bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing cultural awareness competencies in purchasing and supply management education
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Hasan , Grover Abhay K. , Ogiba Greg , Yalcin Mehmet G.
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the evolving demands of purchasing and supply management (PSM) education, especially in addressing topics that have gained prominence in global supply chains. One such topic is cultural awareness. However, despite its critical relevance in today's global landscape, the topic is often underrepresented in PSM curricula. This gap is further compounded by the unique learning preferences of Generation‐Z, who are less inclined toward traditional “reading and writing” methods, presenting additional challenges for educators in teaching such complex topics. This underscores the need for innovative teaching strategies that engage students and improve knowledge retention. We propose employing an Entertainment‐Education approach by integrating movies into PSM courses. We describe a specifically tailored activity for a PSM course that includes a movie available on an over‐the‐top platform implemented at two state universities in the United States. The outcomes from both universities offer evidence supporting the development of cultural understanding within the PSM domain among the students. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of movies as educational tools, our research is one of the first within the PSM domain to investigate their potential for cultivating cultural awareness, thereby paving the way for further research into the role of movies in PSM education.
SERPING1 Reduces Cell Migration via ERK‐MMP2‐MMP‐9 Cascade in Sorafenib‐ Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hsieh Ching‐Chuan , Wu Yuh‐Harn , Chen Yi‐Li , Wang Chun‐I , Li Chao‐Jen , Liu I‐Hsiu , Chou Chen‐Wei , Lin Yang‐Hsiang , Huang Po‐Shuan , Huang Te‐Chia , Chen Cheng‐Yi
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignant tumor, and it ranks 2nd in terms of mortality rate among all malignancies in Taiwan. Sorafenib is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor that suppresses tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis around tumors via different pathways. However, the survival outcome of advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib is still unsatisfactory. Unfortunately, there are no clinically applicable biomarkers to predict sorafenib therapeutic efficiency in HCC thus far. We found that serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade G, member 1 (SERPING1) is highly associated with overall and recurrence‐free survival rates in HCC patients and is also highly correlated with several clinical parameters. SERPING1 expression was increased with sorafenib in both the HCC cell extract and conditioned medium, which was also observed in sorafenib‐resistant HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Sorafenib decreased cell viability and migration, which was similar to the effect of SERPING1 in HCC progression. Moreover, sorafenib inhibited both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity and enhanced the expression of p‐ERK in HCC cells. In summary, sorafenib reduces HCC cancer progression might through the p‐ERK‐MMP‐2‐MMP‐9 cascade via upregulation of SERPING1. In the present study, the roles and molecular mechanisms of SERPING1 and its value as a marker for predicting sorafenib resistance and progression in HCC patients were examined. The results of the present study provide a deep understanding of the roles of SERPING1 in HCC sorafenib resistance, which can be applied to develop early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation methods and establish novel therapeutic targets for specifically treating HCC.
Improving Nutrient Uptake Efficiency in Hydroponic Systems With Phytoremediation of Nitrate‐Nitrogen Contaminated Wastewater
Authors: Rajalakshmi Manimozhi , Gunasekaran Krishnamoorthy
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the efficacy of a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system in phytoremediation of nitrate‐nitrogen contaminated wastewater using six plant species: vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), golden pothos (Epiprennum aureum), crotons (Codiaeum variegatum), arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and brinjal (Solanum melongena). This study examines how well different plant species remove nitrate‐nitrogen from wastewater in an NFT hydroponic system. It finds that all plants, but especially money plant and arrowhead plant, successfully lower nitrate levels at influent concentrations of 30 and 90 mg/L. The wastewater had average pH values of 5–6.5, temperature values of 24°C–25°C, electrical conductivity values (EC) of 1.5–2 mS/cm, and total dissolved solids (TDS) between 1062 ± 199.3 and 1400 ± 124.16 mg/L. The system for golden pothos (70.94%–90.3%), crotons (62.5%–83.1%), arrowhead plant (67.25%–90.03%), vetiver grass (45.42%–83.1%), spinach (47.15%–81.71%), and brinjal (59.52%–83.38%) has shown excellent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) elimination efficiency. These results suggest that nitrate‐nitrogen contaminated wastewater can be effectively cleaned up by NFT hydroponic systems, which employ certain plant species.
Impact Assessment of Ports and Effluent Discharge on Macrobenthic Communities in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Purushothaman Atchuthan , Krishnan Anju
Published: October 2024

The burgeoning industrialization and urbanization along the Indian coastline have led to an increased prevalence of port infrastructure and effluent discharge, raising concerns about their potential impact on the delicate macrobenthic communities in coastal ecosystems. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate and synthesize existing literature on the ecological repercussions of port activities and effluent discharge on macrobenthic organisms in Indian coastal regions. The study encompasses a thorough analysis of relevant research articles, government reports, and scientific databases, focusing on diverse ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, and open coastlines. The review discusses the various stressors associated with port operations, including dredging, habitat alteration, and chemical contamination from effluent discharge. Furthermore, it explores the response mechanisms of macrobenthic communities, encompassing changes in species composition, abundance, and diversity. Special attention is given to the potential long‐term impacts on ecosystem functioning and services. The synthesis of available data enables the identification of knowledge gaps and the formulation of recommendations for future research and management strategies. Understanding the cumulative effects of port activities on macrobenthic communities is crucial for developing sustainable practices and policies to mitigate adverse impacts while fostering the resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic pressures. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the ecological consequences of human activities in Indian coastal areas, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and environmental managers alike.
Multivariate Analysis of Water Quality in the Seybouse River: Implications for Pollution Management
Authors: Samraoui Kenz Raouf , Chelaghmia Mohamed Lyamine , Samraoui Boudjéma
Published: October 2024

Heavy metal contamination in water bodies is a pervasive and persistent environmental challenge in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. This study investigates the use of multivariate analysis methods for monitoring variations in water quality along a spatial gradient and for the interpretation of pollution levels at different sampling sites. We assessed the water quality of the Seybouse River and identified possible sources of pollution using three complementary multivariate analysis techniques (PCA, NMDS, and K‐means clustering). The results indicate a longitudinal gradient in water quality associated with industrial and agricultural activities in the middle and lower Seybouse River. Physico‐chemical and heavy metal analyses show high water turbidity with elevated concentrations of iron and chromium. We show that the contamination stems from four different sources, which can be categorized into different pollution levels. Our results suggest that complementary multivariate methods are a robust approach to identifying and categorizing significant sources of pollution in rivers, enabling the development of future successful water quality management strategies based on water pollution levels. This study highlights the importance of monitoring water quality and taking effective measures to control and mitigate pollution from various sources to ensure the safety of the environment and human health.
Supersymmetry of the Robinson-Trautman solution
Authors: Nozawa Masato
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Robinson-Trautman solution in the Einstein-Maxwell-Λ system admits a shear-free and twist-free null geodesic congruence with a nonvanishing expansion. Restricting to the case where the Maxwell field is aligned, i.e., the spacetime is algebraically special, we provide an exhaustive classification of supersymmetric Robinson-Trautman spacetimes in the four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauged supergravity. The differential constraints that arise from the integrability conditions of the Killing spinor equation enable us to systematically reconstruct the metric. We derive the explicit form of the Killing spinor either by directly integrating the Killing spinor equation or by casting the solution into the canonical form of supersymmetric solutions given in [13]. In any case, the supersymmetric Robinson-Trautman solution generically exhibits a naked singularity.
CP-like symmetry with discrete and continuous groups and CP violation/restoration
Authors: Ohki Hiroshi , Uemura Shohei
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We study physical implications of general CP symmetry including CP-like symmetry. Various scattering amplitudes of CP asymmetry are calculated in CP-like symmetric models. We explicitly show that the CP-like transformation leads to a specific relation between different CP asymmetries. The resultant relation is similar to the one obtained in GUT baryogenesis and sphaleron processes, where we also obtain a required condition for generating particle number asymmetry in CP-like symmetric models. In addition, we propose a generalization of a CP-like transformation for continuous symmetry groups. Since the CP transformation is an outer automorphism, which depends on the internal symmetry group, it turns out that the physical CP and CP-like symmetries can be mutually converted through the spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) of the internal symmetry. We investigate properties of physical CP asymmetry in both CP and CP-like symmetric phases, and find that the spontaneous CP violation and restoration can be observed even in models with continuous groups. We demonstrate that CP-like symmetric models with continuous Lie groups can be naturally realized in physical CP symmetric models through the SSB.
Non-supersymmetric non-tachyonic heterotic vacua with reduced rank in various dimensions
Authors: Angelantonj Carlo , Florakis Ioannis , Leone Giorgio , Perugini Diego
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We construct rigid non-supersymmetric heterotic vacua with reduced rank and no tachyons in six and four dimensions. These configurations are based on asymmetric orbifold compactifications which do not admit neutral deformation moduli and represent, to the best of our knowledge, the first instances of non-tachyonic non-supersymmetric heterotic vacua with reduced rank.
Implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimization (i‑Violin)
Authors: Jorg Tobias , Halfmann Moritz C. , Müller Lukas , Stoehr Fabian , Mildenberger Peter , Hierath Monika , Paulo Graciano , Santos Joana , Damilakis John , Kralik Ivana , Brkljacic Boris , Cvetko Danijel , Kuhleji Dimitrij , Bosmans Hilde , Petrov Dimitar , Foley Shane , Toroi Paula , McNulty Jonathan P. , Hoeschen Christoph
Published: October 2024

Background

Advanced imaging techniques play a pivotal role in oncology. A large variety of computed tomography (CT) scanners, scan protocols, and acquisition techniques have led to a wide range in image quality and radiation exposure. This study aims at implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimization (i-Violin) through harmonizing image quality and radiation dose across Europe.

Methods

The 2‑year multicenter implementation study outlined here will focus on CT imaging of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancer and include imaging for four radiological indications: diagnosis, radiation therapy planning, staging, and follow-up. Therefore, 480 anonymized CT data sets of patients will be collected by the associated university hospitals and uploaded to a repository. Radiologists will determine key abdominopelvic structures for image quality assessment by consensus and subsequently adapt a previously developed lung CT tool for the objective evaluation of image quality. The quality metrics will be evaluated for their correlation with perceived image quality and the standardized optimization strategy will be disseminated across Europe.

Results

The results of the outlined study will be used to obtain European reference data, to build teaching programs for the developed tools, and to create a culture of optimization in oncological CT imaging.

Conclusion

The study protocol and rationale for i‑Violin, a European approach for standardization and harmonization of image quality and optimization of CT procedures in oncological imaging, is presented. Future results will be disseminated across all EU member states, and i‑Violin is thus expected to have a sustained impact on CT imaging for cancer patients across Europe.
Fundamental study on dielectric oil viscosity for high-performance wire EDM
Authors: Liu Shixian , Okada Akira , Kitamura Tomohiko
Published: October 2024

Dielectric oil has been recently used in wire electrical discharge machining (wire EDM) for achieving high-precision machining. However, the influence of dielectric oil properties on wire EDM characteristics has not been clarified sufficiently. This study fundamentally investigated the influence of dielectric oil viscosity on wire EDM characteristics. In this study, three types of dielectric oil differing only in viscosity were prepared and examined. Linear cutting experiment results showed that the removal rate and the machined surface roughness increase with dielectric oil viscosity. Then, the influence of viscosity on crater removal volume was investigated to discuss the cause of the change in removal rate, and it was found that crater removal volume increases with the viscosity. Furthermore, CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis results and discharge observation results showed that the debris exclusion becomes worse in higher viscosity oil, and the discharge concentration occurs frequently, resulting in the deterioration in machined surface roughness. Next, the difference in machining accuracy with dielectric oil viscosity was investigated. It was found that the corner shape accuracy deteriorates with the increase of viscosity while the machined surface waviness and straightness improve slightly. Structural analysis results showed that wire deflection increases with viscosity, resulting in the deterioration in corner shape accuracy. On the other hand, high-speed observation of wire vibration was carried out, and it was found that the wire vibration decreases in the case of higher viscosity, which leads to the improvement in machined surface waviness and straightness.
Hebelwerkzeuge als Spurenträger
Authors: Hollenbach David , Schlegel Linda , Cappel-Hoffmann Sabine , Makuch Darius , Schmidt Peter
Published: October 2024

Werkzeuge als Spurenträger gewinnen zunehmendes Interesse in der forensischen DNA-Analyse. Im Untersuchungsgut des Homburger Instituts ist eine deutliche Zunahme von Hebelspuren zu verzeichnen. Vor diesem Hintergrund verfolgt die vorliegende Studie das Ziel, ein rational begründetes Konzept für die Tatortarbeit zu entwickeln.

Im ersten Teilschritt wurde der DNA-Gehalt entsprechender Spuren systematisch experimentell ermittelt: Zwei Versuchspersonen setzten mit 6 verschiedenen Hebelwerkzeugen (4 Schraubendreher, 2 Nageleisen) an 3 Fenstern verschiedener Materialart (Holz, Aluminium, Kunststoff) in jeweils 24 definierten Arealen Hebelspuren. Fenster und Werkzeuge wurden mit Microbac forte (Hartmann) bzw. DNA Exitus (Applichem) gereinigt. Anschließend wurden an den Werkzeugen 3‑mal täglich, an 3 aufeinanderfolgenden Tagen unter leichtem Druck 10 aufeinanderfolgende Reibbewegungen durchgeführt. Die gefertigten Abriebe wurden standardisiert analysiert (DNA-Extraktion mit EZ1 DNA-Investigator Kit, Investigator Lyse/Spin-Basket Kit, Fa. Qiagen; Quantifizierung mittels Real-Time PCR, Investigator Quantiplex Pro Kit, Fa. Qiagen; Multiplex-PCR mit PowerPlex® ESX 17 Kit, Fa. Promega, und Kapillarelektrophorese mittels 3500 Genetic Analyzer von Applied Biosystems und Gene Mapper ID-X Software). Bei der Untersuchung von 72 Spuren wurde an einer mit einem Schraubendreher an einem Kunststofffenster gesetzten Hebelspur eine DNA in einer Konzentration von 22 pg/µl nachgewiesen und ein homogenes DNA-Profil generiert.

Anschließend wurde in einer retrospektiven Analyse empirisch verifiziert, inwiefern die experimentellen Daten eine Entsprechung in der tatsächlichen ermittlungsseitigen Fallarbeit/Spurensicherung gefunden haben. Hierzu wurden die in einem Dreijahreszeitraum vor der experimentellen Studie untersuchten 90 Hebelspuren bezüglich des Anteils der nachgewiesenen DNA-Profile ausgewertet. Dabei fanden sich 9 auswertbare Mischspuren sowie ein vollständig homogenes Profilmuster, das anhand des Ermittlungsansatzes einem Tatverdächtigen zugeordnet werden konnte. Diese Daten sollten im konkreten Ermittlungsfall bei einer kriminalistischen Abwägung zwischen Aufwand und Nutzen einer Spurenuntersuchung an der eigentlichen Hebelmarke Berücksichtigung finden.
The fuzzy Potts model in the plane: scaling limits and arm exponents
Authors: Köhler-Schindler Laurin , Lehmkuehler Matthis
Published: October 2024

We consider a critical Fortuin–Kasteleyn (FK) percolation with cluster weight

$$q \in [1,4)$$

q
∈
[
1
,
4
)

in the plane, and color its clusters in red (respectively blue) with probability

$$r \in (0,1)$$

r
∈
(
0
,
1
)

(respectively

$$1-r$$

1
-
r

), independently of each other. We study the resulting fuzzy Potts model, which corresponds to the critical Ising model in the special case

$$q=2$$

q
=
2

and

$$r=1/2$$

r
=
1
/
2

. We show that under the assumption that the critical FK percolation converges to a conformally invariant scaling limit (which is known to hold for the FK-Ising model,i.e.

$$q=2$$

q
=
2

), the obtained coloring converges to variants of Conformal Loop Ensembles constructed, described and studied by Miller, Sheffield and Werner. Based on discrete considerations, we also show that the arm exponents for this coloring in the discrete model are identical to the ones of the continuum model. Using the values of these arm exponents in the continuum, we determine the arm exponents for the fuzzy Potts model.
Suitable temperature indicator for adverse health impacts in sub-tropical cities: a case study in Hong Kong from 2010-2019
Authors: Ho Janice Ying-en , Guo Yitong , Chong Ka Chun , Chan Pak Wai , Ho Chun Kit , Law Hiu Fai , Chao Ren , Ng Edward Yan Yung , Lau Kevin
Published: October 2024

Heat-health warning systems and services are important preventive actions for extreme heat, however, global evidence differs on which temperature indicator is more informative for heat-health outcomes. We comprehensively assessed temperature predictors on their summer associations with adverse health impacts in a high-density subtropical city. Maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures were examined on their associations with non-cancer mortality and hospital admissions in Hong Kong during summer seasons 2010–2019 using Generalized Additive Models and Distributed Lag Non-linear Models. In summary, mean and minimum temperatures were identified as strong indicators for mortality, with a relative risk(RR) and 95% confidence interval(CI) of 1.037 (1.006–1.069) and 1.055 (1.019–1.092), respectively, at 95th percentile vs. optimal temperature. Additionally, minimum temperatures captured the effects of hospital admissions, RR1.009 (95%CI: 1.000- 1.018). In stratified analyses, significant associations were found for older adults, female sex, and respiratory-related outcomes. For comparison, there was no association between maximum temperature and health outcomes. With climate change and projected increase of night-time warming, the findings from this comprehensive assessment method are useful to strengthen heat prevention strategies and enhance heat-health warning systems. Other locations could refer to this comprehensive method to evaluate their heat risk, especially in highly urbanized environments and subtropical cities.
Menschlich forschen – menschlich handeln
Authors: Beneder Doris , Sternek Katharina
Published: October 2024

Die Zuordnung einzelner Methoden zum humanistischen Cluster erfordert eine Auseinandersetzung über deren (meta-) theoretische Konzeptionen, um ein gemeinsames Verständnis in Hinblick auf gemeinsame Forschung zu entwickeln. Wir stellen die erkenntnistheoretische Position des Kritischen Realismus und das damit verbundene feldtheoretische Modell von Kurt Lewin vor, um das sich daraus ableitende Verständnis für psychotherapeutische Beziehung und Prozess zu veranschaulichen. Als Konsequenz der kritisch-realistischen Sichtweise ist auch ein spezifisches Verständnis von phänomenologisch-experimenteller Forschung ableitbar.
Identifying ecological factors mediating the spread of three invasive mosquito species: citizen science informed prediction
Authors: Garamszegi László Zsolt , Soltész Zoltán , Szentiványi Tamara , Kurucz Kornélia , Nagy Gergely , Bede-Fazekas Ákos
Published: October 2024

Due to their potential role in pathogen transmission, invasive mosquitoes pose considerable threats to human and animal health. Several studies have identified the most important ecological drivers mediating the establishment and spread of key mosquito species (e.g., Aedes aegypti, and Ae. albopictus), and made predictions for future distribution. We evaluated the effect of an exhaustive list of environmental predictors on the distribution of three invasive species in Hungary (Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus, and Ae. koreicus) by using the same standards for data collection based on citizen science observations. Current distribution maps of these species were generated from a 5-year survey, then were compared with various predictor maps reflecting climate, habitat type, food supply, traffic, and interspecific competition by using a boosted regression trees approach that resulted in a subset of variables with the strongest impact. The best predictor sets were used to predict the probability of occurrence of the focal species for the whole country, and these predictions based on citizen science were evaluated against the results of an independent recent field surveillance. We uncovered species-specific patterns and found that different predictor sets were selected for the three different species, and only predictions for Ae. albopictus could be validated with direct trapping data. Therefore, citizen science informed distribution maps can be used to identify ecological predictors that determine the spread of invasive mosquitoes, and to estimate risk based on the predicted distribution in the case of Ae. albopictus.
Exploring Trichoderma Diversity for Sustainable Disease Management in Lolium perenne Against Fusarium avenaceum
Authors: García-Latorre Carlos , Velázquez Rocío , Hernández Alejandro , Moraga Carlos , Poblaciones Maria J.
Published: October 2024

Fusarium species represent a significant threat to pasture health, necessitating the development of sustainable solutions. This study explores the potential of regionally adapted Trichoderma isolates for controlling Fusarium avenaceum and promoting plant growth in the grasslands of the Iberian Peninsula. To this end, seven Trichoderma isolates (belonging to T. koningiopsis, T. koningii and T. gamsii) were obtained from soils of Extremadura and then evaluated as potential biocontrol agents against Fusarium avenaceum. For the purposes of this evaluation, water was used as a negative control, while a commercial Trichoderma product served as a positive control. An initial in vitro evaluation revealed that six Trichoderma isolates significantly inhibited F. avenaceum in a dual culture assay, reducing pathogen growth by 18 to 49%. Additionally, two of the isolates showed antifungal potential during the evaluation of their culture filtrates. Subsequently, two greenhouse assays were conducted to assess the effects of Trichoderma isolates and the pathogen on the development of Lolium perenne. One focused on seed germination and the other on established plants. The greenhouse experiments indicated that T08 (T. koningiopsis), T14 (T. koningii), and T19 (T. gamsii) significantly improved seed germination and plant growth, even outperforming the positive control on total dry matter in pathogen-infected plants during the postemergence test. Our study highlights the potential of Trichoderma isolates, particularly T08, T14, and T19, to boost plant growth and control Fusarium avenaceum in Lolium perenne. It emphasizes the importance of in planta testing and reveals the varying effects of the isolates throughout the plant cycle.
Implementation of Measurement-Based Care in Mental Health Service Settings for Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Whitmyre Emma D. , Esposito-Smythers Christianne , López Roberto , Goldberg Debora G. , Liu Freda , Defayette Annamarie B.
Published: October 2024

Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is the systematic use of patient-reported data to inform care decisions and monitor treatment progress. MBC has been shown to improve patient outcomes across medical and mental health treatment settings for adults and youth. While many studies have examined the use of MBC in specific care settings, few have focused on the implementation of MBC among youth populations or across care settings. While a review has shown that use of MBC benefits youth, no published reviews exist that summarize the successful strategies and barriers to implementation models across studies in youth service settings. To address these gaps, the present systematic review (N = 25 studies) focuses on the implementation of MBC across four youth service settings, including outpatient mental health centers, medical centers/pediatric clinics, schools, and clinical psychology training clinics. Results suggest that few studies employ consistent implementation models or strategies to guide efforts. Further, there is significant overlap in the successful strategies employed as well as the barriers to implementation of MBC across youth service settings, at the client, clinician, and organizational levels. Broadly, the authors recommend on the basis of findings that future implementation work in youth service settings: incorporate comprehensive training in the use of MBC for clinicians; incorporate stakeholder feedback into the implementation process for initial and sustained use; employ digital measurement feedback systems to deliver MBC that allow for real-time feedback and continuous technical support; and employ a health equity lens in implementation efforts to help address disparities in access to and use of MBC so that all youth and families may benefit from this evidence-based practice.
Are social contracts possible without actual negotiation?
Authors: Holcombe Randall G. , Robson Gregory J.
Published: October 2024

This article addresses one of the several moral arguments for the state, the social contract argument, showing that this argument has been inadequately justified. The terms of any contract are determined by negotiation among the parties to the contract. The terms of any contract cannot be known absent actual negotiation to produce them. Social contract theorists widely believe that actual negotiation and actual agreement with a social contract did not occur, so their theories rest on hypothetical scenarios in which people would agree to the contract’s terms. Because actual negotiations did not produce a social contract, one cannot know its terms. This calls into question whether people could be obligated to abide by a social contract whose terms were not negotiated and hence are unknowable.
Agricultural drought monitoring and early warning at the regional scale using a remote sensing-based combined index
Authors: Satapathy Trupti , Dietrich Jörg , Ramadas Meenu
Published: October 2024

Early detection of agricultural drought can alert farmers and authorities, enhancing the resilience of the food sector. A framework is proposed for developing a novel regional agricultural drought index (RegCDI) by combining remotely sensed vegetation health, soil moisture and crop water stress via a transparent Shannon’s entropy weighting method. The framework consists of the selection of suitable datasets based on their regional performance, the aggregation of selected drought indicators, the validation of the combined index against crop yield, and the testing of predictive capabilities. The creation and performance of RegCDI are demonstrated for the drought prone Indian state of Odisha. MODIS surface reflectance is selected for crop water stress and GLDAS-2 for assessing soil moisture deficits and vegetation health. Three selected indicators (SMCI, TCI, and SIWSI-1) are combined into RegCDI for Odisha. The performance of RegCDI is evaluated (a) against other popular drought indices and (b) by comparing with seasonal crop yields. RegCDI is used to identify drought hotspots based on drought severity, duration, and propensity over the study area. A reforecast evaluation of RegCDI (up to three months ahead) showed that the indicators based on soil moisture deficit and crop water stress could predict drought conditions up to two months ahead with no less than 80% accuracy. This demonstrated the potential of the RegCDI framework and its component indicators for early warning of drought in Odisha.
Exploring the host compound dynamics of 1,4-phenylene-bis(di-p-fluorophenylmethanol) in mixed pyridines
Authors: Barton Benita , Vorgers Jarryd A. , Hosten Eric C.
Published: October 2024

In this investigation, the wheel-and-axle host compound, 1,4-phenylene-bis(di-p-fluorophenylmethanol) (H), was demonstrated to have inclusion ability for each of PYR, 2MP, 3MP and 4MP (1:1, 1:2, 1:2 and 1:2 were the H: G ratios). In the equimolar guest competition experiments, H was observed to have an overwhelming affinity for PYR and 4MP relative to 2MP and 3MP. In fact, selectivity coefficients calculated from the non-equimolar binary guest competition experiments suggested that this host compound would be an efficient candidate for the separation of all PYR/2MP mixtures and a 40:60 4MP/3MP solution through host-guest chemistry strategies. SCXRD analyses established the preferred guests (PYR and 4MP) to be involved in significantly shorter stabilizing classical hydrogen bonding interactions with H, explaining the selectivity behaviour of this host compound in the guest mixtures. Additionally, Hirshfeld surface considerations also explained this behaviour, but only for PYR. Furthermore, thermal analyses were used to ascertain the relative thermal stabilities of the four complexes and, satisfyingly, the PYR- and 4MP-containing complexes possessed the greater thermal stabilities compared with H·2(2MP) and H·2(3MP), as was demonstrated by a comparison of their guest release onset temperatures.
Effects of Pichia manshurica yeast supplementation on ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradability, and greenhouse gas emissions in aflatoxin B1 contaminated diets
Authors: Soltan Yosra , Morsy Amr , Elazab Mahmoud , El-Nile Amr E. , Hashem Nesrein , Sultan Mohamed , Hamad Younis , El Lail Gomaa Abo , Abo-Sherif Sohila , Dabour Nassra , Kheadr Ehab , Hafez Elsayed , Sallam Sobhy
Published: October 2024

Yeast feed additives present a natural approach for mitigating ruminal greenhouse gases (GHG) in an environmentally sustainable manner. This study aimed to isolate yeast strains from ruminal fluids capable of reducing GHG from Aflatoxin (AFB1) contaminated diets. Two isolates of Pichia manchuria (FFNLYFC1 and FFNLYFC2) were isolated and identified from the ruminal contents of dairy Zaraibi goats. An in vitro gas production assay was conducted to evaluate the impact of the yeast supplementations on a basal diet contaminated with AFB1 or not. The treatments were control (-AFB1; basal diet without supplements), control with AFB1 contamination (+ AFB1; basal diet containing 20 ppb AFB1), and yeast-supplemented diets (basal diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and three treatments of P. manchuria [FFNLYFC1, FFNLYFC2, and their mixture at 1:1 ratio (Mix)]. High biological components were detected in abundance of both FFNLYFC1, FFNLYFC2 filtrates (e.g., diisooctyl phthalate). The Mix and FFNLYFC2 of P. manchuria reduced (P < 0.05) methane by 23.5 and 20.8%, respectively, while only Mix inhibited carbon dioxide by 44% compared to the + AFB1 diet. All yeast diets improved (P < 0.05) ammonia concentration, total protozoal and Entodinium spp. counts compared to + AFB1 diet. The Mix exhibited higher (P < 0.05) values of ruminal degraded cellulose, total short-chain fatty acids, acetate and propionate compared to the individual isolates diets. The results suggest synergistic interactions among P. manshurica isolates, leading to enhanced ruminal fermentation and reduced GHG emissions while alleviating the adverse effects of AFB1. Therefore, we recommended the Mix of P. Manchuria as a novel feed additive to ruminant diets.
Genotyping-by-sequencing shows high genetic diversity in Corylus avellana germplasm resistant to eastern filbert blight
Authors: Lombardoni J. J. , Honig J. A. , Vaiciunas J. N. , Kubik C. , Capik J. M. , Mehlenbacher S. A. , Molnar T. J.
Published: October 2024

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is an anemophilous, dichogamous, self-incompatible tree nut species. It is native to a large portion of Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus region, across which a wealth of plant genetic resources is present. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of a core set of C. avellana representing the world’s germplasm using genotyping-by-sequencing derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and to classify novel eastern filbert blight (EFB) resistant or tolerant accessions. Two-hundred-twenty-two accessions underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) to generate SNP markers. From this, 1,250 SNP markers were used to construct a neighbor-joining (NJ) dendrogram and perform a STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal coordinates (DAPC) analyses. In the dendrogram, five major groups were established, which generally corresponded to geographic origins of the plant materials studied. In STRUCTURE, support was found for groupings at (K) = 3, (K) = 6, and (K) = 10 populations, with the greatest Δ-(K) value occurring at (K) = 10. Although the three different analyses indicated slightly different solutions, the overall results were generally consistent from the standpoint of identifying similar accession groupings. For many of the accessions, recorded origins tended to correspond with their genetic grouping, although there was also evidence of intermixing and likely movement of plant materials. Interestingly, in all three analyses, a vast majority of the new accessions from the Republic of Georgia formed their own distinct group, highlighting this geographic region as a unique pool of C. avellana genetic resources. Overall, EFB resistant/tolerant accessions were placed across a wide range of genetic backgrounds. Thus, our results indicate EFB resistance/tolerance is present across a wide spectrum of C. avellana genetic resources, with the Georgian accessions representing a new and relatively unique germplasm pool that can be incorporated into hazelnut breeding programs.
Factors affecting the concentration of metals and metalloids in the kidneys of a top predator, the Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo) wintering in farmland in Poland
Authors: Kitowski Ignacy , Jakubas Dariusz , Wiącek Dariusz , Pitucha Grzegorz , Sujak Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

During late autumn and winter, raptors in the western Palearctic face challenges due to food scarcity and dropping temperatures. That time they can be exposed to various elements including toxic ones ingested with food. Kidney samples from 22 females and 19 males of a medium-sized raptor, the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo found dead in farmland of Eastern Poland in winter were analyzed for a concentration of 21 elements. Elemental concentrations were analyzed regarding the age and sex of birds. Results revealed that only 4.9% of individuals had kidney lead levels exceeding 8.0 mg, while 9.8% showed cadmium levels above 8.0 mg/kg, indicating potential poisoning. The study also highlighted the limited entry of arsenic into agricultural ecosystems exploited by Common Buzzards. Sex differences were noted, with females accumulating more lead and vanadium than males which can be associated with foraging niche partitioning between sexes driven by body size dimorphism. Sulfur showed complex interactions with cadmium, mercury, and zinc, with a positive correlation between sulfur and zinc levels in the kidneys, emphasizing dietary needs during food scarcity. A positive correlation was found between zinc and lead concentrations, indicating zinc’s role in mitigating lead’s impact. The study also revealed positive correlations between selenium and highly toxic elements like mercury (Spearman correlation, rs = 0.41) and cadmium (rs = 0.51), suggesting a mitigating effect of selenium on exposure to heavy metals. This study enhances understanding of year-round environmental contamination exposure for raptors and sheds light on bioaccumulation in a top predator.
Comparative analysis of airborne fungal spore distribution in urban and rural environments of Slovakia
Authors: Žilka Matúš , Hrabovský Michal , Dušička Jozef , Zahradníková Eva , Gahurová Dominika , Ščevková Jana
Published: October 2024

Monitoring airborne fungal spores is crucial for public health and plant production since they belong to important aeroallergens and phytopathogens. Due to different land use, their concentration can differ significantly between urban and rural areas. We monitored their spectrum and quantity on two geographically close sites with a different degree of urbanisation: Bratislava City and Kaplna Village in Slovakia, located 38 km apart. We recorded the spectrum of airborne fungal spores over a year and confirmed the microscopic results by amplicon-based metagenomic analysis. The main spore season of the most frequent genera lasted over a week longer in Kaplna, but its intensity was approximately two-fold higher in Bratislava. This can be possibly connected to the microclimatic conditions of the urban area (especially wind speed and heat island effect) and the lesser use of fungicides. Cladosporium was the dominant genus on both sites, influencing the intensity most significantly. Through statistical analysis of the influence of meteorological parameters on airborne fungal spore levels, we identified a significant relationship with temperature, while the impact of other parameters varied depending on the spore type and release mechanism. Our results show the differences in airborne fungal spore levels between urban and rural areas and highlight the necessity for more monitoring stations in various environments.
Embracing the New Normal or Clinging to the Past? Digital Anxiety Among Elementary School Teachers in Post-COVID Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ken-Zen , Lo Shih-Yu , Lin Yi-Hsuan
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the extent of digital anxiety among elementary school teachers in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, in the context of the post-COVID new normal. Specifically, the study employs the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to measure the level of anxiety experienced by teachers in adapting to digital teaching methods. The online survey was conducted in November 2021, and 358 valid responses were obtained from Hsinchu City. The results of the survey provides insights into the challenges that teachers face in adapting to the new normal and the impact of digital anxiety on their change of teaching. Result reveals that when going back to teaching face-to-face, teachers’ levels of depression, anxiety, and stress soon returned to normal. However, the stress of teachers without kids and special education teachers dropped dramatically. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of digital anxiety among elementary school teachers in Hsinchu City and offers recommendations for supporting teachers' well-being and promoting effective digital teaching practices in the post-COVID era.
Multiple Paths to a Larger Mouth: Morphological Divergence in Two Island Populations of Australian Tiger Snakes (Notechis scutatus)
Authors: Palci Alessandro , Lee Michael S. Y. , Aubret Fabien , Sherratt Emma
Published: October 2024

We studied ontogenetic variation in skull morphology in tiger snakes sampled from mainland South Australia (Coffin Bay), mainland Western Australia (Herdsman Lake), Franklin Island, and Hopkins Island. The snakes from the two islands were selected because of their unusually large absolute body and head size, likely attained as a result of dietary constraints and strong selective pressure during thousands of years of isolation on islands. We performed geometric morphometric analysis of the skulls from these snakes to identify and precisely quantify morphological differences. Island snakes are born larger (trunk length) than mainland snakes, and consequently also tend to have larger absolute head size at birth. The heads of island snakes also show a faster relative growth rate (positive allometry) compared to those of mainland snakes, likely to cope with the large prey items found on these islands. However, the snakes from the two islands differ from each other in terms of morphological change associated with ontogeny, especially with regard to a palatal bone (ectopterygoid), which, compared to mainland snakes, is relatively longer in the snakes from Hopkins Island but shorter in the snakes from Franklin Island. Some morphological traits potentially associated with promoting a larger gape were also observed in one of the mainland populations (Herdsman Lake), consistent with standing variability for selection. Our results reveal that discernible changes in morphology and allometry in skull bones have evolved in island populations of tiger snakes in less than 10 000 years, and suggest that the large heads of island tiger snakes might develop via slightly different paths through morphospace on different islands.
Unschuldig!
Authors: Arikoglu Selin
Published: October 2024

Kinder, deren Eltern inhaftiert sind stehen oft vor einzigartigen Herausforderungen und benötigen besondere Unterstützung, um mit der Situation umzugehen und ihr Leben weiterzuführen. Hinzukommen die prekären Lebenslagen, traumatisierenden Erlebnisse, fehlende emotionale oder persönliche Lebensperspektiven. Bislang orientiert sich sowohl die Praxis als auch die Wissenschaft am straffälligen Verhalten eines Menschen, statt sich der fehlenden Netzwerkarbeit zwischen der Kinder-Jugendhilfe, Strafvollzugsanstalt, Straffälligen,-Angehörigenarbeit zu widmen.
Bibliometrics and National Institutes of Health Funding: Associated Factors in Academic Rhinology
Authors: Revercomb Lucy , Patel Aman M. , Tripathi Om B. , Wassef David W. , Cowan Paul T. , Schwartz Cynthia , Filimonov Andrey
Published: October 2024

Our study aims to evaluate demographics and research productivity in academic rhinology and to establish the relationship between bibliometrics such as the Hirsch index (h-index) and the more recently developed relative citation ratio (RCR) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Retrospective cohort study. The demographics of academic rhinologists were collected from institutional faculty profiles (N = 207). Funding data were obtained from the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Reports Database. The h-index was calculated using Scopus. The mean (m-RCR) and weighted RCR (w-RCR) were calculated using the NIH iCite tool. The majority of academic rhinologists were men (72.9%). Only 8.7% of rhinologists (N = 18) received NIH funding. Rhinologists receiving NIH funding had greater h-index (31 vs. 11), m-RCR (2.6 vs. 1.6), and w-RCR (339.9 vs. 44.7) (P < 0.001). Men had greater h-index (14 vs. 10, P < 0.001) and w-RCR (56.8 vs. 36.9, P = 0.025) but not m-RCR (1.7 vs. 1.6, P = 0.799) than women. Stratifying by academic professorship rank and across all career durations, h-index, m-RCR, and w-RCR were not significantly different between men and women. Among academic rhinologists the h-index, m-RCR, and w-RCR were all associated with receiving NIH funding. Similar h-index, m-RCR, and w-RCR between men and women across all academic professorship ranks and career durations suggests production of similar quality and quantity of research. The m-RCR and w-RCR help to address some of the limitations of the h-index and are useful for assessing research productivity.
Typologies of Residential Mobility in Childhood and Associations with Sociodemographic Characteristics: a Prospective Birth Cohort Study in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Deng Bingyu , McLeod Geraldine , Mackenbach Joreintje Dingena , Dhakal Bhubaneswor , Eggleton Phoebe , Marek Lukáš , Campbell Malcolm , Boden Joseph , Hobbs Matthew
Published: October 2024

Despite documented associations between childhood area-level socioeconomic status (SES), residential mobility and health, studies in this domain rarely use lifecourse study designs. This study examined temporal patterns of four residential mobility typologies based on area-level SES exposure from birth to 16 years. We devised four main residential mobility typologies: advantaged stayers (remaining in high SES areas), disadvantaged stayers (remaining in low SES areas), advantaged or upward movers (moving between high SES areas or transitioning from low to high SES areas), and disadvantaged or downward movers (moving between low SES areas or transitioning from high to low SES areas). Secondly, the research examined selected sociodemographic characteristics associated with the residential mobility typologies and whether these associations varied by age. Data from the Christchurch Health and Development (CHDS) prospective birth cohort study were used to obtain individual (i.e., gender, ethnic) and family sociodemographic (i.e., family SES) characteristics, and home addresses from birth to 16 years. Geocoded home addresses were linked to area-level SES. Two-level multinomial logistic regression models examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and residential mobility typologies and their variations by age. Disadvantaged stayers constituted over one-fifth of the cohort during most of childhood. Children with Māori ethnicity, younger mothers, family instability, and childhood adversity are more vulnerable to frequent moves coupled with exposure to low area-level SES. Our study paves the way for the exploration of childhood environmental exposures and later-life health within a spatial lifecourse epidemiology framework.