bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic nesting sites and density of Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus) in northern Argentinian Patagonia
Authors: Lera Daiana N. , Cozzani Natalia , Tella José L. , Zalba Sergio
Published: November 2023

Background

The expansion of human activities and the development of urban centers are among the main driving forces accounting for the transformation and loss of natural environments. At the same time, and especially for some birds, anthropogenic activity provides new habitat resources. This is the case of the Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus), in and around Bahía Blanca, a city of ca. 335,000 inhabitants in northern Argentinian Patagonia, where urban and rural quarries and constructed ravines on roadsides are where most of its reproductive activity occurs.

Methods

In this study we monitored anthropogenic nesting sites and estimated the number of breeding pairs from 2018 to 2023 through censuses conducted annually in 23 colonies within a radius of up to 20 km from the communal roost located in the city.

Results

Most of the nesting sites (57%), and the breeding pairs (60 to 80%) were in urban environments, and the remaining in rural areas. Ravines along roadsides and quarries represented the substrate that was most frequently used for nesting. Mean nest density was significantly higher in roadside ravines compared to quarries, and, in turn, higher in urban roadsides compared to rural roadsides.

Conclusion

Anthropogenic substrates appear as key components for the reproduction of the species, with possible effects on its numbers. The ability of the Burrowing Parrot to reproduce on artificial substrates in the urban environment, and especially the rapid colonization of recently opened sites, represents a new perspective for the conservation and management of its populations.
N-channel parity-time symmetry
Authors: Özgün Ege
Published: November 2023

We calculated the eigenvalues for a general N-channel coupled system with parity-time symmetry due to equal loss/gain. We found that the eigenspectrum displays a mixing of parity-time symmetric and broken phases, with N−2 of the eigenvalues being parity-time broken whereas the remaining two are either parity-time symmetric or broken depending on the loss/gain and coupling parameters. Our results also show that mixing of parity-time symmetric and parity-time broken phases can only be obtained for at least four channels if other degrees of freedom such as polarization or spin are not taken into account.
Two Cases of Frontal Variation of Idiopathic Calvarial Thinning—Therapeutic Effect of Denosumab and Romosozumab
Authors: Baek Seungjin , Hong Namki , Rhee Yumie
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic calvarial thinning is a rare condition that causes progressive, painless thinning of the skull bones without systemic disease. We present 2 cases of idiopathic calvarial thinning involving the bifrontal region. Both patients exhibited forehead depression and had normal biochemical tests except for mild vitamin D deficiency. The first patient received treatment with denosumab for 3 years, showing no further progression of the skull thinning. The second patient was treated with denosumab for 3 years, followed by romosozumab for 1 year, resulting in no further progression and even slight recovery of the skull thickness. These cases demonstrate that idiopathic calvarial thinning can involve the bifrontal region and highlight the favorable treatment and prognosis with denosumab or romosozumab.
Inovação digital numa empresa tradicional de mídia impressa
Authors: Beceveli Junior Tarcisio Jose
Published: November 2023

Ômega é um sistema de informações em tempo real idealizado como um projeto inovador e com alto investimento inicial dentro da estratégia de digitalização de conteúdo de uma empresa tradicional de mídia impressa, o Jornal Economia & Investimentos, mas que, devido aos resultados adversos de seus primeiros anos no mercado, também marcados por problemas em sua implementação, passou por um momento decisivo quanto ao seu futuro, em que a diretora-geral da empresa, Mariana, precisou decidir entre seguir com os investimentos necessários para tornar o produto mais competitivo e rentável ou desconsiderar os investimentos passados e descontinuá-lo.
Decaffeinated coffee and green tea extract inhibit foam cell atherosclerosis by lowering inflammation and improving cholesterol influx/efflux balance through upregulation of PPARγ and miR-155
Authors: Rachmawati Ermin , Rohman Mohammad Saifur , Sargowo Djanggan , Kalsum Umi , Lyrawati Diana , Lukitasari Mifetika
Published: November 2023

Background Foam cells are markers of atherosclerosis and characterise advanced atherosclerotic plaque, stimulated by inflammation caused by high lipid levels in macrophages. The combination of decaffeinated coffee and green tea extract (DCGTE) has been suggested to have a role in foam cell inhibition. Objective We investigated the inhibiting role of DCGTE against foam cell formation, through modulation of the inflammation process and cholesterol metabolism in macrophage colony stimulating factor- (M-CSF) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-exposed macrophages. Methods Coffee and green tea were extracted by filtration and infusion respectively, and underwent decaffeination using active carbon and blanching methods, respectively. Cells were administered 160/160 and 320/320μg/ml of DCGTE. Foam cell formation was observed using a light microscope after staining with Oil Red O (ORO), and the accumulation of lipids in macrophages with ELISA. Observations of lipid influx and efflux were determined through semiquantitative cluster differentiation 36 (CD36) and ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression through immunofluorescence. The inflammation process was quantified using inflammatory/anti-inflammatory markers, e.g., tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin 10 (IL10) with ELISA. Peroxisome proliferator activated response γ (PPARγ) expression and activity were assessed with PCR and ELISA, respectively. The expression of microRNA 155 (miR-155) was examined using qPCR. Results DCGTE at the above concentrations tended to reduce foam cell numbers, significantly inhibited lipid accumulation (p=0.000), reduced CD36 expression (p=0.000) and TNFα secretion (p=0.000) in Raw264.7 exposed to M-CSF 50ng/ml and oxLDL 50μg/ml.  PPARγ expression (p=0.00) and activity (p=0.001), miR-155 relative expression (p=0.000), and IL10 production (p=0.000) also increased. Conclusion DCGTE lowered foam cell numbers, possibly through attenuation of the inflammatory process and improvement of lipid/efflux mechanisms in M-CSF and oxLDL-stimulated Raw264.7 cells, via upregulation of PPARγ and miR-155.  Our results suggest DCGTE may help prevent atherosclerosis-based diseases.
Giving evidence before the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health): the role of inpatient mental health nurses
Authors: Mwebe Herbert
Published: November 2023

The First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) is a legal body that reviews the rights of detained patients in hospital and whether continued detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 remains in the best interests of the patient. To undertake this work, the Tribunal examines evidence presented in clinical reports and oral evidence by mental health staff, including psychiatrists, community mental health nurses and/or social workers, and inpatient mental health nurses. This article discusses best practice concerning preparation required by inpatient mental health nurses attending the Mental Health Tribunal as expert witnesses to give evidence.
Creative Decisions Foundation Announces the Release of AHP/ANP Python Library
Authors: Mu Enrique
Published: November 2023

For years our community has relied on Super Decisions software for the AHP/ANP calculations...
Building the car while driving it: organising platform workers in the e-hailing sector in Kenya
Authors: Castel-Branco Ruth , Mutoro Bill , Webster Edward
Published: November 2023

The global decline in union representation offers a grim picture of the future of labour. Nevertheless, the proliferation of platform worker protest and organisation is a reminder that today’s precarious workers may well become tomorrow’s unionised working class. Most platform worker organisations in the Global South have emerged outside of the trade union movement. However, there has been a growing trend towards hybridisation as unions shift their focus to the platform economy in the quest for revitalisation. Drawing on the Power Resources Approach, this article analyses the sources of worker power in the e-hailing sector and how the Transport Workers Union in Kenya has sought to leverage sources of power to improve the conditions of work and social reproduction. The article argues that organising the e-hailing sector is akin ‘to building a car while driving it’. It involves experimentation, learning and innovation. In contrast to other types of digital work, e-hailing is geographically tethered, giving workers structural power. However, in the context of widespread informality, their power can be easily undermined. Weak regulation and platform workers’ misclassification as self-employed pose a further challenge to collective action. Nevertheless, there are emerging forms of organisation, from associations to cooperatives to the trade union. Whether TWU will be able to leverage this moment to wage an offensive struggle against platform companies will depend on its ability to incorporate emerging organisations into its structures, develop new strategies for collective bargaining, and build alliances with other working-class movements.
The Survival of Mobile Firepower: An Uncertain Factor in Taiwan's Asymmetrical Defense
Authors: Wu Shang-su
Published: November 2023

executive summary: This article considers the strategic importance of mobile firepower for Taiwan's asymmetrical defense and analyzes the geostrategic threats to the survival of Taiwan's mobile surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and standoff firepower. main argumentIn the face of China's military superiority, Taiwan has adopted an asymmetrical approach to its defense that relies significantly on mobile SAMs and standoff firepower to deny People's Liberation Army (PLA) platforms, such as transport aircraft and landing ships, access to the island. Mobility presents a tactical advantage for Taiwan, as it renders Chinese surveillance more difficult. However, Taiwan's mobile units could be constrained or rendered immobile given the geographic environment in Taiwan, especially in urban regions like the Taipei metropolitan area. At the outbreak of a potential war with China, Taiwan's mobile units could face preemptive strikes, and concealing the deployed units for an indeterminate time while awaiting a PLA invasion would also be challenging. The amount of mobile firepower that Taipei can retain after PLA attacks may determine whether Beijing's invasion is successful, but with a narrow margin for losses and an incomplete buildup, Taiwan's mobile firepower may nevertheless not be adequate to redress the island's military inferiority. To consolidate the status quo in the strait, Taipei should strengthen its mobile firepower and Washington should offer critical support. policy implications
• Although there is no clear minimum level of firepower that Taipei would need to retain in an attack scenario, the current margin is narrow. If the PLA efficiently neutralizes Taiwan's mobile units, Taiwan's asymmetrical defense would be significantly undermined or even fail. • Moving and hiding mobile units around Taiwan could be challenging, given that suitable routes in urban and mountainous areas are predictable and could be cut off. To thwart a potential PLA invasion, the mobile units would also need to be hidden for an indeterminate period, which could be difficult. The necessity of defending Taipei would further reduce the tactical flexibility of the mobile units. • China has various surveillance and attack means that could be used to neutralize Taiwan's mobile units and defensive means to lower the threat from mobile firepower. The efficacy of these measures and the extent to which Beijing could concentrate them for this mission is uncertain. • Third parties, particularly the U.S., are crucial in strengthening Taiwan's mobile firepower, especially in terms of quantity and evaluation.
Better Medicine: Shared Suffering and Chronic Vulnerability in Brian Teare's The Empty Form Goes All the Way to Heaven
Authors: Welch Tana Jean
Published: November 2023

Abstract: A posthumanist understanding of the body does not view "illness" and "health" as properties of the individual body, but as emergent features of the relationships between bodies. As such, a relational view of health opens up avenues for the betterment of both human bodies and their social and physical environments. Drawing on posthumanism and the ethics of vulnerability, this article demonstrates how Brian Teare's The Empty Form Goes All the Way to Heaven (2015) provides a different way of thinking (and doing) illness, death, and vulnerability. With his acceptance and promotion of the body's dynamic materiality and chronic vulnerability, Teare advances a posthuman ethics based on our shared embodied condition.
Underwater image recovery based on water type estimation and adaptive color correction
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Tao , Shi Zhen , Dong Kaiyuan
Published: November 2023

In underwater environments, light propagation is affected by scattering and absorption, leading to color distortion and quality degradation of underwater images. In addition, the presence of a color cast in the image and variations in the attenuation coefficients across various water bodies bring great challenges for underwater image restoration. In this paper, an underwater image restoration method based on water body type estimation and adaptive color correction is proposed. Initially, the underwater images are categorized into color casts and non-color casts according to their hue, and a water body type estimation method based on image color and blurriness is introduced for improving the accuracy of transmission map estimation. Following this, we performed adaptive color correction on the image using a nonlinear transformation, which effectively eliminates color cast. Then the background light position is corrected using the degree of color cast of the image to restore the hue and brightness of the image more naturally. Ultimately, the acquired background light and transmission map are utilized to generate clear underwater images using the image formation model (IFM). Experiments on the widely used UIEB benchmark and SUID datasets show that our method effectively solves the problems of image color distortion and quality degradation, generating satisfactory visual effects.
Design method of dual-band synchronous zoom microscope optical system based on coaxial Kohler illumination
Authors: Zhang Kun , Li Jingchen , Sun Si , Yu Siyang , Chen Qingrong
Published: November 2023

The intrinsic properties of the observed object are closely related to its spectral information, to extend the imaging spectral range of a continuous zoom microscope to obtain more detailed intrinsic properties of the object, this paper proposes a design method of dual-band simultaneous zoom microscope optical system based on the coaxial Koehler uniform illumination. First, the imaging principle of the dual-band simultaneous zoom microscope optical system is theoretically analyzed, and we propose to split the front fixed group of the zoom system into a collimation lens group and a converging lens group to realize the compact design of the system. Then, two different rear fixed groups are used to correct the residual aberration, and a method for solving the initial structure of the dual-band simultaneous zoom microscope optical system is proposed. Finally, a dual-band synchronous zoom microscope optical system is designed using the method proposed in this paper. The design results show that the imaging magnification of the visible (VIS) band is −0.4 to −4.0, the simultaneous imaging magnification ranges are −0.4 to −0.8 in the VIS and short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands, and the magnification difference of its simultaneous zoom imaging is less than 1.25%. In addition, the system has the advantages of good imaging quality, clever design of coaxial illumination, and compact structure, thus verifying the feasibility of the design method.
Non-linear optical scattering PUF: enhancing security against modeling attacks for authentication systems
Authors: Hui Ruijie , Chen Feiliang , Li Mo , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2023

With the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the security of personal and group information has become increasingly crucial. However, conventional optical scattering physical unclonable function (OS-PUF) faces challenges due to its linear scattering behavior. In this article, we propose a non-linear OS-PUF (NOS-PUF) that integrates electro-optic materials. By leveraging random refractive index fluctuations generated by the NOS-PUF, we mitigate modeling attacks based on the OS-PUF and bolster the overall security of the authentication process. Moreover, we introduce a novel modeling attack methodology based on scattering invariant modes (SIMs) that poses a significant threat to conventional OS-PUF and NOS-PUF authentication systems. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that our NOS-PUF achieves a remarkably lower false accept rate for modeling attacks utilizing SIMs, surpassing the entropy limit imposed by the Gabor filtering algorithm by more than five orders of magnitude. These results highlight the heightened security and increased information entropy offered by the proposed NOS-PUF, making it particularly suitable for applications demanding robust and high-security authentication measures.
Unified framework for terahertz radiation from a single- or two-color plasma filament
Authors: Zhu Feifan , Zhao Jiayu , Lao Li , Peng Yan , Zhu Yiming
Published: November 2023

The plasma filament induced by photo-ionization in transparent media (e.g., air) is a competitive terahertz (THz) source, whose mechanism has been widely studied in two separate schemes, i.e., the one- or two-color femtosecond laser filamentation. However, the physical commonality of these two schemes is less explored currently, and a common theory is in urgent need. Here, we proposed the traveling-wave antenna (TWA) model applicable to both single- and dual-color laser fields, which successfully reproduced the reported far-field THz angular distribution/dispersion from different filament lengths with either a constant or a varied plasma density. This work paves the way toward a deeper understanding of the important laser-filament-based THz sources within the same theoretical framework.
Integrating key generation and distribution with the quantum noise stream cipher system without compromising the transmission performance
Authors: Li Yuang , Li Yajie , Zhu Kongni , Wei Shuang , Zhang Mingrui , Zhao Yongli , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a secure quantum noise stream cipher transmission system that integrates key generation and distribution. At the stage of carrier phase recovery, the estimated phase noise is used to generate randomness keys without additional equipment. Based on direct sequence spread spectrum technology, we integrate the distributed keys with quantum noise stream cipher signals. The key distribution and encryption transmission can be completed simultaneously without occupying additional bandwidth or time slots. By changing the position of distributed keys in the encryption base, the BER performance of QAM/QNSC signals cannot be affected by the keys. Experimental results demonstrate that the 54.5 Mbps key distribution and 31 Gbps encryption transmission without OSNR penalty can be achieved simultaneously over a 120 km standard single-mode fiber.
Analog image processing with nonlinear nonlocal flat optics
Authors: de Ceglia Domenico , Alù Andrea , Neshev Dragomir N. , De Angelis Costantino
Published: November 2023

Digital signal processing has revolutionized many fields of science and engineering, but it still shows critical limits, mainly related to the complexity, power consumption, and limited speed of analogue-to-digital converters. A long-sought solution to overcome these hurdles is optical analog computing. In this regard, flat optics has been recently unveiled as a powerful platform to perform data processing in real-time, with low power consumption and a small footprint. So far, these explorations have been mainly limited to linear optics. Arguably, significantly more impact may be garnered from pushing this operation towards nonlinear processing of the incoming signals. In this context, we demonstrate here that nonlinear phenomena combined with engineered nonlocality in flat optics devices can be leveraged to synthesize Volterra kernels able to outperform linear optical analog image processing.
Dynamic Event Camera Object Detection and Classification Using Enhanced YOLO Deep Learning Architectur
Authors: Thangavel Prabu , Karuppannan Srinivasan
Published: November 2023

Researchers have developed sophisticated computer vision applications for embedded platforms using the recent advancements in vision systems, such as distributed smart cameras. Important object detection techniques perform worse than standard object detection techniques when dynamic video data volume rises. Moving items blurring, moving quickly, occluding the background, or dynamic background changes in the foreground of a video frame can all be problematic. Salience detection is inadequate as a result of these problems. This work builds a deep learning model to address the issue. This work focuses on the three basic object detection, recognition, and classification processes with the goal of categorizing things that move before similar properties. The proposed method outperforms the conventional YOLO and FRCNN algorithms in classifying distant scenes with moving objects, as demonstrated by experimental results on the feature extraction and object classification public dataset and our dataset, which show 98.94% accuracy for the proposed method. With respect to accuracy, F-measure, mean absolute error (MAE), and computational load, Enhanced YOLO tests out existing video salient object recognition techniques on the benchmark dataset. In terms of accelerating and lowering computing burden, experiment shows that the YOLO method works better than other top-notch state-of-the-art methods.
Mothers in a cooperatively breeding bird increase investment per offspring at the pre-natal stage when they will have more help with post-natal care
Authors: Capilla-Lasheras Pablo , Wilson Alastair J. , Young Andrew J.
Published: November 2023

In many cooperative societies, including our own, helpers assist with the post-natal care of breeders’ young and may thereby benefit the post-natal development of offspring. Here, we present evidence of a novel mechanism by which such post-natal helping could also have beneficial effects on pre-natal development: By lightening post-natal maternal workloads, helpers may allow mothers to increase their pre-natal investment per offspring. We present the findings of a decade-long study of cooperatively breeding white-browed sparrow-weaver, Plocepasser mahali, societies. Within each social group, reproduction is monopolized by a dominant breeding pair, and non-breeding helpers assist with nestling feeding. Using a within-mother reaction norm approach to formally identify maternal plasticity, we demonstrate that when mothers have more female helpers, they decrease their own post-natal investment per offspring (feed their nestlings at lower rates) but increase their pre-natal investment per offspring (lay larger eggs, which yield heavier hatchlings). That these plastic maternal responses are predicted by female helper number, and not male helper number, implicates the availability of post-natal helping per se as the likely driver (rather than correlated effects of group size), because female helpers feed nestlings at substantially higher rates than males. We term this novel maternal strategy “maternal front-loading” and hypothesize that the expected availability of post-natal help either allows or incentivizes helped mothers to focus maternal investment on the pre-natal phase, to which helpers cannot contribute directly. The potential for post-natal helping to promote pre-natal development further complicates attempts to identify and quantify the fitness consequences of helping.
The regional variation of laminar thickness in the human isocortex is related to cortical hierarchy and interregional connectivity
Authors: Saberi Amin , Paquola Casey , Wagstyl Konrad , Hettwer Meike D. , Bernhardt Boris C. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Valk Sofie L.
Published: November 2023

The human isocortex consists of tangentially organized layers with unique cytoarchitectural properties. These layers show spatial variations in thickness and cytoarchitecture across the neocortex, which is thought to support function through enabling targeted corticocortical connections. Here, leveraging maps of the 6 cortical layers based on 3D human brain histology, we aimed to quantitatively characterize the systematic covariation of laminar structure in the cortex and its functional consequences. After correcting for the effect of cortical curvature, we identified a spatial pattern of changes in laminar thickness covariance from lateral frontal to posterior occipital regions, which differentiated the dominance of infra- versus supragranular layer thickness. Corresponding to the laminar regularities of cortical connections along cortical hierarchy, the infragranular-dominant pattern of laminar thickness was associated with higher hierarchical positions of regions, mapped based on resting-state effective connectivity in humans and tract-tracing of structural connections in macaques. Moreover, we show that regions with similar laminar thickness patterns have a higher likelihood of structural connections and strength of functional connections. In sum, here we characterize the organization of laminar thickness in the human isocortex and its association with cortico-cortical connectivity, illustrating how laminar organization may provide a foundational principle of cortical function.
Can cash transfer interventions increase contraceptive use and reduce adolescent birth and pregnancy in low and middle income countries? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kneale Dylan , Kjaersgaard Abel , de Melo Malica , Joaquim Picardo Joelma , Griffin Sally , French Rebecca S. , Burchett Helen E. D.
Published: November 2023

Becoming pregnant and giving birth under the age of 20 is associated with a range of adverse social, socioeconomic and health outcomes for adolescent girls and their children in Low and middle income countries. Cash transfers are an example of a structural intervention that can change the local social and economic environment, and have been linked with positive health and social outcomes across several domains. As part of a wider review of structural adolescent contraception interventions, we conducted a systematic review on the impact of cash transfers on adolescent contraception and fertility. Fifteen studies were included in the review with eleven studies providing evidence for meta-analyses on contraception use, pregnancy and childbearing. The evidence suggests that cash transfer interventions are generally ineffective in raising levels of contraceptive use. However, cash transfer interventions did reduce levels of early pregnancy (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.00). There was suggestive evidence that conditional, but not unconditional, cash transfers reduce levels of early childbearing. Given that much of the evidence is drawn from interventions providing cash transfers conditional on school attendance, supporting school attendance may enable adolescent girls and young women to make life choices that do not involve early pregnancy.
Influence of previous Zika virus infection on acute dengue episode
Authors: Estofolete Cassia F. , Versiani Alice F. , Dourado Fernanda S. , Milhim Bruno H. G. A. , Pacca Carolina C. , Silva Gislaine C. D. , Zini Nathalia , Santos Barbara F. dos , Gandolfi Flora A. , Mistrão Natalia F. B. , Garcia Pedro H. C. , Rocha Rodrigo S. , Gehrke Lee , Bosch Irene , Marques Rafael E. , Teixeira Mauro M. , da Fonseca Flavio G. , Vasilakis Nikos , Nogueira Maurício L.
Published: November 2023

Background

The co-circulation of flaviviruses in tropical regions has led to the hypothesis that immunity generated by a previous dengue infection could promote severe disease outcomes in subsequent infections by heterologous serotypes. This study investigated the influence of antibodies generated by previous Zika infection on the clinical outcomes of dengue infection.

Methodology/Principal findings

We enrolled 1,043 laboratory confirmed dengue patients and investigated their prior infection to Zika or dengue. Severe forms of dengue disease were more frequent in patients with previous Zika infection, but not in those previously exposed to dengue.

Conclusions/Significance

Our findings suggest that previous Zika infection may represent a risk factor for subsequent severe dengue disease, but we did not find evidence of antibody-dependent enhancement (higher viral titer or pro-inflammatory cytokine overexpression) contributing to exacerbation of the subsequent dengue infection.
The maluma/takete effect is late: No longitudinal evidence for shape sound symbolism in the first year
Authors: Sidhu David M. , Athanasopoulou Angeliki , Archer Stephanie L. , Czarnecki Natalia , Curtin Suzanne , Pexman Penny M.
Published: November 2023

The maluma/takete effect refers to an association between certain language sounds (e.g., /m/ and /o/) and round shapes, and other language sounds (e.g., /t/ and /i/) and spiky shapes. This is an example of sound symbolism and stands in opposition to arbitrariness of language. It is still unknown when sensitivity to sound symbolism emerges. In the present series of studies, we first confirmed that the classic maluma/takete effect would be observed in adults using our novel 3-D object stimuli (Experiments 1a and 1b). We then conducted the first longitudinal test of the maluma/takete effect, testing infants at 4-, 8- and 12-months of age (Experiment 2). Sensitivity to sound symbolism was measured with a looking time preference task, in which infants were shown images of a round and a spiky 3-D object while hearing either a round- or spiky-sounding nonword. We did not detect a significant difference in looking time based on nonword type. We also collected a series of individual difference measures including measures of vocabulary, movement ability and babbling. Analyses of these measures revealed that 12-month olds who babbled more showed a greater sensitivity to sound symbolism. Finally, in Experiment 3, we had parents take home round or spiky 3-D printed objects, to present to 7- to 8-month-old infants paired with either congruent or incongruent nonwords. This language experience had no effect on subsequent measures of sound symbolism sensitivity. Taken together these studies demonstrate that sound symbolism is elusive in the first year, and shed light on the mechanisms that may contribute to its eventual emergence.
Metabolomic profiles associated with physical activity in White and African American adult men
Authors: Du Yan , Li Yuan-Yuan , Choi Byeong Yeob , Fernadez Roman , Su Kuan-Jui , Sharma Kumar , Qi Lu , Yin Zenong , Zhao Qi , Shen Hui , Qiu Chuan , Zhao Lan-Juan , Luo Zhe , Wu Li , Tian Qing , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: November 2023

Background

Physical activity (PA) is associated with various health benefits, especially in improving chronic health conditions. However, the metabolic changes in host metabolism in response to PA remain unclear, especially in racially/ethnically diverse populations.

Objective

This study is to assess the metabolic profiles associated with the frequency of PA in White and African American (AA) men.

Methods

Using the untargeted metabolomics data collected from 698 White and AA participants (mean age: 38.0±8.0, age range: 20–50) from the Louisiana Osteoporosis Study (LOS), we conducted linear regression models to examine metabolites that are associated with PA levels (assessed by self-reported regular exercise frequency levels: 0, 1–2, and ≥3 times per week) in White and AA men, respectively, as well as in the pooled sample. Covariates considered for statistical adjustments included race (only for the pooled sample), age, BMI, waist circumstance, smoking status, and alcohol drinking.

Results

Of the 1133 untargeted compounds, we identified 7 metabolites associated with PA levels in the pooled sample after covariate adjustment with a false discovery rate of 0.15. Specifically, compared to participants who did not exercise, those who exercised at a frequency ≥3 times/week showed higher abundances in uracil, orotate, 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-oleoyl-GPE (P-16:0/18:1) (GPE), threonate, and glycerate, but lower abundances in salicyluric glucuronide and adenine in the pooled sample. However, in Whites, salicyluric glucuronide and orotate were not significant. Adenine, GPE, and threonate were not significant in AAs. In addition, the seven metabolites were not significantly different between participants who exercised ≥3 times/week and 1–2 times/week, nor significantly different between participants with 1–2 times/week and 0/week in the pooled sample and respective White and AA groups.

Conclusions

Metabolite responses to PA are dose sensitive and may differ between White and AA populations. The identified metabolites may help advance our knowledge of guiding precision PA interventions. Studies with rigorous study designs are warranted to elucidate the relationship between PA and metabolites.
Comparison and interobserver reliability of three different methods for measuring the amount of the tibial tuberosity advancement in the preoperative planning of TTAT
Authors: Della Valle Giovanni , Aragosa Federica , Caterino Chiara , Piscitelli Alfonso , Di Palma Cristina , Lamagna Francesco , Fatone Gerardo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The goal of preoperative planning techniques for advancement of the tibial tuberosity is to determine the amount of advancement required to achieve a postoperative patellar tendon angle of 90° and to select the optimal wedge size to achieve this target.

Material and methods

Three radiographic methods for determining the advancement distance for the tibial tuberosity were evaluated for comparability and interobserver reliability. Among the methods developed, we decided to include the common tangent method, the tibial anatomy-based method, and the Bielecki method. For all techniques, radiographs were taken in mediolateral projection with the knee joint flexed at 135°. Three observers with different levels of experience independently evaluated and scored the degree of osteoarthritis for each stifle, as previously described, and performed measurements of the amount of advancement of the tibial tuberosity on 33 stifles using common tangent method, tibial anatomy-based method, and Bielecki method.

Results

According to the results, the overall score for osteoarthritis in the mediolateral view was influenced by the experience of the observers, which contradicts the results from a previous study. Regarding the measurement methods used to assess advancement, poor interobserver reliability was found for common tangent method and Bielecki method, while only a slightly moderate interobserver agreement was found for tibial anatomy-based method.

Discussion

These results are inconsistent with data collected by Bielecki and colleagues. Moreover, measurements from common tangent method and tibial anatomy-based method were overlapping, as confirmed previously. Conversely, Bielecki method showed no agreement with the other methods included in the present study, with a significantly higher mean rank, probably due to its correction formula. Based on the results of the present study, tibial anatomy-based method has better interobserver reliability and is easier to perform according to the observers.
COVID-19 as WATER? The functions of WATER metaphors in the metaphorical representation of COVID-19
Authors: Peng Zhibin , Yu Yating , Tay Dennis
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have examined WATER metaphors in different discourses, yet there has been limited focus on understanding the functions of these metaphors in constructing discourses. To address this research gap, the present paper utilised the metaphor identification procedure developed by the Pragglejaz Group and the Weak Differentiating Model to investigate WATER metaphors in the Coronavirus Corpus. The study reveals that WATER metaphors can be used flexibly for multiple purposes. These include explaining the many pandemic stages, describing the occurrence and performance of the pandemic, explaining how COVID-19 affects human life, rallying the public to take precautions against contagion, and communicating risk. This research highlights the diverse functions that WATER metaphors served in conveying intricate information and influencing public perceptions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Psychosocial school factors and mental health of first grade secondary school students—Results of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey in Serbia
Authors: Skoric Dragana , Rakic Jelena Gudelj , Jovanovic Verica , Backovic Dusan , Soldatovic Ivan , Zivojinovic Jelena Ilic
Published: November 2023

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial school factors and life satisfaction, symptoms of depression and psychosomatic health complaints among first grade secondary school students in Serbia. We analysed data from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in the Republic of Serbia. Analyzed psychosocial school factors included satisfaction with school, schoolwork pressure, teacher support, classmate support and being bullied at school. Life satisfaction was assessed by the 11-step Cantril’s ladder (cutoff >5). Symptoms of depression were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) and psychosomatic health complaints by using the HBSC symptom checklist. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of students’ life satisfaction, symptoms of depression and psychosomatic health complaints in the school environment, while also considering their socio-demographic characteristics and perceived family and friend support. The study included 1605 students (average age 15.26 ±0.44 years), of whom 50.3% were females. Results from the binary logistic regression analyses showed that life satisfaction was positively related to school satisfaction and classmate support, and negatively to being bullied at school. Symptoms of depression were positively associated with schoolwork pressure and being bullied at school, and negatively with teacher and classmate support. All analyzed factors of the school environment were significantly related to psychosomatic health complaints, whereby schoolwork pressure and being bullied at school were positively associated, while teacher and classmate support and satisfaction with school were negatively associated. Given the established association of psychosocial school factors with mental health, there is a need for targeted measures both at school and community level with the aim of improving social support in the school environment, reducing schoolwork burden and preventing bullying at school, potentially resulting in the overall improvement of mental health of the first grade secondary school students.
Relating stability of individual dynamical networks to change in psychopathology
Authors: van der Tuin Sara , Hoekstra Ria H. A. , Booij Sanne H. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Wardenaar Klaas J. , van den Berg David , Borsboom Denny , Wigman Johanna T. W.
Published: November 2023

One hypothesis flowing from the network theory of psychopathology is that symptom network structure is associated with psychopathology severity and in turn, one may expect that individual network structure changes with the level of psychopathology severity. However, this expectation has rarely been addressed directly. This study aims to examine (1) the stability of individual contemporaneous symptom networks over a one-year period and (2) whether network stability is associated with a change in psychopathology. We used daily diary data of n = 66 individuals, located along the psychosis severity continuum, from two separate 90-day periods, one year apart (t = 180). Based on the newly developedIndividual Network Invariance Test(INIT) to assess symptom-network stability, participants were divided into two groups with stable and unstable networks and we tested whether these groups differed in their absolute change in psychopathology severity. The majority of the sample (n = 51, 77.3%) showed a stable network over time while most individuals showed a decrease in psychopathological severity. We found no significant association between a change in psychopathology severity and individual network stability. Our results call for further critical evaluation of the association between networks and psychopathology to optimize the implementation of clinical applications based on current methods.
A Gulf Stream frontal eddy harbors a distinct microbiome compared to adjacent waters
Authors: Gronniger Jessica L. , Gray Patrick C. , Niebergall Alexandria K. , Johnson Zackary I. , Hunt Dana E.
Published: November 2023

Mesoscale oceanographic features, including eddies, have the potential to alter productivity and other biogeochemical rates in the ocean. Here, we examine the microbiome of a cyclonic, Gulf Stream frontal eddy, with a distinct origin and environmental parameters compared to surrounding waters, in order to better understand the processes dominating microbial community assembly in the dynamic coastal ocean. Our microbiome-based approach identified the eddy as distinct from the surround Gulf Stream waters. The eddy-associated microbial community occupied a larger area than identified by temperature and salinity alone, increasing the predicted extent of eddy-associated biogeochemical processes. While the eddy formed on the continental shelf, after two weeks both environmental parameters and microbiome composition of the eddy were most similar to the Gulf Stream, suggesting the effect of environmental filtering on community assembly or physical mixing with adjacent Gulf Stream waters. In spite of the potential for eddy-driven upwelling to introduce nutrients and stimulate primary production, eddy surface waters exhibit lower chlorophyll a along with a distinct and less even microbial community, compared to the Gulf Stream. At the population level, the eddy microbiome exhibited differences among the cyanobacteria (e.g. lower Trichodesmium and higher Prochlorococcus) and in the heterotrophic alpha Proteobacteria (e.g. lower relative abundances of specific SAR11 phylotypes) versus the Gulf Stream. However, better delineation of the relative roles of processes driving eddy community assembly will likely require following the eddy and surrounding waters since inception. Additionally, sampling throughout the water column could better clarify the contribution of these mesoscale features to primary production and carbon export in the oceans.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the HERO Registry
Authors: Rice Eli N. , Xu Haolin , Wang Ziyi , Webb Laura , Thomas Laine , Kadhim Emilie F. , Nunes Julio C. , Adair Kathryn C. , O’Brien Emily C.
Published: November 2023

Little is known about the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare workers (HCWs). Past literature has shown that chronic strain caused by pandemics can adversely impact a variety of mental health outcomes in HCWs. There is growing recognition of the risk of stress and loss of resilience to HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic remains poorly understood. We wanted to understand the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of PTDS symptoms in HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 2038 health care workers enrolled in the Healthcare Worker Exposure Response & Outcomes (HERO) study, which is a large standardized national registry of health care workers. Participants answered questions about demographics, COVID-19 exposure, job burnout, and PTSD symptoms. We characterize the burden of PTSD symptoms among HCWs, and determined the association between high PTSD symptoms and race, gender, professional role, work setting, and geographic region using multivariable regression. In a fully adjusted model, we found that older HCWs were less likely to report high PTSD symptoms compared with younger HCWs. Additionally, we found that physicians were less likely to report high PTSD symptoms compared with nurses. These data add to the growing literature on increased risks of mental health challenges to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Virtual Navigation Toolbox: Providing tools for virtual navigation experiments
Authors: Müller Martin M. , Scherer Jonas , Unterbrink Patrick , Bertrand Olivier J. N. , Egelhaaf Martin , Boeddeker Norbert
Published: November 2023

Spatial navigation research in humans increasingly relies on experiments using virtual reality (VR) tools, which allow for the creation of highly flexible, and immersive study environments, that can react to participant interaction in real time. Despite the popularity of VR, tools simplifying the creation and data management of such experiments are rare and often restricted to a specific scope—limiting usability and comparability. To overcome those limitations, we introduce the Virtual Navigation Toolbox (VNT), a collection of interchangeable and independent tools for the development of spatial navigation VR experiments using the popular Unity game engine. The VNT’s features are packaged in loosely coupled and reusable modules, facilitating convenient implementation of diverse experimental designs. Here, we depict how the VNT fulfils feature requirements of different VR environments and experiments, guiding through the implementation and execution of a showcase study using the toolbox. The presented showcase study reveals that homing performance in a classic triangle completion task is invariant to translation velocity of the participant’s avatar, but highly sensitive to the number of landmarks. The VNT is freely available under a creative commons license, and we invite researchers to contribute, extending and improving tools using the provided repository.