bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of Blaberoidea reveals non‐monophyly of taxa and supports the creation of multiple new subfamilies
Authors: Wang Yi‐Shu , Zhang Jia‐Wei , Lo Nathan , Bourguignon Thomas , Guo Lin , Li Bian‐Lun , Che Yan‐Li , Wang Zong‐Qing
Published: April 2023

The superfamily Blaberoidea is a highly species‐rich group of cockroaches. High‐level blaberoidean phylogenetics are still under debate owing to variable taxon sampling and incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear evolution, as well as different methods used in various phylogenetic studies. We here present a phylogenetic analysis of Blaberoidea based on a dataset combining the mitochondrial genome with two nuclear markers from representatives of all recognized families within the superfamily. Our results support the monophyly of Blaberiodea, which includes Ectobiidae s.s. (=Ectobiinae), Pseudophyllodromiidae, Nyctiboridae, Blattellidae s.s. (=Blattellinae) and Blaberidae. Ectobiidae s.s. was recovered as sister to the remaining Blaberoidea in all inferences. Pseudophyllodromiidae was paraphyletic with respect to Anaplectoidea + Malaccina. Blattellidae s.s. excluding Anaplectoidea + Malaccina formed a monophyletic group that was sister to Blaberidae. Based on our results, we propose a revised classification for Blaberoidea: Anaplectoidinae subfam.nov. and Episorineuchora gen.nov., and two new combinations at species level within Pseudophyllodromiidae; Rhabdoblattellinae subfam.nov., Calolamprodinae subfam.nov., Acutirhabdoblatta gen.nov., as well as new combinations for three species within Blaberidae. Ancestral state reconstructions based on four morphological characters allow us to infer that the common ancestor of blaberoid cockroaches is likely to be a species with characteristics similar to those found in Ectobiidae, that is, front femur Type B, arolium present, abdomen with a visible gland and male genital hook on the left side.
Zinc defends against Parthanatos and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury through SIRT3‐mediated anti‐oxidative stress and mitophagy
Authors: Jiang Dingyuan , Yang Xu , Ge Minghao , Hu Hengshuo , Xu Chang , Wen Shan , Deng Hao , Mei Xifan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system injury that is primarily traumatic and manifests as motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction below the level of damage. Our previous studies confirmed the ability of zinc to protect mitochondria, protect neurons and promote spinal cord recovery. However, the role of zinc in Parthanatos is unknown.

Aim

We investigated the effects of zinc in Parthanatos from oxidative stress and mitophagy. We elucidated the role of SIRT3 in providing new ideas for treating spinal cord injury.

The Results

Zinc protected SCI mice by regulating Parthanatos. On the one hand, zinc eliminated ROS directly through SIRT3 deacetylation targeting SOD2 to alleviate Parthanatos. On the other hand, zinc eliminated ROS indirectly through SIRT3‐mediated promotion of mitophagy to alleviate Parthanatos.

Conclusion

Zinc defends against Parthanatos and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury through SIRT3‐mediated anti‐oxidative stress and mitophagy.
Corporate sector engagement in contemporary ‘crises’: the case of refugee integration in Germany
Authors: Müller Tanja R.
Published: April 2023

Refugee integration is one of the main global challenges of the present, at a time when the corporate sector is regarded as a key actor in multi‐stakeholder partnerships through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This paper examines its role as a partner of the state in addressing the movement of refugees into Germany from 2015 onwards. Based on interview data and informal conversations with members of Wir Zusammen, an integration initiative, and supplemented by a review of business reports and media documentation, it discusses the multifaceted engagements by parts of the corporate sector in Germany with refugee integration. These are analysed as ‘thin’ and ‘thick’, and as following different institutional logics. The paper adds to understanding of the political dimensions of corporate responses, their potential to challenge the status quo, and their pitfalls. Ultimately, it argues that corporate involvement with humanitarian and development challenges works best when embedded locally and is context specific.
Robustness and sensitivity of some wavelet multifractal models in fractal data modelling
Authors: Arfaoui Sabrine , Abdallah Nidhal Ben
Published: April 2023

Many multifractal models such as self‐similar and scaling law types have been proved to be efficient modellers and estimators in many fields such as financial time series where the data hide fractal and multifractal structures, allowing its processing without sophisticated models to be difficult. However, in statistical analysis, a necessary part that should take place for any model and estimator consists in tests of performance such as confidence intervals and generally statistical tests to confirm the adequacy of the model. The present paper provides the consideration of multifractal models based on wavelets and self‐similar type processes to study statistical tests. To test the efficiency, accuracy and robustness of the models, different inferential statistics are introduced, provided with some empirical examples due to the EURO/USD exchange rate time series with a sample covering the period 03/01/2000 to 30/08/2022. Contrarily to existing works, we showed in the present work that quasi‐self‐similar type models are better for many reasons. They indeed guarantee the well fitting of the data dynamics, the nonlinearity in both the model and the multifractal spectrum, the renormalization parameters which may differ from one scale to another and the preservation of the quasi multiplicative structure.
Management accounting and control systems as devices for public value creation in higher education
Authors: Salemans Luc , Budding Tjerk
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates how management accounting and control systems (operationalized by using Simons’ levers of control framework) can be used as devices to support public value creation and as such it contributes to the literature on public value accounting. Using a mixed methods case study approach, including documentary analysis and semi‐structured interviews, we found diverging uses of control systems in the Dutch university of applied sciences we investigated. Although belief and interactive control systems are used intensively for strategy change and implementation, diagnostic controls were used mainly at the decentral level and seen as devices to make sure that operational and financial boundaries were not crossed. Therefore, belief and interactive control systems lay the foundation for the implementation of a new strategy, in which concepts of public value play a large role, using diagnostic controls to constrain actions at the operational level. We also found that although the institution wanted to have interaction with the external stakeholders, in daily practice, this takes place only at the phase of strategy formulation, but not in the phase of intermediate strategy evaluation.
Climate change impacts on Mediterranean vegetation are amplified at low altitudes
Authors: Saatkamp Arne , Argagnon Olivier , Noble Virgile , Finocchiaro Marie , Meineri Eric
Published: April 2023

Aim

In the face of ongoing climate warming, we wanted to quantify impacts on vegetation at one of the major climatic and biogeographical boundaries of Europe, the limit between the Mediterranean and Eurosiberian biogeographical regions. We analyse temperature and moisture requirements of plants along altitudinal gradients at regional scale in the period 1980–2020 and we explore if changes coincide with observed changes in the same regions in terms of measured climatic data.

Location

Southern France.

Time period

1980–2020.

Taxa

Vascular plants.

Methods

We calculated shifts in plants’ temperature and moisture requirements for a large floristic database from south‐eastern France (SIMETHIS) during the period 1980–2020 along altitudinal gradients by using ecological indicator values (EIV). Additionally, we analysed standardized weather station data from the same area and period, to investigate whether floristic changes are synchronized with climate changes.

Results

Vegetation data suggest a linear increase in temperature requirements of plant communities from 1980 to 2020 with a greater change at low altitudes. Upward shifts in temperature requirements coincided with observed climate change although warming did not show a general trend towards greater increases at low altitudes. Data on vegetation and climate suggest an upward shift of respectively 150 and 300 m for the boundary between Mediterranean and temperate belts. Moisture requirements of vegetation indicate an increase of the frequency of dry adapted species at low altitudes but an increase towards higher moisture requirements at high altitudes. Comparing vegetation responses with climate data suggests that responses are faster at low altitudes.

Main conclusions

Our analyses show that strong general changes in vegetation are underway and highlight faster responses of vegetation to warming in low altitudes compared to high altitudes and demonstrate the need for reliable data on vegetation and climate changes, especially on water balance.
Systematic review and estimated cost‐efficacy of biologics compared with narrowband ultraviolet B light for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
Authors: McCoy Tatiana , Natarelli Nicole , Pan Adrianne , Shakhbazova Anastasia , Sivamani Raja K. , Chambers Cindy J.
Published: April 2023

Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are chronic inflammatory skin conditions, each affecting about 2–3% of the United States adult population. Phototherapy, such as narrowband ultraviolet‐B (NB‐UVB) therapy have been employed for the treatment of both psoriasis and atopic dermatitis for decades. More recently, systemic biologics have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), representing a great advancement in dermatology. No comprehensive study to date has compared the cost efficacy of phototherapy compared to FDA‐approved biologics for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. We pursued a systematic review of the literature for studies assessing efficacy of NB‐UVB or biologics with endpoints including the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Thirty‐four studies including 55 treatment regimens and 5,123 patients were included in the analysis. Phototherapy costs were estimated with Medicare fee schedules for phototherapy‐related current procedural terminology code (CPT), and biologic costs were estimated with wholesale acquisition cost (WAC). Total costs to achieve PASI 75 or EASI 75 in each study were standardized to a single month, the “adjusted cost,” and exploited to a year, the “effective yearly cost,” allowing direct cost‐efficacy comparison despite different durations of treatment described in studies. The psoriasis analysis found NB‐UVB to be the most cost‐effective therapy, with an adjusted monthly cost of $1714.00 per PASI 75. Infliximab was the least expensive biologic, with an adjusted monthly cost of $2076.00 to $2502.00 per PASI 75. For atopic dermatitis, no NB‐UVB studies utilized EASI 75 as their outcome measure, hindering the ability to directly compare cost effectiveness for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, all NB‐UVB studies depicted a reduced treatment cost per treatment period compared to studies assessing biologics, although this comparison does not account for efficacy. The results depict NB‐UVB to be the most cost effective for the treatment of psoriasis and the least expensive per treatment period for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, certain factors need to be taken into account. Biologics may be more effective for more severe disease, do not require multiple weekly clinic visits, and the ease for patient compliance may lead some to favor biologic therapy. This study is necessary to allow physicians, patients, and health systems to make informed decisions regarding cost‐efficacy for a variety of treatment options.
Effects of different processing methods on the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of honey: a review
Authors: Faraz Ayesha , Fernando Wmad Binosha , Williams Mark , Jayasena Vijay
Published: April 2023

The use of honey as a food and a medicine date back to prehistoric times. Uses include treating wounds, cuts, burns, coughs and colds. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties. Honey is usually processed before consumption. Honey is subjected to thermal processing, which adversely affects its quality. Honey can also be processed by non‐thermal methods, such as high‐pressure processing, ultrasonication, irradiation and microwave processing. In this review, the effects of thermal and non‐thermal processing methods on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey have been summarised. Thermal processing and microwave processing of honey adversely affect the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of honey. In contrast to other non‐thermal processing methods, high‐pressure processing and gamma irradiation have no effect on the antibacterial activity or antioxidant properties of honey. Ultrasound processing increases antioxidant activity of honey.
Experiential knowledge: From philosophical debate to health care practice?
Authors: Dings Roy
Published: April 2023

Despite experience‐based expertise being increasingly common in health care, what experiential knowledge consists of remains a topic for debate. Here I propose a philosophical approach to clarify experiential knowledge, drawing on an analogous debate in philosophy of mind, which similarly targets the intuition that experience may generate unique knowledge. I outline the philosophical debate and explicate some relevant ideas for health care, so as to (a) evaluate whether and to what extent this analogous debate is helpful, and (b) supplement existing ideas on experiential knowledge with a philosophical analysis.
A cross‐sectional study on bacterial contamination on the touchscreens and posterior surfaces of smartphones of emergency department staff
Authors: Kuriyama Akira , Ienaga Shinichiro , Fujii Hiroyuki
Published: April 2023

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Cleaning smartphones of healthcare workers (HCWs) is generally recommended; however, most previous studies on bacterial contamination of smartphones assessed touchscreens alone. This study compared the prevalence of bacterial contamination on touchscreens and posterior surfaces of smartphones owned by HCWs.

Method

A cross‐sectional study of smartphones used by HCWs working at an emergency department (ED) at a Japanese tertiary care hospital was conducted. Bacteria on each surface of the smartphones were isolated separately. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of microbial contamination on each surface of the smartphones and the types of associated bacterial species. Fisher's exact test was used to compare dichotomous outcomes.

Results

The smartphones of 40 HCWs working in the ED of a Japanese tertiary care hospital were examined. The touchscreens and posterior surfaces were contaminated in 26 (65.0%) and 36 (90.0%) smartphones, respectively, indicating the posterior surface was more frequently contaminated (p = 0.014). Bacillus species and coagulase‐negative staphylococci were most frequently isolated from each surface of the smartphones.

Conclusions

The posterior surface of a smartphone was more significantly contaminated with bacteria than the touchscreen. Both surfaces of smartphones need to be cleaned to prevent bacterial contamination in healthcare environments.
GmJAZ3 interacts with GmRR18a and GmMYC2a to regulate seed traits in soybean
Authors: Hu Yang , Liu Yue , Tao Jian‐Jun , Lu Long , Jiang Zhi‐Hao , Wei Jun‐Jie , Wu Chun‐Mei , Yin Cui‐Cui , Li Wei , Bi Ying‐Dong , Lai Yong‐Cai , Wei Wei , Zhang Wan‐Ke , Chen Shou‐Yi , Zhang Jin‐Song
Published: April 2023

Seed weight is usually associated with seed size and is one of the important agronomic traits that determine yield. Understanding of seed weight control is limited, especially in soybean plants. Here we show that Glycine max JASMONATE‐ZIM DOMAIN 3 (GmJAZ3), a gene identified through gene co‐expression network analysis, regulates seed‐related traits in soybean. Overexpression of GmJAZ3 promotes seed size/weight and other organ sizes in stable transgenic soybean plants likely by increasing cell proliferation. GmJAZ3 interacted with both G. max RESPONSE REGULATOR 18a (GmRR18a) and GmMYC2a to inhibit their transcriptional activation of cytokinin oxidase gene G. max CYTOKININ OXIDASE 3‐4 (GmCKX3‐4), which usually affects seed traits. Meanwhile, the GmRR18a binds to the promoter of GmMYC2a and activates GmMYC2a gene expression. In GmJAZ3‐overexpressing soybean seeds, the protein contents were increased while the fatty acid contents were reduced compared to those in the control seeds, indicating that the GmJAZ3 affects seed size/weight and compositions. Natural variation in JAZ3 promoter region was further analyzed and Hap3 promoter correlates with higher promoter activity, higher gene expression and higher seed weight. The Hap3 promoter may be selected and fixed during soybean domestication. JAZ3 orthologs from other plants/crops may also control seed size and weight. Taken together, our study reveals a novel molecular module GmJAZ3‐GmRR18a/GmMYC2a‐GmCKXs for seed size and weight control, providing promising targets during soybean molecular breeding for better seed traits.
Determinants of quality of life in frontline healthcare providers caring for COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Lan Hsiang‐Yun , Chao En , Lin Li‐Chen , Lee Wei‐Ping , Yeh Kuo‐Ming , Palmer John , Chiang Hui‐Hsun
Published: April 2023

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the factors affecting quality of life in healthcare providers who care for patients with COVID‐19.

Background

Healthcare providers caring for COVID‐19 patients during the pandemic suffered a deterioration in their quality of life. Several studies have explored their psychological impact of working with COVID patients, but none have examined the causes of this deterioration.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

In the current study, the authors investigated the factors affecting quality of life in 293 healthcare providers recruited from a medical centre in northern Taiwan who had recently cared for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 by analysing their responses to an online self‐report questionnaire, using bivariate correlations and structural equation modelling. Reporting of this research adheres to the STROBE guideline.

Results

The study identified an important sequence of factors that mediated the effects of perceived success of epidemic prevention policies, family relations problems and education level on quality of life in a sample of healthcare workers caring for COVID‐19 patients. The mediators were use of approach‐oriented coping strategies and current mental health status. Specifically, use of approach‐oriented coping strategies was found to directly cause improved quality of life and indirectly cause improved mental health, whereas use of avoidant coping strategies was found to directly cause worsening of mental health. Poor mental health predicted poor quality of life.

Conclusions

Results suggest that implementation of sound epidemic prevention policies that promote adoption of approach‐oriented coping behaviour should lead to a better quality of life in the future for healthcare providers working in challenging circumstances.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Assessment of these policies as well as the providers' family relations are necessary first steps to improving the success of approach‐oriented coping behaviour in this population, which in turn can improve their mental health and quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

Neither patients nor members of the public were involved in the design or execution of the study.
Focal vibration in dysphagia: A technological treatment for severe acquired brain injury rehabilitation
Authors: Galluccio Caterina , Pazzaglia Costanza , Spaccatrosi Sara , Giovannini Silvia , Castelli Letizia , Padua Luca
Published: April 2023

Background

A patient with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) may experience impairment in the physiological swallowing process. Many studies in the rehabilitation field have sought to understand the effects of local vibration therapy at various levels of the central nervous system and the possible benefits in neuro‐rehabilitation. There are few studies directed towards the use of vibratory energy for improving swallowing and phonatory function.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of integrating conventional dysphagia therapy with the focal vibration therapy in patients with sABI.

Methods

This is a pilot, randomized controlled, parallel‐arm, single‐blind study. Twenty‐eight patients with post‐sABI dysphagia were included in the study and randomized to Conventional Group (CG, conventional treatment for dysphagia) or Experimental Group (EG, conventional treatment for dysphagia plus focal vibration therapy). Patients were assessed at baseline (T0), after 4 weeks (T1) and after 8 weeks (T2) using the Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale (DOSS) and the Bedside Swallow Assessment scale (BSAs).

Results

Patients in the experimental group showed a statistically significant change at T1 compared with T0 at DOSS (p = .014), and at BSAS between T1 and T2 (p = .024) and between T0 and T2 (p = .027). Overall, all patients improved significantly at DOSS between T0 and T1 (p < .001) and between T0 and T2 (p < .001).

Conclusion

The results obtained from this pilot study are encouraging and demonstrate how the use of focal vibration therapy in add on to conventional treatment for dysphagia may be another useful tool for improving swallowing in patients with sABI.
Thyroid autoimmunity and autoimmune thyroid disease in Malaysian girls with Turner syndrome: An understudied population
Authors: Lee Yee L , Zaini Azriyanti A , Idris Arini N , Abdullah Raja A , Wong Jeanne SL , Hong Joyce SS , Hussain Suhaimi , Lim Poi G , Lim Song H , Nor Noor SM , Wu Loo L , Jalaludin Muhammad Y
Published: April 2023

Aims

Knowledge on the spectrum of thyroid disorders amongst Turner syndrome (TS) patients in Southeast Asia is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity, the spectrum of autoimmune thyroid disease and association with age and karyotype amongst Malaysian TS girls.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at 11 paediatric endocrine units in Malaysia. Blood samples for antithyroglobulin antibodies, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroid function test were obtained. In patients with pre‐existing thyroid disease, information on clinical and biochemical thyroid status was obtained from medical records.

Results

Ninety‐seven TS patients with a mean age of 13.4 ± 4.8 years were recruited. Thyroid autoimmunity was found in 43.8% of TS patients. Nineteen per cent of those with thyroid autoimmunity had autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis in 7.3% and hyperthyroidism in 1% of total population). Patients with isochromosome X and patients with 45,X mosaicism or other X chromosomal abnormalities were more prone to have thyroid autoimmunity compared to those with 45,X karyotype (OR 5.09, 95% CI 1.54–16.88, P = 0.008 and OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.32–8.82, P = 0.01 respectively). The prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity increased with age (33.3% for age 0–9.9 years; 46.8% for age 10–19.9 years and 57.1% age for 20–29.9 years) with autoimmune thyroid disease detected in 14.3% during adulthood.

Conclusion

Thyroid autoimmunity was significantly associated with the non 45,X karyotype group, particularly isochromosome X. Annual screening of thyroid function should be carried out upon diagnosis of TS until adulthood with more frequent monitoring recommended in the presence of thyroid autoimmunity.
The case for independence: Does central bank independence curb the spread of the underground economy?
Authors: Berdiev Aziz N. , Saunoris James W.
Published: April 2023

This paper considers an alternate dimension of government institutions associated with the separation of powers between government and its central bank. A more independent central bank is consistent with greater institutional quality and constraints on government. We propose that central bank independence influences the prevalence of the shadow, or underground, economy. Using cross‐country panel data for over 100 nations over the period 1991 to 2012, the results from instrumental variables techniques show that central bank independence curbs underground economic activity. Furthermore, considering different dimensions of independence, we find that independence related to central bank CEO, policy formation, and central bank lending are effective at checking the shadow sector. Overall, these findings are robust to a different measure of the underground economy, correcting for the potential influence of outliers, controlling for the impact of additional factors, accounting for heterogeneity related to the level of development, and considering the heterogeneity related to the prevalence of the shadow sector. The main implication of the results is that nations seeking to reduce the prevalence of the underground economy would benefit from policies that promote central bank independence.
Single‐cell segmentation in bacterial biofilms with an optimized deep learning method enables tracking of cell lineages and measurements of growth rates
Authors: Jelli Eric , Ohmura Takuya , Netter Niklas , Abt Martin , Jiménez‐Siebert Eva , Neuhaus Konstantin , Rode Daniel K. H. , Nadell Carey D. , Drescher Knut
Published: April 2023

Bacteria often grow into matrix‐encased three‐dimensional (3D) biofilm communities, which can be imaged at cellular resolution using confocal microscopy. From these 3D images, measurements of single‐cell properties with high spatiotemporal resolution are required to investigate cellular heterogeneity and dynamical processes inside biofilms. However, the required measurements rely on the automated segmentation of bacterial cells in 3D images, which is a technical challenge. To improve the accuracy of single‐cell segmentation in 3D biofilms, we first evaluated recent classical and deep learning segmentation algorithms. We then extended StarDist, a state‐of‐the‐art deep learning algorithm, by optimizing the post‐processing for bacteria, which resulted in the most accurate segmentation results for biofilms among all investigated algorithms. To generate the large 3D training dataset required for deep learning, we developed an iterative process of automated segmentation followed by semi‐manual correction, resulting in >18,000 annotated Vibrio cholerae cells in 3D images. We demonstrate that this large training dataset and the neural network with optimized post‐processing yield accurate segmentation results for biofilms of different species and on biofilm images from different microscopes. Finally, we used the accurate single‐cell segmentation results to track cell lineages in biofilms and to perform spatiotemporal measurements of single‐cell growth rates during biofilm development.
Person‐specific evidence has the ability to mobilize relational capacity: A four‐step grounded theory developed in people with long‐term health conditions
Authors: Zoffmann Vibeke , Jørgensen Rikke , Graue Marit , Biener Sigrid Normann , Brorsson Anna Lena , Christiansen Cecilie Holm , Due‐Christensen Mette , Enggaard Helle , Finderup Jeanette , Haas Josephine , Husted Gitte Reventlov , Johansen Maja Tornøe , Kanne Katja Lisa , Hope Kolltveit Beate‐Christin , Krogslund Katrine Wegmann , Lie Silje S. , Lindholm Anna Olinder , Marqvorsen Emilie H. S. , Mathiesen Anne Sophie , Olesen Mette Linnet , Rasmussen Bodil , Rothmann Mette Juel , Simonsen Susan Munch , Tackie Sara Huld Sveinsdóttir , Thisted Lise Bjerrum , Tran Trang Minh , Weis Janne , Kirkevold Marit
Published: April 2023

Person‐specific evidence was developed as a grounded theory by analyzing 20 selected case descriptions from interventions using the guided self‐determination method with people with various long‐term health conditions. It explains the mechanisms of mobilizing relational capacity by including person‐specific evidence in shared decision‐making. Person‐specific self‐insight was the first step, achieved as individuals completed reflection sheets enabling them to clarify their personal values and identify actions or omissions related to self‐management challenges. This step paved the way for sharing these insights and challenges in a relationship with a supportive health professional, who could then rely on person‐specific evidence instead of assumptions or a narrow disease perspective for shared decision‐making. Trust in the evidence encouraged the supportive health professional to transfer it to the interdisciplinary team. Person‐specific evidence then enhanced the ability of team members to apply general evidence in a meaningful way. The increased openness achieved by individuals through these steps enabled them to eventually share their new self‐insights in daily life with other people, decreasing loneliness they experienced in self‐management. Relational capacity, the core of the theory, is mobilized in both people with long‐term health conditions and healthcare professionals. Further research on person‐specific evidence and relational capacity in healthcare is recommended.
Job Polarization and the Declining Wages of Young Female Workers in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Dabla‐Norris Era , Pizzinelli Carlo , Rappaport Jay
Published: April 2023

We examine whether the decline of routine occupations contributed to rising wage inequality between young and prime‐age non‐college educated women in the UK over 2001‐2019. We estimate age, period, and cohort effects for the likelihood of employment in different occupations and the wages earned therein. For recent generations, cohort effects indicate a higher likelihood of employment in low‐paying manual jobs relative to high‐paying abstract ones. Cohort effects also underpin falling wages for post‐1980 cohorts across all occupations. We find that the latter channel, rather than job polarization, has been the main driver of rising inter‐age inequality among non‐college females.
Prolonged low temperature exposure de‐sensitises ABA‐induced stomatal closure in soybean, involving an ethylene‐dependent process
Authors: Antonietta Mariana , de Felipe Matias , Rothwell Shane A. , Williams Tom B. , Skilleter Patrick , Albacete Alfonso , Borras Lucas , Rufino Mariana C. , Dodd Ian C.
Published: April 2023

Chilling can decrease stomatal sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) in some legumes, although hormonal mechanisms involved are unclear. After evaluating leaf gas exchange of 16 European soybean genotypes at 14°C, 6 genotypes representing the range of response were selected. Further experiments combined low (L, 14°C) and high (H, 24°C) temperature exposure from sowing until the unifoliate leaf was visible and L or H temperature until full leaf expansion, to impose four temperature treatments: LL, LH, HL, and HH. Prolonged chilling (LL) substantially decreased leaf water content but increased leaf ethylene evolution and foliar concentrations of the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid, indole‐3‐acetic acid, ABA and jasmonic acid. Across genotypes, photosynthesis linearly increased with stomatal conductance (Gs), with photosynthesis of HH plants threefold higher than LL plants at the same Gs. In all treatments except LL, Gs declined with foliar ABA accumulation. Foliar ABA sprays substantially decreased Gs of HH plants, but did not significantly affect LL plants. Thus low temperature compromised stomatal sensitivity to endogenous and exogenous ABA. Applying the ethylene antagonist 1 methyl‐cyclopropene partially reverted excessive stomatal opening of LL plants. Thus, chilling‐induced ethylene accumulation may mediate stomatal insensitivity to ABA, offering chemical opportunities for improving seedling survival in cold environments.
Microbiological water quality and derived health risks from exposure to ornamental water fountains in the city of Hannover
Authors: Carpio Vallejo Estefania , Düker Urda , Meyer Franziska , Berding Ulrich , Nogueira Regina
Published: April 2023

Ornamental fountains are attractive urban infrastructures helping cities to cope with global warming, as water sprays have great cooling effects due to evaporative properties; however, exposure to microbiologically impaired water from ornamental fountains during recreational activities may result in adverse health outcomes for the exposed population. This study assesses the microbial water quality of four ornamental water fountains (Blätterbrunnen, Körtingbrunnen, Klaus–Bahlsen–Brunnen, and Marstallbrunnen) and performs a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for children using Escherichia coli, Enterococci, and Salmonella to quantify the probability of gastrointestinal illnesses and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to quantify the risk of dermal infections. Samples were collected fortnightly in two campaigns in 2020 and 2021 and processed to determine bacterial concentrations. Data on exposure time were obtained during field observations on the selected fountains; a total of 499 people were observed of which 30% were children. Mean bacterial concentrations ranged from 1.6 × 101 to 6.1 × 102 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL for E. coli, 1.2 × 101–1.2 × 103 MPN/100 mL for Enterococci, 8.6 × 103–3.1 × 105 CFU/100 mL for Salmonella, and 2.5 × 103–3.2 × 104 MPN/100 mL for P. aeruginosa. The results of the QMRA study showed that the USEPA illness rate of 36 NEEAR‐gastrointestinal illnesses/1000 was exceeded for Enterococci at the Körtingbrunnen, Klaus–Bahlsen–Brunnen, and Marstallbrunnen fountains and for Salmonella and P. aeruginosa at the Körtingbrunnen fountain, suggesting that exposure to microbiologically contaminated water from ornamental fountains may pose a health risk to children. The scenario analysis shows the importance of keeping low bacterial concentrations in ornamental fountains so that the risk of illness/infection to children does not exceed the USEPA illness rate benchmark.
Land Allocation Policy and Income Inequality: Evidence From Vietnam
Authors: Li Jinjing , Tran Thi Bich , La Hai Anh , Nguyen Mai Xuan Thi
Published: April 2023

Vietnam has experienced a major land policy reform in recent decades, relaxing the previously imposed restrictions on land transfer and accumulation. This paper investigates the relationship between this agricultural land reform and changes in income inequality using a microdata‐based decomposition framework. Results show that agricultural land reform is one of the most important drivers of income growth among middle‐income households in Vietnam, and has contributed to a reduction in income inequality. However, the effect is highly heterogeneous, as it favors households with particular land types; it thus leads to an increase in income inequality in rural areas despite reducing such inequality in urban regions. The findings suggest that the policy effect of land restriction relaxation can be complex due to inequalities in new opportunities as well as the initial landholding distribution.
Comparative analysis of original face and skin‐warped average face images for the scoring of skin attributes
Authors: Marin Quentin , Honda Tatsuya , Okano Yuri , Cherel Marie , Prestat‐Marquis Elodie
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Representative of a panel, an average face image could be used to analyse/display skin changes while alleviating image rights constraints. Therefore, we used landmark‐based deformation (warping) of individual skin images onto their panel's average face, evaluating this approach's relevance and possible limits.

Methods

An average front face image was constructed from images of 71 Japanese women (50–60 years old). After warping individual skin images onto this average face, the resulting skin‐warped average faces were presented to three experts who graded: forehead wrinkles, nasolabial fold, wrinkle of the corner of the lips, pore visibility and skin pigmentation homogeneity. Two experts estimated subjects’ age. Results were compared to gradings performed on original images.

Results

Inter‐expert grading shows excellent to good correlation whatever image type: from 0.918 (forehead wrinkles) to 0.693 (visibility of pores). Correlations between scoring of both image types are almost always higher than inter‐expert correlations (maximum: 0.939 for forehead wrinkles—minimum: 0.677 for pore visibility). Frequencies of grades/ages are similar when scoring original and skin‐warped average face images. Experts scores are similar in 90.6%–99.3% of the cases. Average deviations upon scoring both image types are smaller than average inter‐expert deviations on original images.

Conclusions

Scoring facial characteristics in original images and skin‐warped average face images show an excellent agreement, even for perceived age, a complex feature. This opens the possibility of using this approach to grade facial skin features, monitor changes over time, and to valorise results on a face deprived of image rights.
How do you know if this is for you? Exploration and awareness of technical STEM careers
Authors: Ferguson Sarah L. , Ieva Kara P. , Winkler Christopher J. , Ash Kimelle , Cann Theresa
Published: April 2023

STEM technician and technologist careers can be accessible options for students; however, the historical devaluing of technical careers combined with a lack of awareness and familiarity with the specific options within this career cluster have resulted in a shortage of trained and prepared professionals. Grounded in social cognitive career theory, this survey study explores college students' knowledge of technical STEM careers, their high school career exploration experiences, and the relationship between science interest, career decision‐making, and technical career knowledge. Results from this survey indicate there is little to no familiarity with the majority of the STEM technician and technologist careers presented. However, results also show students are engaging in career exploration, and many are using more than one resource for exploration in their high school years. Implications for school counselors, teachers, family members, and community members are presented to specifically address the noted concerns.
Analysis of cross‐over experiments with count data in the presence of carry‐over effects
Authors: Cruz Nelson Alirio , López Pérez Luis Alberto , Melo Oscar Orlando
Published: April 2023

This paper presents an experimental cross‐over design whose response variable is a count that belongs to the Poisson distribution. The methodology is extended to data with overdispersion or subdispersion. We present the theoretical development for analysis of cases with few treatments and a few periods. In this case, we consider the log‐linear link for estimation effects and the Delta method for the asymptotic inference of the estimators. When the number of periods and sequences increases, we propose an extension of the previous methodology, using the generalized linear models. In this extension, cross‐over designs for count data include treatments, sequences, time effects, covariables, and any correlation structure. The most important result of the methodology is that it allows the detection of significant factors within the cross‐over design when the response variable belongs to the exponential family, especially the treatment effects. Finally, we present the analysis of data obtained in a student hydration study and a simulation study. We show a comparison between the usual methods of analysis and those obtained in the present work, demonstrating the advantage over the usual methods in situations with carry‐over presence.
Exogenous ketosis elevates circulating erythropoietin and stimulates muscular angiogenesis during endurance training overload
Authors: Poffé Chiel , Robberechts Ruben , Van Thienen Ruud , Hespel Peter
Published: April 2023

De novo capillarization is a primary muscular adaptation to endurance exercise training and is crucial to improving performance. Excess training load, however, impedes such beneficial adaptations, yet we recently demonstrated that such downregulation may be counteracted by ketone ester ingestion (KE) post‐exercise. Therefore, we investigated whether KE could increase pro‐angiogenic factors and thereby stimulate muscular angiogenesis during a 3‐week endurance training‐overload period involving 10 training sessions/week in healthy, male volunteers. Subjects received either 25 g of a ketone ester (KE, n = 9) or a control drink (CON, n = 9) immediately after each training session and before sleep. In KE, but not in CON, the training intervention increased the number of capillary contacts and the capillary‐to‐fibre perimeter exchange index by 44% and 42%, respectively. Furthermore, KE also substantially increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression both at the protein and at the mRNA level. Serum erythropoietin concentration was concomitantly increased by 26%. Conversely, in CON the training intervention increased only the protein content of eNOS. These data indicate that intermittent exogenous ketosis during endurance overload training stimulates muscular angiogenesis. This likely resulted from a direct stimulation of muscle angiogenesis, which may be at least partly due to stimulation of erythropoietin secretion and elevated VEGF activity, and/or an inhibition of the suppressive effect of overload training on the normal angiogenic response to training. This study provides novel evidence to support the potential of exogenous ketosis to benefit endurance training‐induced muscular adaptation.

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Key points

Increased capillarization is a primary muscular adaptation to endurance exercise training. However, excess training load may impede such response.

We previously observed that intermittent exogenous ketosis by post‐exercise and pre‐sleep ketone ester ingestion (KE) counteracted physiological dysregulations induced by endurance overload training. Therefore, we investigated whether KE could increase pro‐angiogenic factors thereby stimulating muscular angiogenesis during a 3‐week endurance training overload period.

We show that the overload training period in the presence, but not in the absence, of KE markedly increased muscle capillarization (+40%).

This increase was accompanied by higher circulating erythropoietin concentration and stimulation of the pro‐angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in skeletal muscle.

Collectively, our data indicate that intermittent exogenous ketosis may evolve as a potent nutritional strategy to facilitate recovery from strenuous endurance exercise, thereby stimulating beneficial muscular adaptations.
The Ice Hazard on Airplanes
Authors: Geer William C.
Published: April 2023

The problem of the formation of ice on airplane wings and propeller blades and of its prevention or quick removal is discussed in the paper. The most practical device for the removal of ice on the leading edges of airplane parts is asserted to be a rubber overshoe capable of being inflated and deflated with an air pump at the rate of three times a minute. A special oil mixture gives the rubber properties of low adhesion toward ice. The removal of ice from propeller blades has not been successfully demonstrated.
The Tail Spinning of Aircraft
Authors: Budwig Gilbert G.
Published: April 2023

Tail spinning of aircraft is a subject of interest to manufacturers and operators alike. There is much to be learned in the application of corrective measures. The problem was investigated by the Department of Commerce, and it was determined that there were four factors which in most cases will determine if an airplane will have satisfactory spinning characteristics: It should be stable about all three axes; the center of gravity should be well forward with respect to the center of pressure; the wing loading should be kept below a certain maximum figure depending mostly upon the characteristic of the particular airfoil; the weights of airplane and cargo should be grouped as closely as possible around the center of gravity. One or more of these characteristics were involved in every airplane that spun unsatisfactorily, and the correction of this factor brought about the desired result.
Some Effects of Corrosion Fatigue on Streamline Wire for Aircraft
Authors: Haven Hugh E.
Published: April 2023

Several years ago aircraft designers began using what is commonly known now as “streamline wire” in the construction of tension members of aircraft. Wires of approximately elliptical section were adopted for the purpose of reducing parasite resistance. These wires are subjected to vibrations of varying frequencies, believed to be mainly of the torsional type. They are also under a pure tension stress when the plane is in dead air or on the ground. In addition to the aforementioned stresses, the wires are always subject to the very deleterious effects of corrosion. Corrosion, obviously, is a serious factor where naval or sea planes are concerned. Some of the effects of the combination of these conditions are discussed in this paper, in which the author presents data thus far obtained in an investigation at the Engineering Experiment Station, Annapolis, Md.
The Boundary Layer and Skin Friction for a Figure of Revolution
Authors: Millikan Clark B.
Published: April 2023

The boundary-layer equations for a figure of revolution are first derived in the Prandtl form. These are then integrated to give the so-called “integral relation” for the case in question. Power-series expressions for the boundary-layer profiles in laminar and turbulent flow are assumed and substituted into the integral relation. In this way expressions are obtained for the boundary-layer thickness and for the contribution to the skin friction of the laminar and turbulent portions of the boundary layer. In particular a simple expression is given for the boundary-layer thickness at the stagnation point, which is a singular point of the equation. Conditions at the point where the boundary-layer flow changes from laminar to turbulent are discussed in some detail, and the simple Prandtl assumption for the transition-point behavior is adopted as the basis of the further calculations. Numerical values for the N.P.L. International Airship Model are introduced, and theoretical curves are given for the resistance coefficient as a function of the Reynolds number. These are compared with previous theoretical results and with experimental values.

The agreement of the theory with experiment is considered satisfactory in view of the assumptions which had to be introduced into the analysis in order to supplement the present state of knowledge concerning boundary-layer phenomena. The general integral relation developed in the paper can be used to obtain more accurate results in the future, when more is known regarding boundary-layer profiles in curved and diverging (or converging) flows.
On the Subcritical Speeds of the Rotating Shaft
Authors: Soderberg C. Richard
Published: April 2023

Disturbances sometimes encountered at speeds above the fundamental whirling speed, having the fundamental frequency, are usually, and correctly, attributed to internal friction. Other disturbances frequently met with at speeds below the fundamental whirling speed, and when the motions also have the fundamental natural frequency, have been thought to be due to minute variations of the angular velocity of rotation caused by the eccentric application of gravity. The present paper discusses the latter group of phenomena, and aims to show that the cause assigned is incorrect.