bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Priorities of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury in Different Aspects of Rehabilitation in Turkiye
Authors: Atasoy Mücahit , Kalaoglu Eser , Bucak Ömer , Coşkun Evrim
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to understand the needs and expectations of individuals with disabilities caused by spinal cord injuries who require long-term rehabilitation from a rehabilitation hospital. The cross-sectional clinical study was conducted, which included individuals over the age of 18 with spinal cord injuries who had previously been hospitalized in a rehabilitation hospital. The 16-question survey, titled "What should a rehabilitation hospital be like according to patients with spinal cord injuries," was applied to individuals hospitalized in the inpatient service of Çam Sakura City Hospital. It was also given to spinal cord injured people reached through social media. The participants' demographic data was recorded, and the survey was completed by 120 participants, comprising 70 males and 50 females. The mean age was 37.47 ± 11.63 years, with 79 participants being married and 41 being single. Twenty-five participants had graduated from at least one university. The time since the spinal cord injury was less than two years for 20 individuals and more than two years for 100 individuals. The results showed that robotic rehabilitation and psychological support were the most requested rehabilitation elements, while interest in sexual rehabilitation was less than other rehabilitation elements. Furthermore, in the correlation analysis, elderly participants indicated that there should be more specialized services and outpatient clinics. This study highlights the importance of considering the needs and wishes of patients when planning and operating a rehabilitation center. The study clarifies that patients' needs for specialized services and robotic rehabilitation were striking. Additionally, the significance and necessity of sexual rehabilitation should be conveyed to patients.
The selective effect of Ivermectin on different human coronaviruses; in-vitro study
Authors: Shahin Amina Dakeh , Atari Nofar , Meningher Tal , Erster Oran , Avni Dror , Schwartz Eli , Mandelboim Michal
Published: April 2024

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an urgent public health concern worldwide. Although several clinical trials have pointed to new drugs with some anti-COVID-19 activity, we are far from having a safe and effective drug. In this study, we tested the effect of ivermectin on several coronaviruses (serotypes), including variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Methods: The effect of ivermectin was tested on cells infected with four different coronaviruses: NL63 (Alphacoronavirus genus.), OC43, SARS-CoV-2, and Omicron (all Betacoronavirus genus). Two hours post-infection, different doses of ivermectin were added to the cell culture.
Results: There was no effect of even a high dose of ivermectin on NL63, however, we found a significant effect on OC43 PFU with a 40% inhibition at a dose of 5M. The impact of ivermectin on SARS-CoV-2 and on its Omicron variant was much more pronounced and at a dose of 5M there was inhibition of 90% and 95% respectively.
Discussion: Although coronaviruses have been recognized as human pathogens for more than 50 years, no effective treatment strategy exists. Our current study did not demonstrate any effect of ivermectin on Alphacoronavirus but it had a specific impact on the Betacoronavirus genus with a mild impact on OC43 and a decidedly pronounced effect on SARS-CoV-2 including its Omicron variant. Ivermectin should be further studied as a single agent or as part of combined treatment against Coronaviruses.
Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-to-Albumin Ratio as Novel Biomarker Predicting Mortality in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arba Ihsan Fachry , Multazam Chaq El Chaq Zamzam , Widiarti Wynne , Siahaan Paulus Parholong , Oktaviono Yudi Her , Setyobudi David , Saputra Pandit Bagus Tri , Lamara Ariikah Dyah , Arnindita Jannatin Nisa’
Published: April 2024

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and albumin separately have been used as mortality predictors for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to explore whether the RDW-to-albumin ratio (RAR) could provide a better prognostication in the CVD population. A systematic search of suitable studies was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest until February 1, 2024. Mortality and length of stay outcomes of the highest vs lowest RAR tertile were pooled using hazard ratio (HR) and standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively. Additionally, a dose-response meta-analysis was performed. Publication bias, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to address the causes of heterogeneity. Sixteen studies with 30,933 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that patients with higher RAR faced a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR 1.88, 95%CI 1.59–2.23). Nonlinearity was observed in the dose-response relationship. Using a reference value of 3 ml/g, each 1 ml/g increase in RAR corresponded to a 27% rise in the mortality HR (HR 1.27, 95%CI 1.16–1.39). Our study demonstrated that elevated RAR values were significantly associated with higher mortality in CVD and exhibited a positive dose-response relationship, suggesting its potential as a novel prognostic biomarker for CVD.
Impact of Platooning on Fuel Consumption in Heavy-Duty Vehicles: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Approach
Authors: Kim EunRyoung , Kang Yeri , Hwang Ha , Kim Jae-Jin , Song Chang-Keun
Published: April 2024

Platooning represents a crucial strategy for mitigating emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). This study evaluates the effects of platoon composition on the surrounding airflow utilizing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, and quantifies the resultant fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. This study examines fuel consumption data reconstructed from field experiments to validate the CFD model’s ability to accurately simulate drag forces within a homogeneous three-truck platoon. The potential for fuel savings was assessed based on CFD-simulated fuel consumption, taking into account various inter-vehicle distances and driving speeds. The model successfully reproduced the fuel consumption observed in a platooning formation comprising lead, middle, and trailing trucks, with an error margin below 6.2%. While the lead and middle trucks exhibited increased fuel consumption with greater inter-vehicle distances, the trailing truck showed decreased fuel consumption with specific distance-to-length ratios (D/L), followed by an increase from a D/L of 1.1. Additionally, a significant decrease in total fuel efficiency was noted for D/L ratios exceeding 1.5. Considering the diverse platooning scenarios analyzed, the study anticipates an annual reduction of up to 7 tons of CO2 equivalent per vehicle. By optimizing platooning configurations, this research contributes to enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions from HDVs.
Site-specific molecular design of low-dielectric benzocyclobutene (BCB)-sub-nanometer inorganic nanocomposites
Authors: Fu Wenxin , Xie Meng , Fan Wenjie , Li Menglu , Sun Quan , He Yan , Lu Jennifer
Published: April 2024

A facile synthetic strategy for generating polymer-inorganic nanocomposites with highly dispersed nanodomains, such as silsesquioxane, covalently bonded within a benzocyclobutene (BCB)-functionalized polycarbosiloxane matrix is reported. This approach leverages click coupling and thermally induced cycloaddition reactions to embed oligomeric silsesquioxane, achieving a unique molecular structure with promising low-dielectric applications. The synthesis involves a platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation to prepare the silsesquioxane component, followed by hydrolytic polycondensation and thiol-ene click reactions that integrate polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane ladder/cage-like or network structures into the polymer matrix. A subsequent Diels-Alder reaction with BCB ensures a fully cured material. The distinct molecular structure bestows the materials with an ultra-low dielectric constant (Dk) of 1.78 and a dissipation factor (Df) of 2.73×10-3 at 1.15 kHz, positioning these values among the top reported for low-dielectric (low-k) materials. This discovery introduces a pioneering design paradigm for polymer-inorganic nanocomposites with well-dispersed sub-nanometer inorganic structure, paving the way for the future investigation of BCB−inorganic nanocomposites with ultra-low Dk.
A multi-omics integration approach relying on circulating factors does not discern endotypes in childhood type 1 diabetes.
Authors: Petrelli Alessandra , Codazzi Valentina , Baldoni Nicola , Scotti Giulia , Giovenzana Anna , Rigamonti Andrea , Frontino Giulio , Bezzecchi Eugenia , Genzano Camillo Bechi , Mandelli Alessandra , Carnovale Debora , Marzinotto Ilaria , Lampasona Vito , Fiorina Paolo , Giustina Andrea , Piemonti Lorenzo , Battaglia Manuela , Morelli Marco , Bonfanti Riccardo
Published: April 2024

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) exhibits considerable heterogeneity, impacting prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Precision medicine aims to tailor treatments using 'endotypes'—subtypes of disease with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. However, proposed endotypes often lack mechanistic associations with clinical outcomes, remaining elusive in T1D. This study introduces a new approach leveraging the multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA) strategy to explore endotypes through data integration. Analyzing data from 146 new-onset pediatric T1D patients, including circulating immunome, transcriptome, and serum metabolic hormones, we identify 12 factors explaining variability across the three data sets. Notably, no clustering or direct association of these factors with clinical parameters, genetic predisposition and disease outcome are found, suggesting that a combination of clinical phenotypes is responsible for the differences across patients. These findings challenge the assumption that T1D heterogeneity reflects diverse developmental mechanisms, contributing significantly to the endotype discussion and impacting clinical trial design.
Sleep and degenerative skeletal disorders: an Observational and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Shiyong , Liang Zixin , Wu Siqing , Wang Danni , Sun Yuxuan , Xia Bin , Hu Linmin , Kang Yunze , Sheng Puyi , Wei Fuxin , Yuan Jinqiu , Zhang Ziji
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Skeletal degeneration is influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle, but the role of sleep in its development remains uncertain. This study investigates the association between sleep and the risk of degenerative skeletal disorders, aiming to identify the impact of specific sleep characteristics on skeletal disorder phenotypes.
Methods: The observational study utilized health data from 387,822 UK Biobank participants. Cox proportional risk regression estimated the association between sleep and degenerative skeletal disorders. Two-sample MR analyses validated the bidirectional causal relationships based on genetic associations summary data of sleep characteristics from UK Biobank and skeletal disorders from FinnGen as well as meta GWAS, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-PRESSO, weighed median and MR-Egger.
Results: In observational study, 37 pairs of exposure-disease risk associations were identified between six sleep characteristics and eight degenerative skeletal phenotypes. The risk of degenerative skeletal disorders was increased with unhealthy sleep characteristics. MR analysis confirmed four robust causality associations: short sleep duration with overall OA (OR=2.88, 95%CI: 1.63-5.07), knee OA (OR=2.50, 95%CI: 1.33-4.68), and LDD (OR=2.97, 95%CI: 1.63-5.41), and long sleep duration with LDD (OR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.03-0.53). Four positive associations were considered potentially causal, including insomnia with LDD and spondylosis, early chronotype with overall OA, and short sleep duration with CDD.
Conclusions and Relevance: Large prospective observational and MR studies suggest a causal effect of sleep on spine and peripheral joint degeneration, emphasizing the value of sleep management in ameliorating joint degeneration.
The Nematode Signaling Molecule ascr#18 Induces Prepenetration Defenses in Wheat Against a Leaf Rust Fungus
Authors: Kamboj Akshita , Thielmann Jennifer , Delfan Saba , Kloppe Tim , Schulz Philipp , Manohar Murli , Schroeder Frank C. , Klessig Daniel F. , Kogel Karl-Heinz
Published: April 2024

Leaf rust, caused by the pathogenic biotrophic rust fungus Puccinia triticina (Pt), is one of the most destructive wheat diseases worldwide; its negative impact on crop yields is exacerbated by increasing temperatures due to climate change. Ascarosides are nematode pheromones that induce resistance to microbial pathogens and pests in a wide range of crops, making them valuable components in biocontrol scenarios. We investigated the effect on infection of various wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes with the virulent Pt race 77WxR by ascr#18, the major ascaroside secreted into the rhizosphere by plant-parasitic nematodes. Spraying the leaves with ascr#18 24 hours before inoculation with fungal uredospores slowed disease development and resulted in a reduction of the number of rust pustules on treated compared to untreated leaves. Dose-response analysis over the nano- and micromolar range revealed a broad optimum concentration down to 0.01 nM ascr#18. Microscopic analysis showed very early arrest of the fungus at the appressorial stage, with associated enhanced local accumulation of H2O2 and abortive stoma penetration. The results of this study are consistent with and extend previous research that has shown that ascr#18 activates plant immunity and thus protects plants from pathogens even at very low doses.
WITHDRAWN: The impact of input modality on user experience by age group: based on self-service terminal
Authors: Hou Guanhua , Huang Hui
Published: April 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Medication regimen complexity in cancer patients: an overlooked issue for healthcare team
Authors: Cifci Sude Ayca , Atik Elif Aras , Dizdar Ömer , Bayraktar-Ekincioglu Aygin
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the complexity of medication in patients with cancer and to explore its impact on the duration of hospital stay, patients’ perceived medication burden, adherence and unplanned hospitalizations after discharge.
Methods: This study was prospectively conducted in medical oncology clinics of a tertiary care hospital. Patients over 18 years of age and diagnosed with solid tumors and deemed non-palliative were included. A clinical pharmacist assessed the patient’s medication regimen complexity using Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) upon admission, at 48 hours of hospitalization and at discharge. Clinical pharmacist also participated in the patient education provided by the multidisciplinary team at discharge. Patients' adherence was assessed by Medication Adherence Reporting Scale (MARS) at admission and at the first outpatient visit after the discharge. The perceived burden of drug treatment by the patients was assessed using a questionnaire named as Medication Complexity Questionnaire from Patient Perspective (MCQPP) that was designed by the researchers. The questionnaire was administered at the first follow-up visit at the outpatient clinic after the discharge. Unplanned hospitalizations of the patients within 30 days after discharge were also examined.
Results: A total of 147 patients were enrolled. The median (IQR) MRCI score at discharge was 15.0 (11.0 – 22.0), which was significantly higher than the MRCI score at admission, which was 11.0 (7.0 – 15.0) (p<0.001). As a result of the patient education provided at discharge by the multidisciplinary team, a statistically significant increase was observed in treatment adherence of the patients. Median (IQR) MARS score assessed at admission was 19 (15 – 23), while it increased to 20 (16 – 23) at the follow up outpatient visit (p=0.003). Complexity was found to be higher in patients who had more negative perceptions about their medication, in patients who reported that their daily life were significantly affected by their medication, and in those who perceived more significant burden when complex instructions for medication use were evident (p<0.001). The median MRCI scores at discharge were higher in patients with unplanned hospitalizations compared to those without hospitalization (p<0.001).
Conclusions: In conclusion, integrating the MRCI into oncology practices, along with multidisciplinary care that includes clinical pharmacists, may enable identification of high-risk patients, individualization of drug treatment and optimization of treatment process.
Impacts of Solid Waste Management Strategies in Urban High Density Suburbs: A Case of Amaveni Suburb, Kwekwe, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chireshe Amato , Jerie Steven , Mutekwa Timothy Vurayayi , Shabani Tapiwa , Shabani Takunda , Muyambo Tafadzwa
Published: April 2024

Improper solid waste management is one of the causes of environmental and health problems in many cities worldwide. It is in this context that the study aimed to determine the solid waste management strategies used in Amaveni suburbs in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe and assess the health and environmental problems associated with the solid waste management strategies used in Amaveni. Researchers used a mixed method design in which quantitative and qualitative data was collected at the same time. Semi –structured interviews, field observations and questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample comprised 380 Amaveni residents, 3 Kwekwe City employees and one EMA official. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics. Open dumping and open burning were the dominant solid waste management strategies in Amaveni. The main health problems identified were cholera and malaria. Air pollution, water pollution and loss of urban beauty were the main environmental problems identified. From the findings it can be concluded that solid waste management strategies used in Amaveni were associated with many health and environmental problems and as a result a sustainable solid waste management model was developed for Amaveni suburb.
Geographical, seasonal, and growth-related dynamics of gut microbiota in a grapevine pest, Apolygus spinolae (Heteroptera: Miridae) Running title: Gut microbiota of a grapevine pest bug
Authors: MORIMURA Hiroyuki , ISHIGAMI Kota , SATO Tomoyuki , SONE Teruo , KIKUCHI Yoshitomo
Published: April 2024

A number of insects are associated with gut symbiotic microorganisms, wherein symbionts play pivotal metabolic roles such as nutrient supplementation, diet degradation, and pesticide detoxification. Despite the ecological and evolutionary importance of gut microbial communities in insects, their diversity and dynamics remain unclear in many insect species. The green plant bug Apolygus spinolae, a notorious grapevine pest in Japan, damages grape shoots and severely reduces grape berry yield and quality. The plant bug possesses a simple tubular gut housing ~ 104 bacteria. Here we investigated geographic, seasonal, and growth-related dynamics of gut microbiota by high-throughput sequencing in 82 individuals (11 nymphs and 71 adults) from five locations in Hokkaido, Japan. In plant bugs, gut microbiota changed dynamically depending on geographic region, season, and developmental stage, in which particularly Serratia and Caballeronia were abundantly detected. Among the gut bacteria, Serratia was consistently and abundantly detected, but significantly affected by seasonal changes. In addition, Caballeronia, known as a specific symbiont of some stinkbug species, was abundantly detected, especially in insects collected in late summer. The increase in Caballeronia was negatively correlated with Serratia, strongly suggesting an antagonistic interaction between gut bacterial members in A. spinolae.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Adolescents and Young Adults with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Population-Based Study
Authors: liu luojie , Huang Lijun , Ye Ye , Chen Jian , Xu Xiaodan
Published: April 2024

Background
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) have recently shown an increasing incidence among younger individuals, yet population-based studies examining the clinical characteristics and prognosis specifically in adolescents and young adults (AYA) remain scarce.
Methods
All patients diagnosed with PNETs from 2000 to 2020 were identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was adopted to reduce selection bias. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the impact of demographic and clinical variables on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Results
A total of 11728 patients were included in the study, with 887 in the AYA group and 10841 in the older adult (OA) group. Compared to the OA group, the AYA group had fewer Caucasians, more females, earlier clinical staging, lower distant metastasis rates, and higher surgical treatment rates (P < 0.05). The AYA group exhibited better OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.57, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.51–0.67, P < 0.001). The mean 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates for AYA were 92.6%, 78.3%, and 66.4%, respectively, with corresponding CSS rates of 93.5%, 79.9%, and 68.4%. After PSM, the AYA group still exhibited better OS and CSS (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified sex, N stage, tumor size, surgery, and chemotherapy as independent risk factors for OS in AYA group, while sex, N stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were identified as risk factors for CSS.
Conclusions
This population-based study revealed that AYAs with PNETs exhibit a favorable prognosis and distinctive clinical features, while surgery and chemotherapy have the potential to enhance the prognosis for these individuals.
Natural Control of Monopolies – a feasibility analysis
Authors: VADASZ PETER
Published: April 2024

Classical economics textbooks introduce demand curves as straight lines having negative slopes. An analysis of hyperbolic demand curves that can be claimed to represent better the actual reality shows a rich variety of options, among others the possibility of naturally controlling monopolies without the necessity of legislation. This short note describes the latter and highlights the feasibility of such an approach.
Measuring Rising Heat and Flood Risk Along the Belt-and- Road Initiative
Authors: Liang Jiayong , Carrai Maria Adele , Malik Ammar A. , Gao Xi , Gao Xuyan , Feng Lihan , Huang Kangning
Published: April 2024

China's global infrastructure financing flagship, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) encompasses countries hosting over 60% of the global population and one-third of worldwide GDP. It is based mainly on long-term loans that will mature decades into the future, and timely repayments are only possible if they remain commercially viable. But despite its vast global scope, little is known about the climate risks that could imperil the operations of BRI projects over the next few decades, and, consequently, threaten their long-term sustainability. We narrow this gap by estimating the impacts of future climate change on 217 BRI projects across 70 countries and 9 sectors on two dimensions. First, the effects of increased heat stress on human physical work capacity are calculated using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and an assessment of the workload for each selected BRI project. Second, the potential structural damages from more frequent flooding incidents, measuring the occurrence probability with flood return period (RP), where a shorter RP signals heightened risk. Both have direct impacts on human productivity and infrastructural integrity, which are essential to maintaining the operational viability and financial stability of BRI projects. We compared projected changes on both measures for the mid- and late-twentieth centuries (2041–2060 and 2081–2100) to the historical baseline (1981–2010). We found that BRI projects face escalating vulnerability to climatic risks on both counts. The results underscore a broad variance across different future carbon emission scenarios measured under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (including SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). BRI's aggregated climatic risks are substantially elevated under a high carbon emission scenario compared to a low emission scenario. By the late twentieth century, labor workability could experience a threefold increase in reduction for SSP3-7.0 (31%), compared to SSP1-2.6 (10%). Under an intermediate-emission scenario (SSP2-4.5), ten-year floods could occur every five years, significantly hampering the utilization and economic return generation potential of infrastructure projects. In addition, regional geography contributes to risk heterogeneity, with 100-year floods occurring every 15 years in South Asia and every 24 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. Such climate risk implications, potentially overlooked by development financiers, represent significant risks to the sustenance of the BRI, estimated to be worth $1 trillion.
Exploring Houseowners Compliance with Urban Greenery Regulations in Madina, Ghana
Authors: Akagla Seth , Boafo Yaw Agyeman
Published: April 2024

The transformation of natural landscapes due to ongoing urbanisation highlights the critical need for the presence and integration of vegetation within urban environments. Although the benefits of urban greenery, including biodiversity conservation, pollution mitigation, and reduction of urban heat island effects, are widely recognized, adherence to corresponding building regulations poses a significant challenge in many Global South countries, including Ghana. This study investigates the compliance with urban greenery regulations among houseowners in Madina, a rapidly urbanizing suburb of Accra, Ghana. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with houseowners (n = 200) with qualitative interviews (n = 8) to explore the levels of awareness and compliance among residential houseowners with the guidelines stipulated in the Ghana Building Regulations (LI 1630) and the Ghana Building Code 2018. Our findings reveal a significant gap between awareness of the benefits of urban greenery and actual compliance with the regulations designed to ensure its provision. Key factors contributing to non-compliance were socioeconomic pressures, such as the high cost of land and accommodation, and institutional barriers, including bureaucracy, weak enforcement, and insufficient resources. Furthermore, administrative and political challenges, such as corruption and a lack of support, exacerbate the situation. The study proposes targeted recommendations to enhance compliance rates, emphasizing the need for streamlined regulatory processes, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and increased awareness campaigns to highlight the critical importance of urban green spaces.
The Effect of Tax Avoidance on Investment Efficiency: The Mediating Role of Cash Holding—Evidence from Egypt
Authors: Elfeky Mostafa Ibrahim , Elbrashy Ahmed , Issa Ayman
Published: April 2024

Purpose–
This study aims to investigate the influence of tax avoidance on investment efficiency, while also examining the mediating role of cash holding in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach–
Utilizing a sample comprising 321 firm-year observations from Egypt, we employ Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to examine both the direct and indirect associations between tax avoidance and investment efficiency.
Findings–
The results revealed a significant positive effect of tax avoidance on cash holding and excess cash. Moreover, there is contrasting findings on the effect of cash holding on investment efficiency. Additionally, the study revealed a significant negative effect of tax avoidance on investment efficiency, with a positive effect on overinvestment and a negative effect on underinvestment. Furthermore, cash holding played a mediating role in the relationship between tax avoidance and investment efficiency.
Practical implications–
The insights gleaned from this study hold significant implications for various stakeholders in Egypt, including tax authorities, investors, and listed firms. Given the current economic instability in Egypt, where many firms resort to cash hoarding to mitigate potential future financial constraints, these findings offer valuable guidance for regulatory agencies, investors, and firms navigating uncertain economic conditions.
Originality–
This paper explores how tax avoidance influences cash holdings and investment efficiency in Egyptian firms, filling a gap in existing literature. It introduces a novel perspective by examining the mediating role of cash holdings between tax avoidance strategies and investment outcomes. By focusing on the specific context of Egyptian firms, it offers unique insights into the complex interplay between tax-related decisions, financial management, and firm performance. Overall, the study provides valuable contributions to understanding the dynamics of tax planning and its implications for corporate finance in emerging market economies.
Corals Ba/Ca records uncover mid-20th century onset of industrial deforestation in Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Naciri Walid , Boom Arnoud , Browne Nicola , Evans Noreen J. , Rankenburg Kai , McDonald Bradley J. , Nagarajan Ramasamy , McIlwain Jennifer , Zinke Jens
Published: April 2024

The increasing demand for wood, pasture, and palm oil drives deforestation and stands as the largest threats to rainforests. Whilst many consequences of deforestation are well understood, the effects on coastal ecosystems remain less clear. This issue is very apparent in Malaysian Borneo where the lack of historical deforestation data makes characterising baseline environmental conditions challenging. Building upon a previous study testing the suitability of coral Ba/Ca records as proxies for riverine sediment, we extend these records to the late 19th century, revealing a significant mid-20th -century surge in riverine barium levels, and a gradual lag within records consistent with distance from the river. We argue this increase is associated with the onset of industrial deforestation supported by historical logging records as well as land use data. Ba/Ca records provide unequivocal evidence for the temporal onset and magnitude of the impact of deforestation raising baseline sediment discharge in the nearshore waters.
The Non-coaxiality and Fabric Evolution of Granular Materials in Mixed Load and Unload on Deviatoric Plane
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Li Kuangfei
Published: April 2024

The non-coaxiality and fabric evolution of granular materials with the stress path of mixed load and unload on deviatoric plane have not been well understood, particularly for mixed unload. This study is to survey the combined influence of intermediate principal stress ratio b-value, stress ratio level, confining pressure, and inter-particle friction on the deformation, non-coaxiality by true triaxial simulations with DEM (discrete element method), in mixed loads and unloads, and their correlation to micro-fabric evolution. Differences in deformation, non-coaxiality, and fabric evolution results are analyzed. The non-coaxiality is closely related to stress increment direction, the current stress state, confining pressure\({\sigma _c}\), and inter-particle friction coefficient\(\mu\), with distinct non-coaxial response in mixed unloads. It further verifies that the magnitude and orientation evolution of contact fabric are responsible for the deformation and non-coaxial response in mixed load and unload.
Global and regional trends and age-period-cohort effects in polycystic ovary syndrome burden from 1990 to 2019, with predictions to 2040
Authors: Li Ruijie , Zhang Ling , Liu Yi
Published: April 2024

Objectives We aimed to analyze the secular trends of global and regional polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) burden, the effects of age, period, and birth cohort, and forecast the global burden over time.Material and methods Based on the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) data of PCOS from the 2019 GBD database for the years 1990 to 2019, we used the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and the annual percentage change (APC) calculated using the joinpoint regression model to describe the burden trends. An age-period-cohort model was utilized to analyze the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on the PCOS age-standardized rate. The burden of PCOS was projected by conducting the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model.Results Globally, there were significant increases in age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) (EAPC = 0.85, 95%UI:0.82—0.87), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) (EAPC = 0.84, 95%UI:0.80—0.88), and age-standardized YLD rate (EAPC = 0.82, 95%UI:0.78—0.87) of PCOS from1990-2019. Period RR and cohort RR showed an upward trend in global and most SDI regions, indicating an increased risk of PCOS for new generations. Meanwhile, the BAPC model predicts that the burden will continue to rise.Conclusions The global burden of PCOS increased over the past 30 years, with variability across different regions, and this trend will continue in the future.
Causal Associations between frailty and low back pain: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Zuying , Fan Jiaming , Bu Huilian , Fu Lijun , Li Cong , Ma Letian , Kong Cunlong , Lu Zhongyuan , Li Xinxin , Wang Jian , Liu Qingying , Yuan Jingjing , Fan Xiaochong
Published: April 2024

Background
Previous observational studies have revealed a potentially robust reciprocal bidirectional relationship between frailty and low back pain (LBP). However, the precise causal relationship remains unclear.
Methods
To examine the potential causal association between frailty and low back pain, we conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) study. Genetic data on frailty index (FI) and LBP were acquired from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Various MR methodologies were utilized, such as random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger, to evaluate causality. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the findings.
Results
Genetically predicted higher frailty index (IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17–2.36, p = 4.92E-03) was associated with a higher risk of low back pain. As for the reverse direction, genetic liability to low back pain showed consistent associations with a higher frailty index (IVW, OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.19, p = 2.68E-05). The outcomes from various MR techniques and sensitivity analyses indicate the robustness of our findings.
Conclusion
Our research findings provide additional evidence bolstering the bidirectional causal relationship between frailty and LBP.
Quality assessment and in-vivo glycemic indices of snack bar from blends of plantain flour, soy cake, and oat bran
Authors: Gbolagade Omolola , Oluwajuyitan Timilehin , Aderinola Taiwo , Oyeleye Sunday , Oboh Ganiyu , Arogundade Toyin , Fagbemi Tayo Nathaniel
Published: April 2024

Snack bars were produced in response to the growing demand for creative, processed, healthful, and convenient foods brought on by a lack of time for cooking and a growing awareness of health issues. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the nutritional content, glycemic response in healthy human subjects, sensory and physical properties of snack bars from plantain, soycake, rice-bran, and oat-bran flour. The flour samples were combined in the following manner: PSO (plantain 65%, soycake 30%, and oat bran 5%); PSRO (plantain 60%, soycake 30%, rice bran 5%, and oat bran 5%). The snack bars' length, width, and thickness varied from 90.83 to 93.02 mm, 37.86 to 40.81 mm, and 6.02 to 10.33 mm. The ranges for weight, volume, density, and spread ratio were 16.02–21.40 g, 22.12–35.53 cm3, 0.60–0.72 g/cm3, and 3.66–6.62, respectively. Sensory evaluation showed that there was no significant difference in overall acceptability between the produced snack bars and the commercial oat snack bar, but there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in color, appearance, texture, aroma, and taste. Results showed that, in comparison to the control (COS), the produced snack bars (PSO and PSRO) have low glycemic indices and are high in crude fiber and protein. The snack bars' nutritional composition was improved by the addition of rice bran. The snack bar especially PSRO has potential to be used as functional diet to modulate blood sugar.
Hardware real-time individualised blood glucose predictor generator based on grammars and cartesian genetic programming
Authors: Cano Jorge , Hidalgo J. Ignacio , Garnica Óscar
Published: April 2024

People with diabetes need to control their blood glucose levels to avoid live-threatening situations and long-term pathologies. Efficient blood glucose control requires estimating blood glucose ahead of time for which only heuristic estimators exist. We propose a wearable hardware implementation for blood glucose prediction using a personalized model generator. We propose a novel technique based on genetic programming for designing on-chip real-time configurable hardware design, and apply it to design a hardware implementation of a personalized model generator for blood glucose prediction over a FPGA. The technique integrates grammatical evolution, Cartesian genetic programming, with a (1+λ) evolutionary strategy. The hardware implementation accomplish the training and testing of the generated model using real-patient data. The approach is validated by training and testing two models, for 30 and 60-minute forecasting predictions, for ten real patients. Each model has been created ten times totalling 200 models evaluated. The technique achieves state-of-the-art figures of merit using the Clarke error grid analysis with 98% and 90% of the predictions in clinical acceptable regions at 30- and 60-minute horizons, respectively. The technique does not suffer from hardware limitations compared to a software implementation. It offers an adaptable solution through wearable hardware and advanced model generation techniques that enables reliable high-speed predictions with minimal errors and power consumption. For the first time, the viability of combining cartesian genetic programming with a hardware implementation for creating grammatical evolution-based blood glucose prediction is demonstrated, potentially serving as an embedded system in portable devices.
Game harvest in the most populated Amazonian sustainable-use protected area: insights from 5-years of community-based monitoring
Authors: Reis Yasmin Maria Sampaio , Benchimol Maíra
Published: April 2024

Although wildlife has long been crucial for food provision and traditions, wildlife overexploitation can pervasively affect populations. Thus, game harvest monitoring initiatives became a key tool to evaluate hunting sustainability across tropical forests. We used a 5-year community-based monitoring database from the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon, to examine hunting profile across different villages and assess the influence of anthropogenic stressors and monitored years on community composition (relative frequency and biomass) and hunting productivity using CPUE (catch per unit of effort). We further assessed trends in CPUE of all game species and the six most hunted species along the time series. A total of 5,760 hunting events by 391 families from 13 villages resulted in 6,436 animals from 24 taxa, yielding a harvest of 65,488 kg. Medium to large-sized mammals were the main targets of hunters, but villages exhibited different hunting profiles. Anthropogenic variables did not affect community composition and CPUE, and CPUE remained stable through time. Our findings suggest that hunting is likely sustainable for most species, with the exception of those large and threatened species like Tapirus terrestris and Tayassu pecari. We finally encourage that other Amazonian sustainable-use reserves monitor subsistence hunting through our hunting protocol.
Physical Properties of Rocks and Their Relationships to the Thermal Conductivity Coefficient
Authors: ELÇİ Hakan , Şalk Müjgan , Sarı Coşkun
Published: April 2024

The thermal conductivity coefficient is an important physical feature of rocks that determines the rate at which heat is transported through a specific rock type. It is a measure of a rock's ability to conduct heat and is determined by a variety of physical characteristics. The relationship between a rock's physical qualities and its thermal conductivity coefficient is complex since it varies based on rock type, mineral composition, porosity, moisture content, and temperature Because ultrasonic techniques are nondestructive and simple to use, VP-wave velocity measurements are utilized both in situ and in the laboratory to explain the dynamic characteristics of rocks. Several factors influence the seismic properties of rock types, including density, grain size and shape, porosity, direction dependency, pore water, clay concentration, compression pressure, and temperature. A rock's acoustic VP-wave velocity is closely related to its velocity in its natural environment, which represents the intact rock's characteristics, structure, and texture. Research has demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of porous rock is primarily determined by its porosity, mineral composition, the presence of fluids filling the pores, and the temperature and pressure of the surrounding environment. Porosity and thermal conductivity impact fluid-rock interactions and define building materials. Physical qualities such as porosity and thermal conductivity coefficient are essential factors in determining the quality of building blocks. In this work, the thermal conductivity coefficient, VP wave velocity, porosity, density, pressure resistance, and other properties of rocks were assessed using laboratory measurements of the thermal conductivity coefficient and acoustic VP wave velocity. The correlations among physical properties were investigated.
Probabilistic Regression for Autonomous Terrain Relative Navigation via Multi-Modal Feature Learning
Authors: Kim Ickbum , Rolen Abigail , Singh Sandeep
Published: April 2024

The extension of human spaceflight across an ever-expanding domain, in conjunction with intricate mission architectures demands a paradigm shift in autonomous navigation algorithms, especially for the powered descent phase of planetary landing. Deep learning architectures have previously been explored to perform low-dimensional localization with limited success. Due to the expectations regarding novel algorithms in the context of real missions, the proposed approaches must be rigorously evaluated in extraneous scenarios and demonstrate sufficient robustness. In the current work, a novel formulation is proposed to train CNN-based deep learning (DL) models in a multi-layer cascading architecture and utilize the resulting classification probabilities as regression weights to estimate the two-dimensional position of the lander spacecraft. The approach leverages image intensity as well as embedded depth information to effectively determine the location of a spacecraft relative to the observed terrain. The efficacy of the proposed DL architecture and the subsequent state-estimation framework is demonstrated using several simulated scenarios and shows promise.
Impact of a Multicomponent Program on Sleep Duration and Depressive Symptoms in Overweight Adolescents in Schools in the Northeast Brazil
Authors: de Souza Evanice Avelino , Mendes Márcio de Almeida , Morais Timotheo Batista , de Bruin Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo
Published: April 2024

The health promotion in our schools represents a tool of great importance for public health, and the development of some intervention actions to promote healthy habits has been encouraged, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effects of a multicomponent intervention on the duration and quality of sleeping, eating disorders and depressive symptoms in obese adolescents from full-time schools in the city of Fortaleza, CE. This cluster is a randomized controlled trial with 127 (50.4% female) adolescents from the 7th to 9th grade in public schools in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil. After agreement, three schools were randomly selected for intervention or control groups (3 schools in each group), and all eligible students were invited to participate in the study. The "Fortaleça sua saúde" program was carried out during a school year and included three main components: Teacher training (including face-to-face meetings, a social media platform, and a handbook with lesson plans); improvements in the physical activity environment in schools; and educational strategies. The control schools continued with their traditional schedule. Baseline and post-intervention evaluations included: subjective sleep quality, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; depressive symptoms, assessed by the Population Screening Scale for Depression; and eating disorders, evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test-26. The results of this study identified an increase in sleep duration among adolescents in the intervention group (7.42 vs. 7.79; p = 0.018) and a significant decrease (13.5 vs. 12.0; p = 0.003) in depressive symptom scores compared to those in the control group (14.0 vs. 12.5; p = 1.00). Additionally, adolescents who participated in the program showed a 2.32 times greater chance (1.01 – 5.40; p = 0.049) of not presenting depressive symptoms. The results of this study suggest that interventions in the scholar environment can lead to an improvement in health indicators among obese adolescents.
A Mixed Convection Model for Estimating the Critical Velocity to Prevent Smoke Backlayering in Tunnels
Authors: Beyer Michael , Stacey Conrad , Brenn Günter
Published: April 2024

A novel mathematical model for the critical ventilation velocity to prevent smoke backlayering in tunnels is presented, addressing limitations of prior approaches. The basis of the model is a rigorous characterisation of the physical processes by the characteristic quantities. Empirical parameters within the new model are determined, to align with results from both full-size and small-scale tunnel experiments. Data from numerical simulations (CFD, Computational Fluid Dynamics), validated by known test data, are then used to estimate the effects of tunnel slope and other parameters on the critical velocity. The model is seen to approximate the critical velocity well, following all trends identified by test data and CFD parameter studies. The empirically calibrated equation permits prediction of the critical velocity beyond the narrow range of tunnel geometries where known results already give an answer. The resulting equation has practical application for tunnel design.