AUTHOREA
Log in Sign Up Browse Preprints
LOG IN SIGN UP

Preprints

Explore 66,105 preprints on the Authorea Preprint Repository

A preprint on Authorea can be a complete scientific manuscript submitted to a journal, an essay, a whitepaper, or a blog post. Preprints on Authorea can contain datasets, code, figures, interactive visualizations and computational notebooks.
Read more about preprints.

Hindcast-based estimates of the range of possible recent climate trends
Rhidian Thomas

Rhidian Thomas

and 2 more

July 16, 2024
Persistent discrepancies exist between trends in coupled models and observations over the satellite era. Comparison is complicated by model biases, as well as differences in the phasing of coupled variability between the models and the observed system. To bridge this divide, we investigate the range of trends that are consistent with the retrospective forecasts (hindcasts) of an initialised near-term prediction system, and compare these to trends in the equivalent free-running, uninitialised model. We find that the initialisation has a large impact at low latitudes, leading to cooler surface temperature trends and less warming of the tropical upper troposphere than in the free-running model. By contrast, the initialisation appears to be a weaker influence on warming at high latitudes, despite tightly constraining sea ice trends. After only 4 months of integration, the hindcasts show a remarkably wide spread of Arctic amplification trends, pointing to the role of internal atmospheric variability in modulating the forced amplification. The hindcasts also lend support for emerging poleward shifts of the midlatitude circulation, offering a useful data point for setting uncertain observed trends in context. Regionally, the hindcasts better capture the Pacific SST trend pattern than the free-running model, and the observed winter Eurasian cooling.  Our results highlight the importance of intrinsic atmospheric variability in contributing to trends over the satellite era, and suggest plausible alternative trends that remained unseen.
Community trait variation drives selection on species diversity through feedback with...
Phuong-Anh Vu
Lutz Becks

Phuong-Anh Vu

and 1 more

July 03, 2024
Identifying the processes underlying community assembly and dynamics remains a central goal in ecology. Although much research has been devoted to analyzing how environmental changes affect patterns of trait and species diversity among communities and ecosystems, few studies have resolved the link between fundamental processes, species diversity and trait distributions. It has been suggested that identifying ecological selection on functional traits may provide insight into more general rules of community assembly. In this study, we asked whether and how selection determines species and trait diversity, and how this is determined by the initial community-weighted variance (CWV) and mean (CWM) for traits governing species interactions, as in our case: competitiveness and defense against a predator. We tracked experimental 5-species phytoplankton communities in the presence and absence of a rotifer predator. The communities had at least 3 of the 5 species in common, but differed in CWV and CWM for defense against predation. We found that species diversity was only maintained in the presence of the predator, but that species diversity was highest with higher initial trait distributions and that temporal changes in diversity correlated with trait selection. For low or higher initial distributions, we found early directional selection for defense and competitiveness, followed by reduced selection and an increase in niche availability. For intermediate initial trait distributions, we observed initial directional selection in only one trait followed by stabilizing selection. We attribute changes in selection for defense and competitiveness, and thus species diversity, to changes in predator density, which were more dynamically stable for communities with higher trait diversity. Overall, our results suggest that the initial trait distribution determined species diversity through a feedback loop with changes in selection on traits and predator density.
Medical education and postgraduate training in Russia: an update
Sergei V. Jargin

Sergei V. Jargin

July 16, 2024
The aim of this preprint was to overview some aspects of medical education and postgraduate training in Russia during the last 5 decades. Apart from review of literature, it is based on observations of the author since the 1970s. After the 6-year undergraduate medical education, to become a specialist in any field of medicine, a 2-year postgraduate program (ordinatura) without a preceding internship has been the usual way. In 2016 the internship was abolished; so that the postgraduate training has on average become shorter. Less common is a 3-year program (aspirantura) that includes research for a candidate's thesis. Previously, certificates of medical specialists could be obtained after a 1-year internship. Insufficient quality of training was pointed out by several experts. After completion of the postgraduate training, medical specialists must go every 5 years on a continuing education course up to one month long. Last time, many online courses have been developed; while their quality is improving thanks to the availability of foreign literature on the Internet and advances of health information technology. Several specific drawbacks of medical education and postgraduate training are discussed. More cooperation with the international professional community is needed. Without profound restructuring, the system of postgraduate training in Russia can be adapted to the international standards if its options (2and 3-year programs) would be transformed into consecutive steps. The total postgraduate training time would thus amount to 5 years, include preparation of a thesis and examinations to be awarded a degree equivalent to M.D. and a specialist certificate. Physicians not interested in research could prepare a thesis in a form of a literature review. Curricula including rotation should be modernized and adjusted to the corresponding fields of medicine. With time, the above-mentioned components of the training can be amalgamated in a unified system. In conclusion, the medical postgraduate training in Russia must be prolonged, intensified and better organized.
On the NextGen-Chile forecast system: a calibrated multi-model ensemble approach for...
Diego A. Campos Díaz

Diego A. Campos Díaz

and 2 more

November 22, 2024
A document by Diego A. Campos Díaz. Click on the document to view its contents.
HARMONIC ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF 52 BUS IN NIGERIA TRANSMISSION NETWORK
Moyosoluwalorun Sonola

Moyosoluwalorun Sonola

and 2 more

September 30, 2025
The 330kV grid in Nigeria, consisting of 52 buses, is confronted with significant challenges, including voltage instability, extended transmission lines, inherent transmission line characteristics, and substantial power losses, which adversely impact both power generation and distribution systems. This study focuses on the harmonic analysis of the Nigerian 52-bus grid, comprising 52 buses, 18 generating stations, and 65 transmission lines. Utilizing ETAP 16.0 as the analytical tool, the research investigates harmonic orders on the 330kV line network in Nigeria. Simulations were conducted using the ETAP 16.0 software package, with input parameters encompassing relative amplitudes and phase angles for both current and voltage source models. Data for the study were sourced from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The obtained results reveal that some bus voltages exceed the prescribed standard limits. Consequently, it can be deduced from the findings that the existing Nigerian 52-bus grid grapples with considerable line losses, necessitating compensation through the implementation of reactive power support mechanisms, such as Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices, to optimize line utilization effectively.
An alternative study design may help to derive unbiased  estimates in the population-...

Sung-mok Jung

and 3 more

July 17, 2024
The study of Lee et al. \cite{Lee_2024} estimated the risk of incident tuberculosis (TB) in those diagnosed with latent TB infections (TBI) following screening. Under the current program in the Republic of Korea, only those under the age of 65 with TBI are recommended to undergo TB prevetive therapy (TPT), which is covered by national health insurance.  However, despite this provision, the incidence rate of active TB among those aged over 65 was five times higher than those under age 65, sparking vigorous debate on whether insurance coverage for TPT should be extended to all age groups. Lee et al. suggested that TPT might be less effective in reducing the risk of TB incidence among those aged over 60 (60+), with estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) above one, albeit insignificant (Figure 1 in \cite{Lee_2024}). However, the interpretation of this finding requires caution. Considering the significant impact of comorbidities on increasing the risk of TB, individuals with comorbidities are more likely to be assigned to TPT and more likely to develop TB (Table 3 in \cite{Lee_2024}), suggesting that the presence of comorbidity serves as “confounding by indication” (Fig. 1) \cite{Kyriacou_2016}. While the study attempted to address this issue through multivariate adjustment, residual confounding \cite{Vansteelandt_2014} may persist, particularly when there is a notable imbalance in the comorbidity distribution between TPT recipients and nonrecipients. Specifically, the distribution of individuals with comorbidities within each age group, which is lacking in (1), may skew toward the TPT group, particularly among 60+, who are known to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities than the younger population. In this scenario, the multivariable adjustment, heavily relying on model extrapolation with limited empirical information on the TPT effect among those without comorbidities, might not fully mitigate confounding factors \cite{Vansteelandt_2014}. 
Exploring Neural Networks: A Walk Through the MNIST Dataset Classification
Richard Murdoch Montgomery

Richard Murdoch Montgomery

July 03, 2024
This discussion delves into the fascinating world of neural networks, using the MNIST dataset of handwritten digits as a practical example. We began by outlining the steps to construct a simple neural network model using TensorFlow and Keras, aiming to classify these digit images. Key components of the model, such as normalization, dense layers, activation functions, loss functions, and optimization algorithms, were elaborated upon to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The mathematical equations driving these processes, including categorical cross-entropy and the Adam optimizer, were also examined to shed light on how neural networks learn and make predictions. Additionally, the conversation covered the importance of visualizing model training through accuracy and loss plots, highlighting the necessity of these tools in understanding model performance and diagnosing issues like overfitting or underfitting. The discussion also included guidance on how to visualize the MNIST dataset images, offering a practical approach to examining the data being classified. Overall, this discussion served as an informative guide through the basics of neural network implementation for image classification, emphasizing the importance of visualization and understanding core concepts in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
NFC TAG AUTHENTICATION: AN OVERVIEW
Giwa Oluwaseyi

Giwa Oluwaseyi

July 03, 2024
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is a short-range wireless communication between two devices that are NFC-enabled. NFC has found application in various institutions like the finance sector, security systems, medicine, etc. Consequently, this has led to a lot of focus on securing NFC transactions. Since most attacks on NFC devices are within the tag, the need to create a more secure tag authentication has increased over the past years. In this paper, I discussed NFC tag authentication and its challenges. Furthermore, I analyzed different existing NFC tag authentication and their respective strengths and weaknesses. The NFChain is better than the existing solutions discussed in this paper. It is cost-friendly, highly secured, and allows extra computation on the tag without requiring additional hardware solutions. In summary, the purpose of this study is to provide insights into NFC tag authentication and the need to conduct more research to ensure more security in this mode of communication.
Montane diversification as a mechanism of speciation in Neotropical butterflies
Luiza Magaldi
Patrícia Gueratto

Luiza Magaldi

and 7 more

April 27, 2024
The mountains in the Atlantic Forest domain are environments that harbor a high biodiversity, including species adapted to colder climates that were probably influenced by the climatic variations of the Pleistocene. To understand the phylogeographic pattern and assess the taxonomic boundaries between two sister montane species, a genomic study of the butterflies Actinote mantiqueira and A. alalia (Nymphalidae: Acraeini) was conducted. Analyses based on the COI barcode region failed to recover any phylogenetic or genetic structure discriminating the two species or sampling localities. However, SNPs gathered using GBS provided a strong isolation pattern in all analyses (genetic distance, phylogenetic hypothesis, clustering analyses, and FST statistics) that is consistent with morphology, separating all individuals of A. alalia from all populations of A. mantiqueira. The three sampled mountain ranges where A. mantiqueira populations occur — Serra do Mar, Serra da Mantiqueira, and Poços de Caldas Plateau — were identified as three isolated clusters. Paleoclimate simulations indicate that both species’ distributions changed according to climatic oscillations in the Pleistocene period, with the two species potentially occurring in areas of lower altitude during glacial periods when compared to the interglacial periods (as the present). Besides, a potential path between their distribution through the Serra do Mar Mountain range was inferred. Therefore, the Pleistocene climatic fluctuation had a significant impact on the speciation process between A. alalia and A. mantiqueira, which was brought on by isolation at different mountain summits during interglacial periods, as shown by the modeled historical distribution and the observed genetic structure.
Reliable Community Card System for Detecting and Isolating Selfish Vehicles in SCC-Ba...
Ghani ur Rehman
Muhammad Inam Ul Haq

Ghani ur Rehman

and 6 more

June 27, 2024
Smart and Connected Communities (SCC) is a new area of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the potential to improve people’s lives. The goal of developing SCC for a community is to encourage people to focus on the present, consider the future, and reflect on the past. In SCC, nodes (vehicles) can use their mobility to collect data from interconnected devices and send it to a variety of delay-tolerant applications. Vehicular Delay Tolerant Networks (VDTN’s) are an ideal fit for such services. However, the problem is that the devices and nodes (vehicles), having limited resources, may become unwilling to cooperate due to their selfish behaviour. This article presents a Reliable Community Card System (RCCS) with two main parts: a reliable community and Community-Based Card Tracking System (CBCTS). The reliable community contains all trustworthy vehicles with a certain level of community reputation determined by their honesty level. In CBCTS, every vehicle needs a community card to participate in the network and the neighbouring vehicles act as monitoring vehicle. The evaluation results show that the proposed RCCS is quite effective, with detection time and packet delivery. Similarly, it causes minimal overhead and energy consumption compared to all other existing techniques.
Pembrolizumab-Induced Lichen Planus in a Patient with Metastatic Pulmonary Giant Cell...
Elinkichari Dorsaf

Elinkichari Dorsaf

and 2 more

July 14, 2025
Ιmmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the management of advanced cancers. Nevertheless, the oncologic response is often achieved at the cost of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We present a case of an immune-mediated lichen planus (LP) and a literature review of similar cases. A 60-year-old man, who is being treated with pembrolizumab for a pulmonary giant cell carcinoma since April 2022, presented in November 2022 with a pruritic eruption that appeared two weeks ago. Examination showed bright purple confluent scaly papules on wrists, proximity of limbs, back and buttocks and palmar keratoderma made of violaceus papules covered with reticular white striae. Histological examination revealed an epidermal hyperplasia, vacuolization of the basal layer, necrotic keratinocytes and a band-like subepidermal lymphocytic infiltrate with many eosinophils. The diagnosis of an immune-related LP was retained. Pembrolizumab was withheld because of the severity and the extension of the lesions. Superpotent topical steroids were prescribed with a significant improvement of the rash within 3 weeks. Immune-mediated lichenoid euptions represent one of the most frequent dermatologic irAEs. In our patient, the onset seven months after the initiation of ICIs, the infiltrate rich in eosinophils, and the rapidly diffused character are indications of an immuno-mediated LP.
Mitigate Large Language Model Hallucinations with Probabilistic Inference in Graph Ne...
Sarah Fairburn
James Ainsworth

Sarah Fairburn

and 1 more

July 01, 2024
Large Language Models (LLMs) have achieved impressive proficiency in generating human-like text, yet they often produce factually incorrect or nonsensical content, posing challenges in applications requiring high accuracy and factual consistency. The novel integration of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) with LLMs significantly enhances the ability to process relational data alongside textual information, thereby improving the overall accuracy and robustness of generated outputs. Through the utilization of comprehensive dataset preparation, sophisticated model architecture, and multi-task learning training procedures, the hybrid GNN-LLM model demonstrated substantial improvements in reducing hallucinations, enhancing contextual understanding, and maintaining robustness under adversarial conditions. Quantitative results revealed notable advancements in precision, recall, and F1-scores, while qualitative analysis highlighted the model's improved ability to generate contextually relevant and factually accurate outputs. Error analysis identified and mitigated common failure modes, showcasing the model's enhanced handling of sophisticated contexts. Comparative performance analysis demonstrated the model's superior scalability and efficiency, demonstrating its capability to process larger datasets effectively. Robustness and interpretability tests affirmed the model's resilience and transparency, providing clearer rationales for decision-making processes. These findings collectively illustrate the potential of the hybrid GNN-LLM model to push the boundaries of current NLP capabilities, offering a more accurate, reliable, and comprehensible solution for complex language processing tasks.
Sympathetic Ophthalmia Following an Evisceration Surgery
Rahmah Javed
Saba Al-Khairy

Rahmah Javed

and 5 more

June 26, 2024
Sympathetic Ophthalmia Following an Evisceration Surgery – A Case Report
THE ROLE OF LIGHT EMITTING DIODE IN WOUND HEALING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EXPERIMENTA...
Rebeca Barbosa da Rocha
Dakson Douglas Araújo

Rebeca Barbosa da Rocha

and 5 more

June 26, 2024
Background: Wounds represent a growing global issue demanding increased attention. To expedite wound healing, technologies are under development, and Light Emitting Diode (LED) devices of varying wavelengths are being explored for their stimulating influence on the healing process. This article presents a systematic literature review aiming to compile, organize, and analyze the impacts of LED devices on wound healing. Methods: This review is registered on the PROSPERO platform [CRD42023403870]. Two blinded authors conducted searches in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies assessing LED utilization in the wound healing process were included. Results: The search yielded 1010 studies, of which 27 were included in the review. It was identified that LED stimulates different healing pathways, promoting enhanced cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis stimulation, increased collagen deposition and modulation of the inflammatory response. Conclusions: Thus, it can be concluded that the LED stimulates cellular and molecular processes contingent on the utilized parameters. The effects depend on the standards used. Cell migration and proliferation were better influenced by green and red LED. The extracellular matrix components and angiogenesis were regulated by all wavelength and the modulation of inflammation was mediated by green, red and infrared LEDs.
Identification of a novel compound heterozygous mutation in RyR1 gene in an Indian fa...
Laxmi Kirola
Deepika Joshi

Laxmi Kirola

and 5 more

June 26, 2024
Within the ryanodine receptor family (RyR), three genes (RyR1, RyR2, and RyR3) are involved in Ca2+ homeostasis, storage, and regulation. Mutations in RyR1 causes a wide range of clinical phenotypes, including several congenital myopathies (CM), central core disease (CCD), and hyperthermia susceptibility. RyR1-related CCDs usually show clinical heterogeneity and an early onset of disease pathogenesis. Here, we present a family that includes unaffected parents and three siblings who have been affected with muscle problems since childhood. The clinical features include lower proximal muscle weakness, difficulties in standing up and climbing, skeletal malformations and hypotonia. Clinical examinations (e.g., nerve conduction velocity, electromyography, and muscle magnetic resonance imaging) showed weak muscle intensity, activity, and muscle atrophy. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in two affected siblings along with unaffected mother in the family using Illumina NovaSeq2500. Bioinformatic analysis and filtering of multiple variants revealed a novel variant in RyR1. This compound heterozygous variant (c.A5096G: p.D1699G+c.C5097AA: pD1699E; 13423_13424del:p.K4475Efs*106) has not been reported in public databases and in silico analysis predicted that the variant is damaging. Furthermore, this novel variant segregates within the family and in silico protein analysis showed putative changes in the protein activity between the wildtype versus mutant RyR1. The initial functional analysis showed changes in calcium channel activity, however, additional confirmational assays are required. Our study explains a genotype-phenotype correlation in the family. It expands the requisite prenatal diagnosis in the family and in the near future will provide a platform for therapeutics in RyR1-related diseases.
Immunocontraceptives for Wildlife Control and the Potential Danger of Immunosuppress...
Lu Chen

Lu Chen

July 16, 2024
Lu ChenDepartment of Conservation Biology and Wildlife Control, The Institute for the Studies of Thermally Unstable Terra and Aqua (TUTA), King Charles Street, SW1A 2AH Diego Garcia Island, British Indian Ocean TerritoryE-mail address: luchen@tuta.io Abstract:Immunocontraceptives, a promising solution for wildlife population control, target reproductive processes without invasive procedures. However, their long-term effects on immune function has raised concerns. While immunocontraceptives reduce fertility, they may inadvertently suppress immunity. Factors like stress, diet, and natural selection further complicate the picture. Immunocompromised animals are vulnerable to infections, posing risks to human health. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, research should focus on delivery mechanisms, dosing strategies, and immune monitoring. Responsible stewardship demands a balance between population management and health considerations, ensuring immunocontraceptives benefit both wildlife and humans. Introduction Climate change has disrupted ecosystems worldwide, leading to imbalances in wildlife populations. As certain mammalian species, including large carnivores [1,2] and herbivores [3,4], face overpopulation, innovative approaches to population control become crucial [5]. Immunocontraceptives, particularly immunocontraceptive vaccines, have emerged as a promising solution in wildlife management programs [6,7]. By reducing fertility, they offer an alternative to culling or other invasive methods for controlling overpopulation. However, we must tread carefully, considering both the benefits and potential risks associated with these interventions, especially concerning immunosuppression [8]. The Immunological Trade-Off Immunocontraceptives work by targeting reproductive processes, disrupting fertility without the need for surgical procedures [9]. These vaccines stimulate an immune response against specific proteins involved in reproduction, such as zona pellucida glycoproteins or sperm antigens [10,11], and consequently, interfere with the normal function of the reproductive system. While immunocontraceptives hold promise, there is a delicate balance to strike. It has been shown that, after vaccination, suppression of cellular and innate immunity occurs in mammals [12–14].  Different studies suggest that repeated or long-term use of antigens as vaccines may lead to immunosuppression, particularly in immunocompromised individuals [15,16]. The mechanisms behind this immunosuppression are multifaceted, involving both targeted proteins and unintended side effects. Immunocontraceptives, which are also protein-based, may not be an exception. That is, they can potentially suppress the immune response.In the wild, additional factors influence immune function. Animals treated with immunocontraceptives face varying diets, environmental stressors, and natural selection pressures. These uncertainties can affect immune system response and infection rates, and even behavior [17–20]. Moreover, evolutionary changes that alter the genetics of populations may result in the emergence of unexpected, complicated gene-environment crosstalk [21,22]. These factors can exacerbate or mitigate the impact of immunosuppression. Therefore, understanding these complexities is essential, despite their intricacy. Implications for Human Health: Call for Responsible Stewardship Beyond wildlife, we must consider the broader implications. Immunosuppression increases the vulnerability to infections and diseases [20,23]. This vulnerability could lead to novel pathogens or facilitate the spread of existing ones. Ultimately, this poses a risk to human health, especially in areas where wildlife and humans interact closely [24].To address these concerns, the research community should prioritize investigations into the long-term effects of immunocontraceptives on wild animals’ immune function [25]. Key areas include, but not limited to:·      Delivery Mechanisms: Developing targeted and effective delivery methods to minimize unintended effects;·      Dosing Strategies: Optimizing dosing regimens to balance contraceptive efficacy and immune health;·      Monitoring Immune Function: Tracking immune responses alongside reproductive outcomes in treated populations.In the capacity of custodians for both wildlife conservation and public health, it is imperative to establish an equilibrium. Immunocontraceptive methodologies present a significant instrument for the regulation of faunal populations. However, the potential ramifications cannot be disregarded. It should be emphasized here that this subject necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing various fields such as immunology, zoology, veterinary science, ecology, epidemiology, public health, and ethics. By confronting these multifaceted challenges, we can optimize the utilization of immunocontraceptives, thereby ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of human health.In conclusion, the pursuit of sustainable wildlife management necessitates the careful application of immunocontraceptive strategies. It is incumbent upon us to advance with caution and equipped with empirical understanding, to ensure that our interventions are beneficial for the entirety of the biosphere. This includes not only the target animal populations but also the human communities coexisting within the ecological networks. Given the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the shared challenges across borders, fostering international collaboration is essential. By uniting efforts and expertise globally, we can develop comprehensive strategies that protect both wildlife and human health.   References: 1. Boronyak L, Jacobs B, Wallach A. Transitioning towards human-large carnivore coexistence in extensive grazing systems. Ambio. 2020; 49:1982–1991. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01340-w2. Rode J, Flinzberger L, Karutz R, Berghöfer A, Schröter-Schlaack C. Why so negative? Exploring the socio-economic impacts of large carnivores from a European perspective. Biol Conserv. 2021; 255:108918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.1089183. Wood KA, Stillman RA, Daunt F, O’Hare MT. Evaluating the effects of population management on a herbivore grazing conflict. PLoS One. 2013; 8:e56287. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.00562874. Neves JM, Belo VS, Catita CM, Oliveira BF, Horta MA. Modeling of human rabies cases in Brazil in different future global warming scenarios. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024; 21:212. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph210202125. Barfield JP, Nieschlag E, Cooper TG. Fertility control in wildlife: humans as a model. Contraception. 2006; 73:6–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2005.06.0706. Kirkpatrick JF, Lyda RO, Frank KM. Contraceptive vaccines for wildlife: a review. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2011; 66:40–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01003.x7. Massei G. Fertility control for wildlife: a European perspective. Animals. 2023; 13:428. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani130304288. Talwar GP. Immuno-contraception: Revisited. In: Gupta SK, Ed. Reproductive Immunology. Springer; 1997. p. 277–284. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4197-0_299. Howard SA, Benhabbour SR. Non-hormonal contraception. J. Clin Med. 2023; 12:4791. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm1214479110. Gupta SK, Srinivasan AV, Suman P, Rajan S, Nagendrakumar SB, Gupta N, et al. Contraceptive vaccines based on the zona pellucida glycoproteins for dogs and other wildlife population management. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:51–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01004.x11. Shibahara H. Wildlife overpopulation control. In: Shibahara H and Hasegawa A, Eds. Gamete Immunology. Springer; 2022. p. 203–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9625-1_1512. Strasser A, May B, Teltscher A, Wistrela E, Niedermüller H. Immune modulation following immunization with polyvalent vaccines in dogs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2003; 94:113–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0165-2427(03)00086-213. Foley JE, Orgad U, Hirsh DC, Poland A, Pedersen NC. Outbreak of fatal salmonellosis in cats following use of a high-titer modified-live panleukopenia virus vaccine. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1999; 214:67–70. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.1999.214.01.67 14. Miyamoto T, Taura Y, Une S, Yoshitake M, Nakama S, Watanabe S. Immunological responses to polyvalent canine vaccines in dogs. J Vet Med Sci. 1995; 57:347–349. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.57.34715. Bandaru P, Rajkumar H, Nappanveettil G. Altered or impaired immune response upon vaccination in WNIN/Ob rats. Vaccine. 2011; 29:3038–3042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.01.10716. Boretti A. mRNA vaccine boosters and impaired immune system response in immune compromised individuals: a narrative review. Clin Exp Med. 2024; 24:23.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-023-01264-117. Agache I, Akdis C, Akdis M, Al-Hemoud A, Annesi-Maesano I, Balmes J, et al. Immune-mediated disease caused by climate change-associated environmental hazards: mitigation and adaptation. Front Sci. 2024; 2:1279192. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.127919218. Isidori AM, Hasenmajer V, Sciarra F, Venneri MA. Environmental impact on immune system. In: Pivonello R and Diamanti-Kandarakis E (Eds.) Environmental Endocrinology and Endocrine Disruptors (Endocrinology). 2022; Springer, p. 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38366-4_13-119. Guarnieri G, Olivieri B, Senna G, Vianello A. Relative humidity and its impact on the immune system and infections. Int J Mol Sci. 2023; 24:9456. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms2411945620. Altizer S, Bartel R, Han BA. Animal migration and infectious disease risk. Science. 2011; 331:296–302. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.119469421. Virolainen SJ, VonHandorf A, Viel KC, Weirauch MT, Kottyan LC. Gene-environment interactions and their impact on human health. Genes Immun. 2023; 24:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41435-022-00192-622. Nettles VF. Potential consequences and problems with wildlife contraceptives. Reprod Fertil Dev. 1997; 9:137–144. https://doi.org/10.1071/R9605423. Handley G, Hand J. Adverse Effects of immunosuppression: Infections. In: Eisen HJ, Ed. Pharmacology of Immunosuppression (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol. 272), Springer; 2021. p. 287–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/164_2021_55024. Daszak P, Cunningham AA, Hyatt AD. Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife—threats to biodiversity and human health. Science. 2000; 287:443–449. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.287.5452.44325. Gilbert M. Techniques for vaccinating wildlife. In: Miller RE, Lamberski N, Calle PP, Eds. Fowler's Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy (vol. 9), Elsevier; 2019. p. 299–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-55228-8.00044-8
Mental health well-being and barriers to help-seeking amidst recovery from pandemic r...
Hussain, Samara

Hussain, Samara

and 6 more

July 01, 2024
Background: The three-year long COVID-19 pandemic triggered an increase in prevalence of mental health issues worldwide with ethnic minorities being the recipient of double-hit, lack of resources prior to the pandemic and more affected by the pandemic safety measures during the pandemic. Yet, little is known about their mental health after recovering from the pandemic in Hong Kong. Aims: The current study aimed to investigate mental well-being status (anxiety, depression, and insomnia) during recovery from the impact of the pandemic and to identify differences and predictors in help-seeking behaviors among South and Southeast Asians. Methodology: A convenience sample of 273 adults (Mage:32.8 years; 87 males, 182 females, 4 undisclosed) were recruited from Jan to Aug 2023. Participants completed an online survey consisting of demographics, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), quality of life and health, and help-seeking barrier questionnaire. Results: Using the cutoff of 10 for GAD-7 and PHQ-9, and 15 for ISI, 13.6% of the respondents were at risk of suffering from anxiety, 22.8% from depression, and 12.1% from insomnia, respectively. About one-third (28.6%) of the participants were at risk of developing a mental health disorder. At-risk group scored significantly higher on mental health help-seeking barriers including concerns over cost and cultural/ language barriers, being too busy, and stigma towards mental health as compared to low-risk individuals. Regression model indicated that full-time employment, lower education level, and being at risk of suffering from mental health disorder(s) significantly predicted more help-seeking barriers. Conclusion: Depression was more common than anxiety and sleep problems among South Asians in Hong Kong, where those at risk presented more help-seeking barriers. Culturally sensitive and language barrier free interventions are needed to alleviate mental health symptoms to improve their mental well-being among South and Southeast Asians in Hong Kong.
Exploratory Data Analysis and Prediction of Fuel Prices in FBiH Relative to Oil Price...

Hrvoje Ljubić

and 2 more

July 16, 2024
This paper presents an exploratory data analysis and prediction model for fuel prices in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) relative to oil price movements. The study focuses on the Super 98 fuel type and utilizes data collected from the Federal Ministry of Trade of BiH's eOPC application from December 2018 to September 2023. The analysis employs various data visualization techniques and statistical methods to identify trends and correlations. A recurrent neural network, specifically a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, is constructed to predict future fuel prices based on historical data and the movements of BRENT and WTI oil prices. The results indicate a high correlation between fuel prices in FBiH and BRENT oil prices, with the LSTM model demonstrating high predictive accuracy. This research provides valuable insights for decision-makers in economics and energy sectors and suggests potential future research directions, but also publicly publishes and analyzes a official Ministry dataset over a period of 5 years for 716 gas stations and six fuel types.
Adverse effects related to paediatric influenza vaccination and its influence on vacc...
Matilde Zornoza Moreno
Jaime Pérez

Matilde Zornoza Moreno

and 5 more

June 26, 2024
Background: During the 2022-23 season, three autonomous communities recommended influenza vaccination for all children between 6 and 59 months. The objective is to evaluate the adverse effects associated with the administered influenza vaccines in the Region of Murcia, as well as their influence on the recommendation of the same to acquaintances or repetition in future seasons. Material and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with an online questionnaire sent to the parents of vaccinated minors of 6-23 months of age receiving inactivated intramuscular vaccine (IIV) or 24-59 months of age receiving live-attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV). Results: among 4,971 surveys received the most common adverse effect for LAIV and IIV were runny nose (40.90%) and local pain (31.94%) respectively. Sixty percent of adverse effects lasted ≤1 day, and around 10% lasted ≥3 days. The interference of adverse effects with the minor’s daily life was very infrequent (3.32%), as was the need for visiting the medical office (2.68%). Overall, 96.44% of parents would recommend influenza vaccination to friends and relatives after the experience. Only 3.56% would not recommend it, while 1.68% would not vaccinate their child against influenza again. The most frequently cited reason being adverse effects. Conclusions: Our study shows the safety of influenza vaccines. Despite the low impact of adverse effects, they influence some parents in their intention to continue vaccinating or recommending it to acquaintances, which remarks the need to reinforce the information given to parents so that this fact does not influence.
Revisiting Photovoltaic Module Antireflection Coatings: A Novel Sol-Gel Design Addres...
Yiyu Zeng
Angus Gentle

Yiyu Zeng

and 8 more

June 26, 2024
The antireflection(AR) coating applied to solar glass in photovoltaic modules has remained largely unchanged for decades, despite its well-documented lack of durability. Traditional porous structured single-layer AR coatings last as little as 5 years in the field. In this paper, we propose a novel 5-layer dense AR coating design that offers improved durability and effectiveness compared to traditional coatings. This paper provides detailed insights into the development and characterization of the novel 5-layer AR coating, providing guidance to the photovoltaic community seeking to improve the efficiency and longevity of solar modules.
Potency Analysis of Twelve Cannabinoids in Industrial Hemp via UPLC-MS/MS
Youxi Cai
Ruiting Zhang

Youxi Cai

and 3 more

June 25, 2024
This study validated an UPLC-MS/MS analysis method to simultaneously detect twelve cannabinoids. The concentration-response relationship for all analyzed cannabinoids was linear with R 2 values > 0.99 using the developed method, the relative standard deviations of recovery for the three levels of spiked samples are between 66.1%~104.1%. The method was used to analyze 43 industrial hemp flower and leaf samples, with the data being statistically analyzed. The analysis results showed that the cannabinoids content varied significantly among different varieties and different pretreatment methods, sample heating treatment led to the decarboxylation of acidic cannabinoids and the mutual conversion of cannabinoids. Based on the statistical analysis of the cannabinoids, hemp from different regions and different varieties were well distinguished by the PLS-DA model, with the main contributing substances being Cannabidiol, Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ 8-tetrahydrocannabinol.
A Multi-focus Image Fusion Network Deployed in Smart City Target Detection
Haojie Zhao
Shuang Guo

Haojie Zhao

and 3 more

June 25, 2024
In the global monitoring of smart cities, the demands of global object detection systems based on cloud and fog computing in intelligent systems can be satisfied by photographs with globally recognized properties. Nevertheless, conventional techniques are constrained by the imaging depth of field and can produce artifacts or indistinct borders, which can be disastrous for accurately detecting the object. In light of this, this paper proposes an artificial intelligence-based gradient learning network that gathers and enhances domain information at different sizes in order to produce globally focused fusion results. Gradient features, which provide a lot of boundary information, can eliminate the problem of border artifacts and blur in multi-focus fusion. The multiple-receptive module (MRM) facilitates effective information sharing and enables the capture of object properties at different scales. In addition, with the assistance of the global enhancement module (GEM), the network can effectively combine the scale features and gradient data from various receptive fields and reinforce the features to provide precise decision maps. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that our approach outperforms the seven most sophisticated algorithms currently in use.
HOSPITALS OR PALESTRAE? STUDY ON CYPRUS REALITY
Nikolaos Neokleous
Michalis Socratous

Nikolaos Neokleous

and 1 more

June 25, 2024
Introduction: Hospitals as well as other Health Organizations are stressful work environments with a heavy workload. This is the main reason why conflicts between the workers come to fruition in this environment. Employees express their dissatisfaction with the confrontational environment, their harmonious cooperation is disturbed, which ultimately has a negative impact on the provision and degree of quality of health care. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the management of conflicts between medical staff in state hospitals. It was examined which individuals’ doctors usually argue with, how and why do they react to the conflict, what are the main causes of conflicts and how they are resolved. It will be examined also whether or not there are any differences between hospitals or between medical specialties or between professional levels. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out at February 2023 among the members of State Health Services Organization and Pancyprian Union of Government Physicians. A single two-part questionnaire was used for sampling. The first part consists of demographic and professional characteristics of the participants medical workers and the second part deals with the management of conflicts. The analysis of the data was done using the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0.0.0 (241). Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: The survey involved 103 people, the majority were men (53.4%), with more than 15 years of work experience (43.7%) and with open-ended job position (55.3%). 79.6% of the sample was found to be likely to collide with a colleague, 52.3% with a doctor of the same specialty and 23.3% with the same and another specialty, of the same and another hospital. As a way to react to the conflict, 31.1% chose to collaborate and only 4 people to use mediator, of which 75% said that for mediation they would choose their supervisor. Conclusions: The development of an environment of justice and cooperation in the health areas is necessary and presupposes the optimal settlement of conflicts. In a working environment such as that of hospitals, it is necessary to transmit the culture of team spirit and cooperation. Thus, managers play a primary role through their attitude and their actions. Educational actions should therefore be organised regarding the improvement of communication, the expansion of emotional intelligence and conflict management techniques.
DemocracyGuard: Blockchain-based Secure Voting Framework for Digital Democracy
Mritunjay Shall Peelam
Gaurav Kumar

Mritunjay Shall Peelam

and 3 more

June 25, 2024
Online voting is gaining traction in contemporary society to reduce costs and boost voter turnout, allowing individuals to cast their ballots from anywhere with an internet connection. This innovation is cautiously met due to the inherent security risks, where a single vulnerability can lead to widespread vote manipulation. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to address these concerns and create a trustworthy electoral process. Blockchain offers a decentralized network of nodes that enhances transparency, security, and verifiability. Its distributed ledger and non-repudiation features make it a compelling alternative to traditional electronic voting systems, ensuring the integrity of elections. To further bolster the security of online voting, we propose DemocracyGuard platform on the Ethereum blockchain, which incorporates facial recognition technology to authenticate voters. By leveraging these advancements, DemocracyGuard aims to provide a secure and resilient platform for online voting, paving the way for its broader adoption and revolutionizing the electoral landscape.
← Previous 1 2 … 879 880 881 882 883 884 885 886 887 … 2754 2755 Next →

| Powered by Authorea.com

  • Home