bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pinpointing the timing of meiosis: a critical factor in evaluating the impact of abiotic stresses on the fertility of cereal crops
Authors: Masoomi‐Aladizgeh Farhad , Atwell Brian J. , Bokshi Anowarul I. , Thistlethwaite Rebecca J. , Khoddami Ali , Trethowan Richard , Tan Daniel K. Y. , Roberts Thomas H.
Published: November 2024

The development of male gametes, vital to sexual reproduction in crops, requires meiosis followed by successive mitotic cell divisions of haploid cells. The formation of viable pollen is especially vulnerable to abiotic stress, with consequences both for yield and for grain quality. An understanding of key molecular responses when specific stages during pollen development are subjected to stress (e.g. heat) is possible only when sampling is carefully informed by developmental biology. Traditionally, morphological characteristics have been commonly used in cereals as ‘indicators’ of male reproductive stages. We argue that these morphological attributes are strongly influenced by genotype and genotype–environment interactions and cannot be used reliably to define developmental events during microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis. Furthermore, asynchronous development along the axis of a single inflorescence calls for selective sampling of individual florets to define specific reproductive stages accurately. We therefore propose guidelines to standardise the sampling of cells during male reproductive development, particularly when interrogating the impact of stress on susceptible meiosis. Improved knowledge of development will largely negate the variability imposed by genotype, environment and asynchronous development of florets. Highlighting the subtleties required for sampling and investigation of male reproductive stages will make the selection of abiotic stress‐tolerant cereal genotypes more reliable.
Does Current Evidence Support the Discussion Around the Guidance Theory? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on the Association Between Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis and Displacement or Impaction of the Permanent Canine
Authors: Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Seehra Jadbinder , Cobourne Martyn T. , Kanavakis Georgios
Published: November 2024

Palatal impaction of the maxillary canine is commonly considered as a genetic condition, while the lateral incisor root has been suggested to guide maxillary permanent canine eruption. This review assessed whether agenesis of the maxillary lateral incisor is associated with eruption disturbances of the maxillary canine (displacement or impaction). Unrestricted searches in six databases for observational case–control human studies until May 2024 assessing eruption disturbances of the permanent maxillary canine in conjunction with permanent maxillary lateral incisor agenesis were performed. Study selection, data extraction and risk‐of‐bias assessment with the Joanna Briggs Institute's tool were performed in duplicate. Random‐effects meta‐analyses of odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed, followed by meta‐regressions and sensitivity analyses. Seventeen reports pertaining to 17 case–control studies were included covering 10,155 patients (11.6 year‐old/46% male on average). Maxillary lateral incisor agenesis was associated with eruption disturbance of the maxillary canine (17 studies; OR = 3.88; 95% CI = 2.05–7.34; p < 0.001; I2 = 58). Lateral incisor agenesis was more associated with canine displacement (7 studies; OR = 7.56; 95% CI = 2.10–27.18; p = 0.008; I2 = 57) and to a lesser degree with canine impaction (10 studies; OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.28–4.48; p = 0.01). No significant effects of patient age or sex were seen, and the results were robust to study design and precision. The quality of evidence was low due to the inclusion of observational case–control studies with methodological issues and residual confounding. Evidence indicates that permanent maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is associated with eruption disturbances of the permanent maxillary canine, including mainly displacement, but also impaction.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO database number: CRD42024549898
Extracting full information from OCT scans—signs of early age‐related macular degeneration within inner retinal layers by local neighbourhood statistics. Part I: Methodology
Authors: Wagner Marcus , Sommerer Julia , Rauscher Franziska G.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

Associations between the occurrence of early age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and alterations in retinal layer thicknesses have been reported based on classical processing of optical coherence tomography (OCT) data by noise removal and subsequent image segmentation. However, speckle noise within OCT data itself bears a substantial part of the total information. For this reason, an omics‐type approach was designed for full exploitation of OCT data, which was able to identify signs of early AMD throughout the retina as a whole.

Methods

A nested case–control study was designed with 200 early AMD cases and 200 healthy controls. For every participant, within a randomly selected OCT scan and a randomly selected column therein, manual grading was performed for 26 retinal feature positions. At each position, a total of 3792 descriptors were computed, based on nonlinear transformations of OCT data, first‐order neighbourhood statistics and Haralick features. Equivalence and differences between cases and controls were tested for every descriptor at each graded position. Results of multiple testing were expressed in terms of false and true discovery rates controlled by the Benjamini–Yekutieli procedure.

Results

In terms of the amount and disparity of true discoveries, overall non‐equivalence of early AMD and healthy groups was found. Strong difference signals were observed at the internal limiting membrane and two central retinal positions, particularly for descriptors emphasising speckle noise.

Conclusions

Between retinae of healthy controls and early AMD patients, significant differences were observed at the level of local neighbourhood statistics within the OCT data. Thus, independent evidence was obtained for AMD affecting not only the outer retinal layers but also the retina as a whole, even in the early stages of the disease. Within OCT data, both cartoons and speckle bear essential parts of total information. A constructive, completely documented, traceable and repeatable approach was pursued without invoking artificial intelligence methods.
Development of a multimedia videogrammetric technique in underwater dynamic monitoring
Authors: Tong Xiaohua , Gao Sa , Ye Zhen , Chen Peng , Liu Shijie , Liu Xianglei , Hong Zhonghua , Xie Huan
Published: November 2024

Image‐based measurements of underwater infrastructure dynamics is challenging due to the refractive nature of the environment. To mitigate this problem, a multimedia high‐speed videogrammetric technique is proposed. The approach monitors the motion states of the underwater object and introduces a virtual refracting interface compensation model. The spatial expression of the virtual refracting interface is first found as a convex surface. Through the proposed compensation model, the complex multimedia refraction imaging can be easily transformed to simple dual‐media refraction imaging. Combined with high‐speed videogrammetry, this multimedia imaging analysis approach can measure underwater deformation. Simulated and experimental testing confirmed the feasibility and reliability of the proposed approach with sub‐millimetre positioning accuracy.
Indigenous youth aspiration, community, and Kichwa futures in Ecuador
Authors: Tuaza Castro Luis Alberto , Colloredo‐Mansfeld Rudi
Published: November 2024

This article challenges a narrative of “decomunalization” and the loss of native culture and identity in the Andes. We ask in what way have formal community jurisdictions supported development and individual aspirations beyond the boundaries of rural places and economies? This research draws primarily on interviews conducted in 2023 with elected community council officials. In tracking changing aspirations of three generations of indigenous activists, we demonstrate how early leaders of the indigenous communities always looked beyond local circumstances in their plans, even as they consolidated immediate zones of relative organizational autonomy. We then show that while young people have moved from rural places, communities themselves are evolving and incorporating youth leadership. This paper seeks to contribute to emerging discussion on global indigeneity for the way it addresses a hemispheric issue of young people's exodus from rural places and the concerns that emigration raises about inter‐generational connectivity.
Toward an Indigenous anthropology
Authors: Lambert Valerie , Lambert Michael
Published: November 2024

This article introduces a special section that features four Indigenous anthropologists from two different world regions—Africa and Latin America. This section is unique in that the contributions of these anthropologists are being published in the scholars' Native languages—IsiZulu, Kichwa, Nahua, and Wolof—and in English. There are a number of reasons we felt it important to bring together the work of these scholars in one journal. First, we felt that it was important to highlight the work that non‐Western scholars are contributing to a field that is overwhelmingly dominated by Euro‐American and European scholars. Second, as Indigenous scholars ourselves, we are committed to the project of decentering anthropology by facilitating direct conversations between Indigenous scholars in different parts of the world—in this case, Africa and Latin America—that are not mediated by non‐Indigenous voices. By doing this, we are hoping to promote the emergence of a truly Indigenous Anthropology. Our decision to foreground the authors' Native languages draws attention to the problem of linguistic imperialism within anthropology—a problem that has marginalized Indigenous languages. This special section is a modest step towards addressing this problem.
A Graphic Double Consciousness: The Souls of Black Folk and Its Graphic Interpretation
Authors: Garcia Albert
Published: November 2024

This paper explores three concepts of double consciousness as presented in W.E.B. Du Bois' seminal work, The Souls of Black Folk, and its interpretation in the 2023 graphic novel by Paul Peart‐Smith. The study underscores the continued relevance of Du Bois' ideas, particularly in their graphic form, which enhances understanding through visual representation. The concepts of double consciousness focused on in this study that is the veil, twoness, and second sight, are examined through textual‐visual analysis to highlight how the graphic medium democratizes and deepens the visibility of these concepts. By analyzing key illustrations and their interplay with the original text, the paper demonstrates how the graphic novel format elucidates the internal and external conflicts faced by Black individuals. It posits that the graphic interpretation not only makes the themes more accessible but also amplifies the emotional and psychological dimensions of Du Bois' work. This enhanced visibility is argued to foster a greater offensive against injustices and oppression, thus aligning with Du Bois' vision of striving for a more just society. The paper also addresses critiques of the graphic novel medium and advocates for its capacity to engage a multidisciplinary audience, ultimately contributing to the broader understanding of Black identity and resilience.
Flow Yang Chizhong Filtering for Correcting Global Spatial Autocorrelation in Flow Hotspot Detection
Authors: Liu Qiliang , Wei Zikai , Yang Jie , Deng Min
Published: November 2024

Detecting hotspots in origin–destination (OD) flows is crucial for understanding spatial interaction patterns of geographical phenomena. Because of the influence of global spatial autocorrelation, local flow hotspots are often misidentified or overlooked. To address this issue, this study proposes a weighted moving average method based on binomial coefficients (i.e., flow Yang Chizhong filtering) to model the global spatial autocorrelation structure from a geometric perspective and detects flow clusters from the residuals obtained by removing the global spatial autocorrelation structure from the original flow data. Flow Yang Chizhong filtering upgrades a spatial filtering method, that is, Yang Chizhong filtering, from a spatial point and polygon data to spatial flow data through redefining the convolution kernel. A multiscale geometric approximation strategy is employed to identify the optimal global spatial autocorrelation structure. Experimental results on simulated and Beijing taxi OD flow datasets demonstrate that the global spatial autocorrelation structures constructed by flow Yang Chizhong filtering are more accurate than those constructed by the trend surface analysis. Consequently, a flow hotspot detection method combined with the flow Yang Chizhong filtering can effectively identify local flow hotspots masked by global autocorrelation structures.
Chitin‐signaling‐dependent responses to insect oral secretions in rice cells propose the involvement of chitooligosaccharides in plant defense against herbivores
Authors: Kanda Yasukazu , Shinya Tomonori , Wari David , Hojo Yuko , Fujiwara Yuka , Tsuchiya Wataru , Fujimoto Zui , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Nishizawa Yoko , Kamakura Takashi , Galis Ivan , Mori Masaki
Published: November 2024

Plants recognize molecules related to a variety of biotic stresses through pattern recognition receptors to activate plant immunity. In the interactions between plants and chewing herbivores, such as lepidopteran larvae, oral secretions (OS) are deposited on wounded sites, which results in the elicitation of plant immune responses. The widely conserved receptor‐like kinase CHITIN ELICITOR RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (CERK1) has been broadly associated with the recognition of microbial components, such as fungal chitin, but its relevance to herbivory remained unclear. In this study, we used receptor‐knockout rice (Oryza sativa) and larvae of the lepidopteran pest Mythimna loreyi to demonstrate that the induction of immune responses triggered by larval OS in rice cells largely depends on CERK1 (OsCERK1). CHITIN ELICITOR‐BINDING PROTEIN (CEBiP), an OsCERK1‐interacting receptor‐like protein that was proposed as the main chitin receptor, also contributed to the responses of rice cells to OS collected from three different lepidopteran species. Furthermore, CEBiP knockout rice seedlings showed lower OS‐triggered accumulation of jasmonic acid. These results strongly suggest that the OsCERK1 and CEBiP recognize a particular OS component in chewing lepidopteran herbivores, and point toward the presence of chitooligosaccharides in the OS. Targeted perturbation to chitin recognition, through the use of fungal effector proteins, confirmed the presence of chitooligosaccharides in the OS. Treatments of wounds on rice plants with chitooligosaccharides enhanced a set of immune responses, leading to resistance against an herbivorous insect. Our data show that rice recognizes chitooligosaccharides during larval herbivory to activate resistance, and identifies chitin as a novel herbivore‐associated molecular pattern.
Impact of pressure injuries on health‐related quality of life: A systematic review
Authors: Liu Shiwen , Rawson Helen , Islam Rakibul M. , Team Victoria
Published: November 2024

The objective of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence of the impact of pressure injuries (PIs) on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults aged 18 years and older. Electronic databases (Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL EBSCO, Scopus and Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for eligible studies published between January 2019 and April 2024. All identified articles were reviewed by two reviewers against the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Data were narratively synthesised due to methodological heterogeneity. Twenty‐two studies (12 quantitative; 9 qualitative;1 mixed methods) met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative studies were grouped into four impact areas: symptoms, physical function, psychological well‐being and social functioning. Five instruments were used to assess HRQoL and identified low scores in people with PIs, with the lowest scores mostly reported in physical functioning and role physical and emotional concepts. A complexity of factors influenced theHRQoL of people with PI. This review synthesised both quantitative and qualitative evidence indicating PI was associated with low HRQoL scores and negatively affected all aspects of HRQoL. This review emphasised the complexity of factors related to PI and its impact on HRQoL. Further emphasis on the impact of the complexity of factors on HRQoL of people with PI should be considered in future studies.
Terra do Sol e da Renda: O Programa “Renda Do Sol” como Política Pública para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável Cearense
Authors: Bruno da Silva Alexandre Antonio , Laércio Pereira Braga Francisco
Published: November 2024

RESUMO: No Brasil, a política pública de universalização do acesso à energia elétrica obteve avanços significativos; entretanto, a pobreza energética ainda persiste, especialmente na região do semiárido. Alterar essa realidade, por meio de políticas públicas sustentáveis, é um desafio atual para o desenvolvimento econômico e social da região. Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar a política de universalização do acesso à energia elétrica no Brasil, com destaque para o Programa “Renda do Sol” no Estado do Ceará, no contexto da persistência da pobreza energética, especialmente em áreas rurais. A metodologia utilizada inclui revisão bibliográfica e documental de fontes acadêmicas e governamentais, além de consultas a legislação relacionadas às políticas de universalização da produção, acesso, distribuição e uso da energia elétrica. Os resultados indicam que, apesar dos avanços, os desafios na implementação de uma matriz energética sustentável e inclusiva permanecem. Conclui-se que o programa cearense, alinhado aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) para promover um desenvolvimento sustentável e equitativo, busca reduzir a pobreza em comunidades rurais por meio da microgeração de energia solar, além de capacitar jovens para atuarem no setor de energias renováveis.
 
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Pobreza Energética; Desenvolvimento Sustentável; Energia Renovável; Microgeração; Política Pública.
Regulação Flexível para Avançar a Eletrificação do Transporte Público:
Authors: Wady Ariane , Consoni Flávia Luciane
Published: November 2024

A descarbonização dos meios de transporte passa, necessariamente, pela eletrificação das frotas de ônibus urbanos. Entretanto, são diversos os desafios para avançar nesta agenda, dentre os quais está a necessidade de propor uma regulação flexível e eficiente que facilite a transição para um transporte público sustentável. Para que seja possível acelerar a promoção dos ônibus elétricos nas cidades brasileiras, este artigo apresenta e discute o uso do sandbox regulatório. Já adotados em setores como tecnologia da informação e fintechs, os sandboxes regulatórios permitem testar novas normas, modelos de negócios e tecnologias em um ambiente controlado. A ANEEL, por exemplo, está conduzindo o sandbox tarifário para experimentação de novas tarifas. O objetivo deste artigo é propor a ampliação deste sandbox a fim de incluir dois importantes gargalos da eletrificação do transporte público: modelos de negócios e contratos públicos. Apoiado em uma metodologia de pesquisa descritiva e qualitativa, o artigo apresenta a ferramenta do sandbox e a sua relação com a flexibilidade normativa necessária para promover inovações tecnológicas. A pesquisa destaca a importância de um ambiente regulatório adaptativo para melhorar a relação entre externalidades negativas e positivas das novas tecnologias sustentáveis, haja vista que no Brasil as divisões de competências constitucionais e as resistências do mercado são desafios significativos. Conclui-se que os sandboxes regulatórios podem acelerar a implementação de inovações tecnológicas, influenciando positivamente a formulação de políticas públicas e o desenvolvimento de um marco regulatório para a mobilidade elétrica que permita superar barreiras na eletrificação do transporte público.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Sandbox Regulatório; Política Pública; Mobilidade Elétrica; Transição Energética;
The Impact of Different Equilibrium Hypotheses on the Nonlinear Response of Bladed Disks
Authors: Zara Gianmarco , Berruti Teresa Maria , Zucca Stefano
Published: November 2024

Underplatform dampers (UPDs) are widely used in bladed disks to mitigate blades' vibration amplitude. Such devices introduce localized nonlinearities, whose modeling requires nonlinear solution techniques. When the harmonic balance method (HBM) is used to compute the nonlinear forced response of blades with UPDs, two different implementations are available: (i) the uncoupled approach, where the static equilibrium is determined in advance and used as input to determine the dynamic equilibrium; (ii) the coupled approach, where the static and dynamic equilibria are determined simultaneously. A common issue for both approaches is the variability in the static tangential contact forces, when the Coulomb friction model is used, that can result in multiple static equilibria and in multiple vibration levels. In this paper, the two approaches are used to determine the variability in the response levels of blades with UPDs and results are compared and discussed. Due to the large computation times associated with optimization algorithms implemented to compute the response limits, lumped parameter models are used; nevertheless, the main findings of the paper can be considered general. In particular, results show that the uncoupled approach systematically overestimates the uncertainty with respect to the coupled approach and that UPDs geometry affects the range of variability of the response.
Suture Odometry: A Novel Hardware-Independent Method for Precise Medical Capsule Localization in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Taylor Luke , Hirst Gregory , Terry Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Precise localization of ingestible medical capsules within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is crucial for optimal diagnosis and treatment of GI diseases, yet current methods struggle with accuracy and reliability due to signal interference through tissue, shifting anatomical reference frames, and dependency on external hardware. While existing approaches like electromagnetic tracking, magnetic sensing, and optical methods can approximate general capsule position, they cannot provide continuous, precise distance measurements through the tortuous GI environment. This paper presents a novel suture odometry system that enables accurate, hardware-independent capsule localization by measuring the unwinding of a dissolvable suture thread from an internal spool as the capsule traverses the GI tract, with the suture anchored in the stomach serving as a fixed reference point. The system was extensively validated in both simulated environments and freshly excised porcine intestines, demonstrating an average localization accuracy of 7.78 cm and precision of 8.24 cm over 9 meters of intestine—performance that notably exceeds existing methods while remaining robust through intestinal bends, retrograde flow, and varying tissue conditions. The device maintains Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved capsule dimensions and can be integrated into various therapeutic and diagnostic capsule designs, operating independent of external hardware or complex signal processing. This technology represents a significant advance in medical capsule localization, enabling more precise targeted therapy and diagnostic capabilities throughout the GI tract while offering a simple, reliable solution that could be readily incorporated into existing capsule designs.
Applicability of Nonuniformly Varying the Fin Density of Tandem Finned Cylinders as a Viable Vortex and Noise Suppression Technique
Authors: Alziadeh Mohammed , Mohany Atef
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the use of nonuniform finned tubes in tandem arrangements with different spacing-to-average equivalent diameter ratios (L/Deq(avg)) to suppress flow-induced acoustic resonance. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to visualize vortex development in the wake before and during acoustic resonance, while acoustic pressure measurements characterized the aeroacoustic response. Nonuniform finned tubes were found to weaken the vortex shedding process and reduce the sound pressure level (SPL) by 68% and 50% during flow-induced acoustic resonance at L/Deq(avg)=2.0 and 2.5, respectively. However, nonuniform finned tubes do not inhibit the instability of the shear layers within the gap, making them susceptible to acoustic resonance where the shear layer instability is the source of excitation. During acoustic resonance associated with the shear layer instability, highly discrete and well-organized vortex cores form in the gap and wake of both uniform and nonuniform finned tubes, producing similar SPLs to those generated by uniform finned tubes. The findings of this study indicate that varying the fin density along the cylinders can potentially be used to suppress acoustic resonance excitation in normal triangle and rotated square tube arrays where vortex shedding is the main source of excitation at L/Deq(avg)≤2.5.
Hydrogen Leakage Risks and Mitigation Measures in Large Underground Garages
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Lyu Xuefeng , Wang Lin , Zhang Shucheng , Li Xichen
Published: November 2024

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, characterized by zero emissions, pollution-free operation, and high efficiency, have emerged as a key focus in the development of the global automotive industry. The operating pressure for onboard hydrogen storage tanks commonly ranges from 30 to 70 MPa. Due to hydrogen's wide combustion and explosion concentration range and its exceptionally rapid combustion rate, there is a high risk of explosions and other accidents once equipment failure happens during storage and transportation. The research presented in this paper focuses on the analysis of hydrogen leakage from storage tanks in an underground garage using fluent simulations. The findings reveal that released hydrogen forms a jet from the storage tank under high pressure, dispersing along the ceiling upon reaching it and accumulating at the edges and corners. Moreover, larger leakage ports on the storage tank result in a greater mass flow of hydrogen, leading to an expanded diffusion range of the hydrogen cloud and decreased local concentration. To mitigate the risk of hydrogen combustion and explosion within the garage, this study introduces 16 extraction vents on the garage ceiling and six natural vents on its sides. The validation of the proposed hydrogen risk mitigation measures demonstrates their effectiveness in reducing the concentration and range of flammable clouds within the garage, especially when dealing with larger leakage ports.
Modeling High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Leakages With Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Cerbarano Davide , Tieghi Lorenzo , Delibra Giovanni , Minotti Stefano , Corsini Alessandro
Published: November 2024

The introduction of hydrogen–methane blends as fuel in gas turbines raises concerns on the capability of state-of-art ventilation systems to dilute possible fuel leaks in the enclosures. Traditional numerical methods to perform leak analysis are limited by the number of factors involved, i.e., location and direction of the leak, cross section area, gas pressure in the pipelines, gas composition, and location of external objects. Hence, this raises the need for novel and fast tools capable for the accurate prediction of fuel dispersion in leak scenarios. To this extent, we propose a novel machine learning approach to model gas leaks. The model is trained on a dataset of numerical simulations accounting for several hydrogen/methane concentrations in the fuel, different storage to ambient pressure ratios at the leak section, and a set of cross-flow ventilation velocities. The architecture of the machine learning model is based on graph neural networks, to solve a node-level regression task predicting fuel concentration in space for different high-pressure leak scenarios. The model shows a significant speed up in predicting fuel dispersion with respect to conventional methodology (0.1 s vs 3.5 h) but the GPU memory requirements proved to be a problem when dealing with 3D domains.
Full-Scale Testing of Corrosion Resistant Alloy-Mechanically Lined Pipes for Submarine Pipelines
Authors: Reda Ahmed , Kaspary Tiago , Montague Paul , Shahin Mohamed A. , Meneze Eduardo
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the fatigue performance of corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA)-mechanically lined pipes, focusing on the critical triple point, where the CRA liner, weld overlay, and backing steel pipe intersect. Through full-scale bending tests and full-scale resonance fatigue tests, real-world operational and installation conditions were simulated to assess fatigue resistance, particularly at the triple point—an area not adequately addressed in current industry standards. The results reveal that the triple point exhibits excellent fatigue performance, exceeding the criteria of existing guidelines, despite the lack of specific provisions for this critical region. This study provides valuable data to inform updates to industry standards, enhancing the safety and reliability of subsea pipeline operations.
Multiday Beetroot Juice Ingestion Improves Some Aspects of Neuromuscular Performance in Semi-Professional, Male Handball Players: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Muñoz Alejandro , de la Rubia Alfonso , Lorenzo-Calvo Jorge , Karayigit Raci , Garcés-Rimón Marta , López-Moreno Miguel , Domínguez Raúl , Scanlan Aaron T. , López-Samanes Álvaro
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of multiday beetroot juice ingestion on neuromuscular performance in semi-professional, male handball players. Twelve handball players competing in the second Spanish national division received 70 ml of beetroot juice (6.4 mmol of nitrate []) or 70 ml of a placebo beetroot juice (0.04 mmol ) for three consecutive days in a randomized, double-blind, crossover manner with a 1-week washout between conditions. Following supplementation in each condition, players completed a neuromuscular test battery involving handball throwing, isometric handgrip strength, countermovement jump, change-of-direction speed, and repeated-sprint assessments, with side effects also measured. Countermovement jump (4.7%; p = .038; Hedge’s gav = 0.29) and isometric handgrip strength (7.8%; p = .021; gav = 0.59) were significantly superior with beetroot juice ingestion compared to the placebo. In contrast, nonsignificant differences were evident between conditions for all other neuromuscular performance variables (p > .05; gav = 0.00–0.27). Red urine production was the only side effect, demonstrating a significantly higher prevalence (p = .046) with beetroot juice ingestion. Three days of beetroot juice supplementation may be a useful nutritional strategy in semi-professional, male handball players given its ergogenic benefit to some aspects of neuromuscular performance.
What’s (Not) in Your Supplement? An Energy and Macronutrient Analysis of Commercially Available Carbohydrate Gels
Authors: Tiller Nicholas B. , Burke Louise M. , Howe Stephanie M. , Koop Jason , Ohm Johanna R. , Burgess Brady
Published: November 2024

Carbohydrate (CHO) gels are a staple among endurance athletes. When ingested during competition, CHO gels can improve endurance performance by acting as an external energy substrate, sparing endogenous glycogen, mitigating the risk of hypoglycemia, and engaging the central nervous system via receptors in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. However, published studies and a growing number of anecdotal reports have raised concerns about possible energy and macronutrient deficiencies in several products. We therefore performed a content analysis on CHO gels from Gu Energy, Honey Stinger, Hüma, Maurten, Näak, Precision Fuel, Science in Sport, and Spring Energy. On average, products contained significantly less energy than stated on the labels (n = 8, p = .047, large effect) but with no discrepancy in CHO content (n = 8, p = .219, medium effect). Bland–Altman analyses revealed a systematic bias toward less energy and CHO in measured samples relative to the label-derived nutritional information. Moreover, the Spring Energy product fell outside the 95% limits of agreement for both energy and CHO, containing ∼71% less energy (53 vs. 180 kcal) and ∼72% less CHO (12.5 vs. 45 g) than stated on the label. A follow-up analysis revealed similar discrepancies in several Spring Energy products from multiple lots. These findings have performance, clinical, and legal implications.
Student-Teaching Triad in Physical Education: A Scoping Review of Literature
Authors: Fan Xiaoping , Xie Xiuye , Liang Tanjian
Published: November 2024

Purpose: By identifying and synthesizing existing research on the student-teaching triad, the purpose of this scoping review was to understand its structure and provide insights for practice and research in practicum, supervision, and teacher education. Method: The five-stage scoping review served as the methodological framework for this study. Results: A total of 37 studies conducted between 1980 and 2024 explored the student-teaching triad in physical education. A descriptive review was employed to outline the context of the studies, while a thematic review was utilized to present an overview of the key outcomes discussed in these studies. Discussion/Conclusions: The student-teaching triad involves collaboration among student and cooperating teachers and university supervisors, with varying degrees of interaction among them. Furthermore, there is a need for improving supervisory practices through training workshops and ongoing professional development.
Interdisciplinary Kinesiology Curricula: Sixth-Grade Band or Symphony Orchestra?
Authors: Knudson Duane
Published: November 2024

There is a long history of kinesiology scholars advocating for an inter-, cross- or transdisciplinary approach to the field. Despite these efforts, kinesiology research and curricula are primarily sub- and multidisciplinary in nature, with limited integration of subdisciplinary knowledge to drive interdisciplinary, evidence-based practice. Although the kinesiology advancements in knowledge creation and societal service are impressive, the dissonance created by our breadth, specialization, and inconsistent nomenclature contributes to a lack of visibility and appreciation in the world. There is opportunity for greater harmony and interdisciplinary skills for future kinesiology graduates based on several models advocated by scholars. Kinesiology faculty can renew curricula by modeling the interdisciplinary application of knowledge in capstone courses or discussing interdisciplinary evidence-based service during internships.
Genome sequence of potential psychobiotic
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
A20T1A using long-read ONT technology
Authors: Franciosa Irene , Buzzanca Davide , Cocolin Luca , De Filippis Francesca , Ferrocino Ilario
Published: November 2024

We present the genome sequence of
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
isolated from human gut using Oxford Nanopore technology sequencing. The annotated draft genome of
L. rhamnosus
A20T1A showed the presence of probiotics and psychobiotics genomic traits relevant for gut colonization and human health.
The transcriptional response to low temperature is weakly conserved across the
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Hoang Johnson , Stoebel Daniel M.
Published: November 2024

Bacteria respond to changes in their external environment, such as temperature, by changing the transcription of their genes. We know little about how these regulatory patterns evolve. We used RNA-seq to study the transcriptional response to a shift from 37°C to 15°C in wild-type
Escherichia coli
,
Salmonella enterica
,
Citrobacter rodentium
,
Enterobacter cloacae
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Serratia marcescens
, as well as ∆
rpoS
strains of
E. coli
and
S. enterica
. We found that these species change the transcription of between 626 and 1057 genes in response to the temperature shift, but there were only 16 differentially expressed genes in common among the six species. Species-specific transcriptional patterns of shared genes were a prominent cause of this lack of conservation. Gene ontology enrichment of regulated genes suggested many species-specific phenotypic responses to temperature changes, but enriched terms associated with iron metabolism, central metabolism, and biofilm formation were implicated in at least half of the species. The alternative sigma factor RpoS regulated about 200 genes between 37°C and 15°C in both
E. coli
and
S. enterica
, with only 83 genes in common between the two species. Overall, there was limited conservation of the response to low temperature generally, or the RpoS-regulated part of the response specifically. This study suggests that species-specific patterns of transcription of shared genes, rather than horizontal acquisition of unique genes, are the major reason for the lack of conservation of the transcriptomic response to low temperature.

IMPORTANCE

We studied how different species of bacteria from the same Family (Enterobacteriaceae) change the expression of their genes in response to a decrease in temperature. Using
de novo
-generated parallel RNA-seq data sets, we found that the six species in this study change the level of expression of many of their genes in response to a shift from human body temperature (37°C) to a temperature that might be found out of doors (15°C). Surprisingly, there were very few genes that change expression in all six species. This was due in part to differences in gene content, and in part due to shared genes with distinct expression profiles between the species. This study is important to the field because it illustrates that closely related species can share many genes but not use those genes in the same way in response to the same environmental change.
Randomised placebo-controlled trial of triclofos versus melatonin for sedating children undergoing sleep EEG
Authors: Mohanan Priyamol T , Jha Ruchika , Kurup Arjun , Kohli Sarvesh , Badal Sachendra , Adhikari Krishna Moorthi , Ahmad Faiz MH , Devgan Amit , Sondhi Vishal
Published: November 2024

Objective

To determine the efficacy of addition of melatonin or triclofos to sleep deprivation as compared with sleep deprivation with placebo for conduct of successful sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) among children between 6 months and 12 years of age.

Design, setting and Patients

486 children aged between 6 months and 12 years who were uncooperative or referred for sleep EEG were enrolled for this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial between 30 June 2022 and 31 March 2023.

Intervention

On the day of sleep EEG, participants were sleep deprived by 25% of their regular sleep duration and then randomly assigned to receive either triclofos (50 mg/kg), melatonin (weight ≤15 kg=3 mg; weight >15 kg=6 mg) or placebo.

Outcome

Primary outcome was the conduct of a successful sleep EEG.

Results

486 children were randomly assigned to intervention with triclofos (n=165), melatonin (n=161) or placebo (n=160). Sleep EEG success (p<0.001) with different interventions was: triclofos=145/165(88%); melatonin=123/161 (76%) and placebo=65/160 (41%). Sleep EEG’s success rate was better with triclofos than melatonin (OR=2.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.1) or placebo (OR=10.6; 95% CI 6.1 to 19.0). Melatonin was better than placebo in the rate of successful sleep EEG (OR=4.7; 95% CI 2.9 to 7.7). Beta artefacts were significantly more with triclofos (51/145) than melatonin (19/123) and placebo (12/65), but the readability of EEG was not impacted. Movement/unwanted arousal artefacts were significantly more with placebo (37/65) than with triclofos (37/145) and melatonin (34/123). Drug-related adverse events were comparable between triclofos and melatonin. Neither of the drugs was associated with any serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Both triclofos and melatonin are individually better than sleep deprivation alone for conducting successful sleep EEGs. Triclofos is significantly better than melatonin for conducting sleep EEGs, with no significant increase in adverse events.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2022/05/042479; Clinical Trials Registry of India
Religious identity-based discrimination in the physician workforce: findings from a survey of Muslim physicians in the UK
Authors: Azam Laila , Murrar Sohad , Maravia Usman , Davila Omar , Padela Aasim I
Published: November 2024

Objective

Examine relationships between religiosity, workplace discrimination, religious accommodation and related professional and psychological outcomes among UK Muslim physicians.

Methods

In 2021, a national survey of British Islamic Medical Association members was conducted. Statistical analyses explored associations between participant religiosity, sociodemographic characteristics and the specified outcome measures.

Results

Out of 104 participants with a mean age of 39, the majority were male (56%), Asian (81%), adult immigrants to the UK (56%) and wore a beard or a hijāb (73%). Workplace experiences revealed that 40% experienced discrimination primarily based on religious identity, with 44% facing regular discrimination since medical school. Notably, 38% reported current workplace discrimination, 15% encountered patient refusals based on religion and 56% felt heightened scrutiny due to religious identity. Most struggled with prayer at work (69%), and 28% felt inadequately accommodated. In multivariate models, religiosity was associated with experiencing discrimination from patients and struggle with prayer accommodation at work but increased the odds of perceiving religious identity to be accommodated at work. Notably, participants wearing hijāb or a beard reported higher job satisfaction and lower odds of burn-out and depression. Increasing participant age lowered the odds of burn-out but increased the odds of religious discrimination at the current workplace and over one’s career, as well as being passed over for professional advancement.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the urgent need for the National Health Service to address religious discrimination in the workplace by implementing policies that accommodate the workplace needs of Muslim physicians.
Heart valve clinics: an expanding role for the clinical scientists - validation of a framework for competency and certification
Authors: Zhou Can , Fekadu Jerusalem , Hayes Anna , Aure Nathalie , Sivalinganathan Masha , Bowen Lucy , Campbell Brian , Subbiah Sheila , Page Curtis , Bennett Sophie , Rajani Ronak , Demetrescu Camelia
Published: November 2024

Background

Valvular heart disease (VHD) represents a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, necessitating specialised care through multidisciplinary valve clinics. However, there is a lack of a standardised training and certification framework for clinical scientists and specialist physiologists (CSSPs) working within specialist valve clinics (SVCs). This study aimed to design, implement and validate a competency framework dedicated to training and certifying valve CSSPs to enhance patient outcomes and establish standardised care.

Methods

A comprehensive competency framework was developed and implemented, consisting of two levels: Enhanced Valve Clinic Training (EVCT) and Advanced Valve Clinic Training (AVCT). The programme was trialled at Guy’s Valve Clinic, London, over a 12-month period. Validation was undertaken through trainee and patient feedback, including multiple-choice questions, clinical skills assessments, and patient satisfaction surveys.

Results

Nine CSSPs completed the EVCT and four the AVCT. All participants passed their certification examinations with scores ranging from 80% to 95%. The time to complete each programme averaged 6 months. After certification, clinical queries raised by EVCT trainees averaged 1.2 per session but dropped by 75% to 0.3 per session in the AVCT group, indicating greater confidence and independence in managing cases. Physician review of trainee-led cases led to additional tests or treatment changes in 23% of cases and referrals to physician clinics in 11%. Patient feedback was positive: 95% felt confident in the clinical scientists' knowledge, and 100% were satisfied with the clarity of their care plans and follow-up.

Conclusions

The implementation of this training and certification framework demonstrated enhanced clinical outcomes and care delivery in SVCs. By advocating for formal recognition and accreditation of valve clinic training, this framework could serve as a model for national and international standardisation in valve care and clinical training.
Coupling a peatland hydrological model with a snowmelt module in order to model the snowmelt runoff in a boreal ombrotrophic peatland in eastern Québec (Canada)
Authors: Riahi Khawla , St-Hilaire André , Bourgault Marc-André , Taillardat Pierre , Prijac Antonin , Garneau Michelle
Published: November 2024

Peatlands are relatively common in the province of Quebec (Canada) where they occupy about 12% of the surface. The hydrology of peatlands remains insufficiently documented, more specifically during the spring period where data are currently lacking in many regions, including in the Quebec boreal territory. The paucity of spring data are due to snowmelt that causes flooding in peatlands and along rivers, which makes hydrometry complicated during this period of the year. In this paper, the Peatland Hydrological Impact Model (PHIM) was coupled with a snowmelt module (CemaNeige) to simulate spring flows in an ombrotrophic peatland located in the Romaine River watershed (Quebec). Discharge data from two summer seasons (2019 and 2020) were used to calibrate the hydrological model. Despite the relatively short time series, the results show a good performance. The simulated spring flows resulting from the PHIM + CemaNeige combination are of the right order of magnitude.
GPU Based Virtual Machine for Sleptsov Net Computing
Authors: Shmeleva Tatiana R. , Zaitsev Ivan D. , Retschitzegger Werner
Published: November 2024

Novel paradigm of Sleptsov Net Computing (SNC) mends imperfections of modern HPC architecture with computing memory implementation and provides a vivid graphical language, fine granulation of concurrent processes, and wide application of formal methods for reliable software design. IDE and VM for SNC have been developed and described in early papers. In the present paper, we considerably reduce GPU memory and thread consumption of the previous prototype implementation, introducing a matrix with condensed columns (MCC), and enhance performance, using the first fireable transition choice on the transition sequence reordered according to the lattice of priorities. MCC takes into consideration procedures of Sleptsov net (SN) arcs processing to enhance performance with rather little overhead compared to traditional sparse matrix formats. We represent a matrix of SN arcs by a pair of considerably smaller matrices, having the same number of columns, with the number of rows equal to the maximal number of nonzero elements over the source matrix columns. The first matrix contains the indexes within the source matrix, the second matrix contains the values within the source matrix. To run an SN, we use the corresponding rectangular matrix of GPU threads, with very few indirect memory accesses via MCC. As a result, we increase VM performance in 2–4 times, and reduce by hundred times GPU memory and thread consumption on programs from the SN software collection.