bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmenting ship propulsion in waves by flapping-foil thrusters
Authors: Belibassakis Kostas
Published: March 2023

Flapping-foil thrusters arranged at the bow of the ship are examined for extraction of energy from wave motions by direct conversion to thrust, offering also dynamic stability and reduction of added wave resistance. In the framework of H2020 Seatech project the above innovation, combined with standard propulsion system based on optimally controlled Dual Fuel engine, is examined, aiming at an increase in fuel efficiency and radical emission reductions. Results from the development and laboratory testing of tank-scale models of the considered biomimetic system and its performance in waves are first presented. Additional results from the design and development of large scale model tested at sea are also presented. The experiments provide useful data for the calculation of the combined performance with the propulsion system, and establish design requirements and methodologies to extend predictions to full scale.
Extensive hullform optimization studies for a series of small electric catamaran ferries
Authors: Kanellopoulou Aphrodite , Zaraphonitis George , Grigoropoulos Gregory , Liarokapis Dimitris
Published: March 2023

The hydrodynamic hull form optimization of a series of zero emission, battery driven, moderate speed catamaran ferries is presented. Based on specified design requirements regarding a vessel’s main characteristics, namely length and beam overall, displacement and speed, a formal optimization study is performed, aiming to identify favorable hullforms with minimum total resistance in calm water. To this end, a parametric model for the elaboration of alternative hull designs based on a set of design parameters has been developed, while the total resistance of each hull is evaluated by potential flow calculations. A series of promising design alternatives derived by the optimization study have been re-evaluated by more accurate viscous flow calculations. Finally, the best performing hullforms are tank-tested at the towing tank of NTUA’s Ship and Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory.
High Fidelity Finite Element Modeling of Complex Ship Structures: The Particular Case of a Passenger Vessel
Authors: Ntaoularis Periklis , Silionis Nicholas , Anyfantis Konstantinos
Published: March 2023

Α large impulse is shown towards the development of a digital representation of the hull that will serve the purpose of constructing a structural digital twin that will eventually accompany the vessel throughout its lifetime. This work showcases the challenges encountered during the development process of a high fidelity finite element model of a particular vessel, that is the case of a 16.5 m aluminum passenger ship. The aim of the simulation is to reveal the detailed stress distribution, evaluate the results and define the acceptance criteria with respect to the allowable stress limits for the static structural analysis, as derived in accordance with the DNV guidelines (DNV 2021).
Solution Space and Optimality Concerns for the Shafting System Alignment of a Typical Bulk Carrier
Authors: Theofilis Panagiotis , Rossopoulos Georgios N. , Papadopoulos Christos I.
Published: March 2023

A study of the shafting system of an 82.000DWT bulk carrier is conducted, comparing the initial alignment of the vessel against the performance corresponding to different bearing offset combinations. The shaft is modelled as a beam and the bearings as single support points. Radial shaft loads, thermal expansion of the engine and propeller thrust eccentricity are taken into account. Simulations are performed for 4 propeller immersion conditions and for various new offset combinations, deviating up to 10mm from the initial offsets. The results are evaluated according to rule requirements and classified as; (i) acceptable, (ii) marginal and (iii) not acceptable.
Recent Progress on the Transparent Prediction of the Added Resistance and Powering of a Ship in Waves
Authors: Liu Shukui , Papanikolaou Apostolos
Published: March 2023

Recent developments of international regulations on the energy-efficiency and safety of ships and their impact on marine operations and on the environment are driving the ship design and operation to new frontiers. In this context, the accurate prediction of the added resistance of a ship in seaways became a research subject of priority. Considerable effort was devoted by global researchers to the development of new methods to meet the urgent demand of the industry. Among these new methods, the SHOPERA-NTUA-NTU-MARIC (SNNM) method (Liu & Papanikolaou, 2020) was validated by the 29th ITTC Specialist Committee on Ships in Operation at Sea with satisfactory results, demonstrating a broader applicability and higher accuracy than other comparable methods (Wang et al., 2021). Thereafter, it was adopted in the ITTC recommended procedures for analyzing sea trial results and the IMO guidelines for the determination of the minimum propulsive power in adverse condition. In addition to highlighting the features of the SNNM method, this paper will discuss the challenges in improving the method and recent progresses. A new form of empirical diagrams is presented for practical uses.
The Effects of a Nature-based Virtual Reality Program on Emotional Health and Quality of Life among Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Kim Junhyoung , Lee Jungjoo , Kim Yongseop , Nuseibeh Betsey , Han Sua
Published: March 2023

Objectives: In this pilot study, we focused on the health benefits of a nature-based virtual reality (VR) intervention for older adults with dementia, primarily Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Our main objective was to assess pre-post changes in the emotional health and quality of
life of older adults with AD after participating in a 5-week nature-based VR program. Methods: Using in-depth interviews with VR participants and facility staff, we explored the health outcomes of participants as well as challenges to their participation. We recruited 11 participants.
Results: We found an increase in participants' mean scores for pleasure and alertness and a decrease in mean scores for anxiety, sadness, and anger. In addition, we found that the quality-of-life mean scores significantly increased after program participation. In qualitative findings,
we identified 3 main themes as possible mental health outcomes of the nature-based VR program: (1) enjoyment, (2) novel experience, and (3) reminiscence. On the other hand, participants experienced some challenges related to the VR gear and manipulating the VR controllers and goggles while
engaged in the program. Conclusion: The nature-based VR program was instrumental in promoting emotional health and quality of life among older adults with AD.
Consumer Health Behavior and Business Adaptation of Thai Street Food Vendors Under the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Street Food Vendors In Lower Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Suvittawat Adisak
Published: March 2023

Objective: Street food has been a Thai cultural experience valued by locals and visitors alike. The epidemic of covid-19 has affected the hospitality industry worldwide, including tiny and medium-sized enterprises (SME) eateries. Street food vendors unquestionably operate the
least successful businesses among these food providers. The purpose of investigating the adaptation of street food vendors is to learn about new ways for small businesses to adjust regarding consumer health behavior (CHB) to survive under a crisis situation and discover new dimensions of business
survival. Methods: This study questioned 400 street food vendors in the lower northeastern region of Thailand using a Likert scale questionnaire to collect data. Results: According to the findings of this study, the CHB influences the adoption of new business practices from the
standpoint of consumers. Conclusion: This study's model is a substantial contribution to the corpus of knowledge. This study's practical consequences offer a path ahead for adopting a CHB-oriented street food company.
Ziņu mediju zīmola vadība 21. gadsimta mediju biznesa vidē
Authors:   , Saulīte Linda
Published: March 2023

Digitalizācijas ietekmē mediju nozare ir piedzīvojusi ievērojamas pārmaiņas. Dažādu tehnoloģisko platformu, īpaši sociālo mediju platformu attīstība ir radījusi jaunus ieradumus mediju satura patēriņā. Šie satura patēriņa ieradumi veicina mediju zīmola asociāciju un attiecīgu zīmola kapitāla samazināšanos. Promocijas darba pētījuma aktualitāte ir saistīta ar izaicinājumiem, ar kuriem saskaras nacionālie ziņu zīmoli esošajā mediju vidē. Pētījuma mērķis ir noskaidrot, kā attīstīt un stiprināt nacionālo ziņu mediju zīmola unikalitāti un zīmola kapitālu mediju biznesa vidē no Z paaudzes uztveres aspekta un izstrādāt metodiku ziņu zīmola unikalitātes un zīmola kapitāla attīstībai.
Glia-neuron coupling via a bipartite sialylation pathway promotes neural transmission and stress tolerance in Drosophila
Authors: Scott Hilary , Novikov Boris , Ugur Berrak , Allen Brooke , Mertsalov Ilya , Monagas-Valentin Pedro , Koff Melissa , Baas Robinson Sarah , Aoki Kazuhiro , Veizaj Raisa , Lefeber Dirk J , Tiemeyer Michael , Bellen Hugo , Panin Vladislav
Published: March 2023

Modification by sialylated glycans can affect protein functions, underlying mechanisms that control animal development and physiology. Sialylation relies on a dedicated pathway involving evolutionarily conserved enzymes, including CMP-sialic acid synthetase (CSAS) and sialyltransferase (SiaT) that mediate the activation of sialic acid and its transfer onto glycan termini, respectively. In Drosophila, CSAS and DSiaT genes function in the nervous system, affecting neural transmission and excitability. We found that these genes function in different cells: the function of CSAS is restricted to glia, while DSiaT functions in neurons. This partition of the sialylation pathway allows for regulation of neural functions via a glia-mediated control of neural sialylation. The sialylation genes were shown to be required for tolerance to heat and oxidative stress and for maintenance of the normal level of voltage-gated sodium channels. Our results uncovered a unique bipartite sialylation pathway that mediates glia-neuron coupling and regulates neural excitability and stress tolerance.
Longitudinal map of transcriptome changes in the Lyme pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi during tick-borne transmission
Authors: Sapiro Anne L. , Hayes Beth M. , Volk Regan F. , Zhang Jenny Y. , Brooks Diane M. , Martyn Calla , Radkov Atanas , Zhao Ziyi , Kinnersley Margie , Secor Patrick R. , Zaro Balyn W. , Chou Seemay
Published: March 2023

Borrelia burgdorferi
(
Bb
), the causative agent of Lyme disease, must adapt to vastly different environments as the bacterium cycles between the tick vector and a vertebrate host. During a bloodmeal,
Bb
migrates from the tick midgut to the salivary glands and changes its gene expression, priming
Bb
for vertebrate infection. These tick-specific transmission events are dependent on key transcriptional regulators; however, the full range of transcriptional changes that occur over several days inside of the tick are technically challenging to capture. We developed an experimental approach to enrich
Bb
cells from
Ixodes
ticks during a transmitting bloodmeal to longitudinally define their global transcriptomic landscape. We identified 192 genes that substantially change expression over the course of the tick bloodmeal, most of which were located on plasmids of the
Bb
genome. The majority of upregulated genes encode proteins found at the cell envelope or proteins of unknown function, including 45 outer surface lipoproteins embedded in the unusual protein-rich coat of
Bb
. As these proteins may facilitate
Bb
interactions with host tissues or immune systems, we also utilized mass spectrometry to identify candidate tick proteins that physically associate with
Bb
. The
ex vivo Bb
transcriptomes and candidate tick interacting proteins presented here provide an important roadmap for investigating key determinants of
Bb
priming and transmission during the tick stage of its unique transmission cycle.
A novel algorithm for small object detection based on YOLOv4
Authors: Wei Jiangshu , Liu Gang , Liu Siqi , Xiao Zeyan
Published: March 2023

Small object detection is one of the difficulties in the development of computer vision, especially in the case of complex image backgrounds, and the accuracy of small object detection still needs to be improved. In this article, we present a small object detection network based on YOLOv4, which solves some obstacles that hinder the performance of traditional methods in small object detection tasks in complex road environments, such as few effective features, the influence of image noise, and occlusion by large objects, and improves the detection of small objects in complex background situations such as drone aerial survey images. The improved network architecture reduces the computation and GPU memory consumption of the network by including the cross-stage partial network (CSPNet) structure into the spatial pyramid pool (SPP) structure in the YOLOv4 network and convolutional layers after concatenation operation. Secondly, the accuracy of the model on the small object detection task is improved by adding a more suitable small object detection head and removing one used for large object detection. Then, a new branch is added to extract feature information at a shallow location in the backbone part, and the feature information extracted from this branch is fused in the neck part to enrich the small object location information extracted by the model; when fusing feature information from different levels in the backbone, the fusion weight of useful information is increased by adding a weighting mechanism to improve detection performance at each scale. Finally, a coordinated attention (CA) module is embedded at a suitable location in the neck part, which enables the model to focus on spatial location relationships and inter-channel relationships and enhances feature representation capability. The proposed model has been tested to detect 10 different target objects in aerial images from drones and five different road traffic signal signs in images taken from vehicles in a complex road environment. The detection speed of the model meets the criteria of real-time detection, the model has better performance in terms of accuracy compared to the existing state-of-the-art detection models, and the model has only 44M parameters. On the drone aerial photography dataset, the average accuracy of YOLOv4 and YOLOv5L is 42.79% and 42.10%, respectively, while our model achieves an average accuracy (mAP) of 52.76%; on the urban road traffic light dataset, the proposed model achieves an average accuracy of 96.98%, which is also better than YOLOv4 (95.32%), YOLOv5L (94.79%) and other advanced models. The current work provides an efficient method for small object detection in complex road environments, which can be extended to scenarios involving small object detection, such as drone cruising and autonomous driving.
Effects of Plant Growth Regulators Including Micro-nutrients on Fruit Set and Yield of Mandarin in Dhankuta District of Nepal
Authors: Pun Amar Bahadur , Shrestha Arjun Kumar , Tripathi Kalyani Mishra , Baral Dilli Ram
Published: March 2023

The study evaluated foliar applications of three plant growth regulators, viz. GA3 @ 20ppm; 2,4-D @ 15ppm; and NAA @ 50ppm; alone and their combinations including three plant micro-nutrients, viz. B @ 0.4% + Zn @ 0.2% + Ca @ 1% in order to determine the best foliar spray of growth hormones and plant nutrients for the increased fruit set and yield of mandarin. The foliar sprays were applied five times, started from full-bloom until late September (pre-harvest stage). The experiments were conducted in Dhankuta, Nepal during 2019 and 2020. The highest bloom fruit set of 6.1% was recorded at the foliar application of GA3 20ppm + NAA @ 50ppm, compared to the control treatment of 4.6%.    Likewise, there were significant effects of plant growth regulations and micro-nutrients applications on the fruit drops across the fruit growing periods. The foliar application of GA3 + 2,4-D + micronutrients resulted in the lowest fruit drop during the months of June (63.9%), July (65.9%), and September (20.8%), as opposed to the control treatment's fruit drops of 77.6, 80.4, and 41.5%. In addition, the fruit drops occurred at the foliar sprays of GA3 + 2,4-D were statistically at par with the GA3 + 2,4-D + micro-nutrients. Also, the GA3 + 2,4-D + micronutrient spray treatment had the largest number of fruits (995 nos.) and total fruit weight (64.2 kg) per tree, which were considerably higher than the control by 201.5 and 175.5%, respectively. To sum up, a combined foliar application of gibberellic acid, 2,4-D and micro-nutrients is recommended for improving the fruit set, retention and yield of mandarin.
Effect of Financial Innovation on Money Demand in the East African Community
Authors: Kipchirchir Edwin , Kalio Aquilars , Kibet Lawrence
Published: March 2023

Tremendous financial changes have been witnessed in the East African Community’s (EAC’s) macroeconomic landscape over the past few years. These changes can shift various parameters of the money demand model. Many previous empirical studies examined the effect of scale and opportunity cost of holding money variables on money demand. However, most of them left out financial innovation which is one of the key factors influencing money demand. Additionally, they are just country specific studies and used time series data analysis technique. It is in this backdrop that a cross-country case study that investigates how financial innovation affects money demand function was carried out using the recent data and a different analysis technique which is panel data analysis. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of mobile financial innovation on money demand in the EAC. The study used secondary data for the period 2007 to 2020 and this data was obtained from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out. Levin-Lin-Chu test for panel unit root was done and all the study variables were found to be stationary at level. The results of balanced panel fixed effects regression analysis indicated that mobile money, ATMs, and real GDP were affecting money demand positively and their effects were also statistically significant. However, interest rate affected money demand negatively. Mobile money and ATMs were proxies for financial innovation whereas real GDP and interest rates were control variables. Therefore, it was observed that financial innovation has had a positive effect on money demand in the EAC. The findings of this study might be of great importance to monetary authorities and policy makers in the EAC. Future research studies can expand the period of study similar to this one and also increase the number of countries involved.
CdO Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green Dye in Aqueous Media
Authors: El-Hadary El-Hadary A. , El-Feky Hesham H. , El-Qanni Amjad , Nassar Ibrahim M. , Nassar Mostafa Y.
Published: March 2023

Cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles were prepared by using co-precipitation method and applied on photodegradation of malachite green (MG) dye in an aqueous solution. The as-prepared CdO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and (SAED), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of crystalline CdO nanoparticles with cubic structure while the FESEM image validated the preparation of disc-like spherical irregular shape nanostructures agglomerated with the size of 10-30 nm. The as- prepared CdO nanoparticles exhibited 98 % photodegradation efficiency against the MG dye in 165 min of visible light irradiation at 0.05 g of dose. The experimental data has followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the rate constant value obtained is 0.002 min-1. Thus, the synthesized CdO nanoparticles degraded MG dye effectively and may be used for environmental remediation purposes.
Breeding Approaches for Quality Improvement in Fruit Crops: Strategies and Achievements
Authors: Kumar Maneesh , Kumar Rajesh , Singh V. P. , Pathak Sonal , Kamboj Aakash Deep , Ahamad Sajeel , Kumar Amit
Published: March 2023

As we know that fruit plays important role in the daily human diet for healthy living and is also a commercial commodity in trade and processing industries. The primary factor that customers use to determine whether or not a fruit is acceptable is its quality like appearance, shape, size, colour and taste, etc. Success in a breeding program depends upon the overall acceptability of fruit quality because most of the developed varieties having desired traits like resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses could not be commercialized and are not in commercial cultivation owing to their poor-quality traits. Therefore, the development of cultivars with desirable quality attributes in fruit crops is challenging. Quality improvement in fruit crops is restricted by several factors such as long juvenility, tall stature, environmental stress and high heterozygosity. Quality traits in fruit crops are polygenic and governed by many genes which makesit difficult to improve particular desirable traits. Many attempts have been made to enhance the qualitative characteristics of annual crops, although perennial fruit crops neatly overlook this issue. Accordingly, the use of both combined conventional and modern breeding techniques could in overcoming these problems. Biotechnological and molecular approaches like marker-assisted selection, transgenics, genomic editing, genomics cis-genics and candidate gene offer precision and reliability to reduce the breeding cycle and are also advantageous when dealing with tedious fruit crops. The challenges with fruit breeding and the state of various breeding techniques for enhancing fruit quality in fruit trees will be the main topics of this review.
Influence of Zinc, Iron and Manganese Applications on Soil Properties, Protein Content and Sedimentation Value of Wheat
Authors: Kumar Sekhar , Kumar Rohtas , Kumar Sawan , Kumar Satender , Sharma Jyoti
Published: March 2023

Micronutrient insufficiency in plants is becoming increasingly common, particularly in cereals crops around the world. These deficits result in a loss of yield as well as deterioration in the nutritional quality of the crops. The experiment was carried out in screen house for Rabi season of 2017-18, Soil Science Department, CCS HAU, Hisar to measure the impact of methods and dosages of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) application on post-harvest soil characteristics and wheat quality. The findings of this research illustrated that DTPA-extractable Zn and Mn increased significantly with the addition of Zn and Mn, respectively as compared to control. With the application of micronutrients, the sedimentation value and protein content of wheat both significantly increased in comparison to the control. Maximum increase in sedimentation value (54.0) was found when 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 2.5 % urea was applied. Whereas, maximum increase in protein content (12.2%) was observed when 0.5 % FeSO4 + 3 % urea was applied. Overall, quality of wheat improved with the application of micronutrients but there was no significant effect of these applications on soil parameters. There was no significant variation in soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), electrical conductivity (EC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and DTPA-extractable Fe when micronutrients were applied as foliar or basal doses.
Effect of Deforestation on Livelihood and the Adaptation Strategies in Niger South Senatorial District, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Kwatu A. A. , Ogah A. T. , Kpalo S. Y. , Muhammed M. , Umar A.
Published: March 2023

Tropical rainforests are ecosystem of genetic diversity that offers an important medicinal plants source, it’s also provides high-yield foods, and a myriad of other important products. They are an important environment for migratory animals and maintain as much as fifty percent of the species on globe, as well as several diverse and unique indigenous cultures. They also act an important role in controlling world weather in addition to sustaining normal rainfall, while preventing against floods, deforestations, and erosion. The study’s aim is to analyse the effect of deforestation on livelihood and the adaptation strategies in Niger South Senatorial District, Niger state, Nigeria. Information about the various effects of deforestation and adaptation strategies was collected using a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The result shows that wind storms, flooding, late rainfall; low output yields, and wide spreads of pest infestation were ranked as the major effects of deforestation. Different survival strategies are been used by the respondents comprises of fishing, animal rearing, poultry production, hiring labour and use of fertilizer to maximize production. It was acceded by the more than half of the discussants at FGD that artisan work and small- scale businesses are the major other sources of livelihood used by the individuals. In their various submissions, they all attest that wind storms and flooding are the most common problem of deforestation noticeable in the study area.
Trend and Forecasting of Area, Production and Productivity of Mango Crop in Karnataka, India
Authors: Varalakshmi A. , Nayak G. H. Harish , Manjunath M. G. , Vinay H. T.
Published: March 2023

The current study was carried out to analyze the trend and forecast in area, production and productivity of mango crop in Karnataka. It was determined by using the secondary data of area, production and productivity of mango for the period of 18 years (2000-01 to 2017-18) was collected from Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Karnataka. To estimate the trend and its forecast for the next 5 years, up to 2022-23, linear, quadratic, exponential, logistic and Gompertz models were fitted and the best-fitted model was selected based on lowest MAPE. Result revealed that exponential model was best-fitted for area and production of mango, and the logistic model was found to be the best-fitted model for the mango productivity. The result also explored that the area, production and productivity of mango crop have an upward trend in Karnataka state in above study period. Based on this trend to forecast area, production and productivity of mango crop for the period from 2018-19 to 2022-23.
Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries: Benefits to the Environment
Authors: Adeosun T. A. , Amosu C. O. , Omitogun O. A. , Amusa O. M. , Morenikeji B. A.
Published: March 2023

The primary objective of this study is to investigate economic freedom of access to energy, energy utilization and consumption, improve energy security, mitigate climate change and ignite interest in various renewable energy sources in developing countries. Sustainable development is the benefit that meet the needs of the people without compromising access to affordability, reliability, sustainability and modern quality of human satisfaction of its citizens within the limitation of the environment. It has become widely recognized that the rising environmental hazards, depletion threatened the unreliable supply of electricity with huge economic cost associated with fossil fuel has made renewable energy issue a significant sustainability resource as the basic requirements for development in developing countries. This paper aims to present review and promote access to harnessing, harvesting, storage, conversion and technology of renewable energy sources for generating electricity in developing nations by 2050.  In this review, we have identified the various renewable energy sources, challenges and benefits. The recommendation on this investigation shows greatly our contributions to the aspiration of citizens in developing countries for alleviating struggles to overcome the epileptic power supply that has harassed the economy of the nation in jeopardy for long time.
The significance of terms of trade shocks for retail food prices in Turkey
Authors: Chadwick Meltem
Published: March 2023

Emerging market economies often struggle with macroeconomic instabilities as they experience more persistent terms of trade shocks, volatile exchange rates, and commodity prices compared to the rest of the world. This paper evaluates the impact of terms of trade shocks on retail food prices for an emerging country. To do so, we employ the underlying small open economy macro‐model framework with a panel vector autoregression analysis. Our results show that a positive terms of trade shock decreases retail food prices and their price volatility. Positive terms of trade shock also increases the output gap. We find that these results are more persistent for the fresh fruits and vegetable group, which has the highest price volatility under the retail food prices group. [EconLit Citations: C33, E31, F41].
Geographic disadvantage and quality of employment
Authors: Kelley Jonathan , Evans M. D. R.
Published: March 2023

Many policymakers assume that children's neighbourhoods shape their career trajectories, but the facts are otherwise. Challenges: (1) Because many children in poor postcodes have disadvantaged families, modelling the causal influence of neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) requires a comprehensive set of control variables measuring family background. (2) Adults can choose where to live, so dwelling in a high SES postcode is partially aconsequenceof occupational success, not a cause. Hence, we must focus onchildhoodpostcode SES. (3) Random measurement error in postcode SES can bias estimates. Data: Large, representative national samples from the International Social Science Survey/Australia. OLS and structural equation models. Correlations between a person's childhood postcode SES and their education, adult occupational status (which robustly measures job quality, social status and permanent income) and family income are all modest, aroundr = .15. Net of family background (fathers' occupational status, fathers' class, mothers' employment, parents' culture, ethnicity, demographics and respondent's IQ) multivariate analyses show that growing up in a low SES postcode is only a slight disadvantage, which arisesentirelybecause children there get about half a year less education than comparable children in high SES postcodes. Otherwise, there is no statistically significant childhood postcode disadvantage in career opportunities.
SCRN1: A cerebrospinal fluid biomarker correlating with tau in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Weiner Sophia , Sauer Mathias , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Constantinescu Julius , Constantinescu Radu , Gomes Bárbara Fernandes , Becker Bruno , Nellgård Bengt , Dalla Keti , Galasko Douglas , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Gobom Johan
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION

Secernin‐1 (SCRN1) is a neuronal protein that co‐localizes with neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but not with tau inclusions in corticobasal degeneration (CBD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), or Pick's disease.

METHODS

We measured SCRN1 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a novel mass spectrometric parallel reaction monitoring method in three clinical cohorts comprising patients with neurochemically characterized AD (n = 25) and controls (n = 28), clinically diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD; n = 38), multiple system atrophy (MSA; n = 31), PSP (n = 20), CBD (n = 8), healthy controls (n = 37), and neuropathology‐confirmed AD (n = 47).

RESULTS

CSF SCRN1 was significantly increased in AD (P < 0.01, fold change = 1.4) compared to controls (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve = 0.78) but not in CBD, PSP, PD, or MSA. CSF SCRN1 positively correlated with CSF total tau (R = 0.78, P = 1.1 × 10−13), phosphorylated tau181 (R = 0.64, P = 3.2 × 10−8), and Braak stage and negatively correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination score.

DISCUSSION

CSF SCRN1 is a candidate biomarker of AD, reflecting tau pathology.

HIGHLIGHTS

We developed a parallel reaction monitoring assay to measure secernin‐1 (SCRN1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

CSF SCRN1 was increased in Alzheimer's disease compared to healthy controls.

CSF SCRN1 remained unchanged in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, or corticobasal degeneration compared to controls.

CSF SCRN1 correlated strongly with CSF phosphorylated tau and total tau.

CSF SCRN1 increased across Braak stages and negatively correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination score.
Low‐pressure plasticization of PEBAX 2533 membrane by carbon dioxide
Authors: Park Taejun , Chung Eunhyea
Published: March 2023

PEBAX 2533 membrane is used to investigate plasticization by carbon dioxide (CO2) at low pressure. To reduce complex interaction caused by hydrostatic pressure and competitive sorption, a new experimental technique named the “Rest test” is presented. In the Rest test, the membrane is exposed to permeation of CO2 at 4 bar for 30 min and then put to rest for up to 12 h with residual CO2 after ventilation. When the membrane rests more than 9 h with residual CO2 after the permeation, the permeability increases by, at least, 50%. Permeation of CO2 is the prerequisite condition of permeability increase during the rest. Permeability increase in the Rest test is improved by permeate side purge and prolonged rest period. Fugacity and sorption of leftover CO2 during the rest are the main factors inducing the permeability increase, whereas the permeability increase is suppressed by higher feed pressure and longer CO2 permeation time, indicating the influence of hydrostatic pressure. The Rest test cannot increase the permeability of glassier PEBAX 1657. The findings and relevant factors suggest that low‐pressure plasticization during the rest is a potential source of the permeability increase.
Sexually dimorphic metal alterations in childhood obesity are modulated by a complex interplay between inflammation, insulin, and sex hormones
Authors: González‐Domínguez Álvaro , Domínguez‐Riscart Jesús , Millán‐Martínez María , Lechuga‐Sancho Alfonso María , González‐Domínguez Raúl
Published: March 2023

Although growing evidence points to a pivotal role of perturbed metal homeostasis in childhood obesity, sexual dimorphisms in this association have rarely been investigated. In this study, we applied multi‐elemental analysis to plasma and erythrocyte samples from an observational cohort comprising children with obesity, with and without insulin resistance, and healthy control children. Furthermore, a wide number of variables related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and sex hormones were also determined. Children with obesity, regardless of sex and insulin resistance status, showed increased plasma copper‐to‐zinc ratios. More interestingly, obesity‐related erythroid alterations were found to be sex‐dependent, with increased contents of iron, zinc, and copper being exclusively detected among female subjects. Our findings suggest that a sexually dimorphic hormonal dysregulation in response to a pathological cascade involving inflammatory processes and hyperinsulinemia could be the main trigger of this female‐specific intracellular sequestration of trace elements. Therefore, the present study highlights the relevance of genotypic sex as a susceptibility factor influencing the pathogenic events behind childhood obesity, thereby opening the door to develop sex‐personalized approaches in the context of precision medicine.
Risk aversion in risk‐taking tasks: Combined effects of feedback attributes and cognitive reflection ability
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Siliu , Xiao Zhibing , Li Dandan , Lv Chenyu , Zhang Shuyue , Turel Ofir , He Qinghua
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Feedback on human choices is important because it can affect risk‐taking and rationality in subsequent decisions. In daily life, choices are not always followed by immediate outcomes nor are they always followed by simple, single‐dimensional feedback. Here, we seek to extend previous studies on the effects of feedback on subsequent risk‐taking in three experiments.

Methods

We examine whether (1) the effect of feedback immediacy on participants’ risk‐taking exists in tasks containing explicit probabilistic outcome values; (2) increasing feedback dimensionality from one dimension (only about the outcome) to include a second dimension (also about the “rationality” of prior choices) increases feedback effects on risk‐taking; and (3) cognitive reflection ability moderates feedback effects on risk‐taking.

Results

Results showed that feedback reduced risk‐taking in tasks containing explicit probabilistic outcomes (Studies 1 and 2). They further showed that two‐dimensional feedback produces a stronger reduction in risk‐taking compared to single‐dimensional feedback (Study 3). Lastly, results suggested that cognitive reflection ability moderates the effects of feedback on risk‐taking (Study 4).

Conclusion

Taken together, the findings extended the understanding of risk‐taking and mitigating mechanisms and pave the way for intervention studies aimed at changing risky behaviors.
Applying a neurodiversity affirmative approach to the pluralistic framework
Authors: Mills Danielle
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To date, there has been no research exploring the use of a pluralistic framework when working with neurodivergent (ND) clients. This research addresses the gap between theory and practice and explores therapist perspectives and experiences using the pluralistic framework as an ND therapist and/or when working with ND clients.

Methods

Eight pluralistic therapists were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews. This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to capture lived experiences and sense‐making of the participants. The therapists had a range of experiences—some were ND themselves and working with ND clients.

Results

Six key themes emerged from the results: the importance of language; client strengths and cultural resources; collaboration and shared decision‐making; demystifying therapy; learning events within therapy; and flexibility. These results were synthesised into two overarching themes: ND justice and the pluralistic model as a supportive framework for ND affirmative practice. The approaches within the participants' therapeutic interactions modelled a neurodiversity justice approach. There was a belief that the pluralistic framework could have been designed for neurological difference. There was a deep respect for client experience along with hearing the client, giving voice, and respecting choice embedded in the approach. The participants were able to use the model to facilitate client autonomy and normalise them being part of their own processes both in therapy and in life.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the experience of ND, which can be used to improve practice and increase knowledge in the field.
Synergistic role of circulating CD14++CD16+ monocytes and fibrinogen in predicting the cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Chong , Zeng Shan , Ji Wenjie , Li Zhi , Sun Haonan , Teng Tianming , Yu Ying , Zhou Xin , Yang Qing
Published: March 2023

Background

Monocytes and fibrinogen (FIB) play important roles in driving acute and reparative inflammatory pathways after myocardial infarction (MI). In humans, there are three subsets of monocytes, namely, CD14++CD16− (Mon1), CD14++CD16+ (Mon2), and CD14+CD16++ (Mon3). During the inflammatory response, monocyte subsets express high levels of integrin αMβ2 and protease‐activated receptors 1 and 3 to interact with FIB.

Hypothesis

However, whether there is a synergistic role of FIB combined with Mon2 counts in prioritizing patients at high risk of future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after MI remains unknown.

Methods

The MI patients who treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. MI patients were categorized into four groups, that is, low FIB/low Mon2, low FIB/high Mon2, high FIB/low Mon2, and high FIB/high Mon2, according to cutoff values of 3.28 g/L for FIB and 32.20 cells/μL for Mon2. Kaplan−Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of MACEs of MI patients during a median follow‐up of 2.7 years. Mediating effects of high FIB levels and MACEs associated with high monocyte subsets were calculated by mediation analysis.

Results

High FIB/high Mon2 group had the highest risk of MACEs during a median follow‐up of 2.7 years. Moreover, mediation analysis showed that a high FIB level could explain 24.9% (p < .05) of the increased risk of MACEs associated with Mon2.

Conclusion

This work provides evidence indicating the translational potential of a synergistic role of FIB combined with Mon2 in prioritizing patients at high risk of future MACEs after MI.
Advances in whole aerosol approaches for in vitro e‐cigarette testing
Authors: Bishop Emma , Gaça Marianna , Thorne David
Published: March 2023

Electronic‐cigarette regulation and risk assessment is a prominent and developing field, as the popularity and prevalence of this product category increases. Over the last 10 years since their emergence, there have been many advances and adaptations to current in vitro testing techniques to better assess and predict absolute consumer risk. However, there are still requirements to create a cross‐field harmonised approach to appropriate exposure and experimental design. With many assessments still being carried out using methods developed and optimised for cigarette smoke, there must first be an acknowledgement regarding the differences between cigarette smoke and tobacco‐free e‐cigarette aerosols before we can accurately assess these distinct products. Here, we discuss five published studies from within our own research to demonstrate how in vitro testing techniques have evolved to improve determination of risk by considering appropriate dosimetry and exposure for both e‐cigarette and cigarette aerosols and how we can contextualise the data through human consumption and dose extrapolation, ultimately giving more relevance to in vitro data. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the evolution of techniques, which has allowed us to bridge between platforms, simplify exposure set‐up, experimental design and demonstrate technology evolution within our products, thus fulfilling a responsible duty of care to consumers via an appropriate and robust in vitro product assessment.
Myostatin inhibitory peptides in sports drug testing
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Agricola Johannes , Thomas Andreas , Thevis Mario
Published: March 2023

Across species, skeletal muscle mass is negatively regulated by the TGF‐β cytokine myostatin (MSTN). Inhibitors of this growth factor and its signaling pathways are therefore not only promising therapeutics for muscular diseases but also potential performance‐enhancing agents in sports. Within this study, protein precipitation and liquid chromatography high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS/MS) were employed to develop a detection method for six novel MSTN inhibitory peptides derived from the regulatory MSTN propeptide and the natural MSTN inhibitor follistatin (FST) from doping control serum samples. The approach was comprehensively characterized and found to allow for a specific detection down to concentrations of 3–9 ng/mL. Moreover, several potential metabolites of the drug candidates referred to as DF‐3, DF‐25, and Peptide 7 were identified as valuable complementary analytical targets for doping control analytical assays. Overall, the acquired data pave the way for an implementation of MSTN inhibitory peptides into routine sports drug testing. Even though no drug candidate has obtained clinical approval yet, a proactive development of detection assays is of utmost importance to deter athletes from misusing such compounds, which are readily available for research purposes and on the black market.
Sharing is living: The role of habitat heterogeneity in the coexistence of closely related species
Authors: Sanches Fábio H. C. , De Grande Fernando R. , Costa Tânia M. , Barreto Rodrigo E.
Published: March 2023

In biologically diverse ecosystems, an essential process to support competing species to coexist is ecological differentiation. Habitat heterogeneity is, hence, important in establishing species abundance and richness, favoring the coexistence of species due to habitat partition. In this context, shading and species thermal tolerance can be good factors to elucidate the role of habitat heterogeneity in the habitat partition among closely related species. Herein, we study shading effects in microhabitat selection, behavior, and physiological limitation on two species of fiddler crabs (Leptuca leptodactyla and Leptuca uruguayensis). Indeed, shading conditions influenced fiddler crabs species proportion over time, with L. leptodactyla more associated with nonshaded/warmer areas while the L. uruguayensis to shaded/cooler ones. They also adjusted their behavior differently from each other to deal with thermal stress. Finally, we have demonstrated that these effects are related to species' physiological limitations. We conclude that biologically diverse ecosystems, such as intertidal regions from estuaries (e.g., mudflats and mangroves), support the coexistence between closely related species by reducing competition due to habitat partition.
Assessing local government's response to black women's vulnerability and adaptation to the impacts of floods in the context of intersectionality: The case of eThekwini metropolitan municipality, South Africa
Authors: Udo Fidelis , Naidu Maheshvari
Published: March 2023

This article assesses how adaptation governance within the eThekwini (Durban) metropolitan municipality, KwaZulu‐Natal Province of South Africa, addresses the vulnerability and adaptation of black African women to flood impacts within the municipality. The article argues that there is an intersectional lens through which black local women's experiences of vulnerability to the impact of climate change disasters need to be understood and addressed. Qualitative research methodologies were employed to collect data through semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions with local black African women from four areas in Durban who have experienced frequent floods over the past years. Personnel from eThekwini municipality's Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department and Disaster Management Department were also interviewed. The feminist political ecology perspective was used to unpack the nuances in power relations that engendered black African women's vulnerability and adaptation to flood impacts within the municipality. The study's findings revealed that the overall vulnerability experiences of black African women in Durban are shaped by factors relating to the lack of an ‘intentionally gendered’ approach to adaptation governance in the municipality. Adopting an intentional approach to adaptation governance is essential to inform policies responding to local black Africans' vulnerability and adaptation experiences within the study's context.