounding greenness and an attenuated association between greenness and epigenetic aging [β
NDVI5km
: −0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.75, 3.13 versus β
NDVI5km
: −3.03, 95% CI: −5.63, −0.43 in white participants]. Participants in disadvantaged neighborhoods showed a stronger association between greenness and epigenetic aging (β
NDVI5km
: −3.36, 95% CI: −6.65, −0.08 versus β
NDVI5km
: −1.57, 95% CI: −4.12, 0.96 in less disadvantaged). In conclusion, we found a relationship between greenness and slower epigenetic aging, and different associations by social determinants of health such as race and neighborhood socioeconomic status.
Mesospheric pressure source from the 2022 Hunga, Tonga eruption excites 3.6-mHz air-sea coupled waves
Authors: Tonegawa Takashi , Fukao Yoshio
Published: June 2023

Lamb waves and meteotsunamis generated by the Tonga volcanic eruption in 2022 were observed worldwide. Here, we show a distinct spectral peak at approximately 3.6 millihertz in the air and seafloor pressures of those waves. The peak in the air pressure represents resonant coupling between Lamb and thermospheric gravity waves. To reproduce the observed spectral structure up to 4 millihertz, an upward-moving pressure source with a duration of 1500 seconds should be placed at altitudes of 58 to 70 kilometers, which are slightly higher than the overshooting plume top of 50 to 57 kilometers. The high-frequency meteotsunamis forced by the coupled wave are further amplified by near resonance with the tsunami mode upon their passage through the deep Japan Trench. From the spectral structure of broadband Lamb waves including the 3.6-millihertz peak, we suggest that the pressure sources for generating the Pacific-scale air-sea disturbances are in the mesosphere.
PET imaging of TREM1 identifies CNS-infiltrating myeloid cells in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chaney Aisling M. , Cropper Haley C. , Jain Poorva , Wilson Edward , Simonetta Federico , Johnson Emily M. , Alam Israt S. , Patterson Ian T.J. , Swarovski Michelle , Stevens Marc Y. , Wang Qian , Azevedo Carmen , Nagy Sydney C. , Ramos Benitez Javier , Deal Emily M. , Vogel Hannes , Andreasson Katrin I. , James Michelle L.
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes substantial morbidity and diminished quality of life. Evidence highlights the central role of myeloid lineage cells in the initiation and progression of MS. However, existing imaging strategies for detecting myeloid cells in the CNS cannot distinguish between beneficial and harmful immune responses. Thus, imaging strategies that specifically identify myeloid cells and their activation states are critical for MS disease staging and monitoring of therapeutic responses. We hypothesized that positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) could be used to monitor deleterious innate immune responses and disease progression in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. We first validated TREM1 as a specific marker of proinflammatory, CNS-infiltrating, peripheral myeloid cells in mice with EAE. We show that the
64
Cu-radiolabeled TREM1 antibody–based PET tracer monitored active disease with 14- to 17-fold higher sensitivity than translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO)–PET imaging, the established approach for detecting neuroinflammation in vivo. We illustrate the therapeutic potential of attenuating TREM1 signaling both genetically and pharmacologically in the EAE mice and show that TREM1-PET imaging detected responses to an FDA-approved MS therapy with siponimod (BAF312) in these animals. Last, we observed TREM1
+
cells in clinical brain biopsy samples from two treatment-naïve patients with MS but not in healthy control brain tissue. Thus, TREM1-PET imaging has potential for aiding in the diagnosis of MS and monitoring of therapeutic responses to drug treatment.
Deciphering community interactions of sulfate-reducing microorganisms in complex microbial communities of marine sediments
Authors: Wasmund Kenneth
Published: June 2023

Sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) are key players in global sulfur and carbon cycles, especially in anoxic marine sediments. They are critical in anaerobic food webs because they consume fermentation products like volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and/or hydrogen produced from other microbes that degrade organic matter. Apart from this, the interplay between SRM and other coexisting microorganisms is poorly understood. A recent study by Liang et al. provides intriguing new insights about how the activity of SRM influence microbial communities. Using an elegant combination of microcosm experiments, community ecology, genomics, and
in vitro
studies, they provide evidence that SRM are central in ecological networks and community assembly, and interestingly, that the control of pH by SRM activity has a substantial impact on other key bacteria, like members of the Marinilabiliales (Bacteroidota). This work has important implications for understanding how marine sediment microbes function together to provide important ecosystem services like recycling organic matter.
SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 protein does not antagonize interferon signaling in respiratory epithelial Calu-3 cells during infection
Authors: Li Minghua , Ayyanathan Kasirajan , Dittmar Mark , Miller Jesse , Tapescu Iulia , Lee Jae Seung , McGrath Marisa E. , Xue Yong , Vashee Sanjay , Schultz David C. , Frieman Matthew B. , Cherry Sara
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of deaths, posing a substantial threat to global public health. Viruses evolve different strategies to antagonize or evade host immune responses. While ectopic expression of SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF6 blocks interferon (IFN) production and downstream IFN signaling, the role of ORF6 in IFN signaling during
bona fide
viral infection of respiratory cells is unclear. By comparing wild-type (WT) and ORF6-deleted (ΔORF6) SARS-CoV-2 infection and IFN signaling in respiratory cells, we found that ΔORF6 SARS-CoV-2 replicates more efficiently than WT virus and, thus, stimulates more robust immune signaling. Loss of ORF6 does not alter innate signaling in infected cells: both WT and ΔORF6 virus induce delayed IFN responses only in bystander cells. Moreover, expression of ORF6 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection has no effect on Sendai virus-stimulated IFN induction: robust translocation of IRF3 is observed in both SARS-CoV-2 infected and bystander cells. Furthermore, IFN pretreatment potently blocks WT and ΔORF6 virus replication similarly, and both viruses fail to suppress the induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) upon IFN-β treatment. However, upon treatment with IFN-β, only bystander cells induce STAT1 translocation during infection with WT virus, whereas ΔORF6 virus-infected cells now show translocation. This suggests that under conditions of high IFN activation, ORF6 can attenuate STAT1 activation. These data provide evidence that ORF6 is not sufficient to antagonize IFN production or IFN signaling in SARS-CoV-2-infected respiratory cells but may impact the efficacy of therapeutics that stimulate innate immune pathways.

IMPORTANCE

Previous studies identified several SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including ORF6, that antagonize host innate immune responses in the context of overexpression of viral proteins in non-respiratory cells. We set out to determine the role of ORF6 in IFN responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection of respiratory cells. Using a deletion strain, we observed no reduction of infection and no difference in evasion of IFN signaling, with responses limited to bystander cells. Moreover, stimulation of Sendai virus-induced IFN production or IFN-β-stimulated ISG expression was comparable between SARS-CoV-2 virus and SARS-CoV-2 lacking ORF6 virus, suggesting that ORF6 is not sufficient to counteract IFN induction or IFN signaling during viral infection.
Supplemental Material: Evolution of Miocene normal and dextral faulting in the lower Colorado River region near Blythe, California, USA
Authors: Mavor Skyler P. , al. et
Published: June 2023

Datasets S1–S4: Four Microsoft Excel files including tabulated structural data from stereoplots, calcite U-Pb analytical data, Ar/Ar analytical data, and cumulative dextral shear estimates. Item S1: One Microsoft Word document that describes U-Pb and Ar/Ar methodology. 
Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) of COVISHIELD vaccination among healthcare workers in Ghana
Authors: Marfoh Kissinger , Samba Ali , Okyere Eunice , Acheampong Frankline , Owusu Elsie , Darko Dorothy Naa Ashokor , Zakariah Joseph , Mensa Hillary , Aidoo Ernestina , Mohammed Yasmin
Published: June 2023

Objective

To describe the incidence of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) and determine the factors that affect the onset and duration of AEFI after COVISHIELD vaccination among healthcare workers.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary healthcare, Korle-Bu, Ghana.

Participant

Three thousand and twenty-two healthcare workers at least 18 years of age were followed up for 2 months after receiving two doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine.

Primary outcome

The occurrence of the AEFI was identified by self-reporting to the AEFI team members.

Results

A total of 3022 healthcare workers had at least one AEFI (incidence rate of 706.0 (95% CI 676.8 to 736.1) per 1000 doses) with an incidence rate of 703.0 (95% CI 673.0 to 732.0) per 1000 doses for non-serious AEFI and an incidence rate of 3.3 (95% CI 1.6 to 6.1) per 1000 doses for serious AEFI. The most commonly reported systemic adverse events were headache (48.6%), fever (28.5%), weakness (18.4%) and body pains (17.9%). The estimated median time to onset of the AEFI following the first-dose vaccination was 19 hours and the median AEFI duration was 40 hours or 2 days. Delayed-onset AEFI occurred in 0.3% after first dose and 0.1% after second dose. Age, sex, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, history of allergies and comorbidity were not significantly associated with the onset and duration of AEFI. However, participants who used paracetamol seemed to be significantly protected (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.14, 0.17) from having a long duration of AEFI.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate a high incidence of non-serious AEFI and the rare occurrence of serious AEFI after COVISHIELD vaccination in healthcare workers. The rate of AEFI was higher after the first dose than after the second dose. Sex, age, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, allergies and comorbidity were not significantly associated with the onset and duration of AEFI.
Feasibility of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform system of intervention for persons with brain injury in community-based rehabilitation: a pilot for a multiple-baseline design study
Authors: Lindstad Marte Ørud , Obstfelder Aud Uhlen , Sveen Unni , Stigen Linda
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This paper describes a pilot study investigating the feasibility of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) system for persons with cognitive impairments after acquired brain injury in the context of community-based rehabilitation for older individuals.

Design

The feasibility, acceptability and practicability of the research procedures were evaluated by exploring the effectiveness of the PRPP intervention with non-concurrent multiple baseline designs.

Setting and participants

Three participants (63+years of age) from two health centres were included.

Intervention

In the PRPP intervention, the occupational therapist (OT) supports the participant in applying cognitive strategies in everyday activities to enhance task mastery, with nine sessions of 45–60 min over 3 weeks.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The participants completed measurements of five everyday tasks in each phase as dependent variables. PRPP assessment stages 1 and 2 served as the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. The percentage of mastery of the tasks and the participants’ application of cognitive strategies at baseline acted as a control and was therefore compared with the other phases within the participant. The Goal Attainment Scale and Barthel Index served as generalisation measures. The uncertainties and acceptability of the procedures were also investigated with a procedural checklist and qualitative statements reported in the procedures or noted in dialogue meetings with the conducting OTs.

Results

The procedures were acceptable for the OT and the participants and were feasible if the steps in the research procedure were clearly understood. The target behaviour should be changed to the use of one task with five measurement points instead of measuring five tasks. This can enable the application of recommended analysis methods.

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study led to a change in the target behaviour and clarification of the research procedure for the planned PRPP intervention study.

Trial registration number

NCT05148247.
When biological ageing is desirable? A reply to García-Barranqueroet al
Authors: Räsänen Joona
Published: June 2023

García-Barranqueroet alexplore the desirability of human ageing. They differentiate between chronological and biological views of ageing and contend that the positive aspects of ageing are solely linked to chronological ageing. Consequently, the authors embrace the potential for technological interventions in biological ageing. Contrary to their stance, I argue that there are sometimes desirable aspects associated with biological ageing. Therefore, proposals aiming to eliminate, mitigate or diminish biological ageing are not without problems.
Morphology of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) assessed according to habitat preference and age in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Malizia Juliano , Launay Marie , Bruvold Ingrid Marie , Quintela María , Johansen Torild , Reist James D. , Majewski Andrew R. , Roy Denis
Published: June 2023

The Arctic cod ( Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774)) represents the most widespread and abundant fish in the Arctic and is a critical trophic link in its ecosystems. Like many species endemic to the region, it has lost essential habitat as the extent and thickness of sea ice have declined substantially in recent decades. Extreme warming induced by climate change continues to deteriorate polar marine environments. Thus, understanding how Arctic cod use and partition their habitat/environment is central to their conservation. We assessed Arctic cod functional morphology using traditional (including gill rakers) and geometric morphometrics and explored whether these differed among primarily depth-based habitats and age classes using multivariate techniques. While distinct ecotypes have been proposed, these were not detected in our analyses. Rather, results show similar patterns in external morphology of Arctic cod across habitats and age classes in the Beaufort Sea. However, analysis of gill rakers revealed concurrent habitat- and age-specific changes likely associated with dietary preferences. Findings indicate that although Arctic cod do not specialise in external morphological features in any habitat, important aspects of their internal feeding morphology shift as they grow, likely underpinning important distributional shifts and its critical role in transferring energy in Arctic marine ecosystems.
Productivity, nutritive value, and profitability of high-digestibility alfalfa cultivars harvested at two stages of development in eastern Canada
Authors: Boucher Marie-Soleil , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Seguin Philippe , Thériault Mireille , Charbonneau Édith , Laroche Jean-Philippe , Bertrand Annick , Claessens Annie , Bélanger Gilles , Halde Caroline
Published: June 2023

Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) cultivars developed for improved digestibility by conventional breeding or genetic modification have not been evaluated in eastern Canada. This study compared yield, nutritive value, and profitability of two reduced-lignin genetically modified (GM) cultivars, three conventionally selected for low lignin or high pectin, and one population with improved stem degradability, with two commercially adapted cultivars as controls. Alfalfa was harvested at the early bud (intensive management) or early flower (extensive management) stage of development during the first post-seeding year at three sites and the second post-seeding year at one site. All cultivars/populations had similar annual dry matter (DM) yields, except for the lower DM yield (−20%) of the improved stem degradability population. Conventionally selected cultivars for improved digestibility did not differ from control cultivars for in vitro DM digestibility (IVTD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd). Reduced-lignin GM cultivars, however, had a greater IVTD and NDFd (+10%) and less lignin (−10%) than control cultivars at the same stage of development. Reduced-lignin GM cultivars under extensive management had similar NDFd and greater annual DM yield (+1 to 2 Mg DM ha−1), but reduced total digestible nutrients (−41 to 44 g kg−1 DM), in comparison to control cultivars under intensive management. Using partial budget analysis, the comparison of more digestible GM cultivars to the control cultivars resulted in an increase in annual farm net profits ranging from CAD$7.40 to $79.60 cow−1 year−1 depending on stage of development at harvest. Further investigations are needed to quantify the performance of dairy cows fed cultivars with improved digestibility.
The Evolving ASEAN Free Trade Area: Widening and Deepening
Authors: Menon Jayant
Published: June 2023

A recent development in regional trading arrangements has been their tendency to both widen and deepen. This paper examines the impacts of widening, and assesses the progress of deepening in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). The widening of AFTA has seen its membership grow from six countries at its inception in 1992 to 10 currently. The new entrants will gain from membership in AFTA, with the main benefits likely to come from improved access to markets in the region, and increased foreign investment flows. This widening has increased AFTA’s diversity and made it more heterogeneous. But it also threatens to fragment AFTA, with the emergence of a two-tier system consisting of a developed and underdeveloped segment. The AFTA-Plus program is designed to deepen regional integration. Apart from harmonizing customs procedures and tariff nomenclature, and fast-tracking a common customs valuation method, progress has been limited. In services and intellectual property rights for instance, the multilateral rather than regional approach would appear to be both more effective and less likely to be subject to distortions. With foreign investment, the preferential access arrangement proposed in the ASEAN Investment Area could distort the investment climate and result in unequal gains to old and new members.
Globalization, Growth, Inequality, and Social Safety Nets in APEC Economies
Authors: Lee Kye Woo , Park Chanyong
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the forward linkage between trade liberalization and economic growth, economic growth and income inequality, and income inequality and economic growth, and inequality and social safety nets. It then suggests the directions for strengthening the social safety net in APEC member economies. The paper reviews major studies in recent years and concludes that in many countries trade openness is associated with more rapid growth, and economic growth with increased inequality. In addition, it shows that inequality is harmful for growth, and social safety nets are necessary for dealing with negative effects of growth engendered by trade and investment openness.
Environmental Damage and the Mismeasure of Poverty and Inequality: Applications to Indonesia and the Philippines
Authors: Torras Mariano
Published: June 2023

Environmental and natural resource accounting has heretofore mostly been conducted in a national income accounting context. Yet income inequality and poverty statistics are often exceedingly optimistic absent an adequate accounting of environmental losses. Following Khan’s study on Bangladesh (1997), this paper adjusts for inequality and poverty measures to account for estimated environmental damage, in this case for Indonesia and the Philippines. Unlike Khan, the paper uses actual data on environmental losses published by the World Resources Institute, and tests for different assumptions regarding the within-population distribution of the environmental damage. Results show that both Gini coefficients and poverty rates increase in each country after the adjustments. The study provides further evidence that growth in gross domestic product (GDP) is not always an adequate poverty reduction measure and, more importantly, calls into question the so-called “environment–equity trade-off”, implying that pro-environment policies have the potential to produce “win-win” outcomes in less developed countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Puzzle of Social Capital A Critical Review
Authors: QUIBRIA M.G.
Published: June 2023

This expository note provides a critical review of the burgeoning literature on social capital and highlights a number of conceptual and empirical issues. First, the concept of social capital remains largely elusive, with many different ideas attached to it. This elusiveness has serious ramifications for empirical and policy analysis. Second, while the concept of social capital is used to highlight the positive, productive aspects of sociability, it fails in important ways to qualify as a form of capital. Third, there are both theoretical and empirical presumptions that social capital can lead to undesirable socioeconomic outcomes. Finally, a large body of empirical work on social capital remains mired in measurement and estimation problems.
Investment Climate, Productivity, and Regional Development in a Developing Country
Authors: Pernia Ernesto M. , Salas J. M. Ian S.
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the Philippines’s investment climate in relation to the performance of manufacturing firms and the productivity of regional economies. The thesis is that the country’s slow economic growth can be attributed in no small measure to its poor investment climate that hampered the productivity growth of firms; further, the disparities in regional development can be explained by, among others factors, differences in investment environments. Addressing the deficiencies of the investment climate would significantly contribute to enhancing the economy’s long-run growth and redressing regional inequalities.
Measuring Government Inclusiveness: An Application to Health Policy
Authors: Tandon Ajay
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the issue of government inclusiveness—i.e., the extent to which a government can be characterized as “pro-poor”—within the context of inequalities in the health sector. The paper discusses different ways of measuring government inclusiveness and argues that benefit incidence analysis comes closest to measuring the extent to which a government can be characterized as pro-poor. Using this perspective, the paper examines broad determinants of government inclusiveness, especially the role of democracy. Analysis of data indicates a positive relationship between democratization and government inclusiveness, even after controlling for additional determinants of “pro-poorness.” Ethnic heterogeneity, on the other hand, has a negative effect on government inclusiveness. Overall, the analysis suggests the importance of political freedoms for ensuring that the poor benefit from government programs. In countries with high levels of ethnic diversity, special provisions may need to be made to ensure that elite capture of government expenditure does not occur.
Inequality and the Imperative for Inclusive Growth in Asia
Authors: Ali Ifzal
Published: June 2023

Developing Asia’s rapid growth rates that have contributed to a remarkable decline in the incidence of poverty have also been accompanied by rising income and expenditure inequalities and persistence of high levels of nonincome inequalities. These inequalities could be traced to various dimensions of unevenness in the growth process. In turn, the unevenness arises from policy factors as well as from structural transformation associated with growth. Further, unevenness arises from constraints to access to public services and inputs like land and credit. To address these causes of inequalities, the paper advocates a strategy of inclusive growth. This strategy rests on three anchors, i.e., expanding opportunities, broadening access to opportunities, and social protection that acts as a safety net and a springboard. These anchors reinforce each other to facilitate a process of allowing all members of society to participate in, and contribute to, the growth process on an equal footing regardless of their individual circumstances. Public policy to address the disadvantages of circumstances and thereby ensure an even playing field for all is the bedrock of inclusiveness
Inclusive Growth toward a Harmonious Society in the People’s Republic of China: An Overview
Authors: Lin Justin Yifu , Zhuang Juzhong , Tang Min , Lin Tun
Published: June 2023

This overview introduces the background of the study “Inclusive Growth toward a Harmonious Society in the People’s Republic of China (PRC)”, under which all the papers in this special volume were prepared. It summarizes key findings of these papers as grouped into three parts: (i) Inclusive Growth and Policy Options; (ii) Balancing Efficiency and Equity Objectives: International Experiences; and (iii) Empirical Analysis of Income Inequalities in the PRC. In concluding, this overview argues that building a harmonious society is the most important development challenge that the PRC faces, and that a development strategy anchored on inclusive growth provides an effective approach to addressing this issue.
Financial Structure, Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Income Distribution in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Liu Minquan , Yu Jiantuo
Published: June 2023

Since the 1980s, income disparity has increased significantly in the People’s Republic of China, largely as a result of widening urban–rural income gaps. The urban–rural inequality stems from the dual economic structure between urban and rural areas as well as the insufficient development of nonagricultural industries and township and village enterprises in rural areas. The economic divergence across regions can also be related to the unbalanced development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Promoting the development of SMEs in rural areas and economically underdeveloped regions could help reduce urban–rural and regional income inequality. However, a banking structure dominated by the four state-owned commercial banks is not conducive to the development of SMEs and thus not conducive to reducing the present economic disparity.
Mother’s Education and Children’s Nutritional Status: New Evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Miller Jane E. , Rodgers Yana V.
Published: June 2023

This study uses data from Cambodia’s 2005 Demographic and Health Survey to examine how three measures of children’s nutritional status vary by mother’s educational attainment. To identify mechanisms for that association, the study analyzes birth size, which depends on factors during gestation, and low height-for-age (stunting) and low weight-for-height (wasting), which are affected by factors that operate after birth. In multivariate specifications that control for socioeconomic status, mother’s education is strongly inversely associated with stunting, but not small birth size or wasting. Addition of household composition and environmental factors to the model reduces the association between mother’s education and child nutritional outcomes only slightly.
Infrastructure and Trade Facilitation in Asian APEC
Authors: Brooks Douglas H. , Stone Susan F.
Published: June 2023

The sharp decline in trade volume and value during the recent economic crisis has temporarily reduced the urgency of progress on trade facilitation due to lower demand and costs for transportation and reduced waiting times at border crossings. However, as trade is important for the recovery and sustained growth, pressure on transport systems is likely to increase again. The crisis and recovery offer an opportunity for progress on facilitating intra-Asian trade and boosting the region’s contribution to global economic growth. This paper examines trade facilitation among the Asian members of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the roles of hard and soft infrastructure in improving its performance. Computable general equilibrium analysis indicates even a modest reduction in trade costs can yield significant gains. Gross domestic product in the region grows and countries’ trading patterns diversify. Of particular policy relevance is that the results vary considerably across bilateral trade routes and commodity categories.
Asian and Pacific Developing Countries: Performance and Issues
Authors: Naya Seiji
Published: June 2023

The 28 developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank vary greatly in size, wealth and natural resources; in the degree of their reliance on external oil supplies; and in the extent to which their dependence on agriculture has been reduced through the establishment of manufacturing industries. But those differences should not be allowed to obscure the features they share or the fact that, where similar levels of development and broadly similar economic conditions exist, it is possible to identify a number of significant problems they face in common…