bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microplastics in the marine environment of St. Mary's Island: implications for human health and conservation
Authors: Khaleel Rizwan , Valsan Gokul , Rangel-Buitrago Nelson , Warrier Anish Kumar
Published: August 2023

Microplastics have now been identified as a class of emerging pollutants and is considered as a threat to aquatic organisms. This baseline paper investigated the distribution, composition, and potential ecological risks of microplastic (MP) pollution on St. Mary's Island, revealing an average abundance of 0.218 particles/L in water samples. Blue fibres and white foams were the primary MPs identified, and fishing activities and packaging were the main sources of pollution. Six types of polymers were identified: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indicated a medium environmental risk for the island. Additionally, it was discovered that MPs’ surfaces contained dangerous substances that could endanger aquatic life. The research emphasizes the significance of implementing measures such as responsible disposal, management, elimination, regulatory policies, and local administration techniques to mitigate the impact of MP pollution on the island’s shores and marine biota. This research provides a baseline for monitoring MP contamination and underscores the need for continuous investigation to assess their impacts on marine life.
Evaluation via simulation of statistical corrections for network nonindependence
Authors: Matthews Luke J. , Schuler Megan S. , Vardavas Raffaele , Breslau Joshua , Popescu Ioana
Published: August 2023

Social processes and social context are increasingly recognized as key factors shaping health-related behaviors and outcomes. One social process that may be acting within social networks is social influence, in which an individual’s characteristic (e.g., specific health behavior) is potentially impacted by the corresponding characteristic of connected individuals in the network. In the health services context, healthcare providers who work together and share patients may influence each other through the knowledge transmission or development of clinical practice norms. Although many statistical techniques assume independence of data points, when analyzing data that may reflect social processes acting across a social network, it is imperative to account for the interdependencies (i.e., non-independence) across individuals. In practice, studies account for nonindependence in the context of estimating bivariate relations (correlations or linear regression) using a variety of analytic methods (some of which have previously been shown to yield biased results). To date, it is unclear which methods yield acceptable false positive rates, unbiased coefficient estimates, and acceptable statistical power, because there have been no systematic simulation studies comparing methods for addressing network nonindependence arising from social influence. To address this gap, we compared eight commonly used methods that purport to account for nonindependence using simulated network data. While results indicated that none of the techniques reduced false positive rates to the predicted (nominal) 0.05 level, random sampling of network nodes was the method that yielded the smallest false positive rates, yet came at a price of reduced statistical power. Further methodological development is needed.
Cultivating Care: Behaviourally Informed Conservation Strategies to Safeguard the Future of the Sulawesi Crested Black Macaque (Macaca nigra)
Authors: Hilser Harry , Palohoen Reyni , Justinek Ziva , Siwi Yunita , Tasirin Johny S. , Bowkett Andrew E.
Published: August 2023

Primate conservation is a behavioural challenge and as such requires behaviourally informed solutions. We provide a case study, applying social science principles and concepts to address primate conservation challenges. Selamatkan Yaki is a conservation programme focused on the Critically Endangered, Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. A holistic strategy of education, capacity building, and community-based conservation draws upon a blend of insights from multiple social scientific disciplines alongside direct research with communities in the area exploring their cultural histories, behavioural drivers, and relationships with nature. We outline a series of five approaches based on behavioural concepts and describe the benefits, impact, and shortfalls of our methods. We illustrate how the resultant systematic stepwise strategy aims to address some of the key issues of primate conservation management in an innovative way. By incorporating sociopsychological principles and deeper understandings of behavioural science into primate conservation programmes, practitioners may broaden the interpretation, communication, and application of research findings with the potential to maximise the effectiveness of threat reduction campaigns and interventions.
Does Twitter improve the dissemination of ophthalmology scientific publications?
Authors: Muecke Thomas , Bacchi Stephen , Casson Robert J. , Chan WengOnn
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To determine whether Twitter improves dissemination of ophthalmology scientific publications

Methods

Data were collected on articles published on PubMed between the years 2016 and 2021 (inclusive) and identified with the word “ophthalmology”. Twitter performance metrics, including the number of tweets, number of likes, and number of retweets were collected from Twitter using the publicly available scientific API. Machine learning and descriptive statistics were used to outline Twitter performance metrics.

Results

The number of included articles was 433710. The percentage of articles that were in the top quartile for citation count, which had ≥1 tweet was 34.4% (number 437/1270). Conversely, the percentage of articles that were in the top quartile for citation count, which had 0 tweets was 27.8% (number 12023/43244). When machine learning was used to predict Twitter performance metrics an AUROC of 0.78 was returned. This was associated with an accuracy of 0.97

Conclusion

This study has shown preliminary evidence to support that Twitter may improve the dissemination of scientific ophthalmology publications.
Home sweet home: Comparison of epibiont assemblages associated with cultivated and wild sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), co-cultivated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and farm infrastructure
Authors: Corrigan Sophie , Brown A. Ross , Tyler Charles R. , Wilding Catherine , Daniels Carly , Ashton Ian G. C. , Smale Dan A.
Published: August 2023

Seaweed farming is expanding in Europe and may provide environmental benefits similar to those from natural kelp forests and shellfish farms, including habitat provisioning. Few studies have substantiated these claims however, and it remains uncertain whether seaweed farms will support similar biodiversity to kelp forests or provide valuable long-term habitat beyond the harvest season. We repeatedly surveyed an integrated sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) farm in southwest UK to compare epibiont assemblages between cultivated kelps, to those from three nearby wild kelp populations, and to epibionts on farmed mussel lines and unseeded ‘bare’ lines. We found farmed kelps supported over 217 times the abundance of epibionts living on wild kelps at harvest time, however, taxonomic diversity per kelp was lower at the farm. Farmed kelp assemblages were dominated by amphipods, which were present on the wild kelps but in much lower numbers. Farmed kelp also supported distinct assemblages to cultivated mussels, which were similarly dominated by amphipods, but hosted higher relative abundances of crabs, echinoderms, worms and red algal biomass. The bare lines were heavily colonised by another pseudo-kelp, Saccorhiza polyschides, which supported similar epibiont assemblages to the seeded S. latissima lines. Our findings indicate that cultivating bivalves alongside seaweed can increase habitat provisioning at a seaweed farm and extend its permanence beyond typical seaweed cultivation periods as bivalves have longer, continuous farming periods. However, the presence of mussels will likely influence the epibiont assemblages on the farmed kelp, which are distinct from wild kelp populations.
A new nursery approach enhances at-sea performance in the kelp Lessonia corrugata
Authors: Nardelli Allyson E. , Visch Wouter , Farrington Glenn , Sanderson J. Craig , Bellgrove Alecia , Wright Jeffrey T. , MacLeod Catriona , Hurd Catriona L.
Published: August 2023

We found that an innovative nursery approach, where Lessonia corrugata seeded spools were cultivated by spinning to increase the water motion relative to non-spinning spools, had higher growth in both the nursery and at-sea stages. Using this method, we compared the at-sea growth of sporophytes cultivated on spinning spools at different depths (1 m, 3 m, 5 m) and seasons (timing of out-planting). Finally, we compared the at-sea growth of sporophytes cultivated on spinning spools vs. non-spinning sporophytes at 3-m depth. In the nursery, sporophytes on spinning spools developed significantly faster than those on non-spinning spools: blade length was 4.6 and 2.5 cm, and holdfast area was 0.10 and 0.03 cm2 for spinning and non-spinning spools, respectively. At-sea L. corrugata in spring had significantly greater biomass production at 3 m and 5 m (3.0 kg m−1 and 2.4 kg m−1, respectively) and up to 96% survival. In summer, 100% of deployed kelps died at all depths. Growth was faster at 5 m (0.3 ± 0.06 kg m−1) in autumn and at 3 and 5 m (1.1 ± 0.1 kg m−1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 kg m−1, respectively) in winter. At sea, sporophytes from the spinning spools grew significantly 60% larger, and survival was ~ 3 times greater over 3 months than sporophytes from non-spinning. Overall, this study shows that spinning seeded spools in the nursery improves the growth at sea, spring is the best season for out-planting L. corrugata, and 3 or 5 m depth is best for production.
Validation of the Conflict Resolution Scale from the Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales and a New Abbreviated Short Form
Authors: Larsen Linda , Helland Maren Sand , Holt Tonje
Published: August 2023

Conflict resolution is a pivotal factor in understanding the recognized link between interparental conflict and child adjustment. Valid and reliable measures of parental conflict resolution are therefore needed. The aims of the present study were to validate the widely used Conflict Resolution Scale from the Conflicts and Problem-Solving Scales (CPS), and to develop and validate a short form of the same scale. Using a sample comprising 381 primarily married or cohabiting parent dyads (Sample 1), we tested the unidimensionality and measurement invariance across gender of the original Conflict Resolution Scale. A short form was developed using the same sample and was further validated by using both Sample 1 and a more diverse sample in terms of family structures comprising 846 parent dyads (Sample 2). Our findings support the Conflict Resolution Scale as unidimensional. Measurement invariance across gender was confirmed in both samples. Further, the short form showed a good to excellent fit to the data in both samples and a strong correlation with the original Conflict Resolution Scale. This suggests no critical loss of information when using the short form. The Conflict Resolution Scale – original and short form – demonstrated high internal reliability. Good validity was established through associations with related constructs (parental relationship and life satisfaction, and child adjustment), and by increased explained variance above conflict frequency/intensity alone. We particularly recommend the Conflict Resolution short form for research purposes and encourage further validation using samples from different cultural contexts and focusing on tests of stability and item contents analyses.
Caregiving Interactions and Behaviors in the Care of Children with Rare Genetic or Undiagnosed Conditions
Authors: Koehly Laura M. , Ashida Sato , Sumrall Sydney , Hyman Sarah
Published: August 2023

Previous literature documented that interpersonal strain arising from caregiving roles can negatively impact caregivers’ health and well-being, and interpersonal support can buffer this association. Using a social network approach, we evaluated interpersonal strain due to malfeasant and nonfeasant care-related interactions and behaviors and interpersonal support through uplifting care-related interactions and behaviors. We investigated whether caregivers’ perceptions of network members’ malfeasant, nonfeasant, and uplifting interactions and behaviors were associated with caregivers’ expectations regarding social network members’ involvement in caring for a child with a rare or undiagnosed disease. Qualitative data was further utilized to explain how caregivers interpret these concepts. One hundred sixty-six (n = 166) primary caregivers providing care to 104 relatives diagnosed with a rare genetic or undiagnosed disease were recruited through ongoing research, advocacy groups, and family referrals. Caregivers provided information about 2,806 familial network members and interactions with them. For each network member, perceived contribution to caregiving and whether the contributions met caregivers’ expectations, and interactions representing nonfeasance, malfeasance, and uplift were assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis for malfeasance, nonfeasance, and uplift demonstrated high construct validity for each and construct correlations were significant. Caregivers reported that network members whose care role contribution did not meet expectations were more likely to engage in malfeasance and nonfeasance (Odds Ratios range between 0.02 and 0.09, ps < 0.001); whereas network members providing uplift were meeting caregivers’ support expectations (OR = 1.98; p = 0.024). Thematic analysis demonstrated that respondents’ expectations of each network members’ care role involvement derived from social roles and attributes of both the network members and the child. These findings can inform strategies that maximize opportunities for interpersonal support and minimize interpersonal strain.
Energy transmission pathways of equatorial waves within the Maritime Continent: a view with the wave energy flux
Authors: Terada Yusuke , Masumoto Yukio
Published: August 2023

Detailed pathway of wave energy exchange between the Pacific and Indian Oceans through the Indonesian archipelago for a wide range of wave frequency is investigated using a reduced gravity model with realistic coastline. The wave energy flux analysis that can be applicable for all latitudes in a linear shallow water system is adopted. The energy fluxes diagnosed from the model outputs for the incoming Rossby waves from the Pacific clearly indicate two major energy pathways to the Indian Ocean: one turning southward in the Halmahera Sea and reaches the Indian Ocean via the Banda Sea and the Timor Passage, and the other passing through the Makassar and Lombok Straits. The former route, however, is shifted to the western side of the island chain within the Banda Sea due to energy trapping around the island chain. It is also found that strong energy dissipation occurs along the northern coast of New Guinea when the incoming wave period is shorter than 1.5 years. In the case of the Kelvin waves from the Indian Ocean, it is found that the major energy pathway is through the Lombok and Makassar Straits to the Pacific Ocean. However, there appears another pathway along the eastern side of the Sulawesi Island in the Banda Sea to exit through the Molucca Sea only when the wave period is shorter than about one month. This secondary pathway makes it easier for the wave energy from the Indian Ocean to reach the western Pacific Ocean for the short-period waves.
Comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol on the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system during spinal anesthesia: preliminary randomized controlled observational study
Authors: Joe Han Bum , Chae Yun Jeong , Song Seung Ho , Yi In Kyong
Published: August 2023

Spinal anesthesia induces sympatholysis and is usually combined with dexmedetomidine or propofol which induce different hemodynamic changes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect on autonomic nervous system between dexmedetomidine and propofol combined with spinal anesthesia. Patients aged 20–65 undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to dexmedetomidine or propofol group. Heart rate variability (HRV) and hemodynamic variables were measured at four time points: T0, baseline; T1, 10 min after spinal anesthesia; T2, 10 min after sedative administration; and T3, 20 min after sedative administration. In 59 patients, dexmedetomidine and propofol groups had significantly different hemodynamic changes over time (time × group effect P < 0.001). The dexmedetomidine group had slower heart rate at T2 (P = 0.001) and higher blood pressures at T2 and T3 (P < 0.001) than the propofol group. Overall HRV dynamics showed a significant change over time from T0 to T3, but both groups exhibited similar trends. Compared to the baseline data within the group, the low frequency (LF) decreased in both groups but the decrease occurred at T2 in the propofol group and at T3 in the dexmedetomidine group. The high frequency (HF) increased at T2 and T3 only in the dexmedetomidine group. The LF/HF ratio decreased in the dexmedetomidine group at T3. Dexmedetomidine showed slower heart rate and higher blood pressure than propofol when combined with spinal anesthesia, however, dexmedetomidine and propofol exhibited similar trends in HRV dynamics. Compared with the baseline within each group, both agents decreased LF, but only dexmedetomidine increased HF and decreased in the LF/HF ratio significantly.
Using Relationship Development Intervention with Autistic Children and Their Families: The Experiences of RDI Consultants in Australia
Authors: McAuliffe Tomomi , Apps Brittany , Setchell Jenny
Published: August 2023

Communication and interaction in neurotypical environments can be challenging for autistic individuals, potentially disrupting the parent-child relationship. In Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) that facilitates improved interactions between autistic children and their parents, RDI Consultants play key roles in enabling parents to develop skills that support the parent-child relationship. Parents follow the guidance of the Consultants to build their capacities to model reciprocal communications with their autistic children. Given the significant role played by the Consultant, their perspectives should be explored. Two research questions were explored: 1) What are the lived experiences of RDI Consultants in delivering RDI to autistic children and their families? 2) What are RDI Consultants’ perspectives regarding the outcomes of engaging in RDI for autistic children and their families? Eleven RDI Consultants participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences in using RDI. Interviews were conducted via Zoom. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Three main themes were produced: 1) RDI helps autistic children reach their potential; 2) Parents learn to embrace parenthood through RDI; and 3) Consultants form a team with parents. Overall, RDI was perceived to be beneficial in improving autistic children’s social engagement, such as parent-child interactions, as well as enhancing parenting experiences. The results add to and extend the existing evidence of RDI, which may provide families of autistic children and those professionals who are working with these families more therapeutic choices to consider. Future research implications for parents and health professionals involved in therapies are discussed.
Justifying Why Individuals Should Reduce Personal Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Developing the Argument of Integrity
Authors: von Allmen Kathrin
Published: August 2023

Humans ought to do much more in order to remedy the severe harm caused by climate change. While there seems to be an overall consensus that governments and other national and international political agents need to resolve the problem, there is no agreement yet on the role and responsibility of individuals in this process. In this paper, I suggest an argument of integrity that offers strong pro tanto moral reasons for individuals to reduce their personal greenhouse gas emissions. Hourdequin (2010) has presented an argument of integrity to justify a corresponding obligation. In this paper, I argue that even though Hourdequin’s argument is appealing, it has important limitations. I advance the argument in light of the current literature so that it is not subject to these limitations and establishes an overall more comprehensive justification for why individuals ought to reduce their personal emissions.
Current Limit Avoidance Algorithms for DEMO Operation
Authors: di Grazia Luigi Emanuel , Frattolillo Domenico , De Tommasi Gianmaria , Mattei Massimiliano
Published: August 2023

Tokamaks are the most promising devices to prove the feasibility of energy production using nuclear fusion on Earth which is foreseen as a possible source of energy for the next centuries. In large tokamaks with superconducting poloidal field (PF) coils, the problem of avoiding saturation of the currents is of paramount importance, especially for a reactor such as the European demonstration fusion power plant DEMO. Indeed, reaching the current limits during plasma operation may cause a loss of control of the plasma shape and/or current, leading to a major disruption. Therefore, a current limit avoidance (CLA) system is essential to assure safe operation. Three different algorithms to be implemented within a CLA system are proposed in this paper: two are based on online solutions of constrained optimization problems, while the third one relies on dynamic allocation. The performance assessment for all the proposed solutions is carried out by considering challenging operation scenarios for the DEMO reactor, such as the case where more than one PF current simultaneously saturates during the discharge. An evaluation of the computational burden needed to solve the allocation problem for the various proposed alternatives is also presented, which shows the compliance of the optimization-based approaches with the envisaged deadlines for real-time implementation of the DEMO plasma magnetic control system.
Sub-exponentiality in Statistical Exponential Models
Authors: Trivellato Barbara
Published: August 2023

Improvements in the study of nonparametric maximal exponential models built on Orlicz spaces are proposed. By exploiting the notion of sub-exponential random variable, we give theoretical results which provide a clearer insight into the structure of these models. The explicit constants we obtain when changing the law of Orlicz spaces centered at connected densities allow us to derive uniform bounds with respect to a reference density.
When computer science is not enough: universities knowledge specializations behind artificial intelligence startups in Italy
Authors: Colombelli Alessandra , D’Amico Elettra , Paolucci Emilio
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the role of local knowledge specializations from universities in the artificial intelligence (AI) startup creation process. The empirical analysis is grounded in the Knowledge Spillovers Theory of Entrepreneurship. It provides evidence of the interplay between the presence of university knowledge specializations and the creation of AI startups located in Italian NUTS3 regions. More precisely, we analyze the mix of different types of university knowledge specializations able to foster the creation of AI startups, demonstrating that competencies in technological domains, such as computer science, need to be complemented with domains of applications for the emergence of AI technology. The findings indicate that the creation of AI startups is closely tied to the local knowledge present in the region. The article also proposes an empirical approach to identify and classify innovative startups operating in AI domains. Our work offers important implications for regional innovation policies and the management of AI in entrepreneurship.
Assessing impacts of mining on provisioning ecosystem services in a culturally diverse landscape of Western Cape York, Australia
Authors: Boldy Robyn , Annandale Mark , Erskine Peter D. , Sonter Laura J.
Published: August 2023

Context

Mitigating the impacts of mining on biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES) is critical for maintaining human wellbeing in mineral-rich landscapes. Environmental assessments and mitigation plans almost always consider impacts on biodiversity, yet few extend to the individual ES valued by local communities. As a result, mine site management, rehabilitation, and compensation activities may fail to prevent the loss of some ES, particularly those valued by remote Indigenous communities.

Objectives

We seek to understand: (1) which ecosystems contain culturally significant plant species and where they are located in respect to mining areas; (2) whether areas containing large numbers of culturally significant plant species are protected under current environmental management plans focused on addressing biodiversity impacts, and; (3) which ES will be lost due to planned (and approved) future mining operations.

Methods

We consider a region rich in both natural capital and Indigenous culture–western Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia. We identify and map the distribution of ES that are both valued by local Indigenous communities and threatened by current and future bauxite mining including plants that have significant cultural value (e.g., for food and medicine), and compare them to areas currently protected from mining due to their biodiversity value.

Results

We find that open woodlands contain the highest number of culturally significant plant species (32 species) compared to other vegetation types in the region. However, despite this, open woodlands are the least protected vegetation type from mining operations under current management plans and regulatory requirements.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate the benefits ES provide for local Indigenous people, and that the areas set aside for biodiversity management will not compensate for expected ES losses. We discuss the need for a collaborative approach between industry, government, and Traditional Owners to capture and manage ES for local people throughout and beyond the mining lifecycle.
Least-action variational continuum description of Darcian permeation of liquids and gases through stone materials
Authors: Serpieri Roberto , Monaco Michelina
Published: August 2023

Watertightness of natural or artificial stone materials, like trap rock or concrete, is a basic property for assessing durability of the built heritage to weathering exposure. Fundamental research of the past century has shown that a reliable experimental determination of intrinsic permeability in stone materials can be achieved by uniaxial water-permeation tests under open-flow conditions, together with the opportunity of employing air permeation tests in place of water-tests to obtain important additional information on a given stone material. Correlations of practical relevance in such laboratory applications, among inlet pressure, outlet pressure and flow rate, stem all from solutions to the general continuum modelling problem of the permeation through a non-deformable homogeneous filter of an incompressible or compressible fluid under stationary uniaxial conditions. The present study addresses such class of mechanical problems on a theoretical variational basis to infer general correlations of practical relevance in permeability testing with a specific consideration of applications in which air-permeability testing combined with use of thinner filters makes the hypothesis of isothermal process in the permeating gas not straightforwardly applicable.
The epistemic harms of empathy in phenomenological psychopathology
Authors: Spencer Lucienne , Broome Matthew
Published: August 2023

Jaspers identifies empathic understanding as an essential tool for grasping not the mere psychic content of the condition at hand, but the lived experience of the patient. This method then serves as the basis for the phenomenological investigation into the psychiatric condition known as ‘Phenomenological Psychopathology’. In recent years, scholars in the field of phenomenological psychopathology have attempted to refine the concept of empathic understanding for its use in contemporary clinical encounters. Most notably, we have Stanghellini’s contribution of ‘second-order’ empathy and Ratcliffe’s ‘radical empathy’. Through this paper, we reject the pursuit of a renewed version of ‘empathic understanding’, on the grounds that the concept is fundamentally epistemically flawed. We argue that ‘empathic understanding’ risks (1) error, leading to misdiagnosis, mistreatment and an overall misunderstanding of the experience at hand, (2) a unique form of epistemic harm that we call ‘epistemic co-opting’ and (3) epistemic objectification. To conclude, we propose that empathic understanding ought to be replaced with a phenomenological account of Fricker’s virtuous listening.
No, It Is Not All About Selective Exposure: Information Selection Strategies in Referendums
Authors: Zumofen Guillaume , Stadelmann-Steffen Isabelle , Bühlmann Marc
Published: August 2023

This article presents an in-depth understanding of information selection strategies in referendums. It builds on the theories of motivated reasoning, cognitive dissonance, information utility, and social identity to examine selective exposure in the context of referendums, and highlights how individuals select information, opting for either congruent and partisan (selective choice) or balanced and discrepant (enlightened choice) sources of information. Empirically, our study relies on two cross-sectional online surveys (N = 2,245; N = 735) that took place in a real referendum campaign on an Energy Act in Switzerland. We exposed respondents to different information contexts and measured whether they chose selectively or in an enlightened way. We conclude that individuals choose balanced or discrepant sources of information more frequently than the literature on selective exposure suggests. Moreover, attitude strength plays a twofold role: In a pre-campaign context, attitude strength motivates individuals’ enlightened choice; mid-campaign, however, it strengthens voters’ selective choice.
Propensity score methods to analyse attitudinal change during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic within the African Country of Malawi
Authors: Dewick Paul , Liu Shuangzhe
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study is to determine attitudinal changes within the African country of Malawi during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic between the months of May and June 2020. This study is relevant and will serve as a baseline that will allow for tracking attitudinal change throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This will give insight to areas where extra resources, information, healthcare workers, and information can be applied to the Malawi population should a similar event occur. Propensity score methods are used for this study as it is a methodology that allows for making causal statements about treatment effects, known here as the participants attitudes to COVID-19. Both single level and multilevel propensity score modelling methods are undertaken as there is an identified need for multilevel modelling which was undertaken using a fixed effects approach. This study highlights that the multilevel modeling methodology used for any study be carefully assessed and not just be granted in using a random effects methodology. This study identifies the utility of propensity score methods in highlighting methodological issues of a survey study. Propensity score methods highlighted a large, unbalanced dataset that shows possible bias in the undertaking of the survey. Further, Featured Indicator Variables are created in aiding contextual effect modelling and the interpretation of the results. This study although limited to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic within Malawi, serves as a baseline for longitudinal studies and interrupted time–series modelling. This study highlights determining attitudinal change, not only for Malawi but the methodology can be used for other countries in prediction, directing resources, information, health care workers, and services should a similar event occur.
Some Comments on Justice and Democracy
Authors: Dalbert Claudia
Published: August 2023

In this brief comment, the erosion of democracy will be analyzed from a justice motive perspective. Justice motive theory can help us to better understand the underlying processes that explain why this occurs. Moreover, justice motive theory provides us with hints about what can help stop this erosive process and to strengthen democracy. A key element is people’s feeling of being treated justly by others because this strengthens their motivation to behave justly by themselves, to invest in their own future, and to avoid rule-breaking, deviant behavior. Thus, politicians should take care that citizens feel treated justly. Consequently, it is a challenge for politicians to safeguard the transparency of the information base and the trade-off leading to a specific decision. Particularly when conflicts are expected, politicians should give voice to all parties affected by the decision to increase the likelihood that a decision will be a democratic one in the true sense, a decision in the interest of all citizens affected by it.
Novel expression system based on enhanced permeability of Vibrio natriegens cells induced by D,D- carboxypeptidase overexpression
Authors: Kormanová Ľubica , Levarski Zdenko , Minich Andrej , Varga Viktor , Levarská Lenka , Struhárňanská Eva , Turňa Ján , Stuchlík Stanislav
Published: August 2023

Vibrio natriegens is a fast-growing, non-pathogenic marine bacterium with promising features for biotechnological applications such as high-level recombinant protein production or fast DNA propagation. A remarkable short generation time (< 10 min), robust proteosynthetic activity and versatile metabolism with abilities to utilise wide range of substrates contribute to its establishment as a future industrial platform for fermentation processes operating with high productivity.

D,D-carboxypeptidases are membrane-associated enzymes involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis and cell wall formation. This study investigates the impact of overexpressed D,D-carboxypeptidases on membrane integrity and the increased leakage of intracellular proteins into the growth medium in V. natriegens. Our findings confirm that co-expression of these enzymes can enhance membrane permeability, thereby facilitating the transport of target proteins into the extracellular environment, without the need for secretion signals, tags, or additional permeabilization methods. Using only a single step IMAC chromatography, we were able to purify AfKatG, MDBP or Taq polymerase in total yields of 117.9 ± 56.0 mg/L, 36.5 ± 12.9 mg/L and 26.5 ± 6.0 mg/L directly from growth medium, respectively. These results demonstrate the feasibility of our V. natriegens based system as a broadly applicable extracellular tag-less recombinant protein producer.
The predictive ability of technical trading rules: an empirical analysis of developed and emerging equity markets
Authors: Rink Kevin
Published: August 2023

We investigate the predictability of leading equity indices of 23 developed and 18 emerging markets with a set of 6406 technical trading rules over up to 66 years. Using a state-of-the-art test for superior predictive ability to control for data snooping bias, we find in-sample evidence for technical heuristics with significant outperformance over a simple buy-and-hold strategy in the majority of markets. The proportion of heuristics with superior performance is much higher among emerging market indices, and the predictability diminishes drastically over time in all markets. In particular, markets turn unpredictable in the last years of our sample. Moreover, the results are very sensitive to the introduction of moderate transaction costs. An out-of-sample analysis shows that the performance of technical rules is not persistent in the sense that recently best-performing rules perform significantly worse than simple buy-and-hold strategies in the future. Overall, our results cast serious doubt on whether investors could have earned any excess profits using the broad range of considered technical trading rules.
Ultrasound-derived fat fraction for detection of hepatic steatosis and quantification of liver fat content
Authors: De Robertis Riccardo , Spoto Flavio , Autelitano Daniele , Guagenti Daniela , Olivieri Antonia , Zanutto Piero , Incarbone Greta , D’Onofrio Mirko
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To compare ultrasound (US) and US-derived fat fraction (UDFF) with magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) for the detection of hepatic steatosis and quantification of liver fat content.

Materials and methods

Between October and December 2022, 149 patients scheduled for an abdominal MRI agreed to participate in this study and underwent MRI-PDFF, US and UDFF. Inclusion criteria were: (a) no chronic liver disease or jaundice; (b) no MRI motion artifacts; (c) adequate liver examination at US. Exclusion criteria were: (a) alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or jaundice; (b) MRI artifacts or insufficient US examination. The median of 10 MRI-PDFF and UDFF measurements in the right hepatic lobe was analyzed. UDFF and MRI-PDFF were compared by Bland–Altman difference plot and Pearson’s test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC-ROC) of US and UDFF were calculated using an MRI-PDFF cut-off value of 5%. p values ≤ 0.05 were statistically significant.

Results

122 patients were included (61 men, mean age 60 years, standard deviation 15 years). The median MRI-PDFF value was 4.1% (interquartile range 2.9–6); 37.7% patients had a median MRI-PDFF value ≥ 5%. UDFF and MRI-PDFF had high agreement (p = 0.11) and positive correlation (⍴ = 0.81, p < 0.001). UDFF had a higher diagnostic value than US for the detection of steatosis, with AUC-ROCs of 0.75 (95% CI 0.65, 0.84) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.42, 0.64), respectively.

Conclusions

UDFF reliably quantifies liver fat content and improves the diagnostic value of US for the detection of hepatic steatosis.
Conservation of putative transcription factor binding sites of co-expressed Plasmopara halstedii genes in two Phytophthora species
Authors: Bharti Sakshi , Thines Marco
Published: August 2023

Oomycetes, a large group of fungus-like organisms, include some destructive plant pathogens causing enormous economic damage. Phylogenetically, oomycetes belong to the kingdom Straminipila and have diverse lifestyles, including saprotrophs and both general and specialized pathogens of various eukaryotic supergroups. A rapid increase in genomic studies and next-generation sequencing technologies have led to significant progress in understanding oomycete lifestyles. However, their genetics, including transcriptional regulation, have been studied to a much lesser extent. Here, we provide a cross-species analysis of oomycete promoter for providing a first step towards elucidating gene regulation networks related to pathogenicity and life cycle stages. The clustered DNA sequences of Plasmopara halstedii transcriptome time-series expression level dataset from a preliminary study have been used as a core reference for cross-species comparisons. Using a computational pipeline, 46 potential transcription factor binding site (TFBS) motifs in 25 clusters with functionally conserved downstream genes of downy mildew and two Phytophthora species, regardless of the gene expression levels of Phytophthora transcriptomes, were found. This can now be followed up by knock-out experiments in oomycete species amenable for genetic modification.
Rethinking the Goals and Values of Nanoart During the War: an Artists’ Statement
Authors: Suchikova Yana , Kovachov Serhii
Published: August 2023

In this study, we analyze the development conditions of and trends in Ukrainian scientific art during the ongoing war with the Russian Federation. Based on our own experience, we demonstrate how the emphasis, values, and goals of scientific art shift under martial law. We also highlight the challenges and difficulties faced by Ukrainian artists and researchers who found themselves in the occupied territories. Our own experience involves the promotion of the scientific and artistic project “Nanoart. Science is art” and its transformation into a socio-patriotic project “Nanoart. New symbolism of science.” We use this example to show how trends in art, culture, and science change very quickly under critical conditions. Art during the war has military and liberation themes, while artists and scientists during the war are warriors on the cultural and scientific fronts.
Probabilistic estimation of the algebraic degree of Boolean functions
Authors: Sălăgean Ana , Reyes-Paredes Percy
Published: August 2023

The algebraic degree is an important parameter of Boolean functions used in cryptography. When a function in a large number of variables is not given explicitly in algebraic normal form, it is usually not feasible to compute its degree, so we need to estimate it. We propose a probabilistic test for deciding whether the algebraic degree of a Boolean function f is below a certain value k. If the degree is indeed below k, then f will always pass the test, otherwise f will fail each instance of the test with a probability $$\textrm{dt}_k(f)$$

dt
k

(
f
)

, which is closely related to the average number of monomials of degree k of the polynomials which are affine equivalent to f. The test has a good accuracy only if this probability $$\textrm{dt}_k(f)$$

dt
k

(
f
)

of failing the test is not too small. We initiate the study of $$\textrm{dt}_k(f)$$

dt
k

(
f
)

by showing that in the particular case when the degree of f is actually equal to k, the probability will be in the interval (0.288788, 0.5], and therefore a small number of runs of the test will be sufficient to give, with very high probability, the correct answer. Exact values of $$\textrm{dt}_k(f)$$

dt
k

(
f
)

for all the polynomials in 8 variables were computed using the representatives listed by Hou and by Langevin and Leander.
Some Isoperimetric Inequalities in the Plane with Radial Power Weights
Authors: McGillivray I.
Published: August 2023

We consider the punctured plane with volume density$$|x|^\alpha $$|x|αand perimeter density$$|x|^\beta $$|x|β. We show that centred balls are uniquely isoperimetric for indices$$(\alpha ,\beta )$$(α,β)which satisfy the conditions$$\alpha -\beta +1>0$$α-β+1>0,$$\alpha \le 2\beta $$α≤2βand$$\alpha (\beta +1)\le \beta ^2$$α(β+1)≤β2except in the case$$\alpha =\beta =0$$α=β=0which corresponds to the classical isoperimetric inequality. As an application, we verify a conjecture due to Caldiroli and Musina relating to the best constant in the Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg inequality.
Day Surgery for Spigelian Hernia Repair Under Local Anesthesia: A “Real Minimally Invasive” Surgical Approach
Authors: Zanatta Michela , Brancato Giovanna , Marano Federica , Donati Marcello
Published: August 2023

Spigelian hernia (SH) represents less than 1% of all hernias and about 0,1% of abdominal wall hernias. Although it is a very rare hernia, it has a considerably high risk of strangulation. The aim of this work is to propose the open approach based on local anesthesia on a Day Surgery regimen as a safe treatment for Spigelian Hernia surgery. We report a series of 17 clinical cases (9 men and 8 women, between 40 and 80 years old) who underwent SH open repair on a Day Surgery basis between 2004 and 2021 in our University Hospital. In our single-center case series, no early postoperative complications occurred, except for a bulky seroma of about 800 cc. No prosthesis or surgical wound infections occurred and no recurrences were observed in the early postoperative period. Looking at our experience and the literature, Spigelian hernia repair under local anesthesia on a Day Surgery regimen, using a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh, could be proposed as a safe and “real minimally invasive” approach in elective settings.
Effects of the vaccination and public support on covid-19 cases and number of deaths in Sweden
Authors: Tsionas Mike , Martins Mikael A. , Heshmati Almas
Published: August 2023

There are large variations between and within countries’ performance in coping with the Covid-19 pandemic. This study assesses the efficiency of different provinces in Sweden in managing the pandemic. Its objective to estimate the relative efficiency of provinces during the pandemic and identify the key determinants of the level and variations in their performance. Performance is measured as efficiency in keeping the number of negative outcomes low and the number of positive outcomes high for given resources. It uses a parametric distance function approach with multi-input, multi-output, and a flexible functional form for estimating the provinces’ efficiency and the variations in this efficiency over time. Variations in their performance are attributed to the observable characteristics of their socioeconomic, locational, demographic, and healthcare resources. The empirical part is based on a panel data of the population in 21 provinces observed on a weekly basis from January 2020 to September 2021. In particular, the paper estimates the effects of public support and vaccinations on a reduction in the number of deaths and the spread of new cases. The level and variations in outcomes are explained by various provinces and local and national policies. The results show large variations in provinces’ performance and their persistence/transitory nature attributed to their observable characteristics. The paper suggests some policy recommendations to help cope with the threat of the pandemic post the removal of restrictions.
Convolutionary, Evolutionary, and Revolutionary: What’s Next for Brains, Bodies, and AI?
Authors: Stratton Peter
Published: August 2023

The flexibility, adaptability, and resilience of even simple brains are unmatched by any current technology. Recent unexpected difficulties in realising truly autonomous vehicles, making reliable medical diagnoses, detecting offensive online content and even just recognising faces, show that brains remain significantly functionally more capable than we can currently emulate. Fittingly, in recent years we have made significant progress identifying computational principles that underlie neural function. We are beginning to dispense with the overly simplistic stimulus-driven encode/transmit/decode doctrine. Instead we must embrace the brain’s inherent dynamic complexity and emergent properties and explain how plasticity moulds the dynamics to capture useful couplings across brain regions and between the brain, the body, and the world. While certainly not complete, we have sufficient evidence that a synthesis of these ideas could result in a deeper understanding of neural computation and which could potentially be used to construct new AI technologies with unique capabilities. I discuss the relevant neuroscientific principles, the advantages they have for computation, and how they can benefit AI. Limitations of current AI are now generally recognised. I postulate that we understand enough about the brain to immediately offer novel AI formulations.