bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptomatic Testing of Hospital Admissions for SARS-CoV-2: Is it OK to Stop?
Authors: Brust Karen B , Kobayashi Takaaki , Diekema Daniel J
Published: July 2023

Universal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing of all persons admitted to acute care hospitals has become common practice. We describe why 1 hospital discontinued this practice after weighing potential benefits against known harms. Considerations around the benefits shifted as we saw a decline in SARS-CoV-2 community transmission and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity of illness, increased availability of vaccines and treatments, and better understood the many other transmission pathways in the healthcare environment. Considerations around harms included the additional strain on laboratory and infection prevention resources, and several unintended adverse consequences of admission screening for patients, including unnecessary isolation, antiviral treatments, and delays in care delivery. Poor test performance for detection of infectiousness also played a significant role in determining to stop universal screening. No increase in hospital-onset COVID-19 has been documented since discontinuation of admission testing. We continue to apply other established layers of prevention while monitoring for any change in incidence of within-facility transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
In Support of Universal Admission Testing for SARS-CoV-2 During Significant Community Transmission
Authors: Rhee Chanu , Klompas Michael , Pak Theodore R , Köhler Julia R
Published: July 2023

Many hospitals have stopped or are considering stopping universal admission testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We discuss reasons why admission testing should still be part of a layered system to prevent hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections during times of significant community transmission. These include the morbidity of SARS-CoV-2 in vulnerable patients, the predominant contribution of presymptomatic and asymptomatic people to transmission, the high rate of transmission between patients in shared rooms, and data suggesting surveillance testing is associated with fewer nosocomial infections. Preferences of diverse patient populations, particularly the hardest-hit communities, should be surveyed and used to inform prevention measures. Hospitals’ ethical responsibility to protect patients from serious infections should predominate over concerns about costs, labor, and inconvenience. We call for more rigorous data on the incidence and morbidity of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections and more research to help determine when to start, stop, and restart universal admission testing and other prevention measures.
Infectious Diseases Society of America 2023 Guidance on the Treatment of Antimicrobial Resistant Gram-Negative Infections
Authors: Tamma Pranita D , Aitken Samuel L , Bonomo Robert A , Mathers Amy J , van Duin David , Clancy Cornelius J
Published: July 2023

Background

The Infectious Diseases Society of America is committed to providing up-to-date guidance on the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant infections. This guidance document focuses on infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacterales, AmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa with difficult-to-treat resistance, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This updated document replaces previous versions of the guidance document.

Methods

A panel of 6 infectious diseases specialists with expertise in managing antimicrobial-resistant infections formulated questions about the treatment of infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales, AmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa with difficult-to-treat resistance, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, and S. maltophilia. Because of differences in the epidemiology of resistance and availability of specific anti-infectives internationally, this document focuses on the treatment of infections in the United States.

Results

Preferred and alternative suggested treatment approaches are provided with accompanying rationales, assuming the causative organism has been identified and antibiotic susceptibility results are known. Approaches to empiric treatment, transitioning to oral therapy, duration of therapy, and other management considerations are also discussed briefly. Suggested approaches apply for both adult and pediatric populations, although suggested antibiotic dosages are provided only for adults.

Conclusions

The field of antimicrobial-resistance is highly dynamic. Consultation with an infectious diseases specialist is recommended for the treatment of antimicrobial resistant infections. This document is current as of 31 December 2022 and will be updated periodically. The most current version of this document, including date of publication, is available at www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/amr-guidance/.
Fingerspelling Used in Classrooms by Teachers of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Authors: Walsh-Aziz Marcia L , Schick Brenda , Lederberg Amy
Published: July 2023

Studies have shown the benefits of fingerspelling on literacy skills in school-age deaf and hard-of-hearing students. This study is an observation of 20 first- and second-grade classrooms. The classroom observations were coded for fingerspelling event frequency, type, length, and whether it was chained to print. The observations showed that teachers used an average of 54 fingerspelled events during 40-min lessons. Teachers’ frequency of fingerspelling was positively related to students’ frequency of fingerspelling. The types of words fingerspelled included Vocabulary (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs), Function (prepositions, articles, and conjunctions), Abbreviations, and Single Letter Names (i.e., manual alphabet). Teachers most frequently fingerspelled Vocabulary words (57.9%, SD = 22.1%) followed by Function words (15%, SD = 11.2%). The average length of Vocabulary and Function words were 4.2 (SD = 0.7) and 2.9 (SD = 1.1) letters, respectively. Teachers chained fingerspelling to print 20% (SD = 10%) of the time. We suggest that teachers could increase and more systematically use fingerspelling in early-elementary classrooms, explicitly bridging the connection between fingerspelling and print given its association with reading.
H i intensity mapping with MeerKAT: forecast for delay power spectrum measurement using interferometer mode
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Yichao , Zhang Jing-Fei , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2023

Neutral hydrogen (H i) intensity-mapping (IM) surveys are considered a promising tool for investigating the expansion history of the Universe. In this work, we explore the potential of MeerKAT H i IM observations in interferometer mode to estimate the power spectrum and constrain cosmological parameters within typical dark-energy models. We employ an approach called the ‘delay spectrum’, which allows us to separate the weak H i signal from foreground contamination in the frequency domain. Our findings indicate that the choice of survey fields significantly impacts the fractional errors on the power spectrum (ΔP/P) within a limited observational time of 10 h. As the integration time increases from 10–10 000 h, ΔP/P progressively decreases until cosmic variance begins to dominate. For a total observation time of 10 000 h, the lowest ΔP/P at low k can be achieved by tracking 100 points for the MeerKAT L band (900–1200 MHz) and 10 points for the MeerKAT UHF band (580–1000 MHz). Next, we assess the performance of H i IM in constraining typical dark-energy models. We find that the MeerKAT H i IM survey in interferometer mode demonstrates limited capability in constraining the dark-energy equation of state, even when combined with Planck data. Our analysis serves as a valuable guide for future MeerKAT observations in H i IM surveys.
Everything that glitters is not gold: V1315 Cas is not a dormant black hole
Authors: Zak J , Jones D , Boffin H M J , Beck P G , Klencki J , Bodensteiner J , Shenar T , Van Winckel H , Skarka M , Arellano-Córdova K , Viuho J , Sowicka P , Guenther E W , Hatzes A
Published: July 2023

The quest for quiet or dormant black holes has been ongoing since several decades. Ellipsoidal variables possibly indicate the existence of a very high-mass invisible companion and are thought to be one of the best ways to find such dormant black holes. This, however, is not a panacea as we show here with one example. We indeed report the discovery of a new semidetached interacting binary, V1315 Cas, discovered as an ellipsoidal variable. Using data from photometric surveys (ASAS-SN, TESS) and high-resolution spectroscopy, we derived a nearly circular orbit with an orbital period of Porb = 34.54 d. The binary system consists of an evolved F-type star primary that is likely still filling its Roche lobe and a B-type star secondary. Using phoebe2, we derived the following masses and radii: for the primary, $M_p =0.84 \pm 0.03 \, \rm {M}_{\odot}$ and $R_p =18.51^{+0.12}_{-0.07} \, \rm {R}_{\odot}$; for the secondary, $M_s =7.3 \pm 0.3 \, \rm {M}_{\odot}$ and $R_s =4.02^{+2.3}_{-2.0}\, \rm {R}_{\odot}$. Modelling the evolution of the system with mesa, we found an age of ∼7.7 × 107 yr. The system is at the end of a period of rapid non-conservative mass transfer that reversed its mass ratio, while significantly widening its orbit. The primary shows carbon depletion and nitrogen overabundance, indicative of CNO-processed material being exposed due to mass transfer. An infrared excess and stationary H α emission suggest the presence of a circumstellar or circumbinary disc. V1315 Cas will likely become a detached stripped star binary.
DeSUMOylation of chromatin-bound proteins limits the rapid transcriptional reprogramming induced by daunorubicin in acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Boulanger Mathias , Aqrouq Mays , Tempé Denis , Kifagi Chamseddine , Ristic Marko , Akl Dana , Hallal Rawan , Carusi Aude , Gabellier Ludovic , de Toledo Marion , Sigurdsson Jon-Otti , Kaoma Tony , Andrieu-Soler Charlotte , Forné Thierry , Soler Eric , Hicheri Yosr , Gueret Elise , Vallar Laurent , Olsen Jesper V , Cartron Guillaume , Piechaczyk Marc , Bossis Guillaume
Published: July 2023

Genotoxicants have been used for decades as front-line therapies against cancer on the basis of their DNA-damaging actions. However, some of their non-DNA-damaging effects are also instrumental for killing dividing cells. We report here that the anthracycline Daunorubicin (DNR), one of the main drugs used to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), induces rapid (3 h) and broad transcriptional changes in AML cells. The regulated genes are particularly enriched in genes controlling cell proliferation and death, as well as inflammation and immunity. These transcriptional changes are preceded by DNR-dependent deSUMOylation of chromatin proteins, in particular at active promoters and enhancers. Surprisingly, inhibition of SUMOylation with ML-792 (SUMO E1 inhibitor), dampens DNR-induced transcriptional reprogramming. Quantitative proteomics shows that the proteins deSUMOylated in response to DNR are mostly transcription factors, transcriptional co-regulators and chromatin organizers. Among them, the CCCTC-binding factor CTCF is highly enriched at SUMO-binding sites found in cis-regulatory regions. This is notably the case at the promoter of the DNR-induced NFKB2 gene. DNR leads to a reconfiguration of chromatin loops engaging CTCF- and SUMO-bound NFKB2 promoter with a distal cis-regulatory region and inhibition of SUMOylation with ML-792 prevents these changes.
Islam, Digital Media, and Identity
Authors: Rahman Fazlul
Published: July 2023

This chapter examines the impact of Islamic identity in physical spaces on its representation online. It finds that even though the media plays an essential role in expanding religion, the different logic of each in most cases creates conflicts, particularly in the case of identity. In Indonesian online media, the issue of “the criminalization of ulama” shows a clear token of how the long-established concept of religious identity in Islam faced various challenges and threats in the contemporary media environment. Consequently, Muslim religious leaders are more cautious in adopting new media. This chapter finds the same evidence in the early Muslims’ interactions with traditional media. Using mediatization and Campbell’s Religious-Social Shaping Technology as its theoretical basis, this chapter argues that the logic of Islamic identity, which is strongly attached to physical values, is different from the logic of media online. Accordingly, this mentality causes a cautious attitude among Muslim religious leaders to adopt media (from the old to the current digital media).
Mary Wollstonecraft and Wollstonecraftian Philosophy
Authors: Coffee Alan
Published: July 2023

This chapter traces the development of one of Wollstonecraft’s central insights, that women’s natural and political rights can only be realized in a supportive cultural environment, into the nineteenth century. It does this by looking at the work of two other Wollstonecrafts, Nancy Kingsbury Wollstonecraft and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and by examining the application of Wollstonecraftian ideas about racial justice in abolitionist writing. Kingsbury develops a Wollstonecraftian line in addressing the question of why women appear not to take advantage of the increasing number of educational opportunities becoming available to them in the early nineteenth century, arguing that structural inequalities make it rational for women to make the decisions they do. Shelley takes the republican framework that Wollstonecraft uses and tests it against a range of human failings, such as selfish ambition and factional loyalty and identity. Throughout the nineteenth century, abolitionists frequently made extensive use of Wollstonecraftian ideas. Frederick Douglass is one example. Harriet Jacobs adds the perspective of a feminist and slave, particularly with respect to sexual violence and family relationships.
Harms of AI
Authors: Acemoglu Daron
Published: July 2023

This essay discusses several potential economic, political, and social costs of the current path of AI technologies. I argue that if AI continues to be deployed along its current trajectory and remains unregulated, it may produce various social, economic, and political harms. These include: damaging competition, consumer privacy, and consumer choice; excessively automating work, fueling inequality, inefficiently pushing down wages, and failing to improve worker productivity; and damaging political discourse, democracy’s most fundamental lifeblood. Although there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that these costs are imminent or substantial, it may be useful to understand them before they are fully realized and become harder, or even impossible, to reverse, precisely because of AI’s promising and wide-reaching potential. I also suggest that these costs are not inherent to the nature of AI technologies, but are related to how they are being used and developed at the moment—to empower corporations and governments against workers and citizens. As a result, efforts to limit and reverse these costs may need to rely on regulation and policies to redirect AI research. Attempts to contain them just by promoting competition may be insufficient. *
Teaching around the Globe
Authors: Reeve Johnmarshall , Ahmad Ikhlas , Ahn Jiseul Sophia , Bartholomew Kimberly J. , Chiu Thomas K. F. , Dias Tatiane Lebre , English Janet , Gargurevich Rafael , Matos Lennia , Haerens Leen , Jang Hyungshim , Kaplan Haya , Liu Woon Chia , Wang John C. K. , Tristán José , López-Walle Jeanette M. , Michou Aikaterini , Moss Jennifer D. , Mynard Jo , Olaussen Bodil Stokke , Rauhala Terhi , Veiga Feliciano H. , Vicentini Eliana Cristina Chiminazzo
Published: July 2023

Teaching is global, so the purpose of this chapter is to provide an international perspective on classroom instruction. In the first part, the authors summarize findings from two international investigations (conducted by others). The first is a video observational study involving eight nations reporting their typical teaching practices in terms of classroom management, social-emotional support, and quality of instruction. The second is a survey-based study involving 19 nations in which teachers self-reported their job satisfaction and teaching efficacy. In the second part, the authors invite educators from 19 different countries to participate in a virtual roundtable discussion to communicate what is special about teaching in their particular nation. Each educator answered this question: What can the rest of the world learn from what teachers in your nation do so well? The roundtable participants highlight their teachers’ work ethic, engagement in professional learning communities, commitment to inclusion and democratic education, and opportunities for both autonomy and collaboration.
Leukocyte Ig-like receptor A3 facilitates inflammation, migration and invasion of synovial tissue-derived fibroblasts via ERK/JNK activation
Authors: Liu Mengru , Tang Yundi , Du Yan , Zhang Jing , Hu Fanlei , Zou Yundong , Li Yingni , Zhu Lei , He Jing , Guo Jianping , Li Zhanguo
Published: July 2023

Objective

Leukocyte Ig-like receptor A3 (LILRA3) is a soluble receptor belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Our previous studies demonstrated that LILRA3 is a common genetic risk for multiple autoimmune diseases, including RA. Functional LILRA3 conferred increased risk of joint destruction in patients with early RA. We undertook this study to further investigate the pathological role of LILRA3 in joint inflammation of RA.

Methods

Soluble LILRA3 was measured by ELISA. LILRA3 plasmids were transfected into human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) using electroporation. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was determined by western blots. Cytokine transcripts were quantified by real-time PCR. Migratory and invasive capacities of FLSs were evaluated using transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assays. FLS apoptosis was analysed using flow cytometry. Colocalization of LILRA3, LILRB1 and HLA-G in RA-FLSs was visualized by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Soluble LILRA3 was specifically expressed in synovial fluid and serum LILRA3 was significantly increased and positively correlated with disease activity/severity in RA patients. LILRA3 induced an increased expression of IL-6, IL-8 and MMP3 in RA-FLSs. In vitro LILRA3 stimulation or overexpression promoted RA-FLS migration and invasion, and enhanced phosphorylation of ERK/JNK. Inhibition of ERK/JNK resulted in suppression of IL-6/IL-8 expression in LILRA3-stimulated RA-FLSs. LILRA3 was co-localized with its homologue LILRB1 and shared ligand HLA-G in RA-FLSs.

Conclusion

The present study provides the first evidence that soluble LILRA3 is a novel proinflammatory mediator involved in synovial inflammation by promoting RA-FLS activation, migration and invasion, probably through the ERK/JNK signalling pathways.
Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis: A Study of Clinicopathologic Features, Biomarkers, and Associated Malignancies in Indian Patients
Authors: Mehrotra Parul , Tirumalae Rajalakshmi , Ballal Sumedha
Published: July 2023

Background:

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EDV) is a rare cutaneous manifestation of human papilloma virus infection, which has a potential for malignant transformation. The characteristic histologic features of EDV may not always be present and may often be overlooked. The use of a panel of novel biomarkers may aid in differentiating EDV from their clinical and pathologic mimics.

Material and methods:

We reviewed 20 cases histologically diagnosed as EDV from 2013 to 2022. Sections were reviewed for histopathologic features, and immunohistochemistry for p16 and Ki67 was performed.

Results:

There were 20 cases, ranging in age from 6 to 52 years with a male predominance. Four patients were immunosuppressed, and 4 patients had a positive family history. The most common presentation was hypopigmented papules and macules. In all the cases, epidermal keratinocytes showed dysmaturation, enlargement, and a blue-gray cytoplasm. These changes were very focal and superficial in 15 cases (75%). Associated malignancies included carcinoma in situ (1), trichilemmoma (2), and trichilemmal carcinoma (1). The trichilemmal tumors were seen in 2 siblings. p16 was expressed in the parabasal and basal layers in 7 of 17 cases (41%), in keratinocytes with and without inclusions. Ki67 was increased and localized to suprabasal and parabasal keratinocytes in 15 of 17 cases (88%).

Conclusion:

Although striking and characteristic, the keratinocyte changes are often focal and superficial, requiring multiple step-sections. Association of EDV with familial trichilemmal neoplasms is a novel finding requiring further genetic testing. In cases of clinically suspected EDV with negative histopathologic findings, p16 and Ki67 seem useful as adjunct biomarkers and could serve as cost-effective alternatives to genotyping.
Early Identification and Management of Cervical Impairments in Pediatric Patients With Concussion May Reduce Risk of Delayed Recovery
Authors: McPherson Jacob I. , Kaur Gurleen , Darling Scott R. , Surace Anthony , Willer Barry S. , Leddy John J. , Haider Mohammad N.
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Previous research, including high-quality systematic reviews, has found that cervical injury, which often accompanies concussive head injury, can delay recovery from concussion. One pilot randomized controlled trial found that focused cervical assessment and appropriate intervention in children and young adults with persisting postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) improved recovery outcomes. Our sports medicine clinics adopted this approach early (within 2 weeks) in children (aged 10-18 years) after concussion. This study describes our clinical management protocol and compares the recovery trajectories in children after concussion with and without a concomitant cervical injury.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Three university-affiliated outpatient sports medicine clinics from September 2016 to December 2019.

Patients:

One-hundred thirty-four concussed children with cervical impairment (mean age 14.9 years, 65% male, and 6.2 days since concussion) were compared with 130 concussed children without cervical impairment (mean age 14.9 years, 57% male, and 6.0 days since concussion).

Independent Variables:

Examination findings related to the cervical spine (range of motion, cervical spasm, and cervical tenderness).

Main Outcome Measures:

Recovery time (measured in days), concussion symptom burden (Postconcussion Symptom Scale), and incidence of PPCS.

Results:

Children with cervical impairment reported a higher initial symptom burden; however, there were no differences in recovery time (33.65 [28.20-39.09] days vs 35.98 [27.50-44.45] days, P = 0.651) or incidence of PPCS (40.0% vs 34.3%, P = 0.340).

Conclusions:

We conclude that within this pediatric population, early identification and management of cervical injuries concomitant with concussion may reduce the risk of delayed recovery.
Modeling whole brain Electroencephalogram (EEG) in a spatially organized oscillatory neural network
Authors: Ghosh Sayan , Biswas Dipayan , Vijayan Sujith , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa
Published: July 2023

In this study, we model high-dimensional Electroencephalogram signals in sleep stages, using a general trainable network of Hopf oscillators. The proposed architecture has two components: a layer of oscillators with lateral connections, and a complex valued feedforward network with and without a hidden layer. The output of the Hopf oscillators, whose dynamics is described in the complex domain, is fed as input to the feedforward network and the output predicts the EEG signals. The proposed network is trained in two stages: in the 1st stage, intrinsic frequencies of the oscillators and the lateral connections are trained whereas, in the 2nd stage, the complex-valued feed-forward network is trained. Reconstruction error obtained when there is a hidden layer in the feedforward network is an order of magnitude smaller than that obtained without a hidden layer. Also, it has been shown that during testing our model is able to generate EEG signals, whose spectral properties accurately describe the corresponding target signals. In the first, the oscillators do not have any spatial localization, whereas in the second the oscillators are spatially distributed in a spherical shell geometry. The model described can be interpreted as a stepping stone towards a large-scale model of brain dynamics.
Structural basis for the development of potential inhibitors targeting FadD23 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Yan Mengrong , Ma Mengyuan , Chen Rong , Cao Yangzi , Zhang Wei , Liu Xiang
Published: July 2023

Sulfolipid-1 (SL-1) is a lipid that is abundantly found in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). MtbFadD23 is crucial in the SL-1 synthesis pathway. Previously, 5′-O-[N-(11-phenoxyundecanoyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (PhU-AMS) has been shown to be a general inhibitor of fatty-acid-adenylating enzymes (FadDs) in Mtb. However, the fatty acyl-AMP ligase (FAAL) class of FadDs, which includes MtbFadD23, appears to be functionally nonredundant in the production of multiple fatty acids. In this study, the ability of PhU-AMS to bind to MtbFadD23 was examined under in vitro conditions. The crystal structure of the MtbFadD23–PhU-AMS complex was determined at a resolution of 2.64 Å. Novel features were identified by structural analysis and comparison. Although PhU-AMS could bind to MtbFadD23, it did not inhibit the FAAL adenylation activity of MtbFadD23. However, PhU-AMS improved the main T
m value in a differential scanning fluorimetry assay, and a structural comparison of MtbFadD23–PhU-AMS with FadD32 and PA1221 suggested that PhU-AMS blocks the loading of the acyl chain onto Pks2. This study sheds light on the structure-based design of specific inhibitors of MtbFadD23 and general inhibitors of FAALs.
Urban space maintainability factors based on life cycle approach
Authors: Rathnasiri Nimali Erandathi , De Silva Nayanthara , Wijesundara Janaka
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The maintainability of urban spaces has become critical with rapid urbanization to create an effective and safe environment for the increasing population. The absence of scientific studies exploring the factors that affect urban space maintainability (USM) has hindered the incorporation of maintainability aspects during the urban space planning and designing stages. This paper aims to establish critical factors for USM.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative content analysis is performed under an abductive approach to developing USM factors. A bibliometric search is conducted using databases including Scopus Elsevier, Emerald Insight, Science Direct, IEEE XPLORE and the American Society of Civil Engineers. The selected primary data set comprises journal papers on USM published after 2000. Seventy-three journal articles are selected through a comprehensive screening procedure and subjected to further analysis. The literature findings are processed via a software-assisted systematic coding and visualizing of the key data using NVivo 12 software. The coded USM factors are validated based on experts’ consensus statements by conducting an expert focus group discussion.

Findings

Twelve critical factors are established for USM; they include six design stage-related factors, one construction stage-related factor and five operational stage-related factors.

Research limitations/implications

Established USM factors give an insight into the main focus areas when incorporating maintainability into urban spaces.

Originality/value

The authors establish a set of maintainability factors for urban spaces based on the life cycle stages. USM factors such as vegetation management, interdepartmental coordination and work zone safety draw attention to context-specific aspects of USM.
Factors associated with the intention to use information technology in audit in Iraq
Authors: Allami Karrar Khalaf Jabbar , Almaqtari Faozi A. , Al-Hattami Hamood Mohammed , Sapra Ritu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors associated with the intention to use information technology in audit (ITIA) in Iraq.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a quantitative approach based on a questionnaire survey of 186 respondents. The study population includes respondents who are board members, senior executives, internal auditors and information technology (IT) assistants in various Iraqi organizations from different sectors. Structural equation modeling has been used to estimate the results.

Findings

The findings exhibit that most auditors in Iraq use basic IT software. However, among several specialized and advanced IT audit software packages, only generalized audit software is used by about 20%. The results also indicate that social factors significantly and positively impact auditors’ and practitioners’ perceptions of ITIA use. Moreover, the results reveal that companies and auditors who use or audit complex accounting systems perceive higher benefits and intent to adopt ITIA. However, the results report that organizational support, professional support, competency and IT education have an insignificant effect on ITIA adoption.

Originality/value

The originality of the present research lies in several aspects. First, the research study focuses specifically on Iraq, which is an emerging and less developed country influenced by social and economic. This research context provides a unique perspective and contributes to the understanding of ITIA adoption in less developed countries. The study investigates how external factors, including social and external pressure and the support of government professional bodies, affect the adoption of ITIA. Further, it assesses the influence of firms’ specific factors such as management support, level of competency and complexity of accounting information systems. Second, the study uses a quantitative approach with a questionnaire survey from various Iraqi organizations and sectors. The specific sample composition adds originality by capturing insights from different levels of organizational hierarchy and diverse professional backgrounds. Third, the findings shed light on the current IT usage in auditing practices in Iraq, highlighting that most auditors use basic IT software and the limited adoption of specialized IT audit software packages. Finally, the study’s originality is also reflected in its contribution to expanding knowledge on the perceived benefits and challenges associated with ITIA adoption in less developed countries. By emphasizing the need for broader awareness of emerging technology-enabled auditing software and considering the unique characteristics of less developed countries, the research provides valuable insights and implications for practitioners, policymakers and researchers.
Can microbial‐based insecticides replace chemical pesticides in agricultural production?
Authors: Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario
Published: July 2023

Extensive use of chemical insecticides to control insect pests in agriculture has improved yields and production of high‐quality food products. However, chemical insecticides have been shown to be harmful also to beneficial insects and many other organisms like vertebrates. Thus, there is a need to replace those chemical insecticides by other control methods in order to protect the environment. Insect pest pathogens, like bacteria, viruses or fungi, are interesting alternatives for production of microbial‐based insecticides to replace the use of chemical products in agriculture. Organic farming, which does not use chemical pesticides for pest control, relies on integrated pest management techniques and in the use of microbial‐based insecticides for pest control. Microbial‐based insecticides require precise formulation and extensive monitoring of insect pests, since they are highly specific for certain insect pests and in general are more effective for larval young instars. Here, we analyse the possibility of using microbial‐based insecticides to replace chemical pesticides in agricultural production.
Functional characterization of a rare pathogenic variant c.875G > A, p.(Cys292Tyr) in COMP
Authors: Yin Lan , Zhu Yingchuan , Jiang Wenhao , Song Yue , Lu Yilu , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Ma Yongxin
Published: July 2023

Background

The protein encoded by the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) gene is a noncollagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that is important for chondrocyte formation and growth. Variations in the COMP gene cause pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), which is mainly characterized by short‐limbed dwarfing in the clinic.

Aims

To characterize the function of a rare pathogenic variant in the COMP gene (c.875G > A, p.Cys292Tyr).

Materials & Methods

We performed 3D structural analysis, in vitro expression analysis, and immunofluorescence to characterize the effects of the variant on protein structure, expression, and cellular localization respectively.

Results

Variation modeling showed that the interactions between amino acids were changed after the variation, and there were 31 changes in the secondary structure of mutant COMP (MT‐COMP). Western blot showed that the intracellular quantity of MT‐COMP was higher than the wild‐type COMP (WT‐COMP). Cellular immunofluorescence results showed that WT‐COMP was less abundant and homogenously distributed in cells, while the MT‐COMP accumulated in the cytoplasm.

Discussion

Herein, we report a variant of COMP in a Chinese family with PSACH. We have shown that the rare missense variant, COMP c.875G > A, previously reported in ClinVar and identified in our patient, results in excessive accumulation of mutant protein in the cytoplasm, and is therefore pathogenic.

Conclusion

Through in silico and experimental analyses, we provide evidence that COMP c.875G > A is the likely cause of PSACH in a Chinese family.
Patterns in longitudinal distribution of American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) population characteristics in rivers of Puerto Rico
Authors: Torres‐Molinari A. , Engman A. C. , Pacifici K. , Dolloff C. A. , Myers B. J. E. , Kwak T. J.
Published: July 2023

American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) population characteristics and distribution remain drastically understudied in the Caribbean region. We conducted the first island‐wide study to evaluate the distribution of density, length, and sex in relation to distance from the mouth of 23 stream reaches in five rivers in Puerto Rico. We found 287 American Eel at a mean density of 156.7 fish/ha. Sex ratios favored females (52:3) but most of the eel sampled were undifferentiated or undetermined. Generalized linear modeling indicated that upstream habitats with low eel density were optimal environments for production of large and female eel. Our findings indicate that Puerto Rico could significantly contribute to the spawning population and strengthen knowledge of American Eel in the Caribbean. Our findings could be used to guide local and range‐wide conservation efforts to ensure stream connectivity and access to optimal upstream habitat for survival of the population.
Power and inequality in global value chains: Advancing the research agenda
Authors: Ponte Stefano , Bair Jennifer , Dallas Mark
Published: July 2023

Power is a central, but largely undertheorized, concept for scholars of global value chains (GVCs). In this introduction to a special issue on power and inequality in GVCs, the authors summarize the key insights from the articles gathered here and explain how the collection advances our understanding of the types and forms of power operating in GVCs and their effect on different dimensions of inequality.
Lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas endodontalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis promote angiogenesis via Toll‐like‐receptors 2 and 4 pathways in vitro
Authors: Fernández Alejandra , Herrera Daniela , Hoare Anilei , Hernández Marcela , Torres Vicente A.
Published: July 2023

Aim

Angiogenesis contributes to the development of apical periodontitis, periodontitis, and other oral pathologies; however, it remains unclear how this process is triggered. The aim was to evaluate whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas endodontalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis induced angiogenesis‐related effects in vitro via TLR2 and TLR4.

Methodology

Porphyromonas endodontalis LPS (ATCC 35406 and clinical isolate) was purified with TRIzol, whereas P. gingivalis LPS was obtained commercially. The effects of the different LPS (24 h) in endothelial cell migration were analysed by Transwell assays, following quantification in an optical microscope (40×). The effects of LPS on FAK Y397 phosphorylation were assessed by Western blotting. Angiogenesis in vitro was determined in an endothelial tube formation assay (14 h) in Matrigel in the absence or presence of either LPS. IL‐6 and VEGF‐A levels were determined in cell supernatants, following 24 h treatment with LPS, and measured in multiplex bead immunoassay. The involvement of TLR2 and TLR4 was assessed with blocking antibodies. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12® (StataCorp LP).

Results

The results revealed that P. endodontalis LPS, but not P. gingivalis LPS, stimulated endothelial cell migration. Pre‐treatment with anti‐TLR2 and anti‐TLR4 antibodies prevented P. endodontalis LPS‐induced cell migration. P. endodontalis LPS promoted FAK phosphorylation on Y397, as observed by an increased p‐FAK/FAK ratio. Both P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis LPS (ATCC 35406) induced endothelial tube formation in a TLR‐2 and ‐4‐dependent manner, as shown by using blocking antibodies, however, only TLR2 blocking decreased tube formation induced by P. endodontalis (clinical isolate). Moreover, all LPS induced IL‐6 and VEGF‐A synthesis in endothelial cells. TLR2 and TLR4 were required for IL‐6 induction by P. endodontalis LPS (ATCC 35406), while only TLR4 was involved in IL‐6 secretion by the other LPS. Finally, VEGF‐A synthesis did not require TLR signalling.

Conclusion

Porphyromonas endodontalis and P. gingivalis LPS induced angiogenesis via TLR2 and TLR4. Collectively, these data contribute to understanding the role of LPS from Porphyromonas spp. in angiogenesis and TLR involvement.
Recent progress and technical improvement strategies for mitigating ceramic membrane bottlenecks in water purification processes: A review
Authors: Omar Najib Meftah Almukhtar , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Tai Zhong Sheng , Milad Muhend , Sokri Mohd Nazri Mohd , Puteh Mohd Hafiz
Published: July 2023

Ceramic membranes offer considerable promise for future industrial applications due to their superior chemical, mechanical, and thermal stabilities, resistance to harsh operating conditions, and long‐term operating processes. However, several bottlenecks still limit their commercial scale‐up in filtration and separation applications, including brittleness, the high costs of conventional ceramic materials, and fouling. Despite several articles in the literature on ceramic membranes, this review focuses on recent progress, technical strategies, and methods to mitigate these limitations that significantly impact their separation and filtration performance. The use of alternative naturally occurring ceramic materials to mitigate the high costs of conventional ceramic materials is discussed, as well as strategies to improve the mechanical strength of brittle ceramic membranes by increasing sintering temperatures and using support materials. Additionally, advanced techniques to mitigate fouling accumulation and wetting in the pores and on the ceramic membrane surface, such as increasing membrane hydrophilicity and surface modification, are addressed. Despite progress in technical solutions for mitigating the bottlenecks of ceramic membranes, these limitations persist. Therefore, the present limitations and future research directions are highlighted.
The effect of an unplugged coding course on primary school students' improvement in their computational thinking skills
Authors: Dağ Funda , Şumuer Evren , Durdu Levent
Published: July 2023

Background

Today, computational thinking (CT), which is considered to be a form of literacy, has taken its place in the ICT curriculum of many countries at the K‐12 level. Therefore, there is a need for more evidence with regards to a theoretical and practical understanding of CT skills’ development of K‐12 students.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an unplugged coding course on primary school students’ development of CT skills, differences in their CT skills in terms of socio‐demographics such as gender, computer ownership, daily computer use, and home Internet access, and the relationship between their CT and 21st century skills.

Methods

The research was based a quasi‐experimental design with one‐group pretest‐posttest with follow‐up. The CT skills of 212 third and fourth grade students at a public primary school of Turkey were measured with a CT Skills Test before, after, and about ten weeks following having attended an unplugged coding course.

Results and Conclusions

The results of the study showed that the unplugged coding course statistically significantly improved the participants’ CT skills, specifically in algorithmic design, abstraction, evaluation, decomposition, and generalization. Moreover, the findings indicated that primary school students’ CT skills were not associated with their socio‐demographics. In addition, the students’ CT skills were found to be positively and statistically significantly correlated with their collaboration and communication skills.

Implications

This study contributes to understanding of the effects of unplugged activities on the development of primary school students’ CT skills, which is beneficial to teaching practices for CT skills in the primary education.
Evaluation of systemic oxidative stress in patients with melasma
Authors: Rahimi Hoda , Mirnezami Mina , Yazdabadi Anousha , Hajihashemi Aazam
Published: July 2023

Background

The significance of oxidative stress has been assessed and proven in the etiopathogenesis of many cutaneous disorders, but there are few studies that evaluated the role of only some factors involved in oxidative stress in patients with melasma.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the role of oxidative stress in melasma and assess the relationship between systemic oxidative stress and the severity and extension of this disease.

Methods

In this study, the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), selenium (Se), vitamin E (vit E), and vitamin C (vit C) of fifty patients with melasma were compared with those of fifty controls.

Results

The serum level of MDA was significantly higher in the melasma group (3.08 vs. 2.35 U/mL;p < 0.05), and it was positively correlated with the severity (r = 0.4;p < 0.001) and extension (r = 0.3;p < 0.05) of the disease. Furthermore, the serum level of vit C was significantly lower in melasma patients (2.16 vs. 2.57 μg/mL;p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Systemic oxidative stress has a key role in the etiopathogenesis of melasma. Serum concentrations of MDA and vitamin C are indicators of this impairment.
In Defense of the Standard Picture: Overcoming Death by a Thousand Cuts
Authors: Alexander Larry
Published: July 2023

In a previous article, I defended the standard picture of law (or SP), so labeled by its foremost critic, Mark Greenberg. In that article, I addressed Greenberg's root‐and‐branch critique of the SP and, to a much lesser extent, a related critique by Scott Hershovitz. But the Greenberg and Hershovitz frontal attacks on the SP are not its only threats. Some theorists, while not attacking the SP directly, give accounts of law that the SP cannot accommodate. Those theorists will be challenged here, because if they are correct, the SP is not a tenable account of law.
Linear extensions and shelling orders
Authors: Bolognini Davide , Sentinelli Paolo
Published: July 2023

We prove that linear extensions of the Bruhat order of a matroid are shelling orders and that the barycentric subdivision of a matroid is a Coxeter matroid, viewing barycentric subdivisions as subsets of a parabolic quotient of a symmetric group. A similar result holds for order ideals in minuscule quotients of symmetric groups and in their barycentric subdivisions. Moreover, we apply promotion and evacuation for labeled graphs of Malvenuto and Reutenauer to dual graphs of simplicial complexes, introducing promotion and evacuation of shelling orders.
Multidomain Synthesis of Optimal Vibration Suppression Systems
Authors: Li Yuan , Zheng Jiang Jason , Neild Simon A. , Titurus Branislav
Published: July 2023

There are numerous design possibilities for vibration–suppression systems considering components from multiple domains (e.g., mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical). Traditional vibration absorber design approach could only explore limited possibilities, of which the performance is away from optimal. Since the 2000s, network synthesis-based approach has been applied. It allows identification of optimal absorber properties represented by networks consisting of modeling elements (stiffness, damping, inertance), providing significant theoretical performance improvements. However, such improvements have not yet been realized in industry. This is because the following questions have not been answered: (1) What are the network-represented properties of the conventional absorber? (2) How can the optimal network-represented properties be realized considering multidomain physical components? This article provides a method for answering these questions by proposing a novel multidomain synthesis technique, allowing bidirectional transformation between networks and multidomain components. Building on this technique, a vibration–absorber design methodology is proposed, which can construct physical realizations of optimal absorbers considering multidomain components. Another contribution of this work is to propose a novel component, providing a hydraulic realization of compliance ‘embedded’ in a hydraulic network. This methodology is demonstrated using an automotive case study, where the constructed optimal hydraulic suspension provides 23% ride comfort enhancement over the conventional one.
Asymmetric effects of sudden changes in timbre on auditory stream segregation
Authors: Roberts Brian , Haywood Nicholas R.
Published: July 2023

Two experiments explored the effects of abrupt transitions in timbral properties [amplitude modulation (AM), pure tones vs narrow-band noises, and attack/decay envelope] on streaming. Listeners reported continuously the number of streams heard during 18-s-long alternating low- and high-frequency (LHL–) sequences (frequency separation: 2–6 semitones) that underwent a coherent transition at 6 s or remained unchanged. In experiment 1, triplets comprised unmodulated pure tones or 100%-depth AM was created using narrowly spaced tone pairs (dyads: 30- or 50-Hz modulation). In experiment 2, triplets comprised narrow-band noises, dyads, or pure tones with quasi-trapezoidal envelopes (10/80/10 ms), fast attacks and slow decays (10/90 ms), or vice versa (90/10 ms). Abrupt transitions led to direction-dependent changes in stream segregation. Transitions from modulated to unmodulated (or slower-modulated) tones, from noise bands to pure tones, or from slow- to fast-attack tones typically caused substantial loss of segregation (resetting), whereas transitions in the opposite direction mostly caused less or no resetting. Furthermore, for the smallest frequency separation, transitions in the latter direction usually led to increased segregation (overshoot). Overall, the results are reminiscent of the perceptual asymmetries found in auditory search for targets with or without a salient additional feature (or greater activation of that feature).