bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of a single lumbar puncture in idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Zaic Sina , Krajnc Nik , Macher Stefan , Michl Martin , Müller Nina , Mitsch Christoph , Marik Wolfgang , Novak Klaus , Wöber Christian , Pemp Berthold , Bsteh Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Background. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by increased intracranial pressure. Whilst lumbar puncture (LP) is necessary for the diagnosis of IIH, its therapeutic effect remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a single LP in patients with IIH (pwIIH).
Methods. In this prospective observational study, we analysed short-term neurological and ophthalmological outcomes in pwIIH before, one (D1) and seven days (D7) after the LP. The primary endpoint was the change in papilledema degree from baseline. Secondary endpoints included visual outcomes, morphological changes in optical coherence tomography (peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer [pRNFL] thickness and ganglion cell layer [GCL] volume) and transbulbar sonography (arachnoid optic nerve sheath diameter [AONSD]), and headache outcomes (peak and median headache severity and burden related to headache).
Results. We included 30 pwIIH (mean age 32.8 years [SD 8.4], 93.3% female, median CSF opening pressure 33.0 cmH2O [IQR 26.9–35.3], median body mass index (BMI) 34.8 kg/m2 [IQR 30.9–40.9]). The median papilledema grading at baseline was 2 (1–3) and was significantly reduced at D7 (2 [1–2], p=0.011). Median pRNFL thickness had decreased significantly at D7 (-9µm [-62.5, -1.3], p=0.035), with pRNFL thickness at baseline being associated with the pRNFL change (F(1,11)=18.79, p=0.001). Mean AONSD had decreased significantly at both D1 (-0.74mm [0.14], p<0.001) and D7 (-0.65mm [0.17], p=0.01), with AONSD at baseline being associated with the change in AONSD at both time points (D1: b= -0.89, 95% CI -1.37, -0.42, p=0.002; D7: b= -0.85, 95% CI -1.42, -0.28, p=0.007). Peak headache severity was slightly lower at D7 (-1/10 [-3, 0], p=0.026), whereas median headache severity and headache burden remained unchanged.
Conclusions. This short-term follow-up study in pwIIH undergoing a single LP suggests a moderate effect on ophthalmological but not headache outcomes. The usefulness of LP as a therapeutic measure in IIH remains controversial and should likely be reserved for patients with limited treatment options, e.g., in pregnancy or intolerability to medication.
A Fact-Finding Survey of the Concerns of Patients with Cancer: A Network Analysis
Authors: Yamamoto Kazumasa , Tanabe Yuko , Nonogaki Kiyomi , Okumura Hiroki , Ozaki Haruka , Kuno Masahiro , Watanabe Shogo , Takemura Kohji , Yamanaka Taro , Kizawa Rika , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Tanaka Kiyo , Kobayashi Yoko , Ogura Takuya , Tamura Nobuko , Kawabata Hidetaka , Suyama Koichi , Miura Yuji
Published: September 2024

Purpose
Despite advances in supportive cancer care, patients experience various interrelated concerns affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to elucidate the frequency, severity, and complex interrelationships of diverse physical, psychological, and social concerns among patients with cancer.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a 74-item questionnaire assessing symptoms and problems across 12 categories was administered to 300 patients with various cancer types. Each item was rated from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). Sex and cancer type differences were analyzed. Network analysis examined and visualized the centrality and clustering of patient concerns.
Results
Overall, 127 males and 173 females (median age, 66 years) participated in this study. Cancer types included breast (28.0%), gastrointestinal (27.3%), urologic (17.3%), hepatobiliary/pancreatic (14.7%), gynecological (6.7%), and others (6.0%). Females reported significantly higher overall distress than males (30.4 vs. 22.5, p < 0.01). The most common concerns were physical decline (81.7%), fatigue (80.5%), muscle weakness (65.9%), numbness/pain (63.0%), and hair loss (54.9%). Items with the highest centrality were muscle weakness, nutritional management, fatigue, changes in appearance, and physical decline. Network structures differed between sexes, with males exhibiting higher centrality in sexual function and social concerns and females in psychological symptoms.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the complex symptom interrelationships among the concerns of patients with cancer. Females experienced a greater symptom burden than males. Fatigue, weakness, and nutritional management were central symptoms linked to other concerns. These intricate symptom networks highlight the need for multidisciplinary interventions targeting multiple interconnected concerns to optimize supportive care. Therefore, sex-specific approaches are warranted.
In Sync or Out of Sync? Understanding Stress and Learning Performance in Collaborative Healthcare Simulations through Physiological Synchrony and Arousal
Authors: Yan Lixiang , Gašević Dragan , Echeverria Vanessa , Zhao Linxuan , Jin Yueqiao , Li Xinyu , Martinez-Maldonado Roberto
Published: September 2024

Physiological synchrony and arousal are increasingly utilised to understand students' affective and cognitive states, such as stress, which can influence their learning performance and satisfaction in collaborative settings. However, it remains uncertain whether these physiological indicators can meaningfully reflect students' stress and learning performance during embodied collaborative learning (ECL). With advancements in sensing technologies, AI, and multimodal learning analytics (MMLA), it is now possible to model learners' affective and physiological states in such dynamic and physically active settings. This study investigates the role of physiological synchrony and arousal as indicators of stress and learning performance in ECL using a mixed-method approach. We first developed two linear mixed models using heart rate and survey data from 172 students participating in collaborative high-fidelity nursing simulations. The findings were then presented to educators to gain insights into their interpretation of the current findings on the relationship between students' physiological responses and their learning performance. Results indicate that physiological synchrony is a significant indicator of students' perceived stress and collaboration performance, while physiological arousal is a significant indicator of task performance, even after accounting for individual and group differences. Educators confirmed that these findings align with their assumptions about the relationships between students' physiological responses and their performance, validating the ecological validity of the results. They also expressed interest in using these insights to refine simulation activities and enhance reflective practices. These findings provide empirical evidence to support the development of context-aware analytic tools using AI and MMLA to enhance collaborative learning.
Effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide treated net use by socioeconomic status: a cross-sectional household study in area along Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Iwashita Hanako , Nagi Sachiyo , Bahati Felix , Kagaya Wataru , Larson Peter S. , Kongere James , Kanoi Bernard N. , Hayasaka Reiko , Sugishita Tomohiko , Gitaka Jesse , Kaneko Akira
Published: September 2024

Background This study focused on the importance of integrated vector mosquito management (IVM) in malaria control, particularly the pivotal role of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs). The objective was to assess the effectiveness of LLINs when properly used by no more than two people, controlling for differences in socioeconomic status (SES). We hypothesized that LLIN effectiveness would differ by SES and that LLIN effectiveness should be analyzed with adjustment for differences in SES.Methods We conducted a household level survey in an area in the Lake Victoria region in Suba North Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Western Kenya between June and September 2021. We assessed the number of people living in the home and the number of LLINs along with other demographic data. We calculated the ratio of people reporting sleeping under an LLIN to the total number of LLINs in the home. Through a school based, community survey, researchers administered blood-spot, PCR tests for Plasmodium infection. Community workers linked individual malaria tests to homes which participated in the household survey through names and geographic identifiers. A generalized linear model (GLM) tested the associations between household parasitemia risk in children and the ratio of people to LLINs, stratifying on asset-based household level SES measures.Results A stratified model by SES level indicated that using LLINs with no more than two people significantly reduced risk in middle SES households (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.12–0.92) and in combined middle and low SES households (OR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.87).Conclusions Our results suggest that promoting the use of one LLIN by no more than two people, as recommended by WHO, can reduce the risk of malaria. Efforts to promote LLINs as an effective means of preventing malaria in children might encourage LLIN compliance and maintain community level control targets. If households have been excluded from LLIN distribution, LLINs should be distributed immediately along with information about their effectiveness. Strategies to sustain LLINs use and community benefits should be considered. These strategies could also promote community-wide IVM, including the use of LLINs.
Comparison between carrier transport property and crystal quality of TlBr semiconductors
Authors: Watanabe Kenichi , Sugai Yusuke , Hasegawa Sota , Tanaka Seishiro , Hitomi Keitaro , Nogami Mitsuhiro , Shinohara Takenao , Su Yuhua , Parker Joseph Don , Kockelmann Winfried
Published: September 2024

Thallium bromide (TlBr) semiconductor detectors are being developed as promising candidates for high-detection-efficiency, high-energy-resolution, and room-temperature gamma-ray spectrometers. This study presents methods for evaluating TlBr crystal quality and carrier transport characteristics, using neutron Bragg-dip imaging and the time-of-flight method for pulsed-laser-induced carriers, respectively. Neutron Bragg-dip imaging effectively determines crystal orientation distribution, revealing crystal imperfections and grain boundaries. Time-of-flight measurements provide a spatial distribution of carrier mobility. In this study, two samples obtained from both the upstream and downstream region in the crystal ingot were evaluated. Although both samples show similar crystal quality, the upstream sample showed high carrier mobility across all areas, whereas the downstream sample exhibits low mobility in some areas. These findings suggest that, at least within the range of carrier mobility currently obtained, the effect of crystal integrity on carrier mobility is less significant than that of impurities. In conclusion, combining neutron Bragg-dip imaging with carrier mobility measurements offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating and improving TlBr detectors.
Mediating effect of smoking on the relationship between educational status and hospitalization in China with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Zhenxiao , Li Yinghua , Su Zheng , Xie Ying , Liu Zhao , Qin Rui , Cheng Anqi , Zhou Xinmei , Li Jinxuan , Wei Xiaowen , Liu Yi , Xia Xin , Song Qingqing , Zhao Liang , Chung Kian Fan , Xiao Dan , Wang Chen
Published: September 2024

Background: Educational disparities in COVID-19 outcomes are well documented in Western countries, but evidence from China is limited. This study explored the role of smoking in these disparities.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in China between January 28 and February 21, 2023. Participants who reported positive SARS-CoV-2 results via RT‒PCR and/or IgM‒IgG antigen tests provided self-reported data on COVID‒19 hospitalization, educational status, and smoking status through an online questionnaire. Logistic regressions with and without inverse probability weighting estimated odds ratios (ORs) for COVID-19 hospitalization by educational status, adjusting for potential confounders. The Karon‒Holm‒Breen (KHB) method was used to estimate the proportion of mediation attributable to smoking status.
Results: Of the 25,827 participants (56.4% male; mean age 40.9 years), 1652 (6.83%) were hospitalized, and higher ORs for COVID-19 hospitalization were found in those with primary school education or below (OR: 1.84), junior high school (OR: 1.48), high school/technical secondary school (OR: 1.44), and smoking history (OR: 1.52). Smoking mediated the relationship between educational status and hospitalization, with mediation proportion ranging from 7.62% to 13.34%, varying by sex.
Conclusion: This study highlights an educational gradient in COVID-19 hospitalization in China, with smoking as a partial mediator.
Shared practices among primary health care workers: A time-motion study
Authors: Rewa Talita , Goncalves Geisa Colebrusco Souza , Varela Andrea Liliana Vesga , Leonello Valéria Marli , Peduzzi Marina , Almeida Leticia Yamawaka , Belotti Lorrayne , Silva Debora Bernardo , Bonfim Daiana
Published: September 2024

Background
Shared activities by health workers in meeting health needs are crucial to improve the health population, patient experience, quality of life of health teams and the effectiveness of care.
Objective
to analyze the activities shared by Primary Health Care (PHC) team workers, whether multiprofessional or uniprofessional.
Method
A descriptive study was, thus, carried out, based on the time-motion technique, in São Paulo-Brazil. Data collection was carried out from 2021 to 2022, through direct observations of workers, family health teams (FHT), oral health teams (OHT) and multidisciplinary teams (MultiT). The frequency rates of both activities and time of shared practices and the distribution of workers involved in information exchanges were considered.
Results
A total of 93 workers were observed, recording 21,936 activities (157,653 minutes). Of these, 72.90% were individual activities and 27.10%, shared (36.1% uni-professional and 63.9% multiprofessional). Shared activities represented 26.26% of the time. Dental surgeons presented 60.8% of their activities in the shared modality, uni-professionally (99.26%). Concerning FHT, nurses were most dedicated to shared practices (33.09%) and exchanged information the most with others. According to team practices, the greatest amount of time dedicated to shared practices was spent by FHT (80%), followed by MultiT (71%) and OHT (65%).
Conclusion
multiprofessional work in PHC is evident as a precursor to interprofessional practice. In this sense, studies and reflections on the way in which PHC indicators have been monitored and evaluated, which mainly refer to individual activities, are required.
Spiroplasma shows a Wolbachia-like effect in hampering virus replication in spider mite
Authors: Ferreira Lucas Yago Melo , Santos João Pedro Nunes , Souza David Gabriel do Nascimento , Orellana Lixsy Celeste Bernardez , de Santana Sabrina Ferreira , Sousa Anderson Gonçalves , Fonseca Paula Luize Camargos , Silva Amanda Gabrielly Santana , Santos Vinicius Castro , de Faria Isaque João da Silva , Olmo Roenick Proveti , Pacheco Luis Gustavo Carvalho , Costa Marcio Gilberto Cardoso , Pirovani Carlos Priminho , Oliveira Anibal Ramadan , Aguiar Eric Roberto Guimarães Rocha
Published: September 2024

Background
Members of the Acari order, commonly known as mites, play a significant role as agricultural pests. Among these, the Tetranychidae family stands out due to its remarkable diversity, surrounding approximately 1200 species capable of infesting over 4000 plant species. By feeding on plant tissues, these mites directly harm crops and can also serve as vectors for viral pathogens, posing a substantial threat to global food security. In this study, we investigated the unexplored virome of Tetranychus truncatus exploring how biotic factors (Spiroplasma and Wolbachia endosymbionts), and abiotic stresses (abamectin and temperature) affect virus dynamics.
Results
Our metatranscriptomics analyses revealed sequences related to important arthropod- and crop-infecting viral families, including the known plant-pathogenic Potato Y virus and Cherry A virus strains and fourteen new species. Notably, abamectin treatment correlated with the absence of Potato virus Y and TtDV-2 virus, suggesting this pesticide impacts viral diversity. Interestingly, single infections of Wolbachia or Spiroplasma significantly decreased both the diversity and the abundance of viruses, with the greatest effect on dicistroviruses, indicating for the first time the potential of Spiroplasma to restrict viral infections. Surprisingly, Wolbachia-Spiroplasma co-infection leads to the loss of the virus restriction effect. Wolbachia-exclusive and Spiroplasma-exclusive responsive genes showed enrichment for similar pathways, with piRNA and autophagy enriched in up-regulated genes. In contrast, lipid metabolic processes were enriched in down-regulated elements.
Conclusions
Overall, our study describes the T. truncatus virome, unveiling the considerable influence of its microbiome, including Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, and Abamectin pesticide on both virus diversity and abundance.
Beneficial rhizobacteria mitigate combined water and phosphorus deficit effects on upland rice
Authors: Costa Niedja Bezerra , Bezerra Gustavo de Andrade , de Moraes Moemy Gomes , de Filippi Marta Cristina Corsi , Carvalho Maria da Conceição Santana , Bhosale Rahul A. , de Castro Adriano Pereira , Lanna Anna Cristina
Published: September 2024

Background and aims
Limited water and phosphorus availability are major challenges in upland rice production. Plant-microbe interactions, especially with beneficial rhizobacteria, have shown promise in mitigating these stresses. This study investigated the influence of microbial inoculants with hydration-promoting and phosphorus-solubilizing abilities on upland rice yield under drought and phosphorus deficiency.
Methods
Upland rice (BRS Esmeralda) plants were grown in a greenhouse with different water availability conditions (well-watered and drought), phosphorus levels (high 200 mg dm− 3 and low 20 mg dm− 3), and microbial treatments (no-microorganism and single and combined isolates of BRM 32114 and BRM 63523). Root and shoot traits, as well as production components, were analyzed.
Results
While the microbial treatments affected the roots, the larger effects were seen in the shoot rice plants. When both water and phosphorus were limited, grain yield decreased significantly. However, plants inoculated with beneficial rhizobacteria showed a substantial increase in grain yield (average of 39.5% in 2019/2020 and 18.8% in 2020/2021) compared to uninoculated plants under combined stresses. This increase was especially pronounced in plants treated with BRM 63523 (strain) alone or combined with BRM 32114 (strain), both Serratia marcescens. These inoculated plants also showed improved photosynthetic activity (average increase of 24.6%), which may have contributed to the higher grain yield.
Conclusions
Inoculating upland rice with specific Serratia strains effectively increased shoot and root traits under combined water and phosphorous stresses. These findings highlight the potential of plant-microbe interactions for sustainable upland rice production.
Geographic Variation in Microbes and Water Quality in Urban Lakes Restored with Submerged Plants: Migration of Microbial Communities Across Habitats
Authors: Shen Hongye , Dong Weiwei , Zeng Yiting , Li Xihong , Zhang Yue , Zhou Chao , Peng Nan , Zhao Shumiao
Published: September 2024

As an important component of urban ecology, the water quality in urban lakes directly affects the stability of the entire ecosystem. However, with the acceleration of urbanization, the eutrophication of urban lakes has become increasingly serious, exacerbated by the disappearance and destruction of submerged plants. Therefore, protecting and restoring submerged plants and improving lake water quality using bioremediation have become focal points of contemporary research. This study of a treated urban lake that relies on the reconstruction of submerged plants as the objective, revealed a strong correlation between the physicochemical properties of lake water and microbial communities. The bacterial community fluctuated in species richness among different sites, but the composition of the bacterial community in different water layers at the same site was consistent. The bacterial community movement between water, submerged plants, and sludge, with species migration between water and submerged plants exceeding 70% of all movements. Microorganisms such as Methylobacterium (Methylobacterium spp.), Cloacibacterium, and Sphingomonas colonized the surface of submerged plants, enhancing the transformation of nitrogenous compounds and reducing COD levels in the lake. These findings provide a significant foundation for a deeper understanding of the microbial ecological characteristics of lake ecosystems and their purification mechanisms. Overall, this study not only provides the scientific basis and technical support for the management and restoration of eutrophic lakes but also helps to understand better and protect urban lake ecosystems and promote the sustainable development of lake ecosystems.
Sleep health and its correlates among male and female military recruits in Jordan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Malkawi Ahmad , Kremers Stef P.J. , Meertens Ree M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Determining sleep quality and duration and the factors influencing the quality of sleep among the military is crucial for designing effective interventions. Given the strict and demanding nature of the military setting, it becomes essential to explore factors impacting sleep quality in such a context. Additionally, research in the Middle East and among females on this subject is scarce. This study aims to investigate sleep quality and different sleep-related variables such as sleep duration and sleep hygiene practices in addition to the correlates of sleep quality among recruits.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study that included 178 (Mean age = 19 years) military recruits during their basic training at two medical military colleges in Jordan. Sleep quality and sleep hygiene practices were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) respectively. Physical activity and dietary behaviors were measured using the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS).
Results
The majority of recruits demonstrated poor sleep quality (80%) and suboptimal sleep hygiene practices (mean SHI = 21) with significantly poorer sleep hygiene practices among male recruits. The average duration of actual sleeping hours per day was around 6 hours (± 2.3 hours). Multiple regression analysis showed that age and SHI score were positively associated with the global sleep quality score (PSQI), while sleep knowledge score was negatively associated with sleep quality among the whole sample (adjusted R2 = 0.09). Performing gender breakdown for the correlates of sleep quality showed that limited sleep knowledge was specifically associated with poor sleep quality among male recruits (adjusted R2 = 0.11). Higher energy expenditure (total METs/week) and the SHI were positively associated with better sleep quality among female recruits (adjusted R2 = 0.15).
Conclusions
Jordanian military recruits on average had short sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Results showed that better sleep hygiene practices (especially among women) and more sleep knowledge (particularly among men) were associated with better sleep quality. Interventions that use cognitive and behavioral change methods to promote sleep hygiene and improve sleep knowledge are recommended to improve sleep quality among military recruits.
A biocompatible Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone/Silver-capped Ytrrium oxide ternary nanocomposites for pharmaceutical applications: Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity activities
Authors: MYVIZHI G. , KRISHNA S. K.
Published: September 2024

As a means of addressing medical problems, rare earth nano-oxides are gaining prominence. For the first time, Silver (Ag) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capped Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) ternary nanocomposites (Ag/PVP @ Y2O3 ) were synthesised using a hydrothermal route. In fixed amounts of PVP and Y2O3, different concentrations of Ag (0.5% and 1.5%) were utilised. XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, XPS, UV-VIS, and PL spectroscopy were used to systematically characterise the as-synthesised NCs. By employing the X-ray diffractogram (XRD) technique, the Y2O3 crystals have a rod-shaped cubic structure, with doping causing them to increase from 41 nm to 52 nm in size. Peaks at 563 cm− 1 and 559 cm− 1 in the FTIR spectrum demonstrated the presence of Y2O3 and indicated the formation of the Y-O bond. The charge transfer efficiency of the synthesised nanocomposites was shown by PL spectra. XPS analysis validated the existence of constituent elements (Y2O3) and dopants (Ag, and PVP), as long as only a single element of zero valence silver was present in the system. The Ag/PVP @ Y2O3 NPs showed the most remarkable cytotoxicity with the IC50 value of 32.56 µg/mL against MCF-7 cells which could be a promising agent in the field of nanomedicine.
Optimisation of a microfluidic SNP assay for accurate hybrid class detection in the European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Authors: Martin Lina S. , Rolshausen Gregor , Alves Paulo C. , Mattucci Federica , Caniglia Romolo , Randi Ettore , Nowak Carsten , Cocchiararo Berardino
Published: September 2024

Anthropogenic hybridisation between wild and domestic taxa poses a significant threat to species integrity, including the endangered European wildcat. To enable reliable molecular assessment of admixture with domestic cats and to increase the accuracy of hybrid class assignment we optimised an existing reduced microfluidic 96 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panel. We selected SNPs from a genome-wide dataset for maximum FST between both taxa and replaced 60 SNPs from the previous 96 SNP panel. Comparison of both panels based on simulated hybrid genotypes and real-world genotypes proof the higher discriminatory power of the optimised panel, which allows for reliable assignment of F1 and F2 hybrids, as well as 1st and 2nd generation backcrosses. Additionally, we successfully tested the panel for both tissue and non-invasively collected hair samples, demonstrating the suitability of the new panel for implementation in wildcat monitoring programmes.
Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Gut Microbiota, Blood Metabolites, and Postpartum Depression : A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Gao Zhan , Zhou Runze , Chen ZhiQiang , Qian Haotian , Xu Chendong , Gao Mingzhou , Huang Xi
Published: September 2024

Background: There is substantial evidence indicating a significant link between the gut microbiota (GM), blood metabolites and postpartum depression (PPD) . However, the causal relationships underlying these associations have yet to be established.
Methods: This study elucidated the causal relationship among 196 GM taxa, 224 blood metabolites, and PPD from a genetic perspective, employing two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and mediation analyses. To validate the relevant findings, we further selected data (GM and blood metabolites) from the the IEU Open GWAS and GWAS Catalog for analysis. Our primary analysis utilized the inverse variance weighted method. To enhance the robustness of our results, we also applied MR-Egger method, weighted median method, Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger regression, and MR-PRESSO.
Results: MR analysis results revealed a nominal association (p < 0.05) between 13 GM taxa, 6 blood metabolites, and PPD. After Bonferroni correction, only Bifidobacteriales (OR: 0.844, 95% CI: 0.760-0.938; p = 0.0017) showed a significant causal relationship with a lower risk of PPD. In our validation results, the higher level of Alphaproteobacteria (OR: 1.057, 95% CI: 1.024-1.091; Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.0006) retained a strong causal relationship with a higher risk of PPD. Finally, mediation analysis revealed that the impact of Odoribacteron PPD was mediated indirectly through Hyodeoxycholate, with a mediation proportion of 16.8%.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of elucidating the underlying mechanisms between the GM, blood metabolites, and PPD. These results provide novel insights into microbiome-based therapies and metabolite-targeted interventions for PPD.
Pig production system drivers of antibiotic resistance in Uganda
Authors: Muwonge Adrian , Kakooza Tadeo , Johnson Paul , Kisuule Lawrence , Kimaaga Michael , Kankya Clovice , Bronsvoort Barend , Lembo Tiziana
Published: September 2024

As population-driven demand for protein grows, shifts to livestock intensification in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) increase risks of antibiotic overuse and antibiotic resistance (ABR). Focusing on Uganda as a fast-growing pig producer in Africa, we examined the potential impact of this transformation. Pigs reared in semi-intensive systems carry six times more antibiotic-resistant bacteria and significantly more ABR encoding genes in their guts than free-range pigs. ABR levels in farmers and pigs in semi-intensive systems were similarly high(22.5%), whereas in free-range pigs they were half those of the farmers who managed them (9% and 21%, respectively). ABR increased at an average rate of 0.7% during the study. Pig-Farmer transmission was ~3 times more likely on semi-intensive farms and associated with differences in abundance of ABR encoding genes in the gut of farmers and their pigs. Shifts to intensified livestock farming require managing enhanced risks of ABR emergence and cross-species transmission.
Impact of Rule 11 on the European medical software landscape: analysis of EUDAMED and further databases three years after MDR implementation
Authors: Schmitz Arndt A , Font-Nieves Miriam , Doucoure Toumani , Podhaisky Hans-Peter
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Medicine is increasingly supported by software, with digital health technologies offering innovative ways to capture insights and drive therapies. Globally, medical device software must follow regulatory processes based on risk classification. The introduction of MDR represents a significant shift in risk-based qualification for Medical Devices in Europe, including classification Rule 11 for software, which has caused significant discussions among European regulators.
Materials and Methods
Three years after implementation, we conducted a systematic impact assessment of MDR classification Rule 11 for MDSW through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of over 2,000 software entries from the European Medical Device database, complemented by data from other public databases such as the German DiGa directory and mHealthBELGIUM.
Results and Discussion
Our results indicate a shift of the per-default classification of MDSW in Europe after the implementation of the MDR: while most of legacy software in EUDAMED falls in the lowest risk category as MDD Class I (53%), the situation reverses for the MDR conform entries with the most entries in Class IIa (55%). Analyzing the legacy MDD patient apps in Germany implies that three quarters will have to re-classify as MDR Class IIa at the end of the transition period in 2028. A comparison of the European and US regulatory landscapes, along with a systematic review of software features for Class I vs. Class IIa products, explains our findings and enables us to recommend a regulatory strategy for developing MDSW compliant with MDR Class I rules, ensuring fast access to the European market.
Mitigating the Impact of Adversarial Fine-tuning on Large Language Models through Perturbation Attenuation
Authors: Jejesi Zainab , McBride Aaron , Kovacic Felix , O'Connor Leah
Published: September 2024

The increasing complexity and scale of machine learning models have rendered them vulnerable to adversarial manipulation, particularly during fine-tuning processes where subtle perturbations can lead to significant degradation in model performance. Addressing this vulnerability, the proposed approach introduces a novel perturbation attenuation mechanism that integrates noise injection and gradient clipping during training, offering a substantial improvement in model resilience against adversarial attacks. Through a detailed evaluation of the Mistral Large model, the research demonstrates how the application of such attenuation techniques preserves model accuracy while mitigating the adverse effects of adversarial fine-tuning, significantly enhancing robustness without imposing excessive computational overhead. Experiments comparing the baseline model, adversarially fine-tuned model, and the model equipped with the proposed attenuation mechanism reveal that the latter successfully restores stability across various tasks, confirming the efficacy of the strategy in real-world settings. This work contributes to the growing need for robust defenses against adversarial inputs, illustrating how targeted interventions can maintain the integrity and reliability of machine learning systems even in adversarial environments. The findings offer valuable insights into how to counteract adversarial strategies in machine learning models while preserving their performance, providing a practical framework for improving model robustness in critical applications.
Response of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties to Blended NPS Fertilizer at Haramaya, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Adem Johar , Mihretu Fikreyohannes Gedamu , Alemayehu Yibekal
Published: September 2024

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most predominantly produced bulb crops in East Hararghe.The productivity of onion in the study area is mainly below the national average due to a number of production constraints, lack of site specific fertilizer recommendations and improved onion varieties are among others.Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the effect of blended NPS fertilizer rates on yield components, yield and bulb quality of onion varieties at Haramaya, East Hararghe. The experiment was arranged in factorial combination of six rates of NPS fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150,200, 250 kg ha-1) and three onion varieties (Nasik Red, Sirius F1 and Red coach F1) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed that variety and NPS fertilizer had significant effect on onion yield components and bulb yield. The interaction of variety and blended NPS fertilizer showed significant differences on bulb weight, total dry biomass yield, marketable, unmarketable and total bulb yield, TSS and percentage bulb dry matter. The highest bulb weight (219.93 g), bulb dry matter percentage (16.42% ), marketable bulb yield (57.23 t ha-1) and total bulb yield (58.35 t ha-1) were obtained from Red coach F1 at rate of 200 kg ha-1 NPS fertilizer. Thus, production of Red Coach F1 with application of 200 kg ha-1NPS fertilizer could be recommend for onion growers at Haramaya as well as other areas having similar agro-ecologies.
Digital Twin-Based Learning Analytics with Fog Computing and LLAMA
Authors: Abdelaziz Abdelkawy A. , EL-Ghany Sameh Abd , Tolba A. S.
Published: September 2024

The growing incorporation of digital technologies into education settings has transformed learning analytics to initiate personalized and adaptive learning. This paper presents the “Learner's Digital Twin," a framework for real-time learning analytics enabled by Fog Computing and Meta LLAMA (Large Language Model with Localized Adaptation) model to interpret multimodal data. The proposed new system aims to improve the learning process by providing students with instant, personalized alerts and feedback and insights for educators that can be acted upon. Fog Computing processes data at the network edge to reduce latency and deliver timely feedback, LLAMA can do context-aware text analysis of student’s processed data. This study would apply Linear Regression model for predictive analytics, and K-means clustering to cluster students based on learning patterns. Extensive empirical evaluation shows improved feedback relevance, system responsiveness and overall performance of the students. The findings demonstrate the ability of our Learner's Digital Twin framework to effectuate data-driven and adaptive learning environments enabling more efficient personalized learning with great fidelity as applied across a variety of educational settings.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Machine Learning in Enhancing Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm Performance
Authors: Ajlouni Naim
Published: September 2024

Quantum computing has recently emerged as a promising approach to solve complex combinatorial optimization problems beyond the reach of classical algorithms. This study explores the integration of machine learning techniques with the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) to improve its effectiveness in graph-based optimization tasks, with a particular focus on the Max-Cut problem. We propose a hybrid framework that utilizes a neural network to dynamically adjust QAOA parameters, leveraging historical data to enhance performance. We conduct a comparative analysis between the machine learning-augmented QAOA and a traditional QAOA implementation. Through extensive simulations on random graphs with up to 2000 nodes, the machine learning-enhanced QAOA demonstrates superior performance, reducing training loss significantly and achieving a final loss of approximately 3.112 x 10-33 compared to 2.34 x 10-15 for the standard QAOA. Statistical analysis reveals a moderate negative correlation between training epochs and loss, highlighting the benefits of continued training while acknowledging other influencing factors. This research highlights the potential of combining quantum algorithms with machine learning to solve real-world optimization problems, offering promising applications in fields such as logistics, finance, and network design.
Influence of biodiesel and water dilution on ZDDP antiwear performance: an in-situ AFM study combined with macroscopic experiments
Authors: Jiang Shaoli , Yamana Théo , Yuan Yuyang , Adachi Koshi , Murashima Motoyuki
Published: September 2024

When compression-ignition (CI) engines are fueled by biodiesel, the engine oil is prone to the dilution of biodiesel and water due to the incomplete combustion, resulted by a higher boiling point than traditional petrodiesel. The dilution affects the performance of widely used oil additives, e.g., zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). In this study, its influence on tribological performance of ZDDP was investigated using two different scale tests: ball-on-disc friction tests of 1000 m sliding distance at 75 ℃ under boundary lubrication regime at macroscopic scale, atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments with the in situ measurement on tribofilms formation at microscopic scale. Three main compositions of biodiesel: methyl oleate, methyl laurate and methyl palmitate were blended with ZDDP containing polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil separately. Two water-diluted lubricants, namely oil-in-water (OW) and water-in-oil (WO) emulsions were also prepared. Results of ball-on-disc tests show that these fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) gave rise to improved lubricity and hence the reduction in both friction and wear. Despite no obvious difference in friction, OW had high volumes of wear while WO produced the wear track of high surface roughness. Results of AFM tests revealed that both FAMEs and water hindered solid-like ZDDP tribofilm formation and the lowest growth rate was observed in WO emulsion. Young’s modulus of all measured tribofilms were in a range of 50-150 GPa and the film formed in the presence of methyl palmitate showed significantly improved stiffness.
Boiling heat transfer by phase-field method
Authors: Alessio
Published: September 2024

In this work, we propose and test the validity of a phase-field method tailored specifically for modeling boiling phenomena. The method relies on numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a phase-field method and the energy equation. The continuity and Navier-Stokes equations have been modified introducing a source term that accounts for phase change. Likewise, in the con- servative Allen-Cahn equation (phase-field method) a source term that accounts for the volume is introduced. The system of governing equations is solved using a projection-correction method and equations are discretized using second-order finite difference approach. Thanks to the type of discretization employed, a con- stant coefficient Poisson equation for the pressure is obtained, which can be efficiently solved using FFT-based direct solvers. The proposed method is vali- dated against different benchmarks: an interface undergoing phase change at a constant rate, the Stefan problem, the adsorption problem and the growth of a 2D vapor bubble. For all the benchmarks, the present method well matches with analytical and archival literature results for a wide range of vapor-to-liquid den- sity ratios, from ρv /ρl = 1 down to ρv /ρl ≃ 5 × 10−4 (where ρv identifies the vapor density and ρl the liquid density).
Enhanced Inverse Design of Thin-Film High Reflectors Using a Mixture Density Network and Optimization Framework
Authors: Kumar Adna , Gupta Shrakajana , Patel Isha , Sharma Aarav , Desai Rohan
Published: September 2024

Deep learning (DL) has emerged as a promising tool for photonic inverse design. Despite initial successes in retrieving spectra of modest complexity with near-instantaneous readout, DL-assisted design methods often exhibit lower accuracy compared to advanced optimization techniques and have yet to demonstrate competitiveness in handling spectra of practical relevance. In this work, we introduce a tandem optimization model that integrates a mixture density network (MDN) and a fully connected (FC) network to perform inverse design of practical thin-film high reflectors. The multimodal nature of the MDN provides access to a vast array of candidate designs described by probability distributions, which are iteratively sampled and evaluated by the FC network to facilitate rapid optimization. We demonstrate that the proposed model effectively retrieves the reflectance spectra of 20-layer thin-film structures. Notably, it reproduces high reflectors with periodic structures derived from physical principles with high precision, despite the absence of such information in the training data. Additionally, the model is capable of producing improved designs with extended high-reflectance zones. Our approach combines the high-efficiency advantages of DL with optimization-enabled performance improvements, making it an efficient and on-demand solution for practical inverse design applications.
Strategies for Fostering Nationalism through Buya Hamka's Sufism Educational Lens in the Digital Era
Authors: Firnando Hero Gefthi
Published: September 2024

This study examines how Buya Hamka's Sufism education can foster the spirit of nationalism in the digital era. This study employs the phenomenological hermeneutic and content analysis approaches to extract and analyze Buya Hamka's views on spiritual intelligence and its role in fostering social purity. The findings reveal strategies from Buya Hamka to promote nationalism in the digital age by incorporating Sufism principles and practices into the educational framework. Hamka considers Sufism a unifying force capable of transcending divisions based on ethnicity and region. Sufism provides a common ground for Indonesians of various backgrounds to unite under a shared Islamic identity. Further, he argues the significance of Islam's inner and spiritual dimensions, such as spiritual discipline, as integral components of Islamic education. Education should stress elevating cognitive intelligence and nurture qualities such as compassion, humility, and integrity. In Hamka's view, Islamic education combines traditional Islamic teachings, Sufism principles, and a commitment to developing a strong national character.Contribution: This study provides a new perspective on education promoted by Buya Hamka to shape national identity in the digital era. Hamka insists on character building, cognitive and spiritual intelligence, and building nationalism character in Islamic education.
Hydro-abrasive erosion in Kaplan turbines: a case study
Authors: Arora Naman , Kumar Arun , Singal Sunil Kumar
Published: September 2024

Sediment in the flowing water causes hydro-abrasive erosion of hydraulic turbines and other underwater components. In the present study, erosion quantification in the Kaplan turbine of a low-head hydropower plant (HPP) on the Upper Ganga Canal, is considered in the study. The study uses the guidelines of the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 62364: 2019 for quantifying erosion in the Kaplan turbine. This work extends the research of Rai and Kumar (2016) and uses their primary details of some suspended sediment and operating parameters. The shape and mineral composition of the suspended sediment were quantified using dynamic imaging and X-ray diffraction techniques, respectively. The annual average particle load at the study HPP is obtained to be 356.87 kg·h/m3. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that the erosion depth varies from 0.88 to 1.37 mm/year at the blade tip, whereas from 2.40 to 3.74 mm/year at the blade outlet. At the runner chamber, the erosion depth varies from 1.27 to 1.98 mm/year. The erosion depth varies from 0.01 to 1.53 mm/year in the guide vanes. The calibration factor corresponding to the maximum erosion in guide vanes is estimated to be 1.75 × 10−5.
Geochemical indices for Zn, Cu, and Co in sediment cores of Coata River, Puno Region, Peru
Authors: Mamani-Matamet Julio Alejandro , Mamani-Matamet Fanny Roxana , Bonotto Daniel Marcos
Published: September 2024

Urban contamination resulting from the dynamics of unplanned cities has generated interest in recent decades due to increased pollutant emissions into the natural environment. The Coata River is a complex ecosystem exposed to pollution due to the high urbanization degree and consequent industrial dynamics, as well mining activities. Significant amounts of waste and pollutant substances are discharged into the river, often without any treatment, contributing to a drastic increase in the concentration of heavy metals that cause impacts and pressures on the environment. In this context, the present study contributes to the evaluation of the metal concentration (Zn, Cu, and Co) in three short sediment cores sampled at Coata River, Puno region, Peru. The acquired concentration data was compared with guideline reference values established by international sediment quality standards and used for calculations of the geochemical indices Enrichment Factor and Geoaccumulation Index. The highest concentrations were found for zinc (639 mg/kg) and copper (96 mg/kg), whilst zinc exhibited some values above the guidelines corresponding to the probable effect level (PEL, legislation of Canada) and mean range effects (ER-M, legislation of the United States). According to the sediment quality indices, the three stations range from moderately to highly contaminated with Zn, while Cu and Co show no contamination and moderate contamination, originating from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources.
Usina do Piraí: industrialização e patrimônio de Joinville
Authors: Magalhães Gildo , Abrantes Cristiano Viana
Published: September 2024

Apresenta-se neste artigo uma introdução à história da Usina Hidrelétrica do Piraí, em funcionamento desde 1908 em Joinville, Santa Catarina, ressaltando algumas de suas interfaces e correlações que fazem parte do patrimônio industrial local.