bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel plant‐made monoclonal antibody enhances the synergetic potency of an antibody cocktail against the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant
Authors: Jugler Collin , Sun Haiyan , Nguyen Katherine , Palt Roman , Felder Mitchell , Steinkellner Herta , Chen Qiang
Published: November 2022

This study describes a novel, neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb), 11D7, discovered by mouse immunization and hybridoma generation, against the parental Wuhan‐Hu‐1 RBD of SARS‐CoV‐2. We further developed this mAb into a chimeric human IgG and recombinantly expressed it in plants to produce a mAb with human‐like, highly homogenous N‐linked glycans that has potential to impart greater potency and safety as a therapeutic. The epitope of 11D7 was mapped by competitive binding with well‐characterized mAbs, suggesting that it is a Class 4 RBD‐binding mAb that binds to the RBD outside the ACE2 binding site. Of note, 11D7 maintains recognition against the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) RBD, as well neutralizing activity. We also provide evidence that this novel mAb may be useful in providing additional synergy to established antibody cocktails, such as Evusheld™ containing the antibodies tixagevimab and cilgavimab, against the Omicron variant. Taken together, 11D7 is a unique mAb that neutralizes SARS‐CoV‐2 through a mechanism that is not typical among developed therapeutic mAbs and by being produced in ΔXFT Nicotiana benthamiana plants, highlights the potential of plants to be an economic and safety‐friendly alternative platform for generating mAbs to address the evolving SARS‐CoV‐2 crisis.
Longitudinal utilization of systemic immunomodulators before and after dupilumab approval in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Anand Priyanka , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Mostaghimi Arash , Schneeweiss Maria C.
Published: November 2022

In our cohort study, we sought to describe the utilization patterns of systemic immunomodulators in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and how utilization changed after approval of dupilumab, the first systemic drug approved for the treatment of AD. Using US nationwide claims data, we identified children with AD who initiated a systemic therapy (dupilumab, cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil) from March 2015 to February 2021 and used Sankey plots to describe patterns of starting, switching, and discontinuing these drugs. Dupilumab use among children increased from 19.4% before approval in children to 88.3% after approval in 2019–20. Adherence to dupilumab may suggest better tolerance and improved outcomes in children with AD.
Morphea after initiation of dupilumab in two pediatric atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Wang Sonia , Berry Corbett T. , Treat James R. , Jen Melinda
Published: November 2022

Morphea is a rare multifactorial autoimmune disorder characterized by a complex and dynamic interplay between Th1 and Th2 signaling. Active clinical trials are currently investigating the safety and efficacy of dupilumab for the treatment of primary morphea. Here, we present two cases of morphea that developed in pediatric atopic dermatitis patients treated with dupilumab. These findings may support a causal relationship between IL‐4 receptor blockade and the development of the early inflammatory phase of morphea.
The Playground Shade Index: A New Design Metric for Measuring Shade and Seasonal Ultraviolet Protection Characteristics of Parks and Playgrounds
Authors: Downs Nathan , Raj Nawin , Vanos Jennifer , Parisi Alfio V. , Butler Harry , Deo Ravinesh , Igoe Damien , Dexter Benjamin , Beckman‐Downs Melanie , Turner Joanna , Dekeyser Stijn
Published: November 2022

Current shading strategies used to protect outdoor playgrounds from harmful solar radiation include the placement of artificial cloth weaves or permanent roofing over a playground site, planting trees in proximity to playground equipment, and using vegetation or surface texture variations to cool playground surfaces. How and where an artificial shade structure is placed or a tree is planted to maximize the shade protection over specific playground areas, requires careful assessment of local seasonal sun exposure patterns. The Playground Shade Index (PSI) is introduced here as a design metric to enable shade and solar ultraviolet exposure patterns to be derived in an outdoor space using conventional aerial views of suburban park maps. The implementation of the PSI is demonstrated by incorporating a machine learning design tool to classify the position of trees from an aerial image, thus enabling the mapping of seasonal shade and ultraviolet exposure patterns within an existing 7180 m2 parkland. This is achieved by modeling the relative position of the sun with respect to nearby buildings, shade structures, and the identified evergreen and deciduous tree species surrounding an outdoor playground.
Antifungal chemotherapies and immunotherapies for the future
Authors: Armstrong‐James Darius
Published: November 2022

Human fungal pathogens cause a broad plethora of infections, spanning cutaneous dermatophytoses to invasive infections in immunocompromised hosts. As eukaryotic pathogens are capable of morphotype switching, they present unique challenges both for drug development and the immunological response. Whilst current antifungal therapies are limited to the orally available triazoles, intravenous echonocandins and polyenes, and flucytosine and terbinafine, there has been recent significant progress in the antifungal armamentorium with ibrexafungerp, a novel orally available terpanoid that inhibits 1,3‐beta‐D‐glucan‐approved by Food and Drug Administration in 2021, and fosmanogepix, an orally available pro‐drug of manogepix, which targets glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein maturation entering Phase 3 studies for candidaemia. A number of further candidates are in development. There has been significant use of existing immunotherapies such as recombinant interferon‐γ and G‐CSF for fungal disease in immunocompromised patients, and there are emerging opportunities for monoclonal antibodies targeting TH2 inflammation. Omalizumab, an anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody in asthma, is now used routinely for the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and further agents targeting IL‐4 and IL‐5 are being evaluated. In addition, T‐cell CAR therapy is showing early promise for fungal disease. Thus, we are likely to see rapid advances to our approach to the management of fungal disease in the near future.
Intercropping alleviated the phytotoxic effects of cinnamic acid on the root cell wall structural resistance of faba bean and reduced the occurrence of Fusarium wilt
Authors: Yang Wenhao , Li Yu , Zhao Qian , Guo Yuting , Dong Yan
Published: November 2022

Soilborne Fusarium wilt is a key factor restricting the cultivation of faba bean. Intercropping faba bean and wheat effectively alleviate faba bean Fusarium wilt. This study analyzed the mechanism by which cinnamic acid promotes Fusarium wilt and the mechanism that enables intercropping alleviated Fusarium wilt. Faba beans were inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF), while the controls were not inoculated. Different concentrations of cinnamic acid were added to the inoculated plants to study the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, seedling growth, the activities of cell wall degradation enzyme (CWDESs) produced by FOF in the root, defense enzymes, total phenolics and lignin, levels of expression of the pathogenesis‐related genes (PRs) PR1, PR2, and PR10, and changes in the submicroscopic cell wall structure of the roots under monocropping and intercropping systems. Cinnamic acid increased the activities of CWDEs produced by FOF in the roots, increased the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase and the contents of total phenolics and lignin, and upregulated the levels of expression of PRs in the root, but it decreased the activity of peroxidase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations identified severe damage and disruption of the root cell walls, and numerous FOF mycelia entered the cytoplasm from the cell wall. The combination of these factors increased the occurrence of Fusarium wilt. The activities of CWDEs produced by FOF in the roots decreased by intercropping wheat with faba bean, which increased the resistance of the root cell walls to infection and decreased the Fusarium wilt.
An Unpublished Autograph Letter from Sir Philip Sidney to Carolus Clusius, 21 April 1576
Authors: Vozar Thomas Matthew
Published: November 2022

Only a decade ago Roger Kuin's The Correspondence of Sir Philip Sidney (2012) offered scholars for the first time a complete edition of Sidney's correspondence. Kuin modestly allowed room for new discoveries, in the hope that additional letters might be identified. This article introduces a previously unpublished autograph letter by Sidney, written in French, addressed on 21 April 1576 to Carolus Clusius or Charles de l'Écluse, an associate of Hubert Languet and a noted botanist then active in Vienna at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II. After briefly discussing the provenance of the manuscript I turn to its contents, situating the letter within the wider corpus of Sidney's extant correspondence, with reference to letters to and from Clusius and Languet in Kuin's edition, and analysing it within this context. The newly discovered letter, transcribed and translated in an appendix, is shown to offer important new evidence for Sidney's relationships with Clusius and Languet as well as his place in European intellectual culture more generally.
Handling shifts during an overnight sailing regatta: Comparison between sleep management strategies
Authors: Bruno Simone , Ceccanti Serena , Bazzani Andrea , d'Ascanio Paola , Frumento Paolo , Faraguna Ugo
Published: November 2022

The study aims to investigate the association between different sleep management strategies and the final ranking during a one‐night sailing race. A large sample of 190 teams participating in the overnight sailing regatta (151 Miglia) were included in the study. The experimental design consisted of two surveys, administered one before the start of the race and the other after the arrival. The questionnaires provided general information on the sailboat, its crew, and the strategy adopted to manage sleep during the race. In this one‐night regatta, the self‐management of sleep/wake timing emerged as the most successful strategy. Among participants who adopted a shift‐based racing strategy, a short night shift duration (i.e., 2 h) significantly predicted a better placement. These findings confirmed the relevance of sleep management in sport performance and provided new insights into the most suitable sleep management strategy during a relatively short offshore regatta. The conclusions might apply also to similar continuous‐cycle activities. Further investigations are needed to explore best sleep management strategy in team regattas of longer duration.
Cadence‐based classification of moderate‐intensity overground walking in 41‐ to 85‐year‐old adults
Authors: Aguiar Elroy J. , Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Ducharme Scott W. , Moore Christopher C. , Gould Zachary R. , Chase Colleen J. , Amalbert‐Birriel Marcos A. , Chipkin Stuart R. , Staudenmayer John , Zheng Peixuan , Tudor‐Locke Catrine
Published: November 2022

Background

Walking cadence (steps/min) has emerged as a valid proxy of physical activity intensity, with consensus across numerous laboratory‐based treadmill studies that ≥100 steps/min approximates absolutely defined moderate intensity (≥3 metabolic equivalents; METs). We recently reported that this cadence threshold had a classification accuracy of 73.3% for identifying moderate intensity during preferred pace overground walking in young adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the performance of a cadence threshold of ≥100 steps/min for correctly classifying moderate intensity during overground walking in middle‐ and older‐aged adults.

Methods

Participants (N = 174, 48.3% female, 41–85 years of age) completed laboratory‐based cross‐sectional study involving an indoor 5‐min overground walking trial at their preferred pace. Steps were manually counted and converted to cadence (total steps/5 min). Intensity was measured using indirect calorimetry and expressed as METs. Classification accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy) of a cadence threshold of ≥100 steps/min to identify individuals walking at ≥3 METs was calculated.

Results

The ≥100 steps/min threshold demonstrated accuracy of 74.7% for classifying moderate intensity. When comparing middle‐ vs. older‐aged adults, similar accuracy (73.4% vs. 75.8%, respectively) and specificity (33.3% vs. 34.5%) were observed. Sensitivity was high, but was lower for middle‐ vs. older‐aged adults (85.2% vs. 93.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

A cadence threshold of ≥100 steps/min accurately identified moderate‐intensity overground walking. Furthermore, accuracy was similar when comparing middle‐ and older‐aged adults. These findings extend our previous analysis in younger adults and confirm the appropriateness of applying this cadence threshold across the adult lifespan.
Greenhouse gas emissions from decomposition of biosolids as affected by stabilization method and soil moisture
Authors: Obi‐Njoku Okenna , Boh Michael Yongha , Price Gordon W. , Gonzalez‐Pavia Andrea , Clark Osborne Grant
Published: November 2022

Computational models are useful to estimate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions at regional scales. However, empirically based parameter values are required for the models to accurately represent carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization rates of different organic amendments in more and less humid regions or during wet and dry periods of the growing season. A controlled environment study was conducted to assess the rates of C and N mineralization in differently processed sewage sludge (biosolids) in wet and dry soil. Parameter values were estimated for use in modelling the degradation of three types of biosolids. A loam soil with either 49% water‐filled pore space (WFPS) or 29% WFPS was amended with mesophilic anaerobically digested (digested), alkaline‐stabilized, or composted biosolids. Headspace samples were collected and analysed for carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), and soil samples for nitrate () and ammonium (). Four different first‐order models were fitted to the cumulative CO2–C and N2O–N data (R2 > 0.98), and soil (R2 > 0.65) and (R2 > 0.93) concentrations. CO2–C data indicated that C mineralization was higher in soil with 49% WFPS than in soils with 29% WFPS. Seventy‐nine percent of the C compounds in digested biosolids degraded in soil with 49% WFPS, compared with 52% for alkaline‐stabilized biosolids and 8% for composted biosolids. The fitted coefficient values were similar for all of the four first‐order models used in this study and provide useful information for parameterizing more sophisticated mechanistic models of the degradation of biosolids in soil.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*02:01:14 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Troiano Maria , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: November 2022

HLA‐DQA1*02:01:14 differs from HLA‐DQA1*02:01:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 105 in exon 3.
A contemporary reassessment of the enhanced transient expression system based on the tombusviral silencing suppressor protein P19
Authors: Jay Florence , Brioudes Florian , Voinnet Olivier
Published: November 2022

Transient transgenic expression accelerates pharming and facilitates protein studies in plants. One embodiment of the approach involves leaf infiltration of Agrobacterium strains whose T‐DNA is engineered with the gene(s) of interest. However, gene expression during ‘agro‐infiltration’ is intrinsically and universally impeded by the onset of post‐transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). Nearly 20 years ago, a simple method was developed, whereby co‐expression of the tombusvirus‐encoded P19 protein suppresses PTGS and thus enhances transient gene expression. Yet, how PTGS is activated and suppressed by P19 during the process has remained unclear to date. Here, we address these intertwined questions in a manner also rationalizing how vastly increased protein yields are achieved using a minimal viral replicon as a transient gene expression vector. We also explore, in side‐by‐side analyses, why some proteins do not accumulate to the expected high levels in the assay, despite vastly increased mRNA levels. We validate that enhanced co‐expression of multiple constructs is achieved within the same transformed cells, and illustrate how the P19 system allows rapid protein purification for optimized downstream in vitro applications. Finally, we assess the suitability of the P19 system for subcellular localization studies – an originally unanticipated, yet increasingly popular application – and uncover shortcomings of this specific implement. In revisiting the P19 system using contemporary knowledge, this study sheds light onto its hitherto poorly understood mechanisms while further illustrating its versatility but also some of its limits.
Effects of import taxes on intra‐African trade: New evidence from a case study of Malawi's imports
Authors: Chipeta Chinyamata , Montfaucon Angella Faith
Published: November 2022

We investigate the effect of import duty, import excise and import value‐added taxes (VAT) on Malawi's import prices, values and volumes in trading with Africa. We find that import taxes increase import prices, with import VAT having the largest impact. Import duties lead to higher import values, but by a much smaller extent and import duties and VAT have a positive relationship with import quantities from COMESA while a negative one with SADC countries. In relation to AfCFTA, an increase in relative market access increases the probability of a product being from an African country, while high import duties decrease the probability of Malawian importers trading with other African countries. The presence of import VAT further reduce these odds. Zero tariffs in the AfCFTA may only increase intra‐African trade marginally. Other policies on market access and other import taxes need to be assessed, while accounting for potential fiscal implications.
Cementing regional integration or building walls? Competition, cartels and regional integration in the cement industry in Africa
Authors: Roberts Simon , Simbanegavi Witness , Vilakazi Thando
Published: November 2022

The cement industry requires large‐scale energy and capital‐intensive plants, ideally located close to limestone deposits. These characteristics mean that there are substantial gains which can be realised from regional trade and competition in this inherently oligopolistic industry. This article analyses competition and trade in cement in Southern and East Africa. It considers how competition and coordination, new entry and competition enforcement have affected cross‐border trade and domestic prices in the countries of the East African Community and Southern African Development Community. We find that gains from trade through increased competition did not occur without there also being new entry to disrupt the incumbent firms which operated across the region. Entry at scale to supply regional markets led to substantial reductions in prices from the competition, in line with international studies of the effect of the cement cartels. The article points to the importance of prioritising competition enforcement as part of regional integration.
The trade effects of the African Continental Free Trade Area: An empirical analysis
Authors: Geda Alemayehu , Yimer Addis
Published: November 2022

This study examines the possible effects of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement tariff reduction protocol on intra‐African goods trade using two approaches: trade indices and a gravity model. In both approaches, an attempt to identify the trade‐creation and trade‐diversion effects of the proposed AfCFTA is made. The two approaches combined suggest that the AfCFTA could raise intra‐African exports from the average annual value of US$ 72.7 billion (2015–2017) by about US$ 13.7 billion (by about 19%). For the success of the AfCFTA, the success in political activism needs to be combined with a continental industrial strategy that includes continental protection for infant industries in tandem with this continental liberalisation.
Rethinking regional integration in Africa for inclusive and sustainable development: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: McKay Andy , Ogunkola Olawale , Semboja Haji Hatibu
Published: November 2022

This article is an introduction to this Special Issue on Rethinking in Regional Integration in Africa which is based on a collaborative research project, implemented by African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the leading economic capacity building institution in Africa, and funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). This project is very timely given the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which came into force on 01 January 2021. In this introduction, we first provide a brief background on regional integration in Africa. We next describe the AERC project and the process of selection of the papers and then provide a quick summary of the ten published papers and their contributions.
Catalysing regional integration in Africa: The role of infrastructure
Authors: Chuku Chuku , Simpasa Anthony , Ekpo Akpan
Published: November 2022

Now, more than ever, infrastructure integration in Africa has become critical to recalibrating Africa's growth strategy toward increased intraregional trade, especially in an era of global isolationism, protectionism and supply chain disruptions from COVID and the war in Ukraine. This paper investigates the extent to which infrastructure development and integration can act as a catalyst for trade, innovation and income improvements in Africa. Using panel data analysis, we show that the infrastructure sector with the strongest multiplier effect on economic activity is the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, followed by the transport sector, the electricity sector and, last, the water sector. This ranking of the catalytic role of infrastructure sectors should guide policy prioritisation on infrastructure investments to accelerate growth and unlock the potential of the AfCFTA. Benchmarking exercises on infrastructures' catalytic role in the regional economic communities (RECs) show that infrastructure has had the strongest impact on economic outcomes in the East African Community bloc, making the EAC a type of flying‐geese RECs for other regions to emulate.
Regional integration and non‐tariff barriers to Intra‐Sub‐Saharan Africa trade
Authors: Turkson Ebo , Oduro Abena D. , Baffour Priscilla Twumasi , Quartey Peter
Published: November 2022

The paper assesses the ex‐post trade effect of sub‐regional trade agreements (RTAs), financial integration and other non‐tariff barriers on intra‐regional trade involving 43 Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. The objective is to find out if RTAs within SSA had increased trade flows to inform current efforts of establishing a successful continental free trade area in SSA. Estimating a gravity model augmented with measures of trade agreements and financial integration, the paper made use of bilateral trade flows and key gravity covariates from CEPII database over the period 1960–2015. After controlling for the endogeneity of the trade agreement dummy, multilateral price resistance and zero‐valued trade flows, we find RTAs within SSA and especially among Economic Community of West African States and Southern Africa Development Community members to have had a positive and significant impact on bilateral trade. Financially integrated trading partners also traded more, while we also found distance, landlockedness, common currency and colonial link to have an impact on trade costs and bilateral trade flows within SSA. The results indicate the need to focus on policies to expand and integrate regional markets in SSA by removing impediments to trade and improving on trade facilitation measures to significantly improve trade performance under the newly established African Continental Free Trade Area.
A New Concept of Duplicate Address Detection Processes in IPv6 Link-Local Network
Authors: Abubakar Ibrahim Adamu , Abdulmolla Abdulghafor Rawad Abdulkhaleq , Wani Sharyar
Published: November 2022

The Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) enables nodes on the same IPv6 link to advertise their existence to their neighbors and learn about their neighbors’ existences in an IPv6 link-local network. Duplicate Address Detection (DAD) on NDP is used to determine whether or not an address requested by a node is already in use by another node. The Neighbor Solicitation (NS) and Neighbor Advertisement (NA) operations are associated to DAD checks in order to ensure that each interface within the transmission session is unique. Unfortunately, NS and NA operations have a significant disadvantage in that they are based on insecure architectures and lack verification procedures for determining whether incoming messages originate from a valid or illegitimate node. This will eventually allow any node in the same link to be manipulated during NS and NA message transmission sessions. Despite some attempts to secure the entire NDP operations, they still suffer from computing resources requirement for their operations. As a result, this study proposes an Initial Neighbor Inspection (INI) on DAD operation. The proposed techniques allow for an initial round of verification of the nodes on the same link before a broadcast request on the existence of neighbors, which is followed by another round of learning about neighbors’ existences. Conclusively, using this idea, as a simple verification will indicate the presence of neighbors, we may restrict solicitation and advertising to only those who are eligible. This means that the computational processing time for NS and NA on DAD operations would not rise.
The size of the Sun
Authors: Fardin M. A. , Hautefeuille M.
Published: November 2022

Why does the Sun have a radius around 696 000 km? We will see in this article that dimensional arguments can be used to understand the size of the Sun and of a few other things along the way. These arguments are not new and can be found scattered in textbooks. They are presented here in a succinct way in order to better confront the kinematic and mechanical viewpoints on size. We derive and compare a number of expressions for the size of the Sun and relate large and small scales. We hope that such presentation will be useful to students, instructors, and researchers alike.
Odd entanglement entropy in Galilean conformal field theories and flat holography
Authors: Basak Jaydeep Kumar , Chourasiya Himanshu , Raj Vinayak , Sengupta Gautam
Published: November 2022

The odd entanglement entropy (OEE) for bipartite states in a class of $$(1+1)$$

(
1
+
1
)

-dimensional Galilean conformal field theories ($$GCFT_{1+1}$$

G
C
F

T

1
+
1

) is obtained through an appropriate replica technique. In this context our results are compared with the entanglement wedge cross section (EWCS) for $$(2+1)$$

(
2
+
1
)

-dimensional asymptotically flat geometries dual to the $$GCFT_{1+1}$$

G
C
F

T

1
+
1

in the framework of flat holography. We find that our results are consistent with the duality of the difference between the odd entanglement entropy and the entanglement entropy of bipartite states, with the bulk EWCS for flat holographic scenarios.
On the learnability of quantum state fidelity
Authors: Elsayed Amer Norhan , Gomaa Walid , Kimura Keiji , Ueda Kazunori , El-Mahdy Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Current quantum processing technology is generally noisy with a limited number of qubits, stressing the importance of quantum state fidelity estimation. The complexity of this problem is mainly due to not only accounting for single gates and readout errors but also for interactions among which. Existing methods generally rely on either reconstructing the given circuit state, ideal state, and computing the distance of which; or forcing the system to be on a specific state. Both rely on conducting circuit measurements, in which computational efficiency is traded off with obtained fidelity details, requiring an exponential number of experiments for full information. This paper poses the question: Is the mapping between a given quantum circuit and its state fidelity learnable? If learnable, this would be a step towards an alternative approach that relies on machine learning, providing much more efficient computation. To answer this question, we propose three deep learning models for 1-, 3-, and 5-qubit circuits and experiment on the following real-quantum processors: ibmq_armonk (1-qubit), ibmq_lima (5-qubit) and ibmq_quito (5-qubit) backends, respectively. Our models achieved a mean correlation factor of 0.74, 0.67 and 0.66 for 1-, 3-, and 5-qubit random circuits, respectively, with the exponential state tomography method. Additionally, our 5-qubit model outperforms simple baseline state fidelity estimation method on three quantum benchmarks. Our method, trained on random circuits only, achieved a mean correlation factor of 0.968 while the baseline method achieved 0.738. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of dynamic noise on state fidelity estimation. The correlation factor substantially improved to 0.82 and 0.74 for the 3- and 5-qubit models, respectively. The results show that machine learning is promising for predicting state fidelity from circuit representation and this work may be considered a step towards efficient end-to-end learning.
Improving Jobs-Resumes Classification: A Labor Market Intelligence Approach
Authors: Beristain Saúl Iván , Barbosa Rutilio Rodolfo López , Barriocanal Elena García
Published: November 2022

This research proposes a framework to improve the efficiency of classification and matching of descriptions of skill on resumes with jobs vacancies using labor market intelligence over a dataset of resumes harvested from social networks. To carry out the experiments, a Kaggle dataset was downloaded containing information from the LinkedIn social network with more than 200,000 records that were later filtered and pre-processed to generate a topic model to classify the entire dataset. Later, using machine learning algorithms, prediction exercises were performed to determine the most efficient match. This model offers high percentages of efficiency when predicting the job position of a candidate of information technology (IT) areas This prediction is achieved due the reduction of categories in these areas generated by the creation of the corresponding topic model to match the resume with the job position.
Can universities combat the 'wrong kind of AI'?
Authors: Dubhashi Devdatt
Published: November 2022

Seeking an artificial intelligence reset.
Database Education at UC San Diego
Authors: Kumar Arun , Deutsch Alin , Gupta Amarnath , Papakonstantinou Yannis , Salimi Babak , Vianu Victor
Published: November 2022

We are in the golden age of data-intensive computing. CS is now the largest major in most US universities. Data Science, ML/AI, and cloud computing have been growing rapidly. Many new data-centric job categories are taking shape in industry, e.g., data scientists, ML engineers, analytics engineers, and data associates. The DB/data management/data systems area is naturally a central part of all these transformations. Thus, the DB community must keep evolving and innovating to fulfill the need for DB education in all its facets, including its intersection with other areas such as ML, systems, HCI, various domain sciences, etc., as well as bridging the gap with practice and industry.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Insulin Resistance and Associated Genetic Variants
Authors: Maguolo Alice , Rioda Marco , Zusi Chiara , Emiliani Federica , Olivieri Francesca , Piona Claudia , Marigliano Marco , Orsi Silvia , Morandi Anita , Maffeis Claudio
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance is an important cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF), also in subjects with T1D, but the influence of the genetic predisposition of insulin resistance on cardiovascular risk is still unknown in T1D. We aimed to determine whether a genetic score composed of six variants, previously associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, associates with insulin sensitivity and known CVRFs in children and adolescents with T1D. Materials and Methods: 330 children and adolescents (174 males; mean age 15.7 ± 3.5 years) with T1D were genotyped for the following genetic variants: rs1801278 (IRS1), rs1044498 (ENPP1), rs2295490 (TRIB3), rs1801282 (PPARG), rs780094 (GCKR), and rs35767 (IGF1). An additive genetic risk score (GRS) and cardiovascular risk score (CVRS) were calculated. Anthropometric, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were assessed. Multivariate regression between evaluated phenotypes and GRS was performed. Results: We found a significant association between the GRS and estimated insulin sensitivity (β = −0.027 [−0.040 to −0.013], R2 = 0.86, p≤ 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.68 [0.08–1.27], R2 = 0.20, p = 0.026), triglycerides (β = 4.26 [1.74–6.77], R2 = 0.13, p = 0.001), waist to height ratio (β = 0.003 [0.001–0.006], R2 = 0.75, p = 0.010), non-HDL-cholesterol (β = 3.63 [1.39–5.87], R2 = 0.12, p = 0.002), and CVRS (β = 0.063 [0.008–0.118], R2 = 0.19, p = 0.025), independent of age, sex, BMI, pubertal stage, diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin, type of treatment, and total insulin requirement. The addition of the GRS to established clinical risk factors significantly improved the discriminatory capability of the regression model for predicting subjects with more CVRFs (C-statistic 0.89 [95% CI: 0.84–0.95] versus 0.83 (0.73–0.93); p = 0.037). Conclusions: Insulin resistance and T2D risk-associated genetic variants influence insulin sensitivity and known CVRFs in children and adolescents with T1D.
Faithful Journeys: Unpacking the Religious Luggage of Senegalese Murid Migrants in Europe
Authors: Kaag Mayke
Published: November 2022

This contribution aims to approach the theme of a traveling Islam by starting from moving people and considering how their religious “luggage”—in terms of beliefs, ideas, and practices—travels with them and what this means for the circulation of religious ideas in Africa and beyond. The paper focuses particularly on Senegalese migrants of the Murid Sufi order residing in Italy and the Netherlands; it investigates how their religious luggage is important to them in the migration context and may circulate further from there. In addition, it explores how their religious luggage is moulded in, and through, their migration experiences: for instance, its meaning may change, or another layer may be added. Finally, ideas on (the force of) the Muridiyya may travel back to Senegal, adding other layers to the meaning of religion there as well.
Hidden Brazilian Amazon diversity: four new species, redescription and notes on natural history of Termitozophilus Silvestri, 1901 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: DA SILVA RUAN FELIPE , ZILBERMAN BRUNO , CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA
Published: November 2022

The genus Termitozophilus Silvestri (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Corotocini) is composed of three species that are associated with termite nests of the genus Cornitermes Wasmann in South America. Although this termite genus is widespread in the Amazon region, the species of the rove beetle genus Termitozophilus associated with it are less known. In this paper, we describe four new species of Termitozophilus species from the Brazilian Oriental Amazon. Furthermore, we provide information on natural history, post-imaginal growth, behavior, and a taxonomic key to all valid species.
Five new species of Nealcidion Monné, 1997 from Ecuador (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: VLASAK JOSEF , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: November 2022

Five new species of Nealcidion Monné, 1997 are described from Ecuador: Nealcidion obliquum sp. nov., Nealcidion flavoviride sp. nov., Nealcidion cephaliferum sp. nov., Nealcidion sublineatum sp. nov., and Nealcidion calcaratum sp. nov. All new species are illustrated, making it easier to recognize the species and to follow the descriptions.
Review of the genus Crisicoccus Ferris (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) in Japan with description of a new species, and the identity of a South Korean mealybug misidentified as Crisicoccus matsumotoi (Shiraiwa 1935)
Authors: TANAKA HIROTAKA , KAMITANI SATOSHI
Published: November 2022

Mealybug species found in Japan belonging to the genus Crisicoccus Ferris (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) are reviewed and the adult female of each valid species is described or update described and illustrated. Crisicoccus seruratus (Kanda 1933) and C. matsumotoi (Shiraiwa 1935) are found to be the same species, and are synonymized. A neotype is designated for C. seruratus for the purpose of taxonomic stability. A species from Japan previously identified by Ezzat & McConnell (1956) as C. matsumotoi is found to differ from specimens of C. matsumotoi from Japan and is described as a new species, Crisicoccus ezzati sp. nov. Other Crisicoccus species recorded from Japan (C. azaleae (Tinsley 1898) and C. pini (Kuwana 1902)) are characterized based on recently collected specimens. A species in South Korea that was misidentified as C. matsumotoi for over 40 years is identified as Spilococcus pacificus (Borchsenius 1949) and an updated description and an illustration of the adult female are provided. Identification keys to relevant genera and to adult females of species of Crisicoccus in Japan and Spilococcus Ferris in South Korea are provided.
A checklist of species of Podophryidae (Ciliophora: Suctoria) as Epibionts of Crustaceans
Authors: RAMÍREZ-BALLESTEROS MIREYA , MAYÉN-ESTRADA ROSAURA
Published: November 2022

The epibiotic relationship between crustaceans and ciliates is frequent, for example, with species of suctorians. This work aims to present an updated list of species of the family Podophryidae worldwide distributed as epibionts of crustaceans and its geographic distribution. The available literature was checked, and all the species were verified. We found four species and four species indeterminata attached to 16 species of crustaceans. For the American continent, we obtained four species, and for Africa and Oceania, we did not find any species.
Variegated mud-loving beetles (Heteroceridae) of Russia and adjacent countries: genus Augyles of European part of Russia and Caucasus Region
Authors: SAZHNEV ALEXEY S.
Published: November 2022

This paper is the first inventory of the fauna of the variegated mud-loving beetles (Heteroceridae) of genus Augyles Schiødte, 1866 in the European part of Russia and Caucasus Region. It provides an annotated catalogue of eleven Augyles species currently recorded from European Russia and Caucasus Region, based on several collections and a critical evaluation of all earlier published records. All species are listed with a summary of their distribution in Caucasus, European Russia, and overall distribution. The species with new regional records (highlighted as asterisk) have a subsection “material examined” and/or remarks. Augyles hispidulus (Kiesenwetter, 1843) is reported for the first time from two federal subjects of Russia (Nizhniy Novgorod and Volgograd Oblasts). Augyles intermedius (Kiesenwetter, 1843) from Nizhniy Novgorod, Tambov and Tver Oblasts, and Augyles maritimus (Guérin-Méneville, 1844)—from Saratov Oblast of Russia are reported for the first time. The presence of Augyles pruinosus (Kiesenwetter, 1851) in the Azerbaijan is confirmed.
Influence of Entrepreneurship Manifestation Factor on Organisational Innovation: The Role of Corporate Entrepreneurship and Imperative Innovation Culture
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Park Min Jae
Published: November 2022

The importance of corporate entrepreneurship is continuously highlighted as a crucial potential corporate growth strategy that seeks continued growth opportunities. Corporate entrepreneurship is perceived as a critical element of corporate performance, so studies on key internal factors that may affect the manifestation of such entrepreneurship within an organisation are gaining increasing attention. This is because an innovative organisational environment is vital for invigorating corporate entrepreneurship in the organisation. This study aims to show how managers and employees can design and run their organisations in a way that is conducive to innovation, value-creation and continued growth by examining how internal organisational support and imperative innovation culture manifests corporate entrepreneurship and supports organisational innovation. This study analysed how key internal factors affecting the manifestation of corporate entrepreneurship influence the organisational innovation of 229 Korean companies. This study intends to determine the internal factors that support and strengthen corporate entrepreneurship by shedding light on which of them affect the manifestation of corporate entrepreneurship necessary to nurture and develop more intrapreneurs. This research also aims to analyse how imperative innovation culture moderates the relationship among innovation activity, organisational innovation and risk-taking.
Organizational Antecedents of Corporate Entrepreneurship: A Quantitative Investigation from Portugal
Authors: Marques Luís , Ferreira João J. , Kraus Sascha , Mahto Raj
Published: November 2022

Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is a critical tool for fostering innovative behaviour and obtaining competitive advantage in firms. This study examines various organizational factors that are critical for building an internal environment in a firm conducive to CE. It utilizes the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) for identifying critical factors essential for the CE. The study assesses a theoretical model on a sample of 114 managers by predicting firms that are most likely to be recognized for their efforts. The study results reinforce the construct validity of the CEAI instrument utilized for measuring the perception of organizational antecedents conducive to promoting CE. Further, the study offers rich insights into organizational factors essential for improving CE. The study concludes that, in general, firms overwhelmingly support CE despite their lack of knowledge about organizational factors essential for CE.
When Doors Are Opened
Authors: Nayak Sharada
Published: November 2022

Exclusion of widows and discrimination. A village woman, unlettered and widowed, is employed to take care of three little girls. She argues that daughters and sons should have equity; that a daughter has a right to education as much as a son.
Book review: Maulana Wahiduddun Khan, Woman in Islamic Shariah
Authors: Sofi Sartaj Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Maulana Wahiduddun Khan, Woman in Islamic Shariah. Goodword, 2021, 159pp. ISBN: 8187570318
Elucidating the role of circNFIB in myocardial fibrosis alleviation by endogenous sulfur dioxide
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Ranran , Wang Dahai , Lin Yi , Bai Cui , Nie Nana , Gao Shan , Zhang Qiuye , Chang Hong , Ren Chongmin
Published: November 2022

Background

To investigate the role of circNFIB in the alleviation of myocardial fibrosis by endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Methods

We stimulated cultured neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and developed an in vitro myocardial fibrosis model. Lentivirus vectors containing aspartate aminotransferase 1 (AAT1) cDNA were used to overexpress AAT1, and siRNA was used to silence circNFIB. The SO2, collagen, circNFIB, Wnt/β-catenin, and p38 MAPK pathways were examined in each group.

Results

In the in vitro TGF-β1-induced myocardial fibrosis model, endogenous SO2/AAT1 expression was significantly decreased, and collagen levels in the cell supernatant and type I and III collagen expression, as well as α-SMA expression, were all significantly increased. TGF-β1 also significantly reduced circNFIB expression. AAT1 overexpression significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis while significantly increasing circNFIB expression. Endogenous SO2alleviated myocardial fibrosis after circNFIB expression was blocked. We discovered that circNFIB plays an important role in the alleviation of myocardial fibrosis by endogenous SO2by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin and p38 MAPK pathways.

Conclusion

Endogenous SO2promotes circNFIB expression, which inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, consequently alleviating myocardial fibrosis.
Biomarkers for isolated congenital heart disease based on maternal amniotic fluid metabolomics analysis
Authors: Yuan Xuelian , Li Lu , Kang Hong , Wang Meixian , Zeng Jing , Lei Yanfang , Li Nana , Yu Ping , Li Xiaohong , Liu Zhen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most prevalent birth defects in the world. The pathogenesis of CHD is complex and unclear. With the development of metabolomics technology, variations in metabolites may provide new clues about the causes of CHD and may serve as a biomarker during pregnancy.

Methods

Sixty-five amniotic fluid samples (28 cases and 37 controls) during the second and third trimesters were utilized in this study. The metabolomics of CHD and normal fetuses were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics technology. Differential comparison and randomForest were used to screen metabolic biomarkers.

Results

A total of 2472 metabolites were detected, and they were distributed differentially between the cases and controls. Setting the selection criteria of fold change (FC) ≥ 2, P value < 0.01 and variable importance for the projection (VIP) ≥ 1.5, we screened 118 differential metabolites. Within the prediction model by random forest, PE(MonoMe(11,5)/MonoMe(13,5)), N-feruloylserotonin and 2,6-di-tert-butylbenzoquinone showed good prediction effects. Differential metabolites were mainly concentrated in aldosterone synthesis and secretion, drug metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathways, which may be related to the occurrence and development of CHD.

Conclusion

This study provides a new database of CHD metabolic biomarkers and mechanistic research. These results need to be further verified in larger samples.