bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of pH on phosphorus utilisation by chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Barrow N. J. , Parvin Subhechhya Ali , Debnath Abhijit
Published: November 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is known to secrete organic anions. We investigated its effectiveness in obtaining P over a range of pH values.

Methods

We grew two cultivars of chickpea, supplied with either ammonium or nitrate nitrogen, at 10 levels of applied P, and at four initial pH values. We measured plant weight, P concentration in the tops, and rhizosphere pH. We compared the results with those previously obtained for lucerne (Medicago sativa), mustard (Brassica campestris) and rice (Oryza sativa).

Results

Above an initial pHCaCl2, of about 5, rhizosphere pH decreased; below this value it increased. The changes in pH were proportional to the amounts of P applied. They were greatest at high levels of applied P. Best growth occurred when the initial pHCaCl2 was 5.9 and when the rhizosphere pHCaCl2 was close to 5. Plots of growth against plant shoot P concentration showed little effect of low pH suggesting that aluminium toxicity was only of minor importance. Nevertheless, plant weight was severely depressed by low pH.

Conclusions

The mechanism of P uptake for chickpea seems to differ from that for lucerne, mustard and rice. The way that the charge on the phosphate ions is balanced seems to depend on the soil pH. Further, uptake is much more markedly depressed by at low pH.
Is too small always bad? the role of place attachment in harnessing location advantages
Authors: Stefano Amato , Zare Shahab , Nicola Lattanzi
Published: November 2023

Despite the economic significance of micro-enterprises, the empirical evidence on the contextual factors unlocking their growth potential is somewhat scant. This study pitches into this stream of research by linking micro-enterprises, agglomeration economies, and place attachment literature. Specifically, this research explores whether micro-enterprises benefit the most from the location in agglomerations and from having a local manager in charge of the business capturing the connections to the immediate surroundings. By drawing on secondary data from Italian manufacturing companies, our findings show that micro-enterprises are less productive than the larger ones and that having a local manager further exacerbates the productivity gap. However, the influence of place attachment on productivity reverts to positive when micro-enterprises dwell in agglomerated areas, where they are better positioned to capitalize on localization economies. Our study unveils the ambivalent effect of place attachment on productivity, allowing micro-enterprises mainly to achieve higher productivity gains from agglomerations. Theoretical contributions to contextualizing entrepreneurship research and micro-enterprises growth as well as policy and managerial implications are discussed.
Design principles to develop digital innovation skills: a design-based research approach
Authors: van den Berg Carolien , Bozalek Vivienne
Published: November 2023

The digitisation of the world has led to a multitude of far-reaching implications that require students to be prepared for the dynamic era of rapid change, complexity, fluidity, and ubiquity in which they will work at the forefront of technology. To succeed in this environment, students must be able to design and implement digital innovations within the broader spectrum of digital transformation. Despite the importance of this area, the literature shows a lack of research on how digital business innovation skills can be effectively taught to students. To address this gap, a design-based research (DBR) study was conducted using a mixed-methods design through three iterations at a South African university. The study aimed to answer the research question of how digital business innovation skills should be taught to South African Information Systems students. The study commenced with an analysis of practical problems experienced by practitioners, industry, students, and researchers and an initial review of pertinent literature. The literature review focused on the impact of digitisation on future skills requirements to inform the pedagogy, content, and technology applicable to the teaching and learning environment. The findings yielded design principles for the design of the learning environment that were tested and refined via three iterations, resulting in nine design principles. The aim was to ensure a future-oriented, industry-informed curriculum design that is relevant to the digital economy.
Die voreingenommene Deutung des Unbekannten. Das Nichtwissensregime der Pandemieberatung und der Ausschluss der Sozialwissenschaften
Authors: Knobloch Jörn
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag setzt sich mit der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung während der Anfangsphase der Coronakrise in Deutschland auseinander. Angesichts einer unbekannten virologischen Gefahr wurde Nichtwissen neu bewertet und das Verhältnis von resp. die Interaktion zwischen Politik und Wissenschaft neu organisiert. Jedoch zeigt sich bei der näheren Betrachtung der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung, dass nur wenige Disziplinen eingebunden und die Sozialwissenschaften sogar weitgehend ignoriert wurden. Zur Erklärung dieser Einseitigkeit entwickelt der Beitrag die These, dass vor allem die Absicht zur Kontrolle des Nichtwissens in der Politik und der Wissenschaft für die weitgehende Ignoranz sozialwissenschaftlicher Expertise verantwortlich war. Dazu wird zunächst in den Zusammenhang von Wissen und Nichtwissen eingeführt und werden die verschiedenen Nichtwissensstrategien in Politik und Wissenschaft vorgestellt. Daraufhin wird die Dynamik der Interaktion wissenschaftlicher Politikberatung in den ersten Wellen der Pandemie rekonstruiert. Dabei wird erstens die Entstehung und Strukturierung der Beratung beschrieben und zweitens gezeigt, wie darin Nichtwissen (nicht) bearbeitet wurde. Die Ergebnisse der Rekonstruktion werden schließlich systematisiert im Hinblick auf die Entstehung eines Nichtwissensregimes, das für die Ungleichbehandlung verschiedener Wissenschaftsdisziplinen verantwortlich war und ist. Für zukünftige Konstellationen, so das Resümee, ist der Rückgriff auf kontextualisierende Nichtwissenskonzepte der Sozialwissenschaften zu empfehlen, zumal mit Blick auf Sekundärfolgen, die weit über das kurzfristige Interesse an der Infektionseindämmung hinausweisen.
Experimental Phase Equilibria and Liquidus of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-Na2O-B2O3 Slags Relevant to E-waste Processing
Authors: Islam Md Khairul , Somerville Michael , Pownceby Mark I. , Tardio James , Bhargava Suresh , Haque Nawshad
Published: November 2023

Ternary master slags based on the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 system with CaO/SiO2 (C/S) ratio 0.3–1.0 were doped with 5–20 wt pct of anhydrous borax (Na2B4O7) to study the phase equilibria of the quinary CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-Na2O-B2O3 slag system within the temperature range 1050–1350 °C. This research uses the well-known method of high temperature equilibration of slags followed by rapid quenching. The quenched slag samples were examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Wavelength Dispersive Electron Probe Microanalysis (WD-EPMA) technique to determine the structure and to analyse the chemistry of the phases in equilibrium. The primary phase of 15 slag compositions was identified and the liquidus temperature of the slags were determined within an uncertainty range of ±10–20 °C by using an iterative approach. Overall, the liquidus temperature of slags decreased with increasing borax content with the highest liquidus reduction observed in slags having a C/S ratio 0.3 and the lowest in the slag series with C/S ratio of 1.0. A comparative analysis of the effect of borax, Na2O and B2O3 on the liquidus temperature of slags is discussed. Results indicated that although borax reduces the liquidus of ternary CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 slags, the addition of B2O3 individually showed more prominent effects than borax in reducing the slag liquidus. Anorthite (CaO.Al2O3.2SiO2), pseudowollastonite (CaO.SiO2) and gehlenite (2CaO.Al2O3.SiO2) primary phases were identified.
OAGB Bowel Function in Patients With up to 5 Years Follow-Up: Updated Outcomes
Authors: Rossoni Carina , Bragança Rossela , Santos Zélia , Viveiros Octávio , Ribeiro Rui
Published: November 2023

Objective

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is considered an effective technique in weight reduction and remission of comorbidities. However, in common with many bariatric and metabolic/bariatric procedures, gastrointestinal side effects are frequently reported, but clinical experience varies. The objective of this study was to analyze the bowel function of patients who undergo OAGB looking at 5-year postoperative outcomes.

Method

This study is cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical, developed with individuals undergoing OAGB (n = 208) in yhe period between 2015 and 2020. The time periods evaluated were 1 to 6 months (T1), 6 to 12 months (T2), and 1 to 5 years (T3). Data analysis was performed using SPSS v.28.0, considering a significance level p ≤ 0.05.

Results

114 participants (54.8%), 79.8% women, mean age 47.0 ± 12.6 years, and BMI 40.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2, 51.9% dyslipidemia, 43.6% arterial hypertension, and 19.1% diabetes mellitus. The T1 group had more severe symptoms/nausea than the T2 group. The T2 group had a significantly lower defecation frequency than the T1 and T3 groups. As for the occurrence of diarrhea, associations were not found in the considered groups. The T3 group had a greater severity of constipation associated with greater difficulty in consuming red meat, white meat, rice, vegetables, and salads.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent in the first postoperative months. However, diarrhea was not common. The patient selection policy and surgical technique were decisive in this result. Constipation was prevalent in patients between 1 and 5 postoperative years. It was also prevalent in those who had food intolerance, which from a nutritional point of view is an adverse factor for optimal bowel function.

Graphical Abstract
Durchführung und Interpretation des multiplen Schlaflatenztests (MSLT) bei Erwachsenen
Authors: Veauthier Christian , Kallweit Ulf , Schulz Hartmut , Mathis Johannes , Geisler Peter , Zaremba Sebastian , de Almeida Schreck Renata N. B. , Hillberg Andrea , Todorova-Rudolph Anelia , Brandt Moritz , Heidbreder Anna , Mayer Geert ,   die AG Hypersomnie
Published: November 2023

Der multiple Schlaflatenztest (MSLT) ist ein diagnostisches Instrument zur objektiven Bestimmung der Einschlafneigung am Tage. Er dient der Differentialdiagnostik der Narkolepsie, Hypersomnie und anderen Erkrankungen mit gesteigerter Tagesschläfrigkeit. Mittels Elektroenzephalographie, Elektromyographie des Kinns und Elektrookulographie werden in diesem Einschlaftest die durchschnittliche Einschlaflatenz sowie das Auftreten von REM-Schlaf, unter idealen Schlafbedingungen in einem abgedunkelten Raum mit der Aufforderung einzuschlafen, gemessen. Er wird tagsüber nach einer Polysomnographie in der vorausgehenden Nacht durchgeführt und besteht aus fünf standardisierten Testdurchgängen im Abstand von jeweils zwei Stunden. Medikamente, Schlafentzug sowie stimulierende Substanzen oder Aktivitäten können die Ergebnisse des Tests beeinflussen. Im Jahr 2021 wurde die MSLT-Leitlinie seitens der American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) aktualisiert. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt die aktualisierte Richtlinie vor und kommentiert diese.
In-vitro Antimicrobial Study of Non/irradiated Ylang-ylang Essential Oil Against Multi Drug Resistant Pathogens with Reference to Microscopic Morphological Alterations
Authors: Elkenawy Nora Mohamed , Soliman Mahmoud Abdel Wahab , El-behery Reham Rashad
Published: November 2023

Essential oils have proven to possess great potential in the field of biomedicine due to their ability to effectively eradicate a diverse range of pathogenic microbes. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of ylang-ylang essential oil (YY-EO) was screened against twelve multidrug-resistant pathogens. The YY-EO was effective up to 536 μg/ml, with the highest inhibition zone in case of S. aureus MMCC21 and Escherichia coli MMCC24. The least effect on both Bacillus cereus MMCC11 and Klebsiella pneumonia MMCC16. The major components of the essential oil were identified using GC–MS analysis. Different gamma irradiation doses against the YY-EO were evaluated as a tool of natural decontamination. Moreover, the antimicrobial assay after irradiation proved no significant changes regarding the antimicrobial activity before and after irradiation of EO at the applied dose. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the EO against the tested pathogens was detected. The possible morphological changes in some of the bacterial and yeast cells at the recognized MIC and 2MIC were detected using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results revealed a notable change in terms of both the microbial cell population and the morphology of the tested bacterial and yeast cells. The cytotoxicity of ylang-ylang EO was evaluated against normal skin tissue culture and showed a potential cytotoxic effect at concentrated doses. These results refer to the importance of YY-EO as a natural antimicrobial agent and the possible application of YY-EO as a surface decontaminant, but they also draw attention to the importance of the EO concentration used in different applications to avoid possible toxic effects.
Who studies religion? Towards a better conversation between Theology, Religious Studies, and Religious Education
Authors: Benoit Céline , Hutchings Tim
Published: November 2023

This paper calls for better integration between the fields of Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) and Religious Education (RE). Positive reform in RE requires integration between educational theory, policy, and practice, but we argue that the academic study of theology and religion is too often an overlooked partner in these conversations. The separation of TRS from RE is damaging at all levels of the curriculum, undermining the rigour and critical depth of school syllabi, cutting TRS and RE specialists off from valuable intellectual discussion, and leaving university departments unprepared to properly support student progression. This destructive divergence has long been observed (e.g. Cush in Br J Relig Educ 21:137–146, 1999), but this paper proposes that the emerging paradigm of Religion and Worldviews Education (RWE) has encouraged important progress. The advent of RWE has generated new interest among RE specialists in the theory and practice of multidisciplinary TRS. It has also created space for TRS academics from many fields to engage with teachers and policymakers in productive conversations. To illustrate this argument, we highlight some examples of good practice and suggest future work through which links might be strengthened.
Solving stationary inverse heat conduction in a thin plate
Authors: Chepkorir Jennifer , Berntsson Fredrik , Kozlov Vladimir
Published: November 2023

We consider a steady state heat conduction problem in a thin plate. In the application, it is used to connect two cylindrical containers and fix their relative positions. At the same time it serves to measure the temperature on the inner cylinder. We derive a two dimensional mathematical model, and use it to approximate the heat conduction in the thin plate. Since the plate has sharp edges on the sides the resulting problem is described by a degenerate elliptic equation. To find the temperature in the interior part from the exterior measurements, we formulate the problem as a Cauchy problem for stationary heat equation. We also reformulate the Cauchy problem as an operator equation, with a compact operator, and apply the Landweber iteration method to solve the equation. The case of the degenerate elliptic equation has not been previously studied in this context. For numerical computation, we consider the case where noisy data is present and analyse the convergence.
Revealing melt-vapor-powder interaction towards laser powder bed fusion process via DEM-CFD coupled model
Authors: Yuan Weihao , Chen Hui , Peng Chong , Lupoi Rocco , Yin Shuo
Published: November 2023

During the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, powder spattering is a crucial phenomenon to consider. This primarily arises from the intense interaction between the laser and the material. The ensuing metal vapor, induced by the evaporation process, plays a pivotal role in instigating powder spatter, which significantly impacts the quality of the resultant part. One of the pressing challenges in the field is the capture and quantitative investigation of the interplay between the melt, vapor, and powder. Such lack of clarity impedes our path to achieving defect-minimized LPBF production. In this study, we propose a physics-based model that elucidates the integrated interaction of vapor, melt, and powder using a coupled DEM-CFD approach. Our findings indicate that the vapor flow undergoes four distinct states: initialization, continuation, transition, and interruption. These states correlate closely with the progression of vapor-induced depressions and powder spattering. As compared to the existing experimental data, our model provides a more precise and comprehensive understanding of vapor flow states and their associated velocity magnitudes. Furthermore, we identify three distinct patterns of powder spatter: inward, upward, and outward flows, where powder inward flow is mainly caused by shielding gas, while the upward and outward patterns are induced by metal vapor.
Financial literacy and its determinants and consequences: New survey evidence from Finland
Authors: Vaahtoniemi Saara , Buturak Gökhan , Kalmi Panu , Ruuskanen Olli-Pekka
Published: November 2023

We examine financial literacy in Finland and its connection with various financial outcomes using novel survey data collected in 2023. While the overall Finnish financial literacy level is about average among the OECD countries, there is significant heterogeneity within the population. Women have lower financial literacy than men. The young and the old have lower financial literacy than respondents in their prime working age, and entrepreneurs have higher financial literacy than other groups. Financial literacy is also correlated with higher educational levels. We further study the relationship between financial literacy and a number of economic outcome variables. We find financial literacy to be negatively related to coping with a major expense, facing an income shock, and with perceived over-indebtedness. However, we do not find a statistically significant relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning in Finland.
Financial literacy and financial wellbeing: Evidence from Peru and Uruguay
Authors: Estrada-Mejia Catalina , Mejía Diana , Córdoba Paula
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we provide an analysis of financial literacy in Peru and Uruguay. We find that the knowledge of simple concepts at the basis of financial decision-making is low in both countries. Not only is financial illiteracy widespread, but it is particularly acute among women, rural populations, the less educated, low-income people, the self-employed, the not employed, younger people (in the case of Peru), and older people (in the case of Uruguay). We also find that financial literacy is linked to measures of financial wellbeing: those who are financially literate are more likely to be able to save and plan for retirement in both countries. In addition, we find a relationship between knowledge of specific concepts and key financial behaviors. Lastly, we find a relationship between financial literacy and financial resilience
Cross-stream oscillations in the granular flow through a vertical channel
Authors: Debnath Bhanjan , Kesava Rao K. , Kumaran V.
Published: November 2023

The gravity flow of a granular material between two vertical walls separated by a width

$2W$

is simulated using the discrete element method (DEM). Periodic boundary conditions are applied in the flow (vertical) and the other horizontal directions. The mass flow rate is controlled by specifying the average solids fraction

$\bar {\phi }$

, the ratio of the volume of the particles to the volume of the channel. A steady fully developed state can be achieved for a narrow range of

$\bar {\phi }$

,

$\bar {\phi }_{max} \geq \bar {\phi } \geq \bar {\phi }_{cr}$

, and the material is in free fall for

$\bar {\phi } < \bar {\phi }_{min}$

. For an intermediate range of

$\bar {\phi }$

(

$\bar {\phi }_{cr} > \bar {\phi } \geq \bar {\phi }_{min}$

), there are oscillations in the horizontal coordinate of the centre of mass, velocity components and stress. As

$\bar {\phi }$

decreases in the range

$\bar {\phi }_{cr} > \bar {\phi } \geq \bar {\phi }_{min}$

, the amplitude of the oscillations increases proportional to

$\sqrt {\bar {\phi }_{cr} - \bar {\phi }}$

and the frequency appears to tend to a non-zero value as

$\bar {\phi } \rightarrow \bar {\phi }_{cr}$

, indicating a supercritical Hopf bifurcation. The relation between the dominant frequency and the higher harmonics of the position, velocity and stress fluctuations are explained using the momentum balance. It is found that dissipation in the inter-particle and particle–wall contacts is critical for the presence of an oscillatory state.
Energy cascade in the Garrett–Munk spectrum of internal gravity waves
Authors: Wu Yue , Pan Yulin
Published: November 2023

We study the spectral energy transfer due to wave–triad interactions in the Garrett–Munk spectrum of internal gravity waves based on a numerical evaluation of the collision integral in the wave kinetic equation. Our numerical evaluation builds on the reduction of the collision integral on the resonant manifold for a horizontally isotropic spectrum. We evaluate directly the downscale energy flux available for ocean mixing, whose value is in close agreement with the finescale parameterization. We further decompose the energy transfer into contributions from different mechanisms, including local interactions and three types of non-local interactions, namely parametric subharmonic instability, elastic scattering (ES) and induced diffusion (ID). Through analysis on the role of each mechanism, we resolve two long-standing paradoxes regarding the mechanism for forward cascade in frequency and zero ID flux for the GM76 spectrum. In addition, our analysis estimates the contribution of each mechanism to the energy transfer in each spectral direction, and reveals new understanding of the importance of local interactions and ES in the energy transfer.
Gray matter atrophy is constrained by normal structural brain network architecture in depression
Authors: Han Shaoqiang , Fang Keke , Zheng Ruiping , Li Shuying , Zhou Bingqian , Sheng Wei , Wen Baohong , Liu Liang , Wei Yarui , Chen Yuan , Chen Huafu , Cui Qian , Cheng Jingliang , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2023

Background

There is growing evidence that gray matter atrophy is constrained by normal brain network (or connectome) architecture in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, whether this finding holds true in individuals with depression remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between gray matter atrophy and normal connectome architecture at individual level in depression.

Methods

In this study, 297 patients with depression and 256 healthy controls (HCs) from two independent Chinese dataset were included: a discovery dataset (105 never-treated first-episode patients and matched 130 HCs) and a replication dataset (106 patients and matched 126 HCs). For each patient, individualized regional atrophy was assessed using normative model and brain regions whose structural connectome profiles in HCs most resembled the atrophy patterns were identified as putative epicenters using a backfoward stepwise regression analysis.

Results

In general, the structural connectome architecture of the identified disease epicenters significantly explained 44% (±16%) variance of gray matter atrophy. While patients with depression demonstrated tremendous interindividual variations in the number and distribution of disease epicenters, several disease epicenters with higher participation coefficient than randomly selected regions, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and medial frontal gyrus were significantly shared by depression. Other brain regions with strong structural connections to the disease epicenters exhibited greater vulnerability. In addition, the association between connectome and gray matter atrophy uncovered two distinct subgroups with different ages of onset.

Conclusions

These results suggest that gray matter atrophy is constrained by structural brain connectome and elucidate the possible pathological progression in depression.
PERFORMANCE OF EMPIRICAL RISK MINIMIZATION FOR LINEAR REGRESSION WITH DEPENDENT DATA
Authors: Brownlees Christian , Guđmundsson Guđmundur Stefán
Published: November 2023

This paper establishes bounds on the performance of empirical risk minimization for large-dimensional linear regression. We generalize existing results by allowing the data to be dependent and heavy-tailed. The analysis covers both the cases of identically and heterogeneously distributed observations. Our analysis is nonparametric in the sense that the relationship between the regressand and the regressors is not specified. The main results of this paper show that the empirical risk minimizer achieves the optimal performance (up to a logarithmic factor) in a dependent data setting.
A special case of Vu’s conjecture: colouring nearly disjoint graphs of bounded maximum degree
Authors: Kelly Tom , Kühn Daniela , Osthus Deryk
Published: November 2023

A collection of graphs is nearly disjoint if every pair of them intersects in at most one vertex. We prove that if
$G_1, \dots, G_m$
are nearly disjoint graphs of maximum degree at most
$D$
, then the following holds. For every fixed
$C$
, if each vertex
$v \in \bigcup _{i=1}^m V(G_i)$
is contained in at most
$C$
of the graphs
$G_1, \dots, G_m$
, then the (list) chromatic number of
$\bigcup _{i=1}^m G_i$
is at most
$D + o(D)$
. This result confirms a special case of a conjecture of Vu and generalizes Kahn’s bound on the list chromatic index of linear uniform hypergraphs of bounded maximum degree. In fact, this result holds for the correspondence (or DP) chromatic number and thus implies a recent result of Molloy and Postle, and we derive this result from a more general list colouring result in the setting of ‘colour degrees’ that also implies a result of Reed and Sudakov.
Politics in the street: the materiality of urban public spaces in Renaissance Italy
Authors: Rospocher Massimo , Valseriati Enrico
Published: November 2023

In Renaissance Italy, the political power of authorities found one of its expressions in material symbols of sovereignty. The placing of inscriptions, sculptures and columns and the commissioning of frescoes in streets, piazzas and public spaces, for example, were essential ways of communicating political or spiritual authority to the populace. Sometimes perceived as representations of a top-down form of communication, in the urban context these same material emblems of power became political objects through which to express dissent, as in the case of public loggias, speaking statues or graffiti on walls and civic palaces. Presenting case-studies from various cities in northern Italy, this article investigates the dialectics between the people and the authorities in the urban fabric, especially in everyday life. Combining a spatial and a material approach to politics, this article reveals the dynamic and relational nature of political public spaces.
Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to inform development of a Dissemination and Implementation science training for nutrition practitioners
Authors: Walker Ayron E , Totzkay Daniel , Scarneo-Miller Samantha E , Claydon Elizabeth A , Olfert Melissa D
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To determine nutrition practitioners’ attitudes, behavioural control and normative beliefs to best inform the development and formulation of a nutrition-specific Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science training.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey aimed to assess Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs and intention to use D&I science. A validated TPB questionnaire assessed constructs including perceived behavioural control, subjective, injunctive and descriptive normative beliefs, attitudes and intention to use D&I science. For analysis, Spearman’s ρ, Kruskal–Wallis and Steel–Dwass tests were conducted for quantitative variables.

Setting:

Online, 26-item Qualtrics survey.

Participants:

Cross-sectional sample of members (n 70) affiliated with the Society for Nutrition Education and Behaviour listserv.

Results:

The major finding from this study was a significant positive correlation between perceived behavioural control score and intention (r = 0·315, P = 0·0119).

Conclusions:

D&I training interventions could formulate learning and teaching strategies to target perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy, knowledge and ability) to enhance intention. For example, application and experience-based learning techniques trainings could be strategies to increase knowledge and abilities.
A New Approach for Real‐Time Erupted Volume Estimation From High‐Precision Strain Detection Validated by Satellite Topographic Monitoring
Authors: Bonaccorso Alessandro , Carleo Luigi , Currenti Gilda , Bilotta Giuseppe , Cappello Annalisa , Ganci Gaetana
Published: November 2023

Timely estimations of magma volumes emitted during an eruption or a sequence of explosive events are vital for investigating the eruptive activity and evaluating the associated hazard. A reliable method for estimating erupted volumes is based on the analysis of digital surface models that nowadays can be obtained subsequently using stereo or tri‐stereo optical satellite imagery. However, the real‐time estimation of the erupted volumes is still an open challenge. Here, we explore the capacity of extracting volume estimates from continuous measurements of volumetric strain changes recorded by borehole dilatometers. We compare the volumes derived from numerous high spatial resolution satellite images with high precision strain records at Etna during 2020–2022, when more than 60 lava fountains occurred. The good correlation between the two data sets shows that strain changes can be used as a proxy to estimate the emitted volumes both over time and in real‐time.
Tunable parity-time symmetry vortex laser from a phase change material-based microcavity
Authors: Su Ying , Fan Hongji , Zhang Shitong , Cao Tun
Published: November 2023

Traditional light sources cannot emit an electromagnetic (EM) field with an orbital angular momentum (OAM), limiting their applications in modern optics. The recent development of the OAM laser, mainly based on micro- and nanostructures, can satisfy the increasing requirements for on-chip photonics and information capacities. Nevertheless, the photonic structures have fixed parameters that prevent these OAM lasers from being dynamically tuned. Here, we propose tunable vortex lasing from a microring cavity integrated by a phase change material, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST225). By modulating the complex refractive index to create an exceptional point (EP) to break the degeneracy of whispering gallery modes with opposite orientations, the microlaser working at the EP can impart an artificial angular momentum, thus emitting vortex beams with well-defined OAM. The grating scatter on the edge of the microring can provide efficient vertical radiation. The vortex laser wavelength from the GST225/InGaAsP dual-layered microring cavity can be dynamically tuned by switching the state of GST225 between amorphous and crystalline without changing the microring geometry. We construct an electric-thermal model to show the tuning range of operating wavelengths (EPs) from 1544.5 to 1565.9 nm in ~25 ns. Our study on high-speed tunable PT-symmetry vortex lasers facilitates the next generation of integrated optoelectronic devices for optical computing and communications in both classical and quantum regions.
Integrating a microRNA signature as a liquid biopsy-based tool for the early diagnosis and prediction of potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Shi Wenjie , Wartmann Thomas , Accuffi Sara , Al-Madhi Sara , Perrakis Aristotelis , Kahlert Christoph , Link Alexander , Venerito Marino , Keitel-Anselmino Verena , Bruns Christiane , Croner Roland S. , Zhao Yue , Kahlert Ulf D.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive cancer, and early diagnosis significantly improves patient prognosis due to the early implementation of curative-intent surgery. Our study aimed to implement machine-learning algorithms to aid in early pancreatic cancer diagnosis based on minimally invasive liquid biopsies.

Materials and methods

The analysis data were derived from nine public pancreatic cancer miRNA datasets and two sequencing datasets from 26 pancreatic cancer patients treated in our medical center, featuring small RNAseq data for patient-matched tumor and non-tumor samples and serum. Upon batch-effect removal, systematic analyses for differences between paired tissue and serum samples were performed. The robust rank aggregation (RRA) algorithm was used to reveal feature markers that were co-expressed by both sample types. The repeatability and real-world significance of the enriched markers were then determined by validating their expression in our patients’ serum. The top candidate markers were used to assess the accuracy of predicting pancreatic cancer through four machine learning methods. Notably, these markers were also applied for the identification of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. Finally, we explored the clinical prognostic value, candidate targets and predict possible regulatory cell biology mechanisms involved.

Results

Our multicenter analysis identified hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-205-5p, and hsa-miR-191-5p as promising candidate serum biomarkers to identify pancreatic cancer. In the test dataset, the accuracy values of the prediction model applied via four methods were 94.4%, 84.9%, 82.3%, and 83.3%, respectively. In the real-world study, the accuracy values of this miRNA signatures were 82.3%, 83.5%, 79.0%, and 82.2. Moreover, elevated levels of these miRNAs were significant indicators of advanced disease stage and allowed the discrimination of pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer with an accuracy rate of 91.5%. Elevated expression of hsa-miR-205-5p, a previously undescribed blood marker for pancreatic cancer, is associated with negative clinical outcomes in patients.

Conclusion

A panel of three miRNAs was developed with satisfactory statistical and computational performance in real-world data. Circulating hsa-miRNA 205-5p serum levels serve as a minimally invasive, early detection tool for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and disease staging and might help monitor therapy success.
Cationic ring-opening copolymerization of a cyclic acetal and γ-butyrolactone: monomer sequence transformation and polymerization–depolymerization control by vacuuming or temperature changes
Authors: Takebayashi Kana , Kanazawa Arihiro , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: November 2023

Polymerization–depolymerization equilibrium is a promising strategy for the construction of polymerization systems through which sustainable polymers can undergo reversible polymer–monomer transformations. In this study, we perform monomer sequence transformation and copolymer depolymerization, which are based on transacetalization reactions and polymerization–depolymerization equilibrium, in the cationic ring-opening copolymerization of 2-methyl-1,3-dioxepane and γ-butyrolactone with a protonic acid. The removal of monomer molecules from the copolymerization solution by vacuuming with a vacuum pump caused monomer sequence to transform into pseudo-alternating copolymer chains and subsequently depolymerize into oligomers. Increasing the temperature during copolymerization also resulted in depolymerization, while copolymers were regenerated by the subsequent decrease in temperature.
Two sympatric lineages of Australian Cnestus solidus share Ambrosiella symbionts but not Wolbachia
Authors: Bickerstaff James R. M. , Jordal Bjarte H. , Riegler Markus
Published: November 2023

Sympatric lineages of inbreeding species provide an excellent opportunity to investigate species divergence patterns and processes. Many ambrosia beetle lineages (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) reproduce by predominant inbreeding through sib mating in nests excavated in woody plant parts wherein they cultivate symbiotic ambrosia fungi as their sole source of nutrition. The Xyleborini ambrosia beetle species Cnestus solidus and Cnestus pseudosolidus are sympatrically distributed across eastern Australia and have overlapping morphological variation. Using multilocus sequencing analysis of individuals collected from 19 sites spanning their sympatric distribution, we assessed their phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic status and microbial symbionts. We found no genetic differentiation between individuals morphologically identified as C. solidus and C. pseudosolidus confirming previous suggestions that C. pseudosolidus is synonymous to C. solidus. However, within C. solidus we unexpectedly discovered the sympatric coexistence of two morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct lineages with small nuclear yet large mitochondrial divergence. At all sites except one, individuals of both lineages carried the same primary fungal symbiont, a new Ambrosiella species, indicating that fungal symbiont differentiation may not be involved in lineage divergence. One strain of the maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia was found at high prevalence in individuals of the more common lineage but not in the other, suggesting that it may influence host fitness. Our data suggest that the two Australian Cnestus lineages diverged allopatrically, and one lineage then acquired Wolbachia. Predominant inbreeding and Wolbachia infection may have reinforced reproductive barriers between these two lineages after their secondary contact contributing to their current sympatric distribution.
A comparative numerical evaluation of linear anode arrangements for enhancing above ground storage tank cathodic protection via mesh grid and concentric ring designs
Authors: Shirshahi Mohammad Javad , Chini Seyed Farshid , Taheri Peyman , Mansouri Abraham
Published: November 2023

Cathodic protection as a complementary method is one of the most effective ways to prevent corrosion, along with coating and choosing the suitable material. There are different ways to protect the storage tank bottom. Due to the presence of the geo membrane layer and its effective and pivotal role, the use of mixed metal oxide (MMO) anodes is highly recommended. In the current study, the protection process of the above-ground storage tank bottom is simulated using MMO backfilled wire (concentric rings) and ribbon anodes (mesh grid system). In this regard, several parameters must be considered in reaching the protection criteria. The simulation results show that the effect of the limiting oxygen current density, soil resistivity and the anodic current have the greatest role. Anode depth and the spacing between the anodes are also critical factors if they have large values. Due to the importance of the number of conductor bars and feeding cables, two configurations have been presented for ribbon anodes. These configurations have a direct impact on grid resistance, rectifier size, and related costs. Finally, an economic comparison has been made regarding the use of sacrificial and MMO anodes in the form of ribbon next to wire anodes. The results show that, in the use of ribbon anodes, MMO anodes have better performance than magnesium and zinc sacrificial anodes, and the cost required for MMO linear anodes is far lower than the method of sacrificial ribbon anodes. In the present study, the cost of the MMO linear anode system is approximately 20% of zinc and magnesium sacrificial ribbon anode system cost.
Swarm of lightsail nanosatellites for Solar System exploration
Authors: Santi Giovanni , Corso Alain J. , Garoli Denis , Lio Giuseppe Emanuele , Manente Marco , Favaro Giulio , Bazzan Marco , Piotto Giampaolo , Andriolli Nicola , Strambini Lucanos , Pavarin Daniele , Badia Leonardo , Proietti Zaccaria Remo , Lubin Philip , Ragazzoni Roberto , Pelizzo Maria G.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a study for the realization of a space mission which employs nanosatellites driven by an external laser source impinging on an optimized lightsail, as a valuable technology to launch swarms of spacecrafts into the Solar System. Nanosatellites propelled by laser can be useful for heliosphere exploration and for planetary observation, if suitably equipped with sensors, or be adopted for the establishment of network systems when placed into specific orbits. By varying the area-to-mass ratio (i.e. the ratio between the sail area and the payload weight) and the laser power, it is possible to insert nanosatellites into different hyperbolic orbits with respect to Earth, thus reaching the target by means of controlled trajectories in a relatively short amount of time. A mission involving nanosatellites of the order of 1 kg of mass is envisioned, by describing all the on-board subsystems and satisfying all the requirements in terms of power and mass budget. Particular attention is paid to the telecommunication subsystem, which must offer all the necessary functionalities. To fabricate the lightsail, the thin films technology has been considered, by verifying the sail’s thermal stability during the thrust phase. Moreover, the problem of mechanical stability of the lightsail has been tackled, showing that the distance between the ligthsail structure and the payload plays a pivotal role. Some potential applications of the proposed technology are discussed, such as the mapping of the heliospheric environment.
Cystatin C based estimation of chronic kidney disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the ALS registry Swabia: associated risk and prognostic value
Authors: Nagel Gabriele , Kurz Deborah , Peter Raphael S. , Rosenbohm Angela , Koenig Wolfgang , Dupuis Luc , Bäzner Hansjörg , Börtlein Axel , Dempewolf Silke , Schabet Martin , Hecht Martin , Kohler Andreas , Opherk Christian , Naegele Andrea , Sommer Norbert , Lindner Alfred , Tumani Hayrettin , Ludolph Albert C. , Rothenbacher Dietrich
Published: November 2023

Kidney function as part of metabolic changes could be associated with amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the associations between estimated chronic kidney disease (CKD), based on the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) cystatin C equation, and the risk at onset and prognostic value of CKD for ALS. Between October 2010 and June 2014, 362 ALS cases (59.4% men, mean age 65.7 years) and 681 controls (59.5% men, means age 66.3 years) were included in a population-based case–control study based on the ALS registry Swabia in Southern Germany. All ALS cases were followed-up (median 89.7 months), 317 died. Serum samples were measured for cystatin C to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to the CKD-EPI equation. Information on covariates were assessed by an interview-based standardized questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to calculate odds ratios (OR) for risk of ALS associated with eGFR/CKD stages. Time-to-death associated with renal parameters at baseline was assessed in ALS cases only. ALS cases were characterized by lower body mass index, slightly lower smoking prevalence, more intense occupational work and lower education than controls. Median serum cystatin-C based eGFR concentrations were lower in ALS cases than in controls (54.0 vs. 59.5 mL/min pro 1.73 m2). The prevalence of CKD stage ≥ 3 was slightly higher in ALS cases than in controls (14.1 vs. 11.0%). In the adjusted models, CKD stage 2 (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32, 2.52) and stage 3 (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.38, 3.96) were associated with increased ALS risk. In this cohort of ALS cases, eGFR and CKD stage ≥ 3 (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.64, 1.38) were not associated with prognosis. In this case–control study, higher CKD stages were associated with increased ALS risk, while in the prospective cohort of ALS cases, no indication of an association of CysC-based CKD on mortality was seen. In addition, our work strengthens the importance to evaluate renal function using a marker independent of muscle mass in ALS patients.
Myristoylated, alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) regulates toll-like receptor 4 signaling in macrophages
Authors: Issara-Amphorn Jiraphorn , Sjoelund Virginie H. , Smelkinson Margery , Montalvo Sebastian , Yoon Sung Hwan , Manes Nathan P. , Nita-Lazar Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

MARCKS (myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate) is a membrane-associated protein expressed in many cell types, including macrophages. MARCKS is functionally implicated in cell adhesion, phagocytosis, and inflammation. LPS (lipopolysaccharide) triggers inflammation via TLR4 (toll-like receptor 4).The presence of MARCKS and the formation of phospho-MARCKS in various cell types have been described, but the role(s) of MARCKS in regulating macrophage functions remain unclear. We investigated the role of MARCKS in inflammation. Confocal microscopy revealed that MARCKS and phospho-MARCKS increased localization to endosomes and the Golgi apparatus upon LPS stimulation.CRISPR-CAS9 mediated knockout of MARCKS in macrophages downregulated the production of TNF and IL6, suggesting a role for MARCKS in inflammatory responses. Our comprehensive proteomics analysis together with real-time metabolic assays comparing LPS-stimulation of WT and MARCKS knock-out macrophages provided insights into the involvement of MARCKS in specific biological processes including innate immune response, inflammatory response, cytokine production, and molecular functions such as extracellularly ATP-gated cation channel activity, electron transfer activity and oxidoreductase activity, uncovering specific proteins involved in regulating MARCKS activity upon LPS stimulation. MARCKS appears to be a key regulator of inflammation whose inhibition might be beneficial for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory diseases.