bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergies and trade-offs between the sustainable development goals and reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden
Authors: Ahlbäck A. , Klingvall H. , Nordell E. , Eriksson K. M.
Published: July 2024

Background
The Swedish climate target to reach zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045 implies large transformations of current industry, energy and transport sectors. Electric vehicles, wind and solar power, biomass, carbon capture and storage, climate neutral concrete and green hydrogen are all considered technological key components in transitioning away from fossil energy. The purpose of this study is to present synergies and trade-offs from large-scale implementation of these key components in Sweden, expressed as positive or negative impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study used expert opinions elicited from thematic workshops as input, which were put through a qualitative analysis to construct causal relationships and further tested against published literature to gain empirical support.
Results
The results shows that 11 out of the 17 SDGs will be affected positively or negatively. In Sweden, 37 of the identified impacts were positive and 16 impacts were negative. For international spillover impacts, the pattern was reversed with 7 positive impacts and 28 negative impacts. A large-scale implementation of the key components brings synergies to economic growth and job creation as well as sustainable industrialization and innovation. There are, however, several trade-offs identified that concerns environmental issues mainly linked to mineral extraction, both domestically and as international spillovers.
Conclusions
This study highlights the multifaceted linkages between climate mitigation efforts and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To achieve a sustainable climate transition, a holistic view incorporating the SDGs needs to be employed. Next steps could include stakeholders in policy and industry to identify actions and initiate collaborative approaches to strengthen potential synergies and minimize trade-offs.
Caveats of the Isotopic Paleothermometer: Spatial and Temporal Isotope – Temperature Relationships
Authors: Casado Mathieu , Bailey Adriana , Santos Christophe Leroy Dos , Fourre Elise , Favier Vincent , Agosta Cécile , Kittel Christoph , Arnaud Laurent , Prié Frédéric , Akers Pete , Cauquoin Alexandre , Werner Martin , Janssen Leoni , Stenni Barbara , Dreossi Giuliano , Spolaor Andrea , Petteni Agnese , Savarino Joel , Landais Amaelle
Published: July 2024

Water isotopes are a tracer of hydrological processes and a paleoclimate proxy from ice core records. The isotopic signal is acquired throughout the hydrological cycle, from evaporation over the ocean, during each precipitation event, and during post-depositional processes such as isotopic exchange between snow and atmospheric moisture. Due to these multiple contributions, the isotopic paleothermometer (i.e., the relationship between isotope ratios in ice and local temperature, on which past climatic reconstructions are based) is only empirically calibrated. Yet, different isotope-to-temperature relationships are obtained spatially in surface snow and temporally in precipitation. Here, we report the vapour isotopic composition monitored on a traverse across East Antarctica as well as at two fixed locations: the coastal site of Dumont D’Urville and the inland station of Concordia. We show that the isotope-to-temperature relationship is inherently different using vapour isotopic composition temporally and spatially across the East Antarctic Plateau due to fundamental differences in the variations of the rainout fraction across time and space. Since the Rayleigh distillation predicts parallel evolution of vapour and precipitation isotopic composition, our results can be directly transferred to the interpretation of the isotopic signal in ice core records.
There is no reliable evidence that providing authors with customized article templates including items from reporting guidelines improves completeness of reporting: The GoodReports Randomized Trial (GRReaT)
Authors: Struthers Caroline , Harwood James , de Beyer Jennifer Anne , Logullo Patricia , Collins Gary S
Published: July 2024

Background: Although medical journals endorse reporting guidelines, authors often struggle to find and use the right one for their study type and topic. The UK EQUATOR Centre developed the GoodReports website to direct authors to appropriate guidance. Pilot data suggested that authors did not improve their manuscripts when advised to use a particular reporting guideline by GoodReports.org at journal submission stage. User feedback suggested the checklist format of most reporting guidelines does not encourage use during manuscript writing. We tested whether providing customized reporting guidance within writing templates for use throughout the writing process resulted in clearer and more complete reporting than only giving advice on which reporting guideline to use.
Design and methods: GRReaT was a two-group parallel 1:1 randomized trial with a target sample size of 206. Participants were lead authors at an early stage of writing up a health-related study. Eligible study designs were cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control study, randomized trial, and systematic review. After randomization, the intervention group received an article template including items from the appropriate reporting guideline and links to explanations and examples. The control group received a reporting guideline recommendation and general advice on reporting. Participants sent their completed manuscripts to the GRReaT team before submitting for publication, for completeness of each item in the title, methods, and results section of the corresponding reporting guideline. The primary outcome was reporting completeness against the corresponding reporting guideline. Participants were not blinded to allocation. Assessors were blind to group allocation. As a recruitment incentive, all participants received a feedback report identifying missing or inadequately reported items in these three sections.
Results: Between 9 June 2021 and 30 June 2023, we randomized 130 participants and present findings from the assessment of reporting completeness for the 37 completed manuscripts we received. The mean reporting completeness ratio was 0.57 for the intervention group and 0.50 for the control group. The difference between the two groups was 0.069 in favour of the intervention (95% CI -0.046 to 0.184; p=0.231).
Conclusion: As the dropout rate was higher than expected, we did not reach the recruitment target, and the difference between groups was not statistically significant. We therefore found no evidence that providing authors with customized article templates including items from reporting guidelines, increases reporting completeness. We discuss the challenges faced when conducting the trial, and suggest how future research testing innovative ways of improving reporting could be designed to improve recruitment and reduce dropouts.
NUDT15 genotype and erythrocyte thioguanosine levels affect thiopurine metabolite levels into DNA of Japanese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Tanaka Yoichi , Ono Rintaro , Ashiarai Miho , Sakurai Ayako , Watanabe Atsushi , Tsuchimochi Taichiro , Hosoya Yosuke , Hanajiri Ruri , Inukai Takeshi , Hasegawa Daisuke
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to measure thiopurine metabolites—such as deoxythioguanosine incorporated into DNA (DNA-TG)—and erythrocyte thioguanine nucleotides (TGNs) and methyl mercaptopurine (MMPN) levels in Japanese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study also evaluated the factors that elevate thiopurine metabolites incorporated into the DNA.
Methods
DNA-TG, erythrocyte TGNs, and MMPN levels were measured on consecutive clinical visits in 20 Japanese patients with childhood ALL (171 sampling points) using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) was genotyped using Sanger sequencing.
Results
Of the 20 patients, three had the NUDT15 intermediate activity genotype (*1/*2 or *1/*3), and two had a low activity genotype (*3/*3). The median DNA-TG level was 318 fmol/µg DNA. Erythrocyte TGNs and MMPN levels were 341.4 and 14,136 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells, respectively. The ratio of DNA-TG/TGNs—which is the active thiopurine metabolite ratio in DNA—was higher in patients with the NUDT15 variant than in the wild type. The DNA-TG/TGNs ratio was inversely correlated with the TGNs level. Erythrocyte TGNs levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively), and MMPN levels were significantly correlated with lymphocyte count and aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.005, 0.0004, and 0.007, respectively).
Conclusion
The DNA-TG/TGNs ratio differed in each patient. The NUDT15 genotype and erythrocyte TGNs level were affected and elevated the DNA-TG level in Japanese patients with ALL.
Automatic WSTS-based Repair and Deadlock Detection of Parameterized Systems
Authors: Baumeister Tom , Jacobs Swen , Sakr Mouhammad , Völp Marcus
Published: July 2024

We present an algorithm for the repair of parameterized systems that can be represented as well-structured transition systems. The repair problem is, for a given process implementation, to find a refinement such that a given safety property is satisfied by the resulting parameterized system,and deadlocks are avoided. Our algorithm uses a parameterized model checker to determine the correctness of candidate solutions and employs a constraint system to rule out candidates. Parameterized systems that fall into our class include disjunctive systems, pairwise rendezvous systems, broadcast protocols, and certain global synchronization protocols. Moreover, we show that parameterized deadlock detection and similar global properties can be decided in EXPTIME for disjunctive systems, and that deadlock detection is in general undecidable for broadcast protocols.
Modelling and Investigating Logistics Transport Drivers' Willingness to Use Partial and Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Liu Zhoufan , Zeng Junxian , Zhou Xingchi
Published: July 2024

Autonomous vehicle (AV) is a promising technology with the potential to reduce traffic accidents and enhance transportation efficiency within the logistics transportation field. However, the varying levels of AV capabilities face distinct challenges, and the willingness of logistics transport drivers to adopt this technology remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the predictive factors influencing logistics transport drivers’ willingness to use Partial Autonomous Vehicles (PAVs) and Fully Autonomous Vehicles (FAVs). Data was collected from 304 participants through online and on-site surveys among logistics transport drivers. An extended TAM was constructed by incorporating five psychological factors of Perceived Ease of Use (PE), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Trust (TR), Perceived Risk (PR), Job Satisfaction (JS) as endogenous variables and four individual factors of monthly income, time in occupation, knowledge of AVs, daily working hours as exogenous variables. The results indicate that logistics transport drivers exhibit a positive willingness to use both PAVs and FAVs, with a stronger inclination towards PAVs. Specifically, PE, PU, and TR are found to positively influence willingness to use both types of AVs, whereas JS and PR show negative impact. Moreover, time in occupation and knowledge of AVs emerge as significant individual predictive factors. Addressing these factors enables automotive stakeholders to develop effective strategies for the successful integration of AVs into the logistics transportation field, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Assessment of Pulmonary Arterial Vessels With Newer Ct Examination Protocols With the Aim of Achieving a Ct-x-ray Dose and Cm-dosage Reduction
Authors: Sun Lv , Jin Kaiyuan , Luo Xianli , Wang Feng , Li Bangguo
Published: July 2024

We compared the effect of varying iodine contrast medium (CM) dosage on image quality and radiation dose in low-tube voltage dual source computed tomography (DSCT) pulmonary artery imaging was compared by sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) combined with non linear blending (NLB), and optimization of pulmonary artery imaging protocol. A total of 166 patients were divided into groups A, B, C, and D based on the amount of CM used and tube voltage. The voltage of group A tube was 120kV, and CM dosage was 50ml, filtered back projection combined with linear blending post-treatment technology was adopted, In contrast, the voltage of group B, C and D tubes was 80kV/Sn140kV, the dosage of CM was 20ml, 30ml, 50ml, respectively, and SAFIRE combined with NLB was adopted. The CT values were highest in group D and lowest in group A, with groups C and D exhibiting values significantly greater than those in groups A and B (P<0.05). The background noise of groups A and B were significantly higher than groups C and D (P<0.05). contrast to noise ratio and signal to noise ratio of pulmonary arteries at all levels in group C and D were higher than those in group A and group B (P<0.05). pulmonary arteries and their branches in the groups A, B, C and D showed well, and the pulmonary artery emboli could be clearly displayed, with good inter observer consistency. The CT dose index volume, dose length product, and effective dose of group A were significantly higher than those of groups B, C, and D (P<0.05). This application of SAFIRE combined with NLB in DSCT enhances image quality while concurrently reducing contrast medium (iodine) dosage and radiation exposure.
Causality of genetically determined metabolites and metabolic pathways on stroke: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Zilong , Zhou Ping , Lu Na , Cui Fang , Huang Zhenjun , Zhao Dan
Published: July 2024

Background Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. While extensive research has been conducted on stroke risk factors, the underlying biological mechanism remains not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the causal effect of circulation metabolites on stroke risk. Methods A two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the causality of circulation metabolites on stroke. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 486 metabolites served as the exposure, with 5 different stroke phenotypes as outcomes, including ischemic stroke with cardioembolic, ischemic stroke with large artery atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, small vessel ischemic stroke, and lacunar stroke. Causal estimates were calculated using Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity analyses using methods such as weight mode, weight median, MR-egger, and simple mode. Metabolic pathway analysis was performed using the web-based metaboanalyst 6.0. All statistical analyses were conducted in R software. Results The MR analysis revealed a total of 82 causative associations between metabolites and different stroke phenotypes. 14 significant metabolic pathways were identified, with the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway showing correlation with stroke of multiple phenotypes. Conclusion The findings suggest that the identified metabolites and metabolic pathways could serve as useful circulating metabolic biomarkers for stroke screening and prevention in clinical practice. They may also be considered as candidate molecules for future exploration of mechanisms and selection of drug targets.
Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic central hepatectomy: A comparison with open surgery
Authors: Masuda Takashi , Endo Yuichi , Nakamura Shun , Miyoshino Wataru , Nagasawa Yuiko , Orimoto Hiroki , Kawamura Masahiro , Fujinaga Atsuro , Takayama Hiroomi , Kawano Yoko , Hirashita Teijiro , Inomata Masafumi
Published: July 2024

Purpose Laparoscopic central hepatectomy (CH) remains challenging, with safety and efficacy unclear. This study retrospectively evaluated short-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open CH and assessed safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery.
Methods CH included anterior sectionectomy (AS) and central bisectionectomy (CBS) (excluding cases with biliary reconstruction). The study comprised 38 patients receiving CH in our department from January 2010 to November 2023.
Results The laparoscopic group included 14 cases and the open group 24. AS/CBS was performed in 14/10 open group cases and 6/8 laparoscopic group cases. Short-term surgical outcomes showed no significant between-group difference in operative time, but the laparoscopic group lost significantly less blood (250 vs. 985 mL; p=0.001) and the transfusion rate was lower (14% vs. 46%; p=0.004). Among postoperative outcomes, incidence of bile leakage was not significantly different (33% vs. 42%; p=0.42), but the laparoscopic group had significantly less postoperative ascites (0% vs. 17%; p=0.047), fewer surgical site infections (SSI) (0% vs. 21%; p=0.02), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (14 vs. 30 days; p=0.03). The risk factor for bile leakage in CH by univariate and multivariate analysis was tumor proximity to the right anterior Glissonean pedicle (OR=6.84; 95% CI=1.67-32.7; p=0.01).
Conclusion Laparoscopic CH could be performed safely. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic CH was effective in reducing blood loss, postoperative ascites, SSIs, and shortening postoperative hospital stay. However, tumors close to the root of the right anterior Glissonean pedicle were considered a risk factor for postoperative bile leakage and require caution.
In-depth investigation of emission homogeneity of InGaAs multiple quantum wells using spatially resolved spectroscopy
Authors: Zelioli Andrea , Špokas Aivaras , Čechavičius Bronislovas , Talaikis Martynas , Stanionytė Sandra , Vaitkevičius Augustas , Čerškus Aurimas , Dudutienė Evelina , Butkutė Renata
Published: July 2024

In this study the emission homogeneity of InGaAs multiple quantum wells (MQW) was investigated. Two sets of samples grown by molecular beam epitaxy, with varying In content and QW thickness as well as barrier thickness, were mapped using room temperature photoluminescence and micro-photoluminescence. The result showed that increasing In content leads to a denser net of lattice mismatch dislocations in the QW layer. Samples with optimized barrier design exhibit uniform emission intensity.
Killing effect of antibacterial photodynamic therapy - aPDT with long-term exposure against young and old Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in dentin
Authors: Du Tianfeng , Wang Yiting , Liu Xiaoke , Yang Bowen , Gan Kang , Zhu Juanfang
Published: July 2024

Background: Antibacterial photodynamic therapy - aPDT is a medical method that utilizes the activation of a nontoxic photoactive agent or photosensitizer by exposure to visible light of a specific wave-length in the presence of oxygen. The present study aimed to evaluate the killing in vitro effect of aPDT with 0.01% methylene blue (MB) against young and old Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms in bovine dentin with the long-term exposure using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Methods: Semicylindrical bovine dentin blocks were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated in air to form 1- and 3-week-old biofilms. The biofilms in dentin were subjected to aPDT with 0.01% MB, 5% NaOCl and saline with the exposure of 3, 12 and 30 minutes. The dead portions of bacterial cells in E. faecalis biofilms were analyzed with using LIVE/DEAD bacteria viability staining and CLSM.
Results: The visible changes in dentin structure caused by aPDT were verified with scanning electron microscopy. Significantly more bacteria were dead when aPDT with MB and 5% NaOCl were used with the long exposure time (12 and 30 minutes) than with 3 minutes (P < 0.05). The speed of killing was fastest during the first 3 minutes, and few more bacterial cells were killed after 12 minutes in the disinfection groups. Five percent NaOCl exhibited the highest effectiveness of bacterial killing in dentin at each time point than aPDT with MB groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of killed bacteria was higher in young biofilms than in mature biofilms in aPDT with MB and NaOCl groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were no clearly visible changes in structure of dentin surfaces subjected to aPDT with MB for 30 minutes.
Conclusion: aPDT with 0.01% MB has the capability to kill bacterial cells in E. faecalis biofilms on bovine dentin, and does not result in visible changes of dentin structures. The antibacterial effect was time-dependent, but little additional killing was obtained after the first 12 minutes of exposure.
Evolutionary derivation inferences of the intrinsic shoulder and brachial muscles in crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus, Caniformia, Carnivora) based on the topology, innervation, and anatomical variants
Authors: García Juan Fernando Vélez , Blanco Diego Alejandro Carrión , Gómez Gabriela Moreno , Barros Roseãmely Angelica Carvalho , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: July 2024

The crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) is a carnivoran of the family Procyonidae geographically distributed in Center and South America. It is a scansorial species with more terrestrial than arboreal abilities. Previous studies have described the intrinsic shoulder and brachial muscles in this species; however, all have different descriptions. Besides, these studies did not take into account the innervation to infer the evolutionary derivation of the muscles, and neither did the arterial supply. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the anatomical arrangement of the intrinsic shoulder and brachial muscles in six Procyon cancrivorus specimens fixed with 10% formaldehyde. The shape, origin, insertion, arterial supply, and variations were described. Furthermore, the innervation previously reported was reviewed again in detail to infer the evolutionary derivation of these muscles. Differences were found with that reported formerly in the same species and other procyonids. Some intraspecific anatomical variants were discovered, such as an accessory head in the biceps brachii muscle bilaterally; a biceps brachii muscle joined to the brachialis muscle unilaterally; and a fusion of the lateral and accessory heads of the triceps brachii muscle bilaterally. Tensor fasciae antebrachii muscle is divided into two parts in most cases, and both are innervated by the radial nerve. The anconeus medialis muscle is independent to the triceps brachii muscle and is innervated by the ulnar nerve. In conclusion, based on the topology, anatomical variations, and innervation of these muscles in P. cancrivorus, they potentially conserve the evolutionary derivation of the last common ancestor of mammals.
Unveiling Promising Drug Targets for NAFLD through Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Lei Gang , Dai Chibing
Published: July 2024

Objectives
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder that with genetic factors and few available treatments. The identification of new drug targets for NAFLD prevention remains a critical requirement.
Methods
In this study, we used Mendelian randomization analysis with summary statistics of NAFLD to investigate potential therapeutic targets. For this task, genetic tools obtained from a recent study that analyzed plasma proteins across nine groups were used. Improving the strength of Mendelian randomization findings can be achieved using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, Bayesian colocalization, steiger filter analysis, protein variation assessment, and mapping of expression quantitative trait loci to protein quantitative trait loci. Our goal was to improve our understanding of NAFLD and discover potential opportunities for its treatment by studying protein interactions, pathway enrichment, and drug targets.
Results
In summary, genetically predicted levels of 13 proteins were found to be correlated with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Specifically, elevated levels of nine proteins (ADH1B, TOM1L1, MMP3, GALE, RAB14, SNRPF, ADH1B, SPATA9) and decreased levels of five proteins were associated with an increased susceptibility to NAFLD.
Conclusions
Our thorough examination indicated that genetically determined levels of various circulating proteins are associated with susceptibility to NAFLD. These results imply that targeting these proteins may hold promise as a therapeutic approach for NAFLD and warrants additional clinical scrutiny.
A Rapid Tick exposure Test for monitoring acaricide resistance in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs
Authors: Jongejan Frans , Berger Laura , Papadopoulos Elias , Reck José , Ferreira Priscila Teixeira , Doyle Rovaina , Scott Fabio Barbour , de Avelar Barbara Rauta , Guimarães Brena Gava , Azevedo Thais Ribeiro Correia , Hulsebos Iris , Petersen Alita , Klafke Guilherme
Published: July 2024

Background
Brown dog ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus, are vectors of pathogens adversely affecting the health of dogs in many (sub) tropical parts of the world. The three-host life cycle of R. sanguineus, with all stages feeding on dogs, can lead to an uncontrolled build-up of large tick populations if not controlled by acaricides. However, frequent tick control on dogs using acaricides has led to the emergence of resistance to permethrin and fipronil. Currently, the Larval Packet Test (LPT) is the standard tick resistance test, which is laborious, needs laboratory facilities, and takes at least six weeks before larvae derived from engorged female ticks can be tested. Our novel approach is to expose semi-engorged adult ticks to acaricides immediately after removing them from dogs, obtaining results within 24 hours.
Methods
Adult ticks from three laboratory colonies of R. sanguineus were tested in RaTexT®, a Rapid Tick exposure Test in which ticks were confined to small compartments and exposed to an acaricide-impregnated, specially designed matrix. Resistance was confirmed by testing larvae derived from the same laboratory colonies using the LPT. RaTexT® was also used to determine the susceptibility of R. sanguineus acaricides in dog shelters.
Results
RaTexT® detected resistance to permethrin in adult R.sanguineus ticks from two Brazilian laboratory colonies compared to a susceptible laboratory strain originating in Greece. Resistance was confirmed by LPT testing larvae of the same colonies with resistance factors between 2.2 and 3.1. All laboratory strains were susceptible to fipronil. A suspected case of fipronil resistance at a dog shelter in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, was resolved within 24 hours by testing adult ticks in RaTexT® and could be attributed to improper treatment.
Conclusions
RaTexT® is a valuable tool for monitoring the development of resistance to synthetic pyrethroids or phenylpyrazoles in tick-infested dogs.
Further modification of the EASIX score through the addition of phosphorous and IL-6 improves prediction of CRS and ICANS after CAR-T therapy
Authors: Barker Kenneth , Marco Tom , Husnain Muhammad , Katsanis Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) are severe complications of CAR-T therapy linked to endothelial dysfunction. The modified Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (m-EASIX) score predicts severe ICANS and CRS. Both hypophosphatemia and elevated IL-6 are associated with these syndromes. Our study aimed to improve early prediction by incorporating phosphorus and IL-6 into the m-EASIX score. Forty-two patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma receiving CAR-T treatment were used to generate three m-EASIX score variations, assessing performance from the clinically actionable timepoints of day + 0 to day + 3. The P-m-EASIX, which includes phosphorus, enhanced prediction for ICANS on day + 1 (AUC 89.6%; P = 0.0090, OR 2.23; P = 0.0096) compared to the m-EASIX (AUC 80.8%; P = 0.0047, OR 1.72; P = 0.0046). The P-m-EASIX also improved prediction for CRS on day + 3 (AUC 92.0%; P < 0.0001, OR 2.21; P = 0.0014). Incorporating IL-6, (IL6-m-EASIX) showed the highest capacity for predicting CRS progression to grade ≥ 2 on day + 3 (AUC 89.7%; P = 0.0040, OR 1.57; P = 0.031). Larger studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of including phosphorus and IL-6 in the m-EASIX score to reduce CAR-T therapy complications.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of children aged 6 to 12 months on breastfeeding in the province of Sissili in Burkina Faso
Authors: AGBOKOU Koffi Apéali Wassiou , Compaoré Wendinpuikondo Raketa Ella , Traoré Sakonon , Ouédraogo Ousmane , Ouattara Adama , Bouraima Mouawiyatou , Pietra Virginio , Songré Laurencia Toulsoumdé Ouattara/ , Dicko Mamoudou Hama
Published: July 2024

Background
Breastfeeding practices during the first 1000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their health, development and survival. However, several factors influence mothers' sensitivity to breastfeeding.
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of children aged 6 to 12 months on colostrum, early breastfeeding and ablactation age.
Methods
A cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim was carried out from February 2021 to March 2022 in the province of Sissili in Burkina Faso. It consisted of an initial and final evaluation of 163 mother-child couples aged 6 to 12 months who participated in at least 5 consultation sessions for healthy infants in public health facilities. The chi-square test and the Wilcoxon rank test were used to analyze the associations of the variables and the difference between the levels of mothers' knowledge at the initial and final assessments respectively.
Results
Among surveyed mothers, colostrum was considered good for child health by 89.6% and 98.2% of mothers at initial and final assessments respectively. Almost all mothers (98.2%) gave colostrum and 3 out of 4 mothers breastfed their children in the first hour after childbirth. Colostrum donation and early breastfeeding by the mother are statistically associated with their occupations (P = 0.000) and their opinions on the effect of colostrum on infant health (P = 0.000). Awareness significantly increased mother’s knowledge on the benefits of colostrum, ablactation age, time and benefits of early breastfeeding (P = 0.000). It also had a positive impact on mother’s opinion of the effect of colostrum on infant health.
Conclusion
Data analysis sugest that it is necessary for health providers to be well trained or continously retrained to raise awareness among pregnant and parturient women about the optimal practice and benefits of breastfeeding.
The effects of dry density and moisture content on the shear characteristics of clay-type muddy interlayer
Authors: Chen Mao , Zhang Jiaming , Qiu Peicheng , Liu Fei
Published: July 2024

Shear strength parameter is one of the important indexes of soil, which is the key factor to determine the stability of the project. In order to study the shear characteristics of clay-type muddy interlayer, an improved direct shear apparatus was used to carry out indoor direct shear tests under different dry density and moisture content conditions. The results show that the shear stress increases with the increase of dry density and decreases with the increase of moisture content. When the moisture content is 20%, the shear stress-shear displacement of the muddy interlayer shows obvious strain-softening phenomenon. When the moisture content is 23% and 25%, the sample shows hardening characteristics at low normal stress level. With the increase of stress level, the curve transits from softening type to hardening type. When the moisture content is 28%, the curves show slight strain softening. Under the condition of low moisture content, the internal friction angle decreases with the increase of dry density, while the cohesion increases with the increase of dry density. At medium moisture content, both of them fluctuated with dry density, but the amplitude was not large. At high water content, the response effects of internal friction angle, cohesion and dry density are not obvious. The research results can provide a reference for the research on disaster prevention and early warning of related projects of clay-type muddy interlayer.
Relationship between a novel assessment scoring system in pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy and clinical outcomes after embryo transfer: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Harada Yoshihisa , Fukunaga Emi , Maeda Tomoyo , Sasagawa Hiyori , Ikeda Maki , Shiba Reiko , Okano Shinichiro , Kinutani Masayuki , Tanaka Suguru E. , Shimada Miho , Ashikawa Kyota , Sakuraba Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2024

Background
The evaluation and interpretation of mosaicism in pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can be complex, and no consensus or standardized criteria are available for its assessment. We investigated whether mosaicism as assessed by the proprietary Knowledge-based Aneuploidy Theoretical Score (KAT-Score) in PGT-A correlates with clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single in vitro fertilization center between August 2020 and March 2023. A total of 124 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles were analyzed for clinical outcomes stratified by KAT-Score. We also analyzed the correlations between KAT-Score and clinical pregnancy or live birth rates.
Results
We found no significant difference in the KAT-Score between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups. However, the KAT-Score was significantly lower in the live birth group than in the non-live birth group. Moreover, the KAT-Score was a predictive indicator of live birth (area under the curve = 0.64, P < 0.01) but not of clinical pregnancy (area under the curve = 0.56, P = 0.1597). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, which included maternal age, previous embryo transfer cycles, endometrial thickness, and morphological grade as confounding factors, showed that lower KAT-Scores significantly correlated with the live birth rate (adjusted odds ratio: 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.99, P = 0.0403). No eventual live births were recorded in the group with a KAT-Score indicative of high chromosomal mosaic gain (KAT-Score ≥ 7).
Conclusions
This study suggests that the KAT-Score correlates with live birth but not with clinical pregnancy. The live birth rate differed according to type of mosaicism.
Mapping the impact of age and APOE risk factors for late onset Alzheimer’s disease on long range brain connections through multiscale bundle analysis
Authors: Stout Jacques , Anderson Robert J , Mahzarnia Ali , Han Zay , Beck Kate , Browndyke Jeffrey , Johnson Kim , O'Brien Richard , Badea Alexandra
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure and is usually detected too late for interventions to be effective. In this study we have focused on cognitively normal subjects to study the impact of risk factors on their long-range brain connections. To detect vulnerable connections, we devised a multiscale, hierarchical method for spatial clustering of the whole brain tractogram and examined the impact of age and APOE allelic variation on cognitive abilities and bundle properties including texture e.g., mean fractional anisotropy, variability, and geometric properties including streamline length, volume, and shape, as well as asymmetry. We found that the third level subdivision in the bundle hierarchy provided the most sensitive ability to detect age and genotype differences associated with risk factors. Our results indicate that frontal bundles were a major age predictor, while the occipital cortex and cerebellar connections were important risk predictors that were heavily genotype dependent, and showed accelerated decline in fractional anisotropy, shape similarity, and increased asymmetry. Cognitive metrics related to olfactory memory were mapped to bundles, providing possible early markers of neurodegeneration. In addition, physiological metrics such as diastolic blood pressure were associated with changes in white matter tracts. Our novel method for a data driven analysis of sensitive changes in tractography may differentiate populations at risk for AD and isolate specific vulnerable networks.
Evaluation of Spatial Resolution Effects in Rough Wall-bounded Turbulence
Authors: Xia Yu , Chung Daniel , Marusic Ivan , Hutchins Nicholas , Rowin Waigh Abu
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of insufficient spanwise spatial resolution on the measurement accuracy of streamwise velocity fluctuations over rough walls. We use a direct numerical simulation (DNS) database of turbulent open channel flow over three-dimensional sinusoidal roughness with varied wavelengths and roughness heights. Employing a triple decomposition, we investigate both the attenuation of the turbulent fluctuations (about the local mean), $u^\prime$ and the dispersive stresses (roughness-induced fluctuations of the time-averaged mean about the global mean), $\tilde{U}$. A boxcar filter on DNS data is applied to investigate the effects of spanwise spatial filtering on these quantities. Our analysis reveals the significance of two key length-scale ratios for velocity measurements over rough walls: the wire length relative to the spatially and temporally plane-averaged Kolmogorov scale at the roughness crest ($l/\langle \eta\rangle_k$), and the wire length relative to the roughness spanwise wavelength ($l/\Lambda$). We observe that maintaining $l/\langle \eta\rangle_k$ constant while increasing $l/\Lambda$ attenuates the variance of $\tilde{U}$ and $u^\prime$ within the roughness sublayer. When fixing $l/\Lambda$, an increase in $l/\langle \eta\rangle_k$ influences the turbulent fluctuations across all wall-normal locations. These findings highlight the necessity of considering both length scales when evaluating spanwise spatial resolution in turbulence measurements over rough walls.
The unveiling role of South Tropical Atlantic in winter Atlantic Niño inducing La Niña
Authors: Wang Dongxiao , Zhang Guangli , Chen Jiepeng , Fan Hanjie , Zhang Lei , chen Mengyan , Wang Xin
Published: July 2024

The relationship between the Atlantic Zonal Mode (AZM) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been a topic of controversy in previous studies. This paper focuses on the winter-peaked (AZM) due to its strong correlation with ENSO one year in advance. Two distinct types of winter-peaked Atlantic Niño (positive phase of AZM) events are identified based on the range of warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly: the Equatorial type and Expanded type. SST anomalies are confined to equator and extending to south tropical Atlantic (STA) for these two events respectively, which can induce different diabatic heating. For the Equatorial event, local precipitation responses only happen in winter. In contrast, due to the seasonal southward migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the Expanded event can persistently induce strong rainfall change in the spring season despite of the weakening SST anomalies, leading robust atmospheric responses over the western tropical Pacific through adjustments in the Walker Cell and ultimately favoring the development of La Niña. Given the stronger impacts of the Expanded type, it is imperative to consider the STA status when identifying winter Atlantic Niño events and their inter-basin boosting role to the Pacific.
A linear sensitivity framework to understand the drivers of the wet-bulb globe temperature changes
Authors: Kong Qinqin , Huber Matthew
Published: July 2024

Better understanding of the physical drivers of sufficiently realistic representation of human heat stress is crucial for improving prediction and enhancing preparedness. Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a standard metric for workplace heat stress, however, its calculation involves complex parameterizations of radiative and convective energy exchange. Thus it is difficult to understand the driving mechanisms behind WBGT changes. To address this issue, we introduce a sensitivity framework to analytically evaluate WBGT's response to meteorological input changes. By examining the form of sensitivity coefficients we gain insights into the interactive effects of multiple environmental parameters in controlling WBGT. Given constant wind and solar radiation, the natural wet-bulb and black globe temperatures change at the same rate and direction as the wet- and dry-bulb temperatures, despite considerable differences in their absolute values. The framework, while having state-dependent sensitivity coefficients, can be linearized, transforming WBGT into a linear combination of temperature, specific humidity, surface pressure, and terms representing wind and solar radiation effects. These explicit and mathematically tractable relations between WBGT and more intuitively understandable variables enable us to leverage established theories and methods to understand the driving mechanisms of WBGT changes. We apply the framework to understand the physical drivers of regional WBGT scaling with global warming and extreme WBGT synoptic events. The sensitivity framework also provides a universal approach to develop locally tuned linear approximations of WBGT and can be used to diagnose the sources of biases in other empirically derived approximations.
Smart and Secure Supply Chains in the New Era Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Akbar Demiral , ŞİMŞEK Murat
Published: July 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to play a huge role in the digital industry revolution, 4.0 and beyond. Added challenges presented by pandemic conditions has increased the need for effective use of digital and optimization techniques for a sustainable supply chain, both from suppliers’ and buyers’ perspectives. Buyers need to maintain a healthy pool of suppliers that can sustain added stresses and risks at times of crises, and suppliers need to improve their presence and visibility of their capabilities. Both these requirements are often addressed with more effective use of technology, particularly AI-based techniques, once the digital infrastructure with the right data set is established. For optimized supply chain management, choosing a supplier based solely on cost may prove insufficient. Buyers now must play a more proactive role towards establishing a healthy and functional arsenal of suppliers. This often requires the use of procurement decisions that go beyond short-term cost optimization but that targets long term risk optimization. Towards this goal, one of the most prevalent approaches used for planning, optimizing and forecasting the supply chains is AI-based methods. Decision support systems or relevant mechanisms need to employ practical AI techniques to handle these complex decision processes. Genetic Algorithms (GA), one of the widely used AI techniques, provides the optimal solution by analyzing multiple criteria at the same time to make an effective and efficient selection in supplier selection. Incorporating multiple criteria such as price, delivery time, customs and taxes, the supplier company's production type, warranty policy, quality assurance tests is very important in the competitive market environment. Among these, the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) stands out for their ability to analyze vast amounts of unstructured data, enabling more effective and efficient supplier selection by considering multiple criteria such as price, delivery time, customs, taxes, production types, warranty policies, and quality assurance tests. This capability is vital in the competitive market environment, where choosing a supplier involves not just cost considerations but also long-term risk optimization. Thus, LLMs integrate seamlessly into decision support systems, providing optimal solutions that enhance both planning and forecasting in supply chain management. In this study, an analysis was carried out through text generation with Distilgpt2, a large language model, as an effective way for supplier selection. Supplier selection was carried out using this artificial intelligence approach, which was carried out with an end-to-end approach, and the selection was made both in time and effectively.
Governança Institucional nos Tribunais de Contas: Análise do Sistema de Governança do Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará
Authors: Nepomuceno Francisco Sávio Sousa , Lima Alexandre Oliveira , Machado Marcus Vinícius Veras , Sousa Antônia Marcia Rodrigues
Published: July 2024

Objetivo do estudo: O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as boas práticas de Governança contempladas no “Referencial Básico de Governança Organizacional (RBG) do TCU” presentes no âmbito normativo do Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará (TCE-CE).
Metodologia: Em termos metodológicos, a pesquisa teve caráter documental, utilizando como base de pesquisa o Referencial Básico de Governança Organizacional (RBG) do TCU e a política de governança pública do Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará (TEC-CE).
Originalidade/Relevância: as práticas de governança pública desenhadas pelo Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) designam a aplicação de práticas de liderança, de estratégia e de controle de modo a aumentar as chances de entrega de bons resultados aos cidadãos, em termos de serviços e de políticas públicas (TCU, 2020). Assim, o TCE-CE desenvolveu mecanismos e práticas de governança de modo a aperfeiçoar a melhoria dos seus serviços aos cidadãos cearenses.
Principais Resultados: percebe-se que dez de um total de doze, ou seja, em 83,3% das práticas designadas pelo Referencial Básico do TCU, o TCE-CE possui, no mínimo, alguma aderência. Vale destacar que dessas dez práticas, cinco tiveram aderência total do TCE-CE e outras cinco possuíam aderência parcial. Resumidamente, todas as práticas dos mecanismos liderança e estratégia, correspondências nos normativos do TCE Ceará, principalmente na Resolução Administrativa Nº 04/2019 que traz o modelo de governança do TCE Ceará e contempla a maioria das práticas recomendadas pelo TCU. A prática de avaliar a satisfação das partes interessadas, que faz parte do mecanismo controle, não foi encontrada nenhuma menção, ou elemento correspondente nos normativos, e no modelo de governança do TCE-CE.
Academic Literature on Compliance Programs, ESG, Corporate Governance, Fraud Prevention, Human Rights, Corruption, Data Protection, and SDGs
Authors: Silva Altieres de Oliveira
Published: July 2024

This academic summary provides an overview of key themes in recent open-access articles pertaining to compliance programs, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, corporate governance, fraud prevention, human rights, corruption, data protection, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as set forth by the United Nations. Scholars have extensively explored the significance of compliance programs in organizations, evaluating their role in ensuring ethical practices, legal adherence, and risk mitigation. Additionally, research has focused on the adoption and impact of ESG strategies, addressing their influence on corporate decision-making, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Corporate governance remains a vital area of investigation, investigating board structures, executive compensation, and the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in enhancing firm performance and accountability. Simultaneously, efforts to combat fraud and corruption have led to analyses of fraud detection techniques, whistleblowing systems, and anti-corruption measures. The literature also highlights the evolving landscape of data protection, emphasizing regulatory developments, privacy frameworks, and organizational responsibilities in safeguarding data. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on the integration of human rights principles into business practices, exploring the implications of human rights violations and strategies for promoting responsible corporate behavior. Lastly, articles have explored the alignment of corporate practices with the SDGs, examining businesses' contributions to global sustainability goals.