bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic, health, physical activity, and workplace factors are associated with lower healthy working life expectancy and life expectancy at age 50
Authors: Lynch Marty , Bucknall Milica , Jagger Carol , Kingston Andrew , Wilkie Ross
Published: March 2024

Although retirement ages are rising in the United Kingdom and other countries, the average number of years people in England can expect to spend both healthy and work from age 50 (Healthy Working Life Expectancy; HWLE) is less than the number of years to the State Pension age. This study aimed to estimate HWLE with the presence and absence of selected health, socio-demographic, physical activity, and workplace factors relevant to stakeholders focusing on improving work participation. Data from 11,540 adults in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing were analysed using a continuous time 3-state multi-state model. Age-adjusted hazard rate ratios (aHRR) were estimated for transitions between health and work states associated with individual and combinations of health, socio-demographic, and workplace factors. HWLE from age 50 was 3.3 years fewer on average for people with pain interference (6.54 years with 95% confidence interval [6.07, 7.01]) compared to those without (9.79 [9.50, 10.08]). Osteoarthritis and mental health problems were associated with 2.2 and 2.9 fewer healthy working years respectively (HWLE for people without osteoarthritis: 9.50 years [9.22, 9.79]; HWLE with osteoarthritis: 7.29 years [6.20, 8.39]; HWLE without mental health problems: 9.76 years [9.48, 10.05]; HWLE with mental health problems: 6.87 years [1.58, 12.15]). Obesity and physical inactivity were associated with 0.9 and 2.0 fewer healthy working years respectively (HWLE without obesity: 9.31 years [9.01, 9.62]; HWLE with obesity: 8.44 years [8.02, 8.86]; HWLE without physical inactivity: 9.62 years [9.32, 9.91]; HWLE with physical inactivity: 7.67 years [7.23, 8.12]). Workers without autonomy at work or with inadequate support at work were expected to lose 1.8 and 1.7 years respectively in work with good health from age 50 (HWLE for workers with autonomy: 9.50 years [9.20, 9.79]; HWLE for workers lacking autonomy: 7.67 years [7.22, 8.12]; HWLE for workers with support: 9.52 years [9.22, 9.82]; HWLE for workers with inadequate support: 7.86 years [7.22, 8.12]). This study identified demographic, health, physical activity, and workplace factors associated with lower HWLE and life expectancy at age 50. Identifying the extent of the impact on healthy working life highlights these factors as targets and the potential to mitigate against premature work exit is encouraging to policy-makers seeking to extend working life as well as people with musculoskeletal and mental health conditions and their employers. The HWLE gaps suggest that interventions are needed to promote the health, wellbeing and work outcomes of subpopulations with long-term health conditions.
Population genetics of the critically endangered three-striped turtle, Batagur dhongoka, from the Ganga river system using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis
Authors: Kumar Ajit , Panda Ashish Kumar , Usmani Aftab Alam , Yadav Prabhaker , Panwar Anshu , Badola Ruchi , Hussain Syed Ainul , Gupta Sandeep Kumar
Published: March 2024

The three-striped roofed (Batagur dhongoka) is a semi-aquatic turtle that belongs to family Geoemydidae. Due to anthropogenic pressure, it has been facing an intense decline of over 80% in its distribution range in the past 50 years. It is considered as 'Critically Endangered' so effective conservation strategies are needed to protect the species by determining their genetic diversity and population genetic structure. This study investigates the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic pattern of B. dhongoka from two Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre established near Ganga river using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b: 1140 bp) ; control region (CR: 451 bp) and ten nuclear microsatellite loci. mtDNA results show low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0022) in B. dhongoka haplotypes and provide evidence for a low substitution rate. The demographic pattern estimated by the Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analysis indicates historical stability followed by growth in the effective population size, with a recent reduction in population size from ~ 2 thousand years ago. The microsatellite findings show a moderate level of observed heterozygosity (Ho: 0.49). Bayesian-based clustering analysis revealed weak genetic structures in B. dhongoka and presence of admixed assignations suggesting close genetic relationships. These findings shed light on B. dhongoka's genetic status and underline the necessity of comprehensive rehabilitation and relocation programs and conservation and management techniques to ensure the species' long-term survival. In order to ensure the effective protection and conservation of B. dhongoka, the Government of India has taken a proactive measure by incorporating it into Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022.
Comprehensive study reveals phenotypic heterogeneity in Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex isolates
Authors: Rodríguez-Medina Nadia , Rodríguez-Santiago Jonathan , Alvarado-Delgado Alejandro , Sagal-Prado Alan , Silva-Sánchez Jesús , De la Cruz Miguel A. , Ares Miguel Angel , Sánchez-Arias Margarita , Morfín-Otero Rayo , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia , Jiménez-Villanueva Emmanuel , Sánchez-Francia Domingo , Garza-Ramos Ulises
Published: March 2024

Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 356 Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) isolates that were classified as classical (cl), presumptive hypervirulent (p-hv) and hypermucoviscous-like (hmv-like). Overall, K. pneumoniae (82.3%), K. variicola (2.5%) and K. quasipneumoniae (2.5%) were identified. These isolates comprised 321 cl-KpSC, 7 p-hv-KpSC and 18 hmv-like-KpSC. A large proportion of cl-KpSC isolates were extended-spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producers (64.4%) and 3.4% of isolates were colistin-resistant carrying carbapenemase and ESBL genes. All p-hv-KpSC showed an antibiotic susceptible phenotype and hmv-like isolates were found to be ESBL-producers (8/18). Assays for capsule production and capsule-dependent virulence phenotypes and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed in a subset of isolates. Capsule amount differed in all p-hv strains and hmv-like produced higher capsule amounts than cl strains; these variations had important implications in phagocytosis and virulence. Murine sepsis model showed that most cl strains were nonlethal and the hmv-like caused 100% mortality with 3 × 108 CFUs. Unexpectedly, 3/7 (42.9%) of p-hv strains required 108 CFUs to cause 100% mortality (atypical hypervirulent), and 4/7 (57.1%) strains were considered truly hypervirulent (hv). Genomic analyses confirmed the diverse population, including isolates belonging to hv clonal groups (CG) CG23, CG86, CG380 and CG25 (this corresponded to the ST3999 a novel hv clone) and MDR clones such as CG258 and CG147 (ST392) among others. We noted that the hmv-like and hv-ST3999 isolates showed a close phylogenetic relationship with cl-MDR K. pneumoniae. The information collected here is important to understand the evolution of clinically important phenotypes such as hypervirulent and ESBL-producing-hypermucoviscous-like amongst the KpSC in Mexican healthcare settings. Likewise, this study shows that mgrB inactivation is the main mechanism of colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates from Mexico.
Global multi-hazard risk assessment in a changing climate
Authors: Stalhandske Zélie , Steinmann Carmen B. , Meiler Simona , Sauer Inga J. , Vogt Thomas , Bresch David N. , Kropf Chahan M.
Published: March 2024

Natural hazards pose significant risks to people and assets in many regions of the world. Quantifying associated risks is crucial for many applications such as adaptation option appraisal and insurance pricing. However, traditional risk assessment approaches have focused on the impacts of single hazards, ignoring the effects of multi-hazard risks and potentially leading to underestimations or overestimations of risks. In this work, we present a framework for modelling multi-hazard risks globally in a consistent way, considering hazards, exposures, vulnerabilities, and assumptions on recovery. We illustrate the approach using river floods and tropical cyclones impacting people and physical assets on a global scale in a changing climate. To ensure physical consistency, we combine single hazard models that were driven by the same climate model realizations. Our results show that incorporating common physical drivers and recovery considerably alters the multi-hazard risk. We finally demonstrate how our framework can accommodate more than two hazards and integrate diverse assumptions about recovery processes based on a national case study. This framework is implemented in the open-source climate risk assessment platform CLIMADA and can be applied to various hazards and exposures, providing a more comprehensive approach to risk management than conventional methods.
AMENet is a monocular depth estimation network designed for automatic stereoscopic display
Authors: Wu Tianzhao , Xia Zhongyi , Zhou Man , Kong Ling Bing , Chen Zengyuan
Published: March 2024

Monocular depth estimation has a wide range of applications in the field of autostereoscopic displays, while accuracy and robustness in complex scenes are still a challenge. In this paper, we propose a depth estimation network for autostereoscopic displays, which aims at improving the accuracy of monocular depth estimation by fusing Vision Transformer (ViT) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Our approach feeds the input image as a sequence of visual features into the ViT module and utilizes its global perception capability to extract high-level semantic features of the image. The relationship between the losses is quantified by adding a weight correction module to improve robustness of the model. Experimental evaluation results on several public datasets show that AMENet exhibits higher accuracy and robustness than existing methods in different scenarios and complex conditions. In addition, a detailed experimental analysis was conducted to verify the effectiveness and stability of our method. The accuracy improvement on the KITTI dataset compared to the baseline method is 4.4%. In summary, AMENet is a promising depth estimation method with sufficient high robustness and accuracy for monocular depth estimation tasks.
Generalizable disease detection using model ensemble on chest X-ray images
Authors: Abad Maider , Casas-Roma Jordi , Prados Ferran
Published: March 2024

In the realm of healthcare, the demand for swift and precise diagnostic tools has been steadily increasing. This study delves into a comprehensive performance analysis of three pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures: ResNet50, DenseNet121, and Inception-ResNet-v2. To ensure the broad applicability of our approach, we curated a large-scale dataset comprising a diverse collection of chest X-ray images, that included both positive and negative cases of COVID-19. The models’ performance was evaluated using separate datasets for internal validation (from the same source as the training images) and external validation (from different sources). Our examination uncovered a significant drop in network efficacy, registering a 10.66% reduction for ResNet50, a 36.33% decline for DenseNet121, and a 19.55% decrease for Inception-ResNet-v2 in terms of accuracy. Best results were obtained with DenseNet121 achieving the highest accuracy at 96.71% in internal validation and Inception-ResNet-v2 attaining 76.70% accuracy in external validation. Furthermore, we introduced a model ensemble approach aimed at improving network performance when making inferences on images from diverse sources beyond their training data. The proposed method uses uncertainty-based weighting by calculating the entropy in order to assign appropriate weights to the outputs of each network. Our results showcase the effectiveness of the ensemble method in enhancing accuracy up to 97.38% for internal validation and 81.18% for external validation, while maintaining a balanced ability to detect both positive and negative cases.
HSPA9 reduction exacerbates symptoms and cell death in DSS-Induced inflammatory colitis
Authors: Jang Soyoung , Jang Soyeon , Ko Jiwon , Bae Ji-Eun , Hyung Hyejin , Park Ji Yeong , Lim Su-Geun , Park Sijun , Park Song , Yi Junkoo , Kim Seonggon , Kim Myoung Ok , Cho Dong-Hyung , Ryoo Zae Young
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that is influenced by various factors, including environmental factors, immune responses, and genetic elements. Among the factors that influence IBD progression, macrophages play a significant role in generating inflammatory mediators, and an increase in the number of activated macrophages contributes to cellular damage, thereby exacerbating the overall inflammatory conditions. HSPA9, a member of the heat shock protein 70 family, plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial processes and responding to oxidative stress. HSPA9 deficiency disrupts mitochondrial dynamics, increasing mitochondrial fission and the production of reactive oxygen species. Based on the known functions of HSPA9, we considered the possibility that HSPA9 reduction may contribute to the exacerbation of colitis and investigated its relevance. In a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse model, the downregulated HSPA9 exacerbates colitis symptoms, including increased immune cell infiltration, elevated proinflammatory cytokines, decreased tight junctions, and altered macrophage polarization. Moreover, along with the increased mitochondrial fission, we found that the reduction in HSPA9 significantly affected the superoxide dismutase 1 levels and contributed to cellular death. These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying colitis and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this challenging condition.
Prediction of neovascular age-related macular degeneration recurrence using optical coherence tomography images with a deep neural network
Authors: Jung Juho , Han Jinyoung , Han Jeong Mo , Ko Junseo , Yoon Jeewoo , Hwang Joon Seo , Park Ji In , Hwang Gyudeok , Jung Jae Ho , Hwang Daniel Duck-Jin
Published: March 2024

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) can result in blindness if left untreated, and patients often require repeated anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. Although, the treat-and-extend method is becoming popular to reduce vision loss attributed to recurrence, it may pose a risk of overtreatment. This study aimed to develop a deep learning model based on DenseNet201 to predict nAMD recurrence within 3 months after confirming dry-up 1 month following three loading injections in treatment-naïve patients. A dataset of 1076 spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images from 269 patients diagnosed with nAMD was used. The performance of the model was compared with that of 6 ophthalmologists, using 100 randomly selected samples. The DenseNet201-based model achieved 53.0% accuracy in predicting nAMD recurrence using a single pre-injection image and 60.2% accuracy after viewing all the images immediately after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd injections. The model outperformed experienced ophthalmologists, with an average accuracy of 52.17% using a single pre-injection image and 53.3% after examining four images before and after three loading injections. In conclusion, the artificial intelligence model demonstrated a promising ability to predict nAMD recurrence using OCT images and outperformed experienced ophthalmologists. These findings suggest that deep learning models can assist in nAMD recurrence prediction, thus improving patient outcomes and optimizing treatment strategies.
Effective treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection improves survival and affects graft-versus-host disease: a multicenter study by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group
Authors: Piekarska Agnieszka , Sadowska-Klasa Alicja , Mensah-Glanowska Patrycja , Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka Małgorzata , Drozd-Sokołowska Joanna , Waszczuk-Gajda Anna , Kujawska Joanna , Wilk Mateusz , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Zaucha Jan M. , Giebel Sebastian , Gil Lidia
Published: March 2024

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The impact of CDI and its treatment on allo-HCT outcomes and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), including gastrointestinal GVHD (GI-GVHD) is not well established. This multicenter study assessed real-life data on the first-line treatment of CDI and its impact on allo-HCT outcomes. Retrospective and prospective data of patients with CDI after allo-HCT were assessed. We noted statistically significant increase in the incidence of acute GVHD and acute GI-GVHD after CDI (P = 0.005 and P = 0.016, respectively). The first-line treatment for CDI included metronidazole in 34 patients, vancomycin in 64, and combination therapy in 10. Treatment failure was more common with metronidazole than vancomycin (38.2% vs. 6.2%; P < 0.001). The need to administer second-line treatment was associated with the occurrence or exacerbation of GVHD (P < 0.05) and GI-GVHD (P < 0.001) and reduced overall survival (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the risk of death was associated with acute GVHD presence before CDI (hazard ratio [HR], 3.19; P = 0.009) and the need to switch to second-line treatment (HR, 4.83; P < 0.001). The efficacy of the initial CDI treatment affects survival and occurrence of immune-mediated GI-GVHD after allo-HCT. Therefore, agents with higher efficacy than metronidazole (vancomycin or fidaxomicin) should be administered as the first-line treatment.
Ground reaction forces better than center of pressure differentiate postural control between young female volleyball players and untrained peers
Authors: Borzucka Dorota , Kręcisz Krzysztof , Kuczyński Michał
Published: March 2024

A comprehensive explanation of the relationship between postural control and athletic performance requires compare body balance in athletes with their never training counterparts. To fill this gap in relation to volleyball, the aim of this study was to compare the balance of intermediate adolescent female players (VOL, n = 61) with inactive peers (CON, n = 57). The participants were investigated in normal quiet stance during 20 s trials on a Kistler force plate. The traditional spatial (amplitude and mean speed) and temporal (frequency and entropy) indices were computed for ground reaction forces (GRF) and center-of-pressure (COP) time-series. The spatial parameters of the both time-series did not discriminate the two groups. However, the temporal GRF parameters revealed much lower values in VOL than in CON (p < .0001). This leads to three important conclusions regarding posturography applications. First, GRF and COP provide different information regarding postural control. Second, measures based on GRF are more sensitive to changes in balance related to volleyball training and perhaps to similar training and sports activity regimens. And third, the indicators calculated based on these two time series can complement each other and thus enrich the insight into the relationship between balance and sports performance level.
Effects of adaptation measures to extreme heat throughout medium and high temperature periods, case study at the Osaka expo site
Authors: Takebayashi Hideki , Maeda Nao
Published: March 2024

For the Osaka-Kansai Expo, to be held from April to October 2025, it is necessary to manage the exhibition site with consideration for countermeasures against heat in order to make safe and active use of the outdoor space. In this study, we compared meteorological data observed at Expo site on the sea coast, and at the Osaka Meteorological Observatory in the city center to analyze the quantitative relationship between meteorological elements at both locations, calculated thermal environment indices using these meteorological data, and considered the effects of implementing adaptation measures against the heat. The effect of solar radiation shading is predominant in lowering SET* and WBGT. During the medium temperature period, before mid-June and after mid-September, solar radiation shading avoids uncomfortable conditions, and during the high temperature period, from late June to mid-July and mid-August to early September, solar radiation shading, surface cover improvement, and mist spraying reduce the risk of heat stroke. However, during the extremely hot period, from late July to early August, the risk of heat stroke cannot be avoided by any of the adaptation measures to heat.
Antifungal activity of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles against pathogenic Candida species
Authors: Azadi Sedigheh , Azizipour Esmat , Amani Ali Mohammad , Vaez Ahmad , Zareshahrabadi Zahra , Abbaspour Alireza , Firuzyar Tahereh , Dortaj Hengameh , Kamyab Hesam , Chelliapan Shreeshivadasan , Mosleh-Shirazi Sareh
Published: March 2024

The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized. The Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs was characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating successful synthesis. The antifungal potential was evaluated against six Candida species (C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. albicans) using the broth microdilution method. The results indicated strong antifungal activity in the range of 8–64 μg/mL with the lowest MIC (8 μg/mL) observed against C. parapsilosis. The result showed the MIC of 32 μg/mL against C. albicans as the most common infection source. The antifungal mechanism is likely due to the disruption of the fungal cell wall and membrane, along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to cell death. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay for cytotoxicity on mouse L929 fibroblastic cells suggested low toxicity and even enhanced cell proliferation at certain concentrations. This study demonstrates the promise of Fe3O4@SiO2/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs as a potent antifungal agent with potential applications in the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, healthcare-associated infections, and beyond.
Impact of malnutrition on mortality and neurological recovery of older patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Tamai Koji , Terai Hidetomi , Nakamura Hiroaki , Yokogawa Noriaki , Sasagawa Takeshi , Nakashima Hiroaki , Segi Naoki , Ito Sadayuki , Funayama Toru , Eto Fumihiko , Yamaji Akihiro , Watanabe Kota , Yamane Junichi , Takeda Kazuki , Furuya Takeo , Yunde Atsushi , Nakajima Hideaki , Yamada Tomohiro , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Terashima Yoshinori , Hirota Ryosuke , Suzuki Hidenori , Imajo Yasuaki , Ikegami Shota , Uehara Masashi , Tonomura Hitoshi , Sakata Munehiro , Hashimoto Ko , Onoda Yoshito , Kawaguchi Kenichi , Haruta Yohei , Suzuki Nobuyuki , Kato Kenji , Uei Hiroshi , Sawada Hirokatsu , Nakanishi Kazuo , Misaki Kosuke , Kuroda Akiyoshi , Inoue Gen , Kakutani Kenichiro , Kakiuchi Yuji , Kiyasu Katsuhito , Tominaga Hiroyuki , Tokumoto Hiroto , Iizuka Yoichi , Takasawa Eiji , Akeda Koji , Takegami Norihiko , Funao Haruki , Oshima Yasushi , Kaito Takashi , Sakai Daisuke , Yoshii Toshitaka , Ohba Tetsuro , Otsuki Bungo , Seki Shoji , Miyazaki Masashi , Ishihara Masayuki , Okada Seiji , Imagama Shiro , Kato Satoshi
Published: March 2024

This retrospective cohort study established malnutrition’s impact on mortality and neurological recovery of older patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). It included patients aged ≥ 65 years with traumatic cervical SCI treated conservatively or surgically. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index was calculated to assess nutritional-related risk. Overall, 789 patients (mean follow-up: 20.1 months) were examined and 47 had major nutritional-related risks on admission. One-year mortality rate, median survival time, neurological recovery, and activities of daily living (ADL) at 1 year post-injury were compared between patients with major nutrition-related risk and matched controls selected using 1:2 propensity score matching to adjust for age, pre-traumatic neurological impairment, and activity. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the median survival times were 44.9 and 76.5 months for patients with major nutrition-related risk and matched controls, respectively (p = 0.015). Matched controls had more individuals with a neurological improvement of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale ≥ 1 grade (p = 0.039) and independence in ADL at 1 year post-injury than patients with major nutrition-related risk (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 6% of older patients with cervical SCI had major nutrition-related risks; they showed a significantly higher 1 year mortality rate, shorter survival time, poorer neurological improvement, and lower ADL at 1 year post-injury than matched controls.
Cross-cultural perception of strength, attractiveness, aggressiveness and helpfulness of Maasai male faces calibrated to handgrip strength
Authors: Butovskaya Marina L. , Rostovstseva Victoria V. , Mezentseva Anna A. , Kavina Alexander , Rizwan Muhammad , Shi Yuanyuan , Vilimek Vítězslav , Davletshin Albert
Published: March 2024

Previous research has demonstrated that Maasai and Europeans tend to align in their ratings of the physical strength and aggressiveness of Maasai male faces, calibrated to hand grip strength (HGS). However, perceptions of attractiveness of these faces differed among populations. In this study, three morphs of young Maasai men created by means of geometric morphometrics, and depicting the average sample and two extrema (± 4 SD of HGS), were assessed by men and women from Tanzania, Czech Republic, Russia, Pakistan, China, and Mexico (total sample = 1540). The aim of this study was to test cross-cultural differences in the perception of young Maasai men’s composites calibrated to HGS, focusing on four traits: physical strength, attractiveness, aggressiveness, and helpfulness. Individuals from all six cultures were able to distinguish between low, medium, and high HGS portraits. Across all study populations, portrait of Maasai men with lower HGS was perceived as less attractive, more aggressive, and less helpful. This suggests that people from diverse populations share similar perceptions of physical strength based on facial shape, as well as attribute similar social qualities like aggressiveness and helpfulness to these facial images. Participants from all samples rated the composite image of weak Maasai men as the least attractive.
Longitudinal association of oral functions and dementia in Japanese older adults
Authors: Iwai Komei , Azuma Tetsuji , Yonenaga Takatoshi , Sasai Yasuyuki , Nomura Taketsugu , Sugiura Iwane , Inagawa Yujo , Matsumoto Yusuke , Nakashima Seiji , Abe Yoshikazu , Tomofuji Takaaki
Published: March 2024

The relationship between oral functions and dementia was examined in 7384 older adults (age ≥ 75 years) who visited a dental clinic in Gifu, Japan. Participants without dementia in a baseline survey in April 2018 were followed until March 2021. As oral functions, chewing function, tongue and lip function, and swallowing function were assessed by self-administered questionnaire, by oral diadochokinesis test, and by repetitive saliva swallowing test, respectively. The presence of systemic diseases was based on data obtained from the National Database of Health Insurance of Japan. At follow-up, 415 (6%) participants were diagnosed with dementia. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the presence of dementia at follow-up was associated with female (odds ratio [OR] 1.386; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.117–1.719), age (OR 1.078; CI 1.056–1.101), regular dental checkups (absence; OR 1.452; CI 1.180–1.788), brushing frequency ≥ twice/day (absence; OR 1.510; CI 1.194–1.911), decayed teeth (presence; OR 1.328; CI 1.071–1.648), swallowing function (poor; OR 1.484; CI 1.135–1.939) at baseline. It was found that poor swallowing function was associated with the future onset of dementia.
The relationship between earthquake risk perceptions, religious orientation, spiritual well-being in individuals with and without earthquake experience: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gökçay Gönül , Çevirme Ayşe , İncirkuş Küçük Hülya , Genç Akgün Zeynep
Published: March 2024

The physical and psychological effects of earthquakes on individuals with their experience dimension are important. This study aimed to examine the relationship between earthquake risk perception, religious orientation, and spiritual well-being among individuals with and without earthquake experience. The data collection instruments included a socio-demographic information questionnaire, earthquake risk perception scale, religious orientation scale, and three-factor spiritual well-being scale. Statistical evaluations were performed using independent samples t test, one-way ANOVA test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test (Levene), Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses. About 59.9% of the participants had experienced an earthquake. Individuals with earthquake experience scored 33.04 ± 7.80 on the earthquake risk perception scale, 100.65 ± 20.80 on the religious orientation scale, and 119.66 ± 18.87 on the three-factor spiritual well-being scale. Those without earthquake experience scored 31.57 ± 7.74, 96.70 ± 18.46, and 114.09 ± 18.04 on the respective scales. The average scores on the earthquake risk perception scale were found to be statistically significant with respect to gender, while the average scores on the religious orientation scale and the three-factor spiritual well-being scale were found to be statistically significant with respect to both gender and substance use. The regression analysis revealed that religious orientation and three-factor spiritual well-being significantly predicted 13.5% of the variance in earthquake risk perception. Studies to increase individuals’ risk perception are important in minimizing the destructive effects of earthquakes in countries in the earthquake zone.
Objective sleep quality predicts subjective sleep ratings
Authors: Pierson-Bartel Róbert , Ujma Péter Przemyslaw
Published: March 2024

In both clinical and observational studies, sleep quality is usually assessed by subjective self-report. The literature is mixed about how accurately these self-reports track objectively (e.g. via polysomnography) assessed sleep quality, with frequent reports of little to no association. However, previous research on this question focused on between-subject designs, which may be confounded by trait-level variables. In the current study, we used the novel Budapest Sleep, Experiences and Traits Study (BSETS) dataset to investigate if within-subject differences in subjectively reported sleep quality are related to sleep macrostructure and quantitative EEG variables assessed using a mobile EEG headband. We found clear evidence that self-reported sleep quality in the morning is influenced by within-subject variations in sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency. These effects were replicated if detailed sleep composition metrics (percentage and latency of specific vigilance states) or two alternative measures of subjective sleep quality were used instead. We found no effect of the number of awakenings or relative EEG delta and sigma power. Between-subject effects (relationships between individual mean values of sleep metrics and subjective sleep quality) were also found, highlighting that analyses focusing only on these may be erroneous. Our findings show that while previous investigations of this issue may have been confounded by between-subject effects, objective sleep quality is indeed reflected in subjective sleep ratings.
Mechanical metamaterials as broadband electromagnetic wave absorbers: investigating relationships between geometrical parameters and electromagnetic response
Authors: Lim Dahyun Daniel , Lee Sangryun , Lee Jeong-Ho , Choi Wonjoon , Gu Grace X.
Published: March 2024

This work explores the correlations with geometrical parameters (cell length, volume fraction, multilayer) and electromagnetic response of lightweight and load-bearing mechanical metamaterials when used as a broadband absorber.
Cooperative dynamics of DNA-grafted magnetic nanoparticles optimize magnetic biosensing and coupling to DNA origami
Authors: Lak Aidin , Wang Yihao , Kolbeck Pauline J. , Pauer Christoph , Chowdhury Mohammad Suman , Cassani Marco , Ludwig Frank , Viereck Thilo , Selbach Florian , Tinnefeld Philip , Schilling Meinhard , Liedl Tim , Tavacoli Joe , Lipfert Jan
Published: March 2024

Single-stranded DNA on MNPs shows a transition from being coiled to being brushed out at low and high grafting densities, respectively. Thereby, MNPs exhibit cooperative dynamics, which is highly relevant for magnetic biosensing and binding to DNA origami.
Advances in zeolitic-imidazolate-framework-based catalysts for photo-/electrocatalytic water splitting, CO2 reduction and N2 reduction applications
Authors: Wang Jiaorong , Yuan Lihong , Zhang Pan , Mao Jing , Fan Jiajie , Zhang Xiao Li
Published: March 2024

Characteristics and physiochemical advantages of ZIFs are reviewed with promising regulatory approaches for advancing the kinetic processes in emerging photo/electrocatalytic water splitting, CO2 reduction and N2 reduction applications.
Enhancing the electric charge output in LiNbO3-based piezoelectric pressure sensors
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Geng Wenping , Zhang Huiyi , Fu Wenxiao , Wang Zihan , Li Jiahe , Qiao Xiaojun , Zhang Yichi , Chou Xiujian
Published: March 2024

LiNbO3 is used to prepare a piezoelectric pressure sensor and its sensitivity is significantly improved via heterogeneous integration.
Simple colorimetric paper-based test strip for point-of-use quality testing of ethanol-based hand sanitizers
Authors: El-Hassanein Aya M. , Mansour Fotouh R. , Hammad Sherin F. , Abdella Aya A.
Published: March 2024

A novel, simple, affordable, and reliable colorimetric paper-based analytical device was developed for the point-of-use quality testing of ethanol-based hand sanitizers, mainly against adulteration by water.
Identifying key environmental objectives for integrated process and fuel design
Authors: Voelker Simon , Ackermann Philipp , Granderath Marcel , Kortmann Clemens , Viell Joern , Mitsos Alexander , von der Assen Niklas
Published: March 2024

This work identifies key environmental objectives from life cycle assessment for integrated process and fuel design of spark-ignition engine fuels.
Sodium alginate hydrogelation mediated paper-based POCT sensor for visual distance reading and smartphone-assisted colorimetric dual-signal determination of l-lactate
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Chen Danrong , Cai Yujiao , Liu Zijing , Yang Hongfen , Xie Hongbin , Liu Jinquan , Yang Shengyuan
Published: March 2024

Here, we show a paper-based POCT sensor based on lactate dehydrogenase-mediated alginate gelation combined with visual distance reading and smartphone-assisted colorimetric dual-signal analysis to determine the concentration of l-lactate in yogurt samples.
P3MOT-decorated metal-porphyrin-based zirconium-MOF for the efficient electrochemical detection of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde
Authors: Chen Wen-yi , Huang Xin-yu , Sun Qian , Gao En-qing
Published: March 2024

Developed a novel hybrid P3MOT@PCN-222(Fe) via in situ polymerization for 4-NBA detection. Showcased broad detection range, high sensitivity, selectivity and stability, laying groundwork for environmental monitoring.
Surface charge-induced electrospray for high-throughput analysis of complex samples and electrochemical reaction intermediates using mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Yajie , Zheng Yajun , Zuo Qianqian , Zhang Zhiming , Zhu Lixuan , Li Yun , Zhang Zhiping
Published: March 2024

A novel surface charge induced electrospray ionization is proposed due to its features of no contact between sample solution and metal electrode, fast analytical process (less than 40 s), and high analytical sensitivity.
Supported Pd-catalyzed ring opening and chemoselective aminocarbonylative coupling of benzoxazoles with aryl iodides
Authors: Mehara Pushkar , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Kumar Ashish , Sharma Poonam , Das Pralay
Published: March 2024

A tandem approach using polystyrene supported Pd catalyzed ring opening aminocarbonylative coupling of benzoxazoles with aryl iodides has been developed for the synthesis of N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzamides using solid oxalic acid as the CO source.
LiCoO2 impregnated nano-hierarchical ZSM-5 assisted catalytic upgrading of Kraft lignin-derived liquefaction bio-oil
Authors: Agarwal Ashutosh , Li Xue
Published: March 2024

Using e-waste for bio-oil upgrading.
Iodide-umpolung catalytic system for non-traditional amide coupling from nitroalkanes and amines
Authors: Chen Chun-Lin , Huang Tian-Sih , Chang Po-Hsiang , Hsu Che-Sheng
Published: March 2024

Developing a new catalytic system involves reversing the polarity (umpolung) concept to synthesize amide derivatives.
Selective cross-coupling of α,β-unsaturated nitriles with aldehydes or alcohols by hydrogen transfer catalysis towards β-ketonitriles and glutaronitriles
Authors: Zhang Shi-Qi , Xia Ji-Bao
Published: March 2024

A Ru-catalyzed selective hydroacylation of acrylonitriles with aldehydes or alcohols towards β-ketonitriles is established. Glutaronitriles can be obtained through a one-step tandem hydroacylation and Michael addition of acrylonitrile and alcohols.
Nanofibrous electrospun scaffold doped with hydroxyapatite derived from sand lobster shell (Panulirus homarus) for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Dinatha I Kadek Hariscandra , Diputra Arian H. , Wihadmadyatami Hevi , Partini Juliasih , Yusuf Yusril
Published: March 2024

The HAp from the SL shell as a new natural resource was incorporated into the PVA/PVP/CS nanofibrous electrospun. The physicochemical and the in vitro MC3T3E1 cell analysis revealed that HAp in nanofiber can be used for bone tissue engineering.
Self-assembly of rod–coil–rod block copolymers in a coil-selective solvent: coarse-grained simulation results
Authors: Toujani Chiraz , Padilla Luis A. , Alhraki Nour , Hur Su-Mi , Ramírez-Hernández Abelardo
Published: March 2024

Parameters that govern the self assembly of a symmetric triblock copolymer.
Promoting photoreduction selectivity via synergetic utilization between vacancy and nanofiber structure over flexible Zr/TiO2−x nanofiber films
Authors: Jiang Shan , Li Haoze , Gui Wenke , Zhang Yingbing , Zhang Chenchen , Zhang Lei , Yang Jianping , Wang Li
Published: March 2024

Here, flexible defective Zr/TiO2−x nanofiber film was prepared, and the rather high selectivity for the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 could be achieved due to the synergetic effect of OVs and nanofiber structure.
Rationally designed synthesis of bright Cu–Ga–Zn–Se-based nanocrystals for efficient green quantum-dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Sun Ruixin , Zhao Jinxing , Lin Ouyang , Li Yu , Xie Xiulin , Niu Wentao , Yin Zhe , Tang Aiwei
Published: March 2024

Cd-free QLEDs with tunable emission from 603 to 524 nm were constructed by regulating the non-stoichiometric Cu : Ga molar ratio, and the green QLEDs showed high performance with an EQE of 5.8% and a high brightness of 7016 cd m−2.
The molecular sociology of NHERF1 PDZ proteins controlling renal hormone-regulated phosphate transport
Authors: Friedman Peter A. , Mamonova Tatyana
Published: March 2024

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) control extracellular phosphate levels by regulating renal NPT2A-mediated phosphate transport by a process requiring the PDZ scaffold protein NHERF1. NHERF1 possesses two PDZ domains, PDZ1 and PDZ2, with identical core-binding GYGF motifs explicitly recognizing distinct binding partners that play different and specific roles in hormone-regulated phosphate transport. The interaction of PDZ1 and the carboxy-terminal PDZ-binding motif of NPT2A (C-TRL) is required for basal phosphate transport. PDZ2 is a regulatory domain that scaffolds multiple biological targets, including kinases and phosphatases involved in FGF23 and PTH signaling. FGF23 and PTH trigger disassembly of the NHERF1–NPT2A complex through reversible hormone-stimulated phosphorylation with ensuing NPT2A sequestration, down-regulation, and cessation of phosphate absorption. In the absence of NHERF1–NPT2A interaction, inhibition of FGF23 or PTH signaling results in disordered phosphate homeostasis and phosphate wasting. Additional studies are crucial to elucidate how NHERF1 spatiotemporally coordinates cellular partners to regulate extracellular phosphate levels.
Pediatric Hearing Aid Daily Wear Time Is Significantly Impacted by Clinician–Family Language Discordance
Authors: Brigham Nicole , Thompson Emily C. , Picou Erin M. , Davis Hilary , Tharpe Anne Marie
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential contribution of limited English proficiency on daily hearing aid wear time for children with hearing loss.

Method:

A retrospective chart review was completed to evaluate hearing aid wear time based on data logging information available at the time of a follow-up visit following an initial hearing aid fitting. Children were included in the study if they had permanent bilateral hearing loss and were less than 60 months of age at the time of their first follow-up visit. Wear time was compared between children who attended an interpreter-mediated appointment and those who did not have an interpreter present. The presence of an interpreter at the appointment was the study indicator that the family had limited English proficiency.

Results:

Children from families with limited English proficiency exhibited significantly shorter daily wear time (
M
= 1.3 hr) than their peers whose families were English-proficient speakers, thus, having a shared language with their audiologists (
M
= 5.2 hr).

Conclusions:

Results of this study suggest that family–clinician language discordance might put children at greater risk of shorter hearing aid wear time than children whose caregivers share a common language with their child's audiologist. There can be many linguistic, cultural, and educational factors that contribute to hearing aid wear time in children whose families have limited English proficiency as well as different approaches to improving that wear time. Efforts should ensure that hearing and hearing aid–related information is accessible to all families, especially those with clinician–family language discordance. Such efforts can include, among others, training that improves clinicians' cultural and linguistic responsiveness to the diverse families they serve.
Systems Strategic Planning with the Ward and Peppard Framework (Case Study of Research Data and Innovation in Magelang City)
Authors: Primadewi Ardhin , Rahmawati Catur
Published: March 2024

Law Number 23 of 2014 encourages innovation in the administration of the Regional Government to improve performance and public services towards community welfare. The development of Regional Innovation in Magelang City involves the Government, the Community, Local Government Organizations (OPD), and Higher Education. The Regional Development Planning Agency of Magelang City (BAPPEDA) strives to facilitate innovation development from both the community and OPD. However, several issues have been encountered, such as (1) Less (2) Conventional optimal management of spatial data, (3) Difficulty in accessing research data due to a challenging database, (4) scattered government innovation data within each OPD, and (5) the Department of Investment and Integrated One-Stop Services (DPMPTSP), as the research permit agency, has not followed up on the research implementation process. To address these issues, a study focused on information strategic planning IS/IT using the Ward and Peppard Framework as a planning strategy for managing research and innovation data in Magelang City. The research revealed that using Value Chain Analysis identified primary and support activities. Additionally, Fishbone Analysis highlighted factors underlying the importance of information strategic planning IS/IT in the Machine, Measurement, and Method categories. The study’s outcome includes a recommendation to utilize Pieces Analysis.
The Prediction of Debris Flow Based on Eruption and Rainfall Event for River Infrastructure Mitigation: Study Case Opak River, Sleman Regency
Authors: Hadiranti  , Sembodo Priyo , Soeharno Agung Wiyono Hadi , Prasetyo Adi , Nugroho Eka Oktariyanto , Putranto Angga Eko
Published: March 2024

Mount Merapi is a volcano active in Indonesia. The eruption that occurred in 2010 was a major eruption with a return period of 100 years. Dominant debris to the Opak – Gendol Watershed; the biggest debris flood occurred in 2010 – 2011. One of the disaster mitigations on the Opak River is the Sabo Dam infrastructure. Currently, in the upper reaches of the Opak River, there are 5 Sabo Dams. In 2022, 2 additional Sabo Dams were built, namely OP RRC4 and OP RRC3a. This study will be used modelling 2D HEC-RAS Non-Newtonian before the construction of 2 Sabo Dams and after the construction of 2 Sabo Dams with river geometry measured in 2020 and flood discharge as measured from rainfall triggering debris flow on 03 January 2011, from this rainfall a 6-hour rain distribution was carried out using the PSA coefficient to be input in the HEC-HMS, the hydrological parameters used on 03 January 2011, were used to calculate the Q100 flood discharge. The results of modelling at the observation point using the Q100 showed that the elevation of the debris flow after the presence of the new Sabo Dam series could be reduced by up to 47.21 %, Sabo Dam effectively reduces the rate of debris flow to reduce the potential debris flood.
Business Model Innovation of Off Grid Public Electric Vehicles Battery Swap Station with Solar Powered
Authors: Alviannanda Tubagus , Lystianingrum Vita
Published: March 2024

Energy transition is Indonesia's national agenda to maintain energy security and realize the use of green energy. The use of electric vehicles (EVs) is one strategy to maintain primary energy security and support the reduction of carbon emissions. To support the growth of the EV ecosystem, Public Electric Vehicle Battery Swap Stations (Stasiun Penukaran Baterai Kendaraan Listrik Umum, SPBKLU) have been developed and installed in several locations. Currently, SPBKLU still uses electricity sources from the PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara, Indonesia’s electricity state-owned company) grid, where the majority of the PLN grid itself still relies on gas and coal power plants. Hence, this work proposed a PV-powered battery swap station and presented the Business Model Canvas and financial and SWOT analysis. Two business model schemes are proposed, the BPCOSP (Battery Provider, Cabinet Owner, Solar PV Provider) and BPCOSL (Battery Provider, Cabinet Owner, Solar PV Lease) schemes. From these two business schemes, the results of the financial feasibility analysis for the SPBKLU swap rate were obtained at IDR 18,241 for the BPCOSP scheme and IDR 21,500 for the BPCOSL scheme. From a SWOT analysis perspective, the BPCOSP and BPCOSL business schemes have the opportunity to increase the Solar PV business value chain and support government programs in achieving Net Zero Emissions. However, there are still weaknesses in terms of tariffs which are still not economical compared to the fuel costs of conventional two-wheeled vehicles and the current SPBKLU swap tariff which still uses electricity from the PLN grid.