bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable artificial intelligence for medical imaging: Review and experiments with infrared breast images
Authors: Raghavan Kaushik , Balasubramanian Sivaselvan , Veezhinathan Kamakoti
Published: June 2024

There is a growing trend of using artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning algorithms, in medical diagnostics, revolutionizing healthcare by improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, the use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics comes with the critical need to explain the reasoning behind artificial intelligence‐based predictions and ensure transparency in decision‐making. Explainable artificial intelligence has emerged as a crucial research area to address the need for transparency and interpretability in medical diagnostics. Explainable artificial intelligence techniques aim to provide insights into the decision‐making process of artificial intelligence systems, enabling clinicians to understand the factors the algorithms consider in reaching their predictions. This paper presents a detailed review of saliency‐based (visual) methods, such as class activation methods, which have gained popularity in medical imaging as they provide visual explanations by highlighting the regions of an image most influential in the artificial intelligence's decision. We also present the literature on non‐visual methods, but the focus will be on visual methods. We also use the existing literature to experiment with infrared breast images for detecting breast cancer. Towards the end of this paper, we also propose an “attention guided Grad‐CAM” that enhances the visualizations for explainable artificial intelligence. The existing literature shows that explainable artificial intelligence techniques are not explored in the context of infrared medical images and opens up a wide range of opportunities for further research to make clinical thermography into assistive technology for the medical community.
Functioning and activity outcomes of the Akwenda Intervention Program for children and young adults with cerebral palsy in Uganda: A cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Asige Elizabeth , Saloojee Gillian , Andrews Carin , Namaganda Lukia H. , Kakooza‐Mwesige Angelina , Damiano Diane L. , Forssberg Hans
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of the Akwenda Intervention Program on motor, self‐care, and social function of children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

This was a cluster‐randomized, controlled, single‐blinded, intervention study of 100 participants with CP (2–23 years; 52 males) in rural eastern Uganda. Half were allocated to the intervention program, the remainder served as waitlist controls. Gross Motor Function Measure‐66 (GMFM‐66) and the Ugandan version of Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI‐UG) were collected before group allocation and after intervention. General linear models and t‐tests were used to compare changes within and between groups. Cohen's d estimated the effect size of group differences. Change scores were evaluated by age and mobility subgroups.

Results

Significant group by time interactions were found for GMFM‐66 (p =0.003) and PEDI‐UG outcomes (p <0.001), except mobility, with the intervention group demonstrating greater changes. Both groups increased their scores on the GMFM‐66 and child PEDI‐UG, while only the intervention group had significant increases in caregiver assistance scores and across all age and mobility subgroups. Cohen's d showed large effect sizes (d >0.8) of differences for PEDI‐UG outcomes except mobility.

Interpretation

The Akwenda Intervention Program had a large positive impact on functioning and activity across age and mobility levels.
The catalyzing role of financial inclusion in decoding environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future in BRICS‐T
Authors: Tekin Bilgehan
Published: June 2024

Environmental degradation poses a significant challenge globally, exhibiting diverse manifestations across regions and ecosystems. This study aims to decipher the factors contributing to environmental degradation, with a specific focus on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Türkiye countries, spanning the period of 1990–2018. This investigation revealed intricate interdependencies among financial institutions, market dynamics, energy utilization, demographic shifts, and ecological impacts. According to the findings of studies based on Durbin‐Hausman, Westerlund, CS‐ARDL cointegration, Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis and Dumitrescu‐Hurlin causality tests, policies that encourage financial inclusion and energy efficiency should be developed to prevent environmental degradation. On the other hand, attention has been given to the impact of population growth on environmental policy decisions. This research contributes valuable information to the ongoing discourse on the interrelationship between financial inclusion, the energy population, and environmental protection.
Successful management of pneumonia and pyogranulomatous cranial mediastinitis due to Coccidioides species infection with fluconazole in a 3‐year‐old horse
Authors: Mullen Kathleen R. , Fenn Melissa , Hill Jacqueline A. , Alexander Kate , Gonzalez‐Barrientos Cristy Rocio , Rodrigues‐Hoffmann Aline , Duhamel Gerald E.
Published: June 2024

A 3‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding originating from Texas presented for fever and inappetence. An encapsulated, mixed echogenic cranial mediastinal mass visible ultrasonographically in the left and right fourth intercostal space that displaced the heart caudally was identified. Histological evaluation of needle biopsies obtained under general anaesthesia revealed a severe pyogranulomatous inflammatory process associated with intralesional round, 15–25 μm in diameter, thick double‐contoured cell wall fungal structures. Sequencing of products obtained from DNA extracted from the paraffin‐embedded biopsy sample and a panfungal PCR assay targeting the large ribosomal unit region had a 99.1% identity to either Coccidioides immitis or C. posadessii. Bronchoscopy revealed purulent exudate in the right primary bronchus. Cytological evaluation of bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) contained 96% moderately degenerative neutrophils and 4% macrophages. Fungal structures were not appreciated in the BALF. However, the mediastinitis could have resulted from inhalation and dissemination of arthroconidia through lymphatics or directly from the lung parenchyma. Quantitative immunodiffusion of serum for the presence of coccidioidal IgG antibodies yielded a titre of 1:256 suggestive of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. After oral fluconazole for 24 months, the horse's general health and athletic performance had returned to normal and the mediastinal mass was not appreciated sonographically.
Numerical investigation on the crack resistance curve of thermally treated quartz‐diorite rock under mixed mode I + II loading
Authors: Wu You , Yin Tubing , Chen Yongjun , Ma Jiexin , Guo Wenxuan , Yang Zheng
Published: June 2024

To investigate the effects of thermal treatment and loading conditions on the crack initiation and propagation characteristics of quartz‐diorite, mixed mode I + II fracture tests were conducted by using three‐point bending (TPB) specimens. The numerical model, established on ABAQUS, couples the initial fracture toughness criterion and cohesive zone model to predict the crack initiation and propagation. The effects of thermal treatment and loading conditions on the crack propagation process, crack resistance curve, fracture path, and some fracture parameters at peak load have been analyzed and discussed. The results demonstrate that the thermal treatment has an obvious influence on the crack resistance curve of the specimen. The crack of the specimen will be dominated by the mode I fracture component with crack extension. The numerical results also show that the temperature and loading condition affect the crack length and fracture toughness at peak load.
Migrant sexual precarity through the lens of workplace litigation
Authors: Boucher Anna K.
Published: June 2024

Theories of precarity have emphasized workplace isolation, worker vulnerability and a lack of control over key features of work. Migration status has been viewed as an attribute that can exacerbate worker precarity, and sexual violence and bodily injury are viewed by feminist scholars including Violence Against Women scholars as sources of such precarity as well. Nevertheless, how the interaction of workplace conditions, migration status, gender and sexual violence impact migrants needs more attention. A new evidence base, the Migrant Worker Rights Database, explores workplace violations against migrants in 907 tribunal and court cases brought by migrants in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States over a 20‐year period. The data collected for this project demonstrates that female migrants experience higher rates of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual servitude, and sex trafficking when compared with men. Further, while such collectively termed “sexual violence” offenses comprise a small percentage of cases in the Database (1.3%), they are characterized qualitatively by key features that present a heightened form of sexual precarity when compared with citizens: misuse by employers of visa conditions, debt bondage, live‐in arrangements, entrapment and slavery, and the combination of sexual violence with economic infringements such as wage theft and physical assault. Sexual precarity, this paper argues, should be viewed as an overlapping and reinforcing form of workplace precarity that has distinctly sexual and bodily dimensions.
Methylsulfonylmethane promotes melanogenesis via activation of JNK in Mel‐Ab cells
Authors: Kim In Wook , Park Woo‐Jae , Yun Hye‐Young , Kim Dong‐Seok
Published: June 2024

Objective

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which contains organic sulphur, has been used for a long time as a medicinal ingredient because of its benefits to human health. MSM is reported to be protective against certain skin disorders, but it is unknown whether it affects melanin synthesis. Therefore, in our current research, we examined the possibility of MSM controlling the production of melanin in Mel‐Ab melanocytes.

Methods

In Mel‐Ab cells, melanin contents and tyrosinase activities were assessed and quantified. The expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase was evaluated using western blot analysis, while MSM‐induced signalling pathways were investigated.

Results

The MSM treatment significantly resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in melanin production. Furthermore, MSM elevated melanin‐related proteins, including MITF and tyrosinase. However, the rate‐limiting enzyme of melanin production, tyrosinase, was not directly influenced by it. Therefore, we investigated potential melanogenesis‐related signalling pathways that may have been triggered by MSM. Our findings showed that MSM did not influence the signalling pathways associated with glycogen synthase kinase 3β, cAMP response‐element binding protein, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, or p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. However, MSM phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases/stress‐activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK), which is known to induce melanogenesis. SP600125, a specific JNK inhibitor, inhibited MSM‐induced melanogenesis.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study indicates that MSM induces melanin synthesis and may serve as a therapeutic option for hypopigmentary skin disorders such as vitiligo.
A visual ratio PVA/curcumin/indigo nanofibre membrane based on natural pigments for detecting mutton freshness
Authors: Li Lianye , Li Wenbo , Sun Wuliang , Dong Yue , Yv Yaxin , Shi Wanting , Sun Wenxiu
Published: June 2024

In the storage process, meat is susceptible to external factors that produce corruption and deterioration, affecting consumers' health. Therefore, preparing an indicator membrane that can detect freshness in real time, non‐destructively, and visually is significant. Herein, an indicator membrane was prepared by electrostatic spinning technology using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate and curcumin (CUR) and indigo (IND) as the mixed indicator for freshness detection. When curcumin and indigo were mixed at 3:1 (w/w), CUR was transformed from ketone type to enol type with the gradual increase of pH, and IND underwent electron leaps, which resulted in green, brown, and reddish‐brown colour changes in the solution, and the colour development effect was effectively improved. The characterisation results showed that the average fibre diameter of the PVA/0.8 indicator membrane was 252 nm, the hybrid indicator was successfully loaded in the nanofibres, and the water contact angle was 103.6°, which was hydrophobic. In addition, the indicator membrane was sensitive to trimethylamine (limit of detection 17.38 ppm) and triethylamine (limit of detection 27.77 ppm) but insensitive to saline, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and other contaminants with detection specificity. Finally, the colour of the indicating membrane changes from green to brown during the storage of mutton in the mutton was rotten, indicating that the naked eye can judge the freshness of the mutton. Therefore, the PVA/CUR/IND indicator membrane has excellent potential for application in real‐time and non‐destructive detection of mutton freshness.
Influence of computerized intraosseous anesthesia compared with traditional mandibular nerve block on children's behavior: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Radwan Mohamed Zayed , Wassel Mariem Osama , El Geleel Ola Abd , Elghazawy Reham Khaled
Published: June 2024

Background

Effective pain management is crucial for the successful completion of dental procedures in children. Research has examined whether computerized intraosseous anesthesia (CIOA) could serve as a safe and viable substitute for the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique in pediatric patients. This study investigates the efficacy of CIOA, aiming to determine its effectiveness as an alternative anesthesia method.

Aim

This study compared the efficacy of local intraosseous anesthesia using a computerized device (QuickSleeper 5) to conventional IANB anesthesia on cooperation and pain perception in children, using a randomized controlled trial design.

Design

The study included 88 healthy children, aged between 6 and 9 years, who required pulpotomy for their mandibular second primary molars. The study was approved by the local research ethics committee and registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05193487). The heart rate and Venham behavior rating scale were recorded and analyzed. Categorical data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Age and heart rate were compared using an independent t‐test for intergroup comparison. The intragroup comparison was carried out using repeated measures ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to analyze the Venham scale scores. The significance level was set at p < .05

Results

The mean Venham score was slightly higher in the IANB group than in the CIOA group, but was not statistically significant (p = .852). One minute after anesthesia administration, the heart rate (beats per minute [BPM]) was significantly higher in the IANB group (92.30 ± 13.45) than in the CIOA group (83.20 ± 10.40) (p < .001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in heart rate values measured at different intervals within the IANB group.

Conclusion

The QuickSleeper 5 device was found to be a feasible alternative for IANB in children over 6 years old.
Effect of LiF and LBSCA glass on the microwave dielectric properties of 0.5BaCuSi4O10–0.5BaCuSi2O6‐based ceramics for LTCC applications
Authors: Lou Yu , Wang Wei , Xu Di‐Ming , Du Chao , Wang Xin , Hussain Fayaz , Darwish Moustafa Adel , Zhou Tao , Chen Ya‐Wei , Liang Qi‐Xin , Zhang Mei‐Rong , Pang Yong‐Qiang , Zhou Di
Published: June 2024

In this work, the 0.5BaCuSi4O10–0.5BaCuSi2O6‐based ceramics were synthesized using a standard solid‐phase reaction process, and the inherent relationship between crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties was thoroughly explored. The crystal structure of the 0.5BaCuSi4O10–0.5BaCuSi2O6 ceramic was determined by X‐ray diffractometer, which confirmed the existence of two phases. Microstructure observation of the ceramics was obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Excellent microwave dielectric properties with a low ԑr ∼6.52, a high Q × f ∼46 010 GHz, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) ∼−14 ppm°C−1 were obtained in the 0.5BaCuSi4O10–0.5BaCuSi2O6 ceramic sintered at 1060°C. By adding sintering additives LiF and Li2O–B2O3–SiO2–CaO–Al2O3 (LBSCA) glass, the sintering temperature was decreased from 1060°C to 870°C. Good microwave dielectric properties with a ԑr ∼6.59, a Q × f ∼18 820 GHz, and TCF ∼−14 ppm°C−1 were achieved in the 0.5BaCuSi4O10–0.5BaCuSi2O6 ‐2 wt.% LiF, 1 wt.% LBSCA (2F1LBSCA) ceramic sintered at 870°C. The low‐temperature firing ceramics could also be well co‐fired with Ag with good chemical compatibility. These results indicated that the 0.5BaCuSi4O10–0.5BaCuSi2O6 ceramic with 2F1LBSCA additions can be utilized in low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics technology to produce high‐frequency communication components.
Self‐care behaviours of first‐generation Chinese immigrants living with cardiovascular disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Zeng Ling , Xu Xiaoyue , Perry Lin
Published: June 2024

Aim

To identify and describe self‐care behaviours performed by Chinese immigrants living with cardiovascular disease in Australia, and factors perceived as barriers and facilitators to evidence‐based cardiac self‐care.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured phone interviews were conducted among participants meeting the following criteria: (1) first‐generation Chinese immigrants to Australia, born in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan; (2) Australian permanent residents or citizens; (3) self‐reported or medically diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stroke or heart failure; (4) able to speak English or Mandarin; (5) able to provide informed consent, excluding those with history or evidence of impaired cognition such as dementia. Participants were recruited via social media, Chinese community associations and medical centres from September 2021 to June 2022. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis, guided by the Middle‐Range Theory of Self‐Care of Chronic Illness. The study was reported in line with the COREQ checklist.

Results

Twenty participants were interviewed, 60% female, mean age 69.9 years. Most migrated to Australia at older age following their retirement in China; most had limited English proficiency. Many practiced adequate self‐care for their CVD in self‐care maintenance and monitoring. Variously, they adopted heart‐healthy diets, developed exercise routines, attended medical services and closely monitored their body signs and symptoms. However, self‐adjusting medications, taking Traditional Chinese Medicine and self‐administering health supplements were prevalent practices and first‐response management of acute cardiac symptoms was suboptimal. Linguistic and cultural barriers to obtaining mainstream heart health information meant most participants resorted to informal, anecdotal and mainland Chinese sources.

Conclusion

Diverse factors were held responsible for sub‐optimal self‐care behaviours but lack of access to linguistically and culturally appropriate heart health information was widely blamed. Linguistically and culturally appropriate community‐based heart health education programmes are urgently needed, targeting healthy lifestyle modification, medication literacy and cardiac symptom management.

Impact

Study findings can be used to improve cardiac nurses' cultural sensitivity and practices targeting Chinese immigrants. Partnering with Chinese community associations offers health service providers and policymakers an innovative route to co‐design and deliver targeted heart health education interventions and support for this population.

Public Contribution

Chinese community centre managers contributed to data collection by supporting participant recruitment.
Target firm's integrity culture and M&A performance
Authors: Balachandran Balasingham , Faff Robert W. , Mishra Sagarika , Shams Syed
Published: June 2024

This study investigates whether the attribute of integrity culture (derived from target firms’ annual reports) influences merger and acquisition (M&A) performance. We find that a target firm's integrity culture, measured from its 10‐K reports, has a positive and significant effect on market reaction to the bidder firm's M&A announcement. Our study's analysis is found to be robust to sample selection bias by utilising the entropy balancing technique and to endogeneity concerns by employing an instrumental variable approach. Our results are also robust to alternative measures of integrity culture and when controlling for a target firm's religiosity and corporate social responsibility, an acquirer firm's fixed effects, chief executive officer's fixed effects, governance for corporate control and advisor quality. We identify the retention of a target firm's directors and of its customers as channels that underlie our main findings. Furthermore, we find that acquisition synergies improve, with decreased time taken to complete the deal, for acquisitions of target firms with a higher integrity culture.
Study on line‐scan profile for a trapezoid line under varying sample temperatures through Monte–Carlo simulation
Authors: Zhang Peng
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the influence of the sample inherent temperature on the line‐scan profile for a silicon trapezoid line with different sidewall angles by Monte–Carlo simulation. This study demonstrates that the profile varies with temperature, particularly focusing on the ‘shoulder’, which becomes more pronounced with larger sidewall angles. The contrast of the secondary electron profile increases at low primary electron energy but decreases at relatively high PE energy as the temperature rises. The trend of the backscattering electron profile is similar but less noticeable. The underlying mechanism is discussed in detail. This study has potential to provide valuable insights into thermometry in nanostructures using SEMs.
Assessment of post‐trauma microstructural alterations in the rabbit knee cartilage and subchondral bone
Authors: Singh Amanveer , Mantebea Hannah , Badar Farid , Batool Syeda , Tetmeyer Austin , Abdelmessih Gabrielle , Sebastian Talia , Newton Michael , Baker Kevin , Salem Sarah , Xia Yang
Published: June 2024

Early diagnosis of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is critical for designing better treatments before the degradation becomes irreversible. We utilized multimodal high‐resolution imaging to investigate early‐stage deterioration in articular cartilage and the subchondral bone plate from a sub‐critical impact to the knee joint, which initiates PTOA. The knee joints of 12 adult rabbits were mechanically impacted once on the femoral articular surface to initiate deterioration. At 2‐ and 14‐week post‐impact surgery, cartilage‐bone blocks were harvested from the impact region in the animals (N = 6 each). These blocks were assessed for deterioration using polarized light microscopy (PLM), microcomputed tomography (μCT), and biochemical analysis. Statistically significant changes were noted in the impact tissues across the calcified zone (CZ) at 14 weeks post‐impact: the optical retardation values in the CZ of impact cartilage had a drop of 29.0% at 14 weeks, while the calcium concentration in the CZ of impact cartilage also had a significant drop at 14 weeks. A significant reduction of 6.3% in bone mineral density (BMD) was noted in the subchondral bone plate of the impact samples at 14 weeks. At 2 weeks post‐impact, only minor, non‐significant changes were measured. Furthermore, the impact knees after 14 weeks had greater structural changes compared with the 2‐week impact knees, indicating progressive degradation over time. The findings of this study facilitated a connection between mineralization alterations and the early deterioration of knee cartilage after a mechanical injury. In a broader context, these findings can be beneficial in improving clinical strategies to manage joint injuries.
Facial tightening using a novel vacuum‐assisted microneedle fractional radiofrequency system: A prospective, randomized, split‐face study
Authors: Liu Ying , Yu Wenxin , Zhu Jiafang , Cen Qingqing , Zhou Lucia , Ma Gang , Shang Ying , Han Yue , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: June 2024

Background

The microneedle fractional radiofrequency system (MFRS) is able to rejuvenate facial appearance by heating and coagulating certain depth of skin tissue.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel vacuum‐assisted MFRS for facial contour tightening.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, split‐face study included 21 patients who underwent three treatments with a vacuum‐assisted MFRS at 1‐month intervals. Half of the face was treated with the MFRS; the other half was untreated (control). Facial volume changes and wrinkles were objectively measured using a three‐dimensional imaging system and VISIA‐CR.

Results

Volume changes of the treated midface were −0.24 ± 0.75, −0.59 ± 0.92, and −0.55 ± 0.65 mL at 1, 3, 6 months follow‐up; however, measurements of the control side were 0.08 ± 0.70, −0.08 ± 0.53, and − 0.10 ± 0.86 mL, indicating significant reductions (p < 0.05). The number of facial wrinkles on the treated side was significantly reduced to 12.44 ± 4.85 at 3 months and sustained at 6 months (11.11 ± 4.100) compared to the control side (14.89 ± 5.26 and 13.22 ± 4.44, respectively; p < 0.05). No long‐term side effects occurred.

Conclusion

The vacuum‐assisted MFRS is safe and effective and is recommended for improving facial tightening and reducing wrinkles. This technology is sufficient to ensure the insertion depth, thus helping to improve the treatment accuracy and safety. The MFRS provides sustained effects for at least 6 months.
On the efficiency of insurance institutions under interdependent risks
Authors: Seog S. Hun
Published: June 2024

We theoretically investigate the equilibria and efficiencies of public and market insurance institutions within a framework where loss probabilities are interdependently influenced by the efforts of individuals and institutions (firms). We highlight the multilateral nature of interdependency, which exists within individuals, within firms, and between them. Our analysis reveals that both public and market institutions fall short of achieving first‐best efficiency, and that the relative efficiencies between the two are indeterminate, due to the externalities. Regarding effort levels, we find that under the public institution, individual efforts are lower while institutional efforts are higher compared with the social optimum and the market institution. We also find that individual and/or institutional efforts are lower under the market institution than the social optimum, with both efforts lower under severe externalities.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of phenolics from Sargassum carpophyllum – A kinetics study
Authors: Liu Xin , Yin Qunjian , Chen Xuyang , Sun Pengfei , Liu Ying
Published: June 2024

The species of the brown macroalgal genus Sargassum are distributed globally and contain many bioactive compounds. In this study, ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to obtain phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity from Sargassum carpophyllum collected along the coastline of Weizhou Island in the South China Sea. The influence of different variables such as the solid–liquid ratio (1:5–1:30 g · mL−1), ultrasonic power (160–280 W), duty circle ratio (DCR, 1/3–1/1), and ethanol concentration (30% to ~90%) were studied using a single factor design. The extraction kinetics were investigated using the Peleg model and second‐order kinetics model, and the second‐order model described the extraction procedure better than the Peleg model. Total phenol content (TPC) values of 3.316, 2.964, 2.741, and 3.665 mg phloroglucinol (PHG) · g−1 algae were achieved at a higher solid–liquid ratio (1:30 g · mL−1), higher ultrasonic power (280 W), a higher DCR (1/1), and a moderate ethanol concentration (50%), respectively. However, a slightly different result was observed in the extract obtained, with total phenol contents (TPCextract) of 52.99, 65.00, 46.22, and 55.10 mg PHG · g−1 extract and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) of 0.096, 0.066, 0.131, and 0.136 mg extract · mL−1 observed at 50% ethanol, 1:5 g m· mL−1, 2/3 DCR, and 200 W respectively. All variables studied influenced the extraction kinetics by altering the extraction rate and the TPC at equilibrium. As for the bioactivities in the extract, a larger solid–liquid ratio and greater ultrasonic power may not contribute because of their ability to extract non‐phenolic components simultaneously, leading to reduced overall bioactivities. The results of the present study provide essential information for future UAE process design and optimization for extracting phenolics from S. carpophyllum through mathematical modeling and could be regarded as important reference for obtaining value‐added products from other macroalgae species.
Cascading disruptions: Impact of modularity and nexus supplier predictions
Authors: Namdar Jafar , Blackhurst Jennifer , Zhao Kang , Song Suyong
Published: June 2024

Disruptions can start at one supplier in the supply network and ripple through, impacting other suppliers and firms, known as cascading disruptions. This research analyzes the effect of supply network modularity on cascading disruptions. Modularity measures the degree to which a supply network can be divided into self‐contained sub‐networks and has different effects on supply network resilience. A highly modular supply network prevents cascading disruptions from spreading through the whole network because of the lack of bridges between modules (lack of inter‐module connectivity). Hence, the size of cascading disruptions—measured by the number of suppliers impacted by a cascading disruption—in highly modular supply networks tends to be smaller than the size of cascading disruptions in less modular supply networks. However, the high level of internal connectivity within a module (excessive intra‐module connectivity) acts as an incubator for cascading disruptions. This means a small disruption in a modular network may impact fewer suppliers (i.e., smaller cascading size) but with higher severity measured by service level. Finally, building upon the theoretical concept of nexus suppliers, this research proposes a new predictive model to identify the operational nexus suppliers whose disruptions would considerably impact focal firms' operations. The model's accuracy is empirically tested on real‐world global supply networks involving 2598 unique firms and suppliers across 51 countries and 111 industries. The model identifies nexus suppliers with 95% accuracy, allowing managers and policymakers to plan for mitigation strategies proactively.
Effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on romantic relationships and intimacy among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Poletti Valentina , Battaglia Elvia Giovanna , Banfi Paolo , Volpato Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked chronic sleep disorder with significant health implications globally. Bedpartners play a vital role in motivating individuals with obstructive sleep apnea to seek medical help, though their sleep quality may suffer, straining the couple's relationship. From September 2023 to January 2024, utilizing PubMed, Scopus, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and www.clinicaltrials.gov databases, this systematic review meticulously examined data from 27 studies to investigate how continuous positive airway pressure therapy, recognized as the gold‐standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea, may positively influence psychological dynamics within couples. Additionally, a meta‐analysis was conducted on nine studies, to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure on erectile function, which is often compromised in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The PRISMA checklist and specific quality assessments were followed to ensure methodological rigour and transparency. Findings reveal positive changes in conflict resolution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea post‐ continuous positive airway pressure adaptation (p < 0.05). Emotional functioning (p = 0.002) and social relationships (p < 0.001) also show improvements in bedpartners. While six subjective assessments indicate enhancements in sexual quality of life for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, challenges related to continuous positive airway pressure use as a barrier to intimacy are acknowledged. Focusing on male patients with obstructive sleep apnea, findings demonstrated a substantial improvement in erectile function post‐continuous positive airway pressure utilization, with a Z‐score of 4.84 (p < 0.00001). Female patients with obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive airway pressure show no significant improvements in sexual functioning, while female bedpartners report positive changes. These insights emphasize the importance of holistic approaches in addressing the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on both individuals and their relationships.
How to be indifferent
Authors: Liu Sebastian
Published: June 2024

According to the principle of indifference, when a set of possibilities is evidentially symmetric for you – when your evidence no more supports any one of the possibilities over any other – you're required to distribute your credences uniformly among them. Despite its intuitive appeal, the principle of indifference is often thought to be unsustainable due to the problem of multiple partitions: Depending on how a set of possibilities is divided, it seems that sometimes, applying indifference reasoning can require you to assign incompatible credences to equivalent possibilities. This paper defends the principle of indifference from the problem of multiple partitions by offering two guides for how to respond. The first is for permissivists about rationality, and is modeled on permissivists' arguments for the claim that a body of evidence sometimes does not uniquely determine a fully rational credence function. The second is for impermissivists about rationality, and is modeled on impermissivists' arguments for the claim that a body of evidence does always uniquely determine a fully rational credence function. What appears to be a decisive objection against the principle of indifference is in fact an instance of a general challenge taking different forms familiar to both permissivists and impermissivists.
NPCC4: Climate change and New York City's health risk
Authors: Matte Thomas , Lane Kathryn , Tipaldo Jenna F. , Barnes Janice , Knowlton Kim , Torem Emily , Anand Gowri , Yoon Liv , Marcotullio Peter , Balk Deborah , Constible Juanita , Elszasz Hayley , Ito Kazuhiko , Jessel Sonal , Limaye Vijay , Parks Robbie , Rutigliano Mallory , Sorenson Cecilia , Yuan Ariel
Published: June 2024

This chapter of the New York City Panel on Climate Change 4 (NPCC4) report considers climate health risks, vulnerabilities, and resilience strategies in New York City's unique urban context. It updates evidence since the last health assessment in 2015 as part of NPCC2 and addresses climate health risks and vulnerabilities that have emerged as especially salient to NYC since 2015. Climate health risks from heat and flooding are emphasized. In addition, other climate‐sensitive exposures harmful to human health are considered, including outdoor and indoor air pollution, including aeroallergens; insect vectors of human illness; waterborne infectious and chemical contaminants; and compounding of climate health risks with other public health emergencies, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Evidence‐informed strategies for reducing future climate risks to health are considered.
NPCC4: Climate change, energy, and energy insecurity in New York City
Authors: Yoon Liv , Ventrella Jennifer , Marcotullio Peter , Matte Thomas , Lane Kathryn , Tipaldo Jenna , Jessel Sonal , Schmid Kathleen , Casagrande Julia , Elszasz Hayley
Published: June 2024

This chapter of the New York City Panel on Climate Change 4 (NPCC4) report provides an overview of energy trends in New York City and the State of New York, as well as accompanying challenges and barriers to the energy transition—with implications for human health and wellbeing. The link between energy trends and their impact on health and wellbeing is brought to the fore by the concept of “energy insecurity,” an important addition to the NPCC4 assessment.
NPCC4: Climate risk and equity—advancing knowledge toward a sustainable future | Introduction
Authors: Balk Deborah , Braneon Christian , Leichenko Robin , Moss Richard , Towers Joel
Published: June 2024

This Introduction to NPCC4 provides an overview of the first three NPCC Reports and contextualizes NPCC4's deliberate decision to address justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in its collective work and in its own practices, procedures, and methods of assessment. Next, it summarizes the assessment process, including greater emphasis on sustained assessment. Finally, it introduces the NPCC4 chapters and their scope.
Evaluation and selection of sources of resistance in popcorn to southern corn leaf blight
Authors: Saluci Julio Cesar Gradice , Vivas Marcelo , de Almeida Rafael Nunes , Vasconcelos Luana Cruz , Valadares Fernanda Vargas , de Andrade Junior Marcelo Serafim , Santos Juliana Saltires , Mussi‐Dias Vicente , da Silveira Silvaldo Felipe , do Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira
Published: June 2024

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB), caused by Bipolaris maydis, is an important leaf disease of popcorn. The use of resistant genotypes is the most suitable control option for this disease, but there are few sources of resistance described in popcorn germplasm for use in breeding programmes. This research aimed to identify new sources of resistance in a panel of popcorn inbred lines. A total of 184 lines were evaluated in the field twice a year for the incidence and severity of SCLB symptoms. A set of candidate lines for sources of resistance (CLSR) was selected and evaluated in a greenhouse under artificial inoculation based on joint analysis of variance and grouping of means. Data from the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), based on three symptom severity assessments, allowed the analysis of variance followed by the grouping of means. The lines presented high phenotypic variability for the incidence and severity of SCLB under field conditions, enabling the selection of lines with higher potential for resistance. The test of means for AUDPC in the greenhouse allowed the formation of five groups, with the highest resistance comprising 23 lines. This group gathered lines with resistance to SCLB, the potential for grain yield and expansion capacity, in addition to lines that stood out with satisfactory performance as parents in previous research. Twelve percent (23 lines) out of the total evaluated lines were indicated as a source of resistance to SCLB.
Impacts of in‐vitro zebularine treatment on genome‐wide DNA methylation and transcriptomic profiles in Salix purpurea L.
Authors: Khodaeiaminjan Mortaza , Gomes Carolina , Pagano Andrea , Kruszka Dariusz , Sulima Paweł , Przyborowski Jerzy Andrzej , Krajewski Paweł , Paiva Jorge Almiro Pinto
Published: June 2024

Renewable energy resources such as biomass are crucial for a sustainable global society. Trees are a major source of lignocellulosic biomass, which can vary in response to different environmental factors owing to epigenetic regulation, such as DNA C‐methylation. To investigate the effects of DNA methylation on plant development and wood formation, and its impacts on gene expression, with a focus on secondary cell wall (SCW)‐associated genes, Salix purpurea plantlets were cloned from buds derived from a single hybrid tree for both treatment and control conditions. For the treatment condition, buds were exposed to 50 μM zebularine in vitro and a combined strategy of whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA‐seq was employed to examine the methylome and transcriptome profiles of different tissues collected at various time points under both conditions. Transcriptomic and methylome data revealed that most of the promoter and gene body demethylation had no marked effects on the expression profiles of genes. Nevertheless, gene expression tended to decrease with the increased methylation levels of genes with highly methylated promoters. Results indicated that demethylation is less evident in centromeric regions and sex chromosomes. Promoters of secondary cell wall‐associated genes, such as 4‐coumarate‐CoA ligase‐like and Rac‐like GTP‐binding protein RHO, were differentially methylated in the secondary xylem samples collected from two‐month potted treated plants compared to control samples. Our results provide novel insights into DNA methylation and gene expression landscapes and a basis for investigating the epigenetic regulation of wood formation in S. purpurea as a model plant for bioenergy species.
Life is strongly emergent
Authors: Paolini Paoletti Michele
Published: June 2024

In this article, I argue that life is a strongly emergent phenomenon. For the project of drawing a real distinction between living and non‐living beings cannot but appeal to strongly emergent powers. First, I introduce some features whose possession is typically taken to be sufficient for possessing life, i.e., Life‐Sufficient Features (or LS‐Features). I also clarify what I mean by “strongly emergent powers”. And I fully develop and illustrate my argument. Subsequently, I examine no less than 17 possible reactions to my argument. I show why all of such reactions turn out to be troublesome or inadequate.
What is narrativity?
Authors: Keven Nazim
Published: June 2024

In recent years, narrative accounts of the self have gained increasing attention. It is widely accepted that humans are storytelling creatures, that stories shape our self‐conception, and that we fail to be agents without a narrative framework. While there is less agreement on what constitutes a narrative, it is generally understood to be more than a chronological listing of life events; it is also an account of the explanatory relationships among these events—a story of how events lead to other events. However, specifying the nature of this explanatory relationship has proven difficult. As critics have pointed out, narrativists often resort to simplistic notions of narrative when faced with criticism. The concept of narrative explanation needs to be elaborated in a way that is both substantive enough to exclude trivial behaviours from being considered narratives and nonrestrictive enough to accommodate ordinary lives that may not be particularly story‐like. In this paper, I review existing accounts of narrative explanation and propose a teleological account, according to which narratives consist of goal‐directed explanations of a sequence of events. I argue that a teleological account of narrative explanation can be a fruitful way to clarify the concept of “narrative” in the context of the narrative self by addressing the most common objections.
Ecosystem restoration can lead to carbon recovery in semi‐arid savanna grasslands in India
Authors: Bhan Manan , Misher Chetan , Kulkarni Abhijeet , Hiremath Ankila J. , Vanak Abi T.
Published: June 2024

Semiarid savanna grasslands (SG) in India deliver enormous benefits to people and nature but are currently undergoing large‐scale degradation. Soil carbon stocks in degraded SGs vary in response to land use and land management changes. Although there is increasing support for restoring grasslands by planting native grass species, its impact on soil carbon recovery is largely unknown. In this study, we undertake a plot‐level investigation of soil and aboveground biomass carbon stocks to provide robust estimates of carbon densities across sites which have undergone restoration over the last 3 years. We compare these restored sites with a no‐intervention control using a space‐for‐time substitution framework and two reference old‐growth grassland sites. We find that SGs store significant amounts of carbon (11.57–26.76 tC/ha across 1‐ to 3‐year restoration sites, respectively), with most of the carbon stored in soils (7.29–15.67 tC/ha across 1‐ to 3‐year restoration sites, respectively). These estimates still remain well below the soil carbon stocks of the reference sites (range of 22.91–39.49 tC/ha). We demonstrate that soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks progressively increase with the age of grass plantings. The 3‐year site shows an increase of 35% in SOC stocks compared to the no‐intervention control and an increase of 30 and 21% in comparison to the 1‐ and 2‐year sites, respectively. Our study demonstrates a robust approach to estimate soil carbon stocks in these ecosystems and highlights that effective conservation and restoration can enable SGs in India to act as natural carbon sinks at scale.
Oral health status, behavior, and practices among hearing impaired children attending a specialized school in Jordan
Authors: Rajab Lamis Darwish , Da'as Noor Mustafa
Published: June 2024

Aims

To assess the oral health status and related factors among hearing impaired schoolchildren.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study among 115 hearing impaired schoolchildren enrolled at the School of the Deaf in Jordan. The World Health Organization (WHO) methodology and criteria were applied to collect data on caries, gingival bleeding. The WHO classification modified by Andreasen et al. was used to record traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). Sociodemographic data, oral health practices, and oral health related quality of life information were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of caries among the study sample was 84.3%, the dominating component was untreated dental caries. Mean decayed, missing, filled primary teeth (dmft) was 8 in the primary dentition and 3.62 in the mixed dentition, mean Decayed, Missing, Filled permanent Teeth (DMFT) was 1.38 in the mixed dentition and 2.87 in the permanent. The overall mean of gingival bleeding percentage among the whole study sample was 70.38%. the prevalence of TDIs was of 11.3% and mostly caused by falls.

Conclusions

The prevalence of dental caries and caries experience, rate of gingival bleeding and dental trauma in children with hearing impaired individuals are high compared to figures observed in studies conducted among Jordanian schoolchildren with normal hearing. Dental diseases impact the quality of life of these individuals.