bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of genetic relatedness on reproductive behavior in Pelvicachromis pulcher, a biparental cichlid fish with mutual mate choice and ornamentation
Authors: Gussone Leonie , Hüllen Anna , Vitt Simon , Scherer Ulrike , Thünken Timo
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Inbreeding can result in inbreeding depression. Therefore, many species seek to avoid inbreeding. However, theory predicts that inbreeding can be beneficial. Accordingly, some species tolerate inbreeding or even prefer mating with close relatives. Evidence for active inbreeding, i.e., kin-mating preference was reported in the biparental African cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus. Related mating partners revealed better parental cooperation due to kin selection, a potential benefit of inbreeding. In this study, we investigated kin-mating preference in a genetically diverse, outbred F2-lab population of Pelvicachromis pulcher, a closely related species to P. taeniatus. Like P. taeniatus, this species shows mutual ornamentation and mate choice as well as intense biparental brood care. The F1 P. pulcher generation had revealed signs of inbreeding depression but no inbreeding avoidance. We studied mating behavior and aggression in trios consisting of a male P. pulcher, an unfamiliar sister, and an unfamiliar, unrelated female. Because the study focused on kin-mating patterns, female pairs were matched for body size and coloration. The results provide no evidence for inbreeding avoidance but rather suggest inbreeding preference. We also found no significant impact of inbreeding on offspring survival. The results suggest no inbreeding avoidance in P. pulcher; however, the strength of inbreeding preference and inbreeding depression seems to be variable. We discuss possible causes for this variation like context-dependent inbreeding depression. The number of eggs positively correlated with female body size and coloration. Furthermore, the female aggressiveness was positively correlated with female coloration indicating that coloration signal female dominance and quality.
Complex preference relationships between native and non-native angiosperms and foraging insect visitors in a suburban greenspace under field and laboratory conditions
Authors: Howard Scarlett R. , Symonds Matthew R. E.
Published: May 2023

The introduction and spread of non-native flora threatens native pollinators and plants. Non-native angiosperms can compete with native plants for pollinators, space, and other resources which can leave native bees without adequate nutritional or nesting resources, particularly specialist species. In the current study, we conducted flower preference experiments through field observations and controlled binary choice tests in an artificial arena to determine the impact of field vs. laboratory methods on flower preferences of native bees for native or non-native flowers within their foraging range. We conducted counts of insect pollinators foraging on the flowers of three plant species in a suburban green belt including one native (Arthropodium strictum) and two non-native (Arctotheca calendula and Taraxacum officinale) plant species. We then collected native halictid bees foraging on each of the three plant species and conducted controlled binary tests to determine their preferences for the flowers of native or non-native plant species. In the field counts, halictid bees visited the native plant significantly more than the non-native species. However, in the behavioural assays when comparing A. strictum vs. A. calendula, Lasioglossum (Chilalictus) lanarium (Family: Halictidae), bees significantly preferred the non-native species, regardless of their foraging history. When comparing A. strictum vs. T. officinale, bees only showed a preference for the non-native flower when it had been collected foraging on the flowers of that plant species immediately prior to the experiment; otherwise, they showed no flower preference. Our results highlight the influence that non-native angiosperms have on native pollinators and we discuss the complexities of the results and the possible reasons for different flower preferences under laboratory and field conditions.
Assessment of Purity, Functionality, Stability, and Lipid Composition of Cyclofos-nAChR-Detergent Complexes from Torpedo californica Using Lipid Matrix and Macroscopic Electrophysiology
Authors: Quesada Orestes , González-Nieves Joel E. , Colón José , Maldonado-Hernández Rafael , González-Freire Carol , Acevedo-Cintrón Jesús , Rosado-Millán Irvin D. , Lasalde-Dominicci José A.
Published: May 2023

The main objective of the present study was to find detergents that can maintain the functionality and stability of the Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Tc-nAChR). We examined the functionality, stability, and purity analysis of affinity-purified Tc-nAChR solubilized in detergents from the Cyclofos (CF) family [cyclofoscholine 4 (CF-4), cyclofoscholine 6 (CF-6), and cyclofloscholine 7 (CF-7)]. The functionality of the CF-Tc-nAChR-detergent complex (DC) was evaluated using the Two Electrode Voltage Clamp (TEVC) method. To assess stability, we used the florescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) methodology. We also performed a lipidomic analysis using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS/MS) to evaluate the lipid composition of the CF-Tc-nAChR-DCs. The CF-4-Tc-nAChR-DC displayed a robust macroscopic current (− 200 ± 60 nA); however, the CF-6-Tc-nAChR-DC and CF-7-Tc-nAChR-DC displayed significant reductions in the macroscopic currents. The CF-6-Tc-nAChR and CF-4-Tc-nAChR displayed higher fractional florescence recovery. Addition of cholesterol produced a mild enhancement of the mobile fraction on the CF-6-Tc-nAChR. The lipidomic analysis revealed that the CF-7-Tc-nAChR-DC displayed substantial delipidation, consistent with the lack of stability and functional response of this complex. Although the CF-6-nAChR-DC complex retained the largest amount of lipids, it showed a loss of six lipid species [SM(d16:1/18:0); PC(18:2/14:1); PC(14:0/18:1); PC(16:0/18:1); PC(20:5/20:4), and PC(20:4/20:5)] that are present in the CF-4-nAChR-DC. Overall, the CF-4-nAChR displayed robust functionality, significant stability, and the best purity among the three CF detergents; therefore, CF-4 is a suitable candidate to prepare Tc-nAChR crystals for structural studies.

Graphical abstract
Large Independent Sets from Local Considerations
Authors: Bucić Matija , Sudakov Benny
Published: May 2023

The following natural problem was raised independently by Erdős–Hajnal and Linial–Rabinovich in the early ’90 s. How large must the independence number $$\alpha (G)$$

α
(
G
)

of a graph G be whose every m vertices contain an independent set of size r? In this paper, we discuss new methods to attack this problem. The first new approach, based on bounding Ramsey numbers of certain graphs, allows us to improve the previously best lower bounds due to Linial–Rabinovich, Erdős–Hajnal and Alon–Sudakov. As an example, we prove that any n-vertex graph G having an independent set of size 3 among every 7 vertices has $$\alpha (G) \ge \Omega (n^{5/12})$$

α

(
G
)

≥
Ω

(

n

5
/
12

)

. This confirms a conjecture of Erdős and Hajnal that $$\alpha (G)$$

α
(
G
)

should be at least $$n^{1/3+\varepsilon }$$

n

1
/
3
+
ε

and brings the exponent halfway to the best possible value of 1/2. Our second approach deals with upper bounds. It relies on a reduction of the original question to the following natural extremal problem. What is the minimum possible value of the 2-density (The 2-density of a graph H is defined as $$m_2(H):=\max _{H' \subseteq H, |H'| \ge 3} \frac{e(H')-1}{|H'|-2}$$

m
2

(
H
)

:
=

max

H
′

⊆
H
,

|

H
′

|

≥
3

e
(

H
′

)
-
1

|

H
′

|
-
2

) of a graph on m vertices having no independent set of size r? This allows us to improve previous upper bounds due to Linial–Rabinovich, Krivelevich and Kostochka-Jancey. As part of our arguments, we link the problem of Erdős–Hajnal and Linial–Rabinovich and our new extremal 2-density problem to a number of other well-studied questions. This leads to many interesting directions for future research.
The p-widths of a surface
Authors: Chodosh Otis , Mantoulidis Christos
Published: May 2023

The $p$
p
-widths of a closed Riemannian manifold are a nonlinear analogue of the spectrum of its Laplace–Beltrami operator, which corresponds to areas of a certain min-max sequence of possibly singular minimal submanifolds. We show that the $p$
p
-widths of any closed Riemannian two-manifold correspond to a union of closed immersed geodesics, rather than simply geodesic nets.

We then prove optimality of the sweepouts of the round two-sphere constructed from the zero set of homogeneous polynomials, showing that the $p$
p
-widths of the round sphere are attained by $\lfloor \sqrt{p}\rfloor $
⌊

p

⌋
great circles. As a result, we find the universal constant in the Liokumovich–Marques–Neves–Weyl law for surfaces to be $\sqrt{\pi }$

π

.

En route to calculating the $p$
p
-widths of the round two-sphere, we prove two additional new results: a bumpy metrics theorem for stationary geodesic nets with fixed edge lengths, and that, generically, stationary geodesic nets with bounded mass and bounded singular set have Lusternik–Schnirelmann category zero.
SPECT and PET in nonlesional epilepsy
Authors: von Oertzen Tim J. , Gröppel Gudrun , Katletz Stefan , Weiß Monika , Sonnberger Michael , Pichler Robert
Published: May 2023

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are applied in epilepsy mostly during presurgical assessment. Nonlesional focal epilepsy is very challenging for presurgical evaluation in cases of refractory epilepsy.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the contribution of PET and SPECT to focus localization in nonlesional epilepsy.

Methods

The basic principles of SPECT and PET including different tracers were reviewed. The literature and the most recent publications are discussed in view of findings in nonlesional epilepsy.

Results

Ictal SPECT shows a high sensitivity of over 80% for ictal onset zone in nonlesional epilepsy. Postprocessing with subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered with MRI (SISCOM) or statistical parametric mapping are the gold standard. Histopathological findings in nonlesional epilepsies with concordant ictal SPECT imaging show focal cortical dysplasia in up to 75% of cases. Ictal injection is unsuccessful in approximately 20% of cases and the procedure is very time consuming and labor intensive. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET in nonlesional epilepsy shows variable sensitivity of 46–76%. As with ictal SPECT, it benefits from postprocessing of co-registration with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or even statistical parametric mapping. Hybrid PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners provide additional benefits for identifying lesions. Other PET tracers (11C‑Flumazenil (FMZ), α-11C‑methyl-L-tryptophane (AMT)) are clinically applied in special cases only. Both procedures contribute complementary information in multimodal imaging diagnostics.

Conclusions

Ictal SPECT and PET are optional diagnostic tools for presurgical assessment in nonlesional epilepsies. They may reverse nonlesional to lesional epilepsy status and identify nonlesional epileptic foci with a fair chance of seizure freedom after epilepsy surgery.
Methods to prepare biosorbents and magnetic sorbents for water treatment: a review
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , El-Monaem Eman M. Abd , Elgarahy Ahmed M. , Aniagor Chukwunonso O. , Hosny Mohamed , Farghali Mohamed , Rashad Emanne , Ejimofor Marcel I. , López-Maldonado Eduardo A. , Ihara Ikko , Yap Pow-Seng , Rooney David W. , Eltaweil Abdelazeem S.
Published: May 2023

Access to drinkable water is becoming more and more challenging due to worldwide pollution and the cost of water treatments. Water and wastewater treatment by adsorption on solid materials is usually cheap and effective in removing contaminants, yet classical adsorbents are not sustainable because they are derived from fossil fuels, and they can induce secondary pollution. Therefore, biological sorbents made of modern biomass are increasingly studied as promising alternatives. Indeed, such biosorbents utilize biological waste that would otherwise pollute water systems, and they promote the circular economy. Here we review biosorbents, magnetic sorbents, and other cost-effective sorbents with emphasis on preparation methods, adsorbents types, adsorption mechanisms, and regeneration of spent adsorbents. Biosorbents are prepared from a wide range of materials, including wood, bacteria, algae, herbaceous materials, agricultural waste, and animal waste. Commonly removed contaminants comprise dyes, heavy metals, radionuclides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Preparation methods include coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, microwave irradiation, chemical reduction, micro-emulsion, and arc discharge. Adsorbents can be classified into activated carbon, biochar, lignocellulosic waste, clays, zeolites, peat, and humic soils. We detail adsorption isotherms and kinetics. Regeneration methods comprise thermal and chemical regeneration and supercritical fluid desorption. We also discuss exhausted adsorbent management and disposal. We found that agro-waste biosorbents can remove up to 68–100% of dyes, while wooden, herbaceous, bacterial, and marine-based biosorbents can remove up to 55–99% of heavy metals. Animal waste-based biosorbents can remove 1–99% of heavy metals. The average removal efficiency of modified biosorbents is around 90–95%, but some treatments, such as cross-linked beads, may negatively affect their efficiency.
Suicidality in the Arab World: Results from an Online Screener
Authors: Daouk Sariah , Dailami Mina , Barakat Suzanne , Awaad Rania , Muñoz Ricardo F. , Leykin Yan
Published: May 2023

Suicide in the Arab World is grossly understudied. This study sought to understand suicidality among Arabic-speaking individuals visiting an online depression screener. A large sample (N = 23,201) from the Arab World was recruited online. 78.9% (n = 17,042) reported suicidality (thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt) and 12.4% reported a suicide attempt in the past 2 weeks. Binary logistic regressions indicated that women tended to report more suicidality, and that suicidality tended to decline with age (allps < 0.001), across all levels of suicidality. Comparing countries with n ≥ 1000 (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia), several 3-way (gender * age * country) and 2-way interactions indicated that some countries departed from the usual pattern of responses. For instance, in Algeria, neither gender nor age differences were observed in reported attempts. Women and younger adults in the Arab World may be at higher risk of suicidality. Differences between and within countries warrant further exploration.
“I should” Does Not Mean “I can.” Introducing Efficacy, Normative, and General Compensatory Green Beliefs
Authors: Penker M. , Seebauer S.
Published: May 2023

Compensatory green beliefs (CGBs) denote beliefs that unsustainable behaviours can be compensated for by performing other sustainable behaviours. We propose to differentiate between efficacy, normative, and general beliefs (ECGBs, NCGBs, GCGBs). ECGBs refer to effectively offsetting previous lapses. NCGBs denote feeling morally obliged to make amends. GCGBs refer to trading off unspecified efforts in overall consumption. Employing survey data from n = 502 high school graduates and an n = 145 longitudinal subsample, we find a three-factor structure of CGBs. ECGBs, NCGBs, and GCGBs intercorrelate moderately, indicating their status as different constructs. NCGBs are positively associated with pro-environmental values, self-identity, and social norms, whereas GCGBs are negatively associated with these constructs. CGBs, in particular NCGBs, have unique explanatory power for sustainable behaviours. NCGBs show substantial temporal stability over one year. CGBs need not be destructive, as NCGBs may encourage sustainable action. Persuasive messages could be tailored to specific CGBs in specific behavioural domains.
Dietary inclusion of nano-phosphorus improves growth performance, carcass quality, and growth-related traits of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and alleviates water phosphorus residues
Authors: Elamawy Anwar , Hegazi Elsayed , Nassef Eldsokey , Abouzed Tarek K. , Zaki Abeer G. , Ismail Taha
Published: May 2023

Supplementation of phosphorus nanoparticles is a promising strategy to reduce water pollution, improve phosphorus concentration in fish diet, and provide better production quality. We used 300 fingerlings of Nile tilapia that were randomly distributed into 3 groups; each one was attributed to 5 replicates of 20 fish per aquarium with initial weight (gm) (156 ± 1.25). The first diet contained traditional Di-calcium phosphate (D-group), the second supplemented with phosphorus nanoparticles in a dose equal to the previous conventional one (N-D group), and the last one included with phosphorus nanoparticles with the half dose of the conventional phosphorus group (1/2 N-D group). After 3 months of feeding, the N-D group showed the best growth performance including its feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake (FI), or body weight gain (BWG). Furthermore, the growth-related gene expression findings considering growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were upregulated as well. Moreover, whole body chemical composition revealed higher Fe, Zn, P, and crude protein level in the N-D group than the other two groups. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) mRNA expression showed a significant increase in 1/2 N-D and N-D groups compared with the control group. To sum up, using of nano-phosphorus particles improved the growth rate and immunity response of Nile tilapia, besides decreasing water pollution.
SMT-based verification of program changes through summary repair
Authors: Asadi Sepideh , Blicha Martin , Hyvärinen Antti E. J. , Fedyukovich Grigory , Sharygina Natasha
Published: May 2023

This article provides an innovative approach for verification by model checking of programs that undergo continuous changes. To tackle the problem of repeating the entire model checking for each new version of the program, our approach verifies programs incrementally. It reuses computational history of the previous program version, namely function summaries. In particular, the summaries are over-approximations of the bounded program behaviors. Whenever reusing of summaries is not possible straight away, our algorithm repairs the summaries to maximize the chance of reusability of them for subsequent runs. We base our approach on satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) to take full advantage of lightweight modeling approach and at the same time the ability to provide concise function summarization. Our approach leverages pre-computed function summaries in SMT to localize the checks of changed functions. Furthermore, to exploit the trade-off between precision and performance, our approach relies on the use of an SMT solver, not only for underlying reasoning, but also for program modeling and the adjustment of its precision. On the benchmark suite of primarily Linux device drivers versions, we demonstrate that our algorithm achieves an order of magnitude speedup compared to prior approaches.
Aryl-functionalised α,α′-Trehalose 6,6′-Glycolipid Induces Mincle-independent Pyroptotic Cell Death
Authors: Kodar Kristel , Dangerfield Emma M. , Foster Amy J. , Forsythe Devlin , Ishizuka Shigenari , McConnell Melanie J. , Yamasaki Sho , Timmer Mattie S. M. , Stocker Bridget L.
Published: May 2023

Abstract—

α,α′-Trehalose 6,6′-glycolipids have long been known for their immunostimulatory properties. The adjuvanticity of α,α′-trehalose 6,6′-glycolipids is mediated by signalling through the macrophage inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) and the induction of an inflammatory response. Herein, we present an aryl-functionalised trehalose glycolipid, AF-2, that leads to the release of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, MIP-2 and TNF-α, in a Mincle-dependent manner. Furthermore, plate-coated AF-2 also leads to the Mincle-independent production of IL-1β, which is unprecedented for this class of glycolipid. Upon investigation into the mode of action of plate-coated AF-2, it was observed that the treatment of WT and Mincle−/− bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM), murine RAW264.7 cells, and human monocytes with AF-2 led to lytic cell death, as evidenced using Sytox Green and lactate dehydrogenase assays, and confocal and scanning electron microscopy. The requirement for functional Gasdermin D and Caspase-1 for IL-1β production and cell death by AF-2 confirmed pyroptosis as the mode of action of AF-2. The inhibition of NLRP3 and K+ efflux reduced AF-2 mediated IL-1β production and cell death, and allowed us to conclude that AF-2 leads to Capase-1 dependent NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cell death. The unique mode of action of plate-coated AF-2 was surprising and highlights how the physical presentation of Mincle ligands can lead to dramatically different immunological outcomes.
Increased n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Indicate Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Lipid Modifications in Synovial Membranes with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mustonen Anne-Mari , Tollis Sylvain , Käkelä Reijo , Sihvo Sanna P. , Palosaari Sanna , Pohjanen Vesa-Matti , Yli-Hallila Aaron , Lehenkari Petri , Nieminen Petteri
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that fatty acids (FAs) and their lipid mediator derivatives can induce both beneficial and detrimental effects on inflammatory processes and joint degradation in osteoarthritis (OA) and autoimmune-driven rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study characterized the detailed FA signatures of synovial membranes collected during knee replacement surgery of age- and gender-matched OA and RA patients (n = 8/diagnosis). The FA composition of total lipids was determined by gas chromatography and analyzed with univariate and multivariate methods supplemented with hierarchical clustering (HC), random forest (RF)-based classification of FA signatures, and FA metabolism pathway analysis. RA synovium lipids were characterized by reduced proportions of shorter-chain saturated FAs (SFAs) and elevated percentages of longer-chain SFAs and monounsaturated FAs, alkenyl chains, and C20 n-6 polyunsaturated FAs compared to OA synovium lipids. In HC, FAs and FA-derived variables clustered into distinct groups, which preserved the discriminatory power of the individual variables in predicting the RA and OA inflammatory states. In RF classification, SFAs and 20:3n-6 were among the most important FAs distinguishing RA and OA. Pathway analysis suggested that elongation reactions of particular long-chain FAs would have increased relevance in RA. The present study was able to determine the individual FAs, FA groups, and pathways that distinguished the more inflammatory RA from OA. The findings suggest modifications of FA elongation and metabolism of 20:4n-6, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and plasmalogens in the chronically inflamed RA synovium. These FA alterations could have implications in lipid mediator synthesis and potential as novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy in hispanic population in northeastern Mexico
Authors: Castillo-Macías Alberto , Arreola-Martínez Jesús Enrique , Loya-García Denise , Valdez-García Jorge Eugenio
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) in northeastern Mexico.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional study in which NK patients admitted to our ophthalmology clinic between 2015 and 2021 were consecutively enrolled. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities were collected at the time diagnosis of NK was made.

Results

In the period from 2015 to 2021, a total of 74,056 patients were treated and of these 42 had a diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis. The prevalence found was 5.67 [CI95 3.95–7.38] in 10,000 cases. The mean age observed was 59 ± 17.21 years occurring more frequently in males in 59% and with corneal epithelial defects in 66.7%. The most frequent antecedents were the use of topical medications in 90%, the presence of diabetes mellitus 2 in 40.5% and systemic arterial hypertension in 26.2%. A higher proportion of male patients with corneal alterations and a higher proportion of female patients with corneal ulcerations and/or perforation were observed.

Conclusion

Neurotrophic keratitis is an underdiagnosed disease with a broad clinical spectrum. The antecedents that were contracted corroborate what was reported in the literature as risk factors. The prevalence of the disease in this geographical area was not reported, so it is expected to increase over time when searching for it intentionally.
Optimal nonlinear taxation: a simpler approach
Authors: Gerritsen Aart
Published: May 2023

The typical method of solving for the optimal nonlinear tax schedule relies on deriving optimal incentive-compatible allocations. While this “primal approach” is mathematically rigorous, it lacks intuitive appeal. This paper considers a different method that relies on directly solving for the optimal tax system. This “dual approach” is much closer to actual tax policy as it centers around the welfare effects of tax reforms. I show that it can easily incorporate preference heterogeneity, as well as individual utility misoptimization. Beyond solving for the optimal tax system, the dual approach allows one to obtain insights into the welfare effects of small nonlinear tax reforms outside the optimum.
A biophysical and statistical modeling paradigm for connecting neural physiology and function
Authors: Glasgow Nathan G. , Chen Yu , Korngreen Alon , Kass Robert E. , Urban Nathan N.
Published: May 2023

To understand single neuron computation, it is necessary to know how specific physiological parameters affect neural spiking patterns that emerge in response to specific stimuli. Here we present a computational pipeline combining biophysical and statistical models that provides a link between variation in functional ion channel expression and changes in single neuron stimulus encoding. More specifically, we create a mapping from biophysical model parameters to stimulus encoding statistical model parameters. Biophysical models provide mechanistic insight, whereas statistical models can identify associations between spiking patterns and the stimuli they encode. We used public biophysical models of two morphologically and functionally distinct projection neuron cell types: mitral cells (MCs) of the main olfactory bulb, and layer V cortical pyramidal cells (PCs). We first simulated sequences of action potentials according to certain stimuli while scaling individual ion channel conductances. We then fitted point process generalized linear models (PP-GLMs), and we constructed a mapping between the parameters in the two types of models. This framework lets us detect effects on stimulus encoding of changing an ion channel conductance. The computational pipeline combines models across scales and can be applied as a screen of channels, in any cell type of interest, to identify ways that channel properties influence single neuron computation.
Alone in a Crowd: Is Social Contact Associated with Less Psychological Pain of Loneliness in Everyday Life?
Authors: Stavrova Olga , Ren Dongning
Published: May 2023

People are often advised to engage in social contact to cope with the experience of loneliness and improve well-being. But are the moments of loneliness actually more bearable when spent in other people’s company? In this research, we proposed and tested two conflicting theoretical accounts regarding the role of social contact: social contact is associated with a stronger (the amplifying account) or with a weaker (the buffering account) negative effect of loneliness on psychological well-being. Analyses of three datasets collected using ecological momentary assessments (Nindividuals = 3,035) revealed that the negative association between loneliness and well-being was stronger when participants were with others than alone, consistent with the amplifying account. Further, when participants experienced high levels of loneliness, being with others was associated with the same or with even a lower level of well-being than being alone. These findings suggest that simply spending time with others (vs. alone) is not associated with a reduced burden of loneliness and may even backfire.
A fast water-slide layout approach using smooth surfaces, Saint Venant’s stationary water streamline, and passenger sliding interaction – theory, implementation, and validation
Authors: Stepken Alina , Kecskeméthy Andrés , Geu Flores Francisco
Published: May 2023

Water-slide manufacturers are constantly searching for innovative designs that maximize the rider’s fun while complying with safety requirements. However, the current state-of-the-art does not offer any simulation tool capable of aiding the design phase before manufacture in an affordable computational time. In this paper, we present a novel approach using smooth surface models together with Saint Venant’s filament theory to predict the water channel and, by this, a realistic estimation of passenger/water-slide interaction. The paper covers the theory and the experimental validation for the case of circular slide cross-sections. It is shown that the predicted water channel follows very well the measurement even without the influence of Saint Venant’s water-height terms and of the elliptical correction of the water cross-section for slanted water streamlines with respect to the centerline of the circular tube. Thus, for this kind of applications, a simple Bernoulli streamline model with proper water-slide friction parameters is shown to be sufficient. On the other hand, parameter identification of fluid-surface friction shows that three terms must be considered: a static one, a curvature-dependent correction, and a third correction factor for changes from low to large curvature (splashing effect). The results are also compared with fluid simulations using OpenFOAM. It is shown that the results of the simple model are not less accurate than the fluid-dynamics model, while needing only 1/100.000 of the computational time. The paper shows also the passenger/slide interaction by a multibody model including contact and passenger/fluid interactions. It is shown that the interaction between the passenger and water is significant for correct reproduction of real motion, showing that the water channel is relevant for computer-based water-slide layouts. As the water-channel parameters can be sufficiently modeled by Bernoulli’s streamline theory, the approach is independent of the slide cross-section and thus extendable to general cases. Also, as the computations run at 7/10 of real time, they can be used for online optimizations and passenger-specific actions on site.
Revisiting policy combinations under IS–LM–EE framework introducing capacity utilization
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Chatterjee Tonmoy , Ivaldi Enrico
Published: May 2023

The study introduces the capacity utilization factor into the existing works on the effect of technological progress towards environment friendly capital formation to analyse the impacts of fiscal and monetary policies in an IS–LM framework and concludes that the effects of fiscal and monetary policies on conservation capital and permit cost in the presence of technological progress cause increases in output, but these increases will centre around the full capacity utilization level. Further, the empirical exercise in a pooled regression model involving the income-influencing factors through fiscal and monetary policies shows that technological progress endowed with emission intensity and capacity utilization dummy for the world’s 28 countries, confirms the theoretical results in most circumstances. The study signifies the role of institutions and technological progress as the backbone to frame fiscal and monetary policies as an effective instrument for getting green growth.
Making, unmaking and remaking of context in entrepreneurial identity construction and experiences: a comparative analysis between Türkiye and the Netherlands
Authors: Ozasir Kacar Sibel
Published: May 2023

This study analyses how women entrepreneurs of Turkish origin do context in constructing their entrepreneurial identities and experiencing their entrepreneurship in two national contexts, namely Türkiye and the Netherlands. In order to study context, we use the term opportunity structures and analyse how these entrepreneurs interpret and perceive opportunity structures, and construct their entrepreneurial identities in relation to their interpretations. Relying on the life story narratives of 21 women entrepreneurs, we analyse social, political and institutional opportunity structures and the relationship between these and the processes of entrepreneurial experiences and identity construction. We propose that Turkish women entrepreneurs make, unmake and remake context during these processes. In the Netherlands, these entrepreneurs challenge existing opportunity structures either by providing alternative images of a Turkish migrant woman or questioning culturalist perspectives behind these opportunity structures. In Türkiye, they are compelled to be more hesitant in challenging the opportunity structures. They either have to step down from their enterprises or downgrade their entrepreneurial affiliations to fulfil the requirements of opportunity structures. This study contributes to the field of entrepreneurship in its contextualisation by providing an extended understanding of the ways in which entrepreneurs do context.
Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Nichol Beth , Wilson Rob , Rodrigues Angela , Haighton Catherine
Published: May 2023

Volunteering provides unique benefits to organisations, recipients, and potentially the volunteers themselves. This umbrella review examined the benefits of volunteering and their potential moderators. Eleven databases were searched for systematic reviews on the social, mental, physical, or general health benefits of volunteering, published up to July 2022. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess quality and overlap of included primary studies was calculated. Twenty-eight reviews were included; participants were mainly older adults based in the USA. Although overlap between reviews was low, quality was generally poor. Benefits were found in all three domains, with reduced mortality and increased functioning exerting the largest effects. Older age, reflection, religious volunteering, and altruistic motivations increased benefits most consistently. Referral of social prescribing clients to volunteering is recommended. Limitations include the need to align results to research conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022349703).
Adsorption of direct blue 106 dye using zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared via green synthesis technique
Authors: Eleryan Ahmed , Aigbe Uyiosa O. , Ukhurebor Kingsley E. , Onyancha Robert B. , Hassaan Mohamed A. , Elkatory Marwa R. , Ragab Safaa , Osibote Otolorin A. , Kusuma Heri S. , El Nemr Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have in recent times shown effective adsorption capability for the confiscation of colour contaminants from aqueous environments (aquatic ecosystems or water bodies) due to the fact that ZnO contains more functional groups. Direct blue 106 (DB106) dye was selected for this present study as a model composite due to its wide range of uses in textiles (cotton and wools), woods, and paper industries, as well as their therapeutic applications, along with its potential for impairments. This study therefore focuses on the use of DB106 dye as a model composite due to its wide range of uses in textiles (cotton and wools), woods, and paper industries, as well as their therapeutic applications and their potential for impairments. Furthermore, the surface functionalization, shape, and composite pore size were revealed by TEM, FTIR, UV, and BET techniques. The current study uses green synthesis method to prepare ZnO-NPs as an adsorbent for the DB106 dye molecules adsorption under various conditions using the batch adsorption process. The adsorption of DB106 dye to the ZnO-NPs biosorbent was detected to be pH-dependent, with optimal adsorption of DB106 (anionic) dye particles observed at pH 7. DB106 dye adsorption to the synthesized ZnO-NPs adsorbent was distinct by means of the linearized Langmuir (LNR) and pseudo-second-order (SO) models, with an estimated maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 370.37 mg/g.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of the change in irrigation practices from untreated to treated wastewater on the mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil irrigated for decades
Authors: Ziegler Rivera Francisco Robert Alexander , Prado Pano Blanca , Guédron Stéphane , Mora Palomino Lucy , Ponce de León Hill Claudia , Siebe Grabach Christina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Long-term agricultural irrigation with untreated wastewater has resulted in metals and metalloids accumulation in soil. Little information is available on the consequences of a change to irrigation with treated water on the mobility of these potentially toxic elements (PTEs).

Materials and methods

The potential mobility of PTEs was assessed using sequential extractions performed on soil irrigated with untreated wastewater for a century in Mexico. The possible effects of change in irrigation practices on PTEs mobility was evaluated through batch experiments, simulating a decrease in pH, an increase in salinity, and in chlorine of the irrigation water. Geochemical modeling allowed predicting the speciation of mobilized PTEs.

Results and discussion

Soils irrigated with untreated water were mainly enriched with PTEs in surface horizons. Only Cd and As were found in the soluble or exchangeable fractions (< 20%). Cu and Pb were mainly associated with soil organic matter (OM), whereas As and Zn were bound to iron oxides, and Cr with refractory minerals. Batch experiments revealed that acidification resulted in the increased solubility of Cu, Zn, and Cd for surface samples, and As in deep horizons. In contrast, increased salinity only mobilized Zn, Cd, and Cr. Water chlorination mobilized higher amount of Zn, Pb, and Cd compared to the other experiments. As was not mobilized for these two experiments.

Conclusion

A change in irrigation practices could increase the mobility of PTEs if water treatment is not adapted to the soil type. The mobilization of PTEs, especially As and Cd, could affect both crops and groundwater quality. It is essential to monitor this mobility to avoid future risks to human health.
How do teachers engaging messages affect students? A sentiment analysis
Authors: Falcon Samuel , Leon Jaime
Published: May 2023

Gathering information from students’ answers to open-ended questions helps to assess the quality of teachers’ practices and its relations with students’ motivation. The present study aimed to use sentiment analysis, an artificial intelligence-based tool, to examine students’ responses to open-ended questions about their teacher’s communication. Using the obtained sentiment scores, we studied the effect of teachers engaging messages on students’ sentiment. Subsequently, we analysed the mediating role of this sentiment on the relation between teachers’ messages and students’ motivation to learn. Results showed that the higher the students’ perceived use of engaging messages, the more positive their sentiments towards their teacher’s communication. This is an important issue for future research as it shows the usefulness of sentiment analysis for studying teachers’ verbal behaviours. Findings also showed that sentiment partially mediates the effect of teachers engaging messages on students’ motivation to learn. This research paves the way for using sentiment analysis to better study the relations of teachers’ behaviours, students’ sentiments and opinions, and their outcomes.
Eine Taxonomie von New Work-Praktiken – Unterschiede in Wirkungsziel und Wirkungsebene
Authors: Schölmerich Franziska , Koch Jan , Schermuly Carsten C.
Published: May 2023

Viele verschiedene Maßnahmen und Praktiken werden in Unternehmen mit New Work assoziiert. Um an dieser Stelle die Übersichtlichkeit zu verbessern, entwickeln wir eine Taxonomie, in der New Work-Praktiken (NWP) mit Blick auf ihre Wirkungsebene (Organisation vs. Person) und ihr Wirkungsziel (Effizienz vs. Innovation) durch Expert:innen (N = 23) eingeordnet werden. Wir nutzen zudem den angepassten Datensatz des aktuellen New Work-Barometers (N = 530), um Zusammenhänge zwischen der Lokalisierung und der Einsatzhäufigkeit von NWP zu analysieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass personenbezogene NWP nicht häufiger eingesetzt werden und Unternehmen vor allem NWP einsetzen, die auf Effizienz statt auf Innovation abzielen.
Exceptionally high genetic variance of the doubled haploid (DH) population of poplar
Authors: Liu Caixia , Wang Sui , Liu Yi , Wang Meng , Fan Erqin , Liu Chen , Zhang Shikai , Yang Chuanping , Wang Junhui , Sederoff Heike W. , You Xiangling , Chiang Vincent L. , Chen Su , Sederoff Ronald R. , Qu Guanzheng
Published: May 2023

Doubled haploid (DH) plants have been widely used for breeding and biological research in crops. Populus spp. have been used as model woody plant species for biological research. However, the induction of DH poplar plants is onerous, and limited biological or breeding work has been carried out on DH individuals or populations. In this study, we provide an effective protocol for poplar haploid induction based on an anther culture method. A total of 96 whole DH plant lines were obtained using an F1 hybrid of Populus simonii × P. nigra as a donor tree. The phenotypes of the DH population showed exceptionally high variance when compared to those of half-sib progeny of the donor tree. Each DH line displayed distinct features compared to those of the other DH lines or the donor tree. Additionally, some excellent homozygous lines have the potential to be model plants in genetic and breeding studies.
Engineering eco-design of heat exchangers in domestic heating systems using life cycle assessment methodology
Authors: Boix Rodríguez Núria , Rossi Marta , Cappelletti Federica , Favi Claudio
Published: May 2023

According to the European energy consumption reports, the highest energy/fuel consumption in the residential sector is due to space heating, followed by water heating. Generally, the product used to warm water in residential buildings is a boiler system where a heat exchanger is the core of the system. The paper provides a Life Cycle Assessment analysis of a traditional heat exchanger used in domestic boilers with the aim to identify critical aspects and environmental hotspots for the development of a novel concept of the heat exchanger. The methodology used to collect eco-design guidelines from the Life Cycle Assessment analysis is proposed within the paper. Several eco-design actions were put into practice to reduce the environmental issues in each phase of the life cycle from the materials used, the manufacturing processes as well as the product geometry to increase energy efficiency during the use. Concerning the materials and manufacturing phase, a novel design based on a different material (e.g., stainless steel) was developed to replace a mix of materials (i.e., copper and aluminum alloy). Concerning the use phase, the overall product efficiency was increased allowing important savings in terms of gas/energy consumption, by the adoption of a novel design (e.g., spiral pipe). The new heat exchanger design shows better environmental performance in each Life Cycle Assessment indicator, saving more than 40% in CO2 emissions (Global Warming Potential) in the whole product life cycle.
Shall We Establish Sexual Consent or Would You Feel Weird? Sexual Objectification and Rape-Supportive Attitudes as Predictors of How Sex is Negotiated in Men and Women
Authors: Moyano Nieves , Sánchez-Fuentes María del Mar , Parra Sandra Milena , Gómez-Berrocal Carmen , Quílez-Robres Alberto , Granados Reina
Published: May 2023

How sex is negotiated has reached greater interest because a lack of consent is considered to be a risk factor for sexual violence. However, the mechanisms underlying sexual consent still remain unexplored. The purpose of the present study was to examine the link between rape-supportive attitudes and objectification, as experienced by women and perpetrated by men, in the context of specific domains relevant to the establishment and negotiation of sexual consent, i.e., attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. The sample comprised 1682 participants (21.5% male, 78.5% female) aged 18–66 years (M = 23.41; SD = 6.96). In women, negotiation of consent was predicted both directly and indirectly by being sexually objectified by men, rape attitudes playing a mediating role. Women who were objectified reported lower efficacy with respect to asking for consent and considered explicit establishment of consent as important. In men, only the perpetration of unwanted sexual advances predicted how they negotiate consent, in which rape attitudes played a mediating role (indicating a maladaptive pattern of negotiation). Our findings could be useful for the design and implementation of intervention programs that address both victims and perpetrators of violence.
The Future of Work: Augmentation or Stunting?
Authors: Furendal Markus , Jebari Karim
Published: May 2023

The last decade has seen significant improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including robotics, machine vision, speech recognition, and text generation. Increasing automation will undoubtedly affect the future of work, and discussions on how the development of AI in the workplace will impact labor markets often include two scenarios: (1) labor replacement and (2) labor enabling. The former involves replacing workers with machines, while the latter assumes that human–machine cooperation can significantly improve worker productivity. In this context, it is often argued that (1) could lead to mass unemployment and that (2) therefore would be more desirable. We argue, however, that the labor-enabling scenario conflates two distinct possibilities. On the one hand, technology can increase productivity while also promoting “the goods of work,” such as the opportunity to pursue excellence, experience a sense of community, and contribute to society (human augmentation). On the other hand, higher productivity can also be achieved in a way that reduces opportunities for the “goods of work” and/or increases “the bads of work,” such as injury, reduced physical and mental health, reduction of autonomy, privacy, and human dignity (human stunting). We outline the differences of these outcomes and discuss the implications for the labor market in the context of contemporaneous discussions on the value of work and human wellbeing.