bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core‐shellencapsulation formulations to stabilize desiccatedBradyrhizobiumagainst high environmental temperature and humidity
Authors: Aukema Kelly G. , Wang Mian , de Souza Beatriz , O'Keane Sophie , Clipsham Maia , Wackett Lawrence P. , Aksan Alptekin
Published: June 2022

Engineered materials to improve the shelf‐life of desiccated microbial strains are needed for cost‐effective bioaugmentation strategies. High temperatures and humidity of legume‐growing regions challenge long‐term cell stabilization at the desiccated state. A thermostable xeroprotectant core and hydrophobic water vapour barrier shell encapsulation technique was developed to protect desiccated cells from the environment. A trehalose core matrix increased the stability of desiccatedBradyrhizobiumby three orders of magnitude over 20 days at 32°C and 50% relative humidity (RH) compared to buffer alone; however, the improvement was not deemed sufficient for a shelf‐stable bioproduct. We tested common additives (skim milk, albumin, gelatin and dextran) to increase the glass transition temperature of the desiccated product to provide further stabilization. Albumin increased the glass transition temperature of the trehalose‐based core by 40°C and stabilized desiccatedBradyrhizobiumfor 4 months during storage at high temperature (32°C) and moderate humidity (50% RH) with only 1 log loss of viability. Although the albumin‐trehalose core provided exceptional protection against high temperature, it was ineffective at higher humidity conditions (75%). We therefore incorporated a paraffin shell, which protected desiccated cells against 75% RH providing proof of concept that core and shell encapsulation is an effective strategy to stabilize desiccated cells.
Audit of waiting time‐to‐treatment of atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Anderson Annabel , Cooper Juliet , Oyston Charlotte , Miles Carina , Sowden Katherine , Peiris‐John Roshini , Wise Michelle R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) is the precursor lesion in endometrial carcinoma, the most common gynaecological malignancy in New Zealand, with inequities in disease burden and outcome for Māori and Pacific women.

Aims

In women diagnosed with AEH at two hospitals, to audit five standards of care for surgical management and time‐to‐treatment, and identify variation in care by ethnicity and other factors.

Materials and Methods

Demographic, referral, diagnostic and treatment characteristics were collected for women with a new AEH diagnosis between 1/1/2019 and 31/12/2020. Surgical management and time‐to‐treatment were audited against Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and New Zealand Ministry of Health Faster Cancer Treatment recommendations.

Results

Of 124 participants, 60% were Pacific, 86% premenopausal, and 80% had obesity. For 55 women managed surgically, surgical standards of care were met. There were delays between referral, diagnosis and treatment – only 18% and 56% of women met the 62‐day (referral to treatment) and 31‐day (decision‐to‐treat to treatment) targets, respectively. Wait times were prolonged for women who had dilation and curettage (vs pipelle), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (vs no MRI), and surgery (vs medical management). Ethnic disparities were not identified for any standard.

Discussion

Delays to treatment were found throughout women's journeys. Hospital services can streamline their clinical pathways for women referred for abnormal uterine bleeding, flagging obesity as a high suspicion for cancer indicator, increasing access to endometrial sampling in primary care and establishing ‘one‐stop‐shop’ outpatient assessment with empiric initiation of intrauterine progestogen.
Is there a role of epigenetics in gut microbiome and neurological disorders?
Authors: Muhammad Jibran Sualeh , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Cross‐talk between gut microbiota and the nervous system in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases has become a recent focus of interest. The underlying mechanisms are complex, and we suggest that they might involve gut bacterial metabolite‐induced epigenetic modulations of neurodegenerative disorders. Advances in epigenetic techniques could provide the key to understanding the epigenetics of the gut–brain axis.
Degradation influences equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics in rangelands: implications in resilience and stability
Authors: López Dardo Rubén , Cavallero Laura , Willems Priscila , Bestelmeyer Brandon Thomas , Brizuela Miguel Angel
Published: June 2022

Question

Plant communities are structured by both equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics, which interact at different spatiotemporal scales. The influence of external factors on internal regulation processes might depend on ecological state, and thus, on system resilience. We asked if well‐conserved (reference) states have higher resilience to external factors than degraded states, considering the greater capacity for self‐regulation expected of reference states.

Location

Graminous–subshrubby steppes of northern Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

During four years, we assessed the influence of an external factor (rainfall variability) on internal regulation processes (seedling recruitment, growth of main perennial species, and three resilience proxies) in two alternative states (one reference and another degraded) of graminous–subshrubby steppes of northern Patagonia (Argentina). Specifically, we assessed the response of alternative states to simulated high rainfall events (irrigation).

Results

The degraded state was more sensitive to rainfall variability than the reference state. Specifically, in the degraded state the density of surviving seedlings, the growth of shrubs and Papostipa speciosa’s relative tiller production and cover increased in response to irrigation; whereas seedling emergence and survival, and grass growth were low or even null without irrigation. Finally, resistance and elasticity were lower whereas malleability was greater in degraded than in reference states.

Conclusions

The degraded state was less resilient (low resistance and elasticity; high malleability) to stochastic weather events (in response to either increases or decreases in water availability. In contrast, the reference state had a great capacity to respond to rainfall variability. However, demographic processes such as seedling recruitment and vegetative growth were compensated by competition and mortality, suggesting a lower sensitivity to external drivers, and thus, a greater stability. By influencing the balance between equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics, degradation might affect the resilience and stability of the ecosystem. Thus, to prevent rangeland degradation, management plans should anticipate climatically favorable and unfavorable periods.
Asciminib for chronic myeloid leukaemia: Next questions
Authors: Shanmuganathan Naranie , Hughes Timothy P.
Published: June 2022

Recent approval of asciminib, a novel “specifically targeting the ABL myristoyl pocket” (STAMP) BCR‐ABL1 inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients who have either failed ≥2 lines of therapy or have the T315I mutation, has provided clinicians with a wider selection of potentially effective treatment options. Asciminib has the attractive twin attributes of high potency directed against BCR‐ABL1 and good tolerability based on its limited off‐target effects. However, it is unclear exactly where asciminib will be positioned amongst the other available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), especially ponatinib which is also available for the same indications. There are many questions yet to be answered with regard to the optimal use of asciminib which include its role in the first‐ and second‐line settings, combination therapy with other TKIs, and effectiveness in advanced phase CML. In this review, we discuss the available data on asciminib while exploring a number of clinical trials in progress. Finally, we provide our opinion based on the current data about where asciminib is most likely to be the optimal choice, which will hopefully assist clinicians with therapy selection.
M6A demethylase fat mass and obesity‐associated protein regulates cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer by modulating autophagy activation through ULK1
Authors: Zhang Yan , Gao Ling‐xi , Wang Wen , Zhang Teng , Dong Fang‐yi , Ding Wen‐ping
Published: June 2022

Drug resistance is an important factor for treatment failure of gastric cancer. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the predominant mRNA internal modification in eukaryotes. The roles of m6A modification in drug resistance of gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the m6A methylated RNA level was significantly decreased while the expression of m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (FTO) was obviously elevated in cisplatin‐resistant (SGC‐7901/DDP) gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of FTO reversed cisplatin resistance of SGC‐7901/DDP cells both in vitro and in vivo, which was attributed to the inhibition of Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (ULK1)‐mediated autophagy. Mechanistically, ULK1 expression was regulated in an FTO‐m6A‐dependent and YTHDF2‐mediated manner. Collectively, our findings indicate that the FTO/ULK1 axis exerts crucial roles in cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer.
Reading to learn? The co‐development of mathematics and reading during primary school
Authors: Hübner Nicolas , Merrell Christine , Cramman Helen , Little John , Bolden David , Nagengast Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Understanding how early reading and mathematics co‐develop is important from both theoretical and pedagogical standpoints. Previous research has provided mixed results. This paper investigates the development of reading and mathematics in a longitudinal sample of N = 355,883 students from the United Kingdom (2005–2019) aged 5 to 12 (49% girls). Results indicate a positive relation between the development of the two domains. In addition, a substantial statistically significant positive association between prior reading scores and subsequent changes in achievement in mathematics was found, whereas changes in reading were smaller for students with a higher prior performance in mathematics. The findings suggest that acquiring good reading skills is highly relevant for developing mathematics skills. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Toward an Account of Intuitive Time
Authors: Lee Ruth , Shardlow Jack , Hoerl Christoph , O'Connor Patrick A. , Fernandes Alison S. , McCormack Teresa
Published: June 2022

People hold intuitive theories of the physical world, such as theories of matter, energy, and motion, in the sense that they have a coherent conceptual structure supporting a network of beliefs about the domain. It is not yet clear whether people can also be said to hold a shared intuitive theory of time. Yet, philosophical debates about the metaphysical nature of time often revolve around the idea that people hold one or more “common sense” assumptions about time: that there is an objective “now”; that the past, present, and future are fundamentally different in nature; and that time passes or flows. We empirically explored the question of whether people indeed share some or all of these assumptions by asking adults to what extent they agreed with a set of brief statements about time. Across two analyses, subsets of people's beliefs about time were found consistently to covary in ways that suggested stable underlying conceptual dimensions related to aspects of the “common sense” assumptions described by philosophers. However, distinct subsets of participants showed three mutually incompatible profiles of response, the most frequent of which did not closely match all of philosophers’ claims about common sense time. These exploratory studies provide a useful starting point in attempts to characterize intuitive theories of time.
Do spatial dependence and market power matter in the diversification of cooperative banks?
Authors: Algeri Carmelo , Forgione Antonio F. , Migliardo Carlo
Published: June 2022

This study examines the determinants of cooperative banks' diversification proclivity, with consideration of the spatial dependence effect. The empirical analysis demonstrates that Italian cooperative banks operate as a network with significant spillover effects that should not be ignored. Indeed, local banks compete in the same market segment, and any shift in their diversification strategy has a cascading effect on neighbouring cooperative banks as a result of customer migration. Finally, we observe that an increase in bank market power results in a decline in local bank lending activity.
Telepsychiatry services during COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional survey on the experiences and perspectives of young adults with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Lal Shalini , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Lee Hajin
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Limited evidence exists on the implementation of telepsychiatry within the context of early intervention services for psychosis, the need for which has become even more relevant during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To address this gap, we investigated the experiences and perspectives of young adults recovering from a first‐episode psychosis (FEP) following their use of telepsychiatry services (i.e. use of video conferencing technology to deliver mental health services to patients in real time).

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey study was implemented between November 19th, 2020 and March 9th, 2021 with young adults recruited from a specialized program for FEP located in an urban Canadian setting. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory (Fisher's exact test), and content analysis.

Results

Among 51 participants (mean age = 26.0, SD = 4.7; 56.9% female), the majority were satisfied with the service (91%, 46/51), perceived that the platform was easy to use (90%, 46/51) and felt secure in terms of confidentiality (82%, 42/51). Satisfaction was related to perceptions regarding ease of use, image quality, and employment/studying status. Several partially or totally agreed that the presence of a third party was essential to login during the first few sessions (35%, 18/51), and some needed technical support (24%, 12/51) throughout the sessions.

Conclusions

This study shows that telepsychiatry is feasible and acceptable to implement for patients in the early phase of psychosis recovery. It also highlights the importance of making technical support available, especially in the first few times of using the service, and addressing patient concerns regarding confidentiality, even when using secured health technologies.
Transcription factor YY1 contributes to human melanoma cell growth through modulating the p53 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhou Shumin , Li Pin , Qin Li , Huang Shuhong , Dang Ningning
Published: June 2022

Melanoma has a higher mortality rate than any other skin cancer, and its cases are increasing. The transcription factor YY1 has been proven to be involved in tumour progression; however, the role of YY1 in melanoma is not well understood. This study investigates how YY1 functions in melanoma progression, and it also elucidates the underlying mechanisms involved. We have found that in clinical human melanoma tissues, YY1 is overexpressed compared with YY1 expression in normal melanocytes and skin tissues. Cellular immunofluorescence shows that YY1 is mainly located in the nucleus. YY1 knockdown reduces proliferation, migration and invasion of melanoma cell lines. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of cells is significantly increased in low‐YY1 environments. The overexpression of YY1 resulted in decreased apoptotic rates in melanoma cells. YY1 also affects the expression of EMT‐related proteins. Additional experiments reveal that YY1 knockdown disrupts the interaction of MDM2–p53, and that it both stabilizes and increases p53 activity. The upregulation of p53 expression in turn stimulates p21 expression just as it suppresses CDK4 expression, which then induces cells that were arrested in the G1 phase. The effect then is to constrain cell proliferation in melanoma cells. Upon activation of the p53 pathway, Bax, a pro‐apoptotic protein, is upregulated, and Bcl‐2, an anti‐apoptotic protein, was downregulated in A375 cells. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the pathology of melanoma as well as the role that YY1 plays in tumour progression. The findings also suggest that targeting YY1 has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.
SRPK1 regulates RNA binding in a pre‐spliceosomal complex using a catalytic bypass mechanism
Authors: Aubol Brandon E. , Adams Joseph A.
Published: June 2022

Serine‐arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) phosphorylates serine‐arginine (SR) proteins in the cytoplasm, directing them to the nucleus for splicing function. SRPK1 has also been detected in the nucleus but its function here is still not fully understood. We now demonstrate that nuclear SRPK1 can regulate U1‐70K, a protein component of the uridine‐rich 1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (U1 snRNP) that binds SR proteins and facilitates 5′ splice‐site selection in precursor mRNA. We found that SRPK1 uses a large, disordered domain to bind U1‐70K, regulating the interaction of an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) to the associated SR protein. Surprisingly, the catalytic activity of SRPK1 is not required for this phenomenon. Instead, SRPK1 associates directly with the N‐terminus of U1‐70K and alters the regulatory function of the distal C‐terminus, modifying interactions between the U1‐70K:SR protein complex and the ESE. Disruption of SRPK1 binding to this complex affects the alternative splicing of genes modulated by the C‐terminus of U1‐70K. Such findings suggest that, in addition to operating as a traditional serine‐modifying catalyst, SRPK1 can also bypass this intrinsic activity to regulate RNA contacts in an early pre‐spliceosomal complex.
RNAPII response to transcription‐blocking DNA lesions in mammalian cells
Authors: Wang Jianming , Muste Sadurni Martina , Saponaro Marco
Published: June 2022

RNA polymerase II moves along genes to decode genetic information stored in the mammalian genome into messenger RNA and different forms of non‐coding RNA. However, the transcription process is frequently challenged by DNA lesions caused by exogenous and endogenous insults, among which helix‐distorting DNA lesions and double‐stranded DNA breaks are particularly harmful for cell survival. In response to such DNA damage, RNA polymerase II transcription is regulated both locally and globally by multi‐layer mechanisms, whereas transcription‐blocking lesions are repaired before transcription can recover. Failure in DNA damage repair will cause genome instability and cell death. Although recent studies have expanded our understanding of RNA polymerase II regulation confronting DNA lesions, it is still not always clear what the direct contribution of RNA polymerase II is in the DNA damage repair processes. In this review, we focus on how RNA polymerase II and transcription are both repressed by transcription stalling lesions such as DNA‐adducts and double strand breaks, as well as how they are actively regulated to support the cellular response to DNA damage and favour the repair of lesions.
Which part of the blood in the knee joint is responsible for its detrimental effects? (An experimental study on the knee joint in rabbits)
Authors: Colak Tahsin Sami , Bicer Elcil Kaya , Kücük Levent , Doganavsargil Basak , Sezak Murat , Aydogdu Semih
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study aims to determine the potential causative elements which are responsible for the cartilage damage in case of frequent intra‐articular bleeding and to evaluate the effects of intra‐articular free iron and chelation of iron in the knee joint.

Methods

Thirty‐five New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into five groups according to substances injected into their knee joints. Plasma (group I) and cellular components (group II) of the blood harvested from the rabbits, iron (ferric hydroxide sucrose) (group III), iron&chelator (group IV) and only chelator (deferoxamine mesylate) (group V) were injected into their right knees three times a week for 12 weeks. The joint surface was examined histologically according to the classification system modified from Colombo et al. The changes in the synovial tissue were evaluated according to the scoring system modified from Madhok et al.

Results

Cartilage and synovial abnormality scores were significantly higher in all study groups when compared to their own controls (p < 0.0001). Cartilage scores of groups I and V were significantly lower when compared to groups III and IV (p = 0.002 for group I and p = 0.003 for group V). Synovial abnormality score of group I was significantly lower than scores of groups III and IV (p = 0.001); and of group V lower than groups III and IV (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

All substances tested in this study caused a certain amount of damage in the cartilage tissue and led to synovial abnormalities. Both iron and iron&chelator caused more damage in the cartilage and led to more advanced synovial changes when compared to the plasma component of blood and chelator itself. Influence of iron and iron&chelators were found to be similar showing that chelation was inadequate in antagonizing the detrimental effects of iron.
Exploring the value of feminist theory in understanding digital crimes: Gender and cybercrime types
Authors: Lazarus Suleman , Button Mark , Kapend Richard
Published: June 2022

Do men and women perceive cybercrime types differently? This article draws on the distinction between socio‐economic and psychosocial cybercrime proposed by Lazarus (2019) to investigate whether men and women hold different perceptions of digital crimes across these two dimensions. Informed by the synergy between feminist theory and the Tripartite Cybercrime Framework (TCF), our survey examined respondents’ differential perceptions of socio‐economic cybercrime (online fraud) and psychosocial cybercrime (cyberbullying, revenge porn, cyberstalking, online harassment) among men and women in the United Kingdom. The results revealed that women considered psychosocial cybercrime worse than men. Conversely, we found no differences between men and women with regard to socio‐economic cybercrime. The article concludes that psychosocial cybercrimes are more gendered than socio‐economic cybercrime, suggesting problems with the meaning of ‘cyber‐enabled crimes’, and substantiating the synergy between the TCF and feminist perspectives.
Organisational barriers to institutional change: The case of intelligence in New Zealand policing
Authors: Lindsay Angus , Bradley Trevor , Mackenzie Simon
Published: June 2022

Over recent decades Intelligence‐led Policing (ILP) has become a central component of the attempts by New Zealand Police (NZP) to engineer a transformative shift away from ‘reactive’ policing to more ‘proactive’ approaches to crime reduction. ILP appeared to offer an effective response to increasingly complex crime problems, an expanded ‘mission’ and growing public demand, by placing crime intelligence central to decision making. As part of an international study exploring police intelligence, we conducted 20 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with Police Intelligence staff at all levels of the police hierarchy. Our findings highlight five critical barriers to implementing a successful ILP project in New Zealand. We suggest ILP has not delivered its promised effect of catalysing a major reorientation of the modes of frontline policing or its delivery and argue that this is due to the structural resilience of traditional police cultural reluctance to allow long‐established practice and procedural norms to be fundamentally changed.
Encounters among Environmental Education and Eco‐Art in the Anthropocene
Authors: Tsevreni Irida
Published: June 2022

This study explores the potential of the interdisciplinary zone that is created when art meets environmental education in the Anthropocene. It shares the findings of an eco‐art project that took place in the framework of an environmental education course, where the undergraduate students were encouraged to create eco‐art pieces, to investigate environmental problems/issues through art and to communicate their findings with the class. The research reflects on students' artworks and reveals the environmental problems and issues that were important for them. Furthermore, it discusses four dimensions of students' ecological consciousness that emerged: a) criticism for the ecological crisis and overconsumption, b) human‐nature relationship, c) empathy for nonhuman beings and d) vision of an ecological future. The paper highlights the need for an experiential and creative pedagogical path in the process of the empowerment of the ecological consciousness in the field of environmental education.
A potential intellectual property issue with the way in which some nomenclature code decisions are made
Authors: Maxwell Stephen J. , Underdown Michael
Published: June 2022

This article examines the legal status of nomenclature codes and their application to denomination in certain forms of intellectual property, in particular plant breeder's rights and patents for micro‐organisms. Its objective is to show how rigidity and the absence of appeals against nomenclature decisions can have adverse effects on the rights and even earning potential of applicants.
Extinction and replacement events shaped the historical biogeography of Arctic mammals in Europe: new models of species response
Authors: Stojak Joanna , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła
Published: June 2022

The historical biogeography of the terrestrial mammals in Europe has been widely studied on the basis of fossil records and molecular makers. However, to date, only one model of species' responses to glacial–interglacial cycles during the glacial episodes of the Quaternary, especially during the Last Glacial Maximum, has been proposed: the ‘expansion‐contraction model’.

The ‘expansion‐contraction model’ is more appropriate for thermophilous and temperate species than for Arctic species. We hypothesise that the responses of cold‐adapted species to the temperature fluctuations during glacial cycles cannot be explained by this model.

In this review, we synthesise and describe, for the first time, the historical biogeography of various cold‐adapted terrestrial mammalian taxa (small mammals, herbivores, and carnivores) in Eurasia during the last glaciation (especially during the Last Glacial Maximum), and identify mechanisms underlying their response to glacier pulsation and severe climate fluctuations.

We formulate the paradigm for the biogeography of cold‐adapted mammalian taxa in Europe, and identified three response models to glacial–interglacial cycles: 1) ‘extinction and genetic diminution’ for Lasiopodomys gregalis, Dicrostonyx spp. and Lemmus lemmus, 2) ‘extinction and replacement’ for Alopex lagopus, Gulo gulo and Rangifer tarandus, and 3) ‘contraction and gene transfer’ for Lepus timidus and Martes zibellina.

Knowledge of past biogeography is essential for understanding how cold‐adapted taxa are responding to anthropogenic climate warming, and for on‐going biodiversity and habitat conservation in the Anthropocene. There is no doubt that cold‐adapted, Arctic species are suffering the most from global warming.
Good for patients but not learners? Exploring faculty and learner virtual care integration
Authors: Shepherd Lisa , McConnell Allison , Watling Christopher
Published: June 2022

Background

The pandemic catapulted the adoption of virtual care far ahead of its anticipated maturation date, forcing faculty to role model and teach learners with barely enough time to master it themselves. With a scant body of prepandemic literature now accompanied by experience gained under extraordinary circumstances, we can benefit from understanding ad hoc strategies implemented by those on the front lines and from listening to learners about what is working and what is not. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of learner integration into virtual care from both the faculty and learner perspectives.

Methods

Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology and sociomateriality as a sensitising concept, we recruited participants using purposeful and theoretical sampling from a Canadian University with limited prepandemic virtual care provision. We interviewed 16 faculty and 5 learners spanning a breadth of specialties and years of practice/education to probe their experience of teaching and learning virtual care. Data collection and analysis were conducted iteratively with themes identified through constant comparative analysis.

Results

Integrating learners into virtual care proved challenging initially because of a lack of familiarity with the process and later because of disrupted workflow, triggered by the structure and logistics of the virtual care clinic. Both faculty and learners identified learning deficiencies in the virtual care experience when compared with in‐person clinics, but several unique and valuable learning affordances were noted. All faculty expressed a desire to keep virtual care as part of their future clinic practice, but paradoxically most felt that they were unlikely to include learners.

Conclusions

Training learners in virtual care is an educational challenge that will not disappear with COVID‐19, even if our participants wished it could. The perceived value for patients but not learners begs a reconsideration of the sociomaterial contribution to this pandemic paradox.
Quantitative risk assessment of rabies being introduced into mainland France through worldwide noncommercial dog and cat movements
Authors: Crozet Guillaume , Rivière Julie , Rapenne Elisa , Cliquet Florence , Robardet Emmanuelle , Dufour Barbara
Published: June 2022

France has been rabies‐free among nonflying mammals since 2001. Despite this status, the rabies virus has been introduced several times through noncommercial pet movements, posing a threat of infection by this 100%‐lethal zoonosis among local animal and human populations. To quantify the risk of rabies being introduced through worldwide noncommercial dog and cat movements, we performed a quantitative risk assessment using stochastic scenario tree modeling. The mean annual probability of at least one rabies introduction incident was 0.35 (median: 0.24, 90% prediction interval (PI) [0.04; 0.98]) and the mean annual number of rabies‐infected pets introduced through pet movements was 0.96 (median: 0.27, 90% PI [0.04; 3.88]). These results highlight a nonnegligible, even high risk due to the associated consequences of such events. In alternative scenario testing, preventive anti‐rabies vaccination proved to be an effective measure since removing the vaccination requirement led to a > 15‐fold increase in risk. The serological testing requirement had less of an effect (approximately two‐fold increase when removed) and the posttest waiting period to ensure that antibodies were not linked to an infection had a negligible effect. Any change in pet owner compliance, especially regarding vaccination, could have a major impact on the risk. This study also shows that reinforced border control staff training could be more effective in reducing risk than more frequent checks. These results provide quantitative data for assessing the probability of the rabies virus entering France, and could help policymakers decrease this risk in rabies‐free areas.
Collaboration and Friendship in the Photography of Juno Gemes
Authors: Potts Rowena , Gemes Juno , Peters‐Little Frances
Published: June 2022

In this dialogue, I speak with distinguished Australian photographer Juno Gemes about a retrospective collection of her work that she is in the process of compiling at her studio on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales. Provisionally titledSomething Personal: Chronicles of the Movement 1978–2022, it will include photographs produced during a long‐term collaboration between Gemes and her friend Frances Peters‐Little, a Gamilaraay Yuwaalaraay filmmaker and historian with whom I also spoke for this dialogue. Combined, these conversations provide insight into the social relations, protocols, and ethics that shape and inform Gemes' ongoing photographic practice.
EFFECTS OF SALTS IN BIODIESEL DERIVED CRUDE GLYCEROL ON VANCOMYCIN PRODUCTION FROM AMYCOLATOPSIS ORIENTALIS ATCC® 19795™
Authors: Kothalawala Peshalya , Siriwatwechakul Wanwipa
Published: June 2022

Bioconversion of crude glycerol (CG), the primary byproduct in biodiesel generation, is currently of great interest due to its promising potential in producing chemicals of high commercial interest. The efficient use of CG is still limited primarily due to the presence of impurities that may vary in composition based on the parent feedstock, biodiesel generation process, and any recovery/ purification conducted. In this study, laboratory scale fermentation of vancomycin using Amycolatopsis orientalis ATCC® 19795™ was analyzed based on the presence of salts as an impurity in biodiesel derived CG. Results showed that CG as the sole carbon source inhibited the cell growth, but the vancomycin production was approximately the same (158±2 mg L-1) as that of refined glycerol (RG)-based media at varying initial glycerol concentrations studied (5 g L-1 to 40 g L-1). NaCl as an impurity in biodiesel derived CG reduced both the growth yield coefficient (YX/S) and vancomycin formation at high concentrations. Among other salts tested are NaNO3 and KCl. NaNO3 (0.8 g L-1) supplemented media generated a higher YX/S (1.1 g biomass (g glycerol consumed)-1) and a similar vancomycin concentration (193 mg L-1) compared to the media with added NaCl (YX/S of 0.4 g biomass (g glycerol consumed)-1 and a vancomycin concentration of (190 mg L-1)). Relatively, both the YX/S (0.55 g biomass (g glycerol consumed)-1) and vancomycin concentration (135 mg L-1) was reduced in KCl (0.7 g L-1) supplemented media. The results suggest the potential of using CG (with salts i.e., NaCl as impurities) as an excellent low-cost alternative for RG in fermentation of vancomycin using Amycolatopsis orientalis ATCC® 19795™.
A PARAMETRIC STUDY ON LATERAL LOAD BEHAVIOR OF INTERIOR FLAT PLATE - COLUMN CONNECTIONS
Authors: Sisay Hizbawi , Wondimu Temesgen
Published: June 2022

Reinforced concrete flat plate structures have been used in the construction industry since the start of the 20th century due to their architectural flexibility and economy. Through the years the structures were mainly designed to carry gravity loads due to their high flexibility in their connection regions. Unfortunately, these structures may sometimes be subjected to lateral and gravity loads due to unexpected natural phenomenon such as earthquakes. The information on behavior of these structures under such loading condition is limited. This paper presents parametric study on isolated flat plate connections under combined gravity and lateral loads using a non-linear finite element analysis. The numerical model for the connections was developed using ABAQUS in which plasticity model for concrete and an elastic-plastic model for steel reinforcement was employed. The model was validated with an experimental test, conducted by other researchers, of similar loading condition. The results of parametric study on the effect of column geometry and service openings adjacent to the column are presented. Among the parameters, the effect of column geometry was found to have significant effects on the connection behavior.
EFFECTIVE CRITERIA FOR SELECTING DELAY ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN ABU DHABI
Authors: Abdalla Mohammed Shahnaz Ali , Fathi Mohamad Syazli
Published: June 2022

This paper examines the effective criteria to determine the capable delay analysis methodologies by the contractors for the construction’s claim in Abu Dhabi. The previous research was argued that 50% of the construction projects in UAE encounter delays and are not completed on time. Selecting the delay analysis methodology is a significant part of the claim process. Numerous delay analysis techniques used in the UAE, and constitute several factors. Thus, the selection practice is more significant to identify the delays. Contractor’s analyst consumed exaggerated time and effort to show their right using delay analysis methodologies (DAMs) and submit this as an extension of time claim, demanding to make the most of their benefits. The aim of this study contains exploring the selection of the delay analysis methodologies by the contractors for the construction’s claim in Abu Dhabi. In this regard, five case studies were selected on the basis that they represent examples for application of the delay analysis methods and techniques for the residential building. The respondents were selected from five projects and the interviews were held with the Contractor of each project. The collected Qualitative Data was analysed manually by using Thematic Analysis. The study found that the effective criteria for determining the delay analysis methodologies lie in its acceptance in court and as per contractual requirements. Furthermore, the factors influence the selection of the effective criteria for determining the delay analysis methodologies are the acceptance of the selected delay analysis method /technique, realistic results and accuracy of the delay analysis method /technique. However, the findings from this study become more important, if more studies are conducted to extend the exploring of the different delay analysis methodologies used by the contractors for the construction’s claim for wide range of projects in Abu Dhabi.
THE READINESS OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ADOPTING INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 4.0 (IR 4.0) FROM A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Mohamad Shuhaimi Muhammad Asraf , Brahim Juliana , Mat Yusoff Zainidi , Fathi Mohamad Syazli
Published: June 2022

There have been four major Industrial Revolutions that have developed human lifestyles. Currently, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, (IR 4.0), is taking place in major industries with current students and graduates requiring new talents and skills to become a future-proof workforce. However, current tertiary education is not yet fully equipped to deal with IR4.0 concepts. This results in the low awareness of IR4.0 among students and graduates where they are not yet ready to enter an IR4.0 workspace. This is especially so in construction management education. Hence, the aim of this research is to improve existing construction engineering education by including IR4.0. This research is based on data collected from a survey by questionnaire responses from construction management undergraduate and postgraduate students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. The findings show that these construction management students agreed that challenges such as the traditional construction management curricular structure and the lack of IR4.0 facilities hindered the implementation of IR4.0 in construction management education. Therefore, recommendations such as the collaboration of industry experts with universities and students to enable the adoption of IR4.0 into project-based learning were discussed. In conclusion, this study hopes to help both universities and students to be prepared for the integration of and benefits from, implementing IR4.0 in construction management education.
AN ENERGY SYSTEM EVALUATION OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION OF BARANGAY PURAY, RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Olalo Joselito , Dela Cruz Catherine Joy , Generoso Krizzia
Published: June 2022

Rural electrification in the Philippines is one of the main problems in the country.  In this study, the possible electrification of Barangay Puray using three alternatives, namely, solar power, generator set and Meralco connection was analyzed. The stakeholders in this study were the people of the barangay, the local government of Rizal and the Meralco Corporation. Some assumptions are made, one of which is that the local government of Rizal will pay the capital costs for solar power and generator set, while the residents of the barangay will pay the government within 25-year period of the study.  Here, two cases were introduced, whether the residents will pay the capital and maintenance costs or the maintenance costs only.  The values of the initial costs and maintenance costs were compared and used to get the generation cost of the system.  The results showed different values, with total of 189,889,720 pesos for the solar power while for the generator set was 235,425,304 pesos, thus the conclusion was made for the perspective of each of the stakeholder.  For the residents of Barangay Puray, the most feasible was the solar power utility system.  For the local government of Rizal, the generator set was more advantageous.  While the Meralco Corporation would need the road laid out first before the electrification even it only has capital cost of 10,721,984 pesos in which the MOE was disregarded.
PREDICTION OF MULTI-SEAM MINING-INDUCED SURFACE SUBSIDENCE IN UNDERGROUND COAL MINE IN INDONESIA
Authors: Pongpanya Phanthoudeth , Sasaoka Takashi , Shimada Hideki
Published: June 2022

This paper attempts to predict the surface subsidence induced by multi-seam longwall mining in the PT Gerbang Daya Mandiri (GDM) underground coal mine in Indonesia. Several numerical models of multi-seam longwall mining under various depths were built in the finite difference code software “FLAC3D” which was used as a tool for numerical simulations. Effect of mining sequence and influence of lower seam mining were firstly investigated. The angle of draw (AoD) and maximum surface subsidence (Smax) were used to describe characteristics of the surface subsidence. Based on simulated results, it is indicated that the undermining provides a better mining sequence in multi-seam longwall mining compared to the overmining. Mining the coal seam in an undermining order will not cause any difficult mining conditions in a lower seam, whereas some ground control problems in an upper seam are expected when the coal seam is mined in an overmining order. Under all mining depths in the undermining, extracting the lower seam panels significantly influences the magnitude of surface subsidence. The AoD and Smax increase significantly after all panels in the lower seam is mined. This indicates that very large surface subsidence is expected when multi-seam mining is applied at GDM underground coal mine.  An application of some countermeasures such as adopting a large pillar width and a small panel width is suggested in this underground coal mine in order to minimize the surface subsidence caused by multi-seam longwall mining. Minimizing the surface subsidence by adopting a large pillar width and a small panel width is therefore numerically investigated in this paper. Based on simulated results, it is found that the AoD and Smax decrease significantly when larger pillar width and narrower panel width are adopted. The use of larger pillar width and narrower panel width result in smaller AoD and Smax.
Tragedy of the Anticommons (ToA) in Agricultural Land Partition involving Fragmented Co-proprietorships: An Analysis of Malaysian Case Laws
Authors: Hoh Teck Gabriel Ling , Suhud Nur Amiera , Chai Gabrielina Fui Tze , Leng Pau Chung , Yeo Lee Bak , Chau Loon Wai , Ho Chin Siong
Published: June 2022

There is a lack of understanding of the theory of the Tragedy of the Anticommons (ToA), a type of coordination breakdown or a hold-out problem involving multiple fragmented co-proprietorships with undivided shares, in the land partition context. This paper, hence, discusses how ToA occurs particularly in the agricultural land partition that is primarily governed under the National Land Code 1965 and proposes potential legal and non-legal approaches and mechanisms to address the land tragedy. An abductive content analysis of (9) case laws extracted from the LexisNexis database was performed through which themes and codes were developed to explain how ToA hindering land partition takes place. Subsequently, judicial decisions in solving disputes arising from land partition and existing best practices in dealing with the tragedy were reviewed. The case laws review indicated that unsuccessful agricultural land partition associated with high transaction costs in securing co-proprietors consensus is a form of simultaneous ToA, that most of the unpartitioned land (anticommons) may be subject to underinvestment (land mismanagement) and disuse. Key factors leading to disagreement among co-proprietors and consequently ToA are as follows: (i) unequal (unfair) proportion or shares of land; (ii) uneven geographical partition and spatial distribution of government reserves; and (iii) potential damages and negative effects (e.g., loss of income and property). To address ToA, these are legal mechanisms proposed: statutory enforcement of the National Land Code (NLC) 1965 (via land forfeiture and reversion), the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960 on compulsory land acquisition, and judicial decisions (e.g., land partitions may take place if it is fairly distributed and made by the majority shareholders), while non-legal approaches cover negotiation and arbitration; en-bloc sales (partition); collective action through enhanced social capital; and imposition of a tax on underutilised land. By showcasing various agricultural anticommons tragedies and their potential negative externalities in the land partition context, this paper offers policy and management insights that help land officers and local authorities ensure the maximum efficiency and productivity (i.e., highest and best use) of the land
Sandy Beaches Changing in Line with Urbanization Visual Quality Values
Authors: Onur Makbulenur , Gulpinar Sekban Demet Ulku
Published: June 2022

The coasts are the intersection area of land and sea ecosystems, where people are always interested and benefit from many activities. However, unplanned developments as a result of rapid population growth and migration in these regions are destroying the living environments necessary for all living things. Beaches are important coastal ecosystems. At the same time, it offers people many recreational opportunities such as entertainment and rest. They are the city's attractions. Increasing population, industrialization and urbanization endanger coastal ecosystems. Within the scope of this study, it was discussed how the landscape perception of the users changed with the construction of sandy beaches. It has been questioned which sandy beaches people prefer and why. The study was carried out in Trabzon, a coastal province located in the eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. Turkey is a country that hosts different geomorphological units and has intense natural and human interaction. The most used beach in Trabzon has been researched. SPPS and AHP methods were used as statistical methods within the scope of the study. As a result of the study, it has been revealed that natural sandy beaches are more important in terms of biodiversity, in terms of visual quality. At the same time, it is seen that people want to go to all three alternatives at the same rate. This means that people prefer sandy beaches no matter what. At the same time, on the sandy beaches where urbanization is intense, the results and biodiversity are very low in terms of naturalness parameters.