bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic properties of the surface sediments from the Huguangyan Maar Lake in tropical Southern China and the sediment source identification
Authors: Wei Zhong , Xiaowen Tang , Shengtan Shang , Zhiqiang Wei , Yuanhan Chen , Mingying Quan , Tianhang Li
Published: August 2021

Deciphering the source(s) of sediment deposited in Hugunagyan Lake in South China using magnetic properties will advance our understanding of the evolution of East Asian monsoon systems. However, the source of magnetic minerals in the surface sediments of this lake is unknown, still needing further exploration. Due to simple hydrological systems, the Hugunagyan Lake provides a unique record for investigating the magnetic property of sediments and surface processes. In this study, based on the magnetic properties of 43 surface sediment, 12 surface soil, and 7 volcanic rock samples from the catchment, we demonstrate that the magnetic minerals in sediments were dominated by fine super paramagnetic magnetic particles, with coexistence of pseudo‐single‐domain states minerals. There are no signatures showing the presence of biogenic and authigenic magnetite. The magnetic properties of surface sediments display significant differences between the potential sources of aeolian dust from the loess in North China and modern surface soils in Central Asia, suggesting that the magnetic minerals mainly originate from the weathered materials in the catchment, and there are no further signals of winter monsoon‐driven aeolian dust input.
Fracture analysis using Stoneley waves in a coalbed methane reservoir
Authors: Banerjee Abir , Chatterjee Rima
Published: August 2021

The production of coalbed methane gas depends upon various factors such as permeability, gas content, gas saturation and seam thickness. The low permeability in coal is a constraint in the gas extraction process. However, the presence of natural fractures and cleats in coal increases the permeability; therefore, its identification is necessary to establish the prospectivity. Hence, a methodology is used to process the Stoneley waveform in the Bokaro coalfield located in India to obtain slowness magnitude from the semblance analysis. The separation of directly transmitted and reflected Stoneley waves determines the reflection coefficient and attenuation, and its analysis emphasizes the presence of fractures. In coal seams, the average reflection coefficient ranges from 0.42 to 2.44 and attenuation ranges from 0.2 dB to 12.68 dB. The Stoneley slowness versus frequency plot shows a constant slowness with increasing frequency in the non‐fractured seams, whereas a dispersive trend is observed in the fractured seams. Fractures are also distinguished from the cross‐plot of compressional/shear versus Stoneley velocity. The observation of higher reflection coefficient, attenuation and slowness‐frequency dispersion in coal seams indicates extensive fractures/cleats that corroborate with the resistivity image log correlation. Thus, the study helps to distinguish between fractured and non‐fractured coal seams from the integrated approach of reflection coefficient, attenuation and dispersion analysis of Stoneley waves supported by the identification of fractures from resistivity image log for optimization in coalbed methane production in the development phase.
Salmon peptides limit obesity‐associated metabolic disorders by modulating a gut‐liver axis in vitamin D‐deficient mice
Authors: Valle Marion , Mitchell Patricia L. , Pilon Geneviève , Varin Thibault , Hénault Loïc , Rolin Jonathan , McLeod Roger , Gill Tom , Richard Denis , Vohl Marie‐Claude , Jacques Hélène , Gagnon Claudia , Bazinet Laurent , Marette André
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study investigated the effects of a low‐dose salmon peptide fraction (SPF) and vitamin D3 (VitD3) in obese and VitD3‐deficient mice at risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

Obese and VitD3‐deficient low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr)−/−/apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB)100/100 mice were treated with high‐fat high‐sucrose diets, with 25% of dietary proteins replaced by SPF or a nonfish protein mix (MP). The SPF and MP groups received a VitD3‐deficient diet or a supplementation of 15,000 IU of VitD3 per kilogram of diet. Glucose homeostasis, atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and gut health were assessed.

Results

VitD3 supplementation increased plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D to optimal status whereas the VitD3‐deficient diet maintained moderate deficiency. SPF‐treated groups spent more energy and accumulated less visceral fat in association with an improved adipokine profile. SPF lowered homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance compared with MP, suggesting that SPF can improve insulin sensitivity. SPF alone blunted hepatic and colonic inflammation, whereas VitD3 supplementation attenuated ileal inflammation. These effects were associated with changes in gut microbiota such as increased Mogibacterium and Muribaculaceae.

Conclusions

SPF treatment improves MetS by modulating hepatic and gut inflammation along with gut microbiota, suggesting that SPF operates through a gut‐liver axis. VitD3 supplementation has limited influence on MetS in this model.
Improved mechanical performance and unique toughening mechanisms of UDM processed epoxy‐SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar Kaushal , Goyat Manjeet S. , Solanki Ankur , Kumar Arun , Kant Ravi , Ghosh Prakriti K.
Published: August 2021

This work demonstrates improved mechanical performance and unique toughening mechanisms of ultrasonic dual mixing (UDM) processed epoxy‐SiO2 nanocomposites. The loading of SiO2 nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix was varied from 1 to 5 vol% to produce the nanocomposites. The mechanical performance was evaluated by measuring the tensile and fracture properties of the nanocomposites. An optimal nanoparticle loading of 3 vol% in epoxy was found vital for improved performance of the nanocomposite. The optimal nanoparticle loading in epoxy lead to an increase of 18.45% in tensile strength and 120% increase in fracture toughness (GIC) compared to the neat epoxy. The fracture surface analysis revealed various toughening mechanisms including particle pull out, plastic void growth, plastic deformation, and crack deflection along with a unique mechanism of strong interfacial bonding between SiO2 particle and epoxy matrix.
Isotropy of mechanical properties and environmental stress crack sensitivity in injection‐ and injection‐compression molding of polystyrene with different mold temperature
Authors: Roth Benedikt , Drummer Dietmar
Published: August 2021

In addition to conventional injection‐compression molding and injection molding with dynamic process temperature control, a synergistic combination of both processes has recently been applied in dynamic temperature‐controlled injection‐compression molding. The two‐dimensional holding pressure effect in combination with the long maintenance of the flowability of the melt due to high mold temperature enables particularly large flow path to wall thickness ratios. In the most cases, only the optimized molding of microstructures and aspect ratios is considered without including the changed internal structure of such manufactured components. In the course of this investigation, the influence of different process strategies under variation of the mold temperature on production‐related anisotropies in the mechanical properties and stress crack sensitivity of thin‐walled polystyrene components was examined. The determined mechanical properties are significantly below the values given in the data sheet of the material in the adapted process variant of injection‐compression molding with high mold temperature. However, the results also show a clear homogenization of the direction‐ and flow path‐dependent mechanical properties. In contrast, components produced in this way tend to show increased environmental stress crack sensitivity. This could be attributed to significantly reduced orientations as a result of the favorably proceeding orientation relaxation.
Evaluation of Bt resistance in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains using various Bt cotton plant tissues
Authors: Kerns Dawson D , Yang Fei , Kerns David L , Stewart Scott D
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Diet‐overlay bioassays suggest that Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) field populations have developed resistance to some of the Bt insecticidal proteins that are constituents of the pyramids expressed in the second and third generation Bt cotton technologies. Unfortunately, these bioassays are not always a reliable indicator for how a seemingly resistant population will perform in an actual cotton field, and thus, leaf tissue bioassays have been suggested as a method to better assess field performance. However, bollworm larvae typically prefer to feed on floral tissue rather than leaf tissue, and an alternative cotton structure type may be more ideal for use in plant tissue‐based bioassays. A series of diet‐overlay bioassays using Bt proteins and Bt cotton plant tissue were conducted with laboratory susceptible (Bz‐SS) and resistant (Cry‐RR, resistant to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) H. zea strains to determine if plant tissue overlays could detect resistance and which cotton plant structure type would be most ideal for use in bioassays.

RESULTS

Results suggest that diet overlays using lyophilized plant tissue were able to detect resistance. Lyophilized tissue from white flowers was most ideal for use in bioassays, whereas tissue from non‐Bt bolls and leaves affected larval health and behavior, confounding assay results.

CONCLUSION

Overlays using white flower tissue could potentially be used to supplement Bt protein overlays and provide an improved assessment of larval performance on Bt cotton technologies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghazizadeh Javid , Sadigh‐Eteghad Saeed , Marx Wolfgang , Fakhari Ali , Hamedeyazdan Sanaz , Torbati Mohammadali , Taheri‐Tarighi Somaiyeh , Araj‐khodaei Mostafa , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: August 2021

A systematic review and a meta‐analytic approach were considered to investigate the effects of lemon balm as a medicinal herb on anxiety and depression in clinical trials and its side effects. All randomized clinical trials published up to October 30, 2020 that examined lemon balm in patients with symptoms of depression or anxiety, with acute or chronic manifestations, were searched in 12 online databases. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software. Continuous data were analyzed using standardized mean differences. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Chi2, I2, and p value tests. Based on meta‐analysis results, lemon balm significantly improved mean anxiety and depression scores compared with the placebo (SMD: ‐0.98; 95% CI: −1.63 to −0.33; p = 0.003), (SMD: ‐0.47; 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.21; p = 0.0005) respectively, without serious side effects. Current evidence suggests that lemon balm may be effective in improving anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly in the acute setting. Due to the high level of heterogeneity between studies, results should be interpreted with caution. The small number of clinical trials and differences between their methods were the limitations of the present study. Further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the lemon balm.
Carbon nanotube‐based titanium‐ and zirconium‐doped [M–N4] type ORR catalysts. First principle study
Authors: Kuzmin Anton V. , Shainyan Bagrat A.
Published: August 2021

The efficiency of the Ti‐ and Zr‐doped nitrogen‐codoped carbon nanomaterials based on the (6,6)armchair carbon nanotube C120H24 with incorporated MN4 fragment has been analyzed using the first principle method at the DFT theory level. Two active sites on the catalyst surface have been revealed: the MN4 site and the adjacent NC═CN double bond (C2 site) of the support. A distinctive feature of Ti and Zr metals is that the MN4 site remains active even in the oxidized forms, although the C2 site becomes competitive. The free energy diagrams of the ORR were plotted for associative and dissociative mechanisms for both the initial and different oxidized forms in the acidic and alkaline media. The intermediates corresponding to the global minima were determined depending on the applied electrode potential and on the nature of the metal. Slightly lower exothermicity of oxygen adsorption and lower‐lying intermediates of the same type for Ti metal are indicative of some advantage of the Ti‐doped over the Zr‐doped MN4–CNT catalysts.
Mechanisms of chemotherapy‐induced muscle wasting in mice with cancer cachexia
Authors: Murphy Kate T. , Swiderski Kristy , Ryall James G. , Davey Jonathan R. , Qian Hongwei , Lamon Séverine , Foletta Victoria C. , Trieu Jennifer , Chee Annabel , Read Suzannah J. , Naim Timur , Gregorevic Paul , Lynch Gordon S.
Published: August 2021

Background

Cachexia is a debilitating complication of cancer characterized by progressive wasting and weakness of skeletal muscles that reduces quality of life and can compromise survival. Many anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, also cause muscle wasting, which impairs the response to treatment. Given that many cancer patients present with cachexia at the initiation of treatment, we investigated whether cachectic mice were susceptible to chemotherapy‐induced muscle wasting and to investigate contributing mechanisms, including the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRs).

Methods

Cachectic colon‐26 (C‐26) tumour‐bearing mice were given 5‐fluourouracil (5‐FU) chemotherapy or vehicle treatment and analysed for muscle mass, fibre size and composition, and miR expression. Mechanisms were validated in vitro using C2C12 cell culture and miR mimics and inhibitors and were confirmed in vivo by injecting muscles of 5‐FU‐treated cachectic mice with recombinant adeno‐associated viral (rAAV) vectors encoding a miR sponge.

Results

In cachectic tumour‐bearing mice, 5‐FU chemotherapy exacerbated the loss of skeletal muscle mass compared with vehicle treatment (by −12% to −20%, P < 0.05). miR expression profiling, quantitative real‐time PCR, and in vitro analyses revealed contributing mechanisms including miR‐351‐3p‐dependent ERK2 inhibition. Intramuscular injection of rAAV vectors encoding a sponge to reduce miR‐351‐3p expression in 5‐FU‐treated cachectic mice enhanced ERK phosphorylation (+18%, P < 0.05) and increased muscle fibre size (+15%, P < 0.01). Hsa‐miR‐125a‐3p shares similar predicted gene targets as mmu‐miR‐351‐3p, and its inhibition in human muscle cells in vitro prevented 5‐FU‐induced atrophy (P < 0.001) and increased ERK phosphorylation (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings implicate miR‐351‐3p‐mediated ERK2 inhibition as a contributing mechanism in chemotherapy‐induced muscle wasting in mice with cancer cachexia and that its inhibition is a promising adjunct therapy for preserving muscles during cancer treatment.
Studying teachers in social network sites: a review of methods
Authors: Kelly Nick , Mercieca Bernadette , Mercieca Paul
Published: August 2021

Social network sites are being widely used by teachers, and this phenomenon has been studied extensively. Yet the knowledge base supporting policy and practitioner decisions around the implementation and facilitation of these sites remains underdeveloped. This paper suggests that one reason for this lies in a mismatch between the methods that are being used in studies of teachers in social network sites and the claims that are being made. It looks towards stronger claims within this domain of research by presenting an integrative review of empirical studies (N = 96) which investigate teachers in social network sites, with a focus upon the methods that they employ. An integrative review is conducted to find studies that look at early childhood, primary, and secondary teachers’ use of Facebook, Twitter, and other social network sites. The paper analyses the sample sizes, data sources, and forms of analysis that are used in these studies and discusses their suitability to the claims that are being made. It characterises the methods used in the included studies and makes five methodological recommendations regarding: (1) data about groups to be included when reporting studies and consistency of terminology; (2) frameworks for analysis; (3) re‐use of research instruments and coding schemes; (4) approaches to sampling to avoid self‐selection and bias; and (5) framing of claims to be more precise in nature. It suggests steps that might be taken to move towards stronger claims within this domain through convergent validity.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Social network sites (SNSs) are being widely used by teachers, yet the knowledge base supporting decisions around SNS implementation and facilitation for teachers is underdeveloped.

Why the new findings matter

This integrative review of 96 empirical studies of teachers in SNSs, and the analysis provided, helps researchers to understand the methods needed for developing this knowledge base.

Implications for researchers, practitioners

The study is relevant for researchers studying online networks of early childhood, primary, or secondary teachers. It makes five methodological recommendations pertaining to: (1) data about groups being included when reporting studies and consistency of terminology; (2) potential frameworks for analysis; (3) the need for re‐use of research instruments and coding schemes; (4) appropriate approaches to sampling, such as avoiding self‐selection; and (5) framing of claims to be more fine‐grained in nature. It suggests steps that might be taken to move towards stronger claims within this domain of teachers in SNSs through convergent validity.
Toward better measurement of sustainable development and wellbeing: A small number of SDG indicators reliably predict life satisfaction
Authors: Kubiszewski Ida , Mulder Kenneth , Jarvis Diane , Costanza Robert
Published: August 2021

In 2015, all 193 member states of the United Nations (UN) adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals, 169 targets, and 232 indicators (including over 650 indicators if all the subdivisions are included) are intended to guide and improve sustainable wellbeing and life satisfaction for everyone on earth. Challenges include the fact that many indicators are not measured or reliably tracked in many countries, the cost of tracking is unclear, and no explicit overarching goal exists. To highlight some of the problems with this approach, we model life satisfaction (LS) survey scores by country, as a proxy for overall wellbeing, as the dependent variable against the official 232 SDG indicators. Using a constrained linear regression approach (LASSO), we identify a model that includes only 8 of the 232 indicators and explains 84% of the variation in LS. These eight indicators are proxies for economic, social, and environmental variables. We also cluster countries according to these indicators and LS showing correlation within geographical and cultural regions. We discuss these results with regard to the meaning and measurement of sustainable development vs. sustainable wellbeing and its relationship with LS and the SDGs. We recommend how these results can be used to prioritize goals and measurement efforts to create more meaningful and useful measures of sustainable wellbeing.
Exploring the mental health correlates of overdose loss
Authors: Bottomley Jamison S. , Feigelman William T. , Rheingold Alyssa A.
Published: August 2021

Despite the exorbitant rise in overdose‐related deaths, little is known about the mental health burden associated with this form of loss. Using validated self‐report instruments, the present study investigated the prevalence of pathological symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and suicide risk among a sample of overdose loss survivors (n = 115). Comparison groups consisting of other sudden loss survivors (suicide and sudden‐natural loss) were employed to illuminate any shared or unique mental health challenges. Consistent with this study's primary hypothesis, results indicated that the overall mental health burden of overdose loss is substantial. Specifically, after controlling for a number of covariates, overdose loss survivors were approximately three times more likely to meet the symptom severity threshold for PGD, PTSD, and MDD compared to sudden‐natural loss survivors. Overdose loss survivors also appeared to be at risk for GAD symptoms and suicide, but differences were non‐significant after accounting for a number of covariates. Overall, this study is the first to examine this particular constellation of mental health outcomes associated with overdose bereavement, underscoring the need for additional empirical and clinical attention placed on this burgeoning population.
Salutary mechanisms in the relationship between stress and health: The mediating and moderating roles of Sense of Coherence—Revised
Authors: Rohner Shauna L. , Bernays Florence , Maercker Andreas , Thoma Myriam V.
Published: August 2021

While chronic and acute stress are often associated with negative health, the sense of coherence–revised (SOC‐R) is proposed to facilitate coping with stress and promote health. However, research is lacking on the specific mechanisms. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate potential mediating and moderating mechanisms of SOC‐R in the relationship between stress and health. Using a cross‐sectional design, standardized questionnaires assessed SOC‐R, acute (perceived) stress, early‐life adversity (ELA; indicator for early‐life chronic stress), mental and physical health, and satisfaction with life. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted with N = 531 Irish adults (mean age: 59.5 years; 58.4% female). Regarding acute (perceived) stress, results showed that SOC‐R and its Manageability subscale significantly mediated the association between perceived stress and mental health, and satisfaction with life. SOC‐R and its Manageability subscale also significantly moderated the association between perceived stress and mental health. Regarding ELA, the Manageability subscale significantly mediated the association between ELA and mental health, and satisfaction with life; and the Balance subscale significantly mediated the association between ELA and physical health. SOC‐R may provide a useful focus for stress‐related research, with future longitudinal studies needed to examine SOC‐R as a long‐term modulating pathway between stress and health.
Functionalized Tumor‐Targeting Nanosheets Exhibiting Fe(II) Overloading and GSH Consumption for Ferroptosis Activation in Liver Tumor
Authors: Li Ke , Xu Kun , He Ye , Lu Lu , Mao Yulan , Gao Pengfei , Liu Genhua , Wu Jing , Zhang Yuchen , Xiang Yang , Luo Zhong , Cai Kaiyong
Published: August 2021

Liver tumor is difficult to cure for its high degree of malignancy and rapid progression characteristics. Ferroptosis as a new model of inducing cell death is expected to break the treatment bottleneck of liver tumors. Here, a strategy to induce ferroptosis in HepG2 cells with acid‐degradable tumor targeted nanosheets Cu‐Hemin‐PEG‐Lactose acid (Cu‐Hemin‐PEG‐LA) is proposed. After highly ingested by HepG2 cells, Cu‐Hemin‐PEG‐LA nanosheets are degraded by weak acid and release Cu(II) and hemin, which consuming intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and increasing the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) protein, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 protein (GPX4) is down‐regulated by consumption intracellular GSH content via converting GSH into glutathione oxidized (GSSG), which is named the classical mode. The intracellular Fe2+ content is overloaded by the significant up‐regulation of HMOX1 expression, which is denoted as nonclassical mode. The synergistic eﬀect of classical and nonclassical mode increased the intracellular lipid reactive oxide species, induced the occurrence of ferroptosis and up‐regulated the expression of BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID), apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF), and endonuclease G proteins (EndoG). The synergistic strategy demonstrate the excellent ferroptosis induction ability and antitumor efficacy in vivo, which provides great potential for the clinical transformation of ferroptosis.
Aggregation‐induced emission: Red and near‐infrared organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Tu Liangjing , Xie Yujun , Li Zhen , Tang Benzhong
Published: August 2021

Red and near‐infrared (NIR) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLED) have gained remarkable interest due to their numerous applications. However, the construction of highly emissive emitters is hampered by the energy‐gap law and aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect. Whereas, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) materials could avoid the undesirable ACQ effect and emit bright light in aggregated state, which is one class of the most promising materials to fabricate high‐performance OLED with a high external quantum efficiency and low efficiency roll‐off. This review summarizes recent advances in red and NIR OLED with AIE property, including the traditional fluorescence, thermally activated delayed fluorescence, and hybridized local and charge transfer compounds. Meanwhile, the emphasis attention is paid to the molecular design principles, as well as the molecular structure‐photophysical characteristics. We also briefly further outlook the challenges and perspective of red and NIR AIE luminogens.
DC Arc Resistance Rise by PMMA Cylinder Ablation with Arc Shrinking in Silica Sand Filling Space
Authors: Kodama Naoto , Nakamura Koya , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Takahashi Asato , Yamamura Naoki
Published: August 2021

Concerning DC arc quenching phenomenon in silica sand filling space, we have proposed a new method for raising an arc column resistance (rcol) by use of polymer‐material arrangement. This paper reveals physical factors for rcol rise on the bases of experimental results using the following cylinders made of: (i) Quartz (SiO2) and (ii) PMMA ((C5H8O2)n) with various inner diameters ϕ. For ϕ = 2 mm case, rcol measured for a PMMA cylinder arrangement indicated higher rcol at low current region, while almost same rcol around current peak. For ϕ = 3 mm case, rcol for the PMMA cylinder was lower than rcol for the quartz case at high current region, while almost comparable between these conditions at low current region. For ϕ = 5 mm case, rcol were almost same during the arc quenching process. To discuss the effect of the rcol rise, the followings were also performed: (i) observation of cylinders after arc quenching and (ii) calculation of the electron density of SiO2/Cu or PMMA/SiO2 mixture vapors. It is concluded that, at high current region, rcol can increase due to the shrinking of the arc conductive diameter caused by the cylinder hole and the silica sand filled inside the cylinder hole. On the other hand, the admixing of the PMMA ablation vapor increases rcol at low current region in the present experiment. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An eco‐friendly management of organic waste by using exotic earthworms: A case study of revenue generation in Gandhi Zoological Park
Authors: Mir Rouf Ahmad , Shrivastava Sarita
Published: August 2021

Before the start of vermicomposting, the large quantity of organic waste generated in the zoo was sold to the public at the rate of Rs. 500 per truck amount Rs. 9500 annually. However, the large profusion of waste was frequently left within the zoo premises imparting an ugly and unhygienic environment for the zoo. To make the park more attractive, self‐sustained (sold high‐quality vermicompost) and keep premises clean, a vermicomposting process was set up on a pilot basis. Vermicomposting of organic waste could have dual beneficial effects by generating an economically viable animal feed protein in the form of worm biomass while alleviating the negative effects of poor organic waste management. The aim of the study was the management of different organic wastes generated in the zoo by using exotic worms and makes the premises financially‐self dependent. The most dung‐producing animals in the zoo are herbivores and droppings of exotic birds are also included, on average below 200 kg or more waste is collected every week in the zoo. Analysis of different physico‐chemical properties of zoo vermicompost showed vermidegraded organic waste is a nutrient rich and eco‐friendly approach. Data were analyzed by using mean ± error.
Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel reduces fear and anxiety in dogs during veterinary visits: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical pilot study
Authors: Korpivaara Mira , Huhtinen Mirja , Aspegrén John , Overall Karen
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Many dogs are anxious and/or fearful in veterinary clinics and exhibit avoidant and/or defensive behaviour. The purpose of pharmacological interventions is to reduce anxiety and to enable patient‐friendly, low stress physical examination and procedures.

Materials and methods

This was a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, multicentre, clinical‐field study. The eligible dogs (n = 76) were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine 0.1 mg/g oromucosal gel at a dose of 125 μg/m2 (n = 27) or 250 μg/m2 (n = 24), or an equivalent volume of placebo gel (n = 23).

Results

The investigator's ability to perform the intended procedure (physical examination and 1 short minor veterinary or husbandry procedure) was excellent for 40.7% of the dogs that received dexmedetomidine 125 μg/m2 and 33.3% of those that received dexmedetomidine 250 μg/m2 compared to only 4.3% of the placebo dogs. The overall treatment effect was statistically significant (p = 0.03). In addition, the investigators subjective stress level assessments revealed that dexmedetomidine treated dogs showed significantly more commonly relaxed body posture (p < 0.01) and more relaxed behaviour when entering the examination room (p = 0.02). There were very few adverse events, and treated animals were not sedated.

Conclusions

This study indicated a beneficial treatment effect of dexmedetomidine gel in alleviation of canine fear and anxiety during minor veterinary or husbandry procedures in the clinic environment in dogs previously reported to suffer from fear and anxiety during veterinary visits. Both dexmedetomidine gel doses studied were effective, and no clinical safety concerns were noticed for either dose.
Key features and novel trends for developing cost engineering methods for forged components: a systematic literature review
Authors: Favi Claudio , Campi Federico , Mandolini Marco , Martinelli Irene , Germani Michele
Published: August 2021

Engineering design shows a growing interest in exploring cost analysis to anticipate manufacturing issues and integrate production aspects within the product development process. This research aims to highlight key elements (inputs, parameters, models) to accurately predict the cost of a forged part using a complete model, with important information that can be available during the design phase. For this purpose, a systematic literature review of existing engineering methodologies developed for cost analysis of forged parts (i.e., cost estimation, DtC, and ABC) was performed with characterizations of the different approaches for evaluating the most important topics related to this objective. As a result, the most important insights related to the aim of this review are provided: (i) among quantitative methods, analytical and parametric models are the most suitable approaches to develop a cost estimation, (ii) a cost model based on a linear equation supported by single or multiple variables seems to be the most accurate tool to establish a robust cost analysis in the design of forged components, and (iii) input parameters related to the material type and geometrical features are the most critical cost-drivers in the cost assessment. Moreover, this review contributes to identifying emerging applications and obsolete topics, providing the ground to investigate unexplored areas relevant to future research.
Radon Numbers Grow Linearly
Authors: Pálvölgyi Dömötör
Published: August 2021

Define the k-th Radon number $$r_k$$

r
k

of a convexity space as the smallest number (if it exists) for which any set of $$r_k$$

r
k

points can be partitioned into k parts whose convex hulls intersect. Combining the recent abstract fractional Helly theorem of Holmsen and Lee with earlier methods of Bukh, we prove that $$r_k$$

r
k

grows linearly, i.e., $$r_k\le c(r_2)\cdot k$$

r
k

≤
c

(

r
2

)

·
k

.
Navigating by touch: haptic Monte Carlo localization via geometric sensing and terrain classification
Authors: Buchanan Russell , Bednarek Jakub , Camurri Marco , Nowicki Michał R. , Walas Krzysztof , Fallon Maurice
Published: August 2021

Legged robot navigation in extreme environments can hinder the use of cameras and lidar due to darkness, air obfuscation or sensor damage, whereas proprioceptive sensing will continue to work reliably. In this paper, we propose a purely proprioceptive localization algorithm which fuses information from both geometry and terrain type to localize a legged robot within a prior map. First, a terrain classifier computes the probability that a foot has stepped on a particular terrain class from sensed foot forces. Then, a Monte Carlo-based estimator fuses this terrain probability with the geometric information of the foot contact points. Results demonstrate this approach operating online and onboard an ANYmal B300 quadruped robot traversing several terrain courses with different geometries and terrain types over more than 1.2 km. The method keeps pose estimation error below 20 cm using a prior map with trained network and using sensing only from the feet, leg joints and IMU.
Public perception and acceptance of negative emission technologies – framing effects in Switzerland
Authors: Wenger Ariane , Stauffacher Michael , Dallo Irina
Published: August 2021

Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C requires negative emission technologies (NETs), which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and permanently store it to offset unavoidable emissions. Successful large-scale deployment of NETs depends not only on technical, biophysical, ecological, and economic factors, but also on public perception and acceptance. However, previous studies on this topic have been scarce. In 2019, Switzerland adopted a net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 target, which will require the use of NETs. To examine the current Swiss public perception and acceptance of five different NETs, we conducted an online survey with Swiss citizens (N = 693). By using a between-subjects design, we investigated differences in public opinion, perception, and acceptance across three of the most used frames in the scientific literature — technological fix, moral hazard, and climate emergency. Results showed that the public perception and acceptance of NETs does not differ between the frames. The technological fix frame best reflected participants’ opinion, whereas participants perceived the moral hazard frame the least credible and the climate emergency frame the most unclear. Moreover, our findings confirm the public’s unfamiliarity with NETs. We found no strong opposition, as participants indicated a moderate acceptance and a neutral evaluation of all five NETs, with afforestation standing out as the most accepted and positively evaluated NET. We conclude that, in the future, the public debate on NETs should be intensified, and the public perception should be monitored regularly to inform the development of NETs.
Impacts of climate change on agriculture and household welfare in Zambia: an economy-wide analysis
Authors: Ngoma Hambulo , Lupiya Patrick , Kabisa Mulako , Hartley Faaiqa
Published: August 2021

Rainfed agriculture is the primary impact channel for agrarian economies like Zambia, but it is uncertain how future climate will be and by how much it will affect agriculture, household welfare, and economic growth. We use an integrated framework that combines climate models, biophysical models, and an economy-wide computable general equilibrium model based on a 2007 Social Accounting Matrix to assess the impacts of climate change on agriculture, economic growth, and household welfare in Zambia. We address the uncertainty associated with climate change by using data from the general circulation models based on 819 potential future climate scenarios. There are three main results. First, rainfall is projected to decline with the Southern and Western regions of Zambia worst affected, and temperature is projected to increase by 2050. Second, climate change is projected to reduce crop yield and production, with maize expected to be the hardest hit. These impacts are progressive over time. And lastly, based only on the agricultural impact channel, climate change will likely reduce national gross domestic product (GDP), agricultural production, and household welfare. There are significant regional differences, with the Southern and Western regions projected to bear the most substantial negative impacts of climate change on crop yield and production. These findings have implications for targeting of adaptation interventions needed to sustain the future of smallholder agriculture in Zambia.
Effective Strategies for Research Integrity Training—a Meta-analysis
Authors: Katsarov Johannes , Andorno Roberto , Krom André , van den Hoven Mariëtte
Published: August 2021

This article reviews educational efforts to promote a responsible conduct of research (RCR) that were reported in scientific publications between 1990 and early 2020. Unlike previous reviews that were exploratory in nature, this review aimed to test eleven hypotheses on effective training strategies. The achievement of different learning outcomes was analyzed independently using moderator analysis and meta-regression, whereby 75 effect sizes from 30 studies were considered. The analysis shows that the achievement of different learning outcomes ought to be investigated separately. The attainment of knowledge strongly benefited from individualized learning, as well as from the discussion and practical application of ethical standards. Contrarily, not covering ethical standards tended to be a feature of successful courses, when looking at other learning outcomes. Overall, experiential learning approaches where learners were emotionally involved in thinking about how to deal with problems were most effective. Primarily intellectual deliberation about ethical problems, often considered the “gold standard” of ethics education, was significantly less effective. Several findings from previous reviews, e.g., the preferability of mono-disciplinary groups, could not be replicated with multivariate analysis. Several avenues for future research efforts are suggested to advance knowledge on the effectiveness of research integrity training.
COVID-19, mathematics education, and the evaluation of expert knowledge
Authors: Kollosche David , Meyerhöfer Wolfram
Published: August 2021

Maturity and citizenship in a democracy require that laypersons are able to critically evaluate experts’ use of mathematics. Learning to critically reflect on the use of mathematics, including the acquisition of the mathematical knowledge and skills required to that end, has been repeatedly postulated as an indispensable goal of compulsory education in mathematics. However, it remained unclear in how far such reflection is possible, even for the well-educated layperson in mathematics. We use different discussions in German mass media on the pandemic policy in the SARS-CoV-2 crisis in 2020 as examples with far-reaching individual and social consequences. The selected discussions build heavily on mathematical concepts such as mortality rates, casualty numbers, reproduction numbers, and exponential growth. We identify the concepts and discuss how far they can be understood by laypersons. On the one hand, we found that some mathematical models are inappropriate, which can also be determined by laypersons. On the other hand, we found uses of mathematics where ideal concepts are intermingled with complex statistical concepts. While only the ideal concepts can be understood by laypersons, only the statistical concepts lead to actual data. The identification of both types of concepts leads to a situation where the use of mathematics evades social control and opens spaces for misconceptions and manipulation. We conclude that the evaluation of experts’ use of mathematics by laypersons is not possible in all relevant cases, and we discuss possible implications of this result.
Evidence of differential spreading events of grapevine pinot Gris virus in Italy using datamining as a tool
Authors: Hily Jean-Michel , Komar Véronique , Poulicard Nils , Velt Amandine , Renault Lauriane , Mustin Pierre , Vigne Emmanuelle , Spilmont Anne-Sophie , Lemaire Olivier
Published: August 2021

Since its identification in 2003, grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV, Trichovirus) has now been detected in most grape-growing countries. So far, little is known about the epidemiology of this newly emerging virus. In this work, we used datamining as a tool to monitor in-silico the sanitary status of three vineyards in Italy. All data used in the study were recovered from a work that was already published and for which data were publicly available as SRA (Sequence Read Archive, NCBI) files. While incomplete, knowledge gathered from this work was still important, with evidence of differential accumulation of the virus in grapevine according to year, location, and variety-rootstock association. Additional data regarding GPGV genetic diversity were collected. Some advantages and pitfalls of datamining are discussed.
Demands and design principles of a “heterodox” didactics for promoting critical thinking in higher education
Authors: Ostendorf Annette , Thoma Michael
Published: August 2021

Following on from the already wide-ranging academic discussion about fostering critical thinking in students as an important component of a university’s educational mission, this paper takes a particular look at didactic principles for fostering this critical thinking. We begin with a reception of Abrami et al.’s (2015) comprehensive meta-study of higher education interventions that are successful in promoting critical thinking. It becomes apparent that an understanding of criticism, which we refer to as “conventional” has been used throughout. However, there are alternative designs of an understanding of critique and critical thinking. We therefore subsequently explain an understanding of critique that is oriented toward poststructuralist thought and is referred to as “deconstructive”. Didactic principles that can be called “heterodox” are presented, which are suitable to promote a critical thinking ability in the light of the poststructuralist-inspired concept of critique. These principles are not only theoretically negotiated, but also vividly explained by means of a concrete intervention in university teaching. The article concludes with reflections on the connection of “conventional” and “heterodox” didactic principles for the promotion of critical thinking and gives impulses for the further development of university teaching-learning arrangements.
Variational Bayesian representation learning for grocery recommendation
Authors: Meng Zaiqiao , McCreadie Richard , Macdonald Craig , Ounis Iadh
Published: August 2021

Representation learning has been widely applied in real-world recommendation systems to capture the features of both users and items. Existing grocery recommendation methods only represent each user and item by single deterministic points in a low-dimensional continuous space, which limit the expressive ability of their embeddings, resulting in recommendation performance bottlenecks. In addition, existing representation learning methods for grocery recommendation only consider the items (products) as independent entities, neglecting their other valuable side information, such as the textual descriptions and the categorical data of items. In this paper, we propose the Variational Bayesian Context-Aware Representation (VBCAR) model for grocery recommendation. VBCAR is a novel variational Bayesian model that learns distributional representations of users and items by leveraging basket context information from historical interactions. Our VBCAR model is also extendable to leverage side information by encoding contextual features into representations based on the inference encoder. We conduct extensive experiments on three real-world grocery datasets to assess the effectiveness of our model as well as the impact of different construction strategies for item side information. Our results show that our VBCAR model outperforms the current state-of-the-art grocery recommendation models while integrating item side information (especially the categorical features with the textual information of items) results in further significant performance gains. Furthermore, we demonstrate through analysis that our model is able to effectively encode similarities between product types, which we argue is the primary reason for the observed effectiveness gains.
Infant Effortful Control Mediates Relations Between Nondirective Parenting and Internalising-Related Child Behaviours in an Autism-Enriched Infant Cohort
Authors: Smith C. G. , Jones E. J. H. , Wass S. V. , Pasco G. , Johnson M. H. , Charman T. , Wan M. W. ,   The BASIS Team, Baron-Cohen Simon , Blasi Anna , Bolton Patrick , Chandler Susie , Cheung Celestee , Davies Kim , Elsabbagh Mayada , Fernandes Janice , Gammer Isabel , Garwood Holly , Gliga Teodora , Green Jonathan , Guiraud Jeanne , Hudry Kristelle , Liew Michelle , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Maris Helen , O’Hara Louise , Pickles Andrew , Ribeiro Helena , Salomone Erica , Tucker Leslie , Volein Agnes , Wan Ming Wai
Published: August 2021

Internalising problems are common within Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); early intervention to support those with emerging signs may be warranted. One promising signal lies in how individual differences in temperament are shaped by parenting. Our longitudinal study of infants with and without an older sibling with ASD investigated how parenting associates with infant behavioural inhibition (8–14 months) and later effortful control (24 months) in relation to 3-year internalising symptoms. Mediation analyses suggest nondirective parenting (8 months) was related to fewer internalising problems through an increase in effortful control. Parenting did not moderate the stable predictive relation of behavioural inhibition on later internalising. We discuss the potential for parenting to strengthen protective factors against internalising in infants from an ASD-enriched cohort.
Predictors of Satisfaction with Autism Treatment Services During COVID-19
Authors: Ferguson Emily F. , Jimenez-Muñoz Maria , Feerst Harrison , Vernon Ty W.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and disruptions for autistic individuals receiving specialized treatment services. This caregiver-report survey study (n = 339) explored predictors of satisfaction with autism services during COVID-19 to improve perceived support for these families. Specifically, we investigated whether service delivery medium (telehealth vs. in person), child’s emotional functioning, and caregiver stress would predict satisfaction with the most highly utilized services. Satisfaction ratings for ABA/behavioral, speech/language, and occupational therapy were lower when delivered via telehealth as compared to in person. Caregivers who reported higher emotional dysregulation in their children were less satisfied with behavioral therapy services. These results provide a critical caregiver-informed perspective on factors influencing satisfaction with specialized autism services during COVID-19.