bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of people‐centric forest restoration projects in south‐eastern Bangladesh: implications for sustainability
Authors: Jashimuddin Mohammed , Hasan Md. Habibul , Baul Tarit Kumar , Chakma Nikhil , Hossen Saddam , Dutta Shourav , Ahmed Farid Uddin , Nath Tapan Kumar
Published: January 2024

Forest and landscape restoration is considered worldwide as a powerful approach to recovering ecological functionality and improving human well‐being in degraded and deforested landscapes. A comprehensive study including the social, ecological, management, and regulatory aspects of restoration projects can help to understand the sustainability of these interventions. The purpose of this study was to comprehend the principles of Bangladeshi community‐based forest restoration (CBFR) projects. Empirical data was collected from four CBFR projects, of which two were Bangladesh forest department (BFD)‐led and two were community‐led. We used a comprehensive list of principles covering management and governance issues and human and ecological aspects along with Ostrom's design principles. Data were collected through 223 semi‐structured interviews, four focus group discussions, and personal observation. A 5‐point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree) was used to assess participants' agreement on different statements of principles. In BFD‐led projects, participants had restricted harvesting rights, state control over management, land, planning, and the formation of rules, and they perceived lower scores for some important statements (e.g., project planning, selection of tree species, local knowledge, income generation activities, livelihood benefits, food security, and skill development). Therefore, participants presumed that these CBFR projects are moderately sustainable. On the other hand, participants in community‐led projects scored high (mean score above 4.0) for most of the principles across different aspects, and a bundle of Ostrom's design principles was also observed. Hence, the evidence of sustainability in community‐led CBFR projects is high. Project authorities in developing countries can take lessons from this study and undertake appropriate actions toward the sustainability of forest restoration programs.
Exploring the link between the increase in high‐rise buildings and youth jumping suicide in Taiwan: A longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Ying‐Yeh , Yeung Cheuk Yui , Yip Paul S. F.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

From 2010 to 2021, suicide rates in 15–24 age group in Taiwan increased by 70%, with jumping being the most common method in 2021. We examined the link between the rise in youth suicides and the increase in high‐rise buildings during this period.

Methods

Spearman's correlation coefficients and negative binomial mixed‐effects models were employed to assess the association between the increase in high‐rise buildings and jumping suicides over time.

Results

Spearman's correlation coefficients of high‐rise buildings and jumping suicide rates in youth decreased from 0.692 (p < 0.001) in 2010 to 0.354 (p = 0.11) in 2021. Negative binomial mixed‐effects models showed that although jumping suicide rates in youths increased over time, the increase in numbers of high‐rise buildings was not related to rates of youth suicide by jumping. Conversely, in older age groups, the correlations were still prominent.

Conclusion

Despite the rising trend in youth suicides by jumping over the past 11 years, our study refutes the intuitive notion that the increase in high‐rise buildings contributes to this trend. It is imperative to identify and address other potential factors, such as academic stress and/or family disruptions, for effective prevention of youth suicide.
Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy and safety of cross‐linked and non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid in combination with botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Behrangi Elham , Dehghani Abbas , Sheikhzadeh Farzad , Goodarzi Azadeh , Roohaninasab Masoomeh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects a significant percentage of adolescents, with scarring being one of its permanent complications. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of using botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in combination with cross‐linked and non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Method

Our study is a randomized, double‐blind clinical trial conducted on 16 patients with atrophic acne scars. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received a single session of BTA and crossed link HA combination, while the other group received two sessions of BTA and non‐crossed link HA, 1 month apart. The patients were followed up at 3 and 6 months after baseline to evaluate the number and area of fine and large pores and spots, scar grading, patient satisfaction, and complications.

Results

The mean age of individuals in both the cross‐linked HA and non‐cross‐linked HA groups was 32.75 ± 4.26 and 31.50 ± 8.48 years, respectively (p= 0.71). In terms of gender, three (37.5%) and seven (87.5%) individuals in the cross‐linked and non‐cross‐linked HA groups were female, respectively (p= 0.11). There were no significant differences in the count and area of fine and large pores and spots between the two groups at baseline and the first follow‐up session. However, in the second follow‐up session, the non‐cross‐linked HA group had significantly better results than the cross‐linked HA group in terms of large pores count and area (p= 0.01). In terms of changes over time, the non‐cross‐linked HA group showed significantly better improvements in the count and area of large pores compared to the cross‐linked HA group (p= 0.03). Additionally, both groups experienced a significant decrease in the count and area of fine pores over time (p= 0.001), but the amount of changes was not statistically significant between the two groups (p= 0.06). Concerning acne grade, initially, 62.5% and 12.5% of cases in the cross‐linked HA and non‐cross‐linked HA groups, respectively, had severe grades. However, in the last session, these percentages significantly decreased to 0% for both groups (p= 0.002 and 0.005, respectively). In terms of treatment complications, none of the patients experienced any adverse effects.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that both cross‐linked HA and non‐cross‐linked HA were effective in reducing acne severity and improving the appearance of pores and spots. The treatments had similar effects on fine pores, spots, and overall acne severity. However, non‐cross‐linked HA appeared to have a better result on large pores compared to cross‐linked HA.
An innovative microcoring technology: A novel approach to acne scar treatment
Authors: Ahn Hyo‐Sang , Kim Soo‐Kyung , Pamela Ruri , Lu Pei‐Hsuan , Vachatimanont Vanravi , Putri Ardhiah Iswanda , Tanojo Henry , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: January 2024

Background

Acne scars present a complex challenge in dermatology and cosmetics, despite advancements in technological interventions such as fractional lasers, microneedling, and surgical procedures. Effective treatment remains elusive for many individuals.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of rotational fractional resection using 1 mm diameter rotating scalpels as a primary treatment for icepick and boxcar scars on the cheeks and glabella region.

Methods

Three patients with acne scars underwent a single treatment session of rotational fractional resection. Evaluation occurred at the 2‐month post‐treatment mark to assess improvements in scar appearance and potential skin‐related side effects.

Results

Following the treatment, significant improvements were observed in the targeted acne scars. Notable enhancements were noted without major skin‐related adverse effects, except for minor suture marks.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study underscore the potential of rotational fractional resection as an innovative and effective approach in treating acne scars. This single‐session cosmetic procedure shows promise in yielding lasting and quantifiable results, offering a hopeful solution for individuals seeking comprehensive acne scar treatment.
Use of biologics in patients with psoriasis – A retrospective analysis based on real‐world data
Authors: Pan Jing , Chang Xiaodan , Wang Lingyan , Miao Gang , Jin Qiuzi , Guo Ningning , Zhang Jiayu , Lv Yanwei , Wang Lifang
Published: January 2024

Objective

To summarize and analysis the application of biologic agents in patients with psoriasis in the real world.

Methods

Relying on collected data from June 2020 to September 2021 in the database of China Psoriasis Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment Center, 2529 cases of psoriasis patients treated with biologic agents in 188 different tertiary hospitals across China were retrospective analyzed. The collected information mainly includes demographic data (age, gender, psoriasis history), curative effectiveness of used biologics drug withdrawal and its reason. According to the collected information, condition of the usage for each category of biologics and influencing factor of biologics replacement were analyzed.

Result

A total of 2529 patients were analyzed, which included 1626 male (64.29%) and 903 female (35.71%) with an average age of 42.12 ± 14.70 (17 ∼ 85) years old; 2336 (92.37%) patients were aged from 19 to 60 years old. Within these patients, 2362 of them (93.40%) had a psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, and 1776 of these patients had moderate to severe cases (75.19%). According to the patient's self‐evaluation of the past efficacy of biological agents, secukinumab was chosen by the most people to have the highest efficacy (1140 cases, 93.60%). The main reason for the withdrawal of secukinumab is that the disease is already well controlled at the time of withdrawal (67 cases, 38.95%); for TNF‐ α inhibitor is the poor curative effect; for ustekinumab and ixekizumab were the non‐affordable price.

Conclusions

In the current biotherapy of psoriasis in China, the efficacy of secukinumab is thought by most people to be the highest. Secukinumab is the first choice when the needs of changing biologics appear.
Experience informed procedural skills training
Authors: Loeb Daniel , Lautz Andrew , Fleck Jacob , Zackoff Matthew
Published: January 2024

Background

Paediatric critical care (PCC) physicians must perform several emergent procedures independently and competently—requiring transition from novice to competent over a 3‐year fellowship. However, skill acquisition is not uniform. Individualised training, adapted to the unique experiences and requirements of each trainee, may enhance competency.

Approach

An individualised, longitudinal critical procedure course was initiated at a large academic paediatric medical centre in July 2022 for PCC fellows (n = 5). The course, informed by procedural performance profiles (P3) generated through real‐time clinical assessments in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), was split into three phases: (1) an Initial Simulation Bootcamp—a 2‐day introductory session; (2) Quarterly Structured Booster Sessions (QSBS)—spaced repetition of deliberate practice training individualised to each fellow; and (3) an Annual Refresher Training—a core skills and advanced technique training day.

Evaluation

Fellows began with minimal experience, which formed their initial P3s. Ninety‐two percent (166/180) of bedside procedures received real‐time feedback, enabling longitudinal P3 modification, which identified focus areas for the QSBS. The sessions were well attended and received. Eighty‐nine percent (QSBS #1 5/5, QSBS #2 3/4) of respondents reflected positively on the course's impact on procedural understanding. The course was perceived as more effective than traditional modalities, except bedside training.

Implication

Implementation of a spaced repetition, deliberate practice course informed by longitudinally tracked real‐life performance data is feasible for educators and preferred by trainees. This educational construct can be applied to other clinical skills, bringing precision medicine approach to training.
Comparative analysis of the quality of platelet concentrates produced by apheresis procedures, platelet rich plasma, and buffy coat
Authors: Li Meng , Zhao Yuwei , Chen Xue , Du Xinman , Luo Yue , Li Ying , Kang Jianxun , Wan Like , Tang Jingyun , Fu Xuemei
Published: January 2024

Background

Platelet concentrates (PCs) could be prepared using either whole‐blood processes or apheresis instruments. During collection, processing and storage, some biochemical and functional changes occur, which may result in quality reduction. Quality evaluation of PCs may be helpful for the precise control of platelet (PLT) inventory to reduce the risk of refractoriness and adverse effects caused by platelet transfusion.

Study Design and Methods

The study was aimed to evaluate the quality of PCs which were produced by five processes: apheresis (AP) procedures (using three different cell separators: Amicus, Trima Accel and MCS+ instruments), platelet rich plasma (PRP), and buffy coat (BC). A total of 100 PCs (20 of each group) were assessed in respect of routine quality control, morphology, size distribution, destroyed and activated platelets, and production of platelet‐derived microparticles (PMPs).

Results

All PCs have satisfied the recommended quality of volume, platelet count, residual WBC count, residual RBC count, pH, and sterility according to the Chinese Technical Manual. There was no difference among the 5 groups in morphology and size of PLT and PMPs. Dynamic light scattering test showed that apheresis PCs showed peaks around 10–20 nm, but not whole blood‐derived PCs. PCs prepared by Amicus had the relatively high percentage of destroyed platelet, activated platelets and PMPs than other groups.

Discussion

The data suggested high heterogeneity of PMPs, destroyed and activated platelets in PCs produced by different processes, which might be helpful to manage the platelet inventory for targeted use.
Conditions for Implementing Windowless Offices in High-Density Urban Centers of Malaysia: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review
Authors: Aule Thomas Terna , Abdul Majid Roshida , Peter Anthony , Jide Anifowose Kamaldeen
Published: January 2024

The dearth of land in high-density urban centres necessitates constructing structures with deep interiors, with little or no connection to the external environment. Additionally, the negative relationships between high-rise structures in the city centres in recent times are increasingly making contact with the outdoor environments undesirable. Whether in the built environment, decision sciences, healthcare, or technological disciplines, there is a need to understand the factors necessary for windowless office implementation, its prominent researchers, and geographical contexts, among other conditions for practical application. These background variables could assist in arriving at emerging themes, problems and gaps for concrete windowless office development in Malaysia. In this systematic review, the bibliographic information of title, abstract and keywords was mined from 255 documents on the Scopus database to generate scientometric maps and links showing relationships on co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrences, and bibliometric coupling. The top trending variables in windowless office research are COVID-19, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, heart rate variability, performance assessment, visual reality, and workplace environment. Like other advanced economies in Asia, Malaysia is seen to attain a satisfactory level of development to implement the windowless office design module, with stable electricity power, technological advancement, and psychological stability of the people. The emerging variables in this review will give novel directions in exploring the developmental, psychological and health conditions for effective windowless office implementation in the country and similar economies in Asia, Africa and South America, where metropolises are fast becoming compacted due to ever-growing city centres
Developing a Performance-Based Approach to the Effect of Roof Features on Fire Safety in Buildings with Atriums
Authors: Yildiz Mehmet Akif , Beyhan Figen
Published: January 2024

Developing technology, changing social structures, and the threat of resource depletion have changed the design of buildings. Therefore, design approaches are developed to increase user comfort and reduce energy consumption by utilizing natural ventilation and lighting. The design of the distribution of outdoor air and light into the spaces through vertical and horizontal gaps reduces the energy demand of the mechanical systems and increases occupant comfort. The atrium is the preferred vertical gap in modern buildings for distributing natural air and light to interior spaces under appropriate conditions.  However, in buildings with atrium, there is a risk of fire spreading in the event of a fire due to the uninterrupted gaps between the rooms. It is necessary to ensure the operability of the design by monitoring the measures to be taken in the early stages of design using performance-based fire safety methods. This study develops design strategies for fire analysis in atrium buildings using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation technology. Atrium height, roof type, and slope characteristics are analyzed for the stack effect, which is the main factor in the movement of smoke and flames. As a result of the numerical analyses consisting of flat, unidirectional, and bidirectional sloping roof type, 10, 20, 30-degree roof slope, and one-meter rising atrium roof variables, the effect degrees for smoke dispersal and temperature control are investigated. Fire Dynamic Simulator, which uses CFD capabilities, and Smokeview software, which can visualize the results, were used for the numerical analysis. Correlation analysis was used to determine the effect of variables on temperature. The results showed that flat roofs and designs with increasing height were effective in delaying the spread of smoke and increasing the stack effect in the atrium, while the contribution of roof slope to fire safety was weak.
Social Media Identity Manipulation: A Review in the Context of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0
Authors: Gideon Eric , Mohd Jerome Rinjes Ahmad Rifqi , Mohamand Noor Nurul Fathia , Masrom Maslin
Published: January 2024

Industry 4.0 shaped Society 5.0 which focused heavily on people and gave equal merit to economic development and the resolution of public issues through the utilization of a system that immensely incorporates both cyber and reality. Cyberspace such as media social is heavily used and allows users to become completely anonymous which ultimately gave birth to a new type of crime such as identity manipulation. The advancement of technology has made it simpler for an average person to change the mannerisms, appearance, and physical makeup of another human being, which is often done without their knowledge.  When it comes to identity manipulation done by an individual or law enforcement even for a good reason, arguments may ensue. Is it wrong for an individual or law enforcement to pull off identity manipulation in order to lure internet predators or to deter crime by arresting the perpetrator before the crime happened? Isn't this act can be viewed as the act of deceiving somebody into violating the law? These examples of formal arguments about the appropriate course of action that needs to be taken when confronted with a moral issue are known as ethical theories. The aim of this paper is to discuss the three different Ethical Theories including Kantianism, Utilitarianism, and Devine Command Theory on social media identity manipulation in the context of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0 using secondary data and information acquired from the literature review. Finally, we can reach the conclusion that what is ethically right in societies should be respected and that people should never be used for another's self-gain.
A Dimensionless Large Displacement Model for Flexure Hinges of Elliptical Geometry
Authors: Moschini Simir , Palpacelli Matteo Claudio
Published: January 2024

Flexure hinges are joints typically used in the design and manufacturing of compliant mechanisms, especially when small dimensions do not allow for conventional mechanical devices. In this paper, a closed-form solution is proposed for a nonlinear stiffness model used to describe the static displacements obtained on a flexure hinge of elementary geometry as a function of applied loads. A comparison with the most widely used linear model demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear approach, highlighting the advantages of its use in its scope of application. The obtained results are verified by finite element (FE) simulations, taken as a reference of the actual behavior assumed for the joints studied.
Thermal Test Apparatus for Mini Heat Sinks
Authors: Robins Zaria B. , Asbury Nicholas , Nuszkowski John , Stagon Stephen , Padilla Rafael , Hawes Karl
Published: January 2024

Demands for more powerful and smaller electronic devices have increased the energy dissipation requirements. Accurate determination of the thermal performance of small-sized heat sinks is necessary for innovation within the heat dissipation sector. This study designed, developed, and tested an apparatus for determining the thermal performance of mini heat sinks (MHS). The test apparatus consisted of a wind tunnel, fan, heater, heater block, five temperature sensors, air velocity sensor, and a data acquisition system. A robust dataset was created by testing the heater without an MHS and testing two different MHS materials of polycarbonate (PC) and aluminum (AL) and having 16–21 repeat tests. Linear and polynomial approximations for the temperature profile were explored. For the steady-state tests, the mean and 90% confidence interval were calculated to determine statistically significant differences. The temperature gradient at the interface, rate of heat transfer, and the thermal resistances from the polynomial fit had higher variation than the linear fit. The experimentally determined heater surface temperature had a 90% confidence interval of ±0.3 to ±0.7 °C. The 90% confidence intervals for the thermal resistances were 1.0 to 1.5 K/W for linear and 2.3 to 6.0 K/W for polynomials. Statistically significant differences in the temperature gradient at the interface, rate of heat transfer, and thermal resistances between the bare, PC, and AL were found. Due to heat losses, the linear fit had greater precision, but the polynomial fit had greater accuracy.
Water recycling goes mainstream
Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water
Peter Annin
Island Press, 2023. 248 pp.
Authors: Harris-Lovett Sasha
Published: January 2024

Public health and public relations are key to successful potable water reuse programs
Dopamine regulates attitude toward risk
Authors: Stuphorn Veit
Published: January 2024

Specific brain pathways can lower or raise the willingness of monkeys to take risks
Plant waste buried at sea to fight climate change
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: January 2024

Carbon in forestry or agriculture debris could remain locked on sea floor for centuries
Supplemental Material: Submarine hydrothermal fluids facilitated the accumulation of cadmium in Lower Cambrian black shales, South China
Authors: Zhou Zhengbing , Wen Hanjie , al. et
Published: January 2024

Table S1-1: Trace element concentrations of early Cambrian metalliferous units. Table S1-2: Trace element concentrations of barren shales. Table S2-1: Elements concentrations of sphalerite of barite ores and Zn-Pb sulfide ores (in wt%). Figure S1: Stratigraphic sections of lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in platform, slope, and basin facies from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block (modified from Fu et al., 2016; Wang, 2017; Shi et al., 2021). Figure S2: The stratigraphic sections of the Liuchapo Formation and the Niutitang Formation, as revealed by drill cores in the Dahebian barite deposit. Figure S3: Total organic carbon (TOC) contents of low Cambrian metalliferous units (Ni-Mo-PGE sulfide layer: Xu et al., 2021; V-deposit: Xu et al. 2021, Sulfide bearing barite sediments: Yang et al., 2023).
Experiences in aligning WHO SMART guidelines to classification and terminology standards
Authors: Pretty Filippa , Tamrat Tigest , Ratanaprayul Natschja , Barreix Maria , Kostanjsek Nenad Friedrich Ivan , Gaffield Mary-Lyn , Thompson Jenny , Rhodes Bryn , Jakob Robert , Mehl Garrett Livingston , Tunçalp Özge
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Digital adaptation kits (DAKs) distill WHO guidelines for digital use by representing them as workflows, data dictionaries and decision support tables. This paper aims to highlight key lessons learnt in coding data elements of the antenatal care (ANC) and family planning DAKs to standardised classifications and terminologies (CATs).

Methods

We encoded data elements within the ANC and family planning DAKs to standardised CATs from the WHO CATs and other freely available CATs.

Results

The coding process demonstrated approaches to refine the data dictionaries and enhance alignment between data elements and CATs.

Discussion

Applying CATs to WHO clinical and public health guidelines can ensure that recommendations are operationalised in a digital system with appropriate consistency and clarity. This requires a multidisciplinary team and careful review to achieve conceptual equivalence between data elements and standardised terminologies.

Conclusion

The systematic translation of guidelines into digital systems provides an opportunity for leveraging CATs; however, this approach needs further exploration into its implementation in country contexts and transition into machine-readable components.
Social vulnerability and initial COVID-19 community spread in the US South: a machine learning approach
Authors: Tatar Moosa , Faraji Mohammad Reza , Wilson Fernando A
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

More than 93 million COVID-19 cases and more than 1 million COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the USA by August 2022. The disproportionate effect of the pandemic and its severe impact on vulnerable communities raised concerns. This research aimed to identify and rank Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) factors highly predictive of the spread of COVID-19 in the US South at the beginning of the pandemic.

Methods

We used Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning methodology and SVI data, and the number of COVID-19 cases across all counties in the US South to predict the number of positive cases within 30 days of a county’s first case.

Results

Our results showed that the percentage of mobile homes is the most important feature in predicting the increase in COVID-19. Also, population density per square mile, per capita income, percentage of housing in structures with 10+ units, percentage of people below poverty and percentage of people with no high school diploma are important predictors of COVID-19 community spread, respectively.

Conclusions

SVI can help assess the vulnerability or resilience of communities to the spread of COVID-19 and can help identify communities at high risk of COVID-19 spread.
Electronic consent in clinical care: an international scoping review
Authors: Chimonas Susan , Lipitz-Snyderman Allison , Matsoukas Konstantina , Kuperman Gilad
Published: January 2024

Objective

Digital technologies create opportunities for improvement of consenting processes in clinical care. Yet little is known about the prevalence, characteristics or outcomes of shifting from paper to electronic consenting, or e-consent, in clinical settings. Thus questions remain around e-consent’s impact on efficiency, data integrity, user experience, care access, equity and quality. Our objective was to scope all known findings on this critical topic.

Materials and methods

Through an international, systematic scoping review, we identified and assessed all published findings on clinical e-consent in the scholarly and grey literatures, including consents for telehealth encounters, procedures and health information exchanges. From each relevant publication, we abstracted data on study design, measures, findings and other study features.

Main outcome measures

Metrics describing or evaluating clinical e-consent, including preferences for paper versus e-consenting; efficiency (eg, time, workload) and effectiveness (eg, data integrity, care quality). User characteristics were captured where available.

Results

A total of 25 articles published since 2005, most from North America or Europe, report on the deployment of e-consent in surgery, oncology and other clinical settings. Experimental designs and other study characteristics vary, but nearly all focus on procedural e-consents. Synthesis reveals relatively consistent findings around improved efficiency and data integrity with, and user preferences for, e-consent. Care access and quality issues are less frequently explored, with disparate findings.

Discussion and conclusion

The literature is nascent and largely focused on issues that are immediate and straightforward to measure. As virtual care pathways expand, more research is urgently needed to ensure that care quality and access are advanced, not compromised, by e-consent.
Natural fractures at depth in shale reservoirs: new insights from the southern Sichuan Basin marine shales
Authors: Nian Tao , Tan Yuhan , Zhang Fengsheng , Wu Heng , Tan Chengqian , Zhang Pengbao
Published: January 2024

Natural fractures are pervasive in southern Sichuan Basin marine shales, China, and provide a useful opportunity to try to understand subsurface fracture networks in shale reservoirs. Based on cores and electrical imaging logs from vertical and horizontal petroleum wells in the southern Sichuan Basin, four types of natural fractures were identified in terms of orientation, size, filling properties and spatial distribution. Uncemented bed-parallel shear fractures develop at or in the vicinity of mechanical interfaces and are inclined to present in shale layers with a dip angle greater than 12°. Cemented bed-parallel fractures are characterized by a crack-seal texture marked by multiple bands of fibrous cement, and their intensity decreases upwards and shows a positive relationship with total organic carbon (TOC) values. Uncemented bed-oblique fractures are a type of fracture that rarely develops, and accommodate limited open space. Cemented bed-oblique/perpendicular fractures are the most developed fracture type and are distributed on a regional scale and are subdivided into two types. The results imply that these shale fractures could be formed sequentially by local and regional tectonic deformation, and by abnormally high pressure. Most natural fractures cannot contribute to reservoir storage or efficiently enhance its permeability, yet can act as planes of weakness and be potentially reactivated during hydraulic fracture treatments.
diGRASS:

Di

rected

Gra

ph

S

pectral

S

parsification via Spectrum-Preserving Symmetrization
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhao Zhiqiang , Feng Zhuo
Published: January 2024

Recent
spectral graph sparsification
research aims to construct ultra-sparse subgraphs for preserving the original graph spectral (structural) properties, such as the first few Laplacian eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which has led to the development of a variety of nearly-linear time numerical and graph algorithms. However, there is very limited progress for spectral sparsification of directed graphs. In this work, we prove the existence of nearly-linear-sized spectral sparsifiers for directed graphs under certain conditions. Furthermore, we introduce a practically-efficient spectral algorithm (diGRASS) for sparsifying real-world, large-scale directed graphs leveraging spectral matrix perturbation analysis. The proposed method has been evaluated using a variety of directed graphs obtained from real-world applications, showing promising results for solving directed graph Laplacians, spectral partitioning of directed graphs, and approximately computing (personalized) PageRank vectors.
A Realist Review of Undergraduate Student Attitudes towards Ethical Interventions in Technical Computing Courses
Authors: Padiyath Aadarsh
Published: January 2024

As computing educators begin to recognize that their students need strong ethical foundations, there is a growing interest to integrate meaningful ethics education into undergraduate computing curricula. To achieve this, it is crucial to understand how students respond to ethical interventions in the classroom. This review examines the acceptance of ethical interventions in undergraduate computing courses, using the realist synthesis method to identify and refine underlying theories of student acceptance, and refine them through available studies. Four theories were identified in a synthesis of 13 reports, providing insight into what may improve student attitudes towards ethical interventions in which contexts and under which circumstances. The findings of this realist review offer guidance to intervention designers, researchers, and educators seeking to meaningfully engage students with ethics in computing education.
MestreChef nutritional game: an alternative method to promote nutrition facts label reading in obesity outreach activities
Authors: Inamori Pamella Mayumi Dias , Lellis-Santos Camilo
Published: January 2024

Reading nutrition facts labels is a typical activity promoted in obesity prevention educational programs. By playing the MestreChef Nutritional, participants can immerse in the context of a food TV show game to have the first contact with reading nutrition facts labels for a learning purpose. However, the game can reveal the participant’s limitations in mathematical reasoning despite the didactic potential of the game in promoting obesity-related physiology concepts.
The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on maximal oxygen consumption during exercise in acute hypoxia: a randomized double-blind crossover trial
Authors: Rampuri Zahrah H. , Collins Sophie É. , Mickelsen Benjamin S.A , Brotto Andrew R. , Beaudry Rhys I. , van Diepen Sean , Stickland Michael K.
Published: January 2024

The elevation of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) with hypoxia may impair peak cardiac output ([Formula: see text]) and therefore V̇o2max. Our novel findings show that despite reducing resting RVSP in acute moderate ([Formula: see text] = 89 mmHg) and severe hypoxia ([Formula: see text] = 79 mmHg) with inspired nitric oxide, peak [Formula: see text], and V̇o2max were unaffected.
The Tour de France, also possible for mortals? A comparison of a recreational and a World Tour cyclist
Authors: Barranco-Gil David , Muriel Xabier , Lucia Alejandro , Joyner Michael J. , DeSouza Christopher A. , Valenzuela Pedro L.
Published: January 2024

This case report indicates that a recreationally trained 58-year-old man can reach similar or even higher values of energy expenditure (∼4 times their basal metabolic rate) than professional cyclists, who are likely near the ceiling of sustained energy expenditure for humans. This was possible owing to a total longer exercise time coupled with a lower absolute and relative intensity in the recreational athlete.
Inpatient Q Fever Frequency Is on the Rise
Authors: Mohamad Alahmad Mohamad Alhoda , Hammoud Kassem A.
Published: January 2024

Background. Q fever is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii that is reportable in the USA. This infection is often asymptomatic; acute infection usually manifests as a self-limited febrile illness, hepatitis, or pneumonia. Chronic infection (usually infective endocarditis) often affects patients with valvulopathy or immunosuppression. Herein, we study the inpatient frequency of Q fever in the United States. Methods. We used a nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) for our retrospective cohort study to include hospitalizations with a diagnosis of Q fever between 2010 and 2019. Survey procedures were applied to accommodate for complex sampling design of NIS. Chi-square and least-square means were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Jonckheere–Terpstra test was used to study the trends over the years. SAS 9.4 was used for data mining and analysis. Results. A total of 2,685 hospitalizations with a diagnosis of Q fever were included, among which 451 (17%) cases had a concurrent diagnosis of infective endocarditis. The mean age of patients was 58 years, and less than a third was female. Our analysis demonstrated that infective endocarditis was the most common cardiac complication associated with Q fever and was associated with increased inpatient mortality (p value <0.001). There is a trend of an increase in cases of inpatient Q fever with or without endocarditis over the years (p value <0.05). Q fever cases were more common across the Pacific and the South Atlantic divisions. Conclusion. Physicians should be aware of an increasing trend of hospitalized patients with Q fever and the significant association with infective endocarditis. Further studies are needed.
A Numerical Approach for the Analytical Solution of Multidimensional Wave Problems
Authors: Liu Jinxing , Fang Jiahua , Nadeem Muhammad , Alsayyad Yahya
Published: January 2024

Wave problem arises in various phenomena of science and engineering. This study proposes an efficient and appropriate scheme to produce the approximate solutions of multidimensional problems arising in wave propagation. We use a new iterative strategy (NIS) to minimize the computational cost and less time than other approaches studied in the literature. Since the variational iteration method (VIM) has some assumptions and restrictions of variables during the construction of the recurrence relation, we present a Sawi integral transform for the construction of the recurrence to overcome this difficulty. The series solution for this recurrence relation is determined using the homotopy perturbation strategy (HPS) in the form of convergence that provides the precise solution after a few iterations. This NIS does not require any discretization in the findings of results and derives the algebraic equations. Some numerical models and graphical representations are illustrated to verify the performance of this scheme.
Learning Experience of Students Using the Learning Management System: User’s Perspective on the Use of Moodle in the University of Jordan
Authors: Althunibat Ahmad , Alzyadat Wael , Almarashdeh Ibrahim , Alsmadi Mutasem , Al Shawabkeh Aoun Othman , Abuhamdah Anmar , Alzaqebah Malek
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Moodle LMS as an alternative delivery mode for education, particularly in the higher education system of Jordan, which has not been evaluated before. The research is based on Moore’s transactional distance learning theory, which considers interactions among students, instructors, and course material, as well as personal characteristics of students. The study included 50 participants who have taken courses on Moodle LMS at the University of Jordan. Both interviews and research surveys were conducted to gather in-depth perceptions and analysis of the participants’ experiences with Moodle LMS. The findings suggest that Moodle LMS was an effective alternative study tool during the COVID-19 pandemic and the user-friendly course design enhanced the user experience of using Moodle LMS. Participants also provided suggestions to optimize the system for better integration in the University of Jordan. Fixing Moodle LMS based on the recommendations of the study participants will significantly improve the learning experience of students. This study contributes to the advancement of the state of the art by evaluating the effectiveness of Moodle LMS in the higher education system of Jordan and providing recommendations for improvement.
A Comprehensive Exploration of the Fatty Acids Profile, Cholesterol, and Tocopherols Levels in Liver from Laying Hens Fed Diets Containing Nonindustrial Hemp Seed
Authors: Rbah Youssef , Taaifi Yassine , Allay Aymane , Belhaj Kamal , Melhaoui Reda , Houmy Nadia , Ben Moumen Abdessamad , Azeroual Embarek , Addi Mohamed , Mansouri Farid , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the impact of dietary nonindustrial Moroccan hemp seed (HS) on the fatty acid profile, cholesterol, and tocopherol levels, in the liver of 120 Lohmann brown laying hens aged 22 weeks during 12 weeks of treatment. The hens are randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each subdivided into six replicates with five birds in each replicate. The dietary treatments consist of 0% HS (control), 10% HS, 20% HS, and 30% HS. Results indicate a substantial increase p<0.01 in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega 3 (n-3) and omega 6 (n-6) types, with the inclusion of HS in the diet. The n-6/n-3 ratio is significantly reduced p<0.01, and there is a significant reduction p<0.01 in saturated fatty acids only for the 30% HS treatment, indicating a more favorable fatty acid composition. Cholesterol levels remain largely unaffected by HS inclusion, except for the 10% HS group, which shows a significant decrease p<0.05. Moreover, hepatic tocopherol levels are significantly elevated p<0.01 in subjects receiving the HS diet, with the 30% HS group exhibiting the highest tocopherol content. In summary, incorporating HS into the diet up to 30% appears to offer promising benefits for hepatic lipid composition, particularly in terms of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the n-6/n-3 ratio, and tocopherol levels, while having minimal impact on cholesterol levels.
Data from Protein Expression Profiling Identifies Cyclophilin A as a Molecular Target in Fhit-Mediated Tumor Suppression
Authors: Semba Shuho , Huebner Kay
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Loss of fragile histidine triad (Fhit) expression is often associated with human malignancies, and Fhit functions as a tumor suppressor in controlling cell growth and apoptosis, although specific signal pathways are still undefined. We have used a proteomic approach to define proteins in the Fhit-mediated tumor suppression pathway. Because substitution of Tyr114 (Y114) with phenylalanine (Y114F) diminishes Fhit functions, we did protein expression profiling to identify proteins differentially expressed in Fhit-negative H1299 lung cancer cells infected with wild-type (Ad-FHIT-wt) and Y114 mutant FHIT-expressing (Ad-FHIT-Y114F) adenoviruses. Among 12 distinct proteins that exhibited 4-fold differences in expression on comparison of the two infected cell lysates, cyclophilin A, the intracellular reporter of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A, showed a remarkably decreased protein level in cells infected with Ad-FHIT-wt versus Ad-FHIT-Y114F. Conversely, loss of Fhit expression resulted in increased cyclophilin A expression in mouse tissues and cell lines. Restoration of Fhit expression led to down-regulated cyclophilin A protein expression and subsequently prevented cyclophilin A–induced up-regulation of cyclin D1, Cdk4, and resultant cell cycle progression (G1-S transition), which was independent of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitor, KN-93. Interestingly, Fhit down-modulation of phosphatase activity of calcineurin, which controls cyclin D1/Cdk4 activation, was reversed by cyclophilin A treatment in a concentration-dependent manner, a reversal that was inhibited by additional cyclosporine A treatment. Thus, cyclophilin A is a downstream target in Fhit-mediated cessation of cell cycle progression at late G1 phase. Elucidation of the protein effectors of Fhit signaling may lead to identification of targets for lung cancer therapy. (Mol Cancer Res 2006;4(8):529–38)
Recent American College of Physicians Guidance Statement for Screening Average-risk, Asymptomatic Adults for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hawk Ernest T. , Martch Stephanie L.
Published: January 2024

The American College of Physicians (ACP) update of their standing guidance statement for colorectal-cancer screening in asymptomatic average-risk adults was recently published to assist clinicians with implementing evidence-based patient care. After assessing existing guideline literature, the ACP recommended five actions: consider not screening adults ages 45 to 49 years; stop screening adults older than 75 years; discuss benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and patient values/preferences with patients prior to choosing a screening method; and when choosing, recommend biennial rather than annual use of a fecal immunochemical test or a guaiac fecal occult blood test and avoid recommending computed tomography colonography or stool DNA tests. While the ACP guidelines are rigorous, well-intended, and considerate of patients’ input, their greatest impact may result from highlighting the need for researchers to help frontline clinicians to describe the risk, costs, and benefits/harms of various colorectal-cancer screening strategies in an effective, yet time-efficient, manner given the all-too-brief annual patient encounters. In the United States, reimbursement is still dependent on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations which are somewhat more liberal in contrast to the ACP's approach which strongly favors randomized, controlled trial evidence to guide the delivery of prevention and screening services to asymptomatic average-risk patients.
Pigmented Hypertrichosis with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Jacobs An , Cifelli Paramita , Delbeck Daniel , Elbarbary Nancy , Gevers Evelien , Sumnik Zdenek , Amaratunga Shenali Anne , Pundziute Lyckå Auste , Casteels Kristina ,   SWEET and DPV study group
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Pigmented hypertrichosis with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (PHID) syndrome is a rare disease, and part of the cluster histiocytosis-lymphadenopathy plus syndrome (H syndrome), which is associated with mutations in the SLC29A3 gene. Patients with PHID show clinical features of H syndrome but also have insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The PHID has previously been described as predominantly in absence of pancreatic autoantibodies. Case Series Presentation: Through an open call in two international diabetes registers, clinical and genetic characteristics of 7 PHID patients in 6 treatment centres were collected after informed consent. All of them had consanguinity in their families, and their origins were located in North-African and Middle Eastern regions. Four out of 7 patients had at least one positive pancreatic autoantibody. Discussion and Conclusion: Our case series reveals that PHID exhibits a wide range of clinical symptoms and signs. When consanguinity is present in a patient with newly diagnosed diabetes, and/or if other atypical symptoms such as dysmorphic features, skin lesions, haematological abnormalities, and developmental delay are present, threshold for genetic analysis should be low. Moreover, the presence of autoantibodies should not withhold genetic testing as our case series contradicts the previous observation of predominant autoantibody absence in PHID.
Democracia(s) à serviço do (anti)racismo, ou “Democracia” se servindo do (anti)racismo
Authors: Ankava Matan
Published: January 2024

Resenha do livro:
GRAHAM, Jessica Lynn. Shifting the meaning of democracy: race, politics, and culture in the United States and Brazil. Oakland, California: University of California Press, 2019.