bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atypical Tuning of Prediction Certainty in Autism: An EEG study on Anticipatory Processing During a Probabilistic Target Detection Task
Authors: Reisli Seydanur , Crosse Michael , Molholm Sophie 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The brain generates predictions to prepare for upcoming events. As life is not always 100% predictable, it also estimates a level of certainty for these predictions based on their likelihood. Given that autistic individuals resist even small changes in everyday life, we hypothesized impaired tuning of prediction certainty in autism. To study this, EEG was recorded from adolescents and young adults with autism, and age- and IQ-matched controls while they performed a probabilistic cued target detection task in which cue validity was parametrically manipulated. A fully predictable condition (100% cue validity) was contrasted with less predictable conditions (84%, 67%, and 33% cue validity). The contingent negative variation (CNV), a brain response associated with the anticipation of a predictable target, was examined to test the influence of cue validity on target predictions. Whereas the CNV systematically modulated by cue validity in the control group, this was not the case for the autism group. In contrast, intact modulation of the target P3 response by cue validity indicated that stimulus statistics are registered in a typical manner in autism. This suggests that in autism target statistics were registered but were not effectively applied to modulate expectations (e.g., certainty) of upcoming predictable stimuli. This adds to our understanding of differences in predictive processing in autism and suggests that the tuning of prediction certainty is particularly vulnerable in this population.
Non-linear evolution of viscoplastic film flows down an inclined plane
Authors: Noma Djibrilla Mounkaila , Dagois-Bohy Simon , Millet Séverine , Hadid Hamda Ben , Botton Valéry , Henry Daniel 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In this article, we experimentally investigate the non-linear behavior of a viscoplastic film flow down an inclined plane. We focus on the non-linear instabilities that appear as roll waves. Roll waves are generated by perturbing a permanent flow of Herschel-Bulkley fluid (Carbopol 980) at low frequencies. To determine the local thickness of the film, we used a laser sensor and a camera to globally capture the transverse shape of the waves. For a regular forcing, the results show the existence of different regimes. First, we observe primary instabilities below the cut-off frequency at the entrance of the channel. After the exponential growth of the wave in the linear regime, we recognize the non-linear dynamics with the existence of finite amplitude waves. This finite amplitude depends on the frequency, the Reynolds number and the inclination angle. The results show that this instability is supercritical. At moderate Reynolds numbers, the finite 2-D waves become sensitive to transverse perturbations, due to a secondary instability, and become 3-D waves. The experimental results illustrate a phenomenology of viscoplastic film flows similar to Newtonian fluids, except for the capillary waves.
Surface Lattice Resonance with an Ultra-High Unloaded Q-Factor in Capacitive Metal Meshes at Terahertz Frequencies
Authors: Bae Jongsuck , Nozokido Tatsuo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We investigated the surface lattice resonance (SLR) occurring in capacitive metal meshes (CMMs) in the terahertz (THz) range. CMMs, which comprise two-dimensional periodic arrays of square metal patches on thin quartz substrates, are one of the simplest metasurfaces. Experiments and theoretical simulations performed at frequencies around 0.1 THz show that the SLR in such CMMs has an extraordinarily high unloaded Q-factor of greater than 1000, when the ratio of the length of the metal patch to the mesh period of the CMM and the thickness of the quartz substrate are optimized. An intense and sharp dip in transmission in excess of -60 dB at the SLR frequency was produced with this high unloaded Q-factor in the CMM. Using the CMM as a refractive index sensor, a figure of merit of greater than 340 for frequency interrogation and a refractive index resolution of better than 1.9×10− 6 refractive index units for phase interrogation were experimentally demonstrated. These results indicate that CMMs are superior sensors with high performance in the THz-wave region.
The whole-genome shotgun sequence of a chitinolytic actinomycete, Streptomyces californicus TBG-201, and the in-silico studies of its chitinase-19 genes
Authors: Sreela Deepthi Kumaradasan , Salim Sajna , Satheesan Anugraha Anandhavally , Sugathan Shiburaj 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Streptomyces species are reported to have family-19 chitinases, similar to plant chitinase-C. Streptomyces griseus HUT6037 is the first Streptomyces spp. found to produce family-19 chitinase. Chitinolytic Streptomyces have been reported to have antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. Chitinase-19 (GH-19) has received much attention in recent decades because of its potential use in the biocontrol of phytopathogens like insects and fungi. According to reports, chitinase C has a significantly higher specific hydrolyzing activity than the common bacterial family-18 chitinases. This study presents the whole genome sequence of a chitinolytic isolate, S. californicus TBG-201. The genome is 7.99 Mb, with 72.60% G + C content, 6683 protein-coding genes, 31 rRNAs, 66 tRNAs, and 116 pseudogenes. Genome annotation using Glimmer, PGAP, and dbCAN provides insights into its chitinolytic activity. Multiple genes in the genome are involved in chitin degradation; based on this, a chitin degradation mechanism for S. californicus TBG-201 is presented. There are 35 biosynthetic gene clusters predicted from the whole genome sequence using the antiSMASH tool. The study further focused on the in-silico analysis of chitinase-19 genes, including phylogenetic analysis, physicochemical characterization, and functional studies. Homology modeling using the SWISS-MODEL server followed by docking studies has a better understood the enzyme structure and ligand binding features. The insights gathered from in-silico investigations would greatly assist in elucidating the in vitro characteristics of S. californicus chitinase-19.
Rainwater harvesting in University Buildings: Potable Water Savings Potential and Investment Feasibility Analysis
Authors: Shiguang Chen , Ziqing Liang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The application of the RWH system in universities not only helps to reduce financial expenditure but also provides a good opportunity to educate students about sustainable water management. This study uses daily rainfall data of three different climate regimes (dry, average, and wet years) to evaluate the potable water saving and economic efficiency of the proposed RWH system in a university campus in Guangzhou, China. The economic analysis shows that, except for two residential buildings, the installation of the RWH system in the four educational buildings is generally economically viable, with benefit-cost ratios ranging from nearly 1.0 to 2.01 and positive net present values of 5245 to 74963 CNY under normal and wet years. It is also observed that the RWH system in the academic buildings is more economically feasible than the student apartments, and the multi-story apartment building is more attractive in terms of financial returns than the high-rise building. The performance of the data for different buildings helps us to understand the range of water-saving efficiency and economic feasibility of the RWH system, and information on which type of building is appropriate to install an RWH system, which will be of great benefit to sustainable campus construction.
Assessment of prevalence and distribution of potato viruses in Ethiopian seed systems
Authors: Tessema Lemma , Kakuhenzire Rogers , Seid Ebrahim , Tafesse Shiferaw , Tadesse Yitagesu , Negash kasaye , McEwan Margaret 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Viruses are among the significant biotic constraints burdening global potato production, particularly in developing countries where seed certification is not common and production, availability and accessibility to quality seed potato is a big hindrance. Virus infection in seed potato reduces yield, and the problem is exacerbated when an early-generation seed is affected. The prevalence of six key potato viruses, PVY, PVX, PLRV, PVA, PVS, and PVM, was assessed among decentralized seed multipliers such as individuals, farmer seed group cooperatives, private companies, and agricultural research center that produce early generation seed in six major potato growing districts in Ethiopia. A total of 262 leaf samples were randomly collected from potato plants and analyzed using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) for potato viruses. Potato virus prevalence was calculated as the proportion of samples that tested positive for the viruses against the total number of samples tested. Only 1.8% of the samples were virus-free, while 98.2% of the samples collected from farmers' fields were infected with at least one of the six viruses. About 17% of the samples had a single viral infection with one of the six viruses, whereas 81% had multiple infections. Early generation seed and germplasm samples collected from breeding, research, and private screenhouses were infected with PLRV (68.1%), PVY (57.4%), PVS (40.4%), PVM (34%) and PVX (23.4%). These results indicate that virus infection is widespread in the country, posing challenges and threats potato production and food security efforts. To address this issue, it is critical to developing a robust system that prevents viral infection build-up and spread in the seed system through regular seed quality assurance and certification, particularly for early generation seed. Furthermore, smallholder farmers need to use an integrated management approach to effectively combat potato viruses.
Ukumela Impilo Trial: Preliminary Findings of Height-Adjustable sit to stand Workstations on Health Outcomes of South African Office Workers
Authors: Phaswana Merling , Gradidge Philippe Jean-Luc 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

The prevalence of sedentary behaviour has concurrently risen with multiple cardiometabolic risk markers independent of physical activity levels. Office-based workers accumulate the highest levels of sitting time during occupational times. This study aims to investigate the short-term effects of using height-adjustable sit-to-stand workstations on cardiometabolic risk markers of office-based workers in South Africa.

Results

Sixty-two office-based workers were randomized into treatment (n = 44), and the control group (n = 18). Small improvements were observed in BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in this cohort.

Conclusion

This preliminary investigation confirms that short-term height-adjustable sit-stand interventions are effective in reducing workplace sitting time and selected health outcomes. South Africa has been attributed with the highest burden of obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa, as a result, there is a need to implement long-term workplace intervention to reverse these implications.
Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201911656014962 on the 12th of November 2019.
Spatial Distribution and Habitat Relationships of Foraging Bats Inhabiting the Coastal Zone of the Northern Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Mullet Timothy C. , Burger Paul 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We conducted a spatially explicit study of bat foraging activity in the terrestrial coastal habitats of the eastern Kenai Peninsula along the northern Gulf of Alaska. We confirmed the species and presence of foraging bats within these coastal habitats using spectral analysis from 24 automated acoustic recording devices that captured 24,058 recordings of bat vocalizations across 1,332 acoustic survey nights between June and September (2018–2 022. We used machine learning (TreeNet) to model and map the spatial relationship of bat foraging behavior and six habitat types (conifer forest, subalpine shrubland, water, barren, herbaceous meadows, and alpine). Bats foraged in areas close to fresh waterbodies with moderately sloped terrain along southwestern to north-facing aspects ≤ 50 m from conifer forests, < 150 m from the coastline, and at elevations < 200 m above sea level. These coastal habitats were largely discontinuous, but extensively distributed as a patchwork along the eastern Kenai Peninsula. Our model highlights specific areas where strategic planning and hypothesis-based research can be focused. Our results fill a fundamental data gap in this understudied region of Alaska that provides a foundation for proactive research, partnerships, and conservation as white-nose syndrome presents an eminent threat to bats inhabiting coastal habitats along the North Pacific.
Occurrence of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and its association with atherogenic indices in Mexican women from San Luis Potosi, a preliminary study
Authors: Fernández-Macías Juan Carlos , Ochoa-Martínez Angeles C. , Pérez-López Amairani Lizbeth , Pérez-López Annette Aylin , Pérez-Maldonado Iván Nelinho 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Some genetic variants (polymorphisms) of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme are considered a susceptibility factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and levels of well-recognized atherogenic indices in a female population from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. A total of 340 women participated in the study, and MTHFR C677T genotypification was assessed using a RT-PCR assay. Also, Framingham risk score (FRS), Castelli risk index (CRI), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were estimated. The allelic frequency detected was 0.43 for the MTHFR 677T-allele in the enrolled women. Besides, the mean value of AIP was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for individuals with the mutant genotype (TT; 0.29 ± 0.20) contrasted to AIP values detected in people with the wild-type genotype (CC; 0.15 ± 0.20) and heterozygous genotype (CT; 0.16 ± 0.20). Similar findings were observed for CRI through MTHFR C677T genotypes (4.40 ± 1.80; 3.90 ± 1.30; and 3.60 ± 0.90; for CC, CT, and TT, respectively). No significant changes were detected for FRS values across MTHFR C677T genotypes. Lastly, significant statistical associations were identified between the TT genotype and the AIP values (odds ratio: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.95–4.95; p = 0.01). No significant associations were detected between MTHFR C677T genotypes and FRS and CRI indices values. The results found in this research agree with data that support an increased CVDs risk in MTHFR 677T-allele carriers in the human population, as AIP is considered a reliable CVDs risk biomarker.
Smart and Efficient EV Charging Navigation Scheme in Vehicular Edge Computing Networks
Authors: Li Haoyu , Chen Jihuang , Yang Chao , Chen Xin , Chang Le , Liu Jiabei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
With the increasing number of electric fast charging stations (FCSs) deployed along roadsides of both urban roads and highways, the long-distance travel of electric vehicles (EVs) becomes possible. The EV charging navigation scheme is significant for the quality of user experience. However, the variable conditions of both power grid and traffic networks make it a serious challenge. In this paper, we propose an efficient EV charging navigation scheme while considering both the electric and computation resource sharing. With the support of vehicular edge computing networks in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), EVs perform both the flexible power load and edge computing nodes. When the traffic network in the established route starts to become congested, EVs can select to enter the nearest FCS. In addition to being supplemented by electric resources, EVs also benefit by sharing their own computing resource with FCSs. We formulate the EV charging navigation as a mixed integer programming problem, the EV moving route planning, FCS selection, and staying time in FCSs are optimized, to balance the relationships among the traveling time, traveling cost and reward. To address the influence caused by the randomness of traffic conditions and charging prices, a two-stage charging navigation algorithm combined with A* algorithm and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed, with a novel designed reward function. Eventually, numerous experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Comparison of the effects of compound probiotics and antibiotics on yellow-feather broilers based on growth performance, small intestine morphology and digestive enzymes activity, gut microbiota and fecal emissions
Authors: Feng Yuyan , Wu Xiaoting , Hu Dan , Wang Canyang , Chen Qu , Ni Yingdong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study was devoted to the comparison of the probiotic effect of compound probiotics to the antibiotics as a chicken feed additive. Two hundred and seventy newly-hatched yellow-feather broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups, control group (Con), probiotics (Pb) and antibiotics group (Ab). Pb group received compound probiotics via drinking water for 24 days. Ab group received antibiotics in diet for 24 days. All broilers were slaughtered at day 42. Compared with Con group, the body weight significantly increased on day 13, 28 and 42 in the Pb group ( P < 0.05). Compared with Ab group, the body weight of broilers in the Pb group increased significantly on day 13 (P < 0.05), and the depth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum crypts decreased significantly relative to Con group (P < 0.05). The ratio of villi length to crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum epithelium significantly increased in Pb group compared to Con group (P < 0.05). The genera Bacteroidesand Barnesiella were the most significantly enriched bacteria in Ab and Pb groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The expression of genes related to antibiotic resistance significantly decreased in Pb group relative to Ab group (P < 0.05). Dietary compound probiotics improved growth performance, small intestinal morphology, cecal microbiome, and fecal emissions, indicating its bright future as an alternative to antibiotics in yellow-feather broiler industry.
Examining the Role of Motivation Cues from Narratives in Online Time Bank Participating Decisions
Authors: Jiao Huifang , Lin Meiyan , Ma Lijun , He Mei , Yu Shiguan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Time bank known as “Community/Neighborhood Pension”, provides a new solution to fulfill the unmet service needs of community members with idle community resources. The operation of time banks relies on the active participation of community members. Therefore, in this study we investigate the motivation of members to participate in web-based time banks from a service requirement narrative perspective. Drawing on grounded theory and self-determination theory, we built a model to assess how intrinsic and extrinsic cues underlying service requirement narratives affect time bank participation decisions of service providers. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a regression analysis of 12339 projects from the “Nansha Time Bank” (a web-based time bank) platform in China. We find that participants respond positively to time coin returns and narratives highlighting social connection and value fulfillment but respond negatively to service hour costs and empathy-altruism cues.
Postoperative drainage management and wound complications following resection of lower limb soft tissue tumors: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gerken Andreas L.H. , Jawny Philipp , Weigl Helene , Yang Cui , Hardt Julia , Menge Franka , Hohenberger Peter , Weiß Christel , Reißfelder Christoph , Jakob Jens 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Postoperative wound complications are common in patients undergoing resection of lower extremity soft tissue tumors. Postoperative drainage therapy ensures adequate wound healing but may delay or complicate it. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of postoperative wound complications and delayed or prolonged drainage treatment and to propose a standardized definition and severity grading of complex postoperative courses.
Methods: A monocentric retrospective analysis of 80 patients who had undergone primary resection of lower extremity soft tissue tumors was performed. A new classification was developed, which takes into account postoperative drainage characteristics and wound complications. Based on this classification, risk factors and the prognostic value of daily drainage volumes were evaluated.
Results: According to this new definition, regular postoperative course grade 0 (no wound complication and timely drainage removal) occurred in 26 patients (32.5%), grade A (minor wound complications or delayed drainage removal) in 12 (15.0%), grade B (major wound complication or prolonged drainage therapy) in 31 (38.8%), and grade C (reoperation) in 11 (13.7%) patients. Tumor-specific characteristics, such as tumor size (p = 0.0004), proximal tumor location (p = 0.0484), and tumor depth (p = 0.0138) were identified as risk factors for complex postoperative courses (grades B and C). Drainage volume on postoperative day 4 was a suitable predictor for complex courses (cutoff of 70 ml/d).
Conclusion: The proposed definition incorporates wound complications and drainage management while also being clinically relevant and easy to apply. It may serve as a standardized endpoint for assessing the postoperative course after resection of lower extremity soft tissue tumors.
ARTICONF Decentralized Social Media Platform for Democratic Crowd Journalism
Authors: Lima Inês Rito , Filipe Vasco , Marinho Claudia , Ulisses Alexandre , Chakravorty Antorweep , Hristov Atanas , Saurabh Nishant , Zhao Zhiming , Xin Ruyue , Prodan Radu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Media production and consumption behaviors are changing in response to new technologies and demands, giving birth to a new generation of social applications. Among them, crowd journalism represents a novel way of constructing democratic and trustworthy news relying on ordinary citizens arriving at breaking news locations and capturing relevant videos using their smartphones. To address this need, the ARTICONF project proposes a trustworthy, resilient, and globally sustainable toolset for developing decentralized applications (DApps). Its goal is to overcome the privacy, trust, and autonomy-related concerns associated with proprietary social media platforms overflowed by fake news. Leveraging the ARTICONF tools, we introduce a new DApp for crowd journalism called MOGPlay. MOGPlay collects and manages audio-visual content generated by citizens and provides a secure blockchain platform that rewards all stakeholders involved in professional news production. Besides live streaming, MOGPlay offers a marketplace for audio-visual content trading among citizens and free journalists with an internal token ecosystem. We discuss the functionality and implementation of the MOGPlay DApp and illustrate four pilot crowd journalism live scenarios that validate the prototype.