bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is well-becoming important for children and young people? Evidence from in-depth interviews with children and young people and their parents
Authors: Husbands Samantha , Mitchell Paul Mark , Kinghorn Philip , Byford Sarah , Bailey Cara , Anand Paul , Peters Tim J. , Floredin Isabella , Coast Joanna
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study explores how important well-becoming factors appear to be to children during childhood. We define well-becoming as the indicators which predict children and young people’s future wellbeing and opportunities. The priority for this work was to explore whether well-becoming might be an important factor to include in outcome measures for children and young people. The inclusion of well-becoming indicators could ensure that opportunities to invest in promoting wellbeing in children’s futures are not missed.

Methods

In-depth, qualitative interviews (N = 70) were undertaken with children and young people aged 6–15 years and their parents. Analysis used constant comparison and framework methods to investigate whether well-becoming factors were considered important by informants to children and young people’s current wellbeing.

Results

The findings of the interviews suggested that children and young people and their parents are concerned with future well-becoming now, as factors such as future achievement, financial security, health, independence, identity, and relationships were identified as key to future quality of life. Informants suggested that they considered it important during childhood to aspire towards positive outcomes in children and young people’s futures.

Conclusion

The study findings, taken alongside relevant literature, have generated evidence to support the notion that future well-becoming is important to current wellbeing. We have drawn on our own work in capability wellbeing measure development to demonstrate how we have incorporated a well-becoming attribute into our measures. The inclusion of well-becoming indicators in measures could aid investment in interventions which more directly improve well-becoming outcomes for children and young people.
Better start to better future? Long-term follow-up of a parenting intervention for mothers being released from incarceration
Authors: Menting Ankie T. A. , de Castro Bram O. , Grandfield Elizabeth M. , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Matthys Walter
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study examined the long-term effects of the Better Start program, an adaptation of Incredible Years parent training enhanced with home visits, for families with mothers being released from incarceration.

Methods

Participants in this quasi-experimental longitudinal study were 224 mothers, of whom 145 (64.7%) received intervention and the other mothers constituted a no intervention group. Official criminal justice records and mother reports of parenting behaviors and child behavior were collected up to 10 years after intervention. Mixed effects models, Cox regression analyses, and latent linear growth models were used to test potential intervention effects on adolescent delinquency, maternal recidivism, parenting behaviors, and disruptive child behaviors.

Results

Outcomes favoring participants in the intervention condition were found for adolescent delinquency, maternal recidivism, and the number of disruptive child behaviors.

Conclusions

Effects on maternal recidivism and delinquency in their children indicate that the Better Start program contributes to preventing the intergenerational transmission of delinquency.
Induced responses to the wheat pathogen: Tan Spot—(Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) focus on changes in defence associated and sugar metabolism
Authors: Ferreira Larissa Carvalho , Santana Flavio Martins , Scagliusi Sandra Maria Mansur , Beckmann Manfred , Mur Luis A. J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Tan Spot (TS) disease of wheat is caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr), where most of the yield loss is linked to diseased flag leaves. As there are no fully resistant cultivars available, elucidating the responses of wheat to Ptr could inform the derivation of new resistant genotypes.

Objectives

The study aimed to characterise the flag-leaf metabolomes of two spring wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cv. PF 080719 [PF] and cv. Fundacep Horizonte [FH]) following challenge with Ptr to gain insights into TS disease development.

Methods

PF and FH plants were inoculated with a Ptr strain that produces the necrotrophic toxin ToxA. The metabolic changes in flag leaves following challenge (24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-inoculation [hpi]) with Ptr were investigated using untargeted flow infusion ionisation-high resolution mass spectroscopy (FIE-HRMS).

Results

Both cultivars were susceptible to Ptr at the flag-leaf stage. Comparisons of Ptr- and mock-inoculated plants indicated that a major metabolic shift occurred at 24 hpi in FH, and at 48 hpi in PF. Although most altered metabolites were genotype specific, they were linked to common pathways; phenylpropanoid and flavonoid metabolism. Alterations in sugar metabolism as well as in glycolysis and glucogenesis pathways were also observed. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that Ptr-triggered alterations in chloroplast and photosynthetic machinery in both cultivars, especially in FH at 96 hpi. In a wheat-Ptr interactome in integrative network analysis, “flavone and flavonol biosynthesis” and “starch and sucrose metabolism” were targeted as the key metabolic processes underlying PF–FH–Ptr interactions.

Conclusion

These observations suggest the potential importance of flavone and flavonol biosynthesis as well as bioenergetic shifts in susceptibility to Ptr. This work highlights the value of metabolomic approaches to provide novel insights into wheat pathosystems.
Ecological footprint in the OECD countries: do energy efficiency and renewable energy matter?
Authors: Akpanke Thomas Abuobeleye , Deka Abraham , Ozdeser Huseyin , Seraj Mehdi
Published: January 2024

Ecological footprint (EFP) measures the amount of area, that is land or sea, which is required to absorb the waste generated through human activities or to support the production of resources consumed by populations. EFP index therefore includes six dimensions that are cropland, forestland, carbon, fishing grounds, grazing land, and built-up area. Human activities have impacted the environment, leading to global warming, widespread droughts, and diseases. The present study aims to investigate the role of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency on the EFP index. Past researchers have widely used carbon emission (CE) to represent environmental impact, and recent studies have shown that EFP index is a better proxy of environmental degradation. Therefore, the present research differs from past studies in that it compares on how the determinants of environmental degradation affects EFP index and CE. Panel dataset of the OECD countries from 1990 to 2020 is employed. The CS-ARDL, DCCEMG, and AMG techniques, which overcome dynamics, heterogeneity, and cross-sectional dependence, are employed. The main findings depict that RE significantly reduces EFP and CE, while economic growth significantly exacerbates them. Energy efficiency reduces CE, but does not significantly affect EFP. Non-renewable energy and research & development significantly increase CE, while an insignificant positive effect is observed with EFP. This paper shows that factors that significantly influence CE may not always significantly affect the EFP index. Thus, to reduce environmental degradation it is fundamental to understand on how each dimension of EFP is influenced.
Cryoablation for the treatment of breast cancer: immunological implications and future perspectives. Utopia or reality?
Authors: Galati Francesca , Marra Andrea , Cicciarelli Federica , Pasculli Marcella , Maroncelli Roberto , Rizzo Veronica , Moffa Giuliana , Pediconi Federica
Published: January 2024

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive technique currently employed in breast cancer care, that uses freeze and thaw cycles to treat benign breast lesions, small breast cancers or focal sites of metastatic disease in patients not eligible for surgery. The final goal of this procedure is to destroy breast cancer cells using extreme cold. In addition, several studies have shown that this technique seems to have an enhancing effect on the immune response, especially by increasing the expression of tumor neoantigens specific to tumor cells, which are then attacked and destroyed. Exploiting this effect, cryoablation in combination with immunotherapy could be the key to treating early-stage breast cancers or patients who are unsuitable for surgery. According to some recent studies, there are other potential tools that could be used to enhance the therapeutic effect of cryoablation, such as FE3O4 nanoparticles or the manipulation of aquaporin expression. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the use, indications, advantages and disadvantages of cryoablation in the treatment of breast cancer.
Cancer survivorship programs at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Authors: Partridge Ann H. , Morgans Alicia , Knelson Lauren P. , Recklitis Christopher , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Chi Susan N. , Kenney Lisa B. , Diller Lisa , Vrooman Lynda M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

We sought to present the current status of survivorship programs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute which include the David B. Perini, Jr. Quality of Life Clinic for survivors of childhood cancer, Stop and Shop Neuro-Oncology Outcomes Clinic for pediatric brain tumor survivors, and Adult Survivorship Program for adult cancer survivors including those diagnosed as adults (age 18 years and older) and adult survivors of childhood cancer, in an effort to share best practices as well as challenges.

Methods

Description of programs and discussion.

Results

Our institutional programs are detailed regarding their history and the multidisciplinary approach and both consultative and long-term care delivery models for pediatric and adult cancer survivors, with the goal of meeting the spectrum of survivorship care needs, from diagnosis and management of long-term effects of cancer-directed therapy and surveillance for subsequent cancer, to healthy lifestyle promotion and psychosocial support. Program investigators conduct research to understand the risks and unmet needs of cancer survivors, and to develop and test interventions to improve care delivery and medical and psychosocial outcomes. There are also educational initiatives detailed.

Conclusions

Survivorship programs at Dana-Farber are designed to optimize care and outcomes for cancer survivors including conducting quality improvement initiatives and research to further understand and meet the clinical needs of the large, heterogenous, and growing population cancer survivors into the future.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Programs like ours as well as those ongoing and planned aim to improve the comprehensive care of diverse cancer survivors.
Do Not Lose Your Nerve, Be Callus: Insights Into Neural Regulation of Fracture Healing
Authors: Nazzal Murad K. , Morris Ashlyn J. , Parker Reginald S. , White Fletcher A. , Natoli Roman M. , Kacena Melissa A. , Fehrenbacher Jill C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

Fractures are a prominent form of traumatic injury and shall continue to be for the foreseeable future. While the inflammatory response and the cells of the bone marrow microenvironment play significant roles in fracture healing, the nervous system is also an important player in regulating bone healing.

Recent Findings

Considerable evidence demonstrates a role for nervous system regulation of fracture healing in a setting of traumatic injury to the brain. Although many of the impacts of the nervous system on fracture healing are positive, pain mediated by the nervous system can have detrimental effects on mobilization and quality of life.

Understanding the role the nervous system plays in fracture healing is vital to understanding fracture healing as a whole and improving quality of life post-injury. This review article is part of a series of multiple manuscripts designed to determine the utility of using artificial intelligence for writing scientific reviews.
Two-layer Ensemble of Deep Learning Models for Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Dang Truong , Nguyen Tien Thanh , McCall John , Elyan Eyad , Moreno-García Carlos Francisco
Published: January 2024

One of the most important areas in medical image analysis is segmentation, in which raw image data is partitioned into structured and meaningful regions to gain further insights. By using Deep Neural Networks (DNN), AI-based automated segmentation algorithms can potentially assist physicians with more effective imaging-based diagnoses. However, since it is difficult to acquire high-quality ground truths for medical images and DNN hyperparameters require significant manual tuning, the results by DNN-based medical models might be limited. A potential solution is to combine multiple DNN models using ensemble learning. We propose a two-layer ensemble of deep learning models in which the prediction of each training image pixel made by each model in the first layer is used as the augmented data of the training image for the second layer of the ensemble. The prediction of the second layer is then combined by using a weight-based scheme which is found by solving linear regression problems. To the best of our knowledge, our paper is the first work which proposes a two-layer ensemble of deep learning models with an augmented data technique in medical image segmentation. Experiments conducted on five different medical image datasets for diverse segmentation tasks show that proposed method achieves better results in terms of several performance metrics compared to some well-known benchmark algorithms. Our proposed two-layer ensemble of deep learning models for segmentation of medical images shows effectiveness compared to several benchmark algorithms. The research can be expanded in several directions like image classification.
Probiotics and Paraprobiotics: Effects on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Their Consequent Potential in Neuropsychiatric Therapy
Authors: Mudaliar Samriti Balaji , Poojary Sumith Sundara , Bharath Prasad Alevoor Srinivas , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: January 2024

Neuropsychiatric disorders are clinical conditions that affect cognitive function and emotional stability, often resulting from damage or disease in the central nervous system (CNS). These disorders are a worldwide concern, impacting approximately 12.5% of the global population. The gut microbiota has been linked to neurological development and function, implicating its involvement in neuropsychiatric conditions. Due to their interaction with gut microbial communities, probiotics offer a natural alternative to traditional treatments such as therapeutic drugs and interventions for alleviating neuropsychiatric symptoms. Introduced by Metchnikoff in the early 1900s, probiotics are live microorganisms that provide various health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced sleep quality, and reduced mental problems. However, concerns about their safety, particularly in immunocompromised patients, warrant further investigation; this has led to the concept of “paraprobiotics”, inactivated forms of beneficial microorganisms that offer a safer alternative. This review begins by exploring different methods of inactivation, each targeting specific cellular components like DNA or proteins. The choice of inactivation method is crucial, as the health benefits may vary depending on the conditions employed for inactivation. The subsequent sections focus on the potential mechanisms of action and specific applications of probiotics and paraprobiotics in neuropsychiatric therapy. Probiotics and paraprobiotics interact with gut microbes, modulating the gut microbial composition and alleviating gut dysbiosis. The resulting neuropsychiatric benefits primarily stem from the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication channel involving various pathways discussed in the review. While further research is needed, probiotics and paraprobiotics are promising therapeutic agents for the management of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Characterization of Spent Yeast Streams from Precision Fermentations Driven by Genetically Engineered Yeasts: Valorization Potential for a Circular Bioeconomy
Authors: Deuchande Teresa , Fundo Joana F. , Rodrigues Daniela , Pintado Manuela E. , Amaro Ana L.
Published: January 2024

Currently, valuable biomolecules are sustainably produced through fermentation using genetically modified microorganisms. However, this industry also generates several waste streams, such as spent yeast (SY). To close the sustainability loop in bioproduction, it is essential to define valorization strategies for such waste streams. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the compositional differences among these novel SYs, intending to pave the way for devising highly effective and beneficial valorization strategies for these streams. In this work, SYs derived from the production of beer (SBY) and six biomolecules [β-farnesene (Fene), rebaudioside M (Reb M), manool (MN), patchouli (PAT), sandalwood (SDW), and sclareol (SCL)] through fermentations driven by engineered yeasts were characterized. The results showed that SY from Fene, MN, and PAT production have similar concentrations of protein (35.9–44% dw), minerals, and amino acids, being compatible with bulking and use as nitrogen sources. Those derived from Reb M production showed significantly higher levels of lipids (21 ± 2.6% dw) compared to all the other SYs (1.7–10.8% dw), whereas the ones derived from SCL production showed significantly higher levels of inorganic matter (45%) compared with those found in the other SYs (1.2–11.3% dw). The results showed that assessing the extent of compositional variation among different SYs derived from precision fermentations represents a primary step toward developing efficient valorization or biorefining strategies.

Graphical Abstract
Wilder rangelands as a natural climate opportunity: Linking climate action to biodiversity conservation and social transformation
Authors: Simba Lavhelesani D. , te Beest Mariska , Hawkins Heidi-Jayne , Larson Keith W. , Palmer Anthony R. , Sandström Camilla , Smart Kathleen G. , Kerley Graham I. H. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M.
Published: January 2024

Rangelands face threats from climate and land-use change, including inappropriate climate change mitigation initiatives such as tree planting in grassy ecosystems. The marginalization and impoverishment of rangeland communities and their indigenous knowledge systems, and the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, are additional major challenges. To address these issues, we propose the wilder rangelands integrated framework, co-developed by South African and European scientists from diverse disciplines, as an opportunity to address the climate, livelihood, and biodiversity challenges in the world’s rangelands. More specifically, we present a Theory of Change to guide the design, monitoring, and evaluation of wilder rangelands. Through this, we aim to promote rangeland restoration, where local communities collaborate with regional and international actors to co-create new rangeland use models that simultaneously mitigate the impacts of climate change, restore biodiversity, and improve both ecosystem functioning and livelihoods.
Improved Catalytic Properties of Fluorine-Doped La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ for Air Electrode with High-Performance Metal-Air Batteries
Authors: Kim Jiyoun , Lee Jeongah , Kim Sangwoo , Jung WooChul
Published: January 2024

La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF), a perovskite material, is widely recognized as an excellent catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). An anion doping strategy was implemented to enhance the presence of highly oxidation-active O2−/O− species crucial for the electrochemical reaction, effectively replacing oxygen. The introduction of 5 mol% fluorine to LSCF resulted in improved OER performance, comparable to that of commercial noble catalysts. Furthermore, we confirmed that fluorine-doped LSCF enhanced the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance, establishing its effectiveness as a bifunctional catalyst. Moreover, when utilized as an air electrode in a homemade zinc-air battery cell, the electrochemical performance of the doped LSCF remained stable after repeated charge/discharge tests. These findings underscore the potential application of anion doping in electrochemical devices.

Graphical Abstract
Fabrication and validation of flexible neural electrodes based on polyimide tape and gold sheet
Authors: Jeong Hyunbeen , Lee Taekyung , Kim Jisung , Jeong Hee Soo , Jun Sang Beom , Seo Jong-Mo
Published: January 2024

This research was conducted to apply polyimide tape, which has the advantages of low price ans strong adhesive strength, to the neural electrode process. In addition, to maximize the low-cost characteristics, a fabrication process based on UV laser patterning rather than a photolithography process was introduced. The fabrication process started by attaching the gold sheet on the conductive double-sided tape without being torn or crushed. Then, the gold sheet and the double-sided tape were patterned together using UV laser. The patterned layer was transferred to the single-side polyimide tape. For insulation layer, electrode site opened single-sided polyimide tape was prepared. Polydimethylsiloxane was used as an adhesion layer, and alignment between electrode sites and opening sites was processed manually. The minimum line width achieved through the proposed fabrication process was approximately 100 $$\mu$$
μ
m, and the sheet resistance of the conductive layer was 0.635 $$\Omega$$
Ω
/sq. Measured cathodal charge storage capacity was 0.72 mC/cm$$^2$$

2

and impedance at 1 kHz was 4.07 k$$\Omega$$
Ω
/cm$$^2$$

2

. Validation of fabricated electrode was confirmed by conducting 30 days accelerated soak test, flexibility test, adhesion test and ex vivo stimulation test. The novel flexible neural electrodes based on single-sided polyimide tape and UV laser patterned gold sheet was fabricated successfully. Conventional neural electrode fabrication processes based on polyimide substrate has a disadvantages such as long fabrication time, expensive costs, and probability of delamination between layers. However, the novel fabrication process which we introduced can overcome many shortcomings of existing processes, and offers great advantages such as simplicity of fabrication, inexpensiveness, flexibility and long-term reliability.
Ultra-processed Food and Obesity: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Dicken Samuel J. , Batterham Rachel L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

Obesity is a growing global healthcare concern. A proposed driver is the recent increase in ultra-processed food (UPF) intake. However, disagreement surrounds the concept of UPF, the strength of evidence, and suggested mechanisms. Therefore, this review aimed to critically appraise the evidence on UPF and obesity.

Recent Findings

Observational studies demonstrate positive associations between UPF intake, weight gain, and overweight/obesity, more clearly in adults than children/adolescents. This is supported by high-quality clinical data. Several mechanisms are proposed, but current understanding is inconclusive.

Greater UPF consumption has been a key driver of obesity. There is a need to change the obesogenic environment to support individuals to reduce their UPF intake. The UPF concept is a novel approach that is not explained with existing nutrient- and food-based frameworks.

Critical analysis of methodologies provides confidence, but future observational and experimental research outputs with greater methodological rigor will strengthen findings, which are outlined.
Review of flexible perovskite solar cells for indoor and outdoor applications
Authors: Goje Adamu Ahmed , Ludin Norasikin Ahmad , Fahsyar Puteri Nor Aznie , Syafiq Ubaidah , Chelvanathan Puvaneswaran , Syakirin Abu Dzar Al-Ghiffari , Teridi Mohd Asri , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Su’ait Mohd Sukor , Sepeai Suhaila , Yasir Ahmad Shah Hizam Md
Published: January 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown a significant increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) under laboratory circumstances from 2006 to the present, rising from 3.8% to an astonishing 25%. This scientific breakthrough corresponds to the changing energy situation and rising industrial potential. The flexible perovskite solar cell (FPSC), which capitalizes on the benefits of perovskite thin-film deposition and operates at low temperatures, is key to this transition. The FPSC is strategically important for large-scale deployment and mass manufacturing, especially when combined with the benefits of perovskite thin-film deposition under moderate thermodynamic conditions. Its versatility is demonstrated by the ease with which it may be folded, rolled, or coiled over flexible substrates, allowing for efficient transportation. Notably, FPSCs outperform traditional solar panels in terms of adaptability. FPSCs have several advantages over rigid substrates, including mobility, lightweight properties that help transportation, scalability via roll-to-roll (R2R) deposition, and incorporation into textiles and architecture. This in-depth examination dives into their fundamental design and various fabrication techniques, which include conducting substrates, absorber layers, coordinated charge movement, and conductive electrodes. This review evaluates critical FPSC fabrication techniques such as thermal evaporation, R2R approaches, slot die and spray deposition, blade coating, and spin coating. The present challenges in constructing FPSCs with high performance and long-term stability are also highlighted. Finally, the solar industry's potential uses for both indoor and outdoor FPSCs have been discussed.
The Role of Belief Sources in Promoting Goal Orientation Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, and Beliefs About the Role of Teachers in Mathematics Learning
Authors: Hidayatullah Achmad , Csíkos Csaba , Setiyawan Radius
Published: January 2024

Goal orientation beliefs, self-efficacy, and beliefs about the role of the teacher in mathematics learning have been known as important factors in promoting students’ success in mathematics. Beliefs can be shaped through four principles: mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and physiological state. This study examined the structural relationship between belief sources, goal orientation beliefs, self-efficacy, and beliefs about the role of mathematics teachers. Seventeen classes were selected randomly within 35 classes from fifth and sixth grade, four private schools in Surabaya, Indonesia. Five hundred-five students participated in the present study. Partial Least Square structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data. The result showed that mastery experience and vicarious experience positively predicted students’ goal orientation beliefs, self-efficacy, and beliefs about the role of the teachers. Social persuasion significantly influenced self-efficacy and beliefs about the role of mathematics teachers but not goal orientation beliefs. Among the belief sources, social persuasion is the strongest predictor for self-efficacy. Vicarious experience is the most powerful predicator for goal orientation beliefs and beliefs about the role of mathematics teachers. Meanwhile, the physiological state only negatively predicted goal orientation beliefs. The contribution of the findings of our study for mathematical teaching practices in Surabaya-Indonesia was discussed.
Host response of five potato cultivars to Meloidogyne nematodes
Authors: Ramatsitsi Mukondeleli Ndivhuwo , Nxumalo Siphephelo , Ramachela Khosi , Khosa Mbokota Candy
Published: January 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a well-known food crop that is regarded as an important component in the worldwide battle against hunger and malnutrition. Root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne species, are a serious limitation in the potato industry. Potato, being a tuberous crop, yield reduction is mainly due to tuber quality and quantity. In order to evaluate the response of five commercial potato cultivars, viz ‘Buffelspoort 1’, ‘Hertha’, ‘Larnoma’, ‘Mnandi’ and ‘Up-to-date’ to two RKN species, viz M. enterolobii and M. javanica; pot experiments were conducted under net house conditions. Ten separate experiments, each with treatments: 0, 500, 1500, 2500 and 3500 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2), were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replicates. Fifty-six days after inoculation, nematode effect on plant yield was evaluated. Potato tubers were assessed for root galls, and nematodes reproductive factor (RF) was computed. There were significant differences amongst treatments on the following potato growth parameters: plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, number of tubers and tuber weight in both M. enterolobii and M. javanica (P ≤ 0.05). The RF was above unity (one) in all potato cultivars for both M. enterolobii and M. javanica; with M. enterolobii showing more aggressiveness compared to M. javanica. Further, cultivars ‘Buffelspoort 1’ and ‘Hertha’ showed the highest susceptibility, whilst cultivar ‘Mnandi’ showed the least susceptibility. Infection of potato cultivars by the nematodes had severe effects on growth parameters of all the cultivars. Results suggested that all five commercial potato cultivars were susceptible to M. enterolobii and M. javanica. Thus, there is an urgent need for RKN management intervention in the aforementioned cultivars.
Strong Edge Geodetic Problem on Complete Multipartite Graphs and Some Extremal Graphs for the Problem
Authors: Klavžar Sandi , Zmazek Eva
Published: January 2024

A set of vertices X of a graph G is a strong edge geodetic set if, to any pair of vertices from X, we can assign one (or zero) shortest path between them, such that every edge of G is contained in at least one on these paths. The cardinality of a smallest strong edge geodetic set of G is the strong edge geodetic number $$\mathrm{sg_e}(G)$$

sg
e

(
G
)

of G. In this paper, the strong edge geodetic number of complete multipartite graphs is determined. Graphs G with $$\mathrm{sg_e}(G) = n(G)$$

sg
e

(
G
)

=
n

(
G
)

are characterized and $$\mathrm{sg_e}$$

sg
e

is determined for Cartesian products $$P_n\,\square \, K_m$$

P
n

□

K
m

. The latter result in particular corrects an error from the literature.
Relation Between Endothelial Dysfunction and Exercise Training-Mediated Adaptation in Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Vascular Health in Humans: A secondary analysis
Authors: McLellan Hannah L. , Dawson Ellen A. , Hopkins Nicola D. , Jones Helen , Maiorana Andrew J. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Haynes Andrew , Naylor Louise H. , Green Daniel J. , Thijssen Dick H. J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A priori cardiovascular (CV) health status may impact reductions in risk factors and CV mortality and morbidity following exercise training, although this is not fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine if endothelial function (assessed via flow mediated dilation; FMD%), predicts the magnitude of change in CV risk factors or fitness following exercise training.

Methods

We pooled data from 338 individuals who underwent supervised exercise training (8–26 weeks). Using recent sex- and age-specific reference values for flow-mediated dilation (FMD%), we categorised participants as having preserved endothelial function (P-EF) (> 50th percentile of reference value, 56 females, 67 males, 46 ± 17 years) or reduced endothelial function (R-EF) (< 50th percentile of reference value, 67 females, 148 males, 48 ± 17 years). The effects of exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors (BMI, cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and vascular function (FMD%) were examined using a two-way mixed design general linear model.

Results

Exercise training significantly improved physical fitness (P < 0.001), with no difference in the magnitude of improvement between P-EF and R-EF. Modest but significant reductions were present in BMI, blood pressure and total cholesterol (all P < 0.005), with no difference between P-EF and R-EF groups in the magnitude of changes in these variables with training. Exercise training did not significantly alter glucose, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Individuals with reduced and preserved a priori endothelial function status can obtain benefits from exercise in terms of risk factor modification and fitness change. Therefore, exercise has the potential to be beneficial in all clinical groups.
A Novel Method to Repair Thin Endometrium and Restore Fertility Based on Menstruation-Derived Stem Cell
Authors: Chen Kai , Wang Huiru , Zhao Xin , Wang Jingxin , Jin Qi , Tong Xianhong , Zheng Shengxia
Published: January 2024

Thin endometrium (TE), which mainly occurs as a result of severe damage to the endometrial basalis, is one of the prominent etiologies of menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent miscarriage in women. Previous studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered ideal cells with multipotency for regenerative medicine and exhibit therapeutic effects on TE through their cellular secretions. However, there is limited research on strategies to enhance MSC secretion to improve their therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we isolated menstrual blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) from menstruation and transformed them into decidualized stromal cells (DSCs), which are specialized cells with enhanced secretory functions. To assess the therapeutic potential of DSCs compared to MenSCs, we conducted a series of experiments in cells and animals. The results demonstrated that DSCs exhibited changes in morphology compared to MenSCs, with a decrease in cell proliferation but a significant improvement in secretion function. Furthermore, DSCs facilitated the restoration of endometrial thickness and increased the number of glands and blood vessel formation. Most importantly, the pregnancy rates in rats were effectively restored, bringing them closer to normal levels. These findings greatly contribute to our understanding of stem cell therapy for TE and strongly suggest that DSCs could hold significant promise as a potential treatment option for TE.
Fractional Bessel Derivative Within the Mellin Transform Framework
Authors: Bouzeffour Fethi
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we present a fresh perspective on the fractional power of the Bessel operator using the Mellin transform. Drawing inspiration from the work of Pagnini and Runfola, we develop a new approach by employing Tato’s type lemma for the Hankel transform. As an application, we establish a new intertwining relation between the fractional Bessel operator and the fractional second derivative, emphasizing the important role of the Mellin transform in the domain of fractional calculus associated with the Bessel operator.
Research on the influence of flipped classroom on self-efficacy in English language learning of Chinese higher vocational college students
Authors: Han Wei , Hamzah Mahizer
Published: January 2024

Self-efficacy in English language learning is directly correlated with the success of the students in learning English, the models they follow at each level, the encouragement and suggestions received by their groups, and the evaluations their teachers provide them. As an innovation for the traditional teaching method, the flipped classroom teaching model can affect the formation of self-efficacy in English language learning from the above four aspects. It has a theoretically positive promotion of self-efficacy. The study employed a quasi-experimental approach and semi-structured interviews to investigate whether the flipped classroom teaching model has a positive impact on self-efficacy in English language learning of the students of Chinese higher vocational colleges. The results showed that flipped classroom had a significant positive impact on students’ self-efficacy in English language learning.
New Religious Movements and Comparative Religion
Authors: Hammer Olav , Swartz Karen
Published: January 2024

This Element provides an introduction to a number of less frequently explored approaches based upon the comparative study of religions. New religions convey origin myths, present their particular views of history, and craft Endtime scenarios. Their members carry out a vast and diverse array of ritual activities. They produce large corpuses of written texts and designate a subset of these as a sacrosanct canon. They focus their attention on material objects that can range from sacred buildings to objects from the natural world that are treated in ritualized fashion. The reason for this fundamental similarity between older and newer religions is briefly explored in terms of the cognitive processes that underlie religious concepts and practices. A final section returns to the issue of how such shared processes take specific shapes in the context of modern, Western societies.
Ontological Categories
Authors: Perovic Katarina
Published: January 2024

Ontology – the study of the most fundamental categories of being – lies at the very heart of metaphysics. The reason why it appears to be so central is because it takes on the following questions: What sorts of entities are there? What features do those entities have? How do they relate to one another? And so on. Section 1 of this Element presents a fast-paced historical overview of some of the notable approaches to these questions. Section 2 tells the story of how one of the oldest, most disputed, but also most developed ontological categories – universals – got introduced. Section 3 builds on the discussion of universals as it considers the desiderata for a promising system of ontological categories. And Section 4 looks at ways in which philosophers might break with tradition and explore some new ontological categories.
Lie algebra actions on module categories for truncated shifted yangians
Authors: Kamnitzer Joel , Webster Ben , Weekes Alex , Yacobi Oded
Published: January 2024

We develop a theory of parabolic induction and restriction functors relating modules over Coulomb branch algebras, in the sense of Braverman-Finkelberg-Nakajima. Our functors generalize Bezrukavnikov-Etingof’s induction and restriction functors for Cherednik algebras, but their definition uses different tools.

After this general definition, we focus on quiver gauge theories attached to a quiver$\Gamma $. The induction and restriction functors allow us to define a categorical action of the corresponding symmetric Kac-Moody algebra$\mathfrak {g}_{\Gamma }$on category$ \mathcal {O}$for these Coulomb branch algebras. When$ \Gamma $is of Dynkin type, the Coulomb branch algebras are truncated shifted Yangians and quantize generalized affine Grassmannian slices. Thus, we regard our action as a categorification of the geometric Satake correspondence.

To establish this categorical action, we define a new class of ‘flavoured’ KLRW algebras, which are similar to the diagrammatic algebras originally constructed by the second author for the purpose of tensor product categorification. We prove an equivalence between the category of Gelfand-Tsetlin modules over a Coulomb branch algebra and the modules over a flavoured KLRW algebra. This equivalence relates the categorical action by induction and restriction functors to the usual categorical action on modules over a KLRW algebra.
Extended Darcy–Forchheimer law including inertial flow deflection effects
Authors: Aghaei-Jouybari Mostafa , Seo Jung-Hee , Pinto Sasindu , Cattafesta Louis , Meneveau Charles , Mittal Rajat
Published: January 2024

Recent advances in manufacturing techniques are providing porous media with both high permeability, necessary for effective passive flow control, and high structural strength, essential for engineering applications. We therefore examine the predictive accuracy of the standard Darcy–Forchheimer (DF) law, which is often used to model porous media flows, for inclusion Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from the low linear regime to the high nonlinear regime where unsteady effects such as vortex shedding become evident. We consider two different inclusion shapes, square and circular, and three different arrangements of the inclusions – inline, staggered and random. The numerical simulations show that the DF law performs well for low-Re flows, irrespective of the inclusion configuration. For intermediate/high-Re flows, the DF law is adequate only when the arrangement is highly random. However, for the regularly arranged topologies or less random geometries at intermediate/high-Re flows, the DF-law performance diminishes significantly due to flow sheltering and redirection (‘inertial flow deflection’) effects that arise from flow inertia, separation and vortex shedding in the wake of the inclusions. It is shown that the standard DF law, in which the nonlinear permeability tensor is independent of orientation, does not capture such effects. We modified the DF law to capture flow redirection effects by allowing the Forchheimer permeability tensor to depend on the flow orientation with respect to the principal geometrical directions of the porous geometry, and examined this extended DF law for these flows.
Interfacial instabilities driven by co-directional rarefaction and shock waves
Authors: Gao Xing , Guo Xu , Zhai Zhigang , Luo Xisheng
Published: January 2024

We report the first experiments on hydrodynamic instabilities of a single-mode light/heavy interface driven by co-directional rarefaction and shock waves. The experiments are conducted in a specially designed rarefaction-shock tube that enables the decoupling of interfacial instabilities caused by these co-directional waves. After the impacts of rarefaction and shock waves, the interface evolution transitions into Richtmyer–Meshkov unstable states from Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) stable states, which is different from the finding in the previous case with counter-directional rarefaction and shock waves. A scaling method is proposed, which effectively collapses the RT stable perturbation growths. An analytical theory for predicting the time-dependent acceleration and density induced by rarefaction waves is established. Based on the analytical theory, the model proposed by Mikaelian (Phys. Fluids, vol. 21, 2009, p. 024103) is revised to provide a good description of the dimensionless RT stable behaviour. Before the shock arrival, the unequal interface velocities, caused by rarefaction-induced uneven vorticity, result in a V-shape-like interface. The linear growth rate of the amplitude is insensitive to the pre-shock interface shape, and can be well predicted by the linear superposition of growth rates induced by rarefaction and shock waves. The nonlinear growth rate is higher than that of a pure single-mode case, which can be predicted by the nonlinear models (Sadot et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 80, 1998, pp. 1654–1657; Dimonte & Ramaprabhu, Phys. Fluids, vol. 22, 2010, p. 014104).
The characteristics of the circular hydraulic jump and vortex structure
Authors: Wang Wenxi , Baayoun Abdelkader , Khayat Roger E.
Published: January 2024

In an effort to capture the continuous hydraulic jump and flow structure for a jet impinging on a disk, we recently proposed a composite mean-field thin-film approach consisting of subdividing the flow domain into three distinct connected regions of increasing gravity strength (Wang et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 966, 2023, A15). In the present study, we further validate our approach, and examine the characteristics and structure of the circular jump and recirculation. The influence of the disk radius is found to be significant, especially in the subcritical region. Below a disk radius, the jump transits from type Ia to type 0 after the recirculation zone has faded. The supercritical flow and jump location are insensitive to the disk size, but the jump length and height as well as the vortex size are strongly affected, all decreasing with decreasing disk radius, exhibiting a maximum with the flow rate for a small disk. The jump is relatively steep with a strong recirculation zone for a high obstacle at the disk edge. Comparison against the Navier–Stokes solution of Askarizadeh et al. (Phys. Rev. Fluids, vol. 4, 2019, 114002; Intl J. Heat Mass Transfer, vol. 146, 2020, 118823) for the weak and intermediate surface tension suggests that the surface tension effect is unimportant for a high obstacle for a jump of type 0 or type Ia. The film thickness at the disk edge for a freely draining film is found to comprise, in addition to a static component (capillary length), a dynamic component:

${h_\infty }\sim {(Fr/{r_\infty })^{2/3}}$

that we establish by minimizing the Gibbs free energy at the disk edge, and, equivalently, is also the consequence of the flow becoming supercritical near the edge. By assuming negligible film slope and curvature at the leading edge of the jump and maximum height at the trailing edge, we show that the jump length is related to the jump radius as

${L_J}\sim Re{(F{r^2}/{r_J}^5)^{1/3}}$

. The vortex length follows the same behaviour. The energy loss and conjugate depth ratio exhibit a maximum with the flow rate, which we show to originate from the descending and ascending branches of the supercritical film thickness. The presence of the jump is not necessarily commensurate with that of a recirculation; the existence of the vortex closely depends on the upstream curvature and steepness of the jump. The surface separating the regions of existence/non-existence of the recirculation is given by the universal relation

$R{e^{10/3}}F{r^2} = 9r_\infty ^9/50$

. The jump can be washed off the edge of the disk, particularly at low viscosity and small disk size. The flow in the supercritical region remains insensitive to the change in gravity level and disk size but is greatly affected by viscosity.
Cross-population applications of genomics to understand the risk of multifactorial traits involving inflammation and immunity
Authors: Alamad Bana , Elliott Kate , Knight Julian C.
Published: January 2024

The interplay between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in interindividual variation in immune and inflammatory responses. The availability of high-throughput low-cost genotyping and next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our ability to identify human genetic variation and understand how this varies within and between populations, and the relationship with disease. In this review, we explore the potential of genomics for patient benefit, specifically in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory and immune-related diseases. We summarize the knowledge arising from genetic and functional genomic approaches, and the opportunity for personalized medicine. The review covers applications in infectious diseases, rare immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases, illustrating advances in diagnosis and understanding risk including use of polygenic risk scores. We further explore the application for patient stratification and drug target prioritization. The review highlights a key challenge to the field arising from the lack of sufficient representation of genetically diverse populations in genomic studies. This currently limits the clinical utility of genetic-based diagnostic and risk-based applications in non-Caucasian populations. We highlight current genome projects, initiatives and biobanks from diverse populations and how this is being used to improve healthcare globally by improving our understanding of genetic susceptibility to diseases and regional pathogens such as malaria and tuberculosis. Future directions and opportunities for personalized medicine and wider application of genomics in health care are described, for the benefit of individual patients and populations worldwide.