bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated analysis identifies microRNA‐188‐5p as a suppressor of AKT/mTOR pathway in renal cancer
Authors: Shen Hui , Jin Jing , Wang Hang , Yu Nanxi , Liu Tingting , Sheng Han , Wan Zhijie , Feng Chao , Huang Yijuan , Gao Fu
Published: May 2023

Many current microRNA (miRNA) expression datasets for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often show inconsistent analysis results, so a shift to comprehensive analysis of multiple datasets can effectively accelerate molecular screening for precision medicine and translational medicine research. MicroRNA (miR)‐188‐5p is a clinically noteworthy miRNA whose aberrant expression was previously observed in a variety of cancers, but its role in RCC is unclear. In this study, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of four RCC miRNA expression datasets and validated the results using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and a cohort of collected clinical samples. Fifteen miRNAs were identified as potential diagnostic markers by the analysis of four RCC miRNAs datasets. Analysis of the TCGA kidney renal clear cell carcinoma dataset showed significantly shorter survival in RCC patients with reduced miR‐188‐5p expression levels, and our collection of RCC clinical samples showed low miR‐188‐5p expression in the tumors. Overexpression of miR‐188‐5p in Caki‐1 and 786‐O cells inhibited cell growth, colony formation, invasion, and migration. In contrast, miR‐188‐5p inhibitors reversed these cell phenotypes. We identified a binding site for miR‐188‐5p in the 3′‐UTR region of myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS) mRNA and demonstrated an interaction between these two molecules. Quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analysis revealed that miR‐188‐5p could regulate the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway through MARCKS. Mouse transplantation tumor assay indicated that miR‐188‐5p reduced the tumorigenicity of RCC in vivo. MicroRNA‐188‐5p could be a valuable new molecule for RCC diagnosis and prognosis.
From health inequalities to health justice in 50 years
Authors: Venkatapuram Sridhar , Marmot Michael
Published: May 2023

In the following discussion, we present a quick conceptual history of healthy equity and health justice, some plausible outcomes from the Covid‐19 pandemic for the public’s understanding of these concepts, and some recent and relevant learnings for realizing equity and justice that could be useful for dental public health and beyond.
Natural dyeing of air plasma‐treated wool fabric with Rubia tinctorum L. and prediction of dyeing properties using an artificial neural network
Authors: Eyupoglu Can , Eyupoglu Seyda , Merdan Nigar , Omerogullari Basyigit Zeynep
Published: May 2023

In this study, the ecological dyeing process of wool fabrics was investigated. Wool fabric samples were treated with atmospheric pressure plasma‐jet and corona discharge plasma to modify the surface to make the process sustainable and greener. The samples were dyed with the aqueous extract procured from the powdered roots of Rubia tinctorum L. (madder) using the ultrasonic‐assisted method. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform–infrared analysis were performed to investigate the effect of plasma treatment on the physical and chemical properties of wool fibres. The effects of plasma treatment type, plasma treatment parameters and the duration of dyeing on colorimetric and fastness properties were investigated. The etching of the wool fibre surface and roughness after plasma treatment were proven with scanning electron microscopy images. The Fourier Transform–infrared spectra showed that no significant differences in the functional groups of wool fibre occurred after plasma treatment. The experimental results proved that plasma treatment parameters and dyeing time had an effect on the colorimetric and fastness properties of the samples. Furthermore, an artificial neural network model was proposed for estimating the dyeing properties of wool fabrics, namely, L, a, b, K/S, colour change, rubbing fastness (dry) and rubbing fastness (wet). The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves regression values greater than 0.97 for all dyeing properties. The proposed model is successful and can be efficiently used for estimating the dyeing characteristics of wool fabrics.
3D bioprinting microgels to construct implantable vascular tissue
Authors: Wang Xinhuan , Liu Xin , Liu Wenli , Liu Yanyan , Li Ailing , Qiu Dong , Zheng Xiongfei , Gu Qi
Published: May 2023

Engineered implantable functional thick tissues require hierarchical vasculatures within cell‐laden hydrogel that can mechanically withstand the shear stress from perfusion and facilitate angiogenesis for nutrient transfer. Yet current extrusion‐based 3D printing strategies are unable to recapitulate hierarchical networks, highlighting the need for bioinks with tunable properties. Here, we introduce an approach whereby crosslinkable microgels enhance mechanical stability and induce spontaneous microvascular networks comprised of human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a soft gelatin methacryoyl (GelMA)‐based bioink. Furthermore, we successfully implanted the 3D printed multi‐branched tissue, being connected from the rat carotid artery to the jugular vein direct surgical anastomosis. The work represents a significant step toward in the field of large vascularized tissue fabrication and may have implications for the treatment of organ failure in the future.
Collagenase treatment decreases muscle stiffness in cerebral palsy: A preclinical ex vivo biomechanical analysis of hip adductor muscle fiber bundles
Authors: Howard Jason J. , Joumaa Venus , Robinson Karyn G. , Lee Stephanie K. , Akins Robert E. , Syed Faizan , Shrader M. Wade , Huntley James S. , Graham H. Kerr , Leonard Timothy , Herzog Walter
Published: May 2023

Aim

To determine the dose–response relationship of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) on collagen content and the change in muscle fiber bundle stiffness after ex vivo treatment of adductor longus biopsies with CCH in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Biopsy samples of adductor longus from children with CP (classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V) were treated with 0 U/mL, 200 U/mL, 350 U/mL, or 500 U/mL CCH; percentage collagen reduction was measured to determine the dose–response. Peak and steady‐state stresses were determined at 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% strain increments; Young's modulus was calculated.

Results

Eleven patients were enrolled (nine males, two females, mean age at surgery 6 years 5 months; range: 2–16 years). A linear CCH dose–response relationship was determined. Peak and steady‐state stress generation increased linearly at 5.9/2.3mN/mm2, 12.4/5.3mN/mm2, 22.2/9.7mN/mm2, and 33.3/15.5mN/mm2 at each percentage strain increment respectively. After CCH treatment, peak and steady‐state stress generation decreased to 3.2/1.2mN/mm2, 6.5/2.9mN/mm2, 12.2/5.7mN/mm2, and 15.4/7.7mN/mm2 respectively (p < 0.004). Young's modulus decreased from 205 kPa to 100 kPa after CCH (p = 0.003).

Interpretation

This preclinical ex vivo study provides proof of concept for the use of collagenase to decrease muscle stiffness in individuals with CP.
Family‐supportive supervisor behaviours: The role of relational resources in work and home domains
Authors: Ererdi Can , Rofcanin Yasin , Las Heras Mireia , Barraza Maria , Wang Siqi , Bakker Arnold , Bosch Maria Jose , Berber Aykut
Published: May 2023

This study explores the nomological network of family‐supportive supervisor behaviours (FSSBs) at the weekly level. Drawing on the tenets of the work–home resources (W‐HR) model and the conservation of resources theory, we integrate relational resources in the model and investigate their role as triggers of FSSBs. Furthermore, we explore how FSSBs relate to both within domain (production deviance and employee creativity) and between domain (sleep quality and dyadic adjustment) employee outcomes, with a focus on exhaustion as a mediator. Our findings show that (1) spousal support experienced by the supervisor is positively related to the employee's perception of FSSBs as enacted by the supervisor, (2) employees' perceptions of FSSBs are negatively related to employees' production deviance and (3) exhaustion is a mediator between FSSBs and employee outcomes of creativity, sleep quality and dyadic adjustment. Our findings across two multisource and diary studies underline the importance of designing and implementing FSSBs in a dynamic fashion.
Disgruntled cadres: How tax reduction undermines rural governance
Authors: Hou Linke , Liu Mingxing , Lü Xiaobo
Published: May 2023

Tax reduction is supposed to garner popular support, yet rural unrest sharply increased following the Chinese government's agricultural tax reform aiming to reduce peasants' tax burden. We argue that the tax reduction could undermine village elites' economic and political incentives to assist the state in implementing unpopular policies and achieving desirable outcomes. We exploit the exogeneous timing of the agricultural tax reform that abolished the agriculture tax and estimate its impact through a rare national representative village‐level panel dataset. We demonstrate that the tax reform led to tax noncompliance and rising social unrest. We further show that local governance worsened because village elites were disincentivized from carrying out state‐preferred yet unpopular policies.
Degree of crypt atypia correlates with progression to high‐grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in non‐dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Odze Robert , Frei Nicola , Khoshiwal Amir M , Duits Lucas C , Bergman Jacques , Stachler Matthew D
Published: May 2023

Aims

Patients with non‐dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus (BE) often show a wide range of ‘atypical’ histological features in the bases of the crypts. However, the significance of crypt atypia has never been evaluated, despite prior studies showing the presence of DNA content and other molecular abnormalities in this epithelium. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the degree of crypt atypia in BE patients without dysplasia correlates with progression to high‐grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (HGD/EAC).

Methods and results

Baseline biopsies from 114 BE patients without dysplasia, 57 who progressed to HGD/EAC (progressors) and 57 who did not progress (non‐progressors), were included in the study. Biopsies were evaluated for the degree of basal crypt atypia on a three‐point scale according to discrete histological criteria. In non‐progressors, 64.9, 31.6 and 3.5% of biopsies had a crypt atypia score of 1, 2 and 3, respectively, with a mean score of 1.39 ± 0.56. The percentage of biopsies with an atypia score of 2 or 3 increased in progressors [42.1, 42.1 and 15.8% of biopsies scored 1, 2 or 3, respectively, with a mean score of 1.74 ± 0.72 (P = 0.004)]. The odds ratio of grade 3 crypt atypia for progression to HGD/EAC was 5.2 (95% confidence interval = 1.1–25.0, P = 0.04) and the findings did not change significantly when the data were analysed according to progression to either HGD or EAC.

Conclusions

This study shows that non‐dysplastic crypts in BE are biologically abnormal, suggesting that neoplastic progression begins prior to the onset of dysplasia. The degree of crypt atypia in BE patients without dysplasia correlates with progression.
Maritime inventory routing: recent trends and future directions
Authors: Fagerholt Kjetil , Hvattum Lars Magnus , Papageorgiou Dimitri J. , Urrutia Sebastián
Published: May 2023

We review recent literature pertaining to the maritime inventory routing problem (MIRP), a stimulating, albeit niche, subclass of vendor‐managed inventory problems. MIRPs deal with optimally distributing products with a (typically heterogeneous) vessel fleet between production and consumption ports with inventory tracking and inventory limits. We present two mixed‐integer linear programming models for the MIRP—one based on discrete time, the other based on continuous time—and we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the two modeling approaches. In surveying more than 50 papers spanning the decade 2013–2023, we investigate MIRP variants from many different applications and discuss how these have been modeled and solved. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of state‐of‐the‐art MIRP research published in this period, collated along multiple dimensions. In addition to providing information about available test instances, we highlight recent trends and interesting avenues for future research. As such, we believe this survey will be useful to students, researchers, and practitioners in this domain.
Fifty years of operational research in forestry
Authors: Rönnqvist Mikael , Martell David , Weintraub Andres
Published: May 2023

This paper describes operational research (OR) contributions in forestry over the past 50 years, based on scientific pathways along which the authors have traveled. We draw on our personal experiences and recall how the use of OR in forestry has evolved from the early use of linear programming in the Canadian forest products industry in the 1950s and strategic forest management planning by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1960s. We describe the widespread use of OR in many aspects of forestry over a 50‐year timespan (1970–2020) and to the present day, where climate change and biodiversity challenges and increased data availability are important. The paper covers many areas of forestry, including forest management, natural disturbance processes, tactical and operational harvesting, transportation, and value chain management. Each section in the paper includes a historical description of OR‐based key applications as well as OR‐based model and method developments Additionally, we discuss our perceptions of OR in future use and its importance in forestry.
When do I feel good when I am nice? A diary study about the relationship between prosocial behavior and well‐being
Authors: Kesenheimer Jana S. , Kastenmüller Andreas , Kinkel Lea‐Sophie , Fidan Beril , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: May 2023

Previous research has shown that prosocial behavior not only benefits the person being helped, but also promotes the well‐being of the person helping. Still, several specific characteristics of the helping situation have not yet been considered in one single study. Thus, we examined under which circumstances the helper's well‐being is more or less positively influenced. We carried out a 7‐day diary study with 363 participants who reported on their everyday prosocial behavior as well as their well‐being. We examined the effect of 13 potential moderation variables based on theoretical assumptions of self‐determination theory and theories about reciprocity and altruism, as well as invested resources. Overall, the results replicated the positive effect of prosocial behavior on well‐being. However, the helper's autonomy, the recipient's gratitude and low responsibility for the situation, the improvement of the situation through helping, and low expected self‐blame (when not helping) on the side of the helper were necessary conditions. Moreover, taking within‐subject effects into consideration, significant random effects in multilevel models showed that the effect of prosocial behavior on well‐being can highly differ from person to person, emphasizing that not all people under all circumstances are happier when they help others.
The mediating effect of sense of coherence in the relationship between eating attitudes and self‐esteem in adolescents
Authors: Günaydin Yurdagül , Uzdil Nurcan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of a sense of coherence (SOC) in the relationship between eating attitudes and self‐esteem in adolescents.

Methods

The study was conducted in a descriptive‐correlational exploratory design. The sample of the study consisted of 1175 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were obtained by the researchers using personal information form, the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC‐13), the Eatıng Attitude Test (EAT‐26), and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES).

Results

SOC‐13 mean score was 50.21 ± 11.06, EAT‐26 mean score was 14.53 ± 10.17, and RSES mean score was 4.17 ± 1.66. It was found that there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the mean scores of RSES and the EAT, a positive relationship between the mean scores of the RSES and SOC, and a negative relationship between the mean scores of EAT and SOC. Moreover, the mediating role of SOC was found to be moderate. Furthermore, 4.5% of adolescents' SOC scores are explained by eating attitude. On the other hand, 16.4% of self‐esteem scores are explained by eating attitude and SOC.

Conclusion

As a result of this study, it was determined that students' SOC moderately mediated the relationship between eating attitude and self‐esteem. At the same time, eating attitude had a direct predictive effect on self‐esteem.
Teaching Religion and Upholding Academic Freedom
Authors: Barre Betsy , Berkson Mark , Cates Diana Fritz , Clem Stewart , Ilesanmi Simeon O. , Lewis Thomas A. , Mathewes Charles , McCarty James , Oh Irene , Omer Atalia , Patton Laurie L. , Wheeler Kayla Renee
Published: May 2023

The editors of the JRE collected short essays from scholars of religion in response to a recent incident at Hamline University that made national headlines. Last fall, Hamline University administrators refused to extend a contract to an adjunct professor of art history after a Muslim student accused her of Islamophobia for showing a 14th‐century image of Mohammad in an online class. The event provoked intense conversations about issues of academic freedom, religious diversity, the status of contingent faculty, and race. These essays bring together scholarly and personal reflections about the incident at Hamline and what it means for the pedagogy of religious studies.
Determinants of rapid adaptation in species with large variance in offspring production
Authors: Korfmann Kevin , Temple‐Boyer Marie , Sellinger Thibaut , Tellier Aurélien
Published: May 2023

The speed of population adaptation to changing biotic and abiotic environments is determined by the interaction between genetic drift, positive selection and linkage effects. Many marine species (fish, crustaceans), invertebrates and pathogens of humans and crops, exhibit sweepstakes reproduction characterized by the production of a very large amount of offspring (fecundity phase) from which only a small fraction may survive to the next generation (viability phase). Using stochastic simulations, we investigate whether the occurrence of sweepstakes reproduction affects the efficiency of a positively selected unlinked locus, and thus, the speed of adaptation since fecundity and/or viability have distinguishable consequences on mutation rate, probability and fixation time of advantageous alleles. We observe that the mean number of mutations at the next generation is always the function of the population size, but the variance increases with stronger sweepstakes reproduction when mutations occur in the parents. On the one hand, stronger sweepstakes reproduction magnifies the effect of genetic drift thus increasing the probability of fixation of neutral allele and decreasing that of selected alleles. On the other hand, the time to fixation of advantageous (as well as neutral) alleles is shortened by stronger sweepstakes reproduction. Importantly, fecundity and viability selection exhibit different probabilities and times to fixation of advantageous alleles under intermediate and weak sweepstakes reproduction. Finally, alleles under both strong fecundity and viability selection display a synergistic efficiency of selection. We conclude that measuring and modelling accurately fecundity and/or viability selection are crucial to predict the adaptive potential of species with sweepstakes reproduction.
Clones on the run: The genomics of a recently expanded partially clonal species
Authors: Pereyra Ricardo T. , Rafajlović Marina , De Wit Pierre , Pinder Matthew , Kinnby Alexandra , Töpel Mats , Johannesson Kerstin
Published: May 2023

Why species that in their core areas mainly reproduce sexually become enriched with clones in marginal populations (“geographic parthenogenesis”) remains unclear. Earlier hypotheses have emphasized that selection might promote clonality because it protects locally adapted genotypes. On the other hand, it also hampers recombination and adaptation to changing conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the early stages of range expansion in a partially clonal species and what drives an increase in cloning during such expansion. We used genome‐wide sequencing to investigate the origin and evolution of large clones formed in a macroalgal species (Fucus vesiculosus) during a recent expansion into the postglacial Baltic Sea. We found low but persistent clonality in core populations, while at range margins, large dominant clonal lineages had evolved repeatedly from different sexual populations. A range expansion model showed that even when asexual recruitment is less favourable than sexual recruitment in core populations, repeated bottlenecks at the expansion front can establish a genetically eroded clonal wave that spreads ahead of a sexual wave into the new area. Genetic variation decreases by drift following repeated bottlenecks at the expansion front. This results in the emerging clones having low expected heterozygosity, which corroborated our empirical observations. We conclude that Baker's Law (clones being favoured by uniparental reproductive assurance in new areas) can play an important role during range expansion in partially clonal species, resulting in a complex spatiotemporal mosaic of clonal and sexual lineages that might persist during thousands of generations.
Seasonality of sporotrichosis in Brazil: A modelled analysis of the epidemic in São Paulo, 2011–2020
Authors: de Freitas Vera Lúcia Teixeira , Rocha Francisco Marcelo Monteiro , Ribeiro Emanoella Nogueira , Lindoso José Angelo Laulleta , Bittencourt Amanda Azevedo , Pivetta Dhara Nicole Araujo Greco , Benard Gil , de Freitas‐Xavier Roseli Santos
Published: May 2023

Background

Sporotrichosis is an endemic subcutaneous mycosis classically caused by the Sporothrix schenckii species complex. Recently, sporotrichosis has emerged in Brazil as a cat‐transmitted epidemic caused by a new species, Sporothrix brasiliensis.

Objectives

To survey the clinical‐epidemiological profile of all sporotrichosis cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2020 at a reference hospital in São Paulo metropolitan area and evaluate the annual distribution of cases in relation to seasonality.

Methods

Patients' demographic and clinical‐epidemiological data were surveyed. A generalized linear model was fitted to relate the quarterly number of sporotrichosis cases detected between 2015 and 2019 with precipitation and temperature series. Prediction of the number of cases from 2011 to 2014 was attempted based on the fitted model without the trend component that appears from 2015.

Results

Among 271 suspected cases admitted during 2011–2020, 254 were confirmed by fungal isolation and/or clinical‐epidemiological criteria. We observed that 2015 onwards the number of cases regularly increased during Autumn and Winter, the driest and coldest stations of the year. We verified that temperature series affected the number of cases (p = .005) because an increase of 1°C in the temperature series was associated with a 14.24% decrease in the average cases number, with the average number of cases increasing by 10.96% (p < .0001) every quarter, corresponding to an annual increase of 52%. Between 2011 and 2014, the predicted number of sporotrichosis cases averaged 10–12 per year, with 33%–38% occurring in the winter.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that sporotrichosis seasonality is associated with the felines' oestrus cycle, which may provide alternative, cat‐directed approaches to the sporotrichosis epidemic control.
Hyaline protoplasmic astrocytopathy in epilepsy
Authors: Magaki Shino , Haeri Mohammad , Szymanski Linda J. , Chen Zesheng , Diaz Ramiro , Williams Christopher K. , Chang Julia W. , Ao Yan , Newell Kathy L. , Khanlou Negar , Yong William H. , Fallah Aria , Salamon Noriko , Daniel Tarek , Cotter Jennifer , Hawes Debra , Sofroniew Michael , Vinters Harry V.
Published: May 2023

Hyaline protoplasmic astrocytopathy (HPA) describes a rare histologic finding of eosinophilic, hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions in astrocytes, predominantly in the cerebral cortex. It has mainly been observed in children and adults with a history of developmental delay and epilepsy, frequently with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), but the nature and significance of these inclusions are unclear. In this study, we review the clinical and pathologic features of HPA and characterize the inclusions and brain tissue in which they are seen in surgical resection specimens from five patients with intractable epilepsy and HPA compared to five patients with intractable epilepsy without HPA using immunohistochemistry for filamin A, previously shown to label these inclusions, and a variety of astrocytic markers including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1 (ALDH1L1), SRY‐Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9), and glutamate transporter 1/excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (GLT‐1/EAAT2) proteins. The inclusions were positive for ALDH1L1 with increased ALDH1L1 expression in areas of gliosis. SOX9 was also positive in the inclusions, although to a lesser intensity than the astrocyte nuclei. Filamin A labeled the inclusions but also labeled reactive astrocytes in a subset of patients. The immunoreactivity of the inclusions for various astrocytic markers and filamin A as well as the positivity of filamin A in reactive astrocytes raise the possibility that these astrocytic inclusions may be the result of an uncommon reactive or degenerative phenomenon.
A Heideggerian analysis of good care in an acute hospital setting: Insights from healthcare workers, patients and families
Authors: Dewar Jan , Cook Catherine , Smythe Elizabeth , Spence Deborah
Published: May 2023

This study articulates the relational constituents of good care beyond techno‐rational competence. Neoliberal healthcare means that notions of care are readily commodified and reduced to quantifiable assessments and checklists. This novel research investigated accounts of good care provided by nursing, medical, allied and auxiliary staff. The Heideggerian phenomenological study was undertaken in acute medical‐surgical wards, investigating the contextual, communicative nature of care. The study involved interviews with 17 participants: 3 previous patients, 3 family members and 11 staff. Data were analysed iteratively, dwelling with stories and writing and rewriting to surface the phenomenality of good care. The data set highlighted the following essential constituents: authentic care: caring encompassing solicitude (fürsorge); impromptu care: caring beyond role category; sustained care: caring beyond specialist parameters; attuned care: caring encompassing family and culture; and insightful care: caring beyond assessment and diagnosis. The findings are clinically significant because they indicate the importance of nurse leaders and educators harnessing the potential capacity of all healthcare workers to participate in good care. Healthcare workers reported that participating in or witnessing good care was uplifting and added meaning to their work, contributing to a sense of shared humanity.
Exploring Different Psychological Processes in a Media Intervention That Reduces Dehumanization Towards Muslims
Authors: Gallardo Roman A. , Moore‐Berg Samantha L. , Hameiri Boaz
Published: May 2023

Dehumanization continues to be prevalent today and predicts detrimental intergroup consequences. Thus, it is important to identify novel interventions that reduce dehumanization and explore the mechanism(s)—both established (e.g., empathy induction, intergroup contact) and relatively understudied (e.g., humor)—driving the effects. To address this issue, in Study 1 (N = 2,349), we conducted an “intervention tournament” and found that a video (i.e., “Mean Tweets”) of a relatable and diverse group of young Muslims ridiculing Islamophobic comments posted on an online video of a Muslim preschool burning down effectively reduces hostility towards Muslims. Specifically, the Mean Tweets intervention significantly reduced dehumanization of Muslims and, although the effects were weaker, anti‐Muslim policy support. However, a follow‐up study conducted 1 month later revealed that these effects subsided. Next, in a preregistered study (i.e., Study 2) (N = 677), we find that our intervention reliably reduced dehumanization of Muslims, but the reduction of anti‐Muslim policy support was not replicated. While investigating our intervention's effect on anti‐Muslim policy support, we find that our intervention led participants to discount the intervention's intended message, which could have short‐circuited the intervention's effectiveness on policy support. Considering these results, we discuss the potential psychological processes (e.g., humor, message discounting, tone) underlying our dehumanization‐reducing intervention.
Non‐invasive monitoring of tomato graft dynamics using thermography and fluorescence quantum yields measurements
Authors: Frey Carlos , Hernández‐Barriuso Andrés , Encina Antonio , Acebes José Luis
Published: May 2023

Grafting involves a sequence of modifications that may vary according to genotypes, grafting techniques and growing conditions. This process is often monitored using destructive methods, precluding the possibility of monitoring the entire process in the same grafted plant. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of two non‐invasive methods—thermographic inference of transpiration and determination of chlorophyll quantum yields—for monitoring graft dynamics in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) autografts and to compare the results with other reliable measures: mechanical resistance parameters and xylem water potential. The mechanical resistance of grafted plants steadily increased from 6 days after grafting (DAG), 4.90 ± 0.57 N/mm, to reach values similar to non‐grafted plants at 16 DAG, 8.40 ± 1.78 N/mm. Water potential showed an early decrease (from −0.34 ± 0.16 MPa in non‐grafted plants to −0.88 ± 0.07 MPa at 2 DAG), recovering at 4 DAG to reach pre‐grafting values at 12–16 DAG. Thermographic inference of transpiration dynamics displayed comparable changes. Monitoring maximum and effective quantum yield in functional grafts showed a comparable pattern: an initial decline, followed by recovery from 6 DAG onwards. Correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation between variation in temperature (thermographic monitoring of transpiration), water potential (r = 0.87; p = 0.02) and maximum tensile force (r = 0.75; p = 0.05). Additionally, we found a significant correlation between maximum quantum yield and some mechanical parameters. In conclusion, thermography monitoring, and to a lesser extent maximum quantum yield measurements, accurately depict changes in key parameters in grafted plants and serve as potential timing indicators of graft regeneration, rendering them valuable tools for monitoring graft functionality.
Is stress among street‐level bureaucrats associated with experiences of administrative burden among clients? A multilevel study of the Danish unemployment sector
Authors: Mikkelsen Kim Sass , Madsen Jonas Krogh , Baekgaard Martin
Published: May 2023

Research on street‐level bureaucracy argues that factors such as stress and burnout affect the behaviors of street‐level bureaucrats toward clients. At the same time, the literature on administrative burdens argues that citizens face a series of costs when they experience policy implementation as onerous. We draw on both literatures to theorize ways in which street‐level bureaucrats' behavioral responses to stress states may influence client experiences of administrative burden. Using a multilevel dataset of unemployment counselors and unemployment benefit recipients from 53 departments of a Danish unemployment insurance fund, we find that stress states among counselors are positively associated with benefit recipients' experiences of both learning costs, compliance costs, and experiences of autonomy loss. We conclude by discussing limitations and practical implications. In particular, we call for research into how street‐level bureaucrat characteristics influence client experiences of administrative burden.
Knowledge for results and the efficiency of public agencies in Colombia
Authors: Arisi Diego , Acevedo Alix Cortes , Delic Diego , Rossi Martin A.
Published: May 2023

This study examines the impact of an intervention focused on lean thinking and knowledge sharing. The intervention involves the transfer of information from efficient private organizations to public agencies to improve bureaucratic procedures. Specifically, we analyze the effectiveness of the Knowledge for Results (K4R) program in improving the efficiency of public agencies in Colombia. Our research provides two examples that demonstrate the positive impact of this particular form of lean thinking on operational efficiency. The first example shows that K4R reduces the time required by local ombudsman offices to process petitions from citizens. The second example shows that K4R reduces the time that oncology patients spend in emergency clinics before they can check out from hospitalization. These improvements are quantitatively significant, resulting in efficiency gains ranging from 25 to 40 percent compared with pre‐program levels.
“Choose it, and remember it”: The impact of choice on destination memory
Authors: Lima Diogo , Albuquerque Pedro B. , Beato María Soledad
Published: May 2023

Destination memory can be defined as the capacity to remember to whom we transmit information. It is measured through the accuracy of retrieving the association between the information we transmit and the person to whom we transmit it. A destination memory procedure aims to emulate human interaction by sharing facts with celebrities (i.e., familiar faces) since we often communicate with people we know. However, the role of the choice about who we intend to transmit the information to has not been evaluated before. This paper investigated whether deciding with whom to share a piece of information benefits destination memory. We designed two experiments with different levels of cognitive load, increasing it from Experiment 1 to Experiment 2. The experiments included two conditions: the choice condition, in which participants chose from two options to whom they desired to share a fact, and the no‐choice condition, in which participants simply shared facts with celebrities without the possibility of a choice. Experiment 1 suggested that a choice component did not affect destination memory. However, when in Experiment 2 we raised the cognitive load by increasing the number of stimuli, we found that selecting the recipient during the more challenging task provided an advantage in destination memory. This result is congruent with the explanation that the shift of the participants' attentional resources to the recipient, caused by the choice component, leads to a destination memory improvement. In sum, it seems that a choice component can improve destination memory only under demanding attentional conditions.
Deleterious effects of unchosen solitude on adolescents' mental and social health: The moderating role of self‐esteem
Authors: Delelis Gérald
Published: May 2023

Can self‐esteem reduce the deleterious effects of solitude on adolescents' mental and social health? Solitude is twofold because it can be chosen (self‐determined) or forced (not self‐determined). When it is not a chosen behavior (e.g., social ignorance, exclusion, or fear of others' judgment), individuals experience higher levels of anxiety and depression and feel the deleterious effects of loneliness more. On the other hand, the level of self‐esteem relates positively to lower levels of anxiety and depression as well as to good social relationships. We hypothesized that self‐esteem moderates the effects of unchosen solitude. Eighty high school students participated in this study by filling out a self‐report booklet of questionnaires. We first examine the links between unchosen solitude and anxiety, depression, loneliness, hopelessness, and quality of the connection to family and peers; next, we examine the moderating role of self‐esteem in these links. Regression analyses confirm the classic negative effect of not‐self‐determined solitude on the health outcomes considered, and moderation analyses show that a good level of self‐esteem decreases this effect, at least on depression, hopelessness, and connection to peers. We suggest further studies to complete and refine these results and propose to assess more systematically the adolescents' self‐esteem and to reinforce it to prevent negative mental and social health outcomes.
Low seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus in Lao adolescents
Authors: Vantava Sonephet , Hefele Lisa , Virachith Siriphone , Vannachone Souphaphone , Khounvisith Vilaysone , Nouanthong Phonethipsavanh , Hübschen Judith M. , Sayasone Somphou , Black Antony P.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

There is currently no booster diphtheria or tetanus vaccine for Lao children before adolescence, despite international recommendations. We investigated seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus among Lao adolescents.

Methods

Seven hundred seventy‐nine serum samples were tested for anti‐diphtheria and anti‐tetanus antibodies.

Results

Overall, 25.8% of the adolescents had antibody titers corresponding to protection against diphtheria and 30.9% to sufficient immunity against tetanus. Female participants >16 years were more likely to be protected against diphtheria (p < 0.001) and tetanus (p < 0.029).

Conclusion

Low protection against diphtheria and tetanus, possibly due to low vaccination coverage or antibody waning, suggests booster doses are warranted before adolescence.
Revealing vertical geopolitics: Quantifying the volume of militarised restricted airspaces in the USA using GIS
Authors: Havlick David G. , Dao Thi Hong Diep
Published: May 2023

The US military maintains significant control of land and sea territory, both domestically and internationally. Extending vertically, the US military also restricts vast areas of airspace to protect its interests in training, testing, surveillance, and security. In order to convey the multidimensional extent of spatial control maintained by the US Department of Defence, in this paper we critically assess, calculate, and depict the volume of militarised restricted airspaces in the USA. Airspace restrictions vary across days, times, and spatial extent, requiring an analysis and volumetric visualisation that can account for three‐ and four‐dimensional change. Applying this analysis casts the extent and variability of US military spatial control in fuller relief and makes visible new aspects of a vertical geopolitics. The research brings important new insights and methods to bear on little‐examined attributes of US militarisation and engages increasingly relevant questions about militarised airspace and contestable claims on near space.
Factors Influencing Reputation of a Malaysian Private University from a Strategic Communication Management Perspective
Authors: Chan Tak Jie , Lee Jingjing , Ng Miew Luan , Huam Hon Tat
Published: May 2023

Reputation studies have gained attention tremendously as a significant area of research in corporate communication and business-related studies. Universities today have realized the importance of having a solid reputation to attract their stakeholders, mainly the students (customers) as they are the largest stakeholder for the survival of the university. This study aims to investigate the predicting factors of tangible and intangible resources and their impacts on the university reputation of a private university in Klang Valley from the student’s perspective. The study applied Resource-Based View Theory as an underpinning theory to explain these relationships. The study applied a quantitative survey design and generated 400 valid responses. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that tangible resources (university logo, university facilities) and intangible resources (university heritage, university image) are the predictors of the university's reputation, where university heritage appears to be a prominent predictor among the other determinants. The current study contributed to the corporate communication and marketing scholarship by clarifying the gaps between image and reputation as two different constructs. This has called upon the management and marketing department of the private university to pay attention to the determinants highlighted, especially the heritage of the university as it is a unique selling point for the institution to differentiate from its rivals. Conclusion, implications, and suggestions for future study were also discussed.
Developing a Biomechanical Testing Setup of the Pelvis—Part I: Computational Design of Experiments
Authors: Soliman Ahmed , Ricci Pierre-Louis , Kedziora Slawomir , Kelm Jens , Gerich Torsten , Maas Stefan
Published: May 2023

Biomechanics of the human pelvis and the associated implants are still a medical and engineering debated topic. Today, no biomechanical testing setup is dedicated to pelvis testing and associated reconstructive implants with accepted clinical relevance. This paper uses the computational experiment design procedure to numerically design a biomechanical test stand that emulates the pelvis physiological gait loading. The numerically designed test stand reduces the 57 muscles and joints' contact forces iteratively to only four force actuators. Two hip joints' contact forces and two equivalent muscle forces with a maximum magnitude of 2.3 kN are applied in a bilateral reciprocating action. The stress distribution of the numerical model of the developed test stand is very similar to that of the numerical model of the pelvis with all 57 muscles and joint forces. For instance, at the right arcuate line, the state of stress is identical. However, at the location of superior rami, there is a deviation ranging from 2% to 20% between the two models. The boundary conditions and the nature of loading adopted in this study are more realistic regarding the clinical relevance than state-of-the-art. The numerically developed biomechanical testing setup of the pelvis in this numerical study (Part I) was found to be valid for the experimental testing of the pelvis. The construct of the testing setup and the experimental testing of an intact pelvis under gait loading are discussed in detail in Part II: Experimental Testing.
An Experimental and Numerical Investigation to Improve the Efficiency of Combustion Systems for Heavy-Duty Applications
Authors: Yadav Jaykumar , Pischinger Stefan , Schönfeld Sascha , Deppenkemper Kai
Published: May 2023

The European Union made new CO2 limits for heavy-duty vehicles mandatory in 2019, aiming to reduce the average tailpipe CO2 emissions by 15% in 2025 and by 30% in 2030, relative to the 2019 baseline. To meet these challenges, new technologies are needed to further reduce the fuel consumption of new heavy-duty trucks (“tank to wheel”) by using more efficient engines. The present study shows the pathways to improve thermal efficiency through better mixture formation and air utilization. This is achieved by designing a new piston bowl shape that has been numerically optimized iteratively to improve the air/fuel mixing by carefully considering the interaction between the fuel spray plume and the piston bowl. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was calibrated using data from experimental studies with a heavy-duty single-cylinder diesel engine in the best efficiency and rated power operation. Heat transfer and turbulence models are studied to determine their influence on the combustion process and NOX emissions. Indicated thermal efficiency and air utilization were used to evaluate the performance of the piston bowl shape. For three different bowl shapes, the fuel spray interaction with the piston bowl was investigated and compared with the base bowl shape with a compression ratio CR = 18.3. Moreover, the effect of a higher CR of 21 on performance and mixture formation was analyzed for the optimized bowl shape. The higher CR of 21 was attained by a geometrically similar reduction of the optimized piston bowl. The results of the numerical and experimental investigations show that a CR of 21 leads to an increase in the indicated thermal efficiency of ∼3% in absolute values.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Prediction of Rotordynamic Coefficients for Grooved Seals: Model and Numerical Sensitivity
Authors: Gibbons Nathaniel , Watson-Kassa Cori , Goyne Christopher
Published: May 2023

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies for annular seals continues to gain popularity as a powerful tool for seal rotordynamic analysis, but the wide variety in setup and modeling choices without sufficient justification prevent more widespread use of these methods. This study applies the quasi-steady (QS) method for rotordynamic coefficient prediction to an incompressible grooved seal model in order to rigorously quantify the influence of various prominent modeling choices on prediction results. Variation of the upstream region configuration confirms the dependence of the cross-coupled stiffness on the development of circumferential velocity, which is a strong function of upstream geometry. An axial inlet upstream region is shown to be a sufficient approximation to a radial inlet with axial symmetry, representative of a back-to-back seal configuration. Significant stiffness variation is observed for particular downstream region configurations, though the additional pressure perturbation is mostly confined to the downstream region itself. When no downstream region is included, sensitivity to the amount of pressure profile blending enforced at the seal outlet plane is demonstrated, further underscoring the need for an experimentally accurate downstream geometry. This is the first paper dedicated to a quantitative sensitivity investigation of this nature specific to incompressible grooved seals that examines upstream and downstream region configuration, rotor centrifugal growth effects, and modeling whirl amplitude. Use of these results will foster more accurate application of the QS method for rotordynamic predictions of incompressible grooved seals, ultimately enabling more widespread use of CFD methods for general seals predictions.
Thrust Command Scheduling for Uncertainty-Tolerant Control of Gas Turbine Aero-Engines
Authors: Wei Zhiyuan , Zhang Shuguang
Published: May 2023

Uncertainties in measurements and gas path including manufacture tolerance and degradation effects unavoidably influence thrust regulation of gas turbine aero-engines. In this paper, a thrust command scheduling (TCS) controller is proposed based on current measurement precision levels and the improvement of the industrial sensor-based baseline controller, which aims at enhancing the uncertainty tolerance capabilities for a fleet of in-service gas turbine aero-engines. The TCS controller is fulfilled in two steps. A measurement-insensitive thrust mode is selected via random analysis, followed by a two-dimensional thrust command scheduling approach of a family of thrust maps. Industrial baseline controllers with common thrust modes, i.e., low-pressure shaft speed (N1) and engine pressure ratio (EPR) modes are designed as benchmarks. Simulations are conducted on a validated aero-thermal turbofan engine model with publically available uncertainty statistics. Simulation results at the takeoff state on the new and degraded engine fleets reveal that N1 mode is insensitive to measurement uncertainties but owns significant thrust deviation due to degradation effects. Conversely, EPR mode just has the opposite thrust control behavior, compared to N1 mode. The TCS controller regulates the degraded engine fleet with a tight thrust distribution and suppresses the thrust variation of N1 mode via utilizing the remaining N1 margin. Hence, the uncertainty tolerance benefits of the proposed controller are confirmed.