bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollen morphological investigation of selected species of family Asteraceae from Pakistan by using light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Hayat Khizar , Khan Wisal Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Shah Syed Nasar
Published: March 2023

A light and scanning electron microscopy technique was conducted to investigate the palynological features of 19 species belonging to 15 genera of the family Asteraceae. The species under investigation yielded pollen in a range of shapes, including spheroidal, prolate, and subprolate. Trizoncolporate, Tricolporate, and Tetracolporate are the three types of pollen apertures observed in examined species. Except for Gazania rigens, which has reticulate ornamentation under SEM, the exine pattern in all studied species is echinate. The majority of the species had isopolar polarity, whereas some members were apolar and heteropolar. The quantitative parameters that are polar to equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, length of colpi, width of colpi, length of the spine, width of spine, and exine thickness was measured by using light microscopy. The Coreopsis tinctoria had the lowest mean polar 19.75 μm to mean equatorial diameter 18.25 μm while the Silybum marianum had the highest polar 44.7 μm to equatorial 48.2 μm value. The value for colpi length/width was highest in Cirsium arvensis and lowest in C. tinctoria, measuring 9.7/13.2 μm and 2.7/4.7 μm, respectively. The spine length varied from 0.5 μm in Sonchus arvensis to 5.5 μm in Calendula officinalis. Verbesina encelioides had the highest exine thickness measurement (3.3 μm), whereas S. arvensis had the lowest (0.3 μm). The pollen surface of Tagetes erectus, has the highest number (65) whereas the lowest spines number (20) is found in S. arvensis. A taxonomic key based on pollen traits is provided for quick identification of the species. Significant implications for the systematics of the Asteraceae family can be drawn from the reported pollen's quantitative and qualitative data.

Research Highlights

SEM and LM technique was used to study the palynological features of pollen grains.

Quantitative and qualitative pollen features of 19 species of family Asteraceae are described.

Morphological traits of pollen grains are important for the systematics of family Asteraceae.
Building a thriving academic hospitalist workforce: A rapid qualitative analysis identifying key areas of focus in the field
Authors: Kulkarni Shradha A. , Keniston Angela , Linker Anne S. , Astik Gopi J. , Kangelaris Kirsten N. , Leykum Luci K. , Sakumoto Matthew , Auerbach Andrew , Burden Marisha
Published: March 2023

Background

The hospitalist workforce has been at the forefront of the pandemic and has been stretched in both clinical and nonclinical domains. We aimed to understand current and future workforce concerns, as well as strategies to cultivate a thriving hospital medicine workforce.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We conducted qualitative, semistructured focus groups with practicing hospitalists via video conferencing (Zoom). Utilizing components from the Brainwriting Premortem Approach, attendees were split into small focus groups and listed their thoughts about workforce issues that hospitalists may encounter in the next 3 years, identifying the highest priority workforce issues for the hospital medicine community. Each small group discussed the most pressing workforce issues. These ideas were then shared across the entire group and ranked. We used rapid qualitative analysis to guide a structured exploration of themes and subthemes.

Results

Five focus groups were held with 18 participants from 13 academic institutions. We identified five key areas: (1) support for workforce wellness; (2) staffing and pipeline development to maintain an adequate workforce to match clinical growth; (3) scope of work, including how hospitalist work is defined and whether the clinical skillset should be expanded; (4) commitment to the academic mission in the setting of rapid and unpredictable clinical growth; and (5) alignment between the duties of hospitalists and resources of hospitals. Hospitalists voiced numerous concerns about the future of our workforce. Several domains were identified as high‐priority areas of focus to address current and future challenges.
Distinct response of total and active fungal communities and functions to seasonal changes in a semi‐enclosed bay with mariculture (Dongshan Bay, Southern China)
Authors: Xu Wei , Yang Change , Luo Yu , Zhang Kai , Chen Mingliang , Jiang Shuangcheng , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Luo Zhuhua
Published: March 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that fungal communities are key components of biogeochemical cycles in coastal ecosystems. However, at a regional scale, the major drivers of the seasonal and spatial distribution of fungi in areas impacted by mariculture remain largely unknown. Intensive aquaculture takes place in Dongshan Bay of Fujian, China, a typical subtropical marine ecosystem with multiple environmental gradients extensively perturbed by anthropogenic activities. To better understand the consequences of mariculture on fungal community composition and activities, we simultaneously evaluated the temporal (four different seasons) and spatial dynamics in total (DNA) and active (RNA) fungal communities of Dongshan Bay in relation to several major physicochemical properties. Our results revealed that fungal communities in the Bay were highly diverse, but showed the ubiquitous dominance of Dikarya and the occasional predominance of Glomeromycota, Mucoromycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota, Olpidiomycota, and Rozellomycota. Fungal diversity varied much more with season than with the degree of aquaculture activity, for both total and active communities. This notion is supported by co‐occurrence networks exhibiting a clear seasonal pattern. Furthermore, fungal community structure in coastal waters showed distinct relationships with environmental factors varying both with season and in space. For both total and active fungal communities, a combination of environmental variables including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nitrite exhibited the greatest impact on community structure. Our study demonstrates a distinct spatiotemporal dynamics of both total and active fungi and provides a foundation to better understand the ecological roles of marine fungi in coastal ecosystems in relation to mariculture activities.
Single‐Cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Difference of Aortic Atherosclerosis Response to Phytosterols and Oxidation Products of Sterols
Authors: Wang Zhangtie , Wang Mengmeng , Lu Yunrui , Ji Yongli , Simal‐Gandara Jesus , Xiao Fan , Liu Yan , Zhang Liangxiao , Battino Maurizio , Li Peiwu , Xiao Jianbo , Xie Yao , Lu Baiyi
Published: March 2023

Scope

Phytosterols (PS) and sterol oxidation products are key dietary factors influencing atherosclerosis besides cholesterol, although the mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) has revealed the heterogeneity of multiple cell types associated with complex pathogenesis in atherosclerosis development.

Methods and results

Here, scRNA‐seq is performed to investigate the alterations in the aortic cells from ApoE−/− mice induced by diet‐derived PS or two sterol oxidation products, phytosterols oxidation products (POPs), and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). The study identifies four fibroblast subpopulations with different functions, and immunofluorescence demonstrates their spatial heterogeneity, providing evidence that suggests the transformation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts in atherosclerosis. The composition and gene expression profiles of aortic cells change broadly in response to PS/COPs/POPs exposure. Notably, PS exhibits an atheroprotective effect where different gene expressions are mainly found in B cells. Exposure to COPs accelerates atherosclerosis and results in marked alternations in myofibroblast subpopulations and T cells, while POPs only alter fibroblast subpopulations and B cells.

Conclusion

The data elucidate the effects of dietary PS/COPs/POPs on aortic cells during atherosclerosis development, especially on the newly identified fibroblast subpopulations.
Novel millimeter‐wave vertical transition between rectangular waveguide and balanced transmission line using embedded magnetic closed loops
Authors: Zhou Yedi , Song Kaijun , Wilson Aidoo M. , Fan Yong
Published: March 2023

A novel transition between rectangular waveguide (RWG) and balanced transmission line with magnetic closed loops has been developed. A conventional RWG directly mounts on a printed circuit board that actualizes energy transition. Using a pair of centrosymmetric magnetic closed loop, the TE10 mode converts to TEM mode, and balanced ports are obtained. Based on the structural characteristics investigation, the transition is fabricated and measured. The center frequency of the operation is 32.5 GHz, and the bandwidth is wider than 27% for insertion loss no more than 0.6 dB and return loss more than 15 dB. Between the two balanced ports, the magnitude imbalance is less than 0.4 dB, and the phase difference is less than 3°. Integration within the balanced ports makes the transition a promising candidate for miniaturized system in antenna.
Impact of BMI and comorbidities on efficacy of once‐weekly semaglutide: Post hoc analyses of the STEP 1 randomized trial
Authors: McGowan Barbara M. , Houshmand‐Oeregaard Azadeh , Laursen Peter Nørkjær , Zeuthen Niels , Baker‐Knight James
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study assessed the effects of semaglutide on body weight, cardiometabolic risk factors, and glycemic status in individuals categorized by baseline BMI with or without additional obesity‐related comorbidities, including prediabetes and high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

This was a post hoc exploratory subgroup analysis of the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) 1 trial (NCT03548935), in which participants without diabetes and BMI ≥30 kg/m2, or BMI ≥27 kg/m2 with ≥1 weight‐related comorbidity, were randomized to once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 68 weeks. For this analysis, individuals were categorized into subgroups based on baseline BMI <35 versus ≥35 kg/m2 (with no additional criteria, with ≥1 comorbidity, with prediabetes, and with prediabetes and high risk of CVD).

Results

Mean changes in body weight from baseline to week 68 with semaglutide were −16.2% and −14.0% in the subgroups with baseline BMI <35 and ≥35 kg/m2, respectively (both p < 0.0001 vs. placebo). Similar changes were observed in individuals with comorbidities, with prediabetes, and with prediabetes plus high CVD risk. The beneficial effects of semaglutide on cardiometabolic risk factors were consistent across all subgroups.

Conclusions

This subgroup analysis confirms that semaglutide is effective in individuals with baseline BMI <35 and ≥35 kg/m2, including in those with comorbidities.
Experimental research on the high‐temperature compression mechanical properties of carbon/phenolic composites in rapid carbonization conditions
Authors: Lin Xiaochu , Yi Fajun , Xie Weihua , Xu Chenghai , Meng Songhe
Published: March 2023

The structural characteristics of fiber‐reinforced plastic composites are usually determined by ablation, but bearing capacity is also a key parameter that should be clarified in aerospace engineering. Needle‐punched carbon/phenolic composites are most commonly used as the inner material of solid rocket motor nozzles, and the mechanical properties thereof are dynamic and difficult to obtain at high temperatures. A radiation‐heating mechanical testing machine with split‐test chambers was designed to test the in‐plane compression properties of the composite at different degrees or pyrolysis and temperatures. The results show that the final weight‐loss rate was 25.5%. During the loading process, the composite had a linear elastic mechanical response and brittle fracture failure, and the compressive strength was 218.9 MPa at room temperature. At different holding times, the higher the temperature, the higher the weight‐loss rate, the higher the graphitization degree of the specimen, and the lower the degree of disorder of the carbon matrix. Thus, the minimum compressive strength was found to be 23.42 MPa at 600°C, and the maximum was 60.16 MPa at 1800°C after high‐temperature pyrolysis. The present work provides a reference for the refined design of solid rocket motor nozzles.
The role of educational support in the development of subjective well‐being in Finnish general upper secondary education
Authors: Holopainen Leena , Waltzer Katariina , Hoang Nhi , Lappalainen Kristiina , Nuutinen Hanna , Pesonen Heli
Published: March 2023

This study examines how students' support, self‐esteem, and schoolwork difficulties are related to the development of students' subjective well‐being (SWB), which consists of social relations and self‐fulfillment. The participants (n = 326, aged 16 years) were followed for the first 2 years of general upper secondary education in Finnish schools. The first‐year results in the path model showed that students who received more support or had better self‐esteem were more likely to have better SWB, but students with schoolwork difficulties had lower SWB. The results also indicated that SWB in the second year was strongly predicted by SWB in the first year. All autoregressive effects of the variables from the first to second year were significant, but schoolwork difficulties had the highest stability, and support had the lowest stability. Moreover, the mediation effects between the variables from the first to second year suggested that students who had low SWB in the first year experienced more schoolwork difficulties in the second year. In practice, it was an important finding that, in both years, the school staff members could positively impact students' SWB through support, even though the received support was insufficient to reduce the negative effect of schoolwork difficulties on SWB.
Effect of formic acid treatment on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in sperm whale teeth dentine
Authors: Stukonytė Laura , Borrell Asunción , Drago Massimiliano , Lockyer Christina , Víkingsson Gísli , Aguilar Alex
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Stable isotope analysis of growth layers in sperm whale teeth dentine can provide valuable insight into individual long‐distance displacements and diet. Although treating teeth half‐sections with formic acid and rubbing their surface with a graphite pencil improves growth layer visibility and reduces sampling error, previous studies mostly used untreated half‐sections as the effect that this treatment may have on stable isotope ratios in dentine is unknown. The present study investigates the treatment effect on stable C and N isotope ratios in sperm whale teeth dentine.

Methods

In the teeth of 30 sperm whales, we analysed and compared samples of powdered dentine obtained from (a) untreated half‐sections, (b) half‐sections etched with formic acid and rubbed with a graphite pencil and (c) half‐sections etched with formic acid from which the graphite pencil rubbing had been cleansed off. C and N values were compared between the three sample groups.

Results

We found significant differences in values of both elements between untreated and etched samples, with a mean increase of 0.2% in δ13C and δ15N values in the etched samples. No significant differences were found between etched samples with graphite rubbing versus those without it. Significant linear regression models were calculated to predict untreated δ13C and δ15N values from the values obtained in the etched half‐sections with limited precision.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that formic acid etching has a clear effect on C and N values in sperm whale teeth dentine. The developed models permit the estimation of untreated values from etched half‐sections, thus enabling the use of the latter in stable isotope analysis. However, as treatment procedures may vary between studies, it is advisable that similar predictive models are developed case‐by‐case to ensure comparability of results.
Combining corn N recommendation tools for an improved economical optimal nitrogen rate estimation
Authors: Ransom Curtis J. , Kitchen Newell R. , Camberato James J. , Carter Paul R. , Ferguson Richard B. , Fernández Fabián G. , Franzen David W. , Laboski Carrie A. M. , Myers David Brenton , Nafziger Emerson D. , Sawyer John E. , Shanahan John F.
Published: March 2023

Improving corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) rate fertilizer recommendation tools can improve farmers’ profits and mitigate N pollution. Numerous approaches have been tested to improve these tools, but to date improvements for predicting economically optimum N rate (EONR) have been modest. This work's objective was to use ensemble learning to improve our estimation of EONR (for a single at‐planting and split N application timing) by combining multiple corn N recommendation tools. The evaluation was conducted using 49 corn N response trials from eight states in the US Corn Belt and three growing seasons (2014–2016). Elastic net and decision tree approaches regressed EONR against three unique tools for each N application timing. Tools used in various combinations included a yield goal method, two soil nitrate tests (pre‐plant and late season), a computer simulation crop model (Maize‐N), and canopy reflectance sensing. Any combination of two or three N recommendation tools improved or maintained performance metrics (R2, root‐mean square error , and number of sites close to EONR). The best results for a single at‐planting recommendation occurred when combining the three at‐planting N recommendation tools (including interactions) with an elastic net regression model. This combined recommendation tool had a significant linear relationship with EONR (R2 = 0.46), an increase of 0.27 over the best tool evaluated alone. Combining multiple tools increased the implementation cost, but it did not reduce profitability and, sometimes, improved profitability. These results show tools can be combined to better match EONR, and thus could aid farmers in improving N management.
Recruitment of Receptors and Ligands in a Weakly Multivalent System with Omnipresent Signatures of Superselective Binding
Authors: Lu Yao , Allegri Giulia , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: March 2023

Recruitment of receptors at membrane interfaces is essential in biological recognition and uptake processes. The interactions that induce recruitment are typically weak at the level of individual interaction pairs, but are strong and selective at the level of recruited ensembles. Here, a model system is demonstrated, based on the supported lipid bilayer (SLB) that mimics the recruitment process induced by weakly multivalent interactions. The weak (mm range) histidine‐nickel‐nitrilotriacetate (His2‐NiNTA) pair is employed owing to its ease of implementation in both synthetic and biological systems. The recruitment of receptors (and ligands) induced by the binding of His2‐functionalized vesicles on NiNTA‐terminated SLBs is investigated to identify the ligand densities necessary to achieve vesicle binding and receptor recruitment. Threshold values of ligand densities appear to occur in many binding characteristics: density of bound vesicles, size and receptor density of the contact area, and vesicle deformation. Such thresholds contrast the binding of strongly multivalent systems and constitute a clear signature of the superselective binding behavior predicted for weakly multivalent interactions. This model system provides quantitative insight into the binding valency and effects of competing energetic forces, such as deformation, depletion, and entropy cost of recruitment at different length scales.
Effect of high temperature on the performance of radiation‐protected ultra‐high performance concrete containing mixed fibers
Authors: Han Jianjun , Liao Dang , Li Guo , Lv Yajun , Cao Kelei , Yang Longbin , Xi Zhuangmin
Published: March 2023

The internal structure of ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) is very dense and prone to flaking in high‐temperature environments, thereby limiting its application in high‐temperature environments. In this study, polypropylene (PP) fibers were used in partially replacing steel fibers to prepare radiation‐protected UHPC‐containing hybrid fibers. The working performance, spalling behavior, mass loss, mechanical properties, γ‐ray shielding performance, and microstructure after exposure to different target temperatures (25°C, 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C) of the radiation‐protected UHPC containing hybrid fibers were investigated. Results showed that the increase of PP fiber admixture did not have a significant negative effect on the flowability of UHPC mixes. The combination of steel fiber and PP fiber can effectively inhibit the spalling of UHPC at a high temperature. With the increase of temperature, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of UHPC showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the γ‐ray shielding performance gradually decreased. Compared with the normal temperature, the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) of UHPC at 800°C decreased by 12.6%, HVL and TVL decreased by 14.4%. Microstructural analysis showed that the porosity of UHPC increased with the increase of temperature, and the proportion of harmless pores showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. Moreover, the high temperature led to the deterioration in the microscopic morphology of UHPC and the weakening of the bond between the steel fiber and the matrix. These findings revealed the reason for the decrease in mechanical properties of UHPC at high temperatures.
Quantitative sustainability assessment of remanufacturing waste reinforcing steel
Authors: Abdullah Ziyad Tariq
Published: March 2023

Construction is a major contributor to the solid waste stream globally and various recycling strategies are being evaluated to recover valuable resources. As a novel strategy, remanufacturing waste reinforcing steel bar (rebar) pieces from concrete waste to produce nails was applied on an industrial scale to prove the technical feasibility, where a group of alternatives were developed based on commercially available industrial machinery. The calculated economic and environmental feasibility values are sufficiently high for industrial application, and the most appropriate remanufacturing technological alternative was identified. The sustainability equation was solved to find the social feasibility and overall remanufacturing sustainability index. Rebar waste remanufacturing has a high triple‐bottom‐line sustainability index of 0.885. Based on the proposed process, small remanufacturing companies can be developed, thereby aiding employment and human development by earning profit of 1904–8880 USD/day. The findings of this study are beneficial to decision makers in government and industry and are globally relevant because concrete waste is ubiquitous worldwide.
Influence of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as an alternative to antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and haemato‐biochemical indices of broiler chickens
Authors: Quaye B. , Opoku O. , Benante V. , Adjei‐Mensah B. , Amankrah M. A. , Ampadu B. , Awenkanab E. , Atuahene C. C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Medicinal herbs as classes of additives to poultry feeds have proven to be beneficial due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Objective

A 6‐week study was conducted to assess the effects of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as an alternative to antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass traits and haemato‐biochemical parameters of broiler chickens.

Methods

A total of 240 unsexed commercial broiler chickens, 2 weeks old, were randomly allocated to four treatments: T1 (negative control), T2 (positive control, 1 g/L oxytetracycline), T3 (0.5% Aloe vera gel extract) and T4 (1% Aloe vera gel extract) in a completely randomised design (CRD), with six replicates of 10 birds per replicate. The Aloe vera gel extract was administered in fresh drinking water.

Results

The results revealed across all the treatment groups, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found in terms of growth performance and carcass traits. However, the mortality rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the positive control and the Aloe vera groups compared to the negative control. Total cholesterol, total glucose, and high‐density lipoprotein values for the experimental groups (T3 and T4) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the control groups. The values for red blood cell count, haemoglobin content, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration for the birds treated with Aloe vera gel were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the control groups.

Conclusions

It is therefore concluded that the addition of Aloe vera gel extracts up to 1% in the drinking water could replace antibiotics in broiler chickens without any adverse effects on the health status and the performance of birds.
UnsupervisedEHR‐based phenotyping via matrix and tensor decompositions
Authors: Becker Florian , Smilde Age K. , Acar Evrim
Published: March 2023

Computational phenotyping allows for unsupervised discovery of subgroups of patients as well as corresponding co‐occurring medical conditions from electronic health records (EHR). Typically, EHR data contains demographic information, diagnoses and laboratory results. Discovering (novel) phenotypes has the potential to be of prognostic and therapeutic value. Providing medical practitioners with transparent and interpretable results is an important requirement and an essential part for advancing precision medicine. Low‐rank data approximation methods such as matrix (e.g., nonnegative matrix factorization) and tensor decompositions (e.g., CANDECOMP/PARAFAC) have demonstrated that they can provide such transparent and interpretable insights. Recent developments have adapted low‐rank data approximation methods by incorporating different constraints and regularizations that facilitate interpretability further. In addition, they offer solutions for common challenges within EHR data such as high dimensionality, data sparsity and incompleteness. Especially extractingtemporal phenotypesfrom longitudinal EHR has received much attention in recent years. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of low‐rank approximation‐based approaches for computational phenotyping. The existing literature is categorized into temporal versus static phenotyping approaches based on matrix versus tensor decompositions. Furthermore, we outline different approaches for the validation of phenotypes, that is, the assessment of clinical significance.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Structure Discovery

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Explainable AI

Technologies > Machine Learning
Water security challenges of Ankara City in Turkey: Lessons from climate change impact and the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ahsan Md Moynul , Tanrıvermiş Yeşim , Tuna Mustafa
Published: March 2023

Climate change and the COVID‐19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Ankara city in Turkey. The city authorities have taken a number of strategic and operational measures to improve water security. This paper explores the linkages of regular forces such as climate change and disasters, as well as disruptive forces like pandemics, sudden shocks, and actions needed to overcome the resulting challenges. Based on 13 key informant interviews with a semi‐structured questionnaire and literature review, the existing water security situation is explored in relation to climate change and the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Ankara is still behind in terms of climate‐related adaptation practices and management. Financial resources are inadequate, so policy measures like neighborhood‐level responsibility‐sharing frameworks, resilience integration into existing policies and involving local people in policymaking, and developing capacity building for local government can help to ensure Ankara's water security.
Assessing the effect of interpretation design traits on zoo visitor engagement
Authors: Edney Gemma , Smart Tom , Howat Frederick , Batchelor Zoe E. , Hughes Charlotte , Moss Andrew
Published: March 2023

In the past few decades, zoos have undergone a transformation from places of entertainment to centers for conservation, with education becoming a particular focus. Interpretation in zoos is a near‐universal method for delivering education in zoos and has been shown to prompt learning and pro‐conservation behavior change. However, there is limited understanding on how interpretation design itself can influence visitor engagement. Using unobtrusive visitor observations (n = 3890), this study measures visitor engagement of multiple pieces of interpretation with various design “traits,” to provide a comprehensive overview of the key traits related to increased visitor engagement. The proportion of visitors who stopped at the interpretation (attraction power), and how long they stopped for (holding power), were our two outcome variables. From our models, we found that attraction and holding power are most strongly influenced by the type of interpretation, with interactive interpretation seeing nearly four times as many visitors stop, and for more than six times longer, when compared to standard text and graphics interpretation. We also found that location was significantly related to attraction power, with visitors more likely to stop at interpretation in more immersive exhibits. Lastly, interpretation containing images of humans were related to a higher holding power. We hope our findings will be used as a guide for designing interpretation that is both attractive and interesting to zoo visitors, maximizing the conservation education value of zoo‐based interpretation.
Praxisbeitrag: Physiologische Messungen in der evaluatorischen Praxis
Authors: Humm Christian , Niemann Philipp
Published: March 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird anhand der Untersuchung einer Virtual Reality Umgebung aus dem Themenbereich der Physik – KATRIN VR (vr.nawik.de) – beispielhaft gezeigt, wie eine spezifische Methode aus dem Repertoire der Verfahren zur physiologischen Messung bei der Evaluation von Angeboten der Wissenschaftskommunikation eingesetzt werden kann: Die Methode der Blickaufzeichnung. Dazu werden in einem ersten Schritt relevante evaluationsbezogene Fragestellungen am Beispiel von KATRIN VR aufgezeigt, die anschließend in einer quasi-experimentellen multimethodischen Untersuchung adressiert werden. Dabei wird die im Vordergrund stehende Blickaufzeichnung mit einem Wissenstest und der Methode des Lauten Denkens kombiniert, um Rezeption und Wirkungsaspekte der Virtual Reality Umgebung zu erfassen.
Praxisbeitrag: Anwendungsbeispiel zur Integration inhaltsanalytischer Betrachtungen in Multi-Methoden-Forschungsstrategien im Bereich der Wissenschaftskommunikation
Authors: Goldschmidt Rüdiger , Scheel Oliver
Published: March 2023

Der Beitrag skizziert die Potenziale inhaltsanalytischer Betrachtungen als Bestandteil der Begleitforschung von Initiativen im Bereich Wissenschaftskommunikation und speziell in Bezug auf den Einsatz interaktiver Online-Designs. Inhaltsanalytische Betrachtungen erwiesen sich als zielführende Ergänzung des Multi-Method Designs der Forschungsstudie, wobei die Verzahnung aller Methoden eine Rolle spielt. Die vorgestellte explorative Teilstudie erarbeitet auch inhaltliche Erkenntnisse. Online-Verfahren wie Foren oder Diskussionstische zeigten viel Potenzial für die Wissenschaftskommunikation insbesondere dann, wenn die Auswahl des Designs unter Berücksichtigung auf die Zielsetzung des Dialogverfahrens erfolgt. Mit den Ergebnissen deutet sich an, dass die Frage welche Kommunikationsmodi (deliberativ-konstruktiv, aggregierend oder additiv) in einem Dialogdesign entwickelt werden sollen bzw. können wichtiger ist als die Frage der Umsetzung als Online versus Präsenzveranstaltung.
Grundlagenbeitrag: Quantitative Testverfahren
Authors: Wirth Joachim , Fleischer Jens
Published: March 2023

Quantitative Testverfahren kommen zum Einsatz, wenn Leistungen von Personen gemessen werden sollen. Im Rahmen der Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation ist dies bspw. der Fall, wenn durch Wissenschaftskommunikation Wissen oder Fähigkeiten von Teilnehmenden verbessert werden sollen und Evaluation empirisch prüfen möchte, ob dieses Ziel erreicht wurde. Bei der Auswahl, Entwicklung und Bewertung von Testverfahren sind Gütekriterien einzuhalten, damit das empirische Ergebnis inhaltlich sinnvoll interpretierbare Aussagen zulässt. Die Bewertung der empirischen Ergebnisse erfolgt zudem vor dem Hintergrund einer Bezugsnorm, die bewusst gewählt werden muss. In dem Beitrag gehen wir auf die verschiedenen Testgütekriterien und Bezugsnormen ein und plädieren für interdisziplinäre Kooperationen bei der Auswahl und Entwicklung von quantitativen Testverfahren für die Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation.
Herausforderungen der aktuellen Evaluationspraxis in der Wissenschaftskommunikation in Deutschland
Authors: Ziegler Ricarda , Hedder Imke , Fischer Liliann
Published: March 2023

Evaluationen bieten einen wichtigen Mehrwert für Wissenschaftskommunikation, denn anhand ihrer Ergebnisse lässt diese sich zukünftig zielorientiert und effektiv gestalten. Zur Zeit steht die Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation in Deutschland allerdings noch vor Herausforderungen. So ergeben sich bereits vor Beginn der Evaluationen Probleme durch fehlende strategische Planung von Wissenschaftskommunikation. Darüber hinaus mangelt es bei Evaluationen oft an passenden Evaluationsdesigns und geeigneten Datenerhebungsmethoden. Zu guter Letzt erschwert das in der deutschen Wissenschaftskommunikationspraxis vorherrschende Bild von Evaluation einen kollektiven und konstruktiven Lernprozess für die Wissenschaftskommunikation. Diese Herausforderungen gilt es zu überwinden, damit Evaluation als kollektiver Reflexionsprozess zur konstruktiven Weiterentwicklung von Wissenschaftskommunikation beitragen kann.
Praxisbeitrag: Multimethodenansatz in der Evaluation am Beispiel der Dialogveranstaltung „Mensch Wissenschaft!“
Authors: Gabriel Markus , Kessel Isabella , Quast Thomas , Roth Eva
Published: March 2023

Mit „Mensch Wissenschaft!“ hat die Robert Bosch Stiftung in einem mehrstufigen und durch eine Evaluation begleiteten Verfahren ein dialogisches und partizipatives Angebot der Wissenschaftskommunikation entwickelt. Dabei handelt es sich um eine zweitägige Veranstaltung mit dem Ziel, einen gleichberechtigten Dialog zwischen Bürger:innen und Wissenschaftler:innen zu initiieren und auf diese Weise gegenseitiges Verständnis und Vertrauen zu fördern. Das Angebot ist als Blaupause für Dialogformate zwischen Bürger:innen und Wissenschaftler:innen gedacht. Die begleitende formative Evaluation ist ein praxisorientiertes Beispiel für den Einsatz verschiedener aufeinander abgestimmter und verschränkter (quantitativer und qualitativer) Methoden in einem Evaluationsvorhaben, auch im engeren Sinne eines Multimethoden-Forschungsansatzes- oder Mixed-Method-Designs. Der Beitrag gibt zudem eine kurze theoretische Einführung in das Thema multimethodischer bzw. Mixed-Method-Designs.
Grundlagenbeitrag: Quantitative Befragungen
Authors: Böhmert Christoph , Abacioglu Ferdinand
Published: March 2023

Die quantitative Befragung ermöglicht eine effiziente Erhebung und Auswertung großer Mengen an Daten und hat somit ihren festen Platz im Methodenkanon vieler empirischer Wissenschaften. Der vorliegende Beitrag setzt sich im Rahmen der Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation mit den Grundlagen dieses Erhebungsverfahrens auseinander und geht dabei zunächst auf wesentliche Merkmale und Klassifizierungsmöglichkeiten der Methode ein. In Hinblick auf Konzeption und Durchführung werden dann zentrale Anforderungen an das entsprechende Messinstrument, sowie die grundlegenden Eigenschaften von Messskalen und Antwortformaten dargelegt. Der Beitrag gibt zudem praktische Hinweise für die Verwendung von Ratingskalen und schließt mit einer Zusammenfassung bewährter Praktiken bei der allgemeinen Fragenkonstruktion.
Beobachtungen in der Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation
Authors: Weiß André
Published: March 2023

Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt grundlegende Kriterien der sozialwissenschaftlichen Methode der Beobachtung auf und ordnet ihr Potenzial im Rahmen der Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation ein. Der Beitrag geht dabei hauptsächlich auf eventbezogene Formate der externen Wissenschaftskommunikation ein, nennt aber auch Potenziale der (teilnehmenden) Beobachtung bei der Evaluation der Entstehung journalistischer Formate oder im Rahmen interner Wissenschaftskommunikation. Es wird insbesondere zwischen qualitativ und quantitativ ausgeprägten Formen der Beobachtung unterschieden und dargelegt, welche Schritte für eine erfolgreiche Durchführung zu beachten sind. Dabei werden auch Probleme und Herausforderungen bei der Anwendung der Methode genannt, derer durch die Beachtung bestimmter Gütekriterien vorgebeugt werden kann. Abschließend nennt der Beitrag Anwendungsszenarios und Beispiele für Beobachtungen im Rahmen von evaluativer Wissenschaftskommunikationsforschung.
Magnetic stimulation in the treatment of female urgency urinary incontinence: a systematic review
Authors: Antić Anja , Pavčnik Maja , Lukanović Adolf , Matjašič Miha , Lukanović David
Published: March 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

This systematic review analyzes published studies about magnetic stimulation (MS) treatment for UUI and determines whether this treatment is effective and non-invasive.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. The international standard for reporting results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used to guide the methodology of this systematic review. The key search terms were as follows: “magnetic stimulation” and “urinary incontinence.” We limited the time frame to articles published from 1998, when the FDA approved MS as a conservative treatment option for UI. The last search was performed on 5 August 2022.

Results

Two authors independently reviewed 234 article titles and abstracts, of which only 5 fitted the inclusion criteria. All 5 studies included women with UUI, but every study had different diagnostic and entry criteria for patients. They also differed in their treatment regimens and methodological approaches to assessing the efficacy of treating UUI with MS, which made it impossible to compare the results. Nonetheless, all five studies established that MS is an effective and non-invasive way of treating UUI.

Conclusions

The systematic literature review led to the conclusion that MS is an effective and conservative way of treating UUI. Despite this, literature in this area is lacking. Further randomized controlled trials are needed, with standardized entry criteria, UUI diagnostics, MS programs, and standardized protocols to measure the efficacy of MS in UUI treatment, with a longer follow-up period for post-treatment patients.
The critical 2d Stochastic Heat Flow
Authors: Caravenna Francesco , Sun Rongfeng , Zygouras Nikos
Published: March 2023

We consider directed polymers in random environment in the critical dimension $$d = 2$$

d
=
2

, focusing on the intermediate disorder regime when the model undergoes a phase transition. We prove that, at criticality, the diffusively rescaled random field of partition functions has a unique scaling limit: a universal process of random measures on $${\mathbb {R}}^2$$

R

2

with logarithmic correlations, which we call the Critical 2d Stochastic Heat Flow. It is the natural candidate for the long sought solution of the critical 2d Stochastic Heat Equation with multiplicative space-time white noise.
Fit-Seq2.0: An Improved Software for High-Throughput Fitness Measurements Using Pooled Competition Assays
Authors: Li Fangfei , Tarkington Jason , Sherlock Gavin
Published: March 2023

The fitness of a genotype is defined as its lifetime reproductive success, with fitness itself being a composite trait likely dependent on many underlying phenotypes. Measuring fitness is important for understanding how alteration of different cellular components affects a cell’s ability to reproduce. Here, we describe an improved approach, implemented in Python, for estimating fitness in high throughput via pooled competition assays.
Efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE in metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms of different locations: data from the SEPTRALU study
Authors: Mitjavila Mercedes , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula , Belló Pilar , Pubul Virginia , Percovich Juan Carlos , Garcia-Burillo Amparo , Hernando Jorge , Arbizu Javier , Rodeño Emilia , Estorch Montserrat , Llana Belén , Castellón Maribel , García-Cañamaque Lina , Gajate Pablo , Riesco Maria Carmen , Miguel Maria Begoña , Balaguer-Muñoz David , Custodio Ana , Cano Juana María , Repetto Alexandra , Garcia-Alonso Pilar , Muros Maria Angustias , Vercher-Conejero Jose Luis , Carmona-Bayonas Alberto
Published: March 2023

Background

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Nevertheless, its role in certain tumor sites remains unclear. This study sought to elucidate the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE in NENs with different locations and evaluate the effect of the tumor origin, bearing in mind other prognostic variables. Advanced NENs overexpressing somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on functional imaging, of any grade or location, treated at 24 centers were enrolled. The protocol consisted of four cycles of 177Lu-DOTATATE 7.4 GBq iv every 8 weeks (NCT04949282).

Results

The sample comprised 522 subjects with pancreatic (35%), midgut (28%), bronchopulmonary (11%), pheochromocytoma/ paraganglioma (PPGL) (6%), other gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) (11%), and other non-gastroenteropancreatic (NGEP) (9%) NENs. The best RECIST 1.1 responses were complete response, 0.7%; partial response, 33.2%; stable disease, 52.1%; and tumor progression, 14%, with activity conditioned by the tumor subtype, but with benefit in all strata. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 31.3 months (95% CI, 25.7–not reached [NR]) in midgut, 30.6 months (14.4-NR) in PPGL, 24.3 months (18.0-NR) in other GEP, 20.5 months (11.8-NR) in other NGEP, 19.8 months (16.8–28.1) in pancreatic, and 17.6 months (14.4–33.1) in bronchopulmonary NENs. [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE exhibited scant severe toxicity.

Conclusion

This study confirms the efficacy and safety of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE in a wide range of SSTR-expressing NENs, regardless of location, with clinical benefit and superimposable survival outcomes between pNENs and other GEP and NGEP tumor subtypes different from midgut NENs.
Cumulative response of Tempranillo vines to the crop forcing technique and pre-forcing and post-veraison water stress in terms of yield and grape and wine quality
Authors: Oliver-Manera Jordi , García-Tejera Omar , Mata Mercè , Girona Joan
Published: March 2023

Elevated temperatures during berry ripening are detrimental to grape quality. The crop forcing technique (summer pruning that ‘forces’ the vine to start a new cycle) increases must acidity and malic acid concentration at harvest by delaying the date of veraison. However, little information is available on the sensitivity to water stress of forced vines. A 3-year trial was conducted to test three irrigation strategies in forced vines: a minimum threshold of mid-day stem water potential (Ψs) of −0.75 MPa before forcing (DI), a minimum Ψs threshold of −1.2 MPa only after veraison (RDI), and the combination of both treatments (DI + RDI). Results were compared to a non-forced treatment with a minimum Ψs threshold of −1.2 MPa after veraison (C-RDI). Must acidity increased, and pH decreased in the forced treatments. However, yield was reduced by 35% and irrigation requirements increased by 20% when comparing forced and unforced treatments. As a result, water use efficiency was reduced in forced treatments. Only after a dry spring did the, DI (11%) and DI + RDI (30%) treatments, save water compared to the C-RDI treatment. Moreover, although Ψs before forcing never fell below −0.75 MPa, a significant negative correlation (R2 = 0.76) was found between the integral of water stress before the vines were forced and the number of forced bunches per vine. Post-veraison water stress in forced vines reduced the polyphenol content of the wine. Our findings suggest that forced vines are extremely sensitive to even mild water stress.
Intraoperative 3D imaging in plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures
Authors: Böhringer Alexander , Cintean Raffael , Eickhoff Alexander , Gebhard Florian , Schütze Konrad
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Proximal humerus fractures are common and often associated with osteoporosis in the elderly. Unfortunately, the complication and revision rate for joint-preserving surgical treatment using locking plate osteosynthesis is still high. Problems include insufficient fracture reduction and implant misplacement. Using conventional intraoperative two dimensional (2D) X-ray imaging control in only two planes, a completely error-free assessment is not possible.

Materials and methods

The feasibility of intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) imaging control for locking plate osteosynthesis with screw tip cement augmentation of proximal humerus fractures was retrospectively studied in 14 cases with an isocentric mobile C-arm image intensifier set up parasagittal to the patients.

Results

The intraoperative digital volume tomography (DVT) scans were feasible in all cases and showed excellent image quality. One patient showed inadequate fracture reduction in the imaging control, which then could be corrected. In another patient, a protruding head screw was detected, which could be replaced before augmentation. Cement distribution in the humeral head was consistent around the screw tips with no leakage into the joint.

Conclusion

This study shows that insufficient fracture reduction and implant misplacement can be easily and reliably detected by intraoperative DVT scan with an isocentric mobile C-arm set up in the usual parasagittal position to the patient.
The Efficacy and Safety of Gefapixant in a Phase 3b Trial of Patients with Recent-Onset Chronic Cough
Authors: McGarvey Lorcan , Sher Mandel , Shvarts Yury Grigorievich , Lu Susan , Wu Wen-Chi , Xu Ping , Schelfhout Jonathan , La Rosa Carmen , Nguyen Allison Martin , Reyfman Paul A. , Afzal Amna Sadaf
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We evaluated gefapixant, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, in participants with recent-onset (≤ 12 months) refractory chronic cough (RCC) or unexplained chronic cough (UCC).

Methods

Participants (≥ 18 years of age; ≥ 40 mm on a 100-mm cough severity visual analog scale [VAS] at screening and randomization) with chronic cough for < 12 months were enrolled in this phase 3b, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter study (NCT04193202). Participants were randomized 1:1 to gefapixant 45 mg BID or placebo for 12 weeks with a 2-week follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline at Week 12 in Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) total score. Adverse events were monitored and evaluated.

Results

There were 415 participants randomized and treated (mean age 52.5 years; median [range] duration 7.5 [1–12] months): 209 received placebo and 206 received gefapixant 45 mg BID. A statistically significant treatment difference of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.06, 1.44; p = 0.034) for gefapixant vs. placebo was observed for change from baseline in LCQ total score at Week 12. The most common AE was dysgeusia (32% gefapixant vs. 3% placebo participants); serious AEs were rare (1.5% gefapixant vs. 1.9% placebo participants).

Conclusion

Gefapixant 45 mg BID demonstrated significantly greater improvement in cough-specific health status from baseline compared to placebo, in participants with recent-onset chronic cough. The most common AEs were related to taste and serious AEs were rare.