bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National income accounting attributes and economic welfare. Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Shuang Yang , Waris Muhammad , Nawaz Muhammad Kashif , Chan Cheng , Younis Ijaz
Published: August 2024

Economic welfare is essential in the modern economy since it directly reflects the standard of living, distribution of resources, and general social satisfaction, which influences individual and social well-being. This study aims to explore the relationship between national income accounting different attributes and the economic welfare in Pakistan. However, this study used data from 1950 to 2022, and data was downloaded from the World Bank data portal. Regression analysis is used to investigate the relationship between them and is very effective in measuring the relationship between endogenous and exogenous variables. Moreover, generalized methods of movement (GMM) are used as the robustness of the regression. Our results show that foreign direct investment outflow, Gross domestic product growth rate, GDP per capita, higher Interest, market capitalization, and population growth have a significant negative on the unemployment rate, indicating the rise in these factors leads to a decrease in the employment rate in Pakistan. Trade and savings have a significant positive impact on the unemployment rate, indicating the rise in these factors leads to an increase in the unemployment rate for various reasons. Moreover, all the factors of national income accounting have a significant positive relationship with life expectancy, indicating that an increase in these factors leads to an increase in economic welfare and life expectancy due to better health facilities, many resources, and correct economic policies. However, foreign direct investment, inflation rate, lending interest rate, and population growth have significant positive effects on age dependency, indicating these factors increase the age dependency. Moreover, GDP growth and GDP per capita negatively impact age dependency. Similarly, all the national income accounting factors have a significant negative relationship with legal rights that leads to decreased legal rights. Moreover, due to better health facilities and health planning, there is a negative significant relationship between national income accounting attributes and motility rate among children. Our study advocated the implications for the policymakers and the government to make policies for the welfare and increase the social factors.
A comparative genomic study of a hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterial consortium
Authors: Rojas-Vargas Jorge , Rebollar Eria A. , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Pardo-López Liliana
Published: August 2024

Ocean oil pollution has a large impact on the environment and the health of living organisms. Bioremediation cleaning strategies are promising eco-friendly alternatives for tackling this problem. Previously, we designed and reported a hydrocarbon (HC) degrading microbial consortium of four marine strains belonging to the species Alloalcanivorax xenomutans, Halopseudomonas aestusnigri, Paenarthrobacter sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the knowledge about the metabolic potential of this bacterial consortium for HC bioremediation is not yet well understood. Here, we analyzed the complete genomes of these marine bacterial strains accompanied by a phylogenetic reconstruction along with 138 bacterial strains. Synteny between complete genomes of the same species or genus, revealed high conservation among strains of the same species, covering over 91% of their genomic sequences. Functional predictions highlighted a high abundance of genes related to HC degradation, which may result in functional redundancy within the consortium; however, unique and complete gene clusters linked to aromatic degradation were found in the four genomes, suggesting substrate specialization. Pangenome gain and loss analysis of genes involved in HC degradation provided insights into the evolutionary history of these capabilities, shedding light on the acquisition and loss of relevant genes related to alkane and aromatic degradation. Our work, including comparative genomic analyses, identification of secondary metabolites, and prediction of HC-degrading genes, enhances our understanding of the functional diversity and ecological roles of these marine bacteria in crude oil-contaminated marine environments and contributes to the applied knowledge of bioremediation.
The dynamic interdependencies among the negativity and the positivity in news and user-generated content about safety in a firm’s products and the firm’s product recalls
Authors: Astvansh Vivek , Wang Yen-Yao
Published: August 2024

This article examines the dynamic interdependencies among the negativity and the positivity in news and user-generated content about safety in a firm’s products (or the lack thereof) and the firm’s product recalls. The authors use a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) to unearth theoretically novel and managerially relevant asymmetric associations. Specifically, they find that the negativity in the news negatively correlates with recalls, whereas the negativity in UGC positively correlates with recalls. Whereas the positivity in the news positively correlates with recalls, the positivity in UGC does not matter. Further, the negativity in the news and the negativity in UGC substitute for each other, whereas their positive counterparts complement each other’s associations with recalls. Lastly, the negativity and positivity in the news have significant, though differently patterned, long-term associations with recalls. The findings contribute to research on the associations between earned media and managerial decisions in the product market.
Gestational syphilis in a tertiary health service in Paraná, Brazil: A case-control study
Authors: Braz Pauli Fernando , Júnior Valdir Spada , Mesquita Renan William , Welter Wendt Guilherme , Cezar Nunes Fortes Paulo , Harapan Harapan , Defante Ferreto Lirane Elize
Published: August 2024

Approximately 10–12 million new syphilis infections occur annually worldwide, including in pregnant women. This study identified the factors associated with syphilis in pregnant women admitted to a tertiary maternity ward in the State of Paraná, Brazil. This is an ambispective, paired case-control study (1:2 ratio) conducted from September 2020 to October 2021. Pregnant patients (n = 93) admitted to the maternity ward, who were tested with the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and rapid reagent test, were compared with 186 controls, matched by age and period of hospital admission. Sociodemographic, behavioral, prenatal, and maternity healthcare information was collected through interviews. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results showed that race/skin color other than white (OR: 2.12; 95%CI: 1.19–3.80; p < 0.001), having more than one sexual partner (OR: 3.69; 95%CI: 1.70–8.00; p = 0.001), being a former smoker (OR: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.07–4.01; p = 0.030) and a current smoker (OR: 4.31; 95%CI: 1.55–11.98; p = 0.005), as well as having a history of sexually transmitted infections (OR: 10.87; 95%CI: 4.04–29.27; p < 0.0.01) were risk factors for gestational syphilis. In summary, the study indicated that sociodemographic, behavioral, and healthcare-related variables were associated with gestational syphilis. Therefore, practitioners could benefit from incorporating these factors to deliver evidence-based treatment for gestational syphilis.
Chicken swarm optimization modelling for cognitive radio networks using deep belief network-enabled spectrum sensing technique
Authors: M. Saraswathi , E. Logashanmugam
Published: August 2024

Cognitive radio networks (CRN) enable wireless devices to sense the radio spectrum, determine the frequency state channels, and reconfigure the communication variables to satisfy Quality of Service (QoS) needs by reducing energy utilization. In CRN, spectrum sensing is an essential process that is highly challenging and can be addressed by several traditional techniques, such as energy detection, match filtering, etc. For now, the current models’ performance is impacted by the comparatively low Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of recognized signals and the insignificant quantity of traditional signal samples. This research proposals a new spectral sensing technique for cognitive radio networks (SST-CRN) that addresses the drawbacks of predictable energy detection models. With the use of a deep belief network (DBN), the suggested model contributes to accomplish a nonlinear threshold based on the chicken swarm algorithm (CSA). The proposed DBN enabled SST-CRN technique goes through two phases in a organized process: offline and online. Throughout the offline phase, the DBN model is methodically trained on pre-gathered data, developing the aptitude to identify problematic patterns and examples from the spectral features of the radio environment. This stage involves extensive feature extraction, validation, and model development to ensure that the DBN can professionally represent complicated spectral dynamics. Additionally, online spectrum sensing is conducted during the real communication phase to enable real-time adaptation to dynamic changes in the spectrum environment. Offline spectrum sensing is typically performed during a devoted sensing period before actual communication begins. When combined with DBN’s deep learning capabilities and CSO’s innate nature-inspired algorithms, a synergistic framework is created that enables CRNs to explore and allocate incidences on their own with astonishing accuracy. The proposed solution considerably improves the spectrum efficiency and resilience of CRNs by harnessing the power of DBN, which leads to more effective resource utilization and less interference. The Simulation results show that our proposed strategy produces more accurate spectrum occupancy assessments. The result parameters such as probability of detection, SNR of -24dB, the SST-CRN perfect has increased a developed Pd of 0.810, whereas the existing methods RMLSSCRN-100 and RMLSSCRN-300 have accomplished a lower Pd of 0.577 and 0.736, respectively. Our deep learning methodology uses convolutional neural networks to automatically learn and adapt to dynamic and complicated radio environments, improving accuracy and flexibility over classic spectrum sensing approaches. Future research might focus on improving CSO algorithms to better optimize the spectrum sensing process, enhancing the reliability of DBN-enabled sensing techniques.
Effect of lidocaine on salicylate-induced tinnitus in guinea pigs: A focus on the auditory cortex
Authors: Kenmochi Mutsumi , Ochi Kentaro , Kinoshita Hirotsugu , Kasugai Shigeru , Nakamura Manabu , Komori Manabu
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the intravenous administration of lidocaine in the auditory cortex after the systemic administration of salicylate. Healthy male albino Hartley guinea pigs were divided into two groups. The control group received only lidocaine, whereas the experimental group received lidocaine after checking for the effects of salicylate. Extracellular recordings of spikes in the primary auditory cortex and dorsocaudal areas in healthy albino Hartley guinea pigs were continuously documented (pre- and post-lidocaine, pre- and post-salicylate, and post-salicylate after adding lidocaine to post-salicylate). We recorded 160 single units in the primary auditory cortex from five guinea pigs and 155 single units in the dorsocaudal area from another five guinea pigs to confirm the effects of lidocaine on untreated animals. No significant change was detected in either the threshold or Q10dB value after lidocaine administration in the primary auditory cortex and dorsocaudal areas. Spontaneous firing activity significantly decreased after lidocaine administration in the primary auditory cortex and dorsocaudal areas. Next, we recorded 160 single units in the primary auditory cortex from five guinea pigs and 137 single units in the dorsocaudal area from another five guinea pigs to determine the effects of lidocaine on salicylate-treated animals. The threshold was significantly elevated after salicylate administration; however, no additional change was detected after adding lidocaine to the primary auditory cortex and dorsocaudal areas. Regarding the Q10dB value, lidocaine negated the significant changes induced by salicylate in the primary auditory cortex and dorsocaudal areas. Moreover, lidocaine negated the significant changes in spontaneous firing activities induced by salicylate in the primary auditory cortex and dorsocaudal areas. In conclusion, changes in the Q10dB value and spontaneous firing activities induced by salicylate administration are abolished by lidocaine administration, suggesting that these changes are related to the presence of tinnitus.
Association between sinus septa and lateral wall thickness with risk of perforation during maxillary sinus lift surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Baohua , Wang Tiantian , Wen Yuzhen , Liu Xingguang
Published: August 2024

Objective

Sinus membrane perforation is a common complication of sinus lift surgery. This review aimed to examine if anatomical factors such as the presence of septa and lateral wall thickness influence the risk of membrane perforation.

Methods

This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023488259). PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published up to 26th June 2024. The outcome of interest was the risk of perforation based on presence of septa and lateral wall thickness. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted with dichotomous data to obtain the odds ratio (OR) of perforation using Review Manager.

Results

Ten studies with 1865 patients undergoing 2168 “lateral” sinus lift procedures were included. The total incidence of Schneiderian membrane perforations was 19% (405 cases). Schneiderian membrane perforation was present in 169/425 cases (39.76%) with sinus septa and 184/1492 cases (12.33%) without septa. Meta-analysis showed that septa were significantly associated with an increased risk of perforation (OR: 4.03 95% CI: 1.77, 9.19) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 87%). The certainty of the evidence was very low. Data on lateral wall thickness and risk of perforation was too heterogeneous for a meta-analysis. Studies reported mixed results on the risk of perforation based on lateral wall thickness.

Conclusions

Our results show, with very low-quality evidence, that the presence of septa significantly increases the risk of perforations during maxillary sinus lift surgery. Evidence on the association between lateral wall thickness and a risk of perforations during sinus lift surgery is conflicting, and no clear conclusions can be derived at this stage.
Determination of the stability of sodium cyclamate during deep-frying using HPLC
Authors: Mu Li , Liu Yuhang , Luo Huihong , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Li , Xu Ying , Li Gang , Tong Qi
Published: August 2024

The oil used to fry food is often used multiple times to reduce costs. However, when foods containing sweeteners are processed in this way, the sweeteners may produce substances harmful to the body as a result of repeated frying at high temperatures. This article investigated the stability of sodium cyclamate during deep-frying by HPLC using a pre-column derivatization method. The results showed that cyclohexylamine was a decomposition product of a standard sample of sodium cyclamate when deep-fried at 200°C for 25 min. A pre-column derivatization/HPLC method was established to determine cyclohexylamine, a decomposition product of sodium cyclamate, under these conditions. Dansyl chloride was used as the derivatization reagent, the derivatization temperature was 60°C, the derivatization time was 20 min, the pH of sodium bicarbonate buffer solution was 11, and the concentration of dansyl chloride was 2.0 mg/mL. Detection was carried out by using an Agilent 1260 high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with an ultraviolet detector. The ultraviolet detection wavelength was 254 nm, and the mobile phase was acetonitrile-1.0 g/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Gradient elution was adopted, the peak of the cyclohexylamine derivative appeared at a retention time of 17.75 min, and the peak area response value was the largest. The methodological validation analysis showed that the detection limit of cyclohexylamine was 0.5 mg/kg, the quantification limit was 2.0 mg/kg, and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 99.37–110.16%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 0.17–1.26%. Four samples were tested and analyzed by the established method, and cyclohexylamine was not detected.
Geology controls the distribution of a seed-eating bird: Feeding-tree selection by the glossy black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami
Authors: Crowley Gabriel M.
Published: August 2024

Despite seed production being nutrient-limited, the influence of nutrient pathways on granivore distributions is unclear. This article examines the influence of geology and soil on the distribution of glossy black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami), which feed almost exclusively on the kernels of casuarinas (Allocasuarina spp. and Casuarina spp.), and are selective about the trees in which they feed. To clarify the basis of this selection, Food Value (a measure of dry matter intake rate) and kernel nutrient content were compared between feeding and non-feeding trees of drooping sheoak (A. verticillata). Random forest modelling was then used to examine the influence of geology and soil chemistry on Food Value. Finally, logistic generalised additive modelling was used to examine the influence of geology on cockatoo feeding records across the range of black sheoak (A. littoralis) and forest oak (A. torulosa), drawing on a statewide dataset. Food Value–but not kernel nutrient concentrations–influenced feeding tree selection. Soils under drooping sheoak were nutritionally poor, with low nitrogen and phosphorus (despite high concentrations of these nutrients in the kernels), and characterised by two principal components: SALINITY (dominated by exchangeable magnesium and sodium, electrical conductivity, and sulphur) and ACIDITY (pH, iron, and aluminium). Random forest modelling showed that Food Value was highest on sedimentary rocks, with a high ACIDITY score, less than 18 meq 100 g-1 exchangeable calcium, and less than 4% soil organic carbon. The odds of cockatoos selecting casuarinas as feedings tree were three times higher on non-calcareous sedimentary rocks than on other rock types. Non-calcareous sedimentary rocks produce low-fertility, acid soils, which promote nitrogen-fixation by Frankia. I therefore conclude that glossy black-cockatoo distribution is controlled by the casuarina’s symbiotic relationship with Frankia, which is ultimately controlled by geology; and that similar relationships may be responsible for the prevalence of several other species on low-fertility and/or acid soils.
Nonlinear latent representations of high-dimensional task-fMRI data: Unveiling cognitive and behavioral insights in heterogeneous spatial maps
Authors: Zabihi Mariam , Kia Seyed Mostafa , Wolfers Thomas , de Boer Stijn , Fraza Charlotte , Dinga Richard , Arenas Alberto Llera , Bzdok Danilo , Beckmann Christian F. , Marquand Andre
Published: August 2024

Finding an interpretable and compact representation of complex neuroimaging data is extremely useful for understanding brain behavioral mapping and hence for explaining the biological underpinnings of mental disorders. However, hand-crafted representations, as well as linear transformations, may inadequately capture the considerable variability across individuals. Here, we implemented a data-driven approach using a three-dimensional autoencoder on two large-scale datasets. This approach provides a latent representation of high-dimensional task-fMRI data which can account for demographic characteristics whilst also being readily interpretable both in the latent space learned by the autoencoder and in the original voxel space. This was achieved by addressing a joint optimization problem that simultaneously reconstructs the data and predicts clinical or demographic variables. We then applied normative modeling to the latent variables to define summary statistics (‘latent indices’) and establish a multivariate mapping to non-imaging measures. Our model, trained with multi-task fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and UK biobank task-fMRI data, demonstrated high performance in age and sex predictions and successfully captured complex behavioral characteristics while preserving individual variability through a latent representation. Our model also performed competitively with respect to various baseline models including several variants of principal components analysis, independent components analysis and classical regions of interest, both in terms of reconstruction accuracy and strength of association with behavioral variables.
The optimal concentration of ropivacaine for transversus abdominis plane blocks in elective cesarean section: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiangdong , Qin Tangqi , Zhang Donghang , Du Junwang
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks are commonly performed for postoperative analgesia in elective cesarean section. Ropivacaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic for TAP blocks. Currently, the concentration of ropivacaine for TAP blocks is various, and increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared the effects of different concentration of ropivacaine for TAP blocks in cesarean section. This protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the optimal concentration of ropivacaine for TAP blocks in elective cesarean section.

Methods and analysis

Databases including PubMed, Web of science, the Cochrane library, and EMBASE will be searched from their inception to May 1, 2024. RCTs that investigated the analgesia of different concentrations of ropivacaine for TAP blocks in elective cesarean section will be identified. The analgesia duration will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include the analgesics consumption over postoperative 24 hours, postoperative pain scores at rest and movement, and the incidence of adverse effects. RevMan 5.4 software will used for statistical analysis. The evidence quality of synthesized results will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not applicable. The results of this study will be published on completion.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024496907.
Spatiotemporal variations of zooplankton community structure in the oyster (Crassostrea gigas)-macroalgae reef dual ecosystems adjacent to Luanhe River Estuary
Authors: Xu Min , Zhao Qi , Wang Shenzhi , Wang Yun , Shen Jiabin , Zhang Yi , Yang Linlin , Xu Kaida , Hou Xiaolong , Zhang Yunling , Zhang Haipeng , Otaki Takayoshi , Komatsu Teruhisa , Xu Yufu
Published: August 2024

Majority of macrozooplankton have a wider dietary niche breadth and utilize small invertebrates, microzooplankton and mesozooplankton, so effect on primary production might be through trophic cascading effect. To better understand the ecosystem structure of benthic oyster-macroalgae reefs, we analyzed zooplankton community structure before (July 2016) and after (from September 2016 to October 2017) the construction of benthic reefs in the 2 km2 sea ranch area in Xiangyun Cove, Tangshan, China. We identified 57 zooplankton species, including the 12 cnidarian (e.g., Clytia hemisphaerica Linnaeus and Eirene ceylonensis Browne), 1 ctenopharyngodon (Pleurobrachia globosa Moser), 24 crustacean (e.g., Calanus sinicus Brodsky, Paracalanus parvus Claus, Labibocera euchaeta Glesbrecht, Labibocera bipinnata Tanaka, Calanopia thompsoni Scott, and Centropages dorsispinatus Thompson), 1 chaetognath (Sagitta crassa Tokioka), 1 urochordate species (Oikopleura dioica Fol), and 18 species of planktonic polychaete and gastropod larvae. The zooplankton density and biomass values before reef construction were 266.14 ind/m3 and 2.72 mg/m3, respectively, and those after reef construction were 138.06 ind/m3 and 32.91 mg/m3, respectively. The biomass trend was as follow: October 2017 (89.08 mg/m3) > August 2017 (70.97) > September 2016 (3.17) > July 2016 (2.72) > June 2017 (0.86) > May 2017 (0.44). The common dominant organisms were crustaceans and chaetognaths. According to the RDA ranking results, water temperature was positively correlated with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Margalef’s richness indexes. With the increasement of Margalef’s richness index, the value of dissolved oxygen content showed a significant negative correlation with zooplankton abundance. The results of this study are applicable to sustainable development and management strategies of coastal reef ecosystems and provide a basis for further surveys of secondary productivity in the sea ranch area.
Can different information channels promote farmers’ adoption of Agricultural Green Production Technologies? Empirical insights from Sichuan Province
Authors: Zhang Ruyu , Feng Yanan , Li Yufeng , Zheng Ke
Published: August 2024

Information accessibility is a pivotal factor influencing farmers’ adoption of Agricultural Green Production Technologies (AGPT). However, the widespread issue of information poverty presents a significant obstacle to this adoption process, thereby hindering the progression towards sustainable agricultural development. To address this information deficit, farmers have begun to utilize the Internet and participate in government-led onsite assembly training programs to acquire the necessary knowledge. Yet there is still a lack of research evidence on the effectiveness and comparative advantages of internet and offline training. This study explores the impact of various information access channels on farmers’ adoption of green production technologies in agriculture, focusing on a sample of 731 family farms located in Sichuan Province. The issue of endogeneity was addressed using the Conditional Mixed Process Estimation Method. The sample underwent a t-test and heterogeneity analysis. The findings revealed that both internet-based information access and participation in training significantly bolstered farmers’ adoption of AGPT, with the former proving to be more effective. Notably, heterogeneity was observed among farmers, differentiated by age and the number of village cadres within their family units.
Self-reported high-risk behavior among first-time and repeat replacement blood donors; a four-year retrospective study of patterns
Authors: Osei-Boakye Felix , Nkansah Charles , Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Abbam Gabriel , Derigubah Charles Angnataa , Ukwah Boniface Nwofoke , Usanga Victor Udoh , Ugwuja Emmanuel Ike , Chukwurah Ejike Felix
Published: August 2024

Background

There is no replacement for blood, and patients requiring transfusion depend on human donors, most of whom are family donors. Family donors may deny engagement in high-risk activities, which threaten the safety of donated blood. This study determined frequency of self-reported high-risk behaviors among replacement donors.

Methods

This retrospective study recruited 1317 donor records from 2017–2020, at Mankranso Hospital, Ghana. Data from archived donor questionnaires were extracted and analyzed with SPSS and GraphPad. Frequencies, associations, and quartiles were presented.

Results

The donors were predominantly males (84.4%), 17–26 years old (43.7%), informal workers (71.8%), rural inhabitants (56.5%), first-time (65.0%), and screened in the rainy season (56.3%). Donation frequency was significantly associated with age, sex, occupation, and residence. Repeat donors were significantly older (p≤0.001). More males than females were deferred (p = 0.008), drug addicts (p = 0.001), had body modifications (p = 0.025), multiple sexual partners (p = 0.045), and STIs (p≤0.001), whereas, more females were recently treated (p = 0.044). Weight loss (p = 0.005) and pregnancy (p = 0.026) were frequent among 17–26-year group, whereas, tuberculosis was frequent among 37–60-year group (p = 0.009). More first-time donors were unwell (p = 0.005), deferred (p≤0.001), pregnant (p = 0.002), drug addicts, had impending rigorous activity (p = 0.037), body modifications (p = 0.001), multiple sexual partners (p = 0.030), and STIs (p = 0.008). STIs were frequent in the dry season (p = 0.010). First-time donors had reduced hemoglobin (p = 0.0032), weight (p = 0.0003), and diastolic pressure (p = 0.0241).

Conclusion

Donation frequency was associated with age, sex, occupation, and residence, with first-time donors younger than repeat donors. Deferral from donation, drug addiction, body modification, multiple sexual partners, and STIs were frequent among males, whereas, more females received treatment. Tuberculosis was frequently reported among older adults, whereas, weight loss and pregnancy were frequent among younger individuals. More first-time donors reported being unwell, deferred, drug addiction, body modifications, multiple sexual partners, STIs, and pregnant. Hemoglobin, weight, and diastolic BP were reduced among first-time donors.
Systematic review of translational insights: Neuromodulation in animal models for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Mittal Rahul , McKenna Keelin , Keith Grant , McKenna Evan , Sinha Rahul , Lemos Joana R. N. , Hirani Khemraj
Published: August 2024

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and debilitating complication of diabetes, affecting a significant proportion of the diabetic population. Neuromodulation, an emerging therapeutic approach, has shown promise in the management of DPN symptoms. This systematic review aims to synthesize and analyze the current advancements in neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of DPN utilizing studies with preclinical animal models. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were focused on studies utilizing preclinical animal models for DPN that investigated the efficacy of various neuromodulation techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation. The findings suggest that neuromodulation significantly alleviated pain symptoms associated with DPN. Moreover, some studies reported improvements in nerve conduction velocity and reduction in nerve damage. The mechanisms underlying these effects appeared to involve modulation of pain pathways and enhancement of neurotrophic factors. However, the review also highlights the variability in methodology and stimulation parameters across studies, highlighting the need for standardization in future research. Additionally, while the results are promising, the translation of these findings from animal models to human clinical practice requires careful consideration. This review concludes that neuromodulation presents a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for DPN, but further research is necessary to optimize protocols and understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical applications to improve the management of DPN in diabetic patients.
Impact of pre-harvest fungicide application on the storage performance of tomato fruits
Authors: Lan Zhifu , Huang Jing , Akutse Komivi S. , Lin Yongwen
Published: August 2024

To examine the impact of pre-harvest fungicide applications on the postharvest storage performance of tomato fruits, we measured the lycopene content, hardness, soluble solids content, rotting rate, and weight loss rate of the fruits, as well as conducted a sensory assessment. Protective and systematic fungicides were sprayed on tomatoes 20 days before harvest in order to prevent rotting and weight loss during storage. Our findings showed that, the fungicide-treated tomatoes had a significantly lower rotting rate of 16.00% and a weight loss rate of 3.96%. However the control group experienced 65.33% rotting rate and 6.90% weight loss rate on 12th days of storage. Out of the pre-harvest applications, ‘Zineb’ a protective fungicide significantly delayed the loss of hardness and soluble solids accumulation in tomato fruits during storage, but it had no significant effect on lycopene content. On the other hand, when comparing to the examined treatment, the systemic fungicides did not have any significant effect on the postharvest storage performance of tomato fruits. Sensory evaluation results indicated that systemic fungicides improved the aroma of the fruits, while protective fungicides had a greater impact on the appearance and juiciness of the fruits. This study offers a potential novel solution for preserving fruits and vegetables which have been frequently infected by phytopathogens during storage, and consequently mitigate/reduce postharvest losses.
The dilemma between fertility and work: How did the Universal Two-Child policy affect Chinese women’s labor income?
Authors: Chen Yi , Wang Zu
Published: August 2024

Based on China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data from 2012 to 2020, we estimate the effect of the "Universal Two-Child" (UTC) policy on women’s employment income in China by the Difference-in-Difference (DID) model. Our results show that the UTC policy leads to an average decrease of 20.86% in women’s employment income. Moreover, we reveal the mediation effect in the impact of the UTC policy on women’s income and find that the UTC policy leads to a decrease in women’s income by reducing their working hours and hourly wages. Furthermore, we find that the negative impacts of the UTC policy on women’s employment income are greater among women under 35 years old and those without a bachelor’s degree.
Assessing the viability of water utilities in North Carolina: A principal component analysis approach*
Authors: El-Khattabi Ahmed Rachid , Mullins Elsemarie , Obenshain Kathyrn
Published: August 2024

Utility viability is a significant issue for utilities in the water sector where service providers are expected to operate utilities in a way that ensures clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, consistent reliable service, and long-term sustainability, while also charging affordable rates and implementing efficient processes that conserve limited water resources. In this paper, we develop a quantitative viability index using multiple data sets for water utilities in North Carolina: socioeconomic, demographic, technical managerial financial (TMF), and climatic dimensions. To contextualize the results from the index, we also conduct a series of qualitative case studies that provide deeper insight into the challenges faced by water utilities. Our work points to several data gaps and limitations that should be addressed to better capture aspects related to utility viability.
Superstudio: A Utopia-Driven Projective Architecture
Authors: Tombaz Hande
Published: August 2024

This article will address the claim that Superstudio works, which were part of the reflections of the 1960s’ and 1970s’ search for a new world order regarding architecture, contrary to the widely held view, present a utopia-driven projective architectural approach, rather than a complete rejection of architectural practice. In this context, the members’ work in various fields, belonging to the period after the dissolution of the group, can be seen as a reflection of the theoretical perspective that they had formed up to that day in practice, rather than as a renunciation or defeat. This assessment, which we will consider on the basis of »the constitutive potential of utopian thinking and imagination«, is intended to be a reference for ongoing debates surrounding the relationship between architectural thought and practice. Finally, in this text, which is constructed from cross-references between the group’s own discourses and various critical architectural discourses, it is proposed that Superstudio should be interpreted as an intellectual manifestation of a projective architectural approach, rather than a mere intellectual approach. Such an assessment not only introduces a new interpretation of the group’s work, but also enables a reconsideration of the concept of »projective« regarding the engagement of theory and practice in architecture.
The first complete mitogenome sequence of a biological control agent, Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Telmadarrehei Telmah , Romero-Weaver Ana L. , Lee Yoosook , Minteer Carey R.
Published: August 2024

Pseudophilothrips ichini (Hood) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is a recently released biological control agent for one of the most invasive plants (Brazilian peppertree) in Florida. Limited genetic information hinders efforts to develop effective genetic surveillance techniques. To address this gap, we present the first full mitogenome sequence of this biological control agent, isolated from the colony reared at the University of Florida Norman C. Hayslip Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory. The complete length of the P. ichini mitogenome is 15,281 base pairs with 83.8 % AT content. Its sequence is most similar to the mitogenome sequence of Acaciothrips ebneri (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), with an 86.8 % sequence identity. This complete mitochondrial sequence is an important new genomic resource to understand the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the species, offering valuable insight for developing molecular tools for study and enhancement of this biological control agent.
ChatGPT und halluzinierte Referenzen in Artikeln aus ausgewählten Bereichen der Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Authors: Schlögl Christian
Published: August 2024

Der vorliegende Aufsatz untersucht die Problematik von Halluzinationen in vier wissenschaftlichen Aufsätzen aus verschiedenen Bereichen der Betriebswirtschaftslehre, die von ChatGPT-4 verfasst wurden. Konkret soll geprüft werden, ob die von ChatGPT generierten Quellennachweise existieren und, wenn dies der Fall ist, ob sie korrekt sind. Ein erstes überraschendes Ergebnis ist, dass fast 40 Prozent der 174 in den Artikeln referenzierten Quellen, deren bibliografische Angaben nach den einzelnen Hauptkapiteln ausgegeben wurden, nicht im für jeden Aufsatz eigens generierten Literaturverzeichnis ausgewiesen waren. Eine Überprüfung aller bibliografischen Angaben ergab, dass in den einzelnen Artikeln zwischen 18 und 100 Prozent der Quellen in Google Scholar nicht gefunden werden konnten. Die Hälfte der gefundenen ChatGPT-Quellen war in unterschiedlichem Ausmaß fehlerhaft (falscher Dokumenttyp, falscher Zeitschriftenname, falsche Seitenangabe). Im Durchschnitt war nur ein Viertel der bibliografischen Quellenangaben vollständig korrekt. Im Web of Science konnte nur ein Viertel der Quellenangaben nachgewiesen werden, diese waren aber größtenteils korrekt. Obige Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ChatGPT-4 für das Verfassen von wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten – nicht nur aufgrund von ethischen und rechtlichen Bedenken – nicht empfohlen werden kann, da ein großer Teil der (zum Zeitpunkt des Verfassens dieser Arbeit gültigen Version) von ChatGPT generierten Referenzen nicht existiert oder teilweise fehlerhaft ist. Es ist weiter davon auszugehen, dass auch die erzeugten Texte teilweise erfunden sind oder von nicht referenzierten Quellen (Plagiate) stammen. Von ChatGPT erzeugte Texte müssen daher einer umfassenden Überprüfung unterzogen werden, die vor allem auf inhaltlicher Ebene nicht immer einfach sein dürfte. Die Autoren schließen sich daher der Empfehlung von Gimpel et al. (2023) an, dass ChatGPT beim Schreiben primär nur ergänzend (z. B. Rechtschreibkontrolle, Erstellung von Zusammenfassungen, Unterstützung bei der Ideengenerierung) verwendet werden sollte.
Vor 50 Jahren
Authors: Müller-Heiden Barbara
Published: August 2024

1971 hatte der damalige DGD-Präsident Prof. Dr. Helmut Arntz auf der internationalen FID-Konferenz in Ottawa die Ausrichtung der 37. FID-Konferenz 1974 in Deutschland angeboten. Der geplante Veranstaltungsort Berlin wurde zum Politikum. Berlin (West) stand unter dem Viermächte-Status. Die Vorbereitungen in der Bundesrepublik liefen trotz warnender Stimmen bald auf Hochtouren. Wegen der Kritik am Tagungsort wurden alternative Lösungen wie die räumliche Trennung des Kongresses – Generalversammlung in Bonn, Kongress in Berlin – durchdacht. Schlussendlich wurde die Konferenz in Deutschland abgesagt, ihre Durchführung an den Sitz der FID in den Niederlanden verlegt.
Product Liability on the Way to the Digital Age
Authors: Koch Bernhard A
Published: August 2024

This paper shall give an overview of the forthcoming changes to EU product liability law as foreseen by the planned new directive. While more details will be given by the further contributions to this issue, the key elements of the proposal will be outlined, with a particular focus on the expansion of the regime to software and other digital products. The contributions to this special issue of the Journal of European Tort Law (JETL) present and analyse the upcoming changes to product liability law in the EU. My task is to give a short introduction to where we stand, why we got here, and what the authors of the following articles will focus on in more detail.
Product Liability Directive: Disclosure of Evidence, the Burden of Proof and Presumptions
Authors: Jacquemin Zoé
Published: August 2024

On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament adopted in first reading the Product Liability Directive, adding substantial amendments to the European Commission’s proposal of 2022. The aim of the reform is to adapt the famous 1985 Product Liability Directive to the digital age and make it easier for consumers to enforce their rights in court. It notably introduces a duty of disclosure and various alleviations of the burden of proof. The present paper describes the proposed rules on disclosure of evidence and presumptions, charts the changes between the Commission’s proposal in 2022 and the Parliament’s adoption in 2024, and attempts to assess whether the new product liability regime will meet the challenges of its time and be a game changer in helping consumers enforce their rights.
Pullback attractors for fractional lattice systems with delays in weighted space
Authors: Li Xintao , Wang Shengwen
Published: August 2024

This article deals with the asymptotic behavior of fractional lattice systems with time-varying delays in weighted space. First, we establish some sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Subsequently, we demonstrate the existence of pullback attractors for the considered fractional lattice systems.
Spacing strategies for enhancing drought resilience and yield in maize agriculture
Authors: Frantová Nicole , Porčová Lenka , Jovanović Ivana , Elzner Petr , Cerkal Radim , Rábek Michal
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of row spacing management on the yield, tillering, and water retention capacities of two maize varieties (F1 hybrids): Alombo (FAO 240) and SY Ignis (FAO 320). Through a comprehensive field experiment, we explored how varying inter-row and intra-row spacings influence plant physiological traits, including tillering frequency, relative water content (RWC), and yield components such as ear weight, seed number, and thousand kernel weight. Our findings demonstrate that narrower inter-row spacing (0.375 m) coupled with wider intra-row spacing (0.33 m) compared to inter-row spacing (0.75 m) with intra-row spacing (0.16 m) significantly enhances tillering, RWC, and grain yield, particularly for SY Ignis. The study reveals that tillering variability, influenced by spatial arrangement, serves as a potential indicator of yield outcomes, with increased tillering associated with higher biomass production and grain yield. Additionally, the research highlights the critical role of precise spatial arrangement in optimizing maize hydration, underscoring the strategic balance between inter-row and intra-row spacing for maintaining optimal moisture levels and supporting plant health. The results underscore the complexity of row spacing effects, which are not only variety-specific but also dependent on environmental and site-specific conditions, advocating for the adoption of tailored agricultural management practices to optimize crop production efficiency, especially under changing climate conditions.
The “future” pain clinician: Competencies needed to provide psychologically informed care
Authors: Linton Steven J. , O’Sullivan Peter B. , Zetterberg Hedvig E. , Vlaeyen Johan W. S.
Published: August 2024

Background & objective

Psychologically informed care has been proposed to improve treatment outcomes for chronic pain and aligns with a person-centered approach. Yet implementation lags behind, and studies suggest that a lack of competency leads to poor results. It is unclear what training clinicians require to deliver this care.

We examine how we might improve psychologically informed care guided by the needs of the patient and in congruence with the scientific literature with a particular focus on how competencies might be upgraded and implementation enhanced.

Methods

We selectively review the literature for psychologically informed care for pain. The patient’s view on what is needed is contrasted with the competencies necessary to meet these needs and how treatment should be evaluated.

Results

Patient needs and corresponding competencies are delineated. A number of multi-professional skills and competencies are required to provide psychologically informed care. Single-subject methodologies can determine whether the care has the desired effect for the individual patient and facilitate effectiveness. We argue that becoming a competent “pain clinician” requires a new approach to education that transcends current professional boundaries.

Conclusions

Providing person-centered care guided by the needs of the patient and in line with the scientific literature shows great potential but requires multiple competencies. We propose that training the pain clinician of the future should focus on psychologically informed care and the competencies required to meet the individual’s needs. Single-subject methodology allows for continual evaluation of this care.
Ellipse und Satz als Elemente einer gemeinsamen strukturellen Domäne. Zu einem syntaktischen Verwandtschaftsverhältnis
Authors: Holzhacker Daniel
Published: August 2024

This paper aims at developing an approach for the structural description of ellipses that is based on syntactic relationship between ellipsis and sentence. Both kinds of syntactic units are considered to be similar and to be organized – with some modifications – by the same syntactic and semantic rules. Syntactic constituents of ellipses project k0-definite semantic places which determine the syntactic unit’s potential of being connected to a context. For this kind of projection valency of predicate expressions is a central concept. The approach presented in this paper is surface structure oriented. It is neither reductionistic nor autonomistic in a way that ellipsis and sentence are seen as independent types of syntactic units with respect to their structural organization.