bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed legume–grass seeding and nitrogen fertilizer input enhance forage yield and nutritional quality by improving the soil enzyme activities in Sichuan, China
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Wei Xiao , Liu Haiping , Li Jiayi , Zhou Jiqiong , Kang Bo , Jiang Dongmei , Yan Yanhong
Published: May 2023

Information regarding relationships between forage yield and soil enzymes of legume–grass mixtures under nitrogen (N) fertilization can guide the decision-making during sustainable forage production. The objective was to evaluate the responses of forage yield, nutritional quality, soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activities of different cropping systems under various N inputs. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were grown in monocultures and mixtures (A1: alfalfa, orchardgrass, and tall fescue; A2: alfalfa, white clover, orchardgrass, and tall fescue) under three N inputs (N1: 150 kg ha−1; N2, 300 kg ha−1; and N3: 450 kg ha−1) in a split plot arrangement. The results highlight that A1 mixture under N2 input had a greater forage yield of 13.88 t ha−1 year−1 than the other N inputs, whereas A2 mixture under N3 input had a greater forage of 14.39 t ha−1 year−1 than N1 input, but it was not substantially greater than N2 input (13.80 t ha−1 year−1). The crude protein (CP) content of grass monocultures and mixtures significantly (P < 0.05) increased with an increase in the rate of N input, and A1 and A2 mixtures under N3 input had a greater CP content of 18.91% and 18.94% dry matter, respectively, than those of grass monocultures under various N inputs. The A1 mixture under N2 and N3 inputs had a substantially greater (P < 0.05) ammonium N content of 16.01 and 16.75 mg kg−1, respectively, whereas A2 mixture under N3 had a greater nitrate N content of 4.20 mg kg−1 than the other cropping systems under various N inputs. The A1 and A2 mixtures under N2 input had a substantial higher (P < 0.05) urease enzyme activity of 0.39 and 0.39 mg g−1 24 h−1 and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzyme activity of 0.45 and 0.46 mg g−1 5 h−1, respectively, than the other cropping systems under various N inputs. Taken together, growing legume–grass mixtures under N2 input is cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly, which provide greater forage yield and improved nutritional quality by the better utilization of resources.
Comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes of 29 tomato germplasms: genome structures, phylogenetic relationships, and adaptive evolution
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Bai Shengyi , Zhang Zhaolei , Zheng Fushun , Song Lina , Wen Lu , Guo Meng , Cheng Guoxin , Yao Wenkong , Gao Yanming , Li Jianshe
Published: May 2023

In order to compare and analyze the chloroplast (cp) genomes of tomato germplasms and understand their phylogenetic relationships, the cp genomes of 29 tomato germplasms were sequenced and analyzed in this study. The results showed highly conserved characteristics in structure, number of gene and intron, inverted repeat regions, and repeat sequences among the 29 cp genomes. Moreover, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci with high polymorphism located at 17 fragments were selected as candidate SNP markers for future studies. In the phylogenetic tree, the cp genomes of tomatoes were clustered into two major clades, and the genetic relationship between S. pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum was very close. In addition, only rps15 showed the highest average KA/KS ratio in the analysis of adaptive evolution, which was strongly positively selected. It may be very important for the study of adaptive evolution and breeding of tomato. In general, this study provides valuable information for further study of phylogenetic relationships, evolution, germplasm identification, and molecular marker-assisted selection breeding of tomato.
Navigating cultural transitions during resettlement: the case of unaccompanied refugee minors
Authors: Andersson Elin Sofia , Øverlien Carolina
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Refugees face the process of cross-cultural transitions upon arrival in their host country. This process is commonly referred to as acculturation and can be particularly challenging for asylum-seeking children and adolescent unaccompanied by a caregiver. To more effectively facilitate unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) resettlement, this study sought to obtain an enhanced understanding of the acculturation processes of these youth’.

Methods

Thus, interviews with 48 URMs, all of whom arrived before the age of 16 years, were analyzed in two steps. First, how the youth described their host country’s society and culture, followed by how they navigated within this societal and cultural landscape during resettlement.

Results

The youth described how they navigated the Norwegian cultural and societal landscape by gaining cultural competence, adapting and finding ways to contribute, which made it easier for the youth to gain access to the society, to succeed as well as enhance their sense of agency. However, the youths also reported having to navigate between the expectations of their original and host country cultures, struggling with finding a balance between the two cultures.

Discussion

The youth’ acculturation processes seemed to be the result of both their own needs, wishes and behavior as well as specific features in their host country culture, which supports the notion that acculturation processes to some degree are context- and culture-dependent. Knowledge regarding the cultural and societal framework that these youth face and how they navigate within it during resettlement is critical for identifying possible cross-cultural challenges and promoting positive developmental tracks. To understand more about acculturation and integration processes, future research should include specific cultural and societal features as well as immigrants’ own perspectives and experiences during resettlement.
TMS reveals a two-stage priming circuit of gesture-speech integration
Authors: Zhao Wanying
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Naturalistically, multisensory information of gesture and speech is intrinsically integrated to enable coherent comprehension. Such cross-modal semantic integration is temporally misaligned, with the onset of gesture preceding the relevant speech segment. It has been proposed that gestures prime subsequent speech. However, there are unresolved questions regarding the roles and time courses that the two sources of information play in integration.

Methods

In two between-subject experiments of healthy college students, we segmented the gesture-speech integration period into 40-ms time windows (TWs) based on two separately division criteria, while interrupting the activity of the integration node of the left posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG) and the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) with double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In Experiment 1, we created fixed time-advances of gesture over speech and divided the TWs from the onset of speech. In Experiment 2, we differentiated the processing stages of gesture and speech and segmented the TWs in reference to the speech lexical identification point (IP), while speech onset occurred at the gesture semantic discrimination point (DP).

Results

The results showed a TW-selective interruption of the pMTG and IFG only in Experiment 2, with the pMTG involved in TW1 (−120 ~ −80 ms of speech IP), TW2 (−80 ~ −40 ms), TW6 (80 ~ 120 ms) and TW7 (120 ~ 160 ms) and the IFG involved in TW3 (−40 ~ 0 ms) and TW6. Meanwhile no significant disruption of gesture-speech integration was reported in Experiment 1.

Discussion

We determined that after the representation of gesture has been established, gesture-speech integration occurs such that speech is first primed in a phonological processing stage before gestures are unified with speech to form a coherent meaning. Our findings provide new insights into multisensory speech and co-speech gesture integration by tracking the causal contributions of the two sources of information.
Creative metacognition in design thinking: exploring theories, educational practices, and their implications for measurement
Authors: von Thienen Julia P. A. , Weinstein Theresa J. , Meinel Christoph
Published: May 2023

Design thinking is a well-established practical and educational approach to fostering high-level creativity and innovation, which has been refined since the 1950s with the participation of experts like Joy Paul Guilford and Abraham Maslow. Through real-world projects, trainees learn to optimize their creative outcomes by developing and practicing creative cognition and metacognition. This paper provides a holistic perspective on creativity, enabling the formulation of a comprehensive theoretical framework of creative metacognition. It focuses on the design thinking approach to creativity and explores the role of metacognition in four areas of creativity expertise: Products, Processes, People, and Places. The analysis includes task-outcome relationships (product metacognition), the monitoring of strategy effectiveness (process metacognition), an understanding of individual or group strengths and weaknesses (people metacognition), and an examination of the mutual impact between environments and creativity (place metacognition). It also reviews measures taken in design thinking education, including a distribution of cognition and metacognition, to support students in their development of creative mastery. On these grounds, we propose extended methods for measuring creative metacognition with the goal of enhancing comprehensive assessments of the phenomenon. Proposed methodological advancements include accuracy sub-scales, experimental tasks where examinees explore problem and solution spaces, combinations of naturalistic observations with capability testing, as well as physiological assessments as indirect measures of creative metacognition.
Relationships between empathy and creativity in collective games: a comparison between handball and sitting ball
Authors: Oboeuf Alexandre , Hanneton Sylvain , Fernandes Emmanuel , Buffet Joséphine , Coquinos Samantha , Lecroisey Loïc
Published: May 2023

In collective motor situations, creativity and empathy are central and strongly connected to cognitive and affective processes. Indeed, in the environment of high social uncertainty of games and sports, empathy would allow the player to anticipate motor behaviors in order to promote creative decision-making, i.e., to destabilize his opponents. On this basis, this study pursues two objectives. The first is to propose indicators to question the links between sociomotor empathy and motor creativity in an ecological situation. The second is to investigate the potential influence of the internal logic of two very different collective games (handball and Sitting ball) on the type of links that are woven between empathy and creativity. Two groups of students were recruited (n = 22 and 23) and participated in each of the games mentioned. The games were video recorded. The praxical communications made by each player were recorded and sorted by two trained observers. The results revealed major differences between the two studied collective games. In handball, there was a correlation between instrumental empathy (valuing cognitive aspects) and indicators of motor creativity (p  < 0.05). The more creative the players are (quantity, diversity and quality of performance), the more they manage to accurately anticipate the behavior of other players. In Sitting Ball, there was no correlation between creativity indicators and instrumental empathy. On the other hand, it is noticed that instrumental empathy was correlated with socio-affective empathy (p  < 0.001). To make their motor decisions, the players do not rely exclusively on the decoding of behaviors but significantly mobilize the feelings that they ascribe to the other co-participants. The results of this work invite reflection on the diversity of playful reading grids to be offered to students in order to develop their motor adaptability.
Reduction or enhancement? Repetition effects on early brain potentials during visual word recognition are frequency dependent
Authors: Hsu Chun-Hsien , Lee Chia-Ying
Published: May 2023

Most studies on word repetition have demonstrated that repeated stimuli yield reductions in brain activity. Despite the well-known repetition reduction effect, some literature reports repetition enhancements in electroencephalogram (EEG) activities. However, although studies of object and face recognition have consistently demonstrated both repetition reduction and enhancement effects, the results of repetition enhancement effects were not consistent in studies of visual word recognition. Therefore, the present study aimed to further investigate the repetition effect on the P200, an early event-related potential (ERP) component that indexes the coactivation of lexical candidates during visual word recognition. To achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio, EEG signals were decomposed into various modes by using the Hilbert–Huang transform. Results demonstrated a repetition enhancement effect on P200 activity in alpha-band oscillation and that lexicality and orthographic neighborhood size would influence the magnitude of the repetition enhancement effect on P200. These findings suggest that alpha activity during visual word recognition might reflect the coactivation of orthographically similar words in the early stages of lexical processing. Meantime, there were repetition reduction effects on ERP activities in theta-delta band oscillation, which might index that the lateral inhibition between lexical candidates would be omitted in repetition.
Mean platelet volume, platelet count, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cabello-Rangel Héctor , Basurto-Morales Marisol , Botello-Aceves Elizabeth , Pazarán-Galicia Osiris
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been proposed to be biomarkers of the chronic inflammatory process in schizophrenia and indicative of increased cardiovascular risk.

Objective

To describe MPV, total platelet count (PLT), and NLR between healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia to determine the correlation between these parameters and the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP).

Methods

In a retrospective cross-sectional study, we included 175 patients with schizophrenia who had never received psychiatric treatment, and who had undergone blood biometry and blood chemistry within 24 h of admission. Laboratory studies were determined by the impedance method on Coulter ac-T 5 diff hematological equipment.

Results

Mean platelet volume levels in patients with schizophrenia were higher than in healthy controls but not statistically significant. The receiver operating characteristic curve for this parameter shows that the optimal cutoff point of agreement was 8.95 fL, with sensitivity and specificity for schizophrenia of 52% and 67%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.580 (p = 0.079). DUP had no significant correlation with the blood parameters analyzed.

Conclusion

The results partially support the hypothesis that MPV, platelet count, and NLR is related to schizophrenia, and further research is needed to establish whether there is an underlying chronic inflammatory process.
Improvement of personality functioning among people treated within personality disorder mental health services. A longitudinal, observational study
Authors: Kvarstein Elfrida H. , Frøyhaug Mathias , Pettersen Mona S. , Carlsen Sara , Ekberg Andreas , Fjermestad-Noll Jane , Ulvestad Dag A. , Gikling Elisabeth L. , Hjermann Eirik , Lindberget Kenneth , Omvik Siri , Eikenæs Ingeborg U-M. , Hummelen Benjamin , Morken Katharina T. E. , Wilberg Theresa , Pedersen Geir A. F.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Evidence-based personality disorder (PD) treatments are dominated by interventions targeting Borderline PD, although clinical populations characteristically include different PD features and severity. Personality functioning is a new concept intended to capture common features across PDs. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal improvement of personality functioning in a clinical sample assigned to PD treatment.

Method

An observational, large, longitudinal study of patients in PD treatments on specialist mental health service levels (N = 1,051). DSM-5 PDs were systematically assessed on referral. Personality functioning was repeatedly assessed (LPFS-BF-2.0), supplemented by symptom distress (anxiety: PHQ-GAD-7, depression: PHQ-9), and social/occupational activity (WSAS, work/study activity). Statistics were linear mixed models.

Results

Thirty per cent had personality difficulties below PD threshold. Among PDs, 31% had Borderline (BPD), 39% Avoidant (AvPD), 15% not otherwise specified, 15% other PDs, and 24% > one PD. More severe initial LPFS-BF was associated with younger age, presence of PD and increasing number of total PD criteria. Across PD conditions, LPFS-BF, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 improved significantly (overall effect size 0.9). Mean duration of PD treatment was 15 (SD 9) months. Drop-out rates were low (12%). LPFS-BF improvement-rates were higher for BPD. Younger age was moderately associated with slower PHQ-9 improvement. Work/study activity was initially poor, poorer levels associated with AvPD and younger age, and improvement was non-significant across PD conditions. AvPD was associated with slower WSAS improvement-rates.

Conclusion

Personality functioning improved across PD conditions. The results highlight BPD improvements. The study points to challenges concerning AvPD treatment, poor occupational activity and age-related differences.
Effectiveness of a blended learning intervention in cardiac physiotherapy. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marques-Sule Elena , Sánchez-González Juan Luis , Carrasco Juan J. , Pérez-Alenda Sofía , Sentandreu-Mañó Trinidad , Moreno-Segura Noemí , Cezón-Serrano Natalia , Ruiz de Viñaspre-Hernández Regina , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Muñoz-Gómez Elena
Published: May 2023

Background

Blended learning (BL) combines both face-to-face learning (FL) and online learning. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a BL intervention vs. a FL intervention in relation to the knowledge, competencies, satisfaction, perceptions, usability, and BL acceptance of physiotherapy students.

Methods

An assessor-blinded randomized trial was performed. A total of 100 students were randomly allocated to either the BL group (BLG, n = 48) or FL group (FLG, n = 52). The BLG received face-to-face classes plus access to online resources (online syllabus, Moodle, scientific-based videos and websites, activities, glossary, and apps). The FLG received face-to-face classes and hardcopy resources (hardcopy syllabus, scientific-based information, activities, and a glossary). Knowledge, ethical and gender competencies, satisfaction, perceptions, usability, and BL acceptance were assessed.

Results

The BLG showed higher scores than the FLG for knowledge (p = 0.011), three ethical/gender competencies (p < 0.05), increased motivation to prepare themselves before class (p = 0.005), increased motivation and ability of thinking (p = 0.005), improved understanding of important topics (p = 0.015), course organization (p = 0.017), educational material (p = 0.001), easiness of understanding (p = 0.007), comprehensive coverage of the subject (p = 0.001), and clarity of instructions (p = 0.004), while usability was acceptable.

Conclusion

The BL intervention can be used for improving the knowledge, competencies, perceptions, and satisfaction of the students. In addition, BL acceptance was positive, and usability was found to be acceptable. This study supports the use of BL as a pedagogical approach to foster innovative learning.
The impact of China's zero markup drug policy on drug costs for managing Parkinson's disease and its complications: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Wang Ruilin , Li Xinya , Gu Xinchun , Cai Qian , Wang Yayong , Yi Zhan-Miao , Chen Li-Chia
Published: May 2023

Background

In April 2009, the Chinese government launched Zero Markup Drug Policy (ZMDP) to adjust medical institutions' revenue and expenditure structures.

Objective

This study evaluated the impact of implementing ZMDP (as an intervention) on the drug costs for managing Parkinson's disease (PD) and its complications from the healthcare providers' perspective.

Methods

The drug costs for managing PD and its complications per outpatient visit or inpatient stay were estimated using electronic health data from a tertiary hospital in China from January 2016 to August 2018. An interrupted time series analysis was conducted to evaluate the immediate change following the intervention (step change, β1) and the change in slope, comparing post-intervention with the pre-intervention period (trend change, β2). Subgroup analyses were conducted in outpatients within the strata of age, patients with or without health insurance, and whether drugs were listed in the national Essential Medicine List (EML).

Results

Overall, 18,158 outpatient visits and 366 inpatient stays were included. Outpatient (β1 = −201.7, 95%CI: −285.4, −117.9) and inpatient (β1 = −372.1, 95% CI: −643.6, −100.6) drug costs for managing PD significantly decreased when implementing ZMDP. However, for outpatients without health insurance, the trend change in drug costs for managing PD (β2 = 16.8, 95% CI: 8.0, 25.6) or PD complications (β2 = 12.6, 95% CI: 5.5, 19.7) significantly increased. Trend changes in outpatient drug costs for managing PD differed when stratifying drugs listed in EML (β2 = −1.4, 95% CI: −2.6, −0.2) or not (β2 = 6.3, 95%CI: 2.0, 10.7). Trend changes of outpatient drug costs for managing PD complications significantly increased in drugs listed in EML (β2 = 14.7, 95% CI 9.2, 20.3), patients without health insurance (β2 = 12.6, 95% CI 5.5, 19.7), and age under 65 (β2 = 24.3, 95% CI 17.3, 31.4).

Conclusions

Drug costs for managing PD and its complications significantly decreased when implementing ZMDP. However, the trend in drug costs increased significantly in several subgroups, which may offset the decrease at the implementation.
Adaptivity: a path towards general swarm intelligence?
Authors: Kwa Hian Lee , Kit Jabez Leong , Horsevad Nikolaj , Philippot Julien , Savari Mohammad , Bouffanais Roland
Published: May 2023

The field of multi-robot systems (MRS) has recently been gaining increasing popularity among various research groups, practitioners, and a wide range of industries. Compared to single-robot systems, multi-robot systems are able to perform tasks more efficiently or accomplish objectives that are simply not feasible with a single unit. This makes such multi-robot systems ideal candidates for carrying out distributed tasks in large environments—e.g., performing object retrieval, mapping, or surveillance. However, the traditional approach to multi-robot systems using global planning and centralized operation is, in general, ill-suited for fulfilling tasks in unstructured and dynamic environments. Swarming multi-robot systems have been proposed to deal with such steep challenges, primarily owing to its adaptivity. These qualities are expressed by the system’s ability to learn or change its behavior in response to new and/or evolving operating conditions. Given its importance, in this perspective, we focus on the critical importance of adaptivity for effective multi-robot system swarming and use it as the basis for defining, and potentially quantifying, swarm intelligence. In addition, we highlight the importance of establishing a suite of benchmark tests to measure a swarm’s level of adaptivity. We believe that a focus on achieving increased levels of swarm intelligence through the focus on adaptivity will further be able to elevate the field of swarm robotics.
Clinical outcomes of cryptozoospermic patients undergoing surgical sperm retrieval
Authors: Kaiyal Raneen Sawaid , Cannarella Rossella , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Parekh Neel V. , Vij Sarah C. , Lundy Scott D.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Cryptozoospermia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the presence of isolated sperm cell in the ejaculate only identified after an extended microscopic search or after being pelleted. Although the number of spermatozoa is usually sufficient for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ICSI fails due to poor sperm quality in some cases. Contention remains regarding whether testicular sperm offers any advantage in this unique situation. At our tertiary referral center, we will offer patients a surgical sperm retrieval via conventional or microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) for men with cryptozoospermia and failed ICSI, or where ejaculated specimens are immotile or insufficient for ICSI. In this study, we sought to describe our experience and evaluate the predictors of success in cryptozoospermic patients who had microTESE at our center.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our electronic medical records for all patients with cryptozoospermia who underwent microTESE between 2007- 2021 for failed ICSI with ejaculated sperm or sperm quality deemed to be of insufficient quality for ICSI (e.g., nonmotile sperm). We evaluated demographics, preoperative lab results, pathology results, sperm retrieval rate (SRR) and ICSI outcomes.

Results

28 cryptozoospermic patients were identified. These patients underwent 37 unique microTESE. 22 of these men had failed previous ICSI treatment with ejaculated sperm, while the other 6 patients had ejaculated sperm with non-suitable quality for ICSI. None had genetic abnormalities. Successful retrieval of motile sperm suitable for ICSI was achieved in in 30 micro TESE procedures (SRR: 81.0%).14 out of 28 patients (50%) who underwent embryo transfer had positive pregnancy result, and 12/28 patients (42.8%) had successful live birth. The most common pathological pattern was hypospermatogenesis found in 65.3% (17/26). Fibrosis pathology was significantly higher in the negative pregnancy group. There were no postoperative complications noted.

Disscussion

The use of testicular sperm in cryptozoospermic men with failed prior ICSI using ejaculated sperm has a high rate of pregnancy and live birth. While still controversial, our results suggest that surgical sperm retrieval is a viable option for these men with minimal risk of complications.
Gendered intergenerational educational mobility patterns converge in the cohort sequence: evidence from Switzerland using administrative data
Authors: Nennstiel Richard , Becker Rolf
Published: May 2023

In many societies, educational attainment determines social inequality in terms of life chances, and at the same time there is a strong link between social origin and educational success. Therefore, analysis of educational mobility patterns is a central concern for sociologists. In the context of societal changes, such as trend of modernization, educational expansion and significantly increased female participation in education, we use administrative data from different sources (N= 556,112) to examine the extent to which absolute and relative intergenerational educational mobility has changed in Switzerland for women and men from the 1951–1990 birth cohorts. We show that there is significantly more upward than downward mobility, while a large proportion of individuals are laterally mobile. By looking at absolute mobility patterns by cohort and gender separately, we extend previous research and show that the decreasing absolute mobility rates are due to the changing educational composition of the parental generations. Following on from previous studies, we reveal that the observed trend toward less relative social mobility continues in the youngest cohorts. It is also worth noting that, while the father's educational attainment has a higher predictive power for children's education in all cohorts, the impact of the mother's education approaches that of the father. Overall, the mobility patterns of men and women converge very strongly over the cohort sequence. Beyond these substantive points, our study demonstrates the potential of using administrative data for social stratification research.
The nearby astrometric-spectroscopic binary star Hip 68682
Authors: Xia Fang , Wang Xiaoli , Fu Yanning , Chen Yue
Published: May 2023

The nearby astrometric-spectroscopic binary star Hip 68682 has an orbital period of ∼ 9.88 yr. The dynamical state (component masses and kinematic parameters) of this system is redetermined by fitting all the observational data available to us, including the radial velocity data (RVD), the relative position data (RPD), and the Hipparcos Intermediate Astrometric Data (HIAD). The precision-weighted sum of squared residuals calculated from our results is significantly smaller than the previous ones. With the simulated data based on Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), the relative orbit could be improved further.

Based on the known apparent magnitude information and the fitted parallax 60.59 ± 0.36 mas, we derive the absolute V magnitudes of the two components as 5.21 mag and 8.91 mag, respectively. The component masses are determined to be 0.946 ± 0.024M⊙ and 0.526 ± 0.014M⊙. These improved dynamical masses are helpful to constrain the stellar empirical mass–luminosity relation (MLR) for low mass stars. However, significant improvement of mass–luminosity relation for this mass region still needs more data.
SPGCam: A specifically tailored camera for solar observations
Authors: Orozco Suárez David , Álvarez García Daniel , López Jiménez Antonio C. , Balaguer Jiménez María , Hernández Expósito David , Labrousse Pierre , Bailén Francisco J. , Bustamante Díaz Isabel , Bailón Martínez Eduardo , Aparicio del Moral Beatriz , Morales Fernández José M. , Sánchez Gómez Antonio , Tobaruela Abarca Ángel , Moreno Mantas Antonio J. , Ramos Más José L. , Pérez Grande Isabel , Piqueras Carreño Javier , Katsukawa Yukio , Kubo Masahito , Kawabata Yusuke , Oba Takayoshi , Rodríguez Valido Manuel , Magdaleno Castelló Eduardo , Del Toro Iniesta Jose Carlos
Published: May 2023

Designing a new astronomical instrument typically challenges the available cameras on the market. In many cases, no camera can fulfill the requirements of the instrument in terms of photon budget, speed, and even interfaces with the rest of the instrument. In this situation, the only options are to either downgrade the performance of the instrument or design new cameras from scratch, provided it is possible to identify a compliant detector. The latter is the case of the SPGCams, the cameras developed to be used with the Tunable Magnetograph (TuMag) and the Sunrise Chromospheric Infrared spectroPolarimeter (SCIP) for the Sunrise iii mission. SPGCams have been designed, developed, and built entirely in-house by the Solar Physics Group (SPG) at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC). We report here on the scientific rationale and system engineering requirements set by the two instruments that drove the development, as well as on the technical details and trade-offs used to fulfill the specifications. The cameras were fully verified before the flight, and results from the assembly and verification campaign are presented as well. SPGCams share the design, although some parametric features differentiate the visible cameras (for TuMag) and the IR ones (for SCIP). Even though they were specifically developed for the Sunrise iii mission, the robust and careful design makes them suitable for different applications in other astronomical instruments.
Physical performance testing in climbing—A systematic review
Authors: Langer Kaja , Simon Christian , Wiemeyer Josef
Published: May 2023

Due to the increasing popularity of climbing, the corresponding diagnostics are gaining in importance for both science and practice. This review aims to give an overview of the quality of different diagnostic testing- and measurement methods for performance, strength, endurance, and flexibility in climbing. A systematic literature search for studies including quantitative methods and tests for measuring different forms of strength, endurance, flexibility, or performance in climbing and bouldering was conducted on PubMed and SPORT Discus. Studies and abstracts were included if they a) worked with a representative sample of human boulderers and/or climbers, b) included detailed information on at least one test, and c) were randomized-controlled-, cohort-, cross-over-, intervention-, or case studies. 156 studies were included into the review. Data regarding subject characteristics, as well as the implementation and quality of all relevant tests were extracted from the studies. Tests with similar exercises were grouped and the information on a) measured value, b) unit, c) subject characteristics (sex and ability level), and d) quality criteria (objectivity, reliability, validity) were bundled and displayed in standardized tables. In total, 63 different tests were identified, of which some comprised different ways of implementation. This clearly shows that there are no uniform or standard procedures in climbing diagnostics, for tests on strength, endurance or flexibility. Furthermore, only few studies report data on test quality and detailed information on sample characteristics. This not only makes it difficult to compare test results, but at the same time makes it impossible to give precise test recommendations. Nevertheless, this overview of the current state of research contributes to the creation of more uniform test batteries in the future.
Skill-Mix Changes Targeting Health Promotion and Prevention Interventions and Effects on Outcomes in all Settings (Except Hospitals): Overview of Reviews
Authors: Maier Claudia Bettina , Winkelmann Juliane , Pfirter Laura , Williams Gemma A.
Published: May 2023

Objectives: Skill-mix changes to step up health promotion and prevention are increasing, but there is limited evidence on their effects.

Methods: Overview of reviews, based on a protocol. The search was carried out in six databases, screening was performed ensuring high interrater reliability. All countries, health professions and lay workers in all settings (except hospitals) were included, quality appraisals performed.

Results: A total of 31 systematic reviews were included. Expanded roles performing outreach (e.g., home visits) had mostly positive effects on access and health outcomes, primarily for hard-to-reach groups. Task-shifting in colorectal or skin cancer screenings (performed by advanced practice nurses) were suggested effective; supporting roles (by community health workers) increased uptake in screenings, but based on limited evidence. Expanded roles of various professions focusing on lifestyle modification showed promising effects in most reviews, including weight, diet, smoking cessation and physical activity. Reviews on cost-effectiveness were based on limited evidence.

Conclusion: Promising skill-mix changes included expanded roles providing lifestyle modifying interventions, task-shifting, and outreach roles for hard-to-reach groups, whereas evidence on costs was limited.
Chinese Mothers’ Intent to Disclose Their HIV Status to Their Children: The Role of Positive Outcome Expectations and Reward Responsiveness
Authors: Wang Qian , Hui Kam Hei , Wang Ailing , Wang Xiaoyan , Sun He , Lau Stephanie Tsz Yung , Wang Changhe , Mo Phoenix Kit Han
Published: May 2023

Objective: The current study investigated the role of positive outcome expectations and reward responsiveness in intention to disclose HIV status to children among women living with HIV in China. The moderating role of reward responsiveness was also explored.

Method: A 1-year longitudinal survey was conducted. 269 women living with HIV who had at least one child aged >5 years and had not yet disclosed their HIV status to their oldest child were selected from a larger sample of women living with HIV at baseline, with a total of 261 respondents completing the follow-up survey.

Results: After adjusting for significant socio-demographic and medical variables, positive outcome expectations positively predicted mothers’ intention to disclose HIV, while reward responsiveness had a negative effect. A moderation effect of reward responsiveness was found, with further analysis showing that reward responsiveness has strengthened the relationship between positive outcome expectations and intention to disclose HIV.

Conclusion: Findings support the relevance of positive outcome expectations and reward responsiveness to intention of disclosure among women living with HIV in China.
Evaluation of Air Combat Control Ability Based on Eye Movement Indicators and Combination Weighting GRA-TOPSIS
Authors: Tian Chenzhi , Song Min , Tian Jiwei , Xue Ruijun
Published: May 2023

At present, expert scoring is mainly used to evaluate the air combat control ability, which is not accurate enough to effectively achieve the desired effect. In order to evaluate air battle managers’ air combat control ability more scientifically and accurately, using eye-tracking technology, a quantitative evaluation model is established based on eye movement indicators. Specifically, the air combat control ability was comprehensively assessed using the GRA-TOPSIS method based on the EW-CRITIC combination weighting. The model innovatively uses eye movement indicators as a vital evaluation basis. Firstly, it puts forth a comprehensive evaluation method by combining GRA with TOPSIS methods, using the EW and CRITIC methods for combined weighting, and giving full play to the advantages of various evaluation methods. Secondly, it not only effectively copes with the problem that the traditional evaluation method is deeply affected by subjectivity but also creatively provides a reasonable means for future training evaluation of air battle managers. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the evaluation model are verified through case analysis.
Pancuronium Bromide for Chemical Immobilization of Adult Nile Crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus): A Field Study
Authors: Schilliger Lionel , Najjar Chawki , Paillusseau Clément , François Camille , Gandar Frédéric , Boughdiri Hela , Gansuana Marc
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Pancuronium bromide is a neuromuscular blocker used for immobilizing crocodiles that can be reversed with neostigmine. A recommended drug dose has only been established for saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), mostly based on trials in juveniles and subadults. After trialing a dose recommendation in a small cohort of nine Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), we developed and applied a new dose recommendation for large adult Nile crocodiles. (2) Methods: we trialed and adapted a pancuronium bromide (Pavulon 4 mg/2 mL) dose in Nile crocodiles originally established for saltwater crocodiles and applied the new dose for the immobilization of 32 Nile crocodiles destined for transport. Reversal was achieved with neostigmine (Stigmine 0.5 mg/mL). (3) Results: Nine crocodiles were included in the trial phase; the induction time was highly variable (average: 70 min; range: 20–143 min), and the recovery time was prolonged (average: 22 h; range: 50 min–5 days), especially in large animals after reversal with neostigmine. Based on these results, we established a dose-independent recommendation (3 mg pancuronium bromide and 2.5 mg neostigmine) for animals weighing ≥ 270 kg (TL ≥ ~3.8 m). When applied to 32 adult male crocodiles (BW range: 270–460 kg; TL range: 3.76–4.48 m), the shortest induction time was ~20 min and the longest ~45 min. (4) Conclusions: Pancuronium bromide and its antidote, neostigmine, are effective for the immobilization and reversal of adult male Nile crocodiles (TL ≥ 3.8 m or BW ≥ 270 kg) when given in a weight-independent fashion.
Antifungal Activity of Guiera senegalensis: From the Chemical Composition to the Mitochondrial Toxic Effects and Tyrosinase Inhibition
Authors: Moreira Rute , Ferreres Federico , Gil-Izquierdo Ángel , Gomes Nelson G. M. , Araújo Luísa , Pinto Eugénia , Andrade Paula B. , Videira Romeu A.
Published: May 2023

Pest resistance against fungicides is a widespread and increasing problem, with impact on crop production and public health, making the development of new fungicides an urgent need. Chemical analyses of a crude methanol extract (CME) of Guiera senegalensis leaves revealed the presence of sugars, phospholipids, phytosterols, guieranone A, porphyrin-containing compounds, and phenolics. To connect chemical composition with biological effects, solid-phase extraction was used to discard water-soluble compounds with low affinity for the C18 matrix and obtain an ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) that concentrates guieranone A and chlorophylls, and a methanol fraction (MF) dominated by phenolics. While the CME and MF exhibited poor antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the EAF demonstrated antifungal activity against these filamentous fungi, particularly against C. gloeosporioides. Studies with yeasts revealed that the EAF has strong effectiveness against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida krusei with MICs of 8, 8 and 16 μg/mL, respectively. A combination of in vivo and in vitro studies shows that the EAF can function as a mitochondrial toxin, compromising complexes I and II activities, and as a strong inhibitor of fungal tyrosinase (Ki = 14.40 ± 4.49 µg/mL). Thus, EAF appears to be a promising candidate for the development of new multi-target fungicides.
Meropenem MICs at Standard and High Inocula and Mutant Prevention Concentration Inter-Relations: Comparative Study with Non-Carbapenemase-Producing and OXA-48-, KPC- and NDM-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Golikova Maria V. , Strukova Elena N. , Alieva Kamilla N. , Ageevets Vladimir A. , Avdeeva Alisa A. , Sulian Ofeliia S. , Zinner Stephen H.
Published: May 2023

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) is conventionally used to define in vitro levels of susceptibility or resistance of a specific bacterial strain to an antibiotic and to predict its clinical efficacy. Along with MIC, other measures of bacteria resistance exist: the MIC determined at high bacterial inocula (MICHI) that allow the estimation of the occurrence of inoculum effect (IE) and the mutant prevention concentration, MPC. Together, MIC, MICHI and MPC represent the bacterial “resistance profile”. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive analysis of such profiles of K. pneumoniae strains that differ by meropenem susceptibility, ability to produce carbapenemases and specific carbapenemase types. In addition, we have analyzed inter-relations between the MIC, MICHI and MPC for each tested K. pneumoniae strain. Low IE probability was detected with carbapenemase-non-producing K. pneumoniae, and high IE probability was detected with those that were carbapenemase-producing. MICs did not correlate with the MPCs; significant correlation was observed between the MICHIs and the MPCs, indicating that these bacteria/antibiotic characteristics display similar resistance properties of a given bacterial strain. To determine the possible resistance-related risk due to a given K. pneumoniae strain, we propose determining the MICHI. This can more or less predict the MPC value of the particular strain.
Cellulose Hydrogel with Hyaluronic Acid and Silver Nanoparticles: Sustained-Release Formulation with Antibacterial Properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sumini Mirian , Souza Clara Ruiz de , Andrade Gabriel Jonathan Sousa , Oliveira Igor Roberto Cabral , Scandorieiro Sara , Tischer Cesar Augusto , Kobayashi Renata Katsuko Takayama , Nakazato Gerson
Published: May 2023

Pathogenic bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics represent a global challenge and justify the need for new antimicrobials capable of combating bacterial multidrug resistance. This study describes the development of a topical hydrogel in a formulation composed of cellulose, hyaluronic acid (HA), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent were synthesized by a new method based on green chemistry, using arginine as a reducing agent and potassium hydroxide as a carrier. Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of a composite between cellulose and HA in a three-dimensional network of cellulose fibrils, with thickening of the fibrils and filling of spaces by HA with the presence of pores. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and particle size distribution for dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirmed the formation of AgNPs with peak absorption at ~430 nm and 57.88 nm. AgNPs dispersion showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 µg/mL. The time–kill assay showed that after 3 h of exposure to the hydrogel containing AgNPs, there were no viable cells, corresponding to a bactericidal efficacy of 99.999% in the 95% confidence level. We obtained a hydrogel that is easy to apply, with sustained release and bactericidal properties against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at low concentrations of the agent.
Silver Nanoparticle Targets Fabricated Using Chemical Vapor Deposition Method for Differentiation of Bacteria Based on Lipidomic Profiles in Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Maślak Ewelina , Arendowski Adrian , Złoch Michał , Walczak-Skierska Justyna , Radtke Aleksandra , Piszczek Piotr , Pomastowski Paweł
Published: May 2023

The global threat of numerous infectious diseases creates a great need to develop new diagnostic methods to facilitate the appropriate prescription of antimicrobial therapy. More recently, the possibility of using bacterial lipidome analysis via laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) as useful diagnostic tool for microbial identification and rapid drug susceptibility has received particular attention because lipids are present in large quantities and can be easily extracted similar to ribosomal proteins. Therefore, the main goal of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of two different LDI techniques—matrix-assisted (MALDI) and surface-assisted (SALDI) approaches—in the classification of the closely related Escherichia coli strains under cefotaxime addition. Bacterial lipids profiles obtained by using the MALDI technique with different matrices as well as silver nanoparticle (AgNP) targets fabricated using the chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) of different AgNP sizes were analyzed by the means of different multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA), and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The analysis showed that the MALDI classification of strains was hampered by interference from matrix-derived ions. In contrast, the lipid profiles generated by the SALDI technique had lower background noise and more signals associated with the sample, allowing E. coli to be successfully classified into cefotaxime-resistant and cefotaxime-sensitive strains, regardless of the size of the AgNPs. AgNP substrates obtained using the CVD method were used for the first time for distinguishing closely related bacterial strains based on their lipidomic profiles and demonstrate high potential as a future diagnostic tool for the detection of antibiotic susceptibility.