bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nash equilibria in models of fiscal competition with unemployment
Authors: Kikuchi Yuya , Tamai Toshiki
Published: March 2024

This study examines two different fiscal competition games under labor market imperfections. Given that capital moves across regions and affects regional employment, governments must choose the expenditure level and tax rate on such mobile capital by accounting for the effects of fiscal variables on both capital and labor. Therefore, governments may play these games with either the tax rates on mobile capital or with public expenditures. The presence/absence of absentee ownership of capital and employment externalities are significant factors that characterize two distinct Nash equilibria, one that occurs with tax competition and the other with expenditure competition. Contrary to the existing literature, tax rates under tax competition are likely to be lower than those under expenditure competition owing to employment externalities. In some cases, governments prefer to choose government expenditure as their strategic variable rather than the tax rate. The presence of employment externalities motivates governments to use such expenditure as the variable through which it may strengthen strategic effects.
The Missing Millions: Uncovering the Burden of Covid‐19 Cases and Deaths in the African Region
Authors: McKay Tara , Robinson Rachel Sullivan , Musungu Serena , Padi‐Adjirackor Nana Addo , Angotti Nicole
Published: March 2024

Early in 2020, experts warned of the devastating toll that COVID‐19 would have on African countries. By the close of 2021, however, Africa remained one of the least affected regions in the world, leading commentators to speculate about a so‐called “Africa paradox”. This review evaluates current research and data to establish the burden of COVID‐19 infections and mortality in the African region. Despite claims that African countries were spared from COVID‐19 infection, there is now considerable serological evidence confirming that people in African countries ultimately experienced levels of SARS‐CoV2 infection comparable to or more than people in other global regions. Additionally, multiple measures demonstrate substantial impacts of COVID‐19 on mortality in specific African countries where mortality and/or seroprevalence data are available. The gaps between recorded cases and seroprevalence are large and increased over the course of the pandemic. Researchers also observe significant gaps between recorded COVID‐19 deaths and other measures of mortality, attributable to weak civil and vital registration systems, limited health care resources, and higher mortality at younger ages. Our findings reinforce the need for more equitable global distribution of health care resources and expanded disease and mortality surveillance across the continent.
Evaluating the pinnacle of football match key statistics as in‐play information for determining the match outcome of Europe's foremost leagues
Authors: Xiaoyu Fan , Shasha Wang
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pinnacle of football match key statistics as in‐play information for determining the match outcome of Europe's foremost leagues, namely those in England, Scotland, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Belgium, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Greece. The study analyzed a sample of 98,849 matches across all sports leagues from the 2002/2003 to 2023/2024 seasons.

Methods

The techniques employed include the zero‐inflated Poisson regression model and generalized ordered logit/partial proportional odds (gologit/ppo) models.

Results

The findings revealed that, for both home and away teams, the number of shots, shots on target, corners, and the changes from one season to another, as well as the occurrence of Covid‐19, are factors that encourage goal scoring. On the other hand, fouls committed, yellow cards, and red cards act as limiting factors for goal scoring. The effects are higher in the full‐time play than in the halftime. However, the impact of the number of goals scored in the last match and the effect of Covid‐19 are negligible for the home and away teams, respectively. Moreover, when comparing the impacts specifically within home teams and within away teams, it was found that yellow and red cards are highly detrimental, while the positive impact of shots on target surpasses these and other factors in home teams. In contrast, for away teams, the negative impact of yellow and red cards is more significant than any other factor.

Conclusion

Football match key statistics including the number of shots, shots on target, corners, change from one season to another, fouls committed, yellow cards, red cards, last match outcome, and occurrence of Covid‐19 are essential determinants of the match outcome whether a team is at home or way but the impact is higher during the second half of the play.
Conflicting geographical imaginaries in globalised labour markets: The local valorisation of international education among employers and returned international students
Authors: Ren Ran , Qi Yunting
Published: March 2024

While scholars have extensively investigated the post‐study career experiences of international students, there has been a dearth in the literature on the mediation of intersubjectivities in the local valorisation of international education, particularly neglecting the perspective of recruiters. Through the lens of geographical imaginaries and drawing on qualitative data from recruiters in professional sectors and returned students in China, this paper reveals the significant role of imaginaries in shaping the perceptions and practices of both parties during the university‐to‐work transitions. The findings underscore that overseas credentials, codified knowledge, and embodied competencies were central to recruiters' and returnees' imaginaries regarding international education. However, conflicts in these imaginaries between recruiters and graduates resulted in the distinct valorisation of the socioeconomic value of overseas education between the two groups and created challenges for returnees' transitions from overseas education to local professional employment. This study emphasises the importance of emplaced intersubjectivities in comprehending international student mobilities as an ongoing transnational process across global educational spaces and local labour markets. It also underscores the role of local contexts and networks in valorising and mediating the value of international education, creating place‐specific patterns of university‐to‐work transitions among returnees.
Determining the conclusiveness of a meta-analysis
Authors: Abdulmajeed Jazeel , Pateras Konstantinos , Kostoulas Polychronis , Doi Suhail A.R.
Published: March 2024

The pursuit of conclusive evidence related to an unanswered foreground (decision-making) question has been the driving factor behind multiple ongoing and planned randomized controlled trials as well as meta-analyses. However, a fundamental challenge lies in establishing robust methods for ascertaining whether a collection of synthesized trials has yielded a definitive answer to that foreground question through the process of meta-analysis. This article explores the evolution of methods that attempt to address this challenge. These methods have primarily focused on defining and measuring the sufficiency and stability of evidence within a meta-analytic context. Cumulative meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis are the tools currently used, but they both come with limitations and challenges. We further discuss methods aimed at evaluating the evolution of effects over time more directly, such as the recursive cumulative meta-analysis. The latter method can be considered a better alternative, as it serves to demonstrate whether there is a true underlying treatment effect to which the meta-analysis is converging. However, recursive cumulative meta-analysis falls short of a specific indicator that establishes whether convergence has been reached. We coin the term exit for a meta-analysis where convergence can be demonstrated. Developing methods to determine the exit status of a meta-analysis is the next priority in research synthesis methods, as it will indicate that the research journey has concluded on a particular foreground question with no expectation of a different result with the addition of future trials.
Closed-Form Solutions to Continuous-Time Algebraic Riccati Equation for Second-Order Systems
Authors: Rustagi Vishvendra , Sultan Cornel
Published: March 2024

Two closed-form methods to solve the continuous-time algebraic Riccati equation (CARE) for second-order systems in terms of the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices are presented. One method utilizes the modal transformation of mass and stiffness matrices, and the other does not require this transformation. Hundreds of high-dimensional second-order systems are used to show that these methods achieve similar or better accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art, while significantly reducing the computation time. Furthermore, advantages of these methods are illustrated in vibration control problems.
Exothermic reactions and 39Ar–40Ar thermochronology: Hydration leads to younger apparent ages
Authors: Schorn Simon , Moulas Evangelos , Stüwe Kurt
Published: March 2024

Retrogression and hydration commonly affect large swaths of Earth’s crust, causing variable degrees of chloritization, sericitization, and/or serpentinization. Hydration is a strongly exothermic process that partially opens isotopic systems, thereby distorting the recorded apparent ages and cooling histories of reworked terranes. Using a simple one-dimensional numerical model involving heat released at variable temperatures to simulate exothermic hydration, we track the cooling histories for rocks that exhume from depth. The calculated cooling paths are used to quantify apparent 39Ar–40Ar ages in muscovite, biotite, and feldspar considering 40Ar production and diffusive Ar loss. For fluid incorporation relative to chloritization of ~10%, ~50 kJ of latent heat are released per kilogram of rock. For this scenario and exhumation rates between 1 mm·yr–1 and 4 mm·yr–1, muscovite grains ≤100 µm in diameter yield apparent ages that are younger by up to 10%, but always exceeding the typical uncertainty of Ar dating. Biotite and feldspar display a similar distortion, even for large grains of ~1 mm in size. The relative younging effect increases to >30% with enthalpy released, exhumation rate, and decreasing grain size, with younging reaching a maximum for hydration at approximately the nominal closure temperature of the respective thermochronometers. Using published data sets (from Sifnos, Greece, and Tian Shan, China), we suggest that rejuvenation of apparent mica ages is consistent with diffusive Ar loss due to exothermic hydration during exhumation. Our method applies to any thermally activated process, like element exchange in mineral thermometers or fission-track annealing, provided heat is released close to the characteristic closure temperature. This extends to processes beyond hydration, such as shear heating or localized magma emplacement, making our results pertinent for diverse thermochronometers and temperature-sensitive methods across a broad range of conditions.
Vestiges of Earth’s earliest depleted mantle reservoir
Authors: Wright Jordan K. , Basu Asish R.
Published: March 2024

There is a paucity of evidence preserved in the rock record regarding Earth’s earliest enriched crust and its complementary depleted mantle during the Hadean. In recent years, vestiges of these early reservoirs have been inferred by examination of Hf isotope systematics compiled from zircons. The Singhbhum craton of Eastern India, for example, preserves only the existence of an enriched (εHf <0) crustal reservoir during the Hadean–Eoarchean, with the notable absence of a depleted mantle reservoir signature (εHf >0) until ca. 3.5 Ga. Here we report a new Sm-Nd isochron for the Lower Lava greenstones of the western Iron Ore Group from the Singhbhum craton, confirming a 3.42 ± 0.14 Ga crystallization age with an initial εNd of +5.7 ± 2.5. This is the highest positive εNd value derived from an isochron of this age. We infer that this depleted mantle source is a vestige complementary to the primary crust following planetary differentiation. Furthermore, we present U-Pb zircon ages for a 3.39 ± 0.02 Ga tuff that lies stratigraphically above the Lower Lava and <30 cm below an extensive conformable banded iron formation (BIF). This age implies that the western Iron Ore Group’s BIF is the largest economic-grade iron formation of its Paleoarchean age, suggesting that free atmospheric oxygen existed as more than just whiffs at this time.
Vibration-based mitigation of noxious-evoked responses to skin puncture in neonates and infants: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Relland Lance M. , Kjeldsen Caitlin P. , Jeanvoine Arnaud , Emery Lelia , Adderley Kathleen , Srinivas Rachelle , McLoughlin Maeve , Maitre Nathalie L.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the effect of a non-noxious vibratory stimulus on noxious-evoked cortical responses to skin puncture and to determine whether the presence of certain behavioural components may be used to predict such cortical responses.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Level IV neonatal intensive care unit at a stand-alone children’s hospital.

Patients

134 hospitalised infants between 36 and 52 weeks’ postmenstrual age and ordered to receive a clinically required laboratory draw.

Interventions

Infants randomised to receive the intervention, a vibratory stimulus at the site of skin puncture beginning 10 s prior to a heel stick, or the control, no vibration.

Main outcome measures

Electroencephalography and video recording time-locked to the deployment of the lancet for the skin puncture. Noxious-evoked cortical responses were measured by the area under the curve in the somatosensory region contralateral to the skin puncture. Behavioural responses were coded through video analysis.

Results

Noxious-evoked cortical responses were significantly reduced in participants receiving the vibratory stimulus compared with the control (frontal, p<0.0001; central, p=0.0088; central-parietal, p=0.0111). There were no significant differences in behavioural responses between groups (all p>0.05).

Conclusions

A non-noxious vibratory stimulus presented prior to and continuing simultaneously with skin puncture significantly mitigates nociception in hospitalised infants. The presence or absence of facial expression components is inadequate to reliably predict pain signalling in the brain.

Trial registration number

NCT04050384.
DisseminatedMycobacterium abscessuswith endocarditis
Authors: Chue Amy Louise , Braganza Menezes Darryl , Bhabra Moninder , Dedicoat Martin
Published: March 2024

We present an uncommon case of endocarditis caused byMycobacterium abscessusin an immunocompetent patient following a caesarean section. We discuss her turbulent admission course leading to her diagnosis following persistentM. abscessusbacteraemia, medical and surgical management, including a splenectomy and valve resection and repair, and subsequent prolonged course of combination antimicrobials for 24 months post valve surgery. The patient is alive 9 months after completing her treatment and 36 months after her valve surgery. We emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in the management of such a complex case.
Challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mutebi Miriam , Aryeetey Naa Adorkor , Alemu Haimanot Kasahun , Carson Laura , Mohamed Zainab , Doleeb Zainab , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Dharsee Nazima Jaffer , Msadabwe Susan , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Mwanzi Sitna , Warfa Khadija , Nwachukwu Emmanuella , Woldetsadik Edom Seife , Spencer Hirondina Vaz Borges , Chraiet Nesrine , Jalink Matthew , Jagsi Reshma , Lombe Dorothy Chilambe , Vanderpuye Verna , Hammad Nazik
Published: March 2024

Objective

Recent studies have identified challenges facing women oncologists in Western contexts. However, similar studies in Africa have yet to be conducted. This study sought to determine the most common and substantial challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa and identify potential solutions.

Methods and analysis

A panel of 29 women oncologists from 20 African countries was recruited through professional and personal networks. A Delphi consensus process identified challenges faced by women oncologists in Africa, and potential solutions. Following this, focus group discussions were held to discuss the results. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the most common challenges indicated by participants and thematic analysis was conducted on focus group transcripts.

Results

African women oncologists experienced challenges at individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal levels. The top-ranked challenge identified in the Delphi study was ‘pressure to maintain a work–family balance and meet social obligations’. Some of the challenges identified were similar to those in studies on women oncologists outside of Africa while others were unique to this African demographic. Solutions to improve the experience of women oncologists were identified and discussed, including greater work flexibility and mentorship opportunities.

Conclusion

Women oncologists in Africa experience many of the challenges that have been previously identified by studies in other regions. These challenges and potential solutions exist at all levels of the social-ecological framework. Women oncologists must be empowered in number and leadership, and gender-sensitive curricula and competencies must be implemented. A systems-level dialogue could bring light to these challenges and foster tangible action and policy-level changes.
Assessing the acceptability of, adherence to and preference for a dual prevention pill (DPP) for HIV and pregnancy prevention compared to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and oral contraception taken separately: protocols for two randomised, controlled, cross-over studies in South Africa and Zimbabwe
Authors: Friedland Barbara A , Mgodi Nyaradzo M , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Mathur Sanyukta , Plagianos Marlena G , Bruce Irene V , Lansiaux Maud , Murombedzi Caroline , Musara Petina , Dandadzi Adlight , Reddy Krishnaveni , Ndlovu Nkosiphile , Zulu Sihle K , Shale Lerato R , Zieman Brady , Haddad Lisa B
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention method; however, uptake and persistence have been low among southern African women. A dual prevention pill (DPP) that combines PrEP with oral contraception (OC) may increase PrEP use and better meet women’s sexual and reproductive health needs. We will gauge the DPP’s acceptability in two cross-over clinical trials.

Methods and analysis

PC952 (Zimbabwe) and PC953 (South Africa) will compare acceptability, adherence and preference for an over-encapsulated DPP versus PrEP and OCs taken separately. HIV-negative, non-pregnant cisgender females in Johannesburg, South Africa (n=96, 16–40 years) and Harare, Zimbabwe (n=30, 16–24 years) will be randomised 1:1 to the order of regimens—DPP or two separate tablets—each used for three 28-day cycles, followed by a 6-month choice period in South Africa. Monthly clinic visits include HIV and pregnancy testing; safety assessments and risk reduction and adherence counselling. We will assess adherence (monthly) based on tenofovir diphosphate drug levels in dried blood spots and by self-report. We will evaluate acceptability (monthly) and preference (end of cross-over) via computer-assisted self-interviewing and in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. Data collection started in September 2022 and ended in January 2024.

Ethics and dissemination

PC952 was approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Medical Research Council, Research Council and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe; the Chitungwiza City Health Ethics Committee; and the Joint Research Ethics Committee for the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. PC953 was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Human Research Ethics Committee. The Population Council IRB approved both studies. We will disseminate results in open-access journals, clinical trials registries, and at local and international meetings and conferences.

Trial registration numbers

NCT04778514,NCT04778527.
Effects of COVID-19 contagion in cohabitants and family members on mental health and academic self-efficacy among university students in Sweden: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Andersson Claes , Berman Anne H , Lindfors Petra , Bendtsen Marcus
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study used causal inference to estimate the longitudinal effects of contagion in cohabitants and family members on university students’ mental health and academic self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A prospective longitudinal study including a baseline online measurement in May 2020, and online follow-ups after 5 months and 10 months. Participants were recruited through open-access online advertising.

Setting

Public universities and university colleges in Sweden.

Participants

The analytical sample included 2796 students.

Outcome measures

Contagion in cohabitants and in family members was assessed at baseline and at the 5-month follow-up. Mental health and academic self-efficacy were assessed at the 5-month and 10-month follow-ups.

Results

Mild symptoms reported in cohabitants at baseline resulted in negative mental health effects at follow-up 5 months later, and mild baseline symptoms in family members resulted in negative effects on academic self-efficacy at follow-ups both 5 and 10 months later.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding the lack of precision in estimated effects, the findings emphasise the importance of social relationships and the challenges of providing students with sufficient support in times of crisis.
Vasoactive drugs for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Bongiovanni Gabriele , Tonutti Antonio , Stainer Anna , Nigro Mattia , Kellogg Dean L , Nambiar Anoop , Gramegna Andrea , Mantero Marco , Voza Antonio , Blasi Francesco , Aliberti Stefano , Amati Francesco
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Vasoactive drugs have exhibited clinical efficacy in addressing pulmonary arterial hypertension, manifesting a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary hypertension may complicate advanced interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) and is associated with high rates of disability, hospitalisation due to cardiac and respiratory illnesses, and mortality. Prior management hinged on treating the underlying lung disease and comorbidities. However, the INCREASE trial of inhaled treprostinil in PH-ILD has demonstrated that PH-ILD can be effectively treated with vasoactive drugs.

Methods

This comprehensive systematic review examines the evidence for vasoactive drugs in the management of PH-ILD.

Results

A total of 1442 pubblications were screened, 11 RCTs were considered for quantitative synthesis. Unfortunately, the salient studies are limited by population heterogeneity, short-term follow-up and the selection of outcomes with uncertain clinical significance.

Conclusions

This systematic review underscores the necessity of establishing a precision medicine-oriented strategy, directed at uncovering and addressing the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathophysiology of PH-ILD.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023457482.
Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis recurrence, relapse and reinfection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vega Victor , Cabrera-Sanchez Javier , Rodríguez Sharon , Verdonck Kristien , Seas Carlos , Otero Larissa , Van der Stuyft Patrick
Published: March 2024

Background

The rate of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) recurrence is substantial. Identifying risk factors can support the development of prevention strategies.

Methods

We retrieved studies published between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 2022 that assessed factors associated with undifferentiated TB recurrence, relapse or reinfection. For factors reported in at least four studies, we performed random-effects meta-analysis to estimate a pooled relative risk (RR). We assessed heterogeneity, risk of publication bias and certainty of evidence.

Results

We included 85 studies in the review; 81 documented risk factors for undifferentiated recurrence, 17 for relapse and 10 for reinfection. The scope for meta-analyses was limited given the wide variety of factors studied, inconsistency in control for confounding and the fact that only few studies employed molecular genotyping. Factors that significantly contributed to moderately or strongly increased pooled risk and scored at least moderate certainty of evidence were: for undifferentiated recurrence, multidrug resistance (MDR) (RR 3.49; 95% CI 1.86 to 6.53) and fixed-dose combination TB drugs (RR 2.29; 95% CI 1.10 to 4.75) in the previous episode; for relapse, none; and for reinfection, HIV infection (RR 4.65; 95% CI 1.71 to 12.65). Low adherence to treatment increased the pooled risk of recurrence 3.3-fold (95% CI 2.37 to 4.62), but the certainty of evidence was weak.

Conclusion

This review emphasises the need for standardising methods for TB recurrence research. Actively pursuing MDR prevention, facilitating retention in treatment and providing integrated care for patients with HIV could curb recurrence rates. The use of fixed-dose combinations of TB drugs under field conditions merits further attention.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018077867.
Interval training and cardiometabolic health in reproductive-aged females
Authors: Moholdt T. , Sujan M.A.J. , Ashby E.R. , Beetham K.
Published: March 2024

Physical activity and exercise training are especially important for reproductive-aged females as exercise-induced health benefits can also affect their infants. However, levels of physical inactivity remain high among females in this age group, before, during, and after pregnancy. There is a great need for practical and feasible exercise modes to increase adherence to exercise in this population, and interval training may be a time-efficient training modality. Interval training is a form of exercise involving intermittent bouts of intense effort interspersed with recovery periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. A substantial amount of research indicates that interval training induces superior cardiometabolic health benefits compared with iso-energetic moderate-intensity continuous exercise. This review provides a comprehensive overview of research on interval training interventions in reproductive-aged females across various life stages, focusing on the cardiometabolic health benefits. We discuss the potential role of interval training in premenopausal females with overweight/obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, and subfertility, as well as the potential influence of oral contraceptives on cardiometabolic adaptations to interval training. Furthermore, this review also highlights recent findings supporting the beneficial role of high-intensity interval training for cardiometabolic health outcomes during pregnancy. In summary, the existing evidence suggests that interval training can improve several cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes in females spanning different life stages. However, more research is needed to further strengthen the evidence-base for physical activity recommendations for females in their reproductive years of life.
DFT assessments of optical and thermoelectric characteristics of (III/V)-doped elements into graphene sheets
Authors: Khan W. , Alsagri M. , Ul Haq Bakhtiar , Ahmed A. , Laref A. , Alqahtani H. R. , Alanazi Nadyah , Alghamdi Eman A. , Nya Fridolin Tchangnwa , Monir Mohammed El Amine , Chowdhury Shahariar
Published: March 2024

First-principles simulations are conducted to explore the structural stability, electronic properties, and optical responses of pristine and boron- or nitrogen-doped monolayers graphene. The computed electronic density of states revealed that the substitutional doping of boron impurity atoms on monolayer graphene (MLG) shifts the Dirac point upward, although the substitution of nitrogen impurity atoms in graphene pushes the Dirac point downward the Fermi level. This could exhibit that upon the doping of MLG with boron or nitrogen, respectively, p-type or n-type semimetal is acquired. The overall optical spectral properties of the substituted graphene with boron or nitrogen atoms are simulated and compared with the optical spectra results of pure graphene. The optical features of pristine and doped MLG are determined by taking the interband and intra-band transitions into account ranging from the far-infrared to the ultraviolet regime of the electromagnetic radiation. A remarkable red shift in the optical spectra of the doped MLG towards the visible regime of radiation is established. An enhanced reflectivity illustrated that concentration-dependent optical properties of boron and nitrogen-doped MLG happen at lower electromagnetic radiation regimes. In addition, we explored the thermoelectric behaviors of the pristine/doped graphene monolayers with [Formula: see text] supercells. We found a significant improvement in the electrical conductivity of graphene when doped with boron or nitrogen impurities. However, an increase in the electrical conductivity has textured a decrease in the Seebeck coefficients. Improvement in the electrical conductivity is attributed to an interesting effect on the graphene monolayers’ power factor (PF). These findings indicate a positive impact of the dopants on the thermoelectric properties of graphene monolayers and reveal that they are potential materials for thermoelectric applications and nanodevices.
Compiler-Managed Replication of CUDA Kernels for Reliable Execution of GPGPU Applications
Authors: Kaya Ercüment , Öz Işil
Published: March 2024

As Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) evolve for general-purpose computations besides inherently fault-tolerant graphics programs, soft error reliability becomes a first-class citizen in program design. Especially, safety-critical systems utilizing GPU devices need to employ fault-tolerance techniques to recover from errors in hardware components. While software-level redundancy approaches, based on the replication of the application code, offer high reliability for safe program execution, it is essential to perform redundancy by utilizing parallel execution units in the target architecture not to hurt performance with redundant computations. In this work, we propose redundancy approaches using the parallel GPU cores and implement a compiler-level redundancy framework that enables the programmer to configure the target GPGPU program for redundant execution. We run redundant executions for GPGPU programs from the PolyBench benchmark suite by applying our kernel-level redundancy approaches and evaluate their performance by considering the parallelism level of the programs. Our results reveal that redundancy approaches utilizing parallelism offered by GPU cores yield higher performance for redundant executions, while the programs that already make use of parallel GPU cores in their original form suffer from overhead caused by contention among redundant threads.
Hybrid Optimized Gated Recurrent Unit with Ridge Classifier for Crop Recommendation for Precise Agriculture Using Fused Feature Selection Concept
Authors: Durai Arumugam S. S. L. , Praveen Kumar R.
Published: March 2024

Agriculture is considered the leading field around the world, which is also the backbone of India. Agriculture is in a flawed state because the temperature changes, along with their uncertainty, cause huge damage to the crops during the manufacturing process. So, the appropriate prediction of crop expansion plays a vital role in the management of crop growth. This prediction can enhance the federated industries to make their sustainability toward the occupation. Recently, the farmers have not selected suitable crops for their cultivation based on soil factors. This makes a negative impact on crop yield, and thus, the Indian farmers can suffer from severe losses besides the monetary front. Hence, the optimal crop recommendation model has to consider different parameters of the soil for forecasting the best crop for cultivation, which increases crop growth and crop production. Thus, this research work explores a new crop recommendation model for precision agriculture intending to promote crop yield and alleviate the loss to farmers. Initially, this research work gathers the standard data regarding the agricultural parameters of some areas. Then, the deep features using an autoencoder, and statistical features are gathered along with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-based features. Next, all three sets of features are fused and fed to the developed Adaptive Henry Gas Solubility Optimization (AHGSO) for selecting the optimal features. Finally, the chosen optimal features are fed to the recommendation stage, where a Gated Recurrent Unit with Ridge Classifier (GRU-RC) is suggested for getting the precise outcome regarding the recommended crop suitable to that agricultural parameter. Here, the optimal solutions are attained by tuning the parameters of GRU and ridge classifier with the same I-HGSO. At last, the results obtained from the hybrid method can be considered more efficient.
Semigroup rings which are strongly nil-clean
Authors: Guo Junying , Guo Xiaojiang
Published: March 2024

Strongly nil-cleanness and uniquely nil-cleanness are two important clean properties of rings. The aim of this paper is to answer when a semigroup ring is strongly or uniquely nil-clean. We obtain conditions on a coefficient ring together with conditions on a semigroup that completely characterize when the corresponding semigroup ring is strongly nil-clean. Moreover, when the coefficient ring is an integral domain, we characterize when the corresponding semigroup ring is uniquely nil-clean.
Rings with u − 1 quasinilpotent for each unit u
Authors: Danchev Peter , Javan Arash , Hasanzadeh Omid , Moussavi Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we define and explore in-depth the notion of UQ rings by showing their important properties and by comparing their behavior with that of the well-known classes of UU rings and JU rings, respectively. Specifically, among the other established results, we prove that UQ rings are always Dedekind finite (often named directly finite) as well as that, for semipotent rings [Formula: see text], the following equivalence hold: [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] is UJ having the property that the set [Formula: see text] of quasinilpotent elements of [Formula: see text] coincides with the Jacobson radical [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text].
DevOps Metrics and KPIs: A Multivocal Literature Review
Authors: Amaro Ricardo , Pereira Rúben , Mira da Silva Miguel
Published: March 2024

Context:
Information Technology organizations are aiming to implement DevOps capabilities to fulfill market, customer, and internal needs. While many are successful with DevOps implementation, others still have difficulty measuring DevOps success in their organization. As a result, the effectiveness of assessing DevOps remains erratic. This emphasizes the need to withstand management in measuring the implementation process with suitable DevOps Metrics. But what are these metrics?

Objective:
This research seeks to provide relevant DevOps Metrics to facilitate the efficiency of DevOps adoption and better analyze DevOps performance in enterprises.

Method:
A Multivocal Literature Review (MLR) is conducted, with 139 documents gathered and thoroughly examined from throughout the community, including books, scientific articles, white papers, conferences, among others.

Results:
This article conducts an extensive and rigorous MLR, contributing with a definition of DevOps Metrics, 22 main metrics, their definitions, importance, and categorization in sets of Key Performance Indicators, as well as exposing clear indicators on how to improve them. It is also discussed how metrics could be put into practice and what constitutes a change in the context of DevOps Metrics. The study’s outcomes will assist researchers and practitioners understand DevOps Metrics and how to better implement them.
“I Really Need Your Help with This Work...”: A System for Navigating the Tricky Terrain of Managing Up by Leveraging One’s Motivation to Get Things Done
Authors: Park Soya , Vishwabhan Stuti , Muller Michael , Karger David R.
Published: March 2024

When people need help from their supervisors or peers, they often have to manage up to get things done. However, unlike managing subordinates (managing down), managing people of equal or higher status (managing up) are not obligated to help. These requests often involve collaborative tasks between requesters and performers. Through interviews, we found that these collaborative tasks require coordination work that is not materialized in existing management tools. We also found that requesters are willing to take on this coordination work to see their requests fulfilled. To address this issue, we propose a system called
TaskLight
, which allows requesters to handle coordination work themselves. For example, requesters can collect useful context and information for their performers. We conducted two deployment studies and found that
TaskLight
leads to better outcomes because requesters are able to assist performers more effectively. Our findings demonstrate a new way to reduce the social burdens of managing up and improve collaboration.
The Mental Health Toll: Medical Trainees Living with Disabilities during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Mayer Yael , Shiffman Noga , Etgar Shir , Lurie Ido , Jarus Tal
Published: March 2024

Objectives. Throughout the world, medical trainees have experienced psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic due to substantial changes in their educational programs and COVID‐19 patient care. When medical trainees live with a disability, their psychological distress may be exacerbated. This study aimed to explore how having a disability may be associated with an additional emotional toll for medical trainees during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods. Participants in the study were 201 medical trainees (62 interns and 138 residents) and 147 medical attending physicians in various fields of medicine. Participants completed an online survey including the Fear of COVID‐19 scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum Scale measuring aspects of wellbeing, including emotional wellbeing, belonging, and sense of psychological meaning. Results. Disabled participants experienced higher levels of fear of COVID‐19, depression, anxiety, stress, and lower levels of emotional wellbeing, sense of belonging, and psychological meaning compared to participants with no disabilities. Residents generally experienced higher stress levels and lower wellbeing levels than attendings. Residents living with disabilities were more prone to experience stress and fear of COVID‐19, and residents and interns living with disabilities experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to their peers who live without disabilities and compared to attendings living with disabilities. Conclusions. Medical trainees living with disabilities were more prone to experience high levels of psychological distress and lower levels of wellbeing during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to their peers without disabilities. Therefore, there is a need to address this emotional toll and provide support in medical education programs promoting trainees’ wellbeing, sense of belonging, and psychological meaning.
Blood Features Associated with Viral Infection Severity: An Experience from COVID-19-Pandemic Patients Hospitalized in the Center of Iran, Yazd
Authors: Sadeghi-Nodoushan Fatemeh , Zare-Khormizi Mohamad Reza , Hekmatimoghaddam Seyedhossein , Pourrajab Fatemeh
Published: March 2024

Pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest as systemic infections that affect multiple organs and show laboratory manifestations. We aimed to analyze laboratory findings to understand possible mechanisms of organ dysfunction and risk stratification of hospitalized patients in these epidemics. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted among patients admitted to COVID-19 referral treatment center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran, from April 21 to November 21, 2021. It was the fifth peak of COVID-19 in Iran, and Delta (VOC-21APR-02; B.1-617.2) was the dominant and most concerning strain. All cases were positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR test. Lab information of included patients and association of sex, age, and outcome were analyzed, on admission. Results. A total of 466 COVID-19 patients were included in the study, the majority of whom were women (68.9%). The average age of hospitalized patients in male and female patients was 57.68 and 41.32 years, respectively (p<0.01). During hospitalization, abnormality in hematological and biochemical parameters was significant and was associated with the outcome of death in patients. There was incidence of lymphopenia, neutrophilia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The changes in neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) and hematocrit/albumin (Het/Alb) ratio and potassium and calcium levels were significant. Conclusion. Based on these results, new biochemical and hematological parameters can be used to predict the spread of infection and the underlying molecular mechanism. Viral infection may spread through blood cells and the immune system.
Optimally Matched 189-232 GHz 6.8 dBm Output Power CMOS Frequency Doubler
Authors: Dong Ruibing , Hara Shinsuke , Mubarak Mohamed H. , Tanoi Satoru , Hagino Tatsuo , Watanabe Issei , Kasamatsu Akifumi
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the design and measurements of a 215-252 GHz 40 nm bulk CMOS frequency doubler with a 6.8 dBm deliverable peak output power and a conversion gain of 11.8 dB. The designed chip is composed of a 28.5 dB gain 6-stages 110 GHz power amplifier, an optimized push-push doubler biased in class-C configuration, and an output impedance matching network. A numerical method had been applied here for designing each implemented matching network achieving the optimum matching while maintaining the minimum insertion loss as well. The presented design shows the highest output power among the other sub-THz-designed CMOS counterparts. The design occupies an area of 0.795 mm2 and shows a total DC power dissipation of 262 mW and DC-RF efficiency of 1.87%.
Nutritional Composition and Antinutritional Factors of Five Wild Edible Fruits Grown in the Mekdela District, South of Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Yiblet Yalew
Published: March 2024

This study was carried out to determine the mineral content and nutritional properties of five wild fruits Rhus vulgaris, Rosa abyssinica, Rhus natalensis, Euclea racemosa, and Ficus sur. The proximate composition parameters (moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude fat, and crude protein) and antinutritional factors were evaluated using methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and elemental analysis using the atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Among the five wild edible fruit species, Rhus vulgaris had the highest carbohydrate content (83.3 ± 0.28 g/100 g) and a high total energy (344.5 ± 2.21 kcal/100 g). Euclea racemosa was found to have the maximum ash content (12.8 ± 0.37 g/100 g), protein content (3.22 ± 0.01 g/100 g), and moisture (16.24 ± 0.003 g/100 g), respectively. Rhus natalensis showed the highest fiber content (9.54 ± 0.003 g/100 g). Mineral analysis showed that local wild fruits contained a considerable amount of minerals. The calcium concentration ranged from 99.51 mg/100 g in Euclea racemosa to 160.12 mg/100 g in Ficus sur. Potassium concentration varied from 54.34 mg/100 g in Euclea racemosa to 234 mg/100 g in Rhus vulgaris. Iron ranges from 21.4 mg/100 g in Rosa abyssinica to 41 mg/100 g in Rhus natalensis, and zinc ranges from 2.3 mg/100 g in Rhus vulgaris to 4.2 mg/100 g in Ficus sur. A high saponin content (2.12 mg/100 g) and a low tannin content (0.23 mg/100 g) were obtained in Rosa abyssinica. The phytate content (1.52 mg/100 g) and the oxalate content (0.9 mg/100 g) were high in Rhus natalensis. In conclusion, the present study shows that wild fruits can be used as food supplementation in food in a safe area.
Evaluation of the Role of AXL in Fusion-positive Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma Identifies the Small-molecule Inhibitor Bemcentinib (BGB324) as Potent Chemosensitizer
Authors: Danielli Sara G. , Wurth Jakob , Morice Sarah , Kisele Samanta , Surdez Didier , Delattre Olivier , Bode Peter K. , Wachtel Marco , Schäfer Beat W.
Published: March 2024

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer with features of skeletal muscle differentiation. More than 80% of the high-risk patients ultimately fail to respond to chemotherapy treatment, leading to limited therapeutic options and dismal prognostic rates. The lack of response and subsequent tumor recurrence is driven in part by stem cell–like cells, the tumor subpopulation that is enriched after treatment, and characterized by expression of the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL). AXL mediates survival, migration, and therapy resistance in several cancer types; however, its function in RMS remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of AXL in RMS tumorigenesis, migration, and chemotherapy response, and whether targeting of AXL with small-molecule inhibitors could potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapy. We show that AXL is expressed in a heterogeneous manner in patient-derived xenografts (PDX), primary cultures and cell line models of RMS, consistent with its stem cell–state selectivity. By generating a CRISPR/Cas9 AXL knock-out and overexpressing models, we show that AXL contributes to the migratory phenotype of RMS, but not to chemotherapy resistance. Instead, pharmacologic blockade with the AXL inhibitors bemcentinib (BGB324), cabozantinib and NPS-1034 rapidly killed RMS cells in an AXL-independent manner and augmented the efficacy of the chemotherapeutics vincristine and cyclophosphamide. In vivo administration of the combination of bemcentinib and vincristine exerted strong antitumoral activity in a rapidly progressing PDX mouse model, significantly reducing tumor burden compared with single-agent treatment. Collectively, our data identify bemcentinib as a promising drug to improve chemotherapy efficacy in patients with RMS.