bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cilostamide, a phosphodiesterase 3A inhibitor, sustains meiotic arrest of rat oocytes by modulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate level and the key regulators of maturation promoting factor
Authors: Gupta Anumegha , Trigun Surendra Kumar
Published: September 2022

Cilostamide, a phosphodiesterase 3A (Pde3A) inhibitor, is known to increase intraoocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level which is involved in sustaining meiotic arrest of the oocytes. To explore the mechanisms involved in the cilostamide‐mediated meiotic arrest of the oocytes, the present study describes the effects of cilostamide on cAMP level and related factors involved in maturation of the oocytes at its different meiotic stages; diplotene, metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII). The oocytes from these three stages were collected from rat ovary and incubated with 10 µM cilostamide for 3 h in CO2 incubator. The levels of cAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and the key players of maintaining meiotic arrest during oocyte maturation; Emi2, Apc, Cyclin B1, and Cdk1, were analyzed in diplotene, MI and MII stages. Pde3A was found to be expressed at all three stages but with the lowest level in MI oocyte. As compared to the control sets, the cAMP concentration was found to be highest in MII whereas cGMP was highest in the diplotene stage of cilostamide‐treated group. The treated group showed declined reactive oxygen species level as compared with the control counterparts. Relatively increased levels of the Emi2, Cyclin B1, and phosphorylated thr161 of Cdk1 versus declined levels of phosphorylated thr14/tyr15 of Cdk1 in diplotene and MII stage oocytes are known to be involved in maintaining meiotic arrest and all these factors were found to undergo similar pattern of change due to the treatment with cilostamide. The findings thus suggest that cilostamide treatment promotes meiotic arrest by Pde3A inhibition led increase of both cAMP and cGMP level vis‐a‐vis modulation of the related regulatory factors such as Emi2, CyclinB1, and phosphorylated status of Cdk1 in diplotene and MII stage oocytes. Such a mechanism of meiotic arrest could allow the oocyte to prepare itself for meiotic maturation and thereby to improve oocyte quality.
Research progress on ncRNAs regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes
Authors: Wu Yifan , Lan Huixin , Zhang Deju , Hu Ziyan , Zhang Jing , Li Zhangwang , Xia Panpan , Tang Xiaoyi , Cai Xia , Yu Peng
Published: September 2022

Diabetes mellitus and its complications are major health concerns worldwide that should be routinely monitored for evaluating disease progression. And there is currently much evidence to suggest a critical role for mitochondria in the common pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Mitochondrial dynamics are involved in the development of diabetes through mediating insulin signaling and insulin resistance, and in the development of diabetes and its complications through mediating endothelial impairment and other closely related pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are closely linked to mitochondrial dynamics by regulating the expression of mitochondrial dynamic‐associated proteins, or by regulating key proteins in related signaling pathways. Therefore, this review summarizes the research progress on the regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics by ncRNAs in diabetes and its complications, which is a promising area for future antibodies or targeted drug development.
Effects of genetic counselor disabilities on their professional experiences: A qualitative investigation of North American counselors' perceptions
Authors: Darr Kahlen , McCarthy Veach Patricia , Wurtmann Elisabeth , LeRoy Bonnie
Published: September 2022

The National Society of Genetic Counselors' policies recognize the value of diversity in the profession. Yet North American genetic counselors are very homogeneous with respect to self‐identified disabilities. One step towards diversifying the profession is understanding the experiences of genetic counselors who have disabilities. This is the first study to specifically explore academic and professional experiences of genetic counselors who self‐identify as having a disability and their perceptions of whether/how their disability has played a role in their experiences. Participants were recruited through an online screening survey sent via NSGC and American Board of Genetic Counseling e‐blasts. Twenty‐four respondents who met eligibility criteria and provided contact information participated in individual semi‐structured phone interviews. Questions explored challenges and supports, interactions with others, and effects of disability on career development. Inductive analysis yielded three themes: Disability Affects Career Choices, Disability Poses Unique Career Supports and Challenges, and Disability Affects Professional Functioning in Various Ways, and seven domains (major topics within themes). Experiences included, among others, counselors must balance their disability (e.g., management, treatment) with work and/or academic demands; they desire open communication around disability and accommodation needs; disability enhances their ability to empathize with patients; countertransference is prevalent; positive and negative interactions, respectively, contribute to feelings of inclusion and exclusion; a clinicalized healthcare culture views persons with disabilities as symptoms and not individuals, and subtle stigma and discrimination exist and is perceived as possibly worse for counselors whose disabilities are not visible. Understanding academic and professional experiences of genetic counselors with disabilities and efforts to improve access and supports may promote a more inclusive environment and help to diversify the profession.
The attrition problem: The role of police officer's decision making in rape cases
Authors: Sinclair Olivia
Published: September 2022

Rape offences in England and Wales garner incredibly low levels of convictions. The policing stage of a complaint experiences high levels of case discontinuances. The aim of this research is to explore police officer's decision making in rape cases and how that shapes the attrition of cases. The method employed in this study is qualitative interviews, with retired or serving police officers, with the use of vignettes. This study found that police officers prioritise and continue with cases that they predict to be most likely to reach a conviction. Such predictions are guided by assessments over the strength of the evidence in cases, informed by a range of legal and extra‐legal factors. An overarching prediction employed is how likely a jury would be to convict a case. However, the participants reported that they find it incredibly difficult to accurately predict jury verdicts, making such decisions premised on a flawed logic.
Nitrogen improves the recovery of maize plants under repeated drought stress
Authors: Maywald Niels Julian , Hernández‐Pridybailo Andrés , Ludewig Uwe
Published: September 2022

Background

Modern high‐yielding crops, such as maize, are characterized by extensive yield stability across various environments and can cope with repetitive periods of moderate water shortage. However, there is conflicting evidence on how the nutritional status of the plants contributes to stress resilience and whether farmers have management options via nitrogen fertilization.

Aims

We aimed at identifying factors relevant for improved growth recovery of maize after repeated water deficit stress (WDS).

Methods

A pot experiment with maize and repeated WDS was conducted. Growth and recovery from stress and physiological parameters were measured.

Results

The growth penalty of juvenile maize plants exposed to a moderate WDS was lost after additional exposure to a 2‐week WDS. Primed plants transiently contained more osmolytes and performed superior in the second recovery phase when nitrogen fertilization was applied directly before the second WDS. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect the osmolyte quantity, and primed plants had transiently higher antioxidant levels, higher reactive oxygen species production and recovered more quickly with N addition.

Conclusions

Pot experiments suggest that nitrogen fertilization may be an option to improve maize resilience to repeated WDS, a hypothesis that should be tested more rigorously in the field.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy and complementary techniques applied for the study of copper and iron wastes from Motya (Italy)
Authors: Bernabale Martina , Montanari Daria , Nigro Lorenzo , Spagnoli Federica , Vaccaro Carmela , Eftekhari Negar , Nicoli Maria , De Vito Caterina
Published: September 2022

This work is the first archaeometric investigation on copper and iron wastes from the Phoenician site of Motya (Sicily, Italy), dating back to the 8thto the 4thcentury BC. The samples were analyzed through micro‐Raman Spectroscopy (μ‐RS), Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscope‐Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), High‐Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR‐FESEM), and Electron Micro‐Probe Analysis (EMPA). Micro‐Raman techinique permitted to identify both primary phases, for example, calchopyrite, and secondary products such as cuprite and copper thrihydroxychlorides in the Cu‐slags and goethite in the Fe‐slags. SEM and HR‐FESEM imaging showed the occurrence of inhomogeneous microstructures in the Cu‐ and Fe‐slags due to elements segregation, solidification, and corrosion. EMPA data revealed that the archaeometallurgical wastes from Motya can be differentiated on the basis of their chemical compositions. These preliminary results showed different typologies of by‐products, such as base metals speiss, copper slags from smelting sulfide ore with matte, and iron smelting and smithing slags, suggesting different stages of copper and iron productions.
Building local decision‐making competencies during COVID‐19: Accelerating the transition from learning healthcare systems to learning health communities
Authors: Ramaswamy Rohit , Ramaswamy Varun , Holly Margaret , Bartels Sophia , Barach Paul
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The persisting and evolving COVID‐19 pandemic has made apparent that no singular policy of mitigation at a regional, national or global level has achieved satisfactory and universally acceptable results. In the United States, carefully planned and executed pandemic policies have been neither effective nor popular and COVID‐19 risk management decisions have been relegated to individual citizens and communities. In this paper, we argue that a more effective approach is to equip and strengthen community coalitions to becomelocal learning health communities(LLHCs) that use data over time to make adaptive decisions that can optimize the equity and well‐being in their communities.

Methods

We used data from the North Carolina (NC) county and zip code levels from May to August 2020 to demonstrate how a LLHC could use statistical process control (SPC) charts and simple statistical analysis to make local decisions about how to respond to COVID‐19.

Results

We found many patterns of COVID‐19 progression at the local (county and zip code) levels during the same time period within the state that were completely different from the aggregate NC state level data used for policy making.

Conclusions

Systematic approaches to learning from local data to support effective decisions have promise well beyond the current pandemic. These tools can help address other complex public health issues, and advance outcomes and equity. Building this capacity requires investment in data infrastructure and the strengthening of data competencies in community coalitions to better interpret data with limited need for advanced statistical expertise. Additional incentives that build trust, support data transparency, encourage truth‐telling and promote meaningful teamwork are also critical. These must be carefully designed, contextually appropriate and multifaceted to motivate citizens to create and sustain an effective learning system that works for their communities.
High Strength and High Toughness Electrospun Multifibrillar Yarns with Highly Aligned Hierarchy Intended as Anisotropic Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Liao Xiaojian , Jérôme Valérie , Agarwal Seema , Freitag Ruth , Greiner Andreas
Published: September 2022

Electrospun nanofibers can be effectively used as a surrogate for extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, in the context of cellular mechanobiology, their mechanical performances can be enhanced by using nanofibrous materials with a high level of structural organization. Herein, this work develops multifibrillar yarns with superior mechanical performance based on biocompatible polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as surrogate ECM. Nearly perfect aligned nanofibers along with the axis of the multifibrillar yarn are prepared. These highly aligned yarns exhibit high strength, high toughness, good stress relaxation behavior, and are robust enough for technical or medical applications. Further, this work analyzes the influence of the highly aligned‐hierarchical topological structure of the material on cell proliferation and cell orientation using cells derived from epithelial and connective tissues. Compared to nonoriented electrospun multifibrillar yarns and flat films, the well‐ordered topology in the electrospun PAN multifibrillar yarns triggers an improved proliferation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Fibroblasts acquire an elongated morphology analogous to their behavior in the natural ECM. Hence, this heterogeneous multifibrillar material can be used to restore or reproduce the ECM for tissue engineering applications, notably in the skeletal muscle and tendon.
Design of live broadcast service outsourcing contract considering risk aversion and financial constraints
Authors: Zhou Na , Jia Ke , Song Han
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the problem of double information asymmetry in live broadcast service outsourcing, firstly, using the principal‐agent theory, we design an incentive contract based on the live broadcast time and revenue sharing payment. Then, we further consider the risk aversion of the live broadcast company, and study the design of the live broadcast service outsourcing contract when the live broadcast company considers the risk of uncertain sales and has financial constraints. The optimal contract and its influencing factors under double information asymmetry are analyzed. Finally, the relevant conclusions are verified by numerical examples, and management implications are summarized.
Calderón–Zygmund estimates for a parabolic Schrodinger system on Reifenberg domains
Authors: Ngoc Trong Nguyen , Xuan Truong Le , Duc Do Tan
Published: September 2022

Let
and
be a Reifenberg flat domain. Consider the parabolic Schrodinger system

Within an appropriate framework, we show that

for a certain range of
.
Thin Organic‐Inorganic Anti‐Fouling Hybrid‐Films for Microreactor Components
Authors: Neßlinger Vanessa , Welzel Stefan , Rieker Florian , Meinderink Dennis , Nieken Ulrich , Grundmeier Guido
Published: September 2022

Deposit formation and fouling in reactors for polymer production and processing especially in microreactors is a well‐known phenomenon. Despite the flow and pressure loss optimized static mixers, fouling occurs on the surfaces of the mixer elements. To improve the performance of such parts even further, stainless steel substrates are coated with ultra‐thin films which have low surface energy, good adhesion, and high durability. Perfluorinated organosilane (FOTS) films deposited via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are compared with FOTS containing zirconium oxide sol‐gel films regarding the prevention of deposit formation and fouling during polymerization processes in microreactors. Both film structures led to anti‐adhesive properties of microreactor component surfaces during aqueous poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) synthesis. To determine the morphology and surface chemistry of the coatings, different characterization methods such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as microscopic methods such as field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are applied. The surface free energy and wetting properties are analyzed by means of contact angle measurements. The application of thin film‐coated mixing elements in a microreactor demonstrates a significant lowering in pressure increase caused by a reduced deposit formation.
Designed assembly and disassembly of DNA in supramolecular structure: From ion regulated nuclear formation and machine learning recognition to running DNA cascade
Authors: Aliev Timur A. , Timralieva Alexandra A. , Kurakina Tatiana A. , Katsuba Konstantin E. , Egorycheva Yulia A. , Dubovichenko Mikhail V. , Kutyrev Maxim A. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Orekhov Nikita , Kondratyuk Nikolay , Semenov Sergey N. , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we introduce a novel encapsulation system for DNA oligonucleotides. Supramolecular assembly of melamine cyanurate encapsulates DNA at pH 7 and start to release it at pH less than 6.5. We study the assembly and disassembly in time in specially designed reaction‐diffusion system. Magnesium ions allow spatial separation of DNA with the highest DNA concentration in the core of melamine cyanurate capsule. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation shows that DNA acts as a nucleation centre for melamine cyanurate. Dataset of fluorescent images analysed by machine learning algorithms indicates correlation between structure of melamine cyanurate capsules for DNA trapping and concentration of magnesium ions. The concentration of magnesium ions can be recognized with 96% accuracy proving that all environmental conditions are extremely important during the self‐assembly and should be considered for laboratory and industrial applications of the suggested approach. Moreover, the encapsulated DNA can undergo a cascade reaction consisting of hybridization with complementary strand and its cleavage at a designated site. This reactivity opens a fresh avenue for various applications in biosensing, diagnostics, DNA compartmentalization, and even gives new hints for the origin‐of‐life questions.
Crystallinity and rheology of HDPE/PA12 blends compatibilized with HDPE‐alt‐MAH
Authors: de Almeida Santos da Silva Geovane , d'Almeida José Roberto Moraes , Letichevsky Sonia , de Avillez Roberto Ribeiro
Published: September 2022

This work studies the crystallinity and rheology of HDPE/PA12 blends compatibilized with 2 wt% of HDPE‐alt‐MAH. Specimens of HDPE/PA12 blends were extruded and injected into a mold with 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 HDPE/PA ratios. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that no oxidation reaction occurred in the high‐temperature processing and that stronger interactions between the components of the blends occurred in the polyamide's functional groups. The x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the crystallinity degree of the blends and the mean crystallite sizes decreased with the addition of PA12 for both blends. The HDPE's lattice parameters were consistent with the values in the literature, whereas for the PA12, it was not possible to fit its lattice parameters. The rheology analysis evaluated the relationship between the shear stress and viscosity and found that the HDPE/PA 75/25 blend was the most pseudoplastic, presenting the best processability under high shear rates.
Mobile apps for quick adverse drug reaction report: A scoping review
Authors: Parracha Edna Ribeiro , Advinha Ana Margarida , Lopes Manuel José , Oliveira‐Martins Sofia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Spontaneous notification systems are essential in a post‐marketing safety context. However, using this method, only about 6% of all adverse drug reactions are notified. To overcome this sub‐notification problem, new methods need to be developed to improve and facilitate reporting. In this sense, the use of digital media, mainly medical mobile apps, has been presented as a powerful tool, including in pharmacovigilance. We performed a scope review to identify the available apps used to report adverse drug reactions around the world to eventually identify which of them best fits the Portuguese pharmacovigilance system.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines were considered, and the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley was followed. All the articles that met the inclusion criteria were examined for this review. When the studies lacked in information about the app, Google was used to enhance the search for further information.

Results

A final number of five articles were included, revealing seven implemented mobile apps for adverse drug reaction report (Medwatcher, VigiBIP, Yellow Card, Bijwerking, Halmed, Med Safety, and ADR PvPi). These apps are implemented in the United States, France, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Croatia, and India. Med Safety was originally designed for multi‐region use and is implemented in 12 low and middle‐income countries.

Conclusions

Apps are easier and faster ways of reporting. The integration of such a tool in an individual care plan would allow to maintain a complete electronic health record at both individual and global level and could be eventually seen as an added value by both health professionals and patients. A country specific version of the WEB‐RADR could be a solution for Portugal, in order to introduce an app to notify ADRs at the national level, due previous successful experiences in European countries.
Defining biodiverse reforestation: Why it matters for climate change mitigation and biodiversity
Authors: Andres Samantha E. , Standish Rachel J. , Lieurance Paige E. , Mills Charlotte H. , Harper Richard J. , Butler Don W. , Adams Vanessa M. , Lehmann Caroline , Tetu Sasha G. , Cuneo Peter , Offord Catherine A. , Gallagher Rachael V.
Published: September 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Mixed species plantings present an attractive alternative to monoculture reforestation through their added benefits to biodiversity. Yet there is ambiguity in the use of the term ‘biodiversity’ in carbon and biodiversity markets, which may create perverse outcomes when designing schemes and projects. Here, we review how the concept of biodiversity is defined and applied in reforestation projects, and restoration more broadly. Improved transparency around the use of the term biodiversity is urgently needed to provide rigour in emerging market mechanisms, which seek to benefit the environment and people.

Reforestation to capture and store atmospheric carbon is increasingly championed as a climate change mitigation policy response. Reforestation plantings have the potential to provide conservation co‐benefits when diverse mixtures of native species are planted, and there are growing attempts to monetise biodiversity benefits from carbon reforestation projects, particularly within emerging carbon markets. But what is meant by ‘biodiverse’ across different stakeholders and groups implementing and overseeing these projects and how do these perceptions compare with long‐standing scientific definitions? Here, we discuss approaches to, and definitions of, biodiversity in the context of reforestation for carbon sequestration. Our aim is to review how the concept of biodiversity is defined and applied among stakeholders (e.g., governments, carbon certifiers and farmers) and rights holders (i.e., First Nations people) engaging in reforestation, and to identify best‐practice methods for restoring biodiversity in these projects. We find that some stakeholders have a vague understanding of diversity across varying levels of biological organisation (genes to ecosystems). While most understand that biodiversity underpins ecosystem functions and services, many stakeholders may not appreciate the difficulties of restoring biodiversity akin to reference ecosystems. Consequently, biodiversity goals are rarely explicit, and project goals may never be achieved because the levels of restored biodiversity are inadequate to support functional ecosystems and desired ecosystem services. We suggest there is significant value in integrating biodiversity objectives into reforestation projects and setting specific restoration goals with transparent reporting outcomes will pave the way for ensuring reforestation projects have meaningful outcomes for biodiversity, and legitimate incentive payments for biodiversity and natural capital accounting.
A case‐study of model‐informed drug development of a novel PCSK9 anti sense oligonucleotide. Part 1: First time in man to phase II
Authors: Knöchel Jane , Nilsson Catarina , Carlsson Björn , Wernevik Linda , Hofherr Alexis , Gennemark Peter , Jansson‐Löfmark Rasmus , Isaksson Rikard , Rydén‐Bergsten Tina , Hamrén Bengt , Rekić Dinko
Published: September 2022

Here, we show model‐informed drug development (MIDD) of a novel antisense oligonucleotide, targeting PCSK9 for treatment of hypocholesteremia. The case study exemplifies use of MIDD to analyze emerging data from an ongoing first‐in‐human study, utility of the US Food and Drug Administration MIDD pilot program to accelerate timelines, innovative use of competitor data to set biomarker targets, and use of MIDD to optimize sample size and dose selection, as well as to accelerate and de‐risk a phase IIb study. The focus of the case‐study is on the cross‐functional collaboration and other key MIDD enablers that are critical to maximize the value of MIDD, rather than the technical application of MIDD.
Protective effects of curcumin on ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Mohamadian Malihe , Parsamanesh Negin , Chiti Hossein , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2022

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a term used to describe phenomena connected to the dysfunction of various tissue damage due to reperfusion after ischemic injury. While I/R may result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, there is still a long way to improve therapeutic outcomes. A number of cellular metabolic and ultrastructural alterations occur by prolonged ischemia. Ischemia increases the expression of proinflammatory gene products and bioactive substances within the endothelium, such as cytokines, leukocytes, and adhesion molecules, even as suppressing the expression of other “protective” gene products and substances, such as thrombomodulin and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (e.g., prostacyclin, nitric oxide [NO]). Curcumin is the primary phenolic pigment derived from turmeric, the powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin has strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. It also prevents lipid peroxidation and scavenges free radicals like superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, NO, and hydroxyl. In our study, we highlight the mechanisms of protective effects of curcumin against I/R injury in various organs.
Day‐Ahead Multi‐Objective Microgrid Dispatch Optimization Based on Demand Side Management Via Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Hou Sicheng , Fujimura Shigeru
Published: September 2022

The rapid growth of electricity demands for recent years leads to many global concerns, including greenhouse, energy risk, and large size brownouts, which require modern energy management system to provide environmental‐friendly power supply service with less cost and higher reliability. However, most of previous studies separately focus on improving prediction accuracy or reducing cost and emission of power supply solution by dispatch optimization. To exploit the benefits of microgrid system furthermore, this paper firstly proposes a comprehensive day‐ahead multi‐objective microgrid optimization framework that combines forecasting technology, demand side management (DSM) with economic and environmental dispatch (EED) together. Then, two versions of particle swarm optimization are implemented for obtaining load control plan from DSM model and power supply plan from EED model, respectively. Moreover, two different microgrids' applied scenarios are simulated with detailed sensitivities analysis on key parameters. Experiment results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed framework, which can obtain load demands profile with better reliability, as well as power supply solution with less cost and lower emission. Meanwhile, beneficial decision supports are provided to manager for their references. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Toward a contextualized research agenda: Governance challenges of the wastewater treatment policy in Mexico and the role of subnational governments
Authors: Casiano Flores Cesar
Published: September 2022

Wastewater treatment is failing worldwide. Like many parts of the world, Mexico and Latin America continue to face significant challenges associated with the implementation of wastewater treatment plant (WTP) policy. Research has identified that wastewater treatment challenges are related to governance failures. To address these challenges, international organizations have proposed approaches such as Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and decentralization. However, these governance approaches have not achieved the intended outcomes and from a scholarly perspective, new frameworks have been developed to understand the context of governance challenges. Yet, an analysis based on Scopus and Web of Science shows that academic research employing such contextual approaches to the WTP policy in Mexico is still scarce. Against this background, the objective of this focus article is to reflect on the current governance challenges of the WTP policy in Mexico and to propose some areas of research that can provide new insights that support the development of a policy tailored to the Mexican context. The few research that has used contextual approaches demonstrated that subnational governments have a key role in the WTP policy in Mexico. Building upon this finding, I encourage the employment of contextual frameworks and the development of interdisciplinary research analyzing the role of subnational governments in the WTP policy. This type of research can provide relevant insights that could help to improve wastewater treatment not only in Mexico but also in other countries with similar governance structures and challenges, as is the case in Latin America.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance
Phase transitions in porous media
Authors: Gavioli Chiara , Krejčí Pavel
Published: September 2022

The full quasistatic thermomechanical system of PDEs, describing water diffusion with the possibility of freezing and melting in a visco-elasto-plastic porous solid, is studied in detail under the hypothesis that the pressure-saturation hysteresis relation is given in terms of the Preisach hysteresis operator. The resulting system of balance equations for mass, momentum, and energy coupled with the phase dynamics equation is shown to admit a global solution under general assumptions on the data.
Convergence of parallel overlapping domain decomposition methods for the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Gong Shihua , Gander Martin J. , Graham Ivan G. , Lafontaine David , Spence Euan A.
Published: September 2022

We analyse parallel overlapping Schwarz domain decomposition methods for the Helmholtz equation, where the exchange of information between subdomains is achieved using first-order absorbing (impedance) transmission conditions, together with a partition of unity. We provide a novel analysis of this method at the PDE level (without discretization). First, we formulate the method as a fixed point iteration, and show (in dimensions 1, 2, 3) that it is well-defined in a tensor product of appropriate local function spaces, each with$$L^2$$L2impedance boundary data. We then obtain a bound on the norm of the fixed point operator in terms of the local norms of certain impedance-to-impedance maps arising from local interactions between subdomains. These bounds provide conditions under which (some power of) the fixed point operator is a contraction. In 2-d, for rectangular domains and strip-wise domain decompositions (with each subdomain only overlapping its immediate neighbours), we present two techniques for verifying the assumptions on the impedance-to-impedance maps that ensure power contractivity of the fixed point operator. The first is through semiclassical analysis, which gives rigorous estimates valid as the frequency tends to infinity. At least for a model case with two subdomains, these results verify the required assumptions for sufficiently large overlap. For more realistic domain decompositions, we directly compute the norms of the impedance-to-impedance maps by solving certain canonical (local) eigenvalue problems. We give numerical experiments that illustrate the theory. These also show that the iterative method remains convergent and/or provides a good preconditioner in cases not covered by the theory, including for general domain decompositions, such as those obtained via automatic graph-partitioning software.
Killer whale innovation: teaching animals to use their creativity upon request
Authors: Hill Heather Manitzas , Weiss Myriam , Brasseur Isabelle , Manibusan Alexander , Sandoval Irene R. , Robeck Todd , Sigman Julie , Werner Kristen , Dudzinski Kathleen M.
Published: September 2022

Thinking flexibly is a skill that enables animals to adapt to changing environments, which enhances survival. Killer whales,Orcinus orca, as the ocean apex predator display a number of complex cognitive abilities, especially flexible thinking or creativity when it comes to foraging. In human care, smaller dolphins and other marine mammals have been trained to think creatively while under stimulus control. The results of these previous studies have demonstrated that bottlenose dolphins,Tursiops truncatus, can create original behaviors in response to an innovative cue. We trained and tested a total of nine killer whales from two different facilities on the innovate concept, using the same methodology. The killer whales ranged in age from 5 to 29 yrs with 4 females and 5 males. The results indicate that the killer whales demonstrated high fluency, originality, some elaboration, and flexibility in their behaviors. Individual variability was observed with younger animals demonstrating more variable behaviors as compared to the older animals. Males seemed to display less complex and lower energy behaviors as compared to females, but this impression may be driven by the age or size of the animal. These results support existing evidence that killer whales are dynamic in their thinking and behavior.
A novel method for identifying coded tags recorded on aquatic acoustic monitoring systems
Authors: Lowe Christopher D. , Tregenza Nicolas J. C. , Allen Claudia J. , Blow Georgina E. , Nuuttila Hanna , Bertelli Chiara M. , Mendzil Anouska F. , Stamp Thomas , Sheehan Emma V. , Davies Peter , Gordon Jonathan C. D. , Bolland Jonathan D. , Britton J. Robert , Main Robert , Velterop Randolph , Crundwell Charles , Schofield Andrew , Clarke David R. K.
Published: September 2022

Aquatic biotelemetry increasingly relies on using acoustic transmitters (‘tags’) that enable passive detection of tagged animals using fixed or mobile receivers. Both tracking methods are resource-limited, restricting the spatial area in which movements of highly mobile animals can be measured using proprietary detection systems. Transmissions from tags are recorded by underwater noise monitoring systems designed for other purposes, such as cetacean monitoring devices, which have been widely deployed in the marine environment; however, no tools currently exist to decode these detections, and thus valuable additional information on animal movements may be missed. Here, we describe simple hybrid methods, with potentially wide application, for obtaining information from otherwise unused data sources. The methods were developed using data from moored, acoustic cetacean detectors (C-PODs) and towed passive receiver arrays, often deployed to monitor the vocalisations of cetaceans, but any similarly formatted data source could be used. The method was applied to decode tag detections that were found to have come from two highly mobile fish species, bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Twaite shad (Alosa fallax), that had been tagged in other studies. Decoding results were validated using test tags; range testing data were used to demonstrate the relative efficiency of these receiver methods in detecting tags. This approach broadens the range of equipment from which acoustic tag detections can be decoded. Novel detections derived from the method could add significant value to past and present tracking studies at little additional cost, by providing new insights into the movement of mobile animals at sea.
Static detection of equivalent mutants in real-time model-based mutation testing
Authors: Basile Davide , Beek Maurice H. ter , Lazreg Sami , Cordy Maxime , Legay Axel
Published: September 2022

Model-based mutation testing has the potential to effectively drive test generation to reveal faults in software systems. However, it faces a typical efficiency issue since it could produce many mutants that are equivalent to the original system model, making it impossible to generate test cases from them. We consider this problem when model-based mutation testing is applied to real-time system product lines, represented as timed automata. We define novel, time-specific mutation operators and formulate the equivalent mutant problem in the frame of timed refinement relations. Further, we study in which cases a mutation yields an equivalent mutant. Our theoretical results provide guidance to system engineers, allowing them to eliminate mutations from which no test case can be produced. Our empirical evaluation, based on a proof-of-concept implementation and a set of benchmarks from the literature, confirms the validity of our theory and demonstrates that in general our approach can avoid the generation of a significant amount of the equivalent mutants.
A critical review on vegetable oil-based bio-lubricants: preparation, characterization, and challenges
Authors: Uppar Rajendra , Dinesha P. , Kumar Shiva
Published: September 2022

Lubrication is a procedure that involves the use of a chemical called lubricant to reduce wear on surfaces that are in relative motion with each other. It aids in the transmission of pressure created between opposing surfaces. Lubricants serve as anti-friction agents. They allow for flat-level operations by retaining superior machine functionality and reducing the likelihood of recurring breakdowns. In today's world, the price of crude oil is rising in tandem with the depletion of reservoirs (oil). As a result, protecting a pollution-free environment is a major responsibility. The focus of current research is on creating and using an ecologically friendly lubricant made from renewable resources. This paper discusses the preparation, characteristics, characterization advantages, and uses of vegetable oil-based non-edible lubricants. Chemical changes are required since vegetable oil-based lubricants have lower thermal and oxidative stability. The article explores the required chemical modification approaches for improving the properties of bio-lubricants. The characterization of bio-lubricants has been elaborately discussed, highlighting the major pros and cons. The drawbacks and also future scope of the bio-lubricants have been highlighted.
Morphology of the Bony Labyrinth Supports the Affinities of Paradolichopithecus with the Papionina
Authors: Le Maître Anne , Guy Franck , Merceron Gildas , Kostopoulos Dimitris S.
Published: September 2022

Discoveries in recent decades indicate that the large papionin monkeys Paradolipopithecus and Procynocephalus are key members of the Late Pliocene – Early Pleistocene mammalian faunas of Eurasia. However, their taxonomical status, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological profile remain unclear. Here we investigate the two latter aspects through the study of the inner ear anatomy, as revealed by applying micro-CT scan imaging techniques on the cranium LGPUT DFN3-150 of Paradolichopithecus from the lower Pleistocene (2.3 Ma) fossil site Dafnero-3 in Northwestern Greece. Using geometric morphometric methods, we quantified shape variation and the allometric and phylogenetic signals in extant cercopithecines (n = 80), and explored the morphological affinities of the fossil specimen with extant taxa. LGPUT DFN3-150 has a large centroid size similar to that of baboons and their relatives. It shares several shape features with Macacina and Cercopithecini, which we interpret as probable retention of a primitive morphology. Overall, its inner ear morphology is more consistent with a stem Papionini more closely related to Papionina than Macacina, or to a basal crown Papionina. Our results, along with morphometrical and ecological features from previous studies, call into question the traditional hypothesis of a Paradolichopithecus-Macacina clade, and provide alternative perspectives in the study of Eurasian primate evolution during the late Neogene-Quaternary.
Disclosing the person in renal care coordination: why unpredictability, uncertainty, and irreversibility are inherent in person-centred care
Authors: Gunnarson Martin
Published: September 2022

This article explores an example of person-centred care: the work of so-called renal care coordinators. The empirical basis of the article consists of qualitative interviews with renal care coordinators, alongside participant observations of their patient interactions. During the analyses of the empirical material, I found that that one of the coordinators’ most fundamental ambitions is to get to know who the patient is. This is also a central tenet of person-centred care. The aim of the article is not only to argue for the plausibility of this tenet, but also, and more importantly, to highlight and explore its implications in the context of healthcare, through the example of renal care coordination. By drawing on the philosophy of Hannah Arendt, the article shows that the disclosure of who the patient is that takes place in person-centred care requires speech and action, which are modes of human activity that initiate processes characterized by unpredictability, uncertainty, and irreversibility. This unpredictability, uncertainty, and irreversibility, found to be inherent in person-centred care, is then discussed in relation to the pursuit of certainty characterizing contemporary evidence-based medicine. At the end of the article the conclusion is drawn that, if healthcare is to be person-centred, it must find ways of accommodating the contradictory pursuits of certainty and uncertainty found in evidence-based medicine and person-centred care respectively.
Global Alterations of Whole Brain Structural Connectome in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zuo Chao , Suo Xueling , Lan Huan , Pan Nanfang , Wang Song , Kemp Graham J. , Gong Qiyong
Published: September 2022

Recent graph-theoretical studies of Parkinson's disease (PD) have examined alterations in the global properties of the brain structural connectome; however, reported alterations are not consistent. The present study aimed to identify the most robust global metric alterations in PD via a meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted for all available diffusion MRI structural connectome studies that compared global graph metrics between PD patients and healthy controls (HC). Hedges’ g effect sizes were calculated for each study and then pooled using a random-effects model in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, and the effects of potential moderator variables were tested. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Of these, 16 studies reporting 10 global graph metrics (916 PD patients; 560 HC) were included in the meta-analysis. In the structural connectome of PD patients compared with HC, we found a significant decrease in clustering coefficient (g = -0.357, P = 0.005) and global efficiency (g = -0.359, P < 0.001), and a significant increase in characteristic path length (g = 0.250, P = 0.006). Dopaminergic medication, sex and age of patients were potential moderators of global brain network changes in PD. These findings provide evidence of decreased global segregation and integration of the structural connectome in PD, indicating a shift from a balanced small-world network to ‘weaker small-worldization’, which may provide useful markers of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD.
Getting the best from pot trials with soil-borne Oomycetes
Authors: Davison Elaine , Hardy Giles
Published: September 2022

Soil-borne Oomycetes are important pathogens of nursery plants, agricultural and horticultural crops, and woody plants in natural ecosystems. They are most damaging when plants are overwatered or growing in poorly drained sites. Poor growth could result from root infection, root damage resulting from the anoxic conditions which develop in saturated soil, or both. This is essential information for devising appropriate management options, as these will differ depending on the primary cause of poor health. Pot experiments are often used to determine whether these soil-borne pathogens cause root infection which is assumed to be by zoospores produced in wet soil. Soil saturation followed by draining, is included as part of the experimental protocol to generate zoospores from the inoculum and facilitate their movement to, and infection of, plant roots. However, if soil saturation persists until the soil becomes anoxic, this may affect the host. In our opinion, this can muddle the interpretation of results, unless there are adequate controls which include root infection in unsaturated soil, and the effect of soil saturation on the host in the absence of the pathogen. Pot experiments are expensive in both time and equipment. They must be conducted to provide clear answers to the postulated hypotheses and ensure experiments are repeatable. We provide guidelines for conducting such pot experiments which will assist in clarifying the roles of these pathogens and soil saturation on plant growth, both separately and in combination.
The impact of restrictions on psychological outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on biological treatment during the coronavirus pandemic in Norway
Authors: Opheim Randi , Moum Kristian Marling , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Moum Bjørn
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions have led to changes in the follow-up routine of patients in outpatient clinics at hospitals in Norway. The purpose of this study was to assess possible associations between psychological health and concerns regarding COVID-19 societal and hospital restrictions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on biological therapy.

Methods

Patients with IBD (≥ 18 years) undergoing biological treatment (TNF-alpha inhibitor, ustekinumab, vedolizumab) for IBD were recruited from an IBD outpatient clinic in Norway. Data were collected through self-report, including questions covering concerns regarding their disease, medical therapy, and follow-up during the pandemic, Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 questionnaire (GAD-7). Multiple logistic regression with backward conditional selection was fitted to examine associations between patients’ depression and anxiety levels and their concerns about COVID-19 restrictions, controlled for sociodemographic and disease-related factors.

Results

Five-hundred and six patients were included in this study. General condition, self-isolation, employment status, fear of visiting the hospital, and changes to patients’ appointments made by the hospital were independently associated with higher levels of depression. Female gender, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolation, experiencing an increased risk of COVID-19 because of IBD, being afraid to visit the hospital because of COVID-19 restrictions, and having their appointment cancelled due to COVID-19 were independently associated with higher anxiety levels.

Conclusion

Concerns about physical health and societal and hospital restrictions were associated with anxiety and depression in patients with IBD undergoing biological treatment. The findings will help facilitate healthcare services for patients with IBD in outpatient clinics and develop guidelines for follow-up.