bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of coping style and social support variation to glucocorticoid metabolites in wild olive baboons (Papio anubis)
Authors: Pritchard Alexander J. , Vogel Erin R. , Blersch Rosemary A. , Palombit Ryne A.
Published: December 2024

Social support, via investment in relationships of importance with others, is often emphasized as a pathway towards mediating stress. The effectiveness of social support, however, can be altered by personality differences, but the physiological consequences of such covariation are still poorly explored. How do individual differences in the functioning of the stress response system mediate access to, and use of, social support? To examine this dynamic, we investigated glucocorticoids as a biomarker of energetic activation that may also be activated by chronic psychosocial stress. For this purpose, we studied a wild anthropoid primate, i.e. the olive baboon (Papio anubis), for 17 months, in Laikipia District, Kenya. We measured biomarkers of energetic activation, i.e., fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCms), to address whether individual differences in stress coping and social support were associated with variation in hormone levels across a period from 2018 to 2019. We found evidence for an association between social support and fGCm concentrations. This association had a discernable interaction between sex and social support: we found a negative association in male baboons, relative to females—who did not have a pronounced effect. Our findings emphasize the importance of social support in male baboons. The cost of not having diverse bonds, has been downplayed in male baboons.
Survival and space use of a restocked Iberian rabbit population in a semi-natural enclosure
Authors: Encarnação Cláudia , Sabino-Marques Helena , Pinheiro Paula , Alves Paulo Célio , Mira António
Published: December 2024

Restocking is widely used to recover depleted wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, populations in the Iberian Peninsula. However, in general, it’s costly and unsuccessful. In this work, we developed a wild rabbit restocking protocol based on recommendations from existing literature to enhance its success. We released 75 Iberian rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus, in a 1.7-ha restocking park, a fenced semi-natural enclosure, with similar resources as the surrounding area, in Monchique, southern Portugal. We tracked 22 radio-collared rabbits (sex ratio 1:1) for 6 months. We released some rabbits inside warrens, and others in shrub patches. After a 72-day acclimation period, we opened the restocking park passages to allow the rabbits to disperse. We then accessed rabbit survival and space use. We found that survival rates stabilised 74 days after restocking, with an estimated probability of survival at the end of the study of 35.4%. Predation by birds of prey was the primary cause of death. Regarding space use, the restocked population took 96.364 ± SE 12.615 days to stabilise home ranges. After the acclimation period, the maximum distances travelled by rabbits significantly increased. However, before and after the opening of the passages, the home ranges remained within the limits of the restocking park, indicating that the surviving rabbits settled within the enclosure. Rabbits released within warrens had significantly smaller core areas, while those released in shrubs exhibited more ranging behaviour. Considering our findings, we recommend implementing several measures to improve similar rabbit restocking programs.
Does the positive association between social relationships and cognition continue until very old age?
Authors: Vogel Selina , Oliva y Hausmann Andrés , Zank Susanne
Published: December 2024

In current research, social relationships are increasingly recognized for their positive associations with cognitive outcomes in older adults. One of the most vulnerable groups for cognitive decline are very old adults (80+ years). However, they are relatively underrepresented in the field. Therefore, our study aimed to test if social relationships remain a protective factor against cognitive decline in very old age, using a representative sample from the Study of Quality of Life and Well-Being in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW80+ Study). We hypothesized that social characteristics would be positively associated with global cognition and episodic memory cross-sectionally and would predict cognitive performance two years later. 1.207 very old adults were included in the representative, cross-sectional analyses, and 639 in the panel analyses. They were aged between 80 and 103 years and showed no signs of dementia. The associations between various social aspects and cognitive functions were investigated using hierarchical linear regression, controlling for relevant sociodemographic and health characteristics. Cross-sectionally, leisure engagement was positively associated with episodic memory (β = 0.53 [0.26, 0.79], p < .01) and global cognition (β = 0.50 [0.22, 0.79], p < .01), while overall network size was positively associated with global cognition (β = 0.04 [0.02, 0.07], p < .01). In contrast, we observed no associations between baseline social relationships and cognitive functions two years later. The findings suggest that while social relationships are associated with cognitive functions in very old age, short-term protective effects such as over two years may be less robust compared to other age groups.
The Ethics of Trauma Memory
Authors: Davies R. A. , Stoneham Tom
Published: December 2024

In well-documented cases, it is plausibly unethical to ask trauma sufferers for details relating to their trauma. We propose that the reasons are twofold: First, the details requested are not required by those asking for them; second, the request comes with potential for significant harm for the victim arising from the exchange. Requests meeting these conditions are widespread, including in predominant forms of psychotherapy, so accepting these conditions has surprising and challenging consequences for a wide range of interactions with the victims of trauma, including well-meaning ones. Given these surprising and challenging consequences, we explore what, if anything, could offset the two conditions, focusing primarily on therapeutic interactions, which are sometimes thought to have a distinctive or sui generis character. We conclude that none of the options we consider wholly off-set the two conditions, and that they are only partly off-set by insufficient research into alternatives. We outline implications for the status of treatments which require the recollection of trauma as the default kind of intervention, and for interactions with victims of trauma more broadly.
Real-World Social Reward Processes are Linked to Momentary Positive Affect in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Sequeira Stefanie L. , Griffith Julianne M. , Stanley Seah T. H. , James Kiera M. , Ladouceur Cecile D. , Silk Jennifer S.
Published: December 2024

Positive peer interactions are critical for adolescent development and well-being. Showing little interest in interacting socially with peers and/or extracting little reward from positive peer interactions can be markers of social anhedonia, which impacts many youths, especially girls, with social anxiety and depressive disorders. Reduced interest or reward in peer interactions may contribute to social anxiety and depression in girls through effects on positive affect (PA), though associations between social anhedonia and momentary PA have yet to be tested. The present study used ecological momentary assessment to test such associations between real-world anticipatory social reward (i.e., interest in upcoming peer events), consummatory social reward (i.e., reward extracted from positive peer interactions), and momentary PA in a sample of 129 girls (aged 11–13 years) who were oversampled for high shy/fearful temperament, a risk factor for future social anxiety and depression. Girls reported higher PA following a more socially rewarding peer interaction, and higher PA on days they reported higher anticipatory social reward. Exploratory analyses showed that these associations were specific to PA; neither anticipatory nor consummatory social reward was associated with changes in negative affect. Findings may inform the development of clinical interventions that target social anhedonia to modify PA in youth with affective disorders.
Capnodynamic determination of end-expiratory lung volume in a porcine model of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Authors: Törnwall Aron , Wallin Mats , Hallbäck Magnus , Lönnqvist Per-Arne , Karlsson Jacob
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The capnodynamic method, End Expiratory Lung Volume CO2 (EELV-CO2), utilizes exhaled carbon dioxide analysis to estimate End-Expiratory Lung Volume (EELV) and has been validated in both normal lungs and lung injury models. Its performance under systemic hypoxia and variations in CO2 elimination is not examined. This study aims to validate EELV-CO2 against inert gas wash in/wash out (EELV- SF6, sulfur hexafluoride) in a porcine model of stable hemodynamic conditions followed by hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO).

Methods

Ten mechanically ventilated piglets were exposed to a hypoxic gas mixture and selective pulmonary vasoconstriction. Inhalation of nitric oxide was used to reverse the pulmonary vasoconstriction. Paired recordings of EELV-CO2 and EELV-SF6, were conducted to assess their agreement of absolute values.

Results

EELV-CO2 showed a bias of + 5 ml kg− 1 compared to EELV-SF6, upper limit of agreement of 11 ml kg− 1 (95%CI: 9–13 ml kg− 1), lower limit of agreement − 1 ml kg− 1 (95%CI: -3- 0 ml kg− 1), mean percentage error 34%. Agreement between EELV-CO2 and EELV-SF6 was largely constant but was affected by progressing hypoxia and reached maximum limit of agreement after iNO exposure. Re-introduction of normoxemia then stabilized bias and limits of agreement to baseline levels.

Conclusion

EELV-CO2 generates absolute values in parallel with EELV -SF6. Stressing EELV-CO2 with hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and iNO, transiently impairs the agreement which stabilizes once normoxemia is reestablished.
Linking soil characteristics, rhizosphere microbiome composition, and plant defence reaction to apple replant disease severity
Authors: Orth Nils , Krueger Jiem , Liu Benye , Mahmoud Fatma M. , Benning Sarah , Beerhues Ludger , Schloter Michael , Boy Jens , Guggenberger Georg , Winkelmann Traud
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Apple replant disease (ARD) causes reduced growth and fruit yield and affects orchards and tree nurseries worldwide. A number of pathogens have been consistently identified as causal agents of ARD; however factors affecting disease-severity are not fully understood.

Aims

We examined five soils from German tree nurseries and apple orchards featuring different soil characteristics and replant histories. We aimed to link the plant-soil interaction to replant disease severity.

Methods

In a greenhouse experiment, young apple plants were grown for eight weeks on untreated and disinfected (control) soils. Growth parameters were recorded to evaluate the severity of ARD. The defence response of the plants was examined by expression analysis of ARD indicator genes (BIS3, B4H and ERF1B) and GC–MS-based detection of phytoalexins. The fungal and bacterial rhizosphere communities were investigated by ITS and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, respectively.

Results

After eight weeks, ARD symptoms were observed on all soils. Growth depression was highest on soils that had faced intensive apple cultivation and lowest on a soil with only one year of apple cultivation prior to the experiment. These results correlated with increases in the BIS3 expression level and the phytoalexin content in the roots. No bacteria and fungi commonly found in increased abundance in ARD soils were consistently detected in all soils.

Conclusions

Replant history influenced disease severity more than soil characteristics. ARD symptoms correlated with BIS3 expression and phytoalexin (PA) formation. PA exudation increased the relative abundance of bacterial genera with the potential ability to degrade phenolic compounds.
Thunderstorm ground enhancements in Finland: observations using spectroscopic radiation detectors
Authors: Leppänen Ari-Pekka , Peräjärvi Kari , Paatero Jussi , Joutsenvaara Jari , Hannula Antti , Hepoaho Arttu , Holm Philip , Ilander Tarja , Kärkkäinen Jouni
Published: December 2024

This study reports observations of Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGE) that occurred in Southern Finland in the Municipality of Vantaa (60° 18’ N 24° 58’ E at 55 m a.m.s.l) on May 17th, 2020 between 10:23 and 10:28 UTC. The TGEs occurred when a storm front moved across the Helsinki region from roughly a southwest to northeast direction. The TGEs were caused by a Runaway Relativistic Electron Avalanche (RREA) occurring inside a thundercloud. Three independent measuring units of high-volume NaI(Tl) γ spectrometers were used to record ambient dose rate and γ spectra. The observed TGEs manifested themselves as sudden increases in γ radiation on the ground with a wide range of energies from 100 keV up to the maximum of the detector system of 8.8 MeV. The first event lasted 50 s and produced an increase in γ radiation of about 7–12% in the spectra measured with a ten-second collection time. The enhancement in γ radiation was terminated suddenly and simultaneously with an in-cloud lightning strike. This was followed by an 88–100 s long period when the level of γ radiation returned to normal values. After this, a second enhancement was observed to increase the level of γ radiation by 20–50%. The second enhancement lasted 100 s and it was also terminated simultaneously with an in-cloud lightning flash. The second enhancement appears to be stronger, but the exact locations of the thundercloud emitting the γ radiation were not known. From the duration of the second enhancement and the prevailing wind speed, the size of the RREA was estimated to be 400–1000 m. In the second enhancement, the most intense increase was between 100 and 1000 keV, although very-high-energy γ rays was observed up to 8.8 MeV. The shape of the background-subtracted γ spectra agreed well with the observations and predictions of the shape of the bremsstrahlung spectrum emitted by an RREA. Additionally, in the background-subtracted spectra, a minor enhancement of the 511 keV peak was also observed where the RREA also increased the number of positrons which annihilated and increased the emission of the 511 keV γ rays. The results of these high-latitude, low-altitude TGE events are the first ones report in Finland.
Extrapolation-Based Regionalized Re-evaluation of the Global Estuarine Surface Area
Authors: Laruelle Goulven G. , Rosentreter Judith A. , Regnier Pierre
Published: December 2024

At the interface between the continental and oceanic domains, estuaries are essential components of the land–ocean aquatic continuum. These coastal ecosystems play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles, as they transform and export large amounts of terrigenous carbon and nutrients from rivers to marine waters. Because of this intense biogeochemical processing, they are significant ecosystems in terms of greenhouse gas exchange with the atmosphere. However, in spite of recent advances in remote sensing and the need for accurate estimates to calculate regional and global estuarine budgets, the global quantification of the estuarine spatial extent available for gas exchange has not been updated in over a decade and remains poorly constrained. This is due to the lack of a global extensive database, the diversity of estuaries, and the controversial definition of their boundaries. To address these challenges, a hybrid approach was developed that combines the surface areas of over 700 estuaries worldwide (extracted from the literature or calculated using geographical information systems) with a novel extrapolation method to provide type-specific regional estimates for 45 regions. The three estuarine types considered are ‘tidal systems and deltas’, ‘lagoons’, and ‘fjords’. The upscaling formula applied is determined and calibrated using data from several regions where an extensive survey of total estuarine surface areas was available. The new global estimate of 733,801 ± 39,892 km2 (mean ± 2 σ) is 31% lower than the previous global assessment. It also provides quantitative uncertainty estimates for regional and global estuarine surface areas as well as a breakdown between tidal systems and deltas (294,956 ± 30,780 km2), lagoons (179,946 ± 12,056 km2), and fjords (259,899 ± 22,328 km2). This decrease of the global estuarine surface area is related to the novel method used in this study and does not reflect a temporal trend.
Cubic–quartic optical solitons with Fokas–Lenells equation by the improved Adomian decomposition method
Authors: AlQarni A. A. , Bodaqah A. M. , Alshaery A. A. , Bakodah H. O. , Yildirim Yakup , Biswas Anjan
Published: December 2024

This article numerically examines the Fokas–Lenells equation with cubic-quartic dispersion, an integrable class member of complex-valued evolution equations that describes nonlinear pulse propagation in monomode optical media. Now, in solving the model, a new decomposition method, based on the original Adomian algorithm is adopted to construct the resulting recurrent scheme for the model. Moreover, to verify the exactness of the method, the study further seeks the help of the ansatz method to construct diverse exact solitary wave solutions for comparative analysis. At last, various error tables and comparison plots are reported, affirming the effectiveness of the adopted approach over existing methods in solving the cubic-quintic Fokas–Lenells equation, and by extension, the class of nonlinear complex-valued evolution equations.
Design and investigation of an aeroelastically scaled delta-wing wind tunnel model for dynamic load analysis
Authors: Bantscheff K. , Breitsamter C.
Published: December 2024

The prediction of complex flow phenomena on elastic delta wing structures is of significant importance for the aircraft design processes. For this reason, conducting wind tunnel experiments on elastically deformable delta wings is of great interest, particularly for validating numerical simulations. In this work, a 3D-printed half model of a delta-wing configuration called Model53e is investigated in the wind tunnel facility A of the Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics at the Technical University of Munich. This model features a deployed leading edge slat and adjustable trailing edge flaps. It is structurally scaled to fit the dynamic characteristics of a fictitious full-scale configuration. In terms of the structural design, a rib and spar structure was chosen for the wing. The flaps are fabricated of solid material. A connection of the flaps to the wing is provided by bolted joints. Multiple flap positions from − 30° to 30° are investigated for each flap. Transient pressure sensors and accelerometers are mounted on the model for the measurements in the wind tunnel. Furthermore, an underfloor balance system is used to record the global forces and moments acting on the model. The measurements are carried out at Reynolds numbers of $$Re = {1.0\times 10^{6}}$$

R
e
=

1.0
×

10
6

and $$Re = {1.7\times 10^{6}}$$

R
e
=

1.7
×

10
6

for angles of attack from 0° to 32°. As a result, time-averaged global forces and moments and transient pressure and acceleration data are recorded for a set of investigated cases. In addition, particle image velocimetry measurements have been conducted to quantify the flow field above the wing at distinct cross-flow planes. The analysis of the transient pressure transducers reveals large pressure fluctuations between 18° and 24°. Analyzing the frequency spectrum of the transient pressure data indicates that vortex bursting causes high narrow-band fluctuation levels denoted as buffet frequencies. Flap deflections lead to minor changes in the corresponding buffet frequency. In addition, the acceleration sensors exhibit increased values between 17° and 25° associated with the structural response called buffeting. These experimental results are used to validate aeroelastic simulations by taking into account dynamic structural deformations. For the Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations, a URANS approach with a $$k-\omega SST$$

k
-
ω
S
S
T

model is conducted for $$\alpha ={20}^{\circ }$$

α
=

20

∘

and $$\alpha ={25}^{\circ }$$

α
=

25

∘

for undeflected flaps to compare the results to the experimental data. The global force and moment data, as well as the structural response data, are predicted well, while larger differences in the experimental results occur for local aerodynamic data.
Modulatory effects of in ovo delivery of galactooligosaccharide and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and selected plasma metabolite parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Mangan Modou , Połtowicz Katarzyna , Metges Cornelia C. , Siwek Maria
Published: December 2024

A stable gut microbiota promotes a healthy gut and enhances immune function, antioxidant status, and metabolic activities in chickens. The present research work aimed to investigate the modulatory impacts of in ovo delivery of prebiotic and probiotic on oxidative stress, the intestinal transcriptome, and various plasma metabolites in chickens. Fertilized Ross 308 eggs were administered in ovo either with galactooligosaccharide (GOS) (3.5 mg/egg or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) 1 × 106/egg on the 12th day of egg incubation. Three hundred viable Ross 308 broiler hatching eggs in total were randomly assigned to four groups, namely, the negative control not injected group, the group receiving physiological saline injections as the positive control, GOS, and LP. The analysis of genes associated with immune functions, antioxidants, barrier functions, and free fatty acid receptors were determined via qPCR. The analysis of the selected plasma blood metabolites was performed automatically with Pentra C 400. The antioxidant capacity of the chickens’ liver, breast muscle, and spleen was enhanced by the in ovo injection of GOS and LP. The immune-related gene expression levels were upregulated after in ovo stimulation with either GOS or LP which improved the gut health of broiler chickens. In addition, several genes related to gut barrier functions were upregulated, thus ensuring epithelial integrity. As for blood plasma metabolites, no adverse effects were observed. In summary, we report that in ovo stimulation with either GOS or LP stimulates the immune system and improves the antioxidant status and gut health of chickens with no negative impact on plasma blood metabolite indices.
Revisiting the cytogenetics of Vellozia Vand.: immunolocalization of KNL1 elucidates the chromosome number for the genus
Authors: Braz Guilherme T. , Riboldi Lucas B. , Pinto Maísa S. , Forni-Martins Eliana R. , Yassitepe Juliana E. C. T. , Dante Ricardo A. , Gerhardt Isabel R.
Published: December 2024

Chromosome number is the most fundamental trait of a karyotype. Accurate chromosome counting is essential for further analyses including cytogenomics, taxonomic, evolutionary, and genomic studies. Despite its importance, miscounting is common, especially in early publications on species with small and morphologically similar chromosomes. Vellozia Vand. is a genus mainly distributed throughout South America belonging to the angiosperm family Velloziaceae, a dominant taxon in the Brazilian “campos rupestres”. Cytogenetic studies within the group have been rare and have shown conflicting chromosome counts, even within the same species. These discrepancies are associated with the presence of a few small chromosome-like structures, which were previously classified as possible satellites. Here, to accurately determine the chromosome number of species belonging to the genus, we used different cytogenomics approaches, including the immunostaining of the KNL1 kinetochore protein combined with chromosome spread preparation using tissue culture-derived samples. Our results revealed 2n = 18 chromosomes for all six species studied. This finding suggests that the basic chromosome number for Vellozia is x = 9 and not x = 8, as previously proposed. The immunolocalization of functional centromeres was fundamental for undoubtedly identifying the smaller chromosome pair as real chromosomes and accurately determining the correct chromosome number of these species. This will provide substantial support for further studies, including investigations into karyotype evolution and the generation of reference genomes for the species of the family.
An Estimate for Minkowski Balances of Homogeneous Polynomials and an Application
Authors: Długosz Renata , Liczberski Piotr , Trybucka Edyta
Published: December 2024

The paper refers to an aggregated estimate of two initial terms in the power series expansions of holomorphic functions and mappings of several complex variables. The authors solve first this problem in some Bavrin’s families of functions, i.e., functions $$f:\mathcal {G}\rightarrow \mathbb {C},$$

f
:
G
→
C
,

holomorphic in bounded complete n-circular domains $$\mathcal {G}\subset \mathbb {C}^{n}$$

G
⊂

C

n

and satisfying conditions, similar as in geometric function theory of one variable. Next, they apply this result to a family of mappings $$F:\mathbb {B} ^{n}\rightarrow $$

F
:

B

n

→

$$\mathbb {C}^{n}$$

C

n

biholomorphic in the open unit Euclidean ball $$\mathbb {B}^{n}\subset \mathbb {C}^{n}.$$

B

n

⊂

C

n

.
Determining Optimal SAR Parameters for Quantifying Above-Ground Grass Carbon Stock in Savannah Ecosystems Using a Tree-Based Algorithm
Authors: Maake Reneilwe , Mutanga Onisimo , Chirima Johannes George , Kganyago Mahlatse
Published: December 2024

The quantification and monitoring of above-ground grass carbon stock (AGGCS) will inform emission reduction policies and aid in minimising the risks associated with future climate change. This study investigated the sensitivity of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-derived parameters to predict AGGCS in a savannah ecosystem in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Particularly, we investigated the capabilities of Sentinel-1 derived parameters, including backscatter coefficients, intensity ratios, normalised radar backscatter, arithmetic computations, and the XGBoost tree-based algorithm, to predict the AGGCS. We further tested if incorporating texture matrices (i.e. Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix) can enhance the predictive capability of the models. We found that the linear polarisation (i.e. VV) and the intensity ratio (i.e. VH/VV) achieved similar results (R2 = 0.38, RMSE% = 31%, MAE = 6.87) and (R2 = 0.37, RMSE = 31%, MAE = 8.80) respectively. The Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) performed marginally (1%) better (R2 = 0.39, RMSE = 30% and MAE = 6.77) compared to the other variables. Nevertheless, the incorporation texture matrix into the model enhanced prediction capability by approximately 20% (R2 = 0.60, RMSE% = 20%, MAE = 3.91). Furthermore, the most influential predictors for AGGCS estimation were RVI, VHcor and VVcor order of importance. These findings (R2 values of 0.35–0.39) suggest that SAR data alone does not fully capture the variability in above-ground grass carbon stock, particularly in the complexly configured savannah ecosystems. Nevertheless, the results further suggest that the prediction accuracy of SAR-based above-ground grass carbon stock models can be enhanced with the incorporation of texture matrices.
Implementing education for sustainability in preschool: Teaching strategies and learning environments
Authors: Ohlsson Anders , Gericke Niklas , Borg Farhana
Published: December 2024

Education for Sustainability (EfS) has been included in preschool teaching in several countries. Yet few studies investigate EfS in practice or the way learning environments affect teaching. This study investigates which learning environments and teaching strategies facilitate or, indeed, hinder EfS. An observational study was conducted at two preschools where the teaching and EfS practices of two teachers were observed both indoors, in the outdoor play area, and in the forest. Observations were analysed using qualitative content analysis and coded based on the teaching strategies and EfS practices in these three learning environments. An inductive analysis was then conducted to identify enablers and barriers for implementing EfS. Results show that planned teaching is the dominant teaching strategy indoors and in the forest but was absent in the outdoor play. Semi-spontaneous teaching was common in those learning environments that had been adapted to stimulate teaching. An enabler in the forest was movement in the place. In the outdoor play area, an adapted learning environment was an enabler just as it was indoors, where available teaching material was also an enabler for EfS. Barriers indoors were low expectations of children and the teacher’s supervisory role in the outdoor play area. In the forest, a strict teaching structure was a barrier for EfS. This study shows that it is useful for a variety of EfS practices to use different learning environments, indoors and outdoors, as well as different teaching strategies and that preschool teachers might need in-service training to overcome the identified barriers.
An Approximate Calculation Method for the Average Infrared Radiation Intensity in the Rear Hemisphere of Serpentine 2D Exhaust Systems Based on Limited Data
Authors: Shi Xiaojuan , Wei Xin , Ji Honghu , Wang Sirui
Published: December 2024

Approximate computational methods were developed to determine the infrared radiation (IR) distribution and average IR intensity in the rear hemisphere of the serpentine two-dimensional (2D) exhaust system. These methods use data from horizontal and vertical detection planes. The methods were verified using the IR intensity data on the typical detection planes of the serpentine 2D convergent and convergent–divergent exhaust systems, respectively. The results demonstrate that the methods developed in this paper for calculating the distribution of IR intensity and the average IR intensity of the serpentine 2D exhaust system in the rear hemisphere are feasible. An approximate evaluation of the infrared stealth performance of the exhaust system can be conducted. According to the validation model presented in this study, the calculation error of the average IR intensity of serpentine 2D exhaust systems in the rear hemisphere is less than 5%, thereby satisfying the criteria for engineering applications.
On weakly compact multilinear operators and interpolation
Authors: Manzano Antonio , Mastyło Mieczysław
Published: December 2024

We study weakly compact multilinear operators. We prove a variant of Gantmacher’s weak compactness theorem for multilinear operators. We also present Lions–Peetre type results on weak compactness interpolation for multilinear operators. Furthermore, we provide an analogue of Persson’s result on interpolation of weakly compact operators under the assumption that the target Banach couple satisfies a certain weakly compact approximation property.
An intelligent surface roughness prediction method based on automatic feature extraction and adaptive data fusion
Authors: Zhang Xun , Wang Sibao , Gao Fangrui , Wang Hao , Wu Haoyu , Liu Ying
Published: December 2024

Machining quality prediction based on cutting big data is the core focus of current developments in intelligent manufacturing. Presently, predictions of machining quality primarily rely on process and signal analyses. Process-based predictions are generally constrained to the development of rudimentary regression models. Signal-based predictions often require large amounts of data, multiple processing steps (such as noise reduction, principal component analysis, modulation, etc.), and have low prediction efficiency. In addition, the accuracy of the model depends on tedious manual parameter tuning. This paper proposes a convolutional neural network quality intelligent prediction model based on automatic feature extraction and adaptive data fusion (CNN-AFEADF). Firstly, by processing signals from multiple directions, time-frequency domain images with rich features can be obtained, which significantly benefit neural network learning. Secondly, the corresponding images in three directions are fused into one image by setting different fusion weight parameters. The optimal fusion weight parameters and window length are determined by the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO). This data fusion method reduces training time by 16.74 times. Finally, the proposed method is verified by various experiments. This method can automatically identify sensitive data features through neural network fitting experiments and optimization, thereby eliminating the need for expert experience in determining the significance of data features. Based on this approach, the model achieves an average relative error of 2.95%, reducing the prediction error compared to traditional models. Furthermore, this method enhances the intelligent machining level.
Iridescent structural color by using ultra-low refractive index aerogel as optical cavity dielectric
Authors: Paik Jennie , Feng Wei-Jie , Clark Sean W. , Kim Hyeonwoo , Guo L. Jay
Published: December 2024

Iridescent color-shift pigments have been used in some industrial applications, e.g., for cosmetics and packaging. To achieve environmental-friendly and lasting color, thin-film interference is used to generate structural color. By maximizing the refractive index (RI) difference between the thin films (i.e., using an ultralow RI film), super-iridescent structural color can be produced. While the lowest refractive index of a naturally occurring solid dielectric is close to 1.37 (i.e., MgF2), we synthesized highly porous dielectric SiO2 aerogel to achieve ultralow-RI (n ~ 1.06) and demonstrated a high-refractive index/low-refractive index/absorber (HLA) trilayer structural color. The achieved structural color is highly iridescent and capable of tracing a near-closed loop in CIE color space. By tuning the refractive index, thickness, and geometry of the aerogel layer, we control the reflection dip’s shape, therefore producing a wide range of vivid and iridescent colors.
Impact of stewardship pharmacist driven MRSA nasal surveillance and de-escalation of anti-MRSA therapy (STEW PHARM MRSA NASAL SURVEILLANCE)
Authors: Dillon Jessica , Vita Domenic , Abrantes-Figueiredo Jessica , Wiskirchen Dora
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To determine if implementing stewardship pharmacist-driven methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal surveillance increases use of the test and reduces the inappropriate use of vancomycin for MRSA coverage in patients with pneumonia.

Design:

Retrospective pre-/post-intervention study.

Setting:

Large teaching acute care hospital.

Participants:

Adult patients receiving vancomycin therapy for treatment of pneumonia.

Methods:

A stewardship pharmacist ran a report of admitted patients receiving vancomycin and reviewed the patients’ records. If the patient’s indication was pneumonia and a MRSA nasal swab had not been ordered, the pharmacist contacted the patient’s provider and requested an order for it. Upon receipt of a negative MRSA nasal swab result, the pharmacist recommended discontinuation of vancomycin if appropriate.

The control group was four weeks prior to the stewardship intervention, where there was no dedicated stewardship pharmacist reviewing MRSA swab utilization. The primary outcome was percentage of patients who had a MRSA swab ordered. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients who had vancomycin appropriately de-escalated based on MRSA nasal swab results and length of vancomycin therapy.

Result:

Percentage of swabs ordered increased from 36.1% (22/61) to 83.7% (41/49) with pharmacist intervention (P < 0.0001). The rate of vancomycin de-escalation following a negative MRSA swab increased from 19.7% (12/61) to 61.2% (30/49) with pharmacist intervention (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The results suggest implementing a pharmacist driven MRSA nasal surveillance program into practice could increase the number of MRSA nasal swabs ordered and promote timely de-escalation of vancomycin in patients with pneumonia.
Molecular markers in cell cycle visualisation during development and stress conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hazelwood Olivia S. , Arif Ashraf M.
Published: December 2024

Plant growth and development are tightly regulated by cell division, elongation, and differentiation. A visible plant phenotype at the tissue or organ level is coordinated at the cellular level. Among these cellular regulations (cell division, elongation and differentiation), cell division in plants follows the same universal mechanisms across kingdoms of life, and involves conserved cell cycle regulatory proteins (cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinase and cell cycle inhibitors). Cell division is regulated through distinct cell cycle steps (G1, S, G2 and M), and these individual steps are visualised using transgenic marker lines. As a result, a quantitative cell cycle approach in plants during development and stress conditions relies on the accuracy of cell cycle markers. In this perspective article, we highlight the available cell cycle marker lines in plants, common practices within plant biology communities based on existing literature and provide a road map to a thorough quantitative approach of cell cycle regulation in plants.
NUMERICAL SEMIGROUPS FROM RATIONAL MATRICES II: MATRICIAL DIMENSION DOES NOT EXCEED MULTIPLICITY
Authors: CHHABRA ARSH , GARCIA STEPHAN RAMON , O’NEILL CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2024

We continue our study of exponent semigroups of rational matrices. Our main result is that the matricial dimension of a numerical semigroup is at most its multiplicity (the least generator), greatly improving upon the previous upper bound (the conductor). For many numerical semigroups, including all symmetric numerical semigroups, our upper bound is tight. Our construction uses combinatorially structured matrices and is parametrised by Kunz coordinates, which are central to enumerative problems in the study of numerical semigroups.
Taxonomic innovations in Megasporaceae (lichenized Ascomycota, Pertusariales): Antidea, a new genus for Aspicilia brucei; two new species of Aspicilia, and new combinations in Aspilidea and Lobothallia
Authors: Wheeler Tim , McCarthy John , Owe-Larsson Björn , Fryday Alan
Published: December 2024

We present a robust, five-locus phylogeny of the Megasporaceae and, based on this, propose several taxonomic innovations. The new genus Antidea is erected for Aspicilia brucei, which occupies a position near the base of the phylogeny, and the new species Aspicilia indeterminata and A. suavis are described from Montana. We also show that all North American (and some European) records of Aspilidea myrinii are misidentifications with many representing a second species in the genus, differing from A. myrinii by having elevated apothecia and narrower ascospores and for which we make the new combination Aspilidea subadunans. Finally, we make the new combinations Lobothallia determinata and L. peltastictoides, and report the lichenicolous fungus Sagediopsis aspiciliae (on A. subadunans) as new to North America.
Candelariella ahtii (Candelariaceae, Ascomycota) – a new species of lichen from Central and North-East Asia, and a key to 8-spored Candelariella
Authors: Yakovchenko Lidia S. , Davydov Evgeny A.
Published: December 2024

Candelariella ahtii Yakovchenko sp. nov. is described based on phenotypic and ITS nrDNA sequence data. The species, occurring on soil in the crevices and cracks of siliceous rocks, is characterized by its squamulose cushion-forming thallus of imbricate, rounded to weakly incised granules/squamules with a greenish yellow to pale yellow pulverulent upper surface, lecanorine apothecia with a plane to somewhat convex ochre-yellow disc and a permanent thick thalline margin, 8-spored asci and ellipsoid to narrowly ellipsoid ascospores with rounded ends, as well as a distribution in Central and North-East Asia. It is similar to Candelariella citrina but differs in having ascospores without attenuated ends and smaller squamules. Candelariella citrina is excluded from the lichen flora of Russia. A worldwide key to all known Candelariella species with 8-spored asci, including 41 names, is provided.
Seven new species of Verrucaria from calcareous and siliceous rocks of Finland
Authors: Pykälä Juha , Kantelinen Annina , Myllys Leena
Published: December 2024

Seven new species of Verrucaria are described from Finland: Verrucaria hakulinenii sp. nov., V. juumaensis sp. nov., V. linkolae sp. nov., V. lohjaensis sp. nov., V. norrlinii sp. nov., V. oulankajokiensis sp. nov., and V. vainioi sp. nov. Verrucaria linkolae is also reported from the Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom, V. norrlinii from Norway and V. juumaensis from Canada based on a previously unidentified soil sample. Based on ITS sequences, V. hakulinenii and V. juumaensis probably belong to the Verrucaria hydrophila group whereas V. linkolae, V. norrlinii, V. oulankajokiensis and V. vainioi are closely related to V. hunsrueckensis and V. nodosa. The new species are characterized by a thin brown or green thallus, rather small perithecia and a predominantly thin involucrellum reaching the exciple base level. Verrucaria hakulinenii is characterized by a thin thalline cover of the perithecia, a green thallus and fairly large spores (18–22 × 8–10 μm). Verrucaria juumaensis, V. linkolae, V. norrlinii and V. vainioi are characterized by a predominantly brown thallus, often with goniocyst-like units. Verrucaria linkolae has densely occurring perithecia (100–330 perithecia per cm2) whereas in V. juumaensis, V. norrlinii and V. vainioi perithecia occur more sparsely (40–160 perithecia per cm2). Verrucaria juumaensis and V. vainioi usually have a minute thallus. Verrucaria juumaensis differs from V. vainioi by slightly larger perithecia (0.18–0.27 mm diam.) and longer and wider spores. Verrucaria lohjaensis is characterized by a mosaically dark brown and white, small areolate thallus and conspicuous ostioles. Verrucaria oulankajokiensis has small perithecia that are often thinly covered by thalline tissue and a thallus partly surrounded by dark lines. Most species occur on calcareous rocks, but V. vainioi is restricted to siliceous rocks. Verrucaria linkolae and V. norrlinii are widely distributed both on calcareous, serpentine and siliceous rocks, preferring pebbles. Epiphytic occurrences of V. linkolae and V. norrlinii are confirmed. A key to the new species and species with a similar morphology in Finland is provided.
Phonological neighborhood density, phonetic categorization, and vocabulary size differentially affect the phonolexical encoding of easy and difficult L2 segmental contrasts
Authors: Rocca Brian , Llompart Miquel , Darcy Isabelle
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the effect of phonological neighborhood density (PND) on the lexical encoding of perceptually confusable segmental contrasts and the extent to which the precision of encoding is modulated by phonetic categorization and vocabulary size. Korean learners of English and native speakers of American English completed an auditory lexical decision task that contained words and nonwords with /ɛ/, /æ/, /f/, and /p/ (/æ/ and /f/ do not exist in Korean), two phonetic categorization tasks (/ɛ/−/æ/ and /f/−/p/), and a vocabulary test. For the Korean group, participants’ categorization of /f/−/p/ was the only significant predictor of /f/−/p/ nonword rejection. For /ɛ/−/æ/, nonword versions of high PND words were rejected more accurately than low PND. Additionally, vocabulary size and phonetic categorization significantly interacted so that as perception abilities improve, the benefits that come from having a large vocabulary grow as well.
Statistical learning of foreign language words in younger and older adults
Authors: Ge Yuxin , Correia Susana , Lee Yun-Wei , Jin Ziyi , Rothman Jason , Rebuschat Patrick
Published: December 2024

Statistical learning, that is, our ability to track and learn from distributional information in the environment, plays a fundamental role in language acquisition, yet little research has investigated this process in older language learners. In the present study, we address this gap by comparing the cross-situational learning of foreign words in younger and older adults. We also tested whether learning was affected by previous experience with multiple languages. We found that both age groups successfully learned the novel words after a short exposure period, confirming that statistical learning ability is preserved in late adulthood. However, the two groups differed in their learning trajectories, with the younger group outperforming the older group during the later stages of learning. Previous language experience did not predict learning outcomes. Given that implicit language learning mechanisms are shown to be preserved over the lifespan, the present data provide crucial support for the assumptions underlying claims that language learning interventions in older age could be leveraged as a targeted intervention to help build or maintain resilience to age-related cognitive decline.
Cognate facilitation effect on verb-based semantic prediction in L2 is modulated by L2 proficiency
Authors: Ito Aine , Bautista Ana , Martin Clara
Published: December 2024

We tested whether verb-based prediction in late bilinguals is facilitated when the verb is a cognate versus non-cognate. Spanish–English bilinguals and Chinese–English bilinguals (control) listened to English sentences such as “The girl will adopt the dog” while viewing a scene containing either a dog and unadoptable objects (predictable condition) or a dog and other adoptable animals (unpredictable condition). The verb was either a cognate or non-cognate between Spanish and English and never a cognate between Chinese and English. Both groups of bilinguals were more likely to look at the target (the dog) in the predictable versus unpredictable condition. However, only low-proficient L1 Spanish bilinguals showed greater and earlier prediction when the verb was cognate than when it was non-cognate, suggesting that cognate facilitation effect occurs not only on the cognate word itself but also on prediction based on this cognate word, and that this effect is modulated by L2 proficiency.
FINITE-DIMENSIONAL DIFFERENTIAL-ALGEBRAIC PERMUTATION GROUPS
Authors: Freitag James , Jimenez Léo , Moosa Rahim
Published: December 2024

Several structural results about permutation groups of finite rank definable in differentially closed fields of characteristic zero (and other similar theories) are obtained. In particular, it is shown that every finite rank definably primitive permutation group is definably isomorphic to an algebraic permutation group living in the constants. Applications include the verification, in differentially closed fields, of the finite Morley rank permutation group conjectures of Borovik-Deloro and Borovik-Cherlin. Applying the results to binding groups for internality to the constants, it is deduced that if complete types p and q are of rank m and n, respectively, and are nonorthogonal, then the
$(m+3)$
rd Morley power of p is not weakly orthogonal to the
$(n+3)$
rd Morley power of q. An application to transcendence of generic solutions of pairs of algebraic differential equations is given.