bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bienestar eudaimónico y meditación mindfulness en los contextos laborales: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Carmona-Rincón Isaac , García Palacios Azucena , Segovia Vázquez Santiago
Published: June 2023

This systematic review analyzes the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on variables related to eudaimonic well-being in organizational contexts. A search for relevant publications was conducted in the PsycInfo, Pubmed, and ProQuest databases, ranging from January 2009 to December 2019. The search terms included variables related to Ryff's psychological well-being model (2018) (e.g., resilience, maturity, wisdom, autonomy, etc.). 9006 studies were reviewed following the PRISMA guidelines, of which 16 were included. Nine psychological variables related to eudaimonia were identified. The studies differed in the type of MBI, duration of the intervention, time of practice and eudaimonic variables evaluated. MBIs are effective, with medium effect sizes, to improve self-acceptance, positive relationships, and personal growth. However, high-quality studies are needed.

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los efectos de las intervenciones basadas en mindfulness (IBMs) sobre variables relacionadas con el bienestar eudaimónico en contextos laborales. Para ello, se realizó una revisión sistemática de ensayos controlados aleatorizados, efectuándose una búsqueda de publicaciones relevantes en las bases de datos PsycInfo, Pubmed y ProQuest (acotando desde enero de 2009 a diciembre de 2019). Los términos de búsqueda incluyeron variables relacionadas con la eudaimonia (p. ej. resilience, maturity, wisdom, etc.). 9006 estudios fueron revisados, de los que 16 fueron incluidos finalmente. Se identificaron 9 variables psicológicas relacionadas con el modelo de bienestar eudaimónico de Ryff (2018). Los estudios diferían en el tipo de IBM, duración de la intervención, tiempo de práctica y variables eudaimónicas evaluadas. En general, las IBMs son eficaces, con tamaños de efecto medios, para mejorar autoaceptación, relaciones positivas y crecimiento personal. No obstante, son necesarios nuevos estudios de mayor calidad.
The social perspective of euthanasia in Spain: variables that predict attitudes towards euthanasia
Authors: Montañés Muro Pilar , Soriano Mª Eugenia , Manzano-García Guadalupe
Published: June 2023

The debate surrounding whether or not euthanasia should be a legal practice has been present in Spanish society since the 90’s. Recently, the Spanish government has passed Organic Law 3/2021 on the regulation of euthanasia.  In relation to this question, which has raised and continues to raise controversy among both public opinion and the political and legal world, this work explores the relation of the different variables to the attitudes of the Spanish public towards euthanasia. For this purpose, 182 people residing in Spain took part in the study.  The results indicate that there are no differences with regard to the age or gender of the participants in their attitudes towards euthanasia. Those who hold religious beliefs (irrespective of their religion) hold less favourable attitudes towards euthanasia than non-believers. Political orientation also relates to attitudes towards euthanasia. Finally, trust in the country’s health system and people’s empathic concern is also related to their attitudes towards euthanasia. At this point in time, when euthanasia has only just been regulated and starts to be put into practice in this country, it is of vital importance to consider the social perspective of euthanasia.

El debate sobre si la eutanasia debe ser o no una práctica legal está presente en la sociedad española desde los años 90. Recientemente, el gobierno español ha aprobado la Ley Orgánica 3/2021 sobre la regulación de la eutanasia. En relación con esta cuestión, que ha suscitado y sigue suscitando polémica tanto en la opinión pública como en el mundo político y jurídico, este trabajo explora la relación de las diferentes variables con las actitudes del público español hacia la eutanasia. Para ello, participaron en el estudio 182 personas residentes en España. Los resultados indican que no existen diferencias en cuanto a la edad o el sexo de los participantes en sus actitudes hacia la eutanasia. Las personas creyentes (independientemente de la religión) tienen actitudes menos favorables hacia la eutanasia que las personas no creyentes. La orientación política también se relaciona con las actitudes hacia la eutanasia. Finalmente, la confianza en el sistema de salud del país y la preocupación empática de las personas también está relacionada con sus actitudes hacia la eutanasia. La eutanasia acaba de aprobarse en España y se empieza a poner en práctica, es de vital importancia considerar la perspectiva social de la eutanasia.
The relationship between psychological distress, meaning in life, and life satisfaction in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kartol Aslı , Söner Osman , D. Griffiths Mark
Published: June 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fear of being infected, losing relatives, and measures taken to prevent contamination (e.g., lockdowns, quarantining, spatial distancing, etc.) have all increased the risk of depression, anxiety and stress. In the present study, the relationship between psychological distress, meaning in life, and life satisfaction was explored among individuals who were infected and not infected with COVID-19 during the pandemic. The present study is the first to examine these variables simultaneously. The sample comprised 687 adult individuals over the age of 18 years (mean=30.51 years). Results indicated that adult individuals with high life satisfaction had lower levels of psychological distress, find life more meaningful, and seek meaning less. Psychological distress was positively related with the search for meaning in life and negatively related with the existence of meaning in life. Moreover, depressive symptoms and the existence of meaning in life were significant predictors of life satisfaction.

Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, el miedo a infectarse, perder a familiares y las medidas tomadas para prevenir la contaminación (por ejemplo, cierres, cuarentenas, distanciamiento espacial, etc.) han aumentado el riesgo de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. En el presente estudio, se exploró la relación entre la angustia psicológica, el significado de la vida y la satisfacción con la vida entre personas infectadas y no infectadas con COVID-19 durante la pandemia. El presente estudio es el primero en examinar estas variables simultáneamente. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 687 adultos mayores de 18 años (media = 30,51 años). Los resultados indicaron que las personas adultas con una alta satisfacción con la vida tenían niveles más bajos de angustia psicológica, encontraban la vida más significativa y buscaban menos el significado. El malestar psicológico se relacionó positivamente con la búsqueda de sentido en la vida y negativamente con la existencia de sentido en la vida. Además, la depresión y la existencia de sentido en la vida fueron predictores significativos de la satisfacción con la vida.
Belonging to the Individual or the Collective? The Urban Residence as a Public/Private Building in Renaissance Italy (1300-1500)
Authors: De Raedt Nele
Published: June 2023

This article explores the public/private character of the urban residences of the social and political elite in Renaissance Italy. The public-private dichotomy is not understood here in terms of accessibility or openness, but in terms of ownership and belonging. Although the residence was owned by the private family, it also belonged to the urban and civic community, as well as the communal authorities. Praise for urban residences in written sources are both an expression and an active contribution to this phenomenon. Such praise presented urban residences as ornaments of the city that made a fundamental contribution to its splendour and beauty. Urban residences also assumed an increasingly prominent position in the urban fabric, along those roads that the political authorities developed into the representational face of the city. Finally, financing mechanisms led to a more ambiguous status of the urban residence as a public/private building. In several cities, communal authorities financed, in part or in full, the construction of such buildings. By exploring the public/private character of urban residential architecture in Renaissance Italy in terms of ownership and belonging, this article contributes to the many studies that have already explored this topic, but mainly in terms of design and use.
Non-tetrapod sarcopterygians from the Valentia Slate Formation (Givetian, Devonian) of the Iveragh Peninsula, south-western Ireland: systematic reappraisal and palaeobiogeographic implications
Authors: Dupret Vincent , Byrne Hannah , Challands Tom , Hammer Øyvind , Higgs Kenneth , Long John , Niedźwiedzki Grzegorz , Qvarnström Martin , Stössel Iwan , Ahlberg Per Erik
Published: June 2023

The Middle Devonian (Givetian) Valentia Slate Formation in the Iveragh Peninsula, southwest Ireland, is more renowned for the second oldest record of tetrapod trackways in the world than for its heavily metamorphosed bone remains. The present study focuses on new discoveries of non-tetrapod sarcopterygian fish fossils from the Valentia Slate Formation. Micro-CT scanning technology allows a re-interpretation of a previously published acanthodian fin spine as a fanged coronoid of a probable Rhizodontida and the identification of a Dipnoi tooth plate and bone. In addition, a scale of Holoptychius is described. The presence the rhizodont suggests Gondwanan ties and a first northward dispersal wave of these vertebrates into Euramerica as early as middle Givetian. This hypothesis is supported by the common occurrence of the placoderm Bothriolepis in the Valentia Slate Formation.
SÜPREM ÖRME KUMAŞLARIN TRANSFER, GEÇİRGENLİK VE GÖZENEKLİLİK ÖZELLİKLERİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRMALI OLARAK İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Balcı Kılıç Gonca
Published: June 2023

Bu çalışmada, süprem örme kumaşların transfer, geçirgenlik ve gözeneklilik özelliklerine eğirme teknolojisi ve karışım oranının etkisinin karşılaştırmalı olarak incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla konvansiyonel ring, kompakt ve MVS (Murata Vortex spinning) eğirme sistemleri ile pamuk ve rejenere selülozik lif (Modal, Tencel) karışımlı iplikler ve bu iplikler ile süprem örme kumaşlar üretilmiştir. Çalışma kapsamında geçirgenlik özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla hava geçirgenliği, su buharı geçirgenliği ve UV geçirgenliği (dayanımı) testleri, transfer özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla ise dikey kılcal emme ve renk tayini (boyanabilirlik) testleri yapılmıştır. Kumaş gözenekliliği ise hem görüntü analizi yöntemi kullanılarak hem de teorik olarak belirlenmiştir. Sonuçlar incelendiğinde, karışım oranı ve eğirme teknolojisi türünün, süprem örme kumaşların transfer, geçirgenlik ve gözeneklilik özellikleri üzerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı etkisi olduğu saptanmıştır. En yüksek hava ve su buharı geçirgenliği değerleri MVS eğirme teknolojisinde ve rejenere selülozik lif oranı en yüksek olan ipliklerden üretilen kumaşlara aitken, en yüksek UV koruma faktörünün (UPF) en yüksek pamuk oranına sahip ring ipliklerden üretilen kumaşlara ait olduğu görülmektedir. En yüksek dikey kılcal emme değerleri rejenere selülozik lif oranı en yüksek ipliklerden üretilen kumaşlara aittir. En yüksek renk verimi ve renk doygunluğu değerleri MVS ipliklerden üretilen kumaşlara aittir ve bu değerler karışımdaki rejenere selülozik lif miktarının artmasıyla artmıştır. Görüntü analiz yöntemi ve iki farklı teorik yaklaşım kullanılarak hesaplanan gözeneklilik değerleri incelendiğinde ise, bu parametrenin kullanılan yaklaşıma göre birbirinden oldukça farklı değerler gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Gözeneklilik ve geçirgenlik özellikleri arasındaki ilişkiler incelendiğinde, geçirgenlik değerleri ile görüntü analizinden elde edilen gözeneklilik değerleri arasında istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı korelasyonlar olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
AEROJELLERLE ISI YALITIMI VE TEKSTİL UYGULAMALARI
Authors: Köken Atike , Kanık Mehmet
Published: June 2023

Aerojeller bilim dünyasına girişleri ile çığır açan bilinen en hafif katı maddelerdir. Hafiflik özelliğinin yanı sıra birçok önemli özelliği bir arada taşımaktadırlar. Nano gözeneklere sahip olmaları ısı yalıtımı, ses yalıtımı ve düşük dielektrik katsayısı gibi oldukça önemli avantajlar sağlamaktadır. Dünya çapında pazar payı her geçen gün artan aerojellerin üretimi de artmaktadır. Farklı üretim parametreleri ve farklı kimyasal yapılar ile farklı özellikler elde etme imkânını sunmaktadır. Aerojellerin sahip olduğu üstün özelliklerden tekstil malzemelerinin özelliklerinin geliştirilmesinde de faydalanılmaktadır. Özellikle performans ve fonksiyonellik beklentisi bulunan teknik tekstil ürünlerinin geliştirilmesinde kullanılmaya başlanmıştır. Silika bazlı aerojeller ısı iletim katsayılarının çok düşük olması ile ön plana çıkmaktadır. Çoğunlukla malzemelerin ısı yalıtım özelliğini geliştirmek için kullanılan silika aerojeller, aynı zamanda su itici özellikleri ile de ilgi çekmektedirler. Literatürde özellikle dokusuz yüzeyler olmak üzere dokuma ve örme tekstil yüzeylerine aerojel uygulamaları üzerine yapılan çeşitli çalışmalar bulunmaktadır. Bu yazıda aerojellerin özellikleri, üretimi ve tekstil malzemeleri ile birlikte kullanımı amacıyla yapılan çalışmalar üzerinde durulmuştur.
Biological condensates form percolated networks with molecular motion properties distinctly different from dilute solutions
Authors: Shen Zeyu , Jia Bowen , Xu Yang , Wessén Jonas , Pal Tanmoy , Chan Hue Sun , Du Shengwang , Zhang Mingjie
Published: June 2023

Formation of membraneless organelles or biological condensates via phase separation and related processes hugely expands the cellular organelle repertoire. Biological condensates are dense and viscoelastic soft matters instead of canonical dilute solutions. To date, numerous different biological condensates have been discovered, but mechanistic understanding of biological condensates remains scarce. In this study, we developed an adaptive single-molecule imaging method that allows simultaneous tracking of individual molecules and their motion trajectories in both condensed and dilute phases of various biological condensates. The method enables quantitative measurements of concentrations, phase boundary, motion behavior, and speed of molecules in both condensed and dilute phases, as well as the scale and speed of molecular exchanges between the two phases. Notably, molecules in the condensed phase do not undergo uniform Brownian motion, but instead constantly switch between a (class of) confined state(s) and a random diffusion-like motion state. Transient confinement is consistent with strong interactions associated with large molecular networks (i.e., percolation) in the condensed phase. In this way, molecules in biological condensates behave distinctly different from those in dilute solutions. The methods and findings described herein should be generally applicable for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly, dynamics, and consequently functional implications of biological condensates.
Cell-free DNA as a potential biomarker of differentiation and toxicity in cardiac organoids
Authors: Silver Brian , Gerrish Kevin , Tokar Erik
Published: June 2023

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) present in the bloodstream or other bodily fluids holds potential as a noninvasive diagnostic for early disease detection. However, it remains unclear what cfDNA markers might be produced in response to specific tissue-level events. Organoid systems present a tractable and efficient method for screening cfDNA markers. However, research investigating the release of cfDNA from organoids is limited. Here, we present a scalable method for high-throughput screening of cfDNA from cardiac organoids. We demonstrate that cfDNA is recoverable from cardiac organoids, and that cfDNA release is the highest early in differentiation. Intriguingly, we observed that the fraction of cell-free mitochondrial DNA appeared to decrease as the organoids developed, suggesting a possible signature of cardiac organoid maturation, or other cardiac growth-related tissue-level events. We also observe alterations in the prevalence of specific genomic regions in cardiac organoid-derived cfDNA at different timepoints during growth. In addition, we identify cfDNA markers that were increased upon addition of cardiotoxic drugs, prior to the onset of tissue demise. Together, these results indicate that cardiac organoids may be a useful system towards the identification of candidate predictive cfDNA markers of cardiac tissue development and demise.
Instantaneous antidepressant effect of lateral habenula deep brain stimulation in rats studied with functional MRI
Authors: Li Gen , Bo Binshi , Wang Puxin , Qian Peixing , Li Mingzhe , Li Yuyan , Tong Chuanjun , Zhang Kaiwei , Zhang Baogui , Jiang Tianzi , Liang Zhifeng , Duan Xiaojie
Published: June 2023

The available treatments for depression have substantial limitations, including low response rates and substantial lag time before a response is achieved. We applied deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the lateral habenula (LHb) of two rat models of depression (Wistar Kyoto rats and lipopolysaccharide-treated rats) and observed an immediate (within seconds to minutes) alleviation of depressive-like symptoms with a high-response rate. Simultaneous functional MRI (fMRI) conducted on the same sets of depressive rats used in behavioral tests revealed DBS-induced activation of multiple regions in afferent and efferent circuitry of the LHb. The activation levels of brain regions connected to the medial LHb (M-LHb) were correlated with the extent of behavioral improvements. Rats with more medial stimulation sites in the LHb exhibited greater antidepressant effects than those with more lateral stimulation sites. These results indicated that the antidromic activation of the limbic system and orthodromic activation of the monoaminergic systems connected to the M-LHb played a critical role in the rapid antidepressant effects of LHb-DBS. This study indicates that M-LHb-DBS might act as a valuable, rapid-acting antidepressant therapeutic strategy for treatment-resistant depression and demonstrates the potential of using fMRI activation of specific brain regions as biomarkers to predict and evaluate antidepressant efficacy.
Catecholaminergic neuromodulation and selective attention jointly shape perceptual decision-making
Authors: Nuiten Stijn A , de Gee Jan Willem , Zantvoord Jasper B , Fahrenfort Johannes J , van Gaal Simon
Published: June 2023

Perceptual decisions about sensory input are influenced by fluctuations in ongoing neural activity, most prominently driven by attention and neuromodulator systems. It is currently unknown if neuromodulator activity and attention differentially modulate perceptual decision-making and/or whether neuromodulatory systems in fact control attentional processes. To investigate the effects of two distinct neuromodulatory systems and spatial attention on perceptual decisions, we pharmacologically elevated cholinergic (through donepezil) and catecholaminergic (through atomoxetine) levels in humans performing a visuo-spatial attention task, while we measured electroencephalography (EEG). Both attention and catecholaminergic enhancement improved decision-making at the behavioral and algorithmic level, as reflected in increased perceptual sensitivity and the modulation of the drift rate parameter derived from drift diffusion modeling. Univariate analyses of EEG data time-locked to the attentional cue, the target stimulus, and the motor response further revealed that attention and catecholaminergic enhancement both modulated pre-stimulus cortical excitability, cue- and stimulus-evoked sensory activity, as well as parietal evidence accumulation signals. Interestingly, we observed both similar, unique, and interactive effects of attention and catecholaminergic neuromodulation on these behavioral, algorithmic, and neural markers of the decision-making process. Thereby, this study reveals an intricate relationship between attentional and catecholaminergic systems and advances our understanding about how these systems jointly shape various stages of perceptual decision-making.
Adolescent neurostimulation of dopamine circuit reverses genetic deficits in frontal cortex function
Authors: Mastwal Surjeet , Li Xinjian , Stowell Rianne , Manion Matthew , Zhang Wenyu , Kim Nam-Shik , Yoon Ki-Jun , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-Li , Wang Kuan Hong
Published: June 2023

Dopamine system dysfunction is implicated in adolescent-onset neuropsychiatric disorders. Although psychosis symptoms can be alleviated by antipsychotics, cognitive symptoms remain unresponsive and novel paradigms investigating the circuit substrates underlying cognitive deficits are critically needed. The frontal cortex and its dopaminergic input from the midbrain are implicated in cognitive functions and undergo maturational changes during adolescence. Here, we used mice carrying mutations in Arc or Disc1 to model mesofrontal dopamine circuit deficiencies and test circuit-based neurostimulation strategies to restore cognitive functions. We found that in a memory-guided spatial navigation task, frontal cortical neurons were activated coordinately at the decision-making point in wild-type but not Arc-/- mice. Chemogenetic stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons or optogenetic stimulation of frontal cortical dopamine axons in a limited adolescent period consistently reversed genetic defects in mesofrontal innervation, task-coordinated neuronal activity, and memory-guided decision-making at adulthood. Furthermore, adolescent stimulation of dopamine neurons also reversed the same cognitive deficits in Disc1+/- mice. Our findings reveal common mesofrontal circuit alterations underlying the cognitive deficits caused by two different genes and demonstrate the feasibility of adolescent neurostimulation to reverse these circuit and behavioral deficits. These results may suggest developmental windows and circuit targets for treating cognitive deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders.
New seed coating containing Trichoderma viride with anti-pathogenic properties
Authors: Turkan Sena , Mierek-Adamska Agnieszka , Kulasek Milena , Konieczna Wiktoria B. , Dąbrowska Grażyna B.
Published: June 2023

Background

To ensure food security in the face of climate change and the growing world population, multi-pronged measures should be taken. One promising approach uses plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), such as Trichoderma, to reduce the usage of agrochemicals and increase plant yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional value. However, large-scale applications of PGPF have been hampered by several constraints, and, consequently, usage on a large scale is still limited. Seed coating, a process that consists of covering seeds with low quantities of exogenous materials, is gaining attention as an efficient and feasible delivery system for PGPF.

Methods

We have designed a new seed coating composed of chitin, methylcellulose, and Trichoderma viride spores and assessed its effect on canola (Brassica napus L.) growth and development. For this purpose, we analyzed the antifungal activity of T. viride against common canola pathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium culmorum, and Colletotrichum sp.). Moreover, the effect of seed coating on germination ratio and seedling growth was evaluated. To verify the effect of seed coating on plant metabolism, we determined superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and expression of the stress-related RSH (RelA/SpoT homologs).

Results

Our results showed that the T. viride strains used for seed coating significantly restricted the growth of all three pathogens, especially F. culmorum, for which the growth was inhibited by over 40%. Additionally, the new seed coating did not negatively affect the ability of the seeds to complete germination, increased seedling growth, and did not induce the plant stress response. To summarize, we have successfully developed a cost-effective and environmentally responsible seed coating, which will also be easy to exploit on an industrial scale.
The role of exercise in improving hyperlipidemia-renal injuries induced by a high-fat diet: a literature review
Authors: Chen Jun Shunzi , Xie Peng Fei , Feng Hong
Published: June 2023

A diet that is high in sugar and fat is a precursor to various chronic diseases, especially hyperlipidemia. Patients with hyperlipidemia have increased levels of plasma free fatty acids and an ectopic accumulation of lipids. The kidney is one of the main organs affected by this disease and, recently, there have been more studies conducted on renal injury caused by hyperlipidemia. The main pathological mechanism is closely related to renal lipotoxicity. However, in different kidney cells, the reaction mechanism varies due to the different affinities of the lipid receptors. At present, it is believed that in addition to lipotoxicity, hyperlipidemia induced-renal injury is also closely related to oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammatory reactions, which are the result of multiple factors. Exercise plays an important role in the prevention of various chronic diseases and recently emerging researches indicated its positive effects to renal injury caused by hyperlipidemia. However, there are few studies summarizing the effects of exercise on this disease and the specific mechanisms need to be further explored. This article summarizes the mechanisms of hyperlipidemia induced-renal injury at the cellular level and discusses the ways in which exercise may regulate it. The results provide theoretical support and novel approaches for identifying the intervention target to treat hyperlipidemia induced-renal injury.
Integrating robotics into wildlife conservation: testing improvements to predator deterrents through movement
Authors: Breck Stewart W. , Schultz Jeffrey T. , Prause David , Krebs Cameron , Giordano Anthony J. , Boots Byron
Published: June 2023

Background

Agricultural and pastoral landscapes can provide important habitat for wildlife conservation, but sharing these landscapes with wildlife can create conflict that is costly and requires managing. Livestock predation is a good example of the challenges involving coexistence with wildlife across shared landscapes. Integrating new technology into agricultural practices could help minimize human-wildlife conflict. In this study, we used concepts from the fields of robotics (i.e., automated movement and adaptiveness) and agricultural practices (i.e., managing livestock risk to predation) to explore how integration of these concepts could aid the development of more effective predator deterrents.

Methods

We used a colony of captive coyotes as a model system, and simulated predation events with meat baits inside and outside of protected zones. Inside the protected zones we used a remote-controlled vehicle with a state-of-the art, commercially available predator deterrent (i.e., Foxlight) mounted on the top and used this to test three treatments: (1) light only (i.e., without movement or adaptiveness), (2) predetermined movement (i.e., with movement and without adaptiveness), and (3) adaptive movement (i.e., with both movement and adaptiveness). We measured the time it took for coyotes to eat the baits and analyzed the data with a time-to-event survival strategy.

Results

Survival of baits was consistently higher inside the protected zone, and the three movement treatments incrementally increased survival time over baseline except for the light only treatment in the nonprotected zone. Incorporating predetermined movement essentially doubled the efficacy of the light only treatment both inside and outside the protected zone. Incorporating adaptive movement exponentially increased survival time both inside and outside the protected zone. Our findings provide compelling evidence that incorporating existing robotics capabilities (predetermined and adaptive movement) could greatly enhance protection of agricultural resources and aid in the development of nonlethal tools for managing wildlife. Our findings also demonstrate the importance of marrying agricultural practices (e.g., spatial management of livestock at night) with new technology to improve the efficacy of wildlife deterrents.
Modelagem numérica computacional para dispersão de poluentes em corpos aquáticos
Authors: Lemos Daiane Santos , Roberto José Carlos Alves , Souto Sistina Pereira , Lima Suelen Costa
Published: June 2023

A degradação constante dos igarapés urbanos tem sido motivo de preocupação ambiental e para saúde humana. O objetivo desse trabalho foi propor um modelo usando a equação clássica de difusão-advecção para descrever a dispersão de poluentes em um trecho da bacia do São Raimundo na zona urbana de Manaus. Para a resolução da Equação diferencial parcial linear foram utilizados os métodos de Diferenças finitas centradas juntamente com o método de Crank-Nicolson em ambiente Matlab@. Com as realizações das simulações foi possível observar o movimento evolutivo de manchas de poluentes, uma concentração junto a fonte devido a ação contrária do vento em relação a correnteza do rio, e uma diminuição na intensidade do poluente depois de um tempo, influenciado pelos fatores de decaimento por conta da evaporação, absorção da superfície ou por espécies que se alimentam desta poluição. Os resultados se mostraram coerente com o que acontece em situações reais, contribuindo para a busca por medidas mitigadoras para a os problemas de dispersão de poluentes nos rios.
Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block versus Epidural Block for Postoperative Analgesia Following Lower Abdominal Cancer SurgeriesA Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Khokhar Sanobar A , Thakkar Jayshree M , Solanki Rekha N , Fefar Suman A , Patel Neel H , Kishore A Jai , Ramteke Leena Y
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Effective post-operative analgesia improves patient’s outcome and satisfaction. Many methods are available to provide best analgesia after major abdominal surgery. Epidural anaesthesia is “gold standard” but it is associated with its own drawbacks. Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block is a comparable technique to epidural to provide reliable analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Ultrasonography (USG) guided TAP block and the epidural block for the post-operative pain management in lower abdominal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical double-blinded study, conducted in 60 female patients undergoing lower abdominal cancer surgery under General Anaesthesia (GA) from July 2022 to September 2022. Patients were randomised to Group-E and Group-T. Group-E (Epidural) received injection (inj.) 0.2% Ropivacaine (10 ml) plus inj. Morphine 2 mg via epidural. Group-T (TAP) received inj. 0.2% Ropivacaine (20 ml) plus inj. Morphine 2 mg on each side via USG guided TAP block postoperatively. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score, first rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption and any side-effects in 24 hours were recorded. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 22.0 International Business Management (IBM) Corporation (NY) was used for statistical analysis. Unpaired t test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s-exact test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test were used as and when appropriate. Results: Data of total 60 female patients , 30 patients in each group(Group E mean age: 47.33±9.614 years and Group T mean age: 47.77±12.370 years) was collected and analysed. Both the groups were comparable with respect to age, height, weight, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, mean duration of surgery and duration of anaesthesia (p>0.05). More patients in group-E had moderate pain at rest and coughing (VAS-4 to 6) at six hours and 12 hours which is statistically significant (p<0.05). None of the patient in both groups had severe pain. Time for need of first rescue analgesic was lower in Group-E (399.6±25.32 min) and in Group-T it was higher (462.6±26.94 min) which is also statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: TAP has advantage over epidural in terms of effective postoperative analgesia, time of need and quantity of postoperative analgesics.
Social Factors as Predictors of Career Advancement of Female Civil Servants in Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Agboola Babajide Gabriel
Published: June 2023

The study examined social factors as predictors of female advancement of women in civil service in Southwest, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The population consisted of all 46,889 women in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Southwest, Nigeria. The sample for this study consisted of 1183 adult women from 40 Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Southwest, Nigeria. The sample was selected through multi stage sampling procedure. A self-constructed questionnaire tagged “Social Factors and Career Advancement Questionnaire (SFCAQ)” was used to collect relevant data for the study. The instrument consists of three sections namely Section A, B and C. The instrument was subjected to face and content validity. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis was used to perform item analysis of the items of the questionnaire while the hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there was significant relationship between educational factor and career advancement of female civil servants. The study also revealed that there was significant relationship between marital factor and career advancement of female civil servants, likewise economic factor and career advancement of female civil servants. It was concluded that social factors like education factor, marital factor, and economic factor contributed to career advancement of female civil servants. The study recommended that women should be encouraged to involve more in career advancement in the civil service.
Assessment of Risk Factors for Primary Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Mhadi Mohcine El , Ouafi Aziz El
Published: June 2023

Introduction: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic and progressive anterior optic neuropathy characterized by perimetric alterations and pathological excavation of the optic disc in the absence of other ocular pathologies or congenital anomalies. It is usually accompanied by an increase in intraocular pressure. Gonioscopic examination confirms that the iridocorneal angle is open. The term "risk factor" is defined as a condition statistically leading to an increased risk of occurrence of an event. The purpose of our work is to list the main risk factors of POAG.

Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in our ophthalmology department over a period of 4 years between January 2018 and December 2021, involving one hundred patients with POAG followed in glaucoma consultation.

Results: These are 100 cases, with an average age of 64.27, with a male predominance. The most found risk factors in our series are: age, intraocular hypertension (IOH), thin cornea, arterial hypertension, diabetes and family history of glaucoma.

Conclusion: The identification of the main risk factors of POAG at the individual level is a major data of the management. Knowing these factors helps to monitor patients at risk more carefully and to adjust the treatment more appropriately in patients likely to develop glaucoma or to aggravate already known glaucoma. More efforts are required for early screening and education on POAG in communities, especially in a POAG high-risk population.
The 2024 Election and Potential Battle for the Social Safety Net
Authors: Bleich Sara N. , Sommers Benjamin D. , Hamad Rita
Published: January 2025

This JAMA Forum discusses potential changes under the Trump administration such as decreasing funding to federal nutrition programs, increasing barriers to enrollment in social safety net programs, and imposing work requirements.
Disclosing the Intra‐Catalyst Non‐Covalent Interactions in Tetrahydropyran‐Based Dipeptidic Catalysts
Authors: García‐Monzón Irma , Borges‐González Jorge , Morales Ezequiel Q. , Fernández Israel , Martín Tomás
Published: January 2025

Herein, we describe how minor structural modifications to our bifunctional organocatalysts based on sugar amino acids (SAAs) can alter the network of non‐covalent interactions (NCIs) within the catalyst, leading to significant changes in their catalytic activity. This is attributed to the intra‐catalyst NCIs, which induce conformational changes that are reflected in the transition state of the rate‐determining step of the Michael addition of aldehydes to trans‐β‐nitrostyrenes. Through kinetic experiments, conformational analysis, and DFT calculations, we found that the presence of a methoxy group at the C4 position of the tetrahydropyran ring reduces the catalytic activity by a factor of five compared to the catalyst without the methoxy group. Additionally, we have identified the different intra‐catalyst NCIs, both attractive and repulsive, that drive the conformational changes, ultimately modifying the energy levels of the transition states of the rate‐ and enantioselectivity‐determining step of the reaction.
A brief history of remote sensing of soybean
Authors: Prince Czarnecki Joby M. , Samiappan Sathishkumar , Bheemanahalli Raju , Huang Yanbo , Shammi Sadia Alam
Published: January 2025

The last 20 years have been a period of significant advancement in the tools available for remote sensing of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in terms of price, ease of use, quality of information provided, and range of available research applications. This review article posits that now is an appropriate time to reflect on the previous two decades of research effort devoted to remote sensing of soybean to gain an appreciation for how far the field has come, while also acknowledging how much work remains to be performed. Structured by field management activities, this review is based on selected works culled from a broad search. These works contributed meaningful knowledge specific to soybean or elucidated key points not presented in those more intentionally focused on soybean. While there were many successes in the varied applications of remote sensing in soybean research, taking this 20‐year perspective also exposed areas of unmet expectations. Advances in knowledge are hampered by systemic challenges with inconsistent results and confounding factors imposed by research settings. There is potential to address these challenges by tempering expectations for what is possible and addressing reporting standards and data needs, specifically related to machine learning. The future is bright, but a concerted community effort is needed to continue to advance the state of knowledge into the next 20 years.
Hydrostability of Boroxines
Authors: Ono Kosuke
Published: January 2025

Boroxines, six‐membered heterocyclic compounds with alternating O and B atoms, are readily formed by dehydration of boronic acids, while it is also known to be readily hydrolyzed to boronic acids under wet conditions. Therefore, hydrolysis is one of major problems for boroxine‐based architectures and materials, although they have self‐healing properties that can be restored simply by dehydration. In recent years, interesting studies have been reported to improve the hydrostability of boroxines, with some boroxines being stable even in water. This review categorizes and summarizes the findings on the enhancement of the hydrostability of boroxines according to the methods used.
How do Indigenous students and their families define success in education? Reporting on the results of Indigenous‐led qualitative interviews and participatory diagramming
Authors: Hughes Jarrod , Turnbull Claudia , Li Scarlett , King Jesse , Smith Leila
Published: January 2025

Indigenous education has long been considered a critical area to the fulfilment of Indigenous rights and the rectification of Indigenous socioeconomic exclusion. Several approaches have been adopted to try and lift Indigenous education outcomes, most of which have failed to reach their intended targets. These approaches have occurred with limited Indigenous control and have consistently fallen short in measuring what matters to Indigenous students and families. Little research has been conducted on how Indigenous students and their families in Australia define educational success, particularly within the urban context. If Indigenous education outcomes are to improve, policy needs to reflect the aspirations and values of Indigenous students and families. Underpinned by an Indigenous Research Methodology, this paper explores how Indigenous students and their parents/carers define educational success. It finds that definitions vary in significant ways to policy definitions. While educational success is typically indicated by narrow measures of attendance, academic achievement and Year 12 completion in policy, definitions of educational success of the Indigenous participants in this research is far broader. The findings of this paper suggest that policymakers need to look beyond the narrow targets currently used to measure educational success if outcomes for Indigenous students are to improve.
Insights into LATE from postmortem imaging
Authors: Yushkevich Paul A. , Denning Amanda E , Levorse Lisa M , Ittyerah Ranjit , Sadeghpour Niyousha , Robinson John L. , Arezoumandan Sanaz , Ravikumar Sadhana , Ohm Daniel T , Schuck Theresa , Irwin David J , Lee Eddie B , Bahena Alejandra , Trotman Winifred , Das Sandhitsu R. , Wolk David A , Wisse Laura E.M. , de Flores Robin , Insausti Ricardo , Khandelwal Pulkit , Athalye Chinmayee
Published: January 2025

Background

Limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a neurodegenerative disease that is often comorbid with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and for which there are no reliable specific chemical or PET biomarkers available. Recent progress in disease‐modifying treatments for AD elevates the need for reliable in vivo detection of LATE and other comorbid neurodegenerative diseases. The promise of postmortem and antemortem MRI studies in LATE is that they will lead to the discovery of patterns of neurodegeneration associated with TDP‐43 pathology that could be reliably detected in vivo and used as a biomarker of LATE.

Method

Several groups, including ours, have imaged brain tissue (e.g., whole hemisphere, or intact temporal lobe) from autopsies conducted in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Specimens were imaged using high‐field, high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quantitative maps of cortical thickness were derived. Statistical associations between these structural measures and either computationally derived quantitative or expert‐assigned semi‐quantitative markers of TDP‐43 and tau pathology are computed as statistical parametric maps and statistically thresholded to identify clusters of significant associations. Alternatively, such associations can be derived from antemortem imaging studies, where MRI is performed in living individuals and linked to postmortem pathology measures.

Result

Both TDP‐43 and tau pathology are linked to cortical thinning in the medial temporal lobe, as revealed by postmortem and antemortem studies. Patterns of thinning associated with each pathology are distinct yet overlapping, and sensitive to cohort selection, choice of pathology measure, and other factors.

Conclusion

Reliable in vivo detection of TDP‐43 based on in vivo MRI signatures is likely possible but requires effort from the community to pool scarce ex vivo imaging and pathology datasets, standardization of quantitative pathology and MRI measures, and extensive validation.
A cluster randomized trial: Exploratory quantitative analysis comparing resident outcomes for two approaches to promote non‐pharmacological, resident‐centered dementia care in nursing homes
Authors: Shier Victoria , Bae‐Shaaw Yuna H. , Sood Neeraj , Chew Felicia M , Piersol Catherine V , Lekovitch Cara A. , Como Dominique H. , Wong Carin M. , Morris Mike , Leland Natalie E
Published: January 2025

Background

Resident advocates and national nursing home dementia care initiatives have prioritized non‐pharmacological approaches to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Evidence supports both team‐ and problem‐based approaches to non‐pharmacological dementia care, but the comparative effectiveness of these two approaches has not been examined.

Method

We implemented a cluster randomized controlled trial in 53 nursing homes ot compare the team‐based and problem‐based approaches to dementia care. Nursing homes in the team‐based approach arm completed a five‐module facility‐wide training, which provided a common language and shared knowledge across all staff. The problem‐based approach engaged in discipline‐specific web‐based training. Resident assessment data from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 was analyzed. Primary outcomes were antipsychotic medication use, behavioral symptoms, rejection of care, and wandering. Secondary outcomes were unintentional weight loss, falls, depression and restraint use. We compared change in outcomes from the six months baseline period to six months follow‐up period across study arms using a difference‐in‐differences model.

Result

The percentage of residents with wandering increased 3.51 percentage points (p = 0.02) in the team‐based approach arm compared to the problem‐based approach arm, with no evidence of associated adverse events (e.g., falls, unintentional weight loss). There was no statistically significant difference in antipsychotic medication use or other resident outcomes across arms. However, the reduction in rejection of care and the increase in behavioral symptoms in the team‐based approach compared to the problem‐based approach were potentially clinically meaningful differences between the two arms.

Conclusion

Results suggest a benefit for resident wandering in the team‐based approach. While findings are exploratory, training for all nursing home staff that accounts for diverse education and training needs may influence care delivery and have benefits for residents with dementia.