bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can unstimulated whole salivary flow objectively classify salivary gland secretory function in Sjögren’s syndrome?
Authors: Peng Li-Qin , Chen Xing-Huan , Yang Wen-Jing , Huang Wen-Ke , Ouyang Zhi-Ming , Cai Li-Yuan , Dai Lie , Mo Ying-Qian
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the testing time for unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF) can be shortened to 5 min in patients with suspected Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS); and which SjS patients can use UWSF to evaluate salivary gland (SG) secretory function.

Method

A diagnostic cohort comprising suspected SjS patients was conducted to investigate the correlation between UWSF measurements taken at 10 min (UWSF_10 min) and those taken at 5 min (UWSF_5 min). A group of SjS patients was enrolled for a comparison between UWSF and stimulated whole salivary flow (SWSF).

Results

In 734 suspected SjS patients, there was a remarkably high concordance between UWSF_10 min and UWSF_5 min (ICC 0.970, P < 0.001; r 0.973, P < 0.001). Reducing the testing time for UWSF to 5 min resulted in a high PPV of 83.8% and an exceptionally high NPV of 98.7%. In 408 SjS patients, the cut-off values of UWSF_10 min were investigated to classify SG secretory function. Using a threshold of > 0.2 mL/min (36.8%, 150/408) instead of SWSF > 0.7 mL/min (indicating mild secretory hypofunction), the specificity and PPV were found to be 94.2% and 94.0%, respectively; and using a threshold of < 0.05 mL/min (16.9%, 69/408) instead of SWSF ≤ 0.7 mL/min (indicating moderate to severe secretory hypofunction), the specificity was remarkably high at 97.6%, accompanied by a high PPV of 91.3%.

Conclusions

This study supports the possibility of reducing UWSF testing time to 5 min; and the SWSF test may be skipped for SjS patients with USWF > 0.2 mL/min, indicating mild secretory hypofunction, or < 0.05 mL/min, indicating moderate to severe secretory hypofunction.

Key Points•A diagnostic cohort of 734 patients with clinical suspicion of SjS provides compelling evidence for the potential to reduce the testing time for UWSF from 10 to 5 min.•Our finding challenges the 2019 treatment recommendation for SjS, which does not require SWSF measurement in SjS patients with UWSF ≥ 0.1 mL/min.•We propose that it may be feasible to consider utilizing UWSF instead of SWSF test for objective classification of SG secretory function in over half of SjS patients.
Elevated serum mtDNA in COVID-19 patients is linked to SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein targeting mitochondrial VDAC1, inducing apoptosis and mtDNA release
Authors: Shteinfer-Kuzmine Anna , Verma Ankit , Bornshten Rut , Ben Chetrit Eli , Ben-Ya’acov Ami , Pahima Hadas , Rubin Ethan , Mograbi Yosef , Shteyer Eyal , Shoshan-Barmatz Varda
Published: October 2024

Mitochondria dysfunction is implicated in cell death, inflammation, and autoimmunity. During viral infections, some viruses employ different strategies to disrupt mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, while others, including SARS-CoV-2, induce host cell apoptosis to facilitate replication and immune system modulation. Given mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNA) role as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern in inflammatory diseases, we examined its levels in the serum of COVID-19 patients and found it to be high relative to levels in healthy donors. Furthermore, comparison of serum protein profiles between healthy individuals and SARS-CoV-2-infected patients revealed unique bands in the COVID-19 patients. Using mass spectroscopy, we identified over 15 proteins, whose levels in the serum of COVID-19 patients were 4- to 780-fold higher. As mtDNA release from the mitochondria is mediated by the oligomeric form of the mitochondrial-gatekeeper—the voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC1)—we investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 protein alters VDAC1 expression. Among the three selected SARS-CoV-2 proteins, small envelope (E), nucleocapsid (N), and accessory 3b proteins, the E-protein induced VDAC1 overexpression, VDAC1 oligomerization, cell death, and mtDNA release. Additionally, this protein led to mitochondrial dysfunction, as evidenced by increased mitochondrial ROS production and cytosolic Ca2+ levels. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 E-protein induces mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and mtDNA release via VDAC1 modulation. mtDNA that accumulates in the blood activates the cGAS-STING pathway, triggering inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression that contribute to the cytokine storm and tissue damage seen in cases of severe COVID-19.
Quantifying cellulose content in plastic-cellulose material mixtures
Authors: Kauppi Emilia , Niskanen Jukka , Hiltunen Eero , Paltakari Jouni
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the capabilities of various measurement techniques for quantifying the cellulose content in reject material from a carton recycling center, which consists of polyethylene, cellulose, and aluminum, along with impurities. Different measurement techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy combined with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), cellulose dissolution using cupri-ethylenediamine (CED) from plastic followed by gravimetric analysis, acid hydrolysis combined with chromatography, and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis TGA, are employed in this study. Acid hydrolysis combined with chromatography and TGA shows comparable results when compared to different techniques for analyzing pulper reject. Dissolution with CED showed also comparable results but shows higher variation than TGA or chromatography. FTIR absorbance ratio of 1025/2917 correlates with cellulose content, but it shows high variation and lacks sensitivity below 5% cellulose content in polyethylene. This limitation is attributed to factors such as the limited measurement area (1.8 mm) and the large particle size of the cellulose and LDPE mixtures, possibly caused by inadequate grinding of LDPE. In conclusion, TGA and acid hydrolysis combined with chromatography are the most reliable for quantifying cellulose content in recycling reject, providing more consistent and accurate results than FTIR-ATR or CED dissolution methods.
How much C is in TPACK? A systematic review on the assessment of TPACK in mathematics
Authors: Kadluba Alina , Strohmaier Anselm , Schons Christian , Obersteiner Andreas
Published: October 2024

Teachers need technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) for teaching with technology, and its assessment is crucial for research and practice. Previous literature reviews on TPACK assessment were not specific to a content area (e.g., mathematics), although, by definition, the TPACK framework includes content-specific knowledge facets. Consequently, requirements for TPACK assessment could differ depending on the content. Further, reliable assessment of mathematics-specific TPACK depends on the quality of the test instruments used, but there is no consensus on the type of instruments used in past studies. This systematic literature review adds to existing reviews by focusing on TPACK assessment in mathematics, investigating the study characteristics, the instrument characteristics, and the operationalizations of TPACK. Regarding study characteristics, the findings reveal an increase in the number of studies conducted across various countries worldwide. As for instrument characteristics, researchers frequently used self-developed instruments to assess TPACK, often without providing information on reliability or validity measures. Regarding operationalizations, more than half of the studies used self-report scales to assess mathematics-specific TPACK, followed by observations and material analyses, while knowledge tests were hardly used. Additionally, assessments typically referred to the domain of mathematics as a whole instead of subdomains of mathematics. The results raise questions regarding the validity of the instruments and the comparability across studies.
Contestations of Internet Governance and Digital Authoritarianism in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Zahid Shahab , Yilmaz Ihsan , Akbarzadeh Shahram , Bashirov Galib
Published: October 2024

The existing literature on Internet governance offers important insights on the relationship between state and society in China and the West. It is important to explore this relationship in the developing world. This study focuses on Pakistan, exploring the role of relevant legal frameworks, political authorities, and institutional structures in relation to monitoring and regulating telephone traffic, legal compliance, and consumer interests. By focusing on the interplay between political dynamics, international partnerships, and evolving digital landscapes, this study examines the evolution of Internet governance model in Pakistan. While Pakistan appears on a trajectory to digital authoritarianism, its journey is hampered by structural limitations, resistance from democratic forces, concerns about data protection and privacy, pushback from the judiciary, and the emergence of a vigilant civil society. Challenges in establishing a coherent authoritarian model of Internet governance have resulted in an ad hoc approach. This study offers a nuanced understanding of multifaceted factors influencing Internet governance in a developing country.
Parental Perceptions of Community and Professional Attitudes Toward Autism
Authors: Thayer Natalie , Marsack-Topolewski Christina , Wilson Kaitlyn
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine parent perceptions of professional and community attitudes about autism through the lens of parenting their autistic children from birth through adulthood. Implications of this research may assist with future development and study of professional and community supports of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The study participants consisted of 51 parents who had an adult-aged child on the autism spectrum. One-on-one interviews were conducted with parents about their experiences raising a child with autism. Data were double-coded and analyzed using a qualitative, phenomenological approach to explore parents’ experiences with and perceptions of society members’ attitudes towards autism. Positive and negative themes were identified across parents’ perceptions of professionals and of community members. Themes regarding professional attitudes included cooperating with family requests, presuming competence of individuals with autism, complacency towards the needs of families and individuals with autism, and discrimination towards the individual with autism based on age or level of need. Themes regarding community member attitudes included valuing the strengths of individuals with autism, accommodating autistic differences, intolerance of autistic traits, and prejudice towards individuals with autism. Findings indicate that professional and community members presented with both positive and negative attitudes towards autism and individuals on the autism spectrum, with negative attitudes proving more prevalent in parent recollections. Results suggest a need for further research and related training to improve interactions with and support of individuals with autism and their families.
Spoiled Rotten? LMXSC Motivates Greater Supervisor-Directed Deviance in Individuals Who Were Overindulged as Children
Authors: Korman Benjamin A.
Published: October 2024

Recent work has demonstrated that perceiving oneself as being treated better by one’s leader compared to one’s coworkers’ treatment by the same leader (i.e., leader-member exchange social comparison; LMXSC) can motivate aggressive behavior towards one’s colleagues. Extending these findings, the current paper argues that high LMXSC employees can also be motivated to show aggressive behavior towards their leader, depending on their early experiences with authority figures (i.e., parents/guardians). Using both experimental and time-lagged field study designs, this study demonstrates that LMXSC elicits hubristic pride which, in turn, motivates supervisor-directed deviance in subordinates who were overindulged by their parents/guardians as children. These findings challenge the assumption that high LMXSC employees reciprocate their leaders’ positive treatment by revealing when and why they can be motivated to demonstrate aggressive and deviant leader-directed behavior.
Scheduling of Earth observing satellites using distributed constraint optimization
Authors: Krigman Shai , Grinshpoun Tal , Dery Lihi
Published: October 2024

Earth observation satellites (EOS) are satellites equipped with optical sensors that orbit the Earth to take photographs of particular areas at the request of users. With the development of space technology, the number of satellites has increased continuously. Yet still, the number of satellites cannot meet the explosive growth of applications. Thus, scheduling solutions are required to satisfy requests and obtain high observation efficiency. While the literature on multi-satellite scheduling is rich, most solutions are centralized algorithms. However, due to their cost, EOS systems are often co-funded by several agents (e.g., countries, companies, or research institutes). Central solutions require that these agents share their requests for observations with others. To date, there has yet to be a solution for EOS scheduling that protects the private information of the interested parties. In this study, we model the EOS scheduling problem as a distributed constraint optimization problem (DCOP). This modeling enables the generation of timetables for the satellites in a distributed manner without a priori sharing users’ private information with some central authority. For solving the resulting DCOP, we use and compare the results of two different local search algorithms—Distributed Stochastic Algorithm and Maximum Gain Message—which are known to produce efficient solutions in a timely manner. The modeling and solving of the resulting DCOP constitute our new solution method, which we term Distributed Satellite Timetable Solver (DSTS). Experimental evaluation reveals that the DSTS method provides solutions of higher quality than a commonly used centralized greedy algorithm and is comparable to an additional centralized algorithm that we propose.
Microstructural Characterization of Dry Powder Inhaler Formulations Using Orthogonal Analytical Techniques
Authors: Farias Gonçalo , Ganley William J. , Price Robert , Conti Denise S. , Mangal Sharad , Bielski Elizabeth , Newman Bryan , Shur Jagdeep
Published: October 2024

Purpose

For locally-acting dry powder inhalers (DPIs), developing novel analytical tools that are able to evaluate the state of aggregation may provide a better understanding of the impact of material properties and processing parameters on the invivo performance. This study explored the utility of the Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS) and dissolution as orthogonal techniques to assess microstructural equivalence of the aerosolized dose of DPIs collected with an aerosol collection device.

Methods

Commercial DPIs containing different strengths of Fluticasone Propionate (FP) and Salmeterol Xinafoate (SX) as monotherapy and combination products were sourced from different regions. These inhalers were compared with aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD), dissolution, and MDRS studies.

Results

APSD testing alone might not be able to explain differences reported elsewhere in invivo studies of commercial FP/SX drug products with different Advair® strengths and/or batches. Dissolution studies demonstrated different dissolution rates between Seretide™ 100/50 and Advair® 100/50, whereas Flixotide™ 100 and Flovent® 100 had similar dissolution rates between each other. These differences in dissolution profiles were supported by MDRS results: the dissolution rate is increased if the fraction of FP associated with high soluble components is increased. Principle component analysis was used to identify the agglomerate classes that better discriminate different products.

Conclusions

MDRS and dissolution studies of the aerosolized dose of DPIs were successfully used as orthogonal techniques. This study highlights the importance of further assessing invitro tools that are able to provide a bridge between material attributes or process parameters and invivo performance.
Strategies for managing corn crop residue in the context of greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Komorowska Monika , Niemiec Marcin , Sikora Jakub , Suder Marcin , Gródek-Szostak Zofia , Atilgan Atilgan , Ovcharuk Oleg , Lach Łukasz , Kusa Rafał , Duda Joanna
Published: October 2024

Food production is one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in primary production and in processing and the logistics chain. The most problematic and risky is the optimization of environmental effects in the stage of primary production. This is due to the significant influence of factors related to climate and soil that are difficult to predict. The scientific literature offers much information on the impact of crop residue management, but the context for assessing the impact of crop residue management in corn production on the carbon footprint is still unclear. The effectiveness of using organic additives like biochar, compost, corn, or straw to maintain soil productivity is well acknowledged. Information about the effects of particular crop residue management strategies on soil carbon sequestration, soil quality, and crop yield in corn cultivation is currently scarce. The research aimed to assess the potential for optimizing corn production through modifications in crop residue management, with a focus on the efficiency indicator being the level of greenhouse gas emissions per functional unit of the product. A 3-year growing experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different corn crop residue management strategies. The modifications of the corn cultivation technology in terms of the crop residue management strategy had a significant impact on the yield of plants and the amount of GHG emissions. The conversion of corn straw to biochar and its introduction into the soil reduced the GHG emissions from corn cultivation per functional unit, despite the energy expenditure related to straw transport and biochar production. From a 3-year time perspective, a beneficial effect of biochar addition on the size of the commercial yield of plants was observed. In variants with biochar and a reduced level of nitrogen fertilization, no reduction in yields was observed. This confirmed the hypothesis that biochar could be a useful material for the production of slow-acting fertilizers.
Connecting algorithmic fairness to quality dimensions in machine learning in official statistics and survey production
Authors: Schenk Patrick Oliver , Kern Christoph
Published: October 2024

National Statistical Organizations (NSOs) increasingly draw on Machine Learning (ML) to improve the timeliness and cost-effectiveness of their products. When introducing ML solutions, NSOs must ensure that high standards with respect to robustness, reproducibility, and accuracy are upheld as codified, e.g., in the Quality Framework for Statistical Algorithms (QF4SA; Yung et al. 2022, Statistical Journal of the IAOS). At the same time, a growing body of research focuses on fairness as a pre-condition of a safe deployment of ML to prevent disparate social impacts in practice. However, fairness has not yet been explicitly discussed as a quality aspect in the context of the application of ML at NSOs. We employ the QF4SA quality framework and present a mapping of its quality dimensions to algorithmic fairness. We thereby extend the QF4SA framework in several ways: First, we investigate the interaction of fairness with each of these quality dimensions. Second, we argue for fairness as its own, additional quality dimension, beyond what is contained in the QF4SA so far. Third, we emphasize and explicitly address data, both on its own and its interaction with applied methodology. In parallel with empirical illustrations, we show how our mapping can contribute to methodology in the domains of official statistics, algorithmic fairness, and trustworthy machine learning.

Little to no prior knowledge of ML, fairness, and quality dimensions in official statistics is required as we provide introductions to these subjects. These introductions are also targeted to the discussion of quality dimensions and fairness.
Development, physico-chemical characterization, and in vivo stability of a novel aglycosylated monoclonal antibody targeting FAM19A5
Authors: Kim Won Kyum , Seong Jae Young , Lee Gyun Min
Published: October 2024

Introducing aglycosylation into therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can prevent side effects associated with fragment crystallizable (Fc)-mediated effector functions. This modification induces structural changes in the heavy chain constant domain 2-constant domain 3 within Fc regions, which decreases antibody stability at acidic pH and high temperature. In this study, NS101, a novel aglycosylated mAb targeting family with sequence similarity 19, A5 (FAM19A5) for neurological diseases was evaluated with respect to its developability and in vivo stability as therapeutics. When recombinant CHO cells producing NS101 were cultivated using a fed-batch mode in a 500 L bioreactor, cell growth and mAb production profiles were consistent across three consecutive runs. NS101, thus produced, features an additional intra-disulfide bond in the heavy chain complementarity-determining region 3, contributing strong and sophisticated binding to the cryptic epitope. The melting temperature (Tm) of NS101 was lower than that of commercial glycosylated therapeutic mAbs, but NS101 showed better stability at 4 °C for 36 months. The binding affinity of NS101 to FAM19A5 and neonatal Fc receptor were comparable to those of glycosylated NS101. In addition, in three human cohort groups receiving 6, 12, and 24 mg/kg of NS101, the mean half-life was 22 days, and NS101 exhibited in vivo stability, considering that the half-lives of commercialized therapeutic mAbs and endogenous IgGs are 2–4 weeks and 21 days, respectively. Taken together, the results obtained here demonstrate that NS101, a novel aglycosylated mAb, has potential as a therapeutic agent for neurological diseases.
The effect of immigration policy regime change on state-level participation rates of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children in the United States
Authors: Lee Keehyun , Capps Oral
Published: October 2024

The change in immigration policy in state-level participation rates of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the United States by citizenship and ethnicity was estimated over the period 2013-2018 using the Triple Difference estimate method. The principal finding was that the state-level WIC participation rate for Hispanic non-citizens was lower by 8.6% relative to all other groups (Hispanic citizens, non-Hispanic citizens, and non-Hispanic non-citizens). This study then not only provides quantitative evidence concerning the ongoing debate about the impact of the immigration policy changes under the Trump administration but also extends the extant literature by estimating the causal effects of immigration policy regime change on WIC participation of non-citizens.
Optimizing Resistance Training for Sprint and Endurance Athletes: Balancing Positive and Negative Adaptations
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , Aagaard Per , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: October 2024

Resistance training (RT) triggers diverse morphological and physiological adaptations that are broadly considered beneficial for performance enhancement as well as injury risk reduction. Some athletes and coaches therefore engage in, or prescribe, substantial amounts of RT under the assumption that continued increments in maximal strength capacity and/or muscle mass will lead to improved sports performance. In contrast, others employ minimal or no RT under the assumption that RT may impair endurance or sprint performances. However, the morphological and physiological adaptations by which RT might impair physical performance, the likelihood of these being evoked, and the training program specifications that might promote such impairments, remain largely undefined. Here, we discuss how selected adaptations to RT may enhance or impair speed and endurance performances while also addressing the RT program variables under which these adaptations are likely to occur. Specifically, we argue that while some myofibrillar (muscle) hypertrophy can be beneficial for increasing maximum strength, substantial hypertrophy can lead to macro- and microscopic adaptations such as increases in body (or limb) mass and internal moment arms that might, under some conditions, impair both sprint and endurance performances. Further, we discuss how changes in muscle architecture, fiber typology, microscopic muscle structure, and intra- and intermuscular coordination with RT may maximize speed at the expense of endurance, or maximize strength at the expense of speed. The beneficial effect of RT for sprint and endurance sports can be further improved by considering the adaptive trade-offs and practical implications discussed in this review.

Graphical abstract
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Potential Biomarkers for Targeted Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging in Endometriosis: Towards Optimizing Surgical Treatment
Authors: Tummers Fokkedien H. M. P. , de Koning Rozemarijn , Bazelmans Maria K. , Jansen Frank Willem , Blikkendaal Mathijs D. , van Vlierberghe Ronald L. P. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Hazelbag Hans Marten , Kuppen Peter J. K.
Published: October 2024

Surgical intervention for endometriosis is an important treatment modality, yet incomplete resection resulting from poor visibility of affected tissue and consequently recurrence of disease remains a prevalent challenge. Intra-operative visualization of endometriosis, enabling fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), could help to optimize surgical treatment. A biomarker, upregulated in endometriosis compared to adjacent tissue, is required to use as a target for FGS. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate protein expression of a selection of previously identified potential biomarkers. Ten biomarkers were stained in a large cohort of 84 tissues, both deep and peritoneal endometriosis and tissue without endometriosis, all from patients with confirmed endometriosis. MMP11 and VCAN showed the largest upregulation in endometriosis compared to adjacent tissue and showed a membranous or extracellular staining pattern. MMP11 is a promising target for glandular and stromal visualization, VCAN for stromal visualization only. For both biomarkers, upregulation was high in both peritoneal and deep endometriosis and for patients with and without hormonal medication. Other stained biomarkers showed non-beneficial characteristics based on staining pattern or upregulation. Analysis of all endometriosis samples showed that combined glandular and stromal targeting is expected to result in optimal visualization of endometriosis. Further research is needed to determine whether targeting one biomarker is sufficient for this goal, or if dual targeting is necessary. Development of clinical tracers for VCAN and MMP11 is necessary.
Derivation of a risk-adjusted model to predict antibiotic prescribing among hospitalists in an academic healthcare network
Authors: Onwubiko Udodirim N. , Mehta Christina , Wiley Zanthia , Jacob Jesse T. , Ashley Jones K. , Kubes Julianne , Shabbir Hasan F. , Suchindran Sujit , Fridkin Scott K.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Among inpatients, peer-comparison of prescribing metrics is challenging due to variation in patient-mix and prescribing by multiple providers daily. We established risk-adjusted provider-specific antibiotic prescribing metrics to allow peer-comparisons among hospitalists.

Methods:

Using clinical and billing data from inpatient encounters discharged from the Hospital Medicine Service between January 2020 through June 2021 at four acute care hospitals, we calculated bimonthly (every two months) days of therapy (DOT) for antibiotics attributed to specific providers based on patient billing dates. Ten patient-mix characteristics, including demographics, infectious disease diagnoses, and noninfectious comorbidities were considered as potential predictors of antibiotic prescribing. Using linear mixed models, we identified risk-adjusted models predicting the prescribing of three antibiotic groups: broad spectrum hospital-onset (BSHO), broad-spectrum community-acquired (BSCA), and anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Anti-MRSA) antibiotics. Provider-specific observed-to-expected ratios (OERs) were calculated to describe provider-level antibiotic prescribing trends over time.

Results:

Predictors of antibiotic prescribing varied for the three antibiotic groups across the four hospitals, commonly selected predictors included sepsis, COVID-19, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, malignancy, and age >65 years. OERs varied within each hospital, with medians of approximately 1 and a 75th percentile of approximately 1.25. The median OER demonstrated a downward trend for the Anti-MRSA group at two hospitals but remained relatively stable elsewhere. Instances of heightened antibiotic prescribing (OER >1.25) were identified in approximately 25% of the observed time-points across all four hospitals.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate provider-specific benchmarking among inpatient providers is achievable and has potential utility as a valuable tool for inpatient stewardship efforts.
A synthesis of the current state of marine biodiversity knowledge in the Isles of Scilly, UK
Authors: Exeter Owen M. , Axelsson Magnus , Branscombe Julian , Broderick Annette , Hooper Tom , Morcom Sarah , Russell Trudy , Somerfield Paul J. , Sugar Kate , Webber Julie , Metcalfe Kristian
Published: October 2024

Synthesising knowledge on the health of marine ecosystems and the human activities is crucial to informing holistic marine management. In many coastal states, however, research is conducted in an ad hoc manner and rarely compiled into accessible repositories making it challenging for marine managers to identify knowledge gaps when allocating resources. Here we conduct a structured review of existing literature to identify the current state of marine and coastal knowledge in the Isles of Scilly, an oceanic archipelago in the UK. The archipelago's marine flora and fauna are biogeographically unique in the Northeast Atlantic, with a distinct mosaic of warm and cold temperate habitats and species and are also considered a rare example of a near pristine marine environment in the otherwise highly degraded Northeast Atlantic Ocean. We found 150 sources relating to the marine biodiversity and relevant human activities in the Isles of Scilly with increasing diversification of research topics in recent years. Sources however remain dominated by specific taxa and habitats, suggesting the Isles of Scilly would particularly benefit from future research into: (1) anthropogenic impacts associated with warming waters and intense seasonal vessel activity; (2) development of repeatable survey protocols that can underpin long-term, ecosystem-based monitoring and management (notably for reef and sediment habitats and the European spiny lobster); and (3) data gaps associated with marine teleost fish and elasmobranch communities including identifying core habitat. This review can therefore act as a baseline biological synthesis for the region and importantly, can inform future research priorities.
Kitchen Hinduism: Food politics and Hindi cookbooks in colonial North India
Authors: Gupta Charu
Published: October 2024

This article deliberates on the entanglements between politics and the history of food, health, and gender in Hindu middle-class households of early twentieth-century North India, through the genre of printed cookbooks in Hindi. While cookbooks became important nodes through which to construct an ideal Hindu housewife and kitchen, they were also a place where educated, middle-class women’s voices came to be heard, recorded, and published. The article shows how and why cookbooks are an important source for writing gendered social histories of the Hindu middle classes in modern India. Simultaneously, reflecting on the larger politics of food, the article focuses on the social identities embedded in these culinary texts, and the multiple meanings they embodied, as they strengthened gender, caste, and religious boundaries, constructed a past golden culinary age, upheld ayurvedic knowledge, bemoaned the present state of culinary sciences, used food to overcome the malaise of the middle classes, fashioned an ideal Hindu upper-caste palate as synonymous with a vegetarian diet, and imagined a healthy family and a strong Hindu nation through culinary idioms.
Predictive models of post-traumatic stress disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents following a single-event trauma
Authors: Memarzia Jessica , Lofthouse Katie , Dalgleish Tim , Boyle Adrian , McKinnon Anna , Dixon Clare , Smith Patrick , Meiser-Stedman Richard
Published: October 2024

Background

This study examined the power of theory-derived models to account for the development of PTSD, Complex PTSD (CPTSD), depression, and anxiety in children and adolescents who had experienced a single-event trauma.

Methods

Children (n = 234, aged 8–17 years) recruited from local Emergency Departments were assessed at two and nine weeks post-trauma. Data obtained from self-report questionnaires completed by the child, telephone interviews with parents, and hospital data were used to develop four predictive models of risk factors for PTSD, CPTSD, depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). ICD-11 proposed diagnostic criteria were used to generate measures for CPTSD and PTSD to assess for risk factors and identify the sample prevalence of these disorders.

Results

At nine weeks post-trauma, 64% did not meet criteria for any disorder, 23.5% met criteria for PTSD, and 5.2% met criteria for CPTSD. 23.9% and 10.7% had developed clinically significant symptoms of depression and GAD, respectively. A cognitive model was the most powerful predictive model, a psychosocial model was weak, and subjective markers of event severity were more powerful than objective measures.

Conclusions

Youth exposed to single-incident trauma may develop different forms of psychopathology, and PTSD and CPTSD are frequently experienced alongside other conditions. The cognitive model of PTSD shows utility in identifying predictors of PTSD, CPTSD, depression, and GAD, particularly the role of trauma-related negative appraisals. This supports the application of cognitive interventions which focus upon re-appraising trauma-related beliefs in youth.
Privilege and prejudice in private online English teaching: Discourses in school-owned recruitment websites
Authors: Domingo Ephraim V.
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies have analyzed various aspects of English language teaching to uncover discriminatory employment practices within the field. However, there is a gap in the research regarding the discourses present in school-managed teacher recruitment websites (TRWs), particularly in the field of private online language education (POLE). This study aims to address this gap by investigating how the preferred online English teacher is characterized and what benefits they are promised when visiting these webpages. Using critical discourse analysis, the author analyzed the textual elements of 32 TRWs of online English schools operating in six major markets in Asia. The findings reveal that although a few schools show signs of relatively fair policies and emphasize professional qualifications, most of them appear to exploit native-speakerism through their application requirements and compensation policies that often favor only some groups. The implications emphasize the benefits of creating equitable employment opportunities and professionalizing POLE by leveraging the qualifications and experience of teachers from diverse backgrounds, while ensuring fair compensation. Finally, this study provides practical strategies for present and prospective online teachers on how to take advantage of the opportunities of digital language work while contributing to the attainment of equity in the industry.
Potential actions for preventing high consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners among Chilean children and adolescents: recommendations from a panel of relevant actors
Authors: Reyes Marcela , Pino Constanza , Ortega Alejandra , Pemjean Isabel , Corvalán Camila , Garmendia María Luisa
Published: October 2024

Objective:

To provide local policymakers with a guideline of potential actions to prevent the high consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners (NNS) among children and adolescents observed in Chile, given the potential health problems related to NNS intake.

Design:

The Delphi method was used for the evaluation of twenty-one recommendations to decrease the intake of NNS in paediatric population, with the participation of a panel of relevant actors.

Setting:

The proposed recommendations were developed by the research team using the NOURISHING framework; potential actions were based on the increase in the use and intake of NNS by Chilean children, current local food regulations, recommendations of health organisations and foreign policy experiences.

Participants:

Twenty-five relevant actors related to NNS, nutrition, food technology and paediatrics (out of thirty-nine invitations made to scholars, professional institutions and civil society’s organisations) participated in the Delphi study.

Results:

A consensus was reached on nine recommendations regarding relevance and feasibility to be part of the guideline. Recommendations involved measures mostly related to improving the delivery of information (food content and potential health effects of NNS), supporting the generation of more evidence of NNS health effects and substitutes, and marketing restrictions when targeted to children.

Conclusions:

The process produced a nine-action guideline to reduce the excessive NNS consumption among Chilean children and adolescents. Developed through a consensus-driven approach among key stakeholders, this guideline provides policymakers with a framework to adopt a precautionary stance, particularly concerning vulnerable populations, given the currently inconclusive evidence on the long-term health effects of NNS consumption.
An exploratory qualitative study on factors influencing the level of agreement in symptom reports in child–caregiver dyads
Authors: Montgomery Kathleen E. , Alshakhshir Nadeen , Basha Mays , Geenen Elizabeth , Nyholm Leah , Skeens Micah A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Clinicians often rely on caregiver proxy symptom reports to treat cancer-related symptoms in children. Research has described disagreement between children’s and caregivers’ symptom reports. Factors influencing the level of agreement is an understudied area. Thus, this study aimed to examine potential factors contributing to the level of agreement between symptom reports provided by children and their caregivers.

Methods

Sixteen child–caregiver dyads participated separately in semi-structured interviews after completing a brief symptom measure independently using an electronic device. Child and caregiver quantitative symptom responses were reviewed in real-time and incorporated into the semi-structured interview. Sample characteristics and the level of agreement between symptom reports were calculated using descriptive statistics. Transcribed participant interviews were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Nearly half of child–caregiver dyads exhibited a moderate (37.5%, n = 6) or low (18.75%, n = 3) level of agreement on the abbreviated symptom measure. Qualitative analysis identified 5 themes: recognizing symptoms, experiencing symptoms, communicating symptoms, re-assessing and treating symptoms, and influencing individual and relationship factors. Influencing individual, including a child’s tendencies or personality traits, and relationship factors intersected the other themes, partially explained their symptom perceptions, and served to facilitate or hinder symptom communication.

Significance of Results

Symptom communication is an important part of the symptom cycle, comprised of symptom recognition, experience, and management. Individual and relational factors may influence discrepancies in symptom perceptions between the child and caregiver. Clinicians and researchers should consider developing interventions to enhance symptom communication and promote collaboration between children and their caregivers to address symptom suffering during cancer treatment.
High‐Resolution Modeling and Projecting Local Dynamics of Differential Vulnerability to Urban Heat Stress
Authors: Marginean I. , Crespo Cuaresma J. , Hoffmann R. , Muttarak R. , Gao J. , Daloz Anne Sophie
Published: October 2024

Climate change‐induced heat stress has significant effects on human health, and is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Most assessments of future heat‐related risks however are based on coarse resolution projections of heat hazards and overlook the contribution of relevant factors other than climate change to the negative impacts on health. Research highlights sociodemographic disparities related to heat stress vulnerability, especially among older adults, women and individuals with low socioeconomic status, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. There is thus an urgent need for detailed, local information on demographic characteristics underlying vulnerability with refined spatial resolution. This study aims to address the research gaps by presenting a new population projection exercise at high‐resolution based on the Bayesian modeling framework for the case study of Madrid, using demographic data under the scenarios compatible with the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways. We examine the spatial and temporal distribution of population subgroups at the intra‐urban level within Madrid. Our findings reveal a concentration of vulnerable populations, as measured by their age, sex and educational attainment level in some of the city's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. These vulnerable clusters are projected to widen in the future unless a sustainable trajectory is realized, driving vulnerability dynamics toward a more uniform and resilient change. These results can guide local adaptation efforts and support climate justice initiatives to protect vulnerable communities in urban environments.
Diverse Responses of Upper Ocean Temperatures to Chlorophyll‐Induced Solar Absorption Across Different Coastal Upwelling Regions
Authors: Meng Siyu , Webber Benjamin G. M. , Stevens David P. , Joshi Manoj , Palmieri Julien , Yool Andrew
Published: October 2024

Chlorophyll in phytoplankton absorbs solar radiation (SR) and affects the thermal structure and dynamics within upwelling regions. However, research on this process across global‐scale coastal upwelling systems is still lacking. Here, we use a coupled ocean‐biogeochemical model to investigate differing responses to chlorophyll‐induced solar absorption between Pacific and Atlantic coastal upwelling regions. Chlorophyll‐induced solar absorption leads to colder Pacific coastal upwelling but warmer Atlantic coastal upwelling. In the Pacific, the shading effect of the surface chlorophyll maximum leads to colder subsurface water, which is then upwelled, contributing to cooling. The more stratified upper ocean leads to shallower mixed layer depth, intensifying offshore transport and upwelling. In the Atlantic, the absorption of SR by the subsurface chlorophyll maximum causes warmer and weaker upwelling. The processes described, in turn, trigger positive feedback to ocean biogeochemistry and potentially interact with climate dynamics, underscoring the necessity to incorporate them into Earth system models.
Tracking the Filling, Outburst Flood and Resulting Subglacial Water Channel From a Large Canadian Arctic Subglacial Lake
Authors: Gray Laurence , Lauzon Benoît , Copland Luke , Van Wychen Wesley , Dow Christine , Kochtitzky Will , Alley Karen E.
Published: October 2024

We use digital elevation models (DEMs) and ICESat‐2 data to study the filling and outflow from a large subglacial lake under Manson Icefield in the Canadian Arctic. When full, the lake is ∼17 × 3 km with an area of 52 km2. Early in 2021 the ice surface over the center of the lake sank by >140 m implying a subglacial outburst flood of ∼4 km3. Rapid outflow occurred over ∼30 days at an average rate of ∼1,500 m3s−1 resulting in the formation of a single ∼15 km subglacial outflow path detectable from post‐outflow surface depression. The shape of the surface depression, 600–800 m wide by 2–4 m deep, reflects the shape of the subglacial channel prior to closure. Downstream ice movement appears unaffected by the outflow. After outflow ends the surface depression persisted over weeks, apparently dependent on the difference between water and overburden pressures.
Landmine Detection Using Electromagnetic Time Reversal‐Based Methods: 2. Performance Analysis of TR‐MUSIC
Authors: Karami Hamidreza , Koch André , Romero Carlos , Rubinstein Marcos , Rachidi Farhad
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a series of numerical simulations are conducted for various 2D and 3D configurations to demonstrate the performance of the Time Reversal MUltiple SIgnal Classification (TR‐MUSIC) method. The results reveal the excellent performance of TR‐MUSIC, taking into account the effects of noise, soil types (both homogeneous and layered), and their electrical parameters, as well as different types of targets (varying in number, size, shape, and location). Additionally, unlike other electromagnetic TR‐based techniques, TR‐MUSIC offers very high resolution (on the order of /10 or higher) with a reasonable number of sensors, enabling the detection of multiple closely spaced targets. In TR‐based methods, reflections from the object(s) or landmine(s) are crucial and are determined by the difference between the constitutive parameters (e.g., permittivity, permeability, and conductivity) of the landmine(s) and their surrounding medium. Therefore, TR‐based approaches, similar to conventional GPR‐based approaches, are suitable for detecting objects or landmines with significant differences in constitutive parameters compared to their immersion medium. This research primarily focuses on metallic objects or landmines.
A nano-biosensing platform based on CuS-BSA for label-free fluorescence detection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Shanglin , Liu Mei
Published: October 2024

A fluorescence biosensing strategy was developed based on CuS-BSA for sensitive and rapid detection of Escherichia coli.
Effects of media composition and light exposure on the electrochemical current response during scanning electrochemical microscopy live cell imaging
Authors: Thomas Nikita , Lyu Mengzhen , Khouv Jadon , Lima Dhésmon , Kuss Sabine
Published: October 2024

The cellular electrochemical current response is impacted by media composition and light exposure during scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM).
Reduction of CS2 to an ethanetetrathiolate by a hydride-bridged uranium–iridium heterobimetallic complex
Authors: Ye Christopher Z. , Del Rosal Iker , Ouellette Erik T. , Hohloch Stephan , Maron Laurent , Camp Clément , Arnold John
Published: October 2024

We report the synthesis of a heterobimetallic U(iii)–Ir species which reacts with CS2 to form the novel ethanetetrathiolate fragment via hydride insertion and C–C coupling.
Silver-catalyzed cascade cyclization for the synthesis of 4-aminotetrahydrocarbazole
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Xu Xinxin , Yang Kangkang , Li Mingxing , Liu Yuxiu , Song Hongjian , Wang Qingmin
Published: October 2024

A straightforward method for accessing substituted carbazoles via a silver-catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction was developed. This practical method can be used for the rapid synthesis of valuable alkaloids containing 4-aminotetrahydrocarbazole.