bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaucher disease prevalence in 600 patients affected by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Giuffrida Gaetano , Markovic Uros , Condorelli Annalisa , Duminuco Andrea , Calafiore Valeria , Conticello Concetta , Romano Alessandra , Grasso Stephanie , Riccobene Carla , Ragusa Marco Tindaro Valentino , Esposito Benedetta , Nicolosi Daniela , Calagna Marianna , Nardo Antonella , Consoli Ugo , Uccello Giuseppina , Di Giacomo Valeria , Neri Santo , Cingari Maria Rocca , Rodà Filippo , Innao Vanessa , Fiumara Agata , Duro Giovanni , Zizzo Carmela , Di Raimondo Francesco
Published: September 2023

Background

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by the lysosomal enzyme acid β‐glucosidase deficiency. Many patients experience a critical delay in the diagnosis of up to 8–10 years due to its rarity and variability in signs and symptoms, with the consultation of several specialists.

Patients and Methods

This prospective observational study analyzed the prevalence of GD in 600 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) from January 2018 until February 2022.

Results

The mean age of participants was 66 years, with a mean monoclonal component of 0.58 g/dL. In 433 MGUS patients with available data, anemia (hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL) was present in 31 patients (7%), and thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100.000/mm3) in 24 (5.5%).

Of 600 MGUS patients tested for acid β‐glucosidase enzyme activity, 7 patients (1.2%) had activity below 2.5 nmol/h/mL. In comparison, GBA gene analysis was executed in 110 patients. It revealed 4 patients (0.7%) affected by GD (3 patients with compound heterozygous mutation and 1 with homozygous mutation), with a prevalence of 1 every 150 MGUS patients. Furthermore, 12 out of the remaining 106 evaluated patients (11%) were carriers of a single heterozygous mutation while having regular enzyme activity.

Conclusions

The clinical heterogeneity of GD and frequent lack of awareness among physicians often lead to diagnostic delays and severe clinical manifestations. The role of MGUS in the presence of at least one clinical sign, such as low platelet count, organomegaly, bone pain, or bleeding tendency, could aid in initiating GD screening with DBS, thus reducing the period between symptom onset and the diagnosis of this rare disease.
Building modern coexistence theory from the ground up: The role of community assembly
Authors: Spaak Jurg W. , Schreiber Sebastian J.
Published: September 2023

Modern coexistence theory (MCT) is one of the leading methods to understand species coexistence. It uses invasion growth rates—the average, per‐capita growth rate of a rare species—to identify when and why species coexist. Despite significant advances in dissecting coexistence mechanisms when coexistence occurs, MCT relies on a ‘mutual invasibility’ condition designed for two‐species communities but poorly defined for species‐rich communities. Here, we review well‐known issues with this component of MCT and propose a solution based on recent mathematical advances. We propose a clear framework for expanding MCT to species‐rich communities and for understanding invasion resistance as well as coexistence, especially for communities that could not be analysed with MCT so far. Using two data‐driven community models from the literature, we illustrate the utility of our framework and highlight the opportunities for bridging the fields of community assembly and species coexistence.
Third sector crisis management and resilience: Reflections and directions
Authors: Parker Lee D.
Published: September 2023

This paper examines the challenges posed to third sector organizations by major external crises that from time to time beset national and global communities. In so doing, it unpacks the multiple characteristics and complexities of concepts and related issues involved in organizational crisis management and resilience. This reveals the importance of shared sensemaking, issue identification, response types and implementation, organizational coping and adaptation, exploiting strategic opportunities, and conditioners of organizational resilience. Related insights are drawn from selected empirical studies involving non‐profit organizational crisis responses to a range of major crisis events. Accountability and management control implications are induced, and a relevant ongoing agenda for accounting research is presented.
Learning to teach world language online during COVID‐19 pandemic: A phenomenographic study
Authors: Deng Mingzhu , Barros Sandro
Published: September 2023

This study examined distinct conceptualizations of space during a cohort of world languages preservice teachers' (PSTs) clinical experience online. The aim of this study was to shed light on the affordances and limitations of the online space as PSTs reworked the meaning of pedagogical spaces during the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Preservice teachers' autoethnographic writings, journals, and teaching videos were analyzed to better understand the emotional, pedagogical, and conceptual meaning‐making processes that language teaching in and through the online space entailed. Through a phenomenographic analysis of the data, this study probed into the distinct perceptions of pedagogical space that emerged from the participants' online teaching experience. Findings suggest that while PSTs felt distant from their students, emotionally exhausted, and limited in what they could do instructionally, they also developed pedagogical problem‐solving and decision‐making skills that showcased the agency of the online space shaping novice teacher's beliefs and practices. Implications for world language teacher education curriculum are discussed, including the potential effects of cocurricular online teaching experiences facilitating PST's attunement to the agency of space both online and in physical classrooms.
Cheiloscopy patterns in individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits: A cross‐sectional observation pilot study
Authors: Regan Emily , Bradshaw Brenda , Bruhn Ann , Melvin Walter , Sikdar Sinjini
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Lip prints are unique and have potential for use as a human identifier. The purpose of this study was to observe possible cheiloscopy differences of individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits such as smoking, vaping, playing a wind instrument or using an asthma inhaler.

Methods

This IRB approved blinded cross‐sectional observation pilot study collected lip prints from 66 individuals, three of which were excluded. Participants cleansed their lips, then lipstick was applied to the vermillion zones of the upper and lower lips. Adhesive tape was applied to the lips and prints were transferred to white bond paper for viewing purposes. Each set of included lip prints was divided into quadrants and dichotomized into a group of those with an oral parafunctional habit or with no such habits. Each quadrant sample was then manually analysed and classed according to the gold standard Suzuki and Tsuchihashi system.

Results

A total of 252 dichotomized lip print quadrants (with habits n = 76, 30.2%, and without habits n = 176, 69.8%) were analysed. Type II patterns were the most common for examined quadrant samples; however, no statistically significant differences (Pearson's chi‐squared test, p = 0.366) were observed between pattern classifications of samples with and without parafunctional oral habits.

Conclusions

There is no statistically significant difference of lip print patterns between individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits. Further research on populational variations is needed for cheiloscopy to aid in human identifications.
Are antibiotics still relevant in acne? A review of the therapeutic conundrum
Authors: Monteiro Rochelle Cheryl , Fernandes Merwyn
Published: September 2023

Antibiotics have constituted the mainstay of acne therapy despite acne being classified as an inflammatory disorder. The indiscriminate usage of antibiotics over the years has thus fueled the issue of antimicrobial resistance. Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) can acquire resistance due to chromosomal mutation or genetic acquisition. C. acnes can transfer resistance to other resident flora, complicating the management of skin and soft tissue infections. It can also transfer resistant strains to other body sites and to immunocompromised and elderly patients thus putting them at risk of serious infections. Recent studies have highlighted the physiologic role of C. acnes in maintaining the normal homeostasis of the skin microbiome. The role of Malassezia in causation of acne has piqued interest in recent times. The efficacy of antibiotics in acne is attributed to their para‐antibiotic, anti‐inflammatory action rather than antimicrobial action. Thus, usage of low‐dose antibiotics and alternatives to antibiotics has been advocated. Some alternative therapies showing efficacy in acne are probiotics, oral zinc, precision therapy using succinic acid, bacteriophages, and anti‐biofilm therapy like myrtacin, topical azelaic acid, and salicylic acid. Using isotretinoin in early stages of acne can reduce the incidence of scarring and alleviate the need for antibiotics. Thus, a gradual shift from antibiotics to alternative therapies in acne is the need of the hour.
Has immobility been left behind in migration regulatory infrastructures?
Authors: Murzakulova Asel , Kuznetsova Irina , Mogilevskii Roman
Published: September 2023

The article brings the concept of the immobile left‐behind population into the migration infrastructure debates focusing on countries of migrants' origin. Drawing on an analysis of government's migration policy in Kyrgyzstan and interviews with stakeholders in rural areas, the article concludes that the government relies on a traditional sectoral approach and agriculture in this regard and stands separately from mobility contexts. The policy discourse around outgoing migration focuses on mobility but less engages with return migration and the situation with left behind. We show how remittances‐dependant country keeps migration policy as a non‐active management tool. A starting point for a more holistic policy approach that includes the left‐behind population would be facilitating discussion of left‐behind needs in regions with active outmigration, including a wide range of stakeholders from migrants, family members, local authorities and migrant organizations. That would require essential changes in how policies are formulated and implemented, including introducing a cross‐cutting and multi‐level governance approach.
Connection and recovery in the COVID‐19 age: An analysis of changes in goal‐setting throughout the pandemic by consumers living with enduring mental illness
Authors: Patterson Christopher , Roberts Michelle , Yousiph Taylor , Robson Georgia , Lewer Kelly , Jay Elissa‐Kate , Moxham Lorna
Published: September 2023

Goal‐setting is a tool that empowers consumer recovery. Though the pandemic has affected consumer goal‐setting, the nature and extent of this impact have not been examined in a recovery setting. The aim of this study is to assess whether the recovery goals of individuals with serious mental illness changed in association with the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this mixed‐methods design, data were collected from a purposeful sample of consumers (nTOTAL = 355) aged 19–67 years (MAGE = 44.56, SD = 13.05) attending Recovery Camp, a 5‐day therapeutic‐recreation programme for individuals living with severe mental illness (e.g., PTSD, schizophrenia). Consumer‐set goals were examined across 5 programmes prior to March 2020 (nPRE = 126) and 11 following (nPOST = 229). Goals were set on day one, with attainment self‐scored on day five. Chi‐squared goodness‐of‐fit tests compared goal proportions per domain; tests of independence assessed changes in goals pre‐ and post‐pandemic. Six goal domains were identified: Approach‐Based Recovery, Avoidance‐based Recovery, Novel Physical Activities, Relationships, Health, and Recreation/Relaxation. Irrespective of the pandemic, goal attainment was consistently high across all programmes (86.56%). Approach‐based Recovery goals were predominant pre‐pandemic, but were significantly reduced post‐pandemic (p = 0.040). Goals related to Relationships and Novel Physical Activities took precedence throughout the pandemic. Post‐COVID‐19, consumer recovery goals reveal increased desire for connection, novelty‐seeking, and positive behavioural change.
Effects of refined nursing interventions in the operating room on surgical‐site wound infection in patients with lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , Li Xia , Zhang Jiying
Published: September 2023

In this study, a meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effect of refined nursing interventions in the operating room on the incidence of surgical‐site wound infections in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery to provide an evidence base for the prevention and management of nosocomial infections. A computerised literature search was used to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of refined nursing interventions in the operating room in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery published in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases from their inception until July 2023. The literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were performed independently by two researchers. RevMan 5.4 software was used for the meta‐analysis. Twenty‐eight studies were included in the analysis, with a total of 2406 patients, including 1210 patients in the refined nursing intervention group and 1196 patients in the control group. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that the refined nursing interventions in the operating room significantly reduced the incidence of surgical‐site wound infections in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, compared with the control group (1.82% vs. 6.52%, odds ratio: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.47, p < 0.001), and shortened the length of hospital stay (standardised mean difference: −1.51 days, 95% CI: −1.92 to −1.11 days, p < 0.001). Current evidence suggests that the application of refined nursing interventions in the operating room is effective at reducing the incidence of surgical‐site wound infections and shortening the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. However, owing to the small number and low quality of the studies, more high‐quality RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these results.
Western Water Network: A Case Study in Water Network Formation
Authors: Warziniak Travis , Heinse Robert , Fernald Alexander , Gaffney Michael , Hansen Kristiana , Hess Bret , Houglum Lyla , Paige Ginger , Zhang Qin
Published: September 2023

Increased water scarcity and drought frequency are creating water management challenges for many communities in the western U.S. In response, the Western Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors sponsored a virtual summit in August 2020 to develop a framework for identifying and addressing the most pressing water issues in the western United States (the West). Summit attendees were research scientists, university extension specialists and professionals, and federal/state agency representatives with knowledge and expertise of water management in the West. The summit elicited opinions from 54 experts on pressing water issues and possible methods for addressing them. A follow‐on survey of 49 individuals increased the depth and breadth of perspectives collected. Summit and survey results show that water scarcity is a growing concern among water scientists and other experts. Increased water scarcity is leading to overallocated river basins, depleted aquifers, and elevated tensions between water use sectors. Summit and survey participants emphasized the need for increased integration—across research, extension, and education efforts; across the social and physical sciences; across uses (including ecological); and across surface and groundwater systems. These results serve as a sensing of what many of our colleagues believe to be the major western water issues over the next 30 years and, in some cases, possible solutions for addressing them. The expert opinions elicited through the summit and survey informed the creation of the Western Water Network, whose mission is to advance collaborative, proactive, science‐based water decision‐making that supports dynamic human and natural systems in the West.
AI literacy curriculum and its relation to children's perceptions of robots and attitudes towards engineering and science: An intervention study in early childhood education
Authors: Su Jiahong , Yang Weipeng
Published: September 2023

Background

The number of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy studies in K‐12 education has recently increased, with most research focusing on primary and secondary education contexts. Little research focuses on AI literacy programs in early childhood education.

Objectives

The aim of this mixed‐methods study is to examine the feasibility of an AI literacy program called “AI4KG” and explore how it might affect kindergarteners' perceptions of robots and attitudes towards engineering and science.

Methods

A total of 26 child–parent dyads recruited from a Hong Kong kindergarten were involved in this study, consisting of 26 children (Mage = 4 years, SD = 0.28) and their parents. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys and interviews designed to explore children's perceptions of robots and attitudes towards engineering and science, and parents' perceptions of the AI4KG intervention.

Results

It is found that children have increased their perceptions of robots after the AI literacy program, but the AI4KG curriculum had no significant effects on kindergarten children's engineering and science attitudes. Most parents (22 out of 26) agreed that their children's AI knowledge, AI skills, and AI attitudes have been enhanced after learning through the AI4KG curriculum.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the AI4KG curriculum is potentially effective in promoting early AI literacy and favourable attitudes towards the technology, but further research is needed to develop age‐appropriate measures and assess its long‐term impact on children's education and career paths.
Chinese guidelines for the rehabilitation treatment of knee osteoarthritis: An CSPMR evidence‐based practice guideline
Authors: Zhu Siyi , Wang Zhuo , Liang Qiu , Zhang Yuting , Li Sheyu , Yang Lin , He Chengqi ,   Chinese Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,   West China Hospital
Published: September 2023

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common degenerative joint disease in China, causing a huge economic burden on patients, families, and society. Standardized KOA rehabilitation treatment is an important means to prevent and treat the disease and promote the development of high‐quality medical services. This guideline is updated on the basis of the 2016 and 2019 editions.

Methods

Clinical questions regarding rehabilitation assessment and treatment were selected through clinical questions screening and deconstruction, and multiple rounds of Delphi questionnaire consultation. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as the theoretical framework, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method was used to grade the quality of evidence and recommendations.

Results

The reporting of this guideline followed the standard of Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT). Taking into account patients' preferences and values and the needs of Chinese clinical practice, a total of 11 clinical questions and 28 recommendations were established. The clinical questions were grouped into two categories: KOA assessment (body function, body structure, activity and participation, quality of life, and environmental factors and clinical outcomes assessment, resulting in 9 recommendations) and KOA treatment (health education, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic modalities, occupational therapy, assistive devices, and regenerative rehabilitation approaches, resulting in 19 recommendations).

Conclusion

This is the first evidence‐based guideline for KOA rehabilitation in China utilizing the ICF framework. This guideline provides key guidance for developing systematic, standardized, and precise rehabilitation protocols for KOA across various healthcare settings.
Phagomagnetic separation in combination with real‐time PCR assay for detection of Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium in dairy products
Authors: Ding Yifeng , Li Zhiwei , Huang Chenxi , Zhang Yiming , Wang Jia , Wang Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) are the most commonly reported serotypes detected for the occurrence of Salmonellosis through foodborne transmission in recent years. In this study, a phagomagnetic separation in combination with qPCR (PhMS‐qPCR) based on phage T102 as a recognition element was developed for rapid enrichment and detection of Salmonella in dairy products. Phage T102 was coated onto magnetic beads for capturing Salmonella from samples through magnetic separation, with a capture efficiency of ~90% demonstrated. During the subsequent qPCR process, captured Salmonella was identified by detecting the OmpC gene, and specific sdf and STM4495 genes to further distinguish the serotypes of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST), respectively. The whole procedure can be performed in 2.5 h with a low detection limit of 10 CFU/mL in PBS. Subsequently, this detection strategy was successfully applied for the detection of Salmonella and serotype identification in spiked milk samples. This cell separation and detection system offers a promising alternative for rapid and accurate detection of Salmonella or Salmonella spp.
Small bowel disease prevalence on video capsule endoscopy in chronic granulomatous disease‐associated inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bhattacharya Sumona , Wong Uni , Khalid Mian , Blaney Hanna , Menkart Matthew G , Oringher Jenna L , Taneja Sonia L , Zerbe Christa S , De Ravin Suk See , Malech Harry L , Holland Steven M , Koh Christopher , Heller Theo
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) may develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Characterization of small bowel disease in this cohort is scarce. Here, we sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of small bowel disease and evaluate the clinical utility of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) for its diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients with CGD who were evaluated for gastrointestinal disease with VCE as a part of ongoing natural history studies at a single academic center. VCEs were reviewed for inflammatory findings and severity of disease utilizing the Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Radiographic studies and endoscopies performed within 30 days of VCE were compared with small bowel inflammatory findings.

Results

Twenty‐six VCEs corresponding to 25 patients were found. The majority of patients were male and White; mean age was 28 years old. The majority (85%) demonstrated presence of small bowel inflammatory findings on VCE including strictures, ulcers, erosions, and erythema. Duodenal and ileal inflammatory disease on endoscopy did not correlate with disease on VCE. Moderate–severe colonic disease correlated with moderate–severe disease on VCE. Radiography did not correlate with disease on VCE. Prolonged small bowel transit time correlated with moderate–severe small bowel disease.

Conclusions

Small bowel IBD was highly prevalent in this cohort of patients with CGD. Limitations included small sample size. Given that radiology and duodenal/ileal disease did not correlate with VCE findings, VCE‐driven investigation of small bowel disease should be considered in patients with CGD‐associated IBD, particularly those with colonic disease.
Cannabis constituents for chronic neuropathic pain; reconciling the clinical and animal evidence
Authors: Sokolaj Eddy , Assareh Neda , Anderson Kristen , Aubrey Karin R. , Vaughan Christopher W.
Published: September 2023

Chronic neuropathic pain is a debilitating pain syndrome caused by damage to the nervous system that is poorly served by current medications. Given these problems, clinical studies have pursued extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa as alternative treatments for this condition. The vast majority of these studies have examined cannabinoids which contain the psychoactive constituent delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While there have been some positive findings, meta‐analyses of this clinical work indicates that this effectiveness is limited and hampered by side‐effects. This review focuses on how recent preclinical studies have predicted the clinical limitations of THC‐containing cannabis extracts, and importantly, point to how they might be improved. This work highlights the importance of targeting channels and receptors other than cannabinoid CB1 receptors which mediate many of the side‐effects of cannabis.

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Speaking up: why people dare to sue the government in China
Authors: BAIK JONGYOON
Published: September 2023

Why do Chinese citizens file administrative lawsuits despite low expectations of winning or the possibility of political retaliation from suing the government? Drawn from the author's fieldwork interviews in 2019 with ordinary citizens who had had disputes with their administrators, this article argues that Chinese citizens’ desire to have their voices heard trumps these obstacles. That is, through lawsuits, people want to face their administrators and make their case. An administrative trial provides an opportunity for citizens to voice their discontent in the physical presence of administrators, unlike other dispute resolution methods available in China. Administrative litigants value this rare chance, even though the rulings are unlikely to be in their favour. By treating an administrative trial as a stage for citizens to stand up for themselves against the government, this article contributes to our understanding of political expressions under authoritarianism.
Orchestrated feedback regulation between melatonin and sex hormones involving GPER1‐PKA‐CREB signaling in the placenta
Authors: Shao Xuan , Yang Yun , Liu Yanlei , Wang Yongqing , Zhao Yangyu , Yu Xin , Liu Juan , Li Yu‐Xia , Wang Yan‐Ling
Published: September 2023

Maintaining placental endocrine homeostasis is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Pre‐eclampsia (PE), a gestational complication, is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aberrant elevation of testosterone (T0) synthesis, reduced estradiol (E2), and melatonin productions have been identified in preeclamptic placentas. However, the precise contribution of disrupted homeostasis among these hormones to the occurrence of PE remains unknown. In this study, we established a strong correlation between suppressed melatonin production and decreased E2 as well as elevated T0 synthesis in PE placentas. Administration of the T0 analog testosterone propionate (TP; 2 mg/kg/day) to pregnant mice from E7.5 onwards resulted in PE‐like symptoms, along with elevated T0 production and reduced E2 and melatonin production. Notably, supplementation with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) in TP‐treated mice had detrimental effects on fetal and placental development and compromised hormone synthesis. Importantly, E2, but not T0, actively enhanced melatonin synthetase AANAT expression and melatonin production in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells through GPER1‐PKA‐CREB signaling pathway. On the other hand, melatonin suppressed the level of estrogen synthetase aromatase while promoting the expressions of androgen synthetic enzymes including 17β‐HSD3 and 3β‐HSD1 in PHT cells. These findings reveal an orchestrated feedback mechanism that maintains homeostasis of placental sex hormones and melatonin. It is implied that abnormal elevation of T0 synthesis likely serves as the primary cause of placental endocrine disturbances associated with PE. The suppression of melatonin may represent an adaptive strategy to correct the imbalance in sex hormone levels within preeclamptic placentas. The findings of this study offer novel evidence that identifies potential targets for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for PE.
From the severity patch to the landscape: Wildfire and spatial heterogeneity in northern Sierra Nevada conifer forests
Authors: Paudel Asha , Markwith Scott H.
Published: September 2023

Aims

Prolonged fire suppression in conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, California, USA, has led to ingrowth of conifer seedlings, converting the open heterogeneous structure into uniformly dense and layered forest. The threat of a stand‐replacing fire has increased because of fuel buildup in combination with rising drought and extreme heat frequency caused by climate change. With such high severity fire, there is also rising concern regarding conifer forest converting to shrublands as severe fire favors the establishment of large shrub patches altering landscape vegetation pattern and heterogeneity. However, a clear understanding of the effects of increased fire severity, size, and frequency on landscape‐scale heterogeneity and postfire patch dynamics is lacking, which is critical in implementing restoration and forest management activities. Our aim was to understand multiscale dynamics and spatial heterogeneity patterns of conifer forests and chaparral shrublands due to repeated mixed‐severity fire.

Location

A mosaic of burned and unburned patches spanning the boundary of Lassen and Plumas National Forests, CA, USA.

Methods

We used secondary geospatial landcover data classified by cover type before modern fires (1999) and after eight modern fires (2014). We calculated various landscape diversity and fragmentation metrics at patch and landscape scales using FRAGSTATS for comparison before and after fires.

Results

At the fire severity patch scale, high‐severity fire reduced vegetation cover type heterogeneity by half, but reburning at low to moderate severity nearly doubled cover type heterogeneity. At the full landscape scale mixed‐severity fire, including all burn severities, increased vegetation cover type heterogeneity. Fragmentation indexes confirmed that fire created larger patches of shrub and fragmented patches of conifer forest.

Conclusions

The effects of frequent large fire events on vegetation pattern and heterogeneity vary with the scale of analysis. Hence, heterogeneity and vegetation pattern change need to be evaluated at more than one scale to understand past and future ecological processes before prioritizing management actions for the conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Pre‐departure language requirements for family reunification
Authors: van den Berg Tamara
Published: September 2023

This paper argues that pre‐departure language requirements for family reunification are unjustified. Such requirements are assumed to safeguard (1) the non‐instrumental cultural interests of citizens of the receiving society and (2) the instrumental language interests of both citizens and immigrants, for democratic life and political participation. The paper explores nationalist and multiculturalist arguments for implementing post‐arrival integration to ensure a shared public language but contends that such arguments cannot justify pre‐departure language requirements. In addition, instrumental language interests for democratic political life fall empirically short and place undue burdens on immigrants. The case of family reunification poses a unique moral problem, given the vital interest in living with one's family. The paper argues that the linguistic interests of the receiving state, in general, do not outweigh the claim to family reunification.
Ultraviolet‐A1 radiation induced a more favorable light‐intercepting leaf‐area display than blue light and promoted plant growth
Authors: Zhang Yating , Sun Xuguang , Aphalo Pedro J. , Zhang Yuqi , Cheng Ruifeng , Li Tao
Published: September 2023

Plants adjust their morphology in response to light environment by sensing an array of light cues. Though the wavelengths of ultraviolet‐A1 radiation (UV‐A1, 350–400 nm) are close to blue light (B, 400–500 nm) and share same flavoprotein photoreceptors, it remains poorly understood how plant responses to UV‐A1 radiation could differ from those to B. We initially grown tomato plants under monochromatic red light (R, 660 nm) as control, subsequently transferred them to four dichromatic light treatments containing ~20 µmol m−2 s−1 of UV‐A1 radiation, peaking at 370 nm (UV‐A370) or 400 nm (V400), or B (450 nm, at ~20 or 1.5 µmol m−2 s−1), with same total photon irradiance (~200 μmol m−2 s−1). We show that UV‐A370 radiation was the most effective in inducing light‐intercepting leaf‐area display formation, resulting in larger leaf area and more shoot biomass, while it triggered weaker and later transcriptome‐wide responses than B. Mechanistically, UV‐A370‐promoted leaf‐area display response was apparent in less than 12 h and appeared as very weakly related to transcriptome level regulation, which likely depended on the auxin transportation and cell wall acidification. This study revealed wavelength‐specific responses within UV‐A/blue region challenging usual assumptions that the role of UV‐A1 radiation function similarly as blue light in mediating plant processes.
Hardiness, leadership style and gender as predictors of leader performance in military academy cadets
Authors: Bartone Paul T.
Published: September 2023

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is widely considered the premier leader development institution in the United States. Since first admitting women in 1976, few studies have examined factors that may influence female cadets to perform as leaders in this environment. The present study analyzed archival data collected during a unique longitudinal study of leader development conducted at West Point during the years 1993–2000, the Baseline Officer Leader Development Study (BOLDS). Personality hardiness, transformational and transactional leadership styles were evaluated as potential predictors of performance as leaders, according to supervisor ratings. Regression results showed that female cadets excel as leaders, outperforming male cadets as a group. Hardiness and transformational leadership style predicted leader performance for both male and female cadets. Additional analyses indicated it is the transformational leadership element of “charismatic” (or idealized influence) leadership that accounts for this finding. The transactional component “management by exception‐active” also predicted leader performance, but for male cadets only. This study confirms that hardiness and charismatic leadership style are important for leadership performance of both male and female cadets. For male cadets, leader performance was also tied to actively identifying and addressing failures in subordinates. Leader development programs for both men and women may thus be enhanced by including programs to develop personality hardiness and transformational leadership qualities.
Internal, external, genetic, or cultural? Lay theories about racial health disparities predict perceived threat, adherence, and policy support
Authors: Crist Jaren D. , Schlegel Rebecca J. , Salter Phia S. , Rivera Grace N. , Noor Masi , Perez Michael J. , Coger Ciara
Published: September 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that Black and Latinx communities experienced a disproportionate burden of illness. The goal of this study is to investigate laypeople's attribution of these disparities. We hypothesized the following four potential attributions: external causes (e.g. systemic racism), internal causes (e.g. personal choices), cultural causes (e.g., being close knit), or genetic causes (e.g., being more vulnerable for genetic reasons). Data from 447 participants revealed that lay theories involving external factors were the most endorsed, whereas theories relating to genetic causes were the least endorsed. Our analyses further revealed that external attributions predicted broader COVID‐19 relevant outcomes (i.e., perceived threat of COVID‐19, adherence to CDC guidelines, and support for government policies in response to COVID‐19), even after controlling for political orientation, participant race, and other attributions. This research provides insight into how lay people's explanations for disparities can predict their reactions to the pandemic.
Geo‐thermochronological analysis reveals transition from transverse to axial detrital inputs during Cretaceous rifting in the Songliao Basin, NE China
Authors: Wang Nan , Zhang Zhiyong , Malusà Marco G. , Zhang Jien , Wu Lin , Xiang Dunfeng , Xiao Wenjiao
Published: September 2023

The impact of tectonics, volcanism and climate in controlling temporal and spatial variations in rift‐basin sedimentation is still poorly understood. Here, we tackle this issue by the analysis of mid‐Cretaceous sediments deposited in the Songliao Basin, northeastern China. We present new zircon U–Pb, apatite fission‐track and trace‐element data from the northeastern basin, which are discussed within the framework of the published geochronology dataset. Our results reveal a major provenance change from syn‐rift tectonic extension to post‐rift thermal subsidence at ~103 Ma. During the syn‐rift stage, the detrital inputs were dominantly from transverse rivers sourced from the surrounding mountains including graben shoulders and volcanoes. During the post‐rift stage and coeval thermal subsidence, the basin sedimentation was controlled by coexisting transverse and axial drainage systems sourced from uplifting regions in the south. We conclude that tectonics, not climate, exerted a major control in sediment provenance change in the mid‐Cretaceous Songliao Basin.
Beginners guide to protocol writing in transplant infectious diseases
Authors: Kumar Rebecca N. , Gorsline Chelsea A. , Harris Courtney E.
Published: September 2023

Creating protocols surrounding the guidance of the prevention and treatment of infections in transplantation is an integral part of being a transplant infectious disease physician. This piece outlines the key components for success in developing a protocol, with an example protocol and protocol template available for readers. Collaborating effectively within the multi‐disciplinary team to develop, implement, and assess the efficacy of a protocol is a skill that enhances the relationship with our transplantation colleagues and improves patient outcomes by standardizing the care delivered.
Thermodynamic Performance Enhancement of an Air Conditioner With Dew Point Evaporative Cooler
Authors: Gupta Sunil Kumar , Arora B. B. , Arora Akhilesh
Published: September 2023

The vapor-compression-based conventional split air conditioners (CACs) consume a large portion of total electrical power and pose an alarming threat to global environment. The present work aims to reduce cooling load and power consumption of CAC by employing a dew point evaporative cooler (DPEC). DPEC consists of a counter flow type heat and mass exchanger with alternate layers of dry and wet channels. The intake air is sensibly cooled before entering the cooling room through the evaporator coil of the air conditioner. Also, the working air (a part of outlet air in dry channel), after absorbing sensible heat of intake air and water vapors from the wet channel surface, is allowed to pass across the condenser coils. The intake dry-bulb temperature (T0 = 29–44 °C) and specific humidity (ω0 = 6–22 g/kg) are taken as input parameters. While the cooled air entering the evaporator decreases the cooling load on the conditioned space, the compression work is also reduced due to increased heat transfer in the condenser. The maximum reductions in cooling load and monthly energy consumption at T0 = 44 °C and ω0 = 6 g/kg are found as 59.54% and 340 kW h, respectively. The water consumption for different months of the cooling season varies from 1037.8 L to 2905.95 L. The average energy savings with the DPEC system for hot-dry climate (from April to June) and hot-humid climate (from July to September) of New Delhi, India, are observed to be 479.6 kW h and 79.1 kW h, respectively. The proposed system is found to payback in about 3.37 years.
Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Sandoval Bustamante Javier , Singh Aanya , Soto Crisanto Magali Itzai , Joao Imerson , Mohsin Batool
Published: September 2023

Intermittency of renewable energy systems remains one of the major impediments to their adoption. Therefore, large-scale energy storage is essential for developing flexible, reliable electricity grids and integrating renewables within them. This work presents a comparative study of mechanical energy storage systems based on their working principle, factors that affect their performance, applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Pumped hydro, gravity-based, and buoyancy-based methods store energy in the form of gravitational potential energy. Flywheels store excess electrical energy in the form of kinetic energy via a rotating mass. Metal-organic frameworks and carbon nanotubes store potential energy in their structure under compressive or tensile forces. Springs can be used to momentarily store kinetic energy in pendulum energy harvesters. The application for these systems varies depending on factors such as energy density, power density, discharge time, and energy generation method. Some mechanical energy storage systems are well suited for utility scale. Others, like carbon nanotubes and metal-organic frameworks, are more suited to nano-scale applications. Finally, energy storage in springs can improve the performance of pendulum energy harvesters. Thus, mechanical energy storage has the potential to deliver value across different stages of the energy value chain.
Performance of Biomass and Waste Coal Co-Fired Power Generation
Authors: Bhoi Prakash , Sarkar Surja , Klinger Jordan
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of waste coal and biomass co-fired 100 MW power generation using a commercial software, i.e., STEAM-PRO. The selected feedstocks are anthracite waste coal and loblolly pine biomass. The performance of co-fired plant was analyzed at biomass and coal refuse cofiring ratios such as 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:0. The STEAM-PRO model was validated using literature data, and the major parameters were in the range of 5 to 6% while a few parameters were in the range of 11 to 13% which are within the acceptable range. As the biomass to waste coal ratio increased from 0:100 to 100:0, the gross power, net heat rate, auxiliary power, fuel flow rate, and CO2 emissions are decreased for both with and without carbon capture and storage (CCS) cases. The maximum net plant LHV efficiency of 37.11% was observed at co-firing ratio of 100:0, i.e., 100% biomass case. The addition of CCS has resulted into a significant reduction in net plant LHV efficiency. Although the addition of CCS reduced the net thermal efficiency, CO2 and SO2 emissions have been reduced significantly.
Design and Analysis of a CSP Plant and Pumped Hydro Storage Facility
Authors: Mitri Frederick B. , Anderson Kevin R.
Published: September 2023

This paper demonstrates the design and analysis of a power plant that uses a concentrating solar power (CSP) system in conjunction with pumped hydro energy storage (PHES). The facility proposed here is for the Hoover / Davis Dam network. This system generates energy for use in the evening hours from 4–9 PM when energy demand reaches its peak. The predicted annual power output for the facility is 8,427 GWh. Energy storage of 294 MWth will assist in startup during the early morning hours and will allow the power plant to be operated at full capacity throughout the day. The construction cost for the powerplant is estimated to be 1.64 million USD per GWh, 23% of which is for energy storage. The estimated Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for the CSP/PHES project is 12.63 ¢/kWh. Details of the simulation of the proposed power plant using NREL System Advisor Model (SAM) are given herein.
Employing Variable Current/Voltage Control Schemes to Develop Carnot-Analogous Mixing Engines for Salinity Gradient Energy Extraction
Authors: Moreno Daniel A.
Published: September 2023

A capacitive mixing engine is developed which follows four stages of operation analogous to those of a Carnot cycle. This work establishes and evaluates control schemes for cell voltage and current as functions of time to maintain cycling stages where a constant number of ions property (dependent on both cell charge and concentration) can be maintained. The cycle is examined and compared for three different models of the electrochemical double layer in the cell, each of which function best at a different set of concentration ranges: The Gouy Chapman Stern (GCS) model for high concentrations, the modified Donnan (mD) model for low concentrations, and the improved modified Donnan (imD) model to account for both ranges. The cycle baseline condition operates between high concentration seawater (600 mM) mixed with heavily diluted brackish water (20 mM). Under this voltage range, the imD functions best at capturing the appropriate range of concentrations, but future connections with experimental studies will be necessary to assure that the constant parameters used for fitting in the model are valid. In this mode of operation, cell voltage and current were found to follow linear/exponential trends, but the high concentration range required very long running times on the order of thousands of hours, approaching the infinitely slow cycle limits previously developed. Before more rigorous studies can be considered, a design space exploration should aim to decrease operating time to more reasonable values. This study suggested high flow rates (> 1 L/min) will be effective while keeping current lower (< 1 A) to minimize irreversibilities. While the transient cycle does not truly extract the maximum energy of mixing predicted theoretically, it reaches 75% for baseline conditions studied, and approaches 100% as minimum concentration approaches zero.