bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informing the pandemic response: the role of the WHO’s COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update
Authors: Ikejezie Juniorcaius , Miglietta Alessandro , Hammermeister Nezu Ingrid , Adele Sandra , Higdon Melissa M , Feikin Daniel , Lata Harsh , Mesfin Samuel , Idoko Friday , Shimizu Kazuki , Acma Ayse , Moro Samuel , Attar Cohen Homa , Sinnathamby Mary Anissa , Otieno James Richard , Temre Yosef , Ajong Brian Ngongheh , Mirembe Bernadette Basuta , Guinko Tondri Noe , Sodagar Vaishali , Schultz Craig , Muianga Joao , De Barros Stéphane , Escobar Corado Waeber Aura Rocio , Jin Yeowon , Rico Chinchilla Anahi , Izawa Yurie , Khare Shagun , Poole Marcia , Alexander Nyka , Ciobanu Silviu , Dorji Tshewang , Hassan Mahmoud , Kato Masaya , Matsui Tamano , Ogundiran Opeayo , Pebody Richard G , Phengxay Manilay , Riviere-Cinnamond Ana , Greene-Cramer Blanche Johanna , Peron Emilie , Archer Brett Nicholas , Subissi Lorenzo , Kassamali Zyleen Alnashir , Awofisayo-Okuyelu Adedoyin , le Polain de Waroux Olivier , Hamblion Esther , Pavlin Boris Igor , Morgan Oliver , Fall Ibrahima Socé , Van Kerkhove Maria D , Mahamud Abdi
Published: April 2024

On 31 December 2019, the Municipal Health Commission of Wuhan, China, reported a cluster of atypical pneumonia cases. On 5 January 2020, the WHO publicly released a Disease Outbreak News (DON) report, providing information about the pneumonia cases, implemented response interventions, and WHO’s risk assessment and advice on public health and social measures. Following 9 additional DON reports and 209 daily situation reports, on 17 August 2020, WHO published the first edition of the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update (WEU). On 1 September 2023, the 158th edition of the WEU was published on WHO’s website, marking its final issue. Since then, the WEU has been replaced by comprehensive global epidemiological updates on COVID-19 released every 4 weeks. During the span of its publication, the webpage that hosts the WEU and the COVID-19 Operational Updates was accessed annually over 1.4 million times on average, with visits originating from more than 100 countries. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the WEU process, from data collection to publication, focusing on the scope, technical details, main features, underlying methods, impact and limitations. We also discuss WHO’s experience in disseminating epidemiological information on the COVID-19 pandemic at the global level and provide recommendations for enhancing collaboration and information sharing to support future health emergency responses.
Setting up a data system for monitoring malaria vaccine introduction readiness and uptake in 42 health districts in Cameroon
Authors: Mboussou Franck , Ndoula Shalom Tchokfe , Nembot Raoul , Baonga Simon Franky , Njinkeu Arnaud , Njoh Andreas Ateke , BIEY Joseph Nsiari-muzeyi , Kaba Mohamed , Amani Adidja , Farham Bridget , Habimana Phanuel , Impouma Benido
Published: April 2024

Three months after the first shipment of RTS,S1/AS01 vaccines, Cameroon started, on 22 January 2024, to roll out malaria vaccines in 42 districts among the most at risk for malaria. Cameroon adopted and implemented the World Health Organization (WHO) malaria vaccine readiness assessment tool to monitor the implementation of preintroduction activities at the district and national levels. One week before the start of the vaccine rollout, overall readiness was estimated at 89% at a national level with two out of the five components of readiness assessment surpassing 95% of performance (vaccine, cold chain and logistics and training) and three components between 80% and 95% (planning, monitoring and supervision, and advocacy, social mobilisation and communication). ‘Vaccine, cold chain and logistics’ was the component with the highest number of districts recording below 80% readiness. The South-West and North-West, two regions with a high level of insecurity, were the regions with the highest number of districts that recorded a readiness performance below 80% in the five components. To monitor progress in vaccine rollout daily, Cameroon piloted a system for capturing immunisation data by vaccination session coupled with an interactive dashboard using the R Shiny platform. In addition to displaying data on vaccine uptake, this dashboard allows the generation of the monthly immunisation report for all antigens, ensuring linkage to the regular immunisation data system based on the end-of-month reporting through District Health Information Software 2. Such a hybrid system complies with the malaria vaccine rollout principle of full integration into routine immunisation coupled with strengthened management of operations.
Perfect storm: emotionally based school avoidance in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context
Authors: Lester Kathryn J , Michelson Daniel
Published: April 2024

School absences have risen following the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent absenteeism remains high in primary and secondary schools in England compared with pre-pandemic levels. This coincides with an upward trend in emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). EBSA adversely affects children’s educational attainment, health, social functioning and life prospects and warrants early intervention before a pattern of absenteeism becomes entrenched. In this article, we consider how the COVID-19 pandemic and its sequelae have created a ‘perfect storm’ of conditions, amplifying known school, family and child-based risk factors for EBSA while simultaneously reducing access to support services. We then outline priorities for developing new EBSA interventions and argue for a multi-component approach, which works across education, health and social care, and voluntary sectors to address the complex interplay between risk factors. Given the difficulties that families often face in obtaining timely support for EBSA, it is also essential that new interventions are accessible, resource-efficient and scalable. To this end, we specifically discuss the potential for contextually-sensitive, parent-focused interventions that can be delivered online with minimal synchronous support from a trained coach or facilitator.
Comorbid physical health burden of serious mental health disorders in 32 European countries
Authors: Wienand Dennis , Wijnen Lena I , Heilig Daniel , Wippel Christoph , Arango Celso , Knudsen Gitte M , Goodwin Guy M , Simon Judit
Published: April 2024

Background

Mental health disorders (MHDs) are associated with physical health disparities, but underlying excess risk and health burden have not yet been comprehensively assessed.

Objective

To assess the burden of comorbid physical health conditions (PHCs) across serious MHDs in Europe.

Methods

We estimated the relative prevalence risk of PHCs associated with alcohol use disorders (AUD), bipolar disorder (BD), depressive disorders (DD) and schizophrenia (SZ) across working-age populations of 32 European countries in 2019 based on a targeted literature review. Excess physical health burden was modelled using population-attributable fractions and country-level prevalence data.

Findings

We screened 10 960 studies, of which 41 were deemed eligible, with a total sample size of over 18 million persons. Relative prevalence of PHCs was reported in 54%, 20%, 15%, 5% and 7% of studies, respectively, for SZ, DD, BD, AUD or mixed. Significant relative risk estimates ranged from 1.44 to 3.66 for BD, from 1.43 to 2.21 for DD, from 0.81 to 1.97 for SZ and 3.31 for AUD. Excess physical health burden ranged between 27% and 67% of the total, corresponding to 84 million (AUD), 67 million (BD), 66 million (DD) and 5 million (SZ) PHC diagnoses in Europe. A 1% reduction in excess risk assuming causal inference could result in two million fewer PHCs across investigated MHDs.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive study of the physical health burden of serious MHDs in Europe. The methods allow for updates, refinement and extension to other MHDs or geographical areas.

Clinical implications

The results indicate potential population health benefits achievable through more integrated mental and physical healthcare and prevention approaches.
Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with birth asphyxia to neonatal intensive care unit of West Shewa Zone Public Hospitals, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Gemechu Gelan , Roga Ephrem Yohannes , Gonfa Dajane Negesse , Geda Gonfa Moti
Published: April 2024

Background

Birth asphyxia is still one of the primary causes of newborn mortality worldwide. Similarly, the risk of newborn asphyxia in Ethiopia remains unacceptably high. Thus, studies on the incidence and predictors of mortality among newborns admitted with birth asphyxia are crucial to addressing this problem. As a result, the purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with birth asphyxia to the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of West Shewa Zone Public Hospitals in Central Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 760 asphyxiated neonates admitted to the NICUs of West Shewa Zone Public Hospitals between 30 March 2021 and 30 April 2023. The data were collected using CSEntry and analysed bu using Stata V.17. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were carried out, and significant predictors were found using a 95% CI and a p<0.05.

Results

A total of 760 asphyxiated neonates were followed for a total of 6880 neonatal days. At the end of follow-up, 263 (34.6%) of the neonates died (95% CI 31.3% to 38.1%), which resulted in a mortality incidence of 10.6/100 person-days of observation. Chewing khat (adjusted HR, AHR 2.21; 95% CI 1.13 to 4.31), home delivery (AHR 1.45, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9), lack of antenatal care follow-up (AHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.89), hypothermia (AHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.17), hypoglycaemia (AHR 2.23, 95% CI 1.91 to 2.25) and obstructed labour (AHR 1.4, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.91) were found to be the significant predictors of neonatal mortality among asphyxiated neonates at a p≤0.05.

Conclusion and recommendation

The magnitude of neonatal mortality among asphyxiated neonates in the study area was high. Therefore, in order to significantly reduce the risks of birth asphyxia and subsequent newborn death, all interested stakeholders should take these predictors into consideration.
Comprehensive overview of genotype distribution and prevalence of human papillomavirus in cervical lesions
Authors: Ye Yuhong , Jones Terrel , Wang Tiannan , Zeng Xianxu , Liu Yang , Zhao Chengquan
Published: April 2024

Across cervical squamous and glandular lesions, a spectrum of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes has been identified. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary detailing the distribution and profile of HPV genotypes detected in cervical lesions, leveraging insights from histological and cytological findings. High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes exhibit varying degrees of oncogenic potential, with HPV16 and HPV18 identified as the most prevalent and oncogenic types. The distribution of HR-HPV genotypes varies among different degrees of the cervical lesions and varies between squamous and glandular neoplasia. HPV16 is predominantly associated with severe lesions (precancers and carcinomas), while HPV18 demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence in endocervical as compared with squamous neoplasia. The distribution of HR-HPV in severe squamous lesions is complex, involving many HR-HPV genotypes in addition to HPV16, while the distribution of HR-HPV genotypes in endocervical glandular lesions is mainly limited in HPV18 and HPV16.

Large datasets from China have identified the three most common HR-HPV genotypes in this population as stratified by diagnostic category: HPV52, HPV16, HPV58 in histologically negative cases and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1); HPV16, HPV52, HPV58 in CIN2/3; HPV16, HPV58, HPV52 or HPV18 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); HPV16, HPV18 and HPV52 in endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), invasive adenocarcinoma, as well as mixed squamous and glandular lesions. HPV33 is the fourth most common HPV type in CIN2/3 and SCC, while HPV45 occurs more commonly in AIS and adenocarcinoma, compared with squamous lesions. The prevalence and distribution of multiple HR-HPV coinfections vary across different cervical diseases. The clinical significance and pathogenesis of these multiple HR-HPV infections remain uncertain, although recent two large studies demonstrate that multiple HR-HPV infections are not associated with cumulatively higher risk of high-grade cervical squamous lesion development, suggesting competitive and/or cooperative interactions among HPV genotypes. Extensive HPV genotyping aids in risk assessment and optimising clinical approaches for women with mild abnormalities in Pap cytology. Women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) Pap test results and with the infection of some HR-HPV genotypes carry a very low risk of high-grade cervical lesions. HPV genotyping can allow for risk stratification and triage optimisation for these HR-HPV-positive women. Women with atypical glandular cell (AGC) Pap test results showed a specific HPV genotyping pattern and extended HPV genotyping may be helpful for the clinical management of AGCs. Continual advancements in clinical guidelines integrating extended genotyping would increase diagnostic accuracy and refine strategies in clinical management.
The role of oestrogen and oestrogen-calcium axis in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xuerun , Wang Jianliu , Zhou Jingyi
Published: April 2024

Unopposed oestrogen is recognised as an inducer of endometrial cancer. Over the past 50 years, the effects of oestrogen on the endometrium and endometrial cancer have been a hot topic in the field of gynaecological oncology. In recent years, a series of studies by our team revealed that the non-genomic transcriptional effects of oestrogen can influence the progression of endometrial carcinoma by regulating calcium ions, suggesting that inhibiting calcium ion channel proteins could serve as an adjuvant therapy for endometrial cancer. In this review, we retrospectively summarise the sources of oestrogen in vivo, the effects of oestrogens on the uterus and endometrium, oestrogen signalling and the clinical application of oestrogen-related compounds, emphasising the significant role of oestrogen–calcium axis inhibition in adjuvant therapy for endometrial cancer.
Current state and influencing factors of social alienation in patients with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Xing Lili , Bai Lianhua , Li Sen , Gong Jingjing , Wei Xiaoting , Liu Lei , Chen Ting , Li Xiaodan
Published: April 2024

Objective

To understand the current level of social alienation among patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and analyse the influencing factors to provide a foundation for better clinical support for patients’ reintegration into society.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive survey and analysis involving 230 patients with SUI using a general information questionnaire, a general sense of alienation scale and a social impact scale.

Results

The general sense of alienation scale score of patients with SUI was 25.43±13.994, while the social impact score was 39.25±12.167. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status, primary caregiver, presence of concurrent illnesses and severity of urinary incontinence were the key influencing factors contributing to SUI-related social alienation (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Patients who suffered from SUI experienced a moderate level of social alienation. Tailored interventions are recommended, especially for individuals who are divorced, rely on friends or relatives as primary caregivers, have concurrent illnesses or experience severe SUI, to enhance their social integration.
Use of natural language processing method to identify regional anesthesia from clinical notes
Authors: Graham Laura A , Illarmo Samantha S , Wren Sherry M , Odden Michelle C , Mudumbai Seshadri C
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Accurate data capture is integral for research and quality improvement efforts. Unfortunately, limited guidance for defining and documenting regional anesthesia has resulted in wide variation in documentation practices, even within individual hospitals, which can lead to missing and inaccurate data. This cross-sectional study sought to evaluate the performance of a natural language processing (NLP)-based algorithm developed to identify regional anesthesia within unstructured clinical notes.

Methods

We obtained postoperative clinical notes for all patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery with general anesthesia at one of six Veterans Health Administration hospitals in California between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. After developing and executing our algorithm, we compared our results to a frequently used referent, the Corporate Data Warehouse structured data, to assess the completeness and accuracy of the currently available data. Measures of agreement included sensitivity, positive predictive value, false negative rate, and accuracy.

Results

We identified 27,713 procedures, of which 9310 (33.6%) received regional anesthesia. 96.6% of all referent regional anesthesia cases were identified in the clinic notes with a very low false negative rate and good accuracy (false negative rate=0.8%, accuracy=82.5%). Surprisingly, the clinic notes documented more than two times the number of regional anesthesia cases that were documented in the referent (algorithm n=9154 vs referent n=4606).

Discussion

While our algorithm identified nearly all regional anesthesia cases from the referent, it also identified more than two times as many regional anesthesia cases as the referent, raising concerns about the accuracy and completeness of regional anesthesia documentation in administrative and clinical databases. We found that NLP was a promising alternative for identifying clinical information when existing databases lack complete documentation.
Impact of DMARD treatment and systemic inflammation on all-cause mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial lung disease: a cohort study from the German RABBIT register
Authors: Rudi Tatjana , Zietemann Vera , Meissner Yvette , Zink Angela , Krause Andreas , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Kneitz Christian , Schaefer Martin , Strangfeld Anja
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To investigate the impact of disease activity and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on all-cause mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and prevalent interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

Methods

Patients with RA-ILD were selected from the biologics register Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observation of Biologic Therapy (RABBIT). Using time-varying Cox regression, the association between clinical measures and mortality was investigated. The impact of DMARDs was analysed by (1) Cox regression considering cumulative exposure (ie, treatment months divided by total months) and (2) time-varying Cox regression as main approach (treatment exposures at monthly level).

Results

Out of 15 566 participants, 381 were identified as RA-ILD cases with 1258 person-years of observation and 2.6 years median length of follow-up. Ninety-seven patients (25.5%) died and 34 (35.1%) of these were not receiving DMARD therapy at the time of death. Higher inflammatory biomarkers but not swollen and tender joint count were significantly associated with mortality. Compared with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), non-TNFi biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) exhibited adjusted HRs (aHRs) for mortality below 1, lacking statistical significance. This finding was stable in various sensitivity analyses. Joint aHR for non-TNFi biologics and JAKi versus TNFi was 0.56 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.97). Receiving no DMARD treatment was associated with a twofold higher mortality risk compared with receiving any DMARD treatment, aHR 2.03 (95% CI 1.23 to 3.35).

Conclusions

Inflammatory biomarkers and absence of DMARD treatment were associated with increased risk of mortality in patients with RA-ILD. Non-TNFi bDMARDs may confer enhanced therapeutic benefits in patients with RA-ILD.
High prevalence of radiographic erosions in early, untreated PsA: results from the SpARRO cohort
Authors: Hen Or , Di Matteo Andrea , Dubash Sayam R , De Marco Gabriele , Tan Ai Lyn , Emery Paul , Wakefield Richard J , McGonagle Dennis G , Helliwell Philip , Marzo-Ortega Helena
Published: April 2024

Aims

To investigate the prevalence and distribution of bone erosions in an early psoriatic arthritis (PsA) population using conventional radiography (CR) and to explore the agreement between CR and ultrasound (US) detected bone erosions.

Methods

Newly diagnosed, treatment naïve PsA patients fulfilling the ClASsification for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) classification criteria of ≤5 years symptom duration were recruited as part of the Leeds Spondyloarthropathy Register for Research and Observation and underwent CR and US examination of hands and feet.

Results

Overall, 4655 hand and feet joints were assessed in 122 patients. CR erosions were detected in 24.6% (n=30) with lowest prevalence seen below 8 months of symptoms (17.5% vs 24.3%>24 months). The number of erosions was higher on CR (1.55% (63/4,655); US 1.04% (34/3,270)), with 5th metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint being the most affected site in both CR (5.21% (11/211)) and US (7.14% (15/210)). Erosions in CR were more evenly distributed compared with US where three-quarters of the total number of bone erosions were detected in wrists, second metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and fifth MTP joints. Most joints had almost perfect prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa values ranging from 0.91 to 1.

Conclusions

Erosions were seen in a quarter of patients with newly diagnosed, untreated PsA with a declining trend around the 8-month symptom duration cut-off. High levels of agreement between CR and US were seen with CR detecting more erosions. A focused US assessment of the wrist, second MCP and fifth MTP joints may be useful to detect bone erosions in early PsA.
The HLA region in ANCA-associated vasculitis: characterisation of genetic associations in a Scandinavian patient population
Authors: Lundtoft Christian , Knight Ann , Meadows Jennifer R S , Karlsson Åsa , Rantapää-Dahlqvist Solbritt , Berglin Ewa , Palm Øyvind , Haukeland Hilde , Gunnarsson Iva , Bruchfeld Annette , Segelmark Mårten , Ohlsson Sophie , Mohammad Aladdin J , Eriksson Per , Söderkvist Peter , Ronnblom Lars , Omdal Roald , Jonsson Roland , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Dahlqvist Johanna
Published: April 2024

Objective

The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are inflammatory disorders with ANCA autoantibodies recognising either proteinase 3 (PR3-AAV) or myeloperoxidase (MPO-AAV). PR3-AAV and MPO-AAV have been associated with distinct loci in the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. While the association between MPO-AAV and HLA has been well characterised in East Asian populations where MPO-AAV is more common, studies in populations of European descent are limited. The aim of this study was to thoroughly characterise associations to the HLA region in Scandinavian patients with PR3-AAV as well as MPO-AAV.

Methods

Genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the HLA region were extracted from a targeted exome-sequencing dataset comprising Scandinavian AAV cases and controls. Classical HLA alleles were called using xHLA. After quality control, association analyses were performed of a joint SNP/classical HLA allele dataset for cases with PR3-AAV (n=411) and MPO-AAV (n=162) versus controls (n=1595). Disease-associated genetic variants were analysed for association with organ involvement, age at diagnosis and relapse, respectively.

Results

PR3-AAV was significantly associated with both HLA-DPB1*04:01 and rs1042335 at theHLA-DPB1locus, also after stepwise conditional analysis. MPO-AAV was significantly associated with HLA-DRB1*04:04. Neither carriage of HLA-DPB1*04:01 alleles in PR3-AAV nor of HLA-DRB1*04:04 alleles in MPO-AAV were associated with organ involvement, age at diagnosis or relapse.

Conclusions

The association to the HLA region was distinct in Scandinavian cases with MPO-AAV compared with cases of East Asian descent. In PR3-AAV, the two separate signals of association to theHLD-DPB1region mediate potentially different functional effects.
Detection of hypophosphatasia in hospitalised adults in rheumatology and internal medicine departments: a multicentre study over 10 years
Authors: Larid Guillaume , Vix Justine , Preuss Pauline , Robin François , Tison Alice , Delaveau Clémentine , Krajewski Faustine , Bouvard Béatrice , Chu Miow Lin Delphine , Guggenbuhl Pascal , Maugars Yves , Saraux Alain , Debiais Francoise
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare genetic disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene encoding the tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Mild HPP is usually misdiagnosed in adult age. While an elevated serum ALP value draws more attention than a low value, low serum ALP should be better recognised and may lead to HPP detection.

Methods

Patients were selected from the records of the biochemistry department of six University Hospitals in France. Patients were hospitalised in the departments of rheumatology and internal medicine between 2007 and 2017.

Results

56 321 hospitalised patients had at least 2 serum ALP dosages and 664 of these patients had at least 2 low serum ALP≤35 UI/L. Among these 664 patients, 482 (72.6%) had fluctuating low values (mean age 62.9 years; 60% of women) and 182 patients (27.4%) had persistent low values below 35 IU/L (mean age 53.4 years; 67% of women). Among patients with persistent hypophosphatasaemia treated with bisphosphonates, 70.8% never had ALP measurement before treatment and 20.8% were treated despite an abnormal decrease of ALP. Genetic testing was performed in 18 patients and was positive in 11. Genetic diagnosis of HPP was at least 6.0% in persistent hypophosphatasaemia and at least 15.9% in patients with at least three symptoms suggestive of HPP.

Conclusion

In this 10-year retrospective study, 0.32% of adult patients hospitalised in the rheumatology and internal medicine departments had persistently low serum ALP, and among them, 6% had genetically proven HPP. Reported hypophosphatasaemia represented only 3.6% of hospitalised patients.
Across the world availability of flavour accessories for tobacco products
Authors: Havermans Anne , Pauwels Charlotte G G M , Bakker-'t Hart Ingrid M E , Fayokun Ranti , van Nierop Lotte E , Hellmich Ina M , Talhout Reinskje
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to provide an inventory of different types of flavour accessories for combustible tobacco products in eight countries varying in their approaches to flavour legislation and cultural aspects, including tobacco use.

Methods

A standardised search protocol was developed and shared with local informants to acquire information on the availability and marketing of flavour accessories in web shops accessible from Brazil, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. Characteristics of the products and web shops were reported, and flavours were categorised in a flavour wheel.

Results

Flavour accessories were available in all participating countries. Reported types are flavour capsules, cards, filter tips and tubes for make-your-own cigarettes, drops, sprays, rolling paper, aroma markers, a flavour stone and a flavour powder. In total, 118 unique flavours were reported, which were mostly fruity and sweet. Marketing of these products was often associated with (menthol) flavour bans.

Conclusions

The wide availability and variety of flavour accessories raise significant public health concerns, as they have attractive flavours, and thus hinder the regulatory aim of flavour bans. Flavour accessories are not tobacco products and thus not regulated as such. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers include these products in comprehensive flavour bans, to close this loophole in existing tobacco control measures.
KG-particles in a cosmic string rainbow gravity spacetime in mixed magnetic fields
Authors: Mustafa Omar
Published: April 2024

We investigate and report the effects of rainbow gravity on the spectroscopic structure of KG-oscillators in a mixed magnetic field (in the sense that it has the usually described as a uniform and a non-uniform magnetic fields, each at a time) introduced by the 4-vector potential $$A_\mu =(0,0,A_\varphi ,0)$$

A
μ

=

(
0
,
0
,

A
φ

,
0
)

, where $$A_\varphi =B_1 r^2/2+B_2 r$$

A
φ

=

B
1

r
2

/
2
+

B
2

r

, and $$B_1$$

B
1

and $$B_2$$

B
2

are magnetic field strengths. We also discuss and report the effects of such a mixed magnetic field on the spectra of KG-oscillators in cosmic string rainbow gravity. In so doing, we introduce a new and quite handy conditionally exact solution associated with the truncation of the biconfluent Heun functions into polynomials. Using a loop quantum gravity motivated rainbow functions, we observe interesting effects when the magnetic field strength $$B_2$$

B
2

grows up from zero. Such effects include energy levels crossings which, in this case, turns the spectra of the KG-oscillators upside down. Moreover, Landau-like signature on the spectra are observed and discussed. Yet, interestingly, we also observe that rainbow gravity affects the magnetic field as well, in the sense that the magnetic field becomes probe particle energy-dependent one.
Dynamics of molecules in torsional DNA exposed to microwave and possible impact on its deformation: stability analysis
Authors: Tantawy M. , Abdel-Gawad H. I.
Published: April 2024

In this work, we explore the dynamics of molecules in torsionally stressed DNA subjected to periodic external forces, specifically microwave radiation. Our approach involves constructing a novel continuum model based on a discrete model. Remarkably, this continuum model has not been analytically solved in existing literature, which motivates us to derive analytic solutions for investigating DNA s dynamical behavior. Our primary objective is to examine the impact of an external field (such as microwave radiation) on DNA dynamics, potentially affecting its structural integrity. Scientifically, we know that DNA molecules exposed to microwaves can suffer damage. Here, we focus on stability (or instability) to determine deterministic outcomes. Analytic solutions are essential for this purpose. The model equations governing torsional DNA (TDNA) behavior are non-autonomous and, in some cases, not integrable, meaning no exact solutions exist. Consequently, we rely on approximate solutions. Our chosen method is the extended unified method, allowing us to control errors through parameter selection. We consider two scenarios: when the torsional angle is smaller than one or completely free. Exact solutions emerge only when stacking and chain curvature constants are equal, otherwise, we derive approximate solutions. Numerical results: Numerical representations reveal that the localization of DNA molecules depends significantly on the microwave amplitude (MWA) and damping rate. Additionally, a critical MWA or DA value exists beyond which TDNA undergoes deformation. Stability analysis plays a crucial role in understanding these intricate dynamics. The present study sheds light on the interplay between external fields, DNA stability, and structural changes. Analytic solutions provide valuable insights into this complex system, with potential implications for biological processes and health.
On a family of nonzero solutions to the heat equation ut = △u on ℝn+1 which vanish on an arbitrary n-dimensional hyperplane P ⊂ ℝn+1
Authors: Tsai Dong-Ho , Nien Chia-Hsing
Published: April 2024

Motivated by the paper Rosenbloom–Widder [A temperature function which vanishes initially, Amer. Math. Mon. 65(8) (1958) 607–609], we construct a more general family of nonzero solutions to the [Formula: see text]-dimensional heat equation [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] with zero initial data. These solutions are analytically more manageable than the well-known Tychonoff power series solution. Nonzero solutions to the [Formula: see text]-dimensional heat equation [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] with zero initial data (i.e. vanishing on the hyperplane [Formula: see text]) can be easily obtained as a consequence of the examples on [Formula: see text] Finally, given an arbitrary hyperplane [Formula: see text], we can construct a family of nonzero solutions which vanish on [Formula: see text]
Explicit universal bounds for squeezing functions of (ℂ-)convex domains
Authors: Bharali Gautam , Nikolov Nikolai
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we prove two separate lower bounds — one for nondegenerate convex domains and the other for nondegenerate [Formula: see text]-convex (but not necessarily convex) domains — for the squeezing function that hold true for all domains in [Formula: see text], for a fixed [Formula: see text], of the stated class. We provide explicit expressions in terms of [Formula: see text] for these estimates.
Key nodes of misinformation source inference: A message-passing-based approach
Authors: Yu Xiaohang , Nie Yanyi , Li Wenyao , Lin Tao , Chen Yu , Gao Feng , Wang Wei
Published: April 2024

The misinformation spreading in social networks causes unpredictable damage to the networked system, thus inferring the misinformation source is an important research topic in the field of network science and security. Many source inference algorithms have been proposed to find the most likely propagation source through observable snapshot. However, under limited observable conditions, observing different nodes states markedly affects the algorithm’s effectiveness. Yet, we still lack relevant research on which nodes can more accurately assist us in completing source inference. Here, we propose the heuristic message-passing-based algorithm to find the key nodes that can maximize the accuracy of source inference, which uses the average rank of the source in the message-passing method as a measure and performs continuous annealing on this basis to update the set. As a comparison, we propose random selection algorithm as the basic, high-eigenvalue algorithm and high-degree algorithm focused on centrality, and basic message-passing-based algorithm from the perspective of energy entropy in message passing. Through extensive numerical simulation on artificial and real-world networks, compared with other four algorithms, our heuristic message-passing-based algorithm finds the optimal key node set that can more accurately complete source inference. Moreover, it has over 8% higher inference accuracy than other methods in low visibility situations especially.
CORPORATE FINANCIALIZATION AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE-LISTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
Authors: TONG LIN , HU JUAN , YANG ZHEN , LIU ZHONGMO , XU SHULIN
Published: April 2024

We examine the relationship between corporate financialization and green technological innovation using data on manufacturing companies during 2007–2020. We find that corporate financialization reduces the level of green technology innovation. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that financialization’s impact on green technological innovation varies across different enterprise types, especially for private enterprises, high-tech enterprises, and enterprises in eastern and western regions. Moreover, financial constraints will strengthen the influence of financialization on green technological innovation while managerial myopia will weaken the influence of financialization. The empirical insights advance our understanding of the relationship and mechanisms between financial asset investment behavior and green technological innovation in manufacturing enterprises.
Look how it runs!
Authors: Bethke Siegfried
Published: April 2024

Quantum Chromodynamics predicts that the strong coupling strength [Formula: see text] decreases with increasing energy or momentum transfer, and vanishes at asymptotically high energies. The history and the status of experimental tests of asymptotic freedom are summarised in this review.
Preparation and characterization of electrospun silver nanowires/ZnO/PVP composite transparent conductive film
Authors: Hsie Ching-Ho , Chiu Pin-Hsuan , Chien Yu-Shu , Chiu Wei-Ming , Kuan Chen-Feng , Yang Chane-Yuan
Published: April 2024

In this study, a silver nanowires (AgNWs)/nano-zinc oxide (ZnO)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) film is fabricated as an alternative to indium tin oxide transparent conductive films (TCFs). AgNWs are prepared by the polyol method with PVP as a dispersant to prevent Ag nanoparticles agglomeration during AgNWs formation. Nano-ZnO is synthesized using sol–gel method. AgNWs/ZnO/PVP TCFs are prepared using the electrostatic spinning and spin coating methods for comparison. It is found that the best PVP/AgNO3 molar ratio is 3.5:1. FTIR and XRD analyses show that 500°C calcination leads to better crystallinity and purity of nano-ZnO. Four-point prober analysis indicates that the higher the AgNWs content, the lower the TCF sheet resistance. The best sheet resistance of AgNWs/ZnO/PVP TCF by the electrostatic spinning method is obtained as 81 [Formula: see text]/sq, and the light transmittance is 85.3%. Moreover, in the 5-week stability test, the sheet resistance of the electrospun TCF increases by 6.17%, much lower than 24.9% of the spin coated TCF. It is verified that the elecrospun AgNWs/ZnO/PVP composite TCF is a promising alternative to the traditional ITO TCFs.
In-situ observation of homogeneous nucleation of colloidal crystals formed with attractive interactions under density-matching conditions
Authors: Fukunaga Ryusei , Sato Masahide , Suzuki Yoshihisa
Published: April 2024

Colloidal crystals formed with attractive interactions are used for in-situ observations of homogeneous nucleation processes in density-matched dispersion. We found globular and plate-like polycrystalline clusters stably suspended in the dispersion. Both clusters rotated randomly and moved freely with suspending in the dispersion. They were probably formed through homogeneous nucleation processes.
Significance of shape factor on magnetohydrodynamic buoyancy thin film flow of nanofluid over inclined sheet with slip condition: Irreversibility analysis
Authors: Mahmood Zafar , Rafique Khadija , Khan Umar , Jubair Sidra , Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A.
Published: April 2024

This work aims to examine the entropy production, heat transport, and dynamics of the unsteady thin film magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a nanofluid composed of alumina (Al2O3) and water. The fluid flow is seen to pass over an inclined sheet, taking into account the effects of buoyancy force, viscous dissipation, and joule heating. The system of partial differential equations (PDEs) is optimized under the boundary layer assumptions. Appropriate transformations are used to convert the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) and boundary conditions into dimensionless forms. Using MATLAB’s bvp4c code and a local non-similarity technique with up to second-degree truncation, we can obtain the findings of the enhanced model. The effect of multi-shape Al2O3 nanoparticles on flow, heat, and entropy-generating features is also investigated after the calculated results have been successfully aligned with published data. Mixed convection, nanoparticle volume percent, inclination angle, magnetic field intensity, mass suction, Eckert number, and Biot number are only a few of the governing parameters whose effects are graphically shown for selected values. As a result, the local Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient may be calculated. The skin friction and Nusselt number profiles exhibit a decreasing trend as the values of nanoparticle volume fraction ([Formula: see text]) magnetic [Formula: see text] and unsteadiness (A) increase toward mixed convection ([Formula: see text]). On the other hand, Nusselt number profile increases with increasing values of mass suction parameter [Formula: see text] The profiles of entropy generation and Bejan number show an upsurge as the values of the magnetic parameter [Formula: see text] and Brinkman number (Br) increase. Conversely, the entropy generation reduces with an increase in the temperature difference parameter [Formula: see text] and Bejan number increases.
A Cross-Project Defect Prediction Approach Based on Code Semantics and Cross-Version Structural Information
Authors: Zou Yifan , Wang Huiqiang , Lv Hongwu , Zhao Shuai , Tian Haoye
Published: April 2024

Context: Cross-project defect prediction (CPDP), due to the potential of adaption by industry in realistic scenarios, had gained significant attention from the research community. Currently, existing CPDP studies use static statistical features designed by experts, which might not capture the semantic and structural aspects of software, resulting in low accuracy in defect prediction. Meanwhile, they tend to overlook the valuable iterative information brought about by version updates in mature software projects.

Objective: This paper introduces DETECTOR, a novel CPDP approach based on coDE semanTic and cross-vErsion struCTural infORmation to leverage cross-versions features of the software and improve the performance of CPDP.

Methods: DETECTOR parses source code to exploit Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs) and cross-version software network (Cross-SN) that consists of internal class dependency network and cross-version class dependency edges. It utilizes Attention-based Bi-LSTM and simplified graph convolutional neural networks to automatically extract software features from ASTs and Cross-SN. The extracted features are fused using gate(⋅) to generate more effective cross-version features. Finally the source project is selected to carry out the data used to train the classifier to predict the defects.

Results: Empirical studies on seven open-source Java projects, the experiment results show that: (1) DETECTOR outperforms the state-of-the-art models in CPDP; (2) our proposed cross-version dependent edges positively contribute to DETECTOR performance; (3) gate(⋅) outperforms existing strategies in fusion features; (4) more multi-versions information enhance DETECTOR’s performance.

Conclusion: DETECTOR can predict more defects in CPDP and improve the accuracy and effectiveness of prediction.
Some specific wormhole solutions in extended f(R,G,T) gravity
Authors: Ilyas M. , Athar A. R. , Khan Fawad , Ghafoor Nasreen , Alrebdi Haifa I. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem
Published: April 2024

This research work provides an exhaustive investigation of the viability of different coupled wormhole (WH) geometries with the relativistic matter configurations in the [Formula: see text] extended gravity framework. We consider a specific model in the context of [Formula: see text]-gravity for this purpose. Also, we assume a static spherically symmetric spacetime geometry and a unique distribution of matter with a set of shape functions ([Formula: see text]) for analyzing different energy conditions. In addition to this, we examined WH-models in the equilibrium scenario by employing anisotropic fluid. The corresponding results are obtained using numerical methods and then presented using different plots. In this case, [Formula: see text] gravity generates additional curvature quantities, which can be thought of as gravitational objects that maintain irregular WH-situations. Based on our findings, we conclude that in the absence of exotic matter, WH can exist in some specific regions of the parametric space using modified gravity model as [Formula: see text].
Twisted Lie algebras by invertible derivations
Authors: Basdouri Imed , Peyghan Esmaeil , Sadraoui Mohamed Amin
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we introduce an algebra structure denoted by InvDer algebra in which we twist an algebra with an invertible derivation whose inverse is also a derivation. We define InvDer Lie algebras, InvDer associative algebras, InvDer Zinbiel algebras and InvDer dendriforme algebras. We also study the relations between these structures by using Rota–Baxter operators and endomorphism operators.
Semisimple modules that are small cyclic in their injective envelopes
Authors: Önal Kır Emine , Türkmen Ergül
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the fundamental characteristics of [Formula: see text]-cosingular modules, which constitute semisimple and small submodules within an injective module. We establish that over a commutative Kasch ring [Formula: see text], each (semi) simple [Formula: see text]-module is [Formula: see text]-cosingular if and only if each maximal ideal of [Formula: see text] is essential in [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we delve into the examination of modules that fulfill the condition of [Formula: see text]. We provide several characterizations of rings using these modules. Specifically, we show that a ring [Formula: see text] is left [Formula: see text]-Harada if and only if each left [Formula: see text]-module verifies [Formula: see text].
Comparative theoretical studies of BAs, AlAs, BBi and BSb compounds using density functional theory
Authors: Amghar Inass , Ziati Meryem , Boubekraoui Amina , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid
Published: April 2024

A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze the physical properties, including electronic structure, optical characteristics, and thermoelectric properties, of four zinc blend structures: BAs, AlAs, BBi, and BSb. This analysis utilized first-principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Boltzmann transport theories, implemented in the WIEN2K simulator program. The compounds examined displayed intriguing electronic and optical properties, such as low indirect band gaps of 0.726, 1.888, 0.867, and 1.51 eV for AlAs, BAs, BBi, and BSb, respectively. Moreover, these compounds exhibited high absorption in the UV–Visible region. Among the four compounds studied, BAs demonstrated exceptional structural stability due to its high bulk modulus and negative formation energy. The thermoelectric study revealed that the Seebeck coefficient decreased with increasing temperature, while the figure of merit was proportional to temperature enhancement. This behavior suggests that the investigated materials hold promise for applications in visible-light solar cell devices.
Pressure-induced formation of KrO2 from first-principles study
Authors: Wu R. Q.
Published: April 2024

By first-principles study, we propose a hypothetical crystal (with space group P42/MNM) Krypton dioxide (KrO2) which might be synthesized at a pressure over 95[Formula: see text]GPa. At a pressure around 95[Formula: see text]GPa noticeable charge transfer from Kr atom to O atom occurs and chemical bonds are formed. Mechanism of this phenomena is analyzed using the electron-hopping mechanism. The formed Kr–O bond at high pressure can exist with retreated pressure down to 5[Formula: see text]GPa. The electron hopping mechanism might be applicable to the fabrication of other noble gas compounds.