bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional status and its associated factors among infants and young children aged 6–23 months in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia, 2021: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hailu Sisay , Jara Dube , Bogale Eyob Ketema
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to assess nutritional status and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6–23 months in Yeka sub-city, Ethiopia, 2021. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected health centres found in the Yeka sub-city from May 2021 to July 2021. In total, 396 systematically selected infants and young children aged 6–23 months attended the selected health centres were included in the study. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. A multinomial logistic regression model was used.

The overall magnitude of undernutrition and overnutrition among infants and young children were 24.7% and 5.5%, respectively. Dietary diversity score (DDS) ((adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 5.65; 95% CI = 2.301, 10.87; P value = 0.003), minimum meal frequency (MMF) (AOR = 5.435; 95% CI = 2.097, 11.09; P value = 0.0052), and diarrhoea (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.007, 6.310; P value = 0.002) were statistically significantly associated factors for nutritional status among infants and young children. Malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) is a public health problem among infants and young children in Yeka sub-city, Ethiopia. DDS, MMF, and diarrhoeal disease were associated with higher odds of undernutrition.
Relationship between coronary artery disease with dyslipidaemia and trace mineral intake: a cross-sectional analysis of the Shika study
Authors: Kimura Kei , Suzuki Fumihiko , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Hara Akinori , Miyagi Sakae , Kannon Takayuki , Suzuki Keita , Shimizu Yukari , Nguyen Thao Thi Thu , Katano Koji , Asai Atsushi , Kasahara Tomoko , Nakamura Masaharu , Takazawa Chie , Hayashi Koichiro , Hamagishi Toshio , Shibata Aki , Sato Takehiro , Nomura Akihiro , Konoshita Tadashi , Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Tsuboi Hirohito , Tajima Atsushi , Kobayashi Takayuki , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2024

Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia (DL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) or between trace minerals intake and CAD is well known separately, the exact nature of this relationship remains unknown. We hypothesize that the relationship between trace mineral intake and CAD may differ depending on whether or not the individual has DL. The present study analysed the relationships among trace mineral intake, DL, and CAD in middle-aged and older adults living in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. This study included 895 residents following the exclusion of those with genetic risk carriers for familial hypercholesterolemia. Trace mineral intake was evaluated using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Interactions were observed between DL and CAD with zinc (p = 0.004), copper (p = 0.010), and manganese intake (p < 0.001) in a two-way analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates such as sex, age, body mass index, and current smokers and drinkers. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that zinc (odds ratio (OR): 0.752; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.606, 0.934; p = 0.010), copper (OR: 0.175; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.726; p = 0.016), and manganese (OR: 0.494; 95% CI: 0.291, 0.839; p = 0.009) were significant independent variables for CAD in the dyslipidaemic group. The present results suggest that DL with a low trace mineral intake is associated with CAD. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm this relationship.
The Early Career of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha: An Archival Reconstruction
Authors: Whitehead Christopher
Published: September 2024

The grand vizier Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (d. 1661) stands out as one of the most celebrated figures of Ottoman history, but despite his prominence, the basic contours of his earlier life remain largely unknown, and most of what is known derives from narrative accounts produced long after his death. This study utilizes archival sources to reconstruct Köprülü's career prior to his 1656 promotion to the grand vizierate. It reveals a major gap in the narrative sources: in 1653, when Köprülü is supposed to have been politically inactive, he was actually serving as a provincial governor in the sensitive region of Karaman in south-central Anatolia. At that time, a rebel faction was active in the area, and evidence indicates that Köprülü aligned with them. Elements of this faction, under Abaza Hasan's leadership, would later go on to rebel against Köprülü himself in 1658. Köprülü's ties to this rebel faction stand in sharp contrast to his later historical image as a paragon of order and central authority. An understanding of this period thus permits a reevaluation not only of Köprülü's political character, but also of how his supporters worked to construct his image in the aftermath of Abaza Hasan's rebellion.
An Evaluation of Köprülü Fazıl Ahmed Pasha's Foreign Policy
Authors: Cevrioğlu Mahmut Halef
Published: September 2024

Historiographical tradition has tended to view the Köprülü-era foreign policy as one of conscious expansion, fueled by religious fervor. The descriptions of the seventeenth-century Ottoman chroniclers to that effect influenced the researchers of the twenty-first-century, too. However, in the reports of European diplomatic representatives active in Istanbul at the time, we see that the expansionary policy in the Köprülü period was not actually a pre-planned phenomenon with religious motivations; it was more likely that the grand viziers responded to the urgent problems arising from the political conjuncture of the period. To be more precise, this study argues that events such as the Érsekújvár Expedition (1663), the Siege of Candia (1667-69), and the Campaign of Kamieniec (1672), which all took place during the reign of Köprülü Fazıl Ahmet Pasha (r. 1661-76), could not be explained by religious motivations alone. Instead, the present study argues that a better way to understand Fazıl Ahmed Pasha's foreign policy is interpreting it from an international relations perspective through the neoclassical realist parameters of the individual, state structure, and international system.
Maternal dietary protein and amino acid intake is not associated with the amino acid composition of human milk in an affluent environment
Authors: Juncker Hannah , Wang Peiheng , Petersohn Inga , West Louise Naz , Naninck Eva , van Goudoever Johannes , Brouwer-Brolsma Elske , Korosi Aniko
Published: September 2024

Amino acids (AA) are essential nutrients in human milk (HM) and critical for infant growth and development. Several maternal lifestyle factors have been suggested to influence HM AA composition, with possible consequences for the breastfed infant. Whether maternal dietary protein and AA intake is associated with AA concentrations in HM is still largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal dietary AA intake and AA concentrations in HM over the first month postpartum. Data from the observational longitudinal Amsterdam Mother’s Milk study were used, consisting of 123 lactating women in their first postpartum month. HM samples were collected three times, on day 10, 17 and 24 postpartum. Maternal dietary protein and AA intake on these collection days was assessed using three 24-h recalls. HM protein-bound and free AA (BAA and FAA, respectively) were analysed by liquid chromatography. Associations between maternal AA intake and AA concentrations in HM were assessed using linear mixed models. Maternal intake was negatively associated with milk concentrations of free arginine (–0·0003; P = 0·01) and free lysine (–0·0004; P = 0·03) and was positively associated with free glutamine (0·002; P = 0·03) and free threonine (0·0008; P = 0·03). However, these associations were attenuated after correction for multiple testing. Both the quality and quantity of dietary protein intake in lactating women do not seem to influence the amino composition of their breast milk when living in an affluent environment.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, THE RULE OF LAW AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: THE CASE OF TAXATION
Authors: Daly Stephen
Published: September 2024

It is now a cliché to highlight that whilst artificial intelligence (AI) provides many opportunities, it also presents myriad risks to established norms. Amongst the norms considered in the literature, the Rule of Law unsurprisingly features. But the analyses of the Rule of Law are narrow. AI has the capacity to augment as well as to undermine fidelity to the ideal of the Rule of Law. Rather than viewing AI only as a threat to important norms, this article’s core argument is that AI should also be presented as an opportunity to meet their demands. It uses the Rule of Law in tax administration to support this argument.
Cytokine profiles, blood parasite load and clinical features of visceral leishmaniasis in West Pokot County, Kenya
Authors: van Dijk Norbert , Carter Jane , Kiptanui David , Pinelli Elena , Schallig Henk
Published: September 2024

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania donovani complex. Blood cytokine concentrations in VL patients can inform us about underlying immunopathogenesis and may serve as a biomarker for treatment effectiveness. However, cytokine levels have not yet been studied in VL patients from Kenya, where case load is high. This study measured the serum cytokine profile, blood parasite load and clinical and haematological features of VL patients from West Pokot County, Kenya, over the course of treatment with sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin (SSG-PM). VL patients recruited at the hospital presented with splenomegaly and weight loss, and frequently had pancytopenia and anaemia. Median Leishmania parasite load in blood, determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction, was 2.6 × 104 parasite equivalents mL−1. Compared to endemic healthy controls, serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 5 (IL-5), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A and IL-27 were significantly elevated in untreated VL patients. Severe VL was associated with higher IL-10 and lower IFN-γ levels. After 17 daily injections with SSG-PM, disease symptoms disappeared, leukocyte and thrombocyte counts significantly increased, and blood parasite load decreased to undetectable levels in all VL patients. There was a significant decrease in IL-10 and IL-6, whereas IL-17A levels increased; the remaining cytokines showed no significant concentration change during treatment. In conclusion, the results suggest that SSG-PM treatment of VL patients from West Pokot was effective. Moreover, both inflammatory and regulatory immune responses appeared to decrease during treatment, although the increase in IL-17A could reflect a partial continuation of immune activation.
A new nematode species, Tanqua siamensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) in the rainbow water snake, Enhydris enhydris, from Thailand
Authors: Charoennitiwat Vachirapong , Thaenkham Urusa , Tongpon Supakit , Chaisiri Kittipong , Laoungbua Panithi , Tawan Tanapong , Kanjanapruthipong Tapanee , Ampawong Sumate , Chan Abigail Hui En , Ratnarathorn Napat
Published: September 2024

The genus Tanqua Blanchard, 1904, infests reptiles, particularly those inhabiting aquatic environments. This study examined a population of rainbow water snakes, Enhydris enhydris (Schneider, 1799), collected from southern Thailand. Adult nematodes consistent with Tanqua were found in the stomach. Various morphometric, meristic and qualitative morphological variables, including size, ratios, distances, cephalic appearance, the number of caudal papillae and other features, serve to distinguish the specimens from other species within the genus. In particular, Tanqua anomala and Tanqua diadema, which closely resemble our Tanqua specimens, can be differentiated by key diagnostic characteristics such as a retractable head, the distance from the anterior end to the cervical sac, the relative positions of caudal papillae and excretory pore, and the length of the uterus. Molecular analysis (COI and 18s rRNA genes) confirmed its status as a species of Tanqua, genetically distinct from Tanqua tiara, and matching the genetic sequence found in larvae of Tanqua sp. from a snakehead fish species from Bangladesh. Tanqua siamensis sp. nov. is described, supported by morphological traits, microscopic illustrations and genetic information. This study reports the first evidence of a caudal papillary pair in females. This species causes significant lesions on the stomach wall of the snake host, raising possible issues for snakes held in captivity regarding food hygiene and parasite protection.
The intellectual and social world of Martius Valerius
Authors: Nauta Ruurd
Published: September 2024

The bucolic poems of Martius Valerius, first published in 1946, used to be dated to the twelfth century, but thanks to the work of François Dolbeau and Justin Stover, they are now securely dated to the sixth. In this article, I demonstrate that Martius’ fourth eclogue draws extensively on two of the logical works of Boethius, the introduction to the second edition of the commentary on Porphyry's Isagoge and the translation of Aristotle's Peri hermeneias, both from the mid 510s. These works were well known in the twelfth century, but I corroborate the sixth-century dating first by connecting Martius Valerius with Martius Novatus Renatus, editor of a corpus of Boethius’ logical monographs in the 520s, and secondly by arguing that Martius Valerius belonged to a circle of students in Rome who attached themselves to leading senators, including Boethius. I end by considering Martius’ career as quaestor and consul.
The added value of affective processes for models of human cognition and learning
Authors: Stussi Yoann , Dukes Daniel , Sander David
Published: September 2024

Building on the affectivism approach, we expand on Binz et al.'s meta-learning research program by highlighting that emotion and other affective phenomena should be key to the modeling of human learning. We illustrate the added value of affective processes for models of learning across multiple domains with a focus on reinforcement learning, knowledge acquisition, and social learning.
Older women’s constructions of equality over the lifecourse
Authors: Beban Alice , Walters Vicky , Ashley Nicole , Cain Trudie
Published: September 2024

Gender and age are central organising principles of social relations, with socially constructed gendered and age-based norms influencing patterns of social behaviour, power and inequality. Despite recent literature highlighting the importance of subjective measures of equality, including as a significant predictor of wellbeing, there is a gap in studies focused on subjective equality in research on ageing. Drawing on an equality ranking exercise and life herstory interviews with 20 older-aged women (65+) in Aotearoa New Zealand, this article focuses on the intersectionality of age and gender, analysing the ways in which participants constructed their experiences of equality over the lifecourse from their standpoint as older-aged women. The analysis reveals a significant rise in subjective equality from childhood to older age, with more varied responses in childhood and a convergence of responses from adolescence onwards. Participants’ constructions of equality differed: age was the dominant construct of equality women ascribed to their childhood years, while gender inequality came to the fore during their teenage years. In early to mid-adulthood, women found ways to navigate gendered inequality in various life domains, while in older adulthood equality was constructed as freedom and life satisfaction. This trajectory suggests that the frames individuals use to make sense of equality and their personal experiences are not fixed; they are fluid and shift throughout the lifecourse.
A narrative approach to analysis of covert action
Authors: Duffield Jack
Published: September 2024

This article argues that covert action is subordinate to security narratives, with covert action demanded by, empowered through, and used to decisively impact the narratives of security threat that concern a state’s key power-granting audiences. A narrative approach to analysing covert action is developed based on narratology and securitisation. This approach reconciles the paradoxical historical record of implausible deniability with International Relations theory, and challenges other risk-led approaches to understanding covert action. The narrative approach is supported by a class-severity model which updates existing ladder models of covert action escalation, enabling scholars to both detect occurrences of covert action and suggest attribution to an actor – a vital initial step for the study of non-Western covert action in particular. The narrative approach also enables the effectiveness of covert action to be measured in terms of its impact on security narratives, overcoming the limitations of existing approaches. The article employs these tools to analyse Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, delivering new insight and identifying areas for further study for a key non-Western user of covert action.
Kinematic analysis, workspace definition, and self-collision avoidance of a quasi-spherical parallel manipulator
Authors: Pacheco Quiñones Daniel , Maffiodo Daniela , Laribi Amine
Published: September 2024

Bilateral teleoperation has witnessed significant development since the mid-20th century, addressing challenges related to human presence in environments with constraints or a lack of skilled professionals. This article presents the kinematic and self-collision analyses of the quasi-spherical parallel manipulator, a three-legged parallel robot used as a haptic master device. The device is designed for remote center of motion-constrained operation in the telesurgical field. Inverse and forward kinematics are thoroughly analyzed to study working modes, singular configurations, and implement a haptic control architecture. The research explores the operative and reachable workspaces of the possible working modes, comparing them to find the most suitable one. Results highlight how the addition of the self-collision phenomenon impacts the working mode choice, drastically reducing most of the modes’ operative workspaces. An anti-collision control algorithm is finally introduced to maintain the architecture within its reachable workspace.
Equality, efficiency and hierarchy in the workplace
Authors: Motchoulski Alexander
Published: September 2024

Relational egalitarians argue that workplace hierarchy is wrong or unjust. However, even if workplace hierarchy is morally deficient in one respect, the efficiency of hierarchical cooperation might vindicate hierarchy. This paper assesses the extent to which relational egalitarians must make concessions to workplace hierarchy for the sake of efficiency. I argue that considerations of hierarchy provide egalitarians with reasons that make workplace hierarchy tolerable despite being unjustified, and, moreover, that under a predominantly hierarchical status quo, the practical import of egalitarian reasons is unlikely to be undercut. This can be the case even if social hierarchy sometimes constitutes social cooperation.
Revisiting the phenology of El Triunfo cloud forest, Mexico, 30 years later
Authors: Wootton Allen , Enríquez Paula L. , Williams-Linera Guadalupe , Pineda-Diez de Bonilla Esteban
Published: September 2024

Climatic conditions have changed within the cloud forests of southern Mexico, but the effects of these changes on tree phenology are not well understood. Our study aimed to determine relationships between seasonal patterns of flowering and fruiting and the annual and long-term changes in temperature and rainfall in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Flowering and ripe fruiting intensity and fruit number were recorded for 158 trees of 21 zoochorous species during 17 months in 2019–2021. Circular statistics, synchronization calculations, and generalized linear mixed models were used to determine phenological patterns and relationships between phenophases and temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation. Flowering was most closely associated (negatively) with rainfall, whereas ripe fruiting was positively associated with solar radiation. We compared recent fruiting seasonality with phenological data collected in 1991–1993. The mean date of community fruiting in 2019–2020 was earlier (April 4) than in 1992 (May 1) and 1993 (May 13). Community fruit number in 2020–2021 decreased in comparison to 2019–2020. Our results suggest that decadal trends of increasing minimum daily temperature and an earlier and wetter wet season influenced the timing of community fruiting phenology, and fruit numbers varied greatly between years, possibly impacting resource availability for frugivores in El Triunfo.
The complexity of completions in partial combinatory algebra
Authors: Terwijn Sebastiaan
Published: September 2024

We discuss the complexity of completions of partial combinatory algebras, in particular, of Kleene’s first model. Various completions of this model exist in the literature, but all of them have high complexity. We show that although there are no computable completions, there exist completions of low Turing degree. We use this construction to relate completions of Kleene’s first model to complete extensions of
$\mathrm{PA}$
. We also discuss the complexity of pcas defined from nonstandard models of
$\mathrm{PA}$
.
Day 3 embryo assessment does not provide a reliable prediction for blastocyst formation and designation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Youngster Michal , Shvaikovsky Maria , Avraham Sarit , Strassburger Dvora , Kasterstein Esti , Maslansky Bila , Gat Itai , Yerushalmi Gil , Gidoni Yariv , Hourvitz Ariel , Kedem Alon
Published: September 2024

Although many Fertility Centers have adopted day 5 or 6 embryo transfer policy, yet, 30% of embryo transfers in the US are performed on day 3. This is mainly due to concerns related to longer embryo culture effect and higher rates of embryo transfer cancellation on day 5, with no effect on cumulative pregnancy rate. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing individual embryo transfer order rank, best embryo for fresh transfer and intention to freeze, of day-3 and day-5 embryos based on their morphology score. Day-3 embryos of each patient were ranked by embryologists for the order of transfer and intention to freeze, based on morphological score, blinded to actual blastulation outcome. The corresponding blastocysts were similarly ranked for the order of transfer and vitrification intention. Ranking was compared to test the predictive value of day-3 morphological assessment. Sixty patients with 784 day-3 embryos were included. There was only a moderate positive significant correlation between ranks on day-3 and ranks on day-5 [r = 0.662 95% CI (0.611–0.706, p < 0.001)]. Only 25% of the best embryos for transfer on day 3 (rank = 1) were chosen for fresh transfer on day 5. A total of 441 embryos were intended to be frozen on day 3. Of those, 201 were not transferred nor vitrified on day 5–6 (45%), 3.35 embryos per patient. No significant difference was found between average day-3 rank of embryos ranked 1, 2 (3.12 vs 4.12, p = 0.074) and 3 (3.12 vs 4.08, p = 0.082) on day-5–6. To conclude, this study brings a different perspective to the comparison of day 3 and day 5 by following each embryo’s putative and actual designation. Day-3 ranking of embryo morphology did not provide a reliable prediction for blastocyst formation, transfer order and vitrification intention, and may support transfer or cryopreservation of blastocysts over cleavage stage embryos.
Exploring nutrition-related interests of the transgender and gender-diverse community: a content analysis of a transgender-centric discussion forum on Reddit
Authors: Schier Heather E , Chetty Krithika , Induri Shivakriti , Kennel Julie , Gunther Carolyn
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The solicitation of nutrition-related health advice on social media platforms is on the rise. However, there is a paucity of research on the distinctive nutrition-related concerns and needs faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Understanding patterns of nutrition-related information-seeking behaviour is vital to advancing health promotion efforts within this community. This study aimed to characterise the nutrition-related questions posed by the transgender community on a prominent social media outlet, Reddit.

Design:

A qualitative, cross-sectional content analysis was conducted, focusing on the top 100 submissions (ranked by popularity) within a transgender-centric online subreddit (r/asktransgender). Data extraction was facilitated using the Application Programming Interface Pushshift. The content analysis was conducted using NVivo.

Setting:

The study was situated within the discussion forum of the social media platform, Reddit.

Results:

A total of 148 references from 90 eligible posts were identified and coded. The major themes included the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on nutritional health (n 66), weight status (n 45), dietary needs and behaviours (n 21), physical activity and weight loss on body shape (n 9), social undermining (n 4) and effects of health behaviours on HRT (n 3).

Conclusion:

This study underscores the pressing need for tailored and evidence-based nutrition guidelines and communication toolkits that specifically address the distinct needs and experiences of transgender individuals, particularly those undergoing HRT.
Measurement of food literacy among the adult population in urban Uganda and Kenya: development and validation of an East African food literacy scale
Authors: Yiga Peter , Mokaya Moses , Kiyimba Tonny , Ogwok Patrick , Kyallo Florence , Koole Janna Lena , Boedt Tessy , Matthys Christophe
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Food literacy (FL) is a potential approach to address the nutrition transition in Africa, but a validated tool is lacking. We developed and validated a scale to assess FL among Ugandan and Kenyan adult populations.

Design:

A mixed-method approach was applied: (1) item development using literature, expert and target group insights, (2) independent country-specific validation (content, construct, criterion and concurrent) and (3) synchronisation of the two country-specific FL-scales. Construct validity was evaluated against the prime dietary quality score (PDQS) and healthy eating self-efficacy scale (HEWSE).

Setting:

Urban Uganda and Kenya.

Participants:

Two cross-sectional cross-country surveys, adults >18 years (n = 214) and university students (n = 163), were conducted.

Results:

The initial development yielded a forty-eight-item FL-scale draft. In total, twenty-six items were reframed to fit the country contexts. Six items differed content-wise across the two FL-scales and were dropped for a synchronised East African FL-scale. Weighted kappa tests revealed no deviations in individuals’ FL when either the East African FL-scale or the country-specific FL-scales are used; 0·86 (95 % CI: 0·83, 0·89), Uganda and 0·86 (95 % CI: 0·84, 0·88), Kenya. The FL-scale showed good reliability (0·71 (95 % CI: 0·60, 0·79), Uganda; 0·78 (95 % CI: 0·69, 0·84), Kenya) and positively correlated with PDQS (r = 0·29 P = 0·003, Uganda; r = 0·26 P < 0·001, Kenya) and HEWSE (r = 0·32 P < 0·001, Uganda; r = 0·23, P = 0·017, Kenya). The FL-scale distinguishes populations with higher from those with lower FL (β = 14·54 (95 % CI: 10·27, 18·81), Uganda; β = 18·79 (95 % CI: 13·92, 23·68), Kenya).

Conclusion:

Provided culture-sensitive translation and adaptation are done, the scale may be used as a basis across East Africa.
Evaluation of yield-attributing parameters in Aus rice for enhancing productivity
Authors: Mahmud Apple , Islam Md. Nahidul , Islam A. K. M. Aminul , Islam Md. Moshiul , Ghosh Uttam Kumar , Hossain Md. Saddam , Sheikh Afzal , Rahman Md. Hasan Sofiur , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Khan Md. Arifur Rahman
Published: September 2024

This research aimed to assess the agronomic performance of the progeny (F3 and F4 generations) of 48 newly developed Aus rice lines, using a randomized-complete-block-design under rainfed conditions. We found a wide range of variations in yield and yield-contributing traits among the studied genotypes. High board sense heritability percentages were found for sterility percentage (99.50 and 97.20), thousand-grain-weight (88.10 and 90.20 g), plant-height (84.90 and 86.90 cm) and day-to-maturity (84.50 and 97.60 d) in both F3 and F4 generations, respectively. However, the highest genetic advance as mean percentage was observed for sterility (48.00 and 50.60), effective tillers number per hill (ET) (44.70 and 47.10), total tillers number per hill (TT) (43.00 and 45.40) and filled-grains per panicle (41.00 and 43.20) respectively. Notably, the correlation study also identified the traits, TT (r = 0.31 and 0.45), ET (r = 0.30 and 0.44), straw yield (r = 0.57 and 0.39) and harvest index (r = 0.63 and 0.67) as effective for improving grain yield in both F3 and F4 generations, respectively. We identified higher grain yield per hill (g) and shorter to moderate crop growth duration (days) in several distinct accessions, including R1-49-7-1-1, R3-26-4-3-1, R1-6-2-3-1, R1-13-1-1-1, R1-50-1-1-1, R3-49-4-3-1, R1-47-7-3-1, R2-26-6-2-2, R3-30-1-2-1 and R1-44-1-2-1, among the 48 genotypes in both the F3 and F4 generations. A further location-specific agronomic study is recommended to assess the drought tolerance of these promising genotypes. This will further assess their suitability as potential breeding materials when developing rice varieties adapted to grow under fluctuating rainfalls conditions.
Identification of resistant sources for pod shattering in a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) core collection using a modified screening system based on weighted level scores using random impact method
Authors: Bijarniya Deepak , Shafi Sadiah , Zaffar Aaqif , Riyaz Ishrat , Fatima Samreen , Zargar Sajad Majeed , Tripathi Kuldeep , Vara Prasad P. V. , Sofi Parvaze A.
Published: September 2024

In the present study we evaluated a core set of 254 cowpea genotypes for seven pod physical traits and shattering score using a modified weighted average screening system based on random impact assessment. There was substantial variability in all the pod physical traits and shattering score in the cowpea core collection indicating significant diversity of the material in respect of pod traits. Shattering score had a mean value of 5.39 with a range of 0–10. Out of 254 genotypes, 34 were resistant, 83 were moderately resistant, 82 were moderately susceptible and 55 were highly susceptible. Shattering score had significant negative correlation with pod length followed by pod weight, pod breadth, seeds per pod, pod wall weight and pod thickness. PCA concentrated 69.60% variability in the first two principal components with Eigen value of 4.49 for PC1 and 1.07 for PC2, mainly contributed by pod weight, pod length, pod breadth, pod thickness and pod wall weight. The conventional screening methods are based on level of shattering and do not take into account various types of shattering such as fissured, split, twisted or abscised. The present was aimed at identification of shattering resistant genotypes using a modified screening method based on weighted level averages. The study identified several genotypes highly resistant to pod shattering that can be used to develop shattering resistant cowpea varieties for sustainable cowpea farming and highlights the effectiveness of proposed screening method.
The Black Mouth Society and governance on the Great Plains
Authors: Lofthouse Jordan K. , Coyne Christopher J.
Published: September 2024

This paper analyses the institutional incentives and constraints of the Black Mouth Society – the traditional police of the pre-colonial Mandan and Hidatsa tribes – to understand how it successfully maintained social order without abusing power. The Black Mouth Society was a fraternal organization of middle-aged men that monitored and enforced rules created by the village council and chiefs. Two categories of institutions ensured reliable policing. First, on the front end, a long probationary period and system of unanimous consent facilitated the selection of reputable men who would wield policing power responsibly, reducing the chance of predation. However, individual Black Mouths occasionally abused their power. Therefore, on the back end, public communication created common knowledge, leading to social sanctions in the form of shame and restitution that punished abuses and limited further abuse. Thus, well-functioning self-governance, including reliable policing, is possible without a centralized state, as these tribes have demonstrated.
Hochbegabte Kinder
Authors: Amend Edward R. , Kircher-Morris Emily , Gore Janet L.
Published: September 2024

Das Leben mit hochbegabten Kindern und Jugendlichen ist in vielerlei Hinsicht eine besondere Freude, aber auch eine besondere Herausforderung. Als Eltern, Lehrkraft oder betreuende Person stehen Sie oft vor wichtigen Fragen und Entscheidungen, finden jedoch nur wenig verlässliche Informationen über die Erziehung von hochbegabten Kindern und Jugendlichen.

Die erste und zweite Auflage des vom renommierten Psychologen James T. Webb konzipierten Ratgebers wird in der vorliegenden dritten Auflage von Edward R. Amend, Emily Kircher-Morris und Janet L. Gore fortgeführt. Sie verfügen über viele Jahrzehnte Erfahrung im Bereich Hochbegabung und bieten umfangreiche, professionelle Hilfestellungen für die unterschiedlichsten Herausforderungen:

Welche Eigenarten hat mein hochbegabtes Kind?
Wie kommuniziere ich mit hochbegabten Kindern richtig?
Welcher Kindergarten und welche Schule sind die richtigen für mein Kind?
Wie plane ich die Ausbildung oder das Studium?
Wie ist die Beziehung zu Freund*innen und Geschwistern?
Wie kann ich mein Kind motivieren und wie gehe ich mit Minderleistung um?
Wie und in welchem Maß setze ich Disziplin um?

Die dritte, überarbeitete Auflage enthält die aktuellen Forschungsergebnisse aus Neurowissenschaft, Psychologie und Pädagogik sowie zahlreiche praktische Anregungen für den Alltag. Zudem werden wichtige Themen wie soziale Medien, kulturelle und sprachliche Diversität, Depression, Trauma, Mobbing, aber auch Neurodiversität und LGBTQ+ beleuchtet.

Die deutschsprachige Ausgabe wurde ergänzt und herausgegeben von den Expertinnen für Hochbegabung Inga Liebert-Cop und Suzana Zirbes-Domke.
Predicting Seasonal Deformation Using InSAR and Machine Learning in the Permafrost Regions of the Yangtze River Source Region
Authors: Chen Jie , Lin Xingchen , Wu Tonghua , Hao Junming , Wu Xiaodong , Zou Defu , Zhu Xiaofan , Hu Guojie , Qiao Yongping , Wang Dong , Yang Sizhong , Zhang Lina
Published: September 2024

Quantifying seasonal deformation is essential for accurately determining the thickness of the active layer and the distribution of water content within it, providing insights into the freeze‐thaw dynamics of permafrost environments and their sensitivity to climate change. Due to the limited hydraulic conductivity of the underlying permafrost, the freeze‐thaw processes are largely confined to the active layer, allowing for predictable seasonal deformations. This study employed Independent Component Analysis to isolate large‐scale seasonal deformation from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements taken from 2016 to 2020 in the Yangtze River Source Region (YRSR) of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), covering 18,500 km2. We developed dedicated machine learning (ML) models that integrate these InSAR‐derived measurements with various environmental proxies. By applying these models to the YRSR, we generated a comprehensive, full‐coverage deformation map for permafrost terrains, achieving an R2 value of 0.91 and an Root Mean Squared Error of approximately 0.5 cm, thus confirming the model's strong predictability of seasonal deformation in permafrost regions. Deformation magnitude varied from less than 1 cm to over 10 cm. Our analysis suggests that terrain attributes, influenced by climate and soil conditions, are the primary factors driving these deformations. This research provides valuable insights into quantifying permafrost‐related seasonal deformation across expansive and rural landscapes. It also aids in assessing subsurface hydrological processes and the resilience and vulnerability of permafrost. The developed ML algorithm, with access to precise environmental data, is capable of forecasting seasonal deformations across the entire QTP and potentially throughout the Arctic.
Reconstruction of the Dynamics of a Catastrophic Crater Lake Outburst Flood, Changbaishan‐Tianchi Volcano
Authors: Qin Shengwu , Yao Jingyu , Li Guangjie , Zhang Lingshuai , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Chaobiao , Li Li
Published: September 2024

Reconstruction of the catastrophic drainage following the Millennium Eruption (ME) of Changbaishan‐Tianchi volcano in 946 ± 20 CE is of great significance, as it contributes to improving the regional maximum flood record and develop rare flood risk analysis. However, limited knowledge exists concerning the failure mode, magnitude, and transport processes of the outburst flooding. In this work, we present a whole system model that describes the paleohydrology of catastrophic drainage using geological records along the downstream valley. The model encompasses the crater lake dynamics, an approximation of the breach erosion process and flood propagation downstream. The boulder competence method was used to constrain by reasonable flow parameters, while mitigating the uncertainty caused by the ambiguous geological paleostage indicators. Paleohydrologic analysis indicates that at least 1 km3 of water was released from the caldera, with the vertical breach erosion rates as high as 34 m/hr. Volcanic activity during the ME II may have directly contributed to triggering of the flood event. The local hydrodynamic response of the downstream riverbed captures the dynamic migration patterns of sediments across spatio‐temporal scales, offering a comprehensive interpretation of the specific scouring surfaces observed in the geological profile. The analysis of simulated inundation boundaries reveals that not all recorded inundations can be attributed to the crater lake outburst event. Reconstructions of megafloods based on downstream constraints on flood stage, velocity and discharge can help to infer and constrain the dynamics of dam failure mechanisms, and also contribute to our understanding of these complex paleohydrologic events.
Single-cell exome sequencing reveals polyclonal seeding and TRPS1 mutations in colon cancer metastasis
Authors: Cai Jianqiang , Zhang Weilong , Lu Yalan , Liu Wenjie , Zhou Haitao , Liu Mei , Bi Xinyu , Liu Jianmei , Chen Jinghua , Yin Yanjiang , Deng Yiqiao , Luo Zhiwen , Yang Yi , Chen Qichen , Chen Xiao , Xu Zheng , Zhang Yueyang , Wu Chaoling , Long Qizhao , Huang Chunyuan , Yan Changjian , Liu Yan , Guo Lei , Li Weihua , Yuan Pei , Jiao Yucheng , Song Wei , Wang Xiaobing , Huang Zhen , Ying Jianming , Zhao Hong
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Liver metastasis remains the primary cause of mortality in patients with colon cancer. Identifying specific driver gene mutations that contribute to metastasis may offer viable therapeutic targets. To explore clonal evolution and genetic heterogeneity within the metastasis, we conducted single-cell exome sequencing on 150 single cells isolated from the primary tumor, liver metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis from a stage IV colon cancer patient. The genetic landscape of the tumor samples revealed that both lymphatic and liver metastases originated from the same region of the primary tumor. Notably, the liver metastasis was derived directly from the primary tumor, bypassing the lymph nodes. Comparative analysis of the sequencing data for individual cell pairs within different tumors demonstrated that the genetic heterogeneity of both liver and lymphatic metastases was also greater than that of the primary tumor. This finding indicates that liver and lymphatic metastases arose from clusters of circulating tumor cell (CTC) of a polyclonal origin, rather than from a single cell from the primary tumor. Single-cell transcriptome analysis suggested that higher EMT score and CNV scores were associated with more polyclonal metastasis. Additionally, a mutation in the TRPS1 (Transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1) gene, TRPS1 R544Q, was enriched in the single cells from the liver metastasis. The mutation significantly increased CRC invasion and migration both in vitro and in vivo through the TRPS1R544Q/ZEB1 axis. Further TRPS1 mutations were detected in additional colon cancer cases, correlating with advanced-stage disease and inferior prognosis. These results reveal polyclonal seeding and TRPS1 mutation as potential mechanisms driving the development of liver metastases in colon cancer.
Federated analysis of autosomal recessive coding variants in 29,745 developmental disorder patients from diverse populations
Authors: Chundru V. Kartik , Zhang Zhancheng , Walter Klaudia , Lindsay Sarah J. , Danecek Petr , Eberhardt Ruth Y. , Gardner Eugene J. , Malawsky Daniel S. , Wigdor Emilie M. , Torene Rebecca , Retterer Kyle , Wright Caroline F. , Ólafsdóttir Hildur , Guillen Sacoto Maria J. , Ayaz Akif , Akbeyaz Ismail Hakki , Türkdoğan Dilşad , Al Balushi Aaisha Ibrahim , Bertoli-Avella Aida , Bauer Peter , Szenker-Ravi Emmanuelle , Reversade Bruno , McWalter Kirsty , Sheridan Eamonn , Firth Helen V. , Hurles Matthew E. , Samocha Kaitlin E. , Ustach Vincent D. , Martin Hilary C.
Published: September 2024

Autosomal recessive coding variants are well-known causes of rare disorders. We quantified the contribution of these variants to developmental disorders in a large, ancestrally diverse cohort comprising 29,745 trios, of whom 20.4% had genetically inferred non-European ancestries. The estimated fraction of patients attributable to exome-wide autosomal recessive coding variants ranged from ~2–19% across genetically inferred ancestry groups and was significantly correlated with average autozygosity. Established autosomal recessive developmental disorder-associated (ARDD) genes explained 84.0% of the total autosomal recessive coding burden, and 34.4% of the burden in these established genes was explained by variants not already reported as pathogenic in ClinVar. Statistical analyses identified two novel ARDD genes: KBTBD2 and ZDHHC16. This study expands our understanding of the genetic architecture of developmental disorders across diverse genetically inferred ancestry groups and suggests that improving strategies for interpreting missense variants in known ARDD genes may help diagnose more patients than discovering the remaining genes.
Mineral exploration and environmental impact assessment in the Jabal Hamadat Area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, using remote sensing and airborne radiometric data
Authors: Hegab Mahmoud Abd El-Rahman
Published: September 2024

Mineral exploration is essential for economic growth, but it must be conducted with careful consideration of health and environmental impacts. This study focuses on mapping potential mineralization areas and evaluating environmental consequences in the Jabal Hamadat area. By integrating ASTER, Landsat-9 and airborne radiometric data, the study includes: (1) identification of alteration mineral indicators including iron oxides (gossanized zone), chlorite (propylitic zone), kaolinite, sericite, montmorillonite/illite (argillic zone), and alunite (advanced argillic zone) via the Band Ratio (BR) technique; (2) preparation of a lineament density map through an automated lineament extraction technique; and (3) identification of areas with elevated F-parameter values exceeding 10. Ten areas with high mineralization potential are delineated for further exploration. Additionally, the study assesses environmental radiation exposure, finding that certain areas exceed the safe radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. Peak radiation levels range from 0.75 to 1.25 mSv/year, with mining sites showing the highest readings at 1.25 mSv/year and 0.64 mSv/year. These findings highlight elevated radiological hazards, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and effective mitigation strategies to protect human health and minimize environmental impact. The methodology's success in this area indicates its potential applicability to other mining areas, contributing to enhanced safety and environmental protection.
Ultrasonic synthesis, characterization, DFT and molecular docking of a biocompatible Zn-based MOF as a potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent
Authors: Ismail Khaled M. , Rashidi Fatma B. , Hassan Safaa S.
Published: September 2024

Zinc metal–organic frameworks have emerged as promising candidates, demonstrating excellent biological properties stemming from the unique characteristics of MOFs and zinc. In this study, we employed a facile method to synthesize a zinc metal–organic framework [Zn(IP)(H2O)] using ultrasound irradiation, with the linker being isophthalic acid (IPA) (1,3-benzene dicarboxylic acid). The parent Zn-MOF and two Ag/Zn-MOF samples prepared via loading and encapsulation methods were comprehensively characterized using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, UV–vis spectroscopy and TGA. The parent Zn-MOF and two Ag/Zn-MOF samples exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial effects. Remarkably, genomic DNA of P. aeruginosa was effectively degraded by Zn-MOF, further supporting its potent antibacterial results. The free radical inhibition assay demonstrated a 71.0% inhibition under the influence of Zn-MOF. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of Zn-MOF against HepG-2 and Caco-2 cell lines revealed differential cytotoxic effects, with higher cytotoxicity against Caco-2 as explored from the IC50 values. This cytotoxicity was supported by the high binding affinity of Zn-MOF to CT-DNA. Importantly, the non-toxic property of Zn-MOF was confirmed through its lack of cytotoxic effects against normal lung cell (Wi-38). The anti-inflammatory treatment of Zn-MOF achieved 75.0% efficiency relative to the standard Ibuprofen drug. DFT and docking provided insights into the geometric stability of Zn-MOF and its interaction with active amino acids within selected proteins associated with the investigated diseases. Finally, the synthesized Zn-MOF shows promise for applications in cancer treatment, chemoprevention, and particularly antibacterial purposes.