bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditions that Enable Successful Participation of Smallholder Tree Growers in Timber Value Chains
Authors: Carias Vega Dora , Page Tony
Published: January 2023

Recent research identified twenty conditions that enable the participation of smallholder tree growers in timber value chains. This paper builds on that work. It delves deeper into how and when during the plantation investment cycle these conditions facilitate sustained trade between small-scale timber producers, processors, buyers, and other service providers. It also identifies the stakeholders who are in the best position to influence these conditions. Conditions that affect access to smallholder timber such as biophysical characteristics of the land, characteristics of the plots where trees are planted, and infrastructure have important implications for trading partners. A buyer’s willingness to purchase smallholder timber also depends on timber quality and quantity, and reliability of supply. These are affected by conditions such as the availability of good genetic material, biophysical characteristics of land, and application of the right silvicultural practices. Building a viable value chain involving smallholder tree growers depends on matching the capabilities and aspirations of smallholders with the requirements of processors and buyers. Opportunities for smallholder tree growers to benefit from growing timber demand are on the rise, but successful engagement of small-scale timber producers with these markets will depend on how well all value chain agents connect and understand each other’s needs.
Autophagy Paradox: Strategizing Treatment Modality in Melanoma
Authors: Pangilinan Christian , Xu Xiaowei , Herlyn Meenhard , Liang Chengyu
Published: January 2023

Opinion statement

The primordial autophagy process, originally identified as a starvation response in baker’s yeast, has since been shown to have a wide spectrum of functions other than survival. In many cases, it is accepted that autophagy operates as a key tumor suppressor mechanism that protects cells from adverse environmental cues by enforcing homeostasis and maintaining the functional and structural integrity of organelles. Paradoxically, heightened states of autophagy are also seen in some cancers, leading to the prevailing view that the pro-survival aspect of autophagy might be hijacked by some tumors to promote their fitness and pathogenesis. Notably, recent studies have revealed a broad range of cell-autonomous autophagy in reshaping tumor microenvironment and maintaining lineage integrity and immune homeostasis, calling for a renewed understanding of autophagy beyond its classical roles in cell survival. Here, we evaluate the increasing body of literature that argues the “double-edged” consequences of autophagy manipulation in cancer therapy, with a particular focus on highly plastic and mutagenic melanoma. We also discuss the caveats that must be considered when evaluating whether autophagy blockade is the effector mechanism of some anti-cancer therapy particularly associated with lysosomotropic agents. If autophagy proteins are to be properly exploited as targets for anticancer drugs, their diverse and complex roles should also be considered.
APOC-III: a Gatekeeper in Controlling Triglyceride Metabolism
Authors: Giammanco Antonina , Spina Rossella , Cefalù Angelo B. , Averna Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Purpose of Review

Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) is a widely known player in triglyceride metabolism, and it has been recently recognized as a polyhedric factor which may regulate several pathways beyond lipid metabolism by influencing cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological disease risk. This review summarizes the different functions of ApoC-III and underlines the recent findings related to its multifaceted pathophysiological role.

Recent Findings

The role of ApoC-III has been implicated in HDL metabolism and in the development of atherosclerosis, inflammation, and ER stress in endothelial cells. ApoC-III has been recently considered an important player in insulin resistance mechanisms, lipodystrophy, diabetic dyslipidemia, and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPT). The emerging evidence of the involvement of ApoC-III in the in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease open the way to further study if modification of ApoC-III level slows disease progression. Furthermore, ApoC-III is clearly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as the calcification of aortic valve and recent clinical trials has pointed out the inhibition of ApoC-III as a promising approach to manage hypertriglyceridemia and prevent CVD.

Several evidences highlight the role of ApoC-III not only in triglyceride metabolism but also in several cardio-metabolic pathways. Results from recent clinical trials underline that the inhibition of ApoC-III is a promising therapeutical strategy for the management of severe hypertriglyceridemia and in CVD prevention.
Structured programs for the self-management of substance addiction consequences in outpatient services: A scoping review
Authors: Seabra Paulo , Boska Gabriella , Sequeira Rui , Sequeira Ana , Simões Ana , Nunes Inês , Sequeira Carlos
Published: January 2023

Structured intervention programs are an important resource for supporting people with substance addiction. Although evidence suggests that they improve health outcomes, such as specific symptoms, less is known about their impact on patients’ ability to self-manage the consequences of substance addiction. The aim of this review is to scope outpatient intervention programs focused on the self-management of substance addiction consequences. Approach. This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. MEDLINE and CINAHL (through Ebsco), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (including PsycINFO) and Web of Science were screened to identify articles published in the last 10 years. Only primary research was included. Out of 891 records, 19 were eligible for this review—12 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 6 quasi-experimental study and 1 observational study. Those studies reported group interventions (10), individual interventions (8) and 1 mixed approach. The most common interventions were based on motivational strategies, relapse prevention and definition of active plans for risky situations. 10 studies reported positive effects. The identification of structured programs may support the development of new approaches focused on empowerment and quality of life of people with substance addiction. Programs to empower patients for self-management of substance addiction consequences are often complex and rely on health professionals’ commitment. Nevertheless, they are a feasible approach that seems to benefit patients managing chronic conditions associated with substance addiction.
Borehole Log Reconstruction using ANN: A Case Study from KBH-08, Koyna-Warna Region
Authors: Haritha D. , Satyavani N.
Published: January 2023

Well logs provide valuable information about the sub-surface geological formations. Several complications in data recording, like, instrument error, borehole conditions, incomplete logging, etc., often result in data loss which in turn causes difficulties in the interpretation of recorded logs. The present work emphasises on rebuilding the missing logs using artificial neural networks and the technique is applied to reconstruct the missing sonic log from the KBH-08 borehole in the Koyna-Warna region. The generated sonic log shows the fracture zones in the borehole that correlate well with the zones identified from other logs.
Effect of Geological, Mineralogical Characteristics on Grindability of Bauxite: A Case Study of Indian Lateritic Bauxite Deposits
Authors: Bhukte P. G. , Daware G. T. , Masurkar S. P. , Panchal M. S. , Chaddha M. J.
Published: January 2023

Lateritic bauxite are the products of intense sub-aerial weathering of rocks. It is characterized by a particular enrichment of aluminium-hydroxide minerals such as gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore. Bauxite ore is the result of weathering of various parent rocks such as khondalite, Deccan trap basalt, granite gneiss, charnockite, etc. The two types of lateritic bauxite deposits are located in India viz high level and low level (coastal), situated in the regions namely Eastern ghat, Western ghat, central India, Gujarat, and in union territory Jammu. There are distinct geological variations in the mode of occurrence and ore body configuration. The geological, chemico-mineralogical and petrological characteristics are varying in deposits from region to region. The Eastern ghat and west coast bauxite is dominant in gibbsite minerals however, the central Indian bauxite is mixed gibbsitic boehmite and at places diasporic in nature.

For the present study, representative samples of bauxite have been collected from Indian deposits. The samples were characterized for chemical composition, mineralogy and petrography. The bond work index tests have been performed on bauxite samples by standard procedure. The bond work index of ore indicates how much energy is required to grind the ore and it is a very significant property from a plant point of view. The laboratory results show that the eastern ghat bauxite is soft (BWI-10 kwh/mt) as compared to Central Indian bauxite (16 kwh/mt). The studies indicate that the base rock/parent rock, geological formation, mineralogy, etc. play an important role in the hardness of bauxite. In the present paper, details of the Bond work index of various bauxite are specified and factors responsible for the hardness of the ore is being highlighted.
Investigation on Barail Formation Coals of Upper Assam with Reference of Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
Authors: Banik Prasun , Phukan Ranjan , Sarmah Ranjan Kumar , Das Minati
Published: January 2023

Coal is liberally accessible energy resource utilized by mankind for its comfort. Though economical it still has unfavorable impact on the environment. Presently underground coal a source of methane gas confined within the seams known as coal bed methane (CBM) attracts due to its purity and environment friendly. FTIR, UV visible spectroscopy, XRD, solid state NMR are well known spectroscopic instruments used to analyze complex coals chemical structures and its consequences on methane gas source. In the present research virgin coal samples from Barail Formation are examined by FTIR and XRD to assign various functional groups and minerals present separately. Proximate and ultimate analyses are correspondingly conducted to know its organic and inorganic constituents. Results reflect the low moisture content and moderate fixed carbon quantity progresses with depth. FTIR studies uncover presence of aromatic and aliphatic functional sets; prerequisite of hydrocarbons generation. Coal seam at depths of 740-846 m is favorable for economic methane gas production. These are promising pre-requisites of coal to be an unconventional resource. There is abundance of quartz, kaolinite and mon-tmorillonite; traces of pyrite and siderite too are observed from XRD spectral investigation.
Well Hydraulics in Parts of Western Vidarbha Region in Deccan Traps, India
Authors: Mishra Chetan , Toppo Sunil , Naik Pradeep K. , Singh H.P. , Raj Amit
Published: January 2023

Deccan Traps cover about 15% (500,000 sq. km) of India’s landmass, and about 82% of Maharashtra state. They deliver fluctuating hydraulic results due to their disposition as a multilayered aquifer system. The drawdown and recovery data of eight exploratory wells in Akola, Buldhana and Washim districts of western Vidarbha region in Maharashtra state were analyzed to define the aquifer characteristics in basalts. Conventional methods such as those suggested by Theis (1935), Jacob-Cooper (1946), Chow (1952) and Walton (1962) were used to estimate aquifer parameters such as transmissivity (T) and storativity (S). The advantages and limitations of these methods were critically examined from their applicability perspective. Estimated values of T ranged from 7 to 133 m2/day and those of S from 6.05x10-4 to 1.63x10-2, showing poor yields in most parts. In this study, Jacob-Cooper (1945) and Theis recovery (1935) methods were found easy to adopt and yielded rapid results compared to Theis curve matching (1935), Chow (1952) and Walton (1962) methods that typically involve either curve matching or complex computational techniques.
Assessment of Bi-Decadal Groundwater Fluctuations in a Coastal Region Using Innovative Trends and Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Krishnan Chythanya , Mahesha Amai
Published: January 2023

Coastal areas are among the densely populated regions in the world with growing population and subsequent increasing demands for water. Understanding the long-term variations in available water resources aids in efficient water conservation, management and allocation strategies. The present study investigated the longterm trends in groundwater depths (GWDs) for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in the coastal district of Kollam during the period 1996~2017, where groundwater is the primary source for domestic and agricultural uses during summer season. The trends examined using the modified Mann Kendall (mMK), innovative trend analysis (ITA) and Sen’s slope estimator indicated a decreasing pre-monsoon GWD trends at an average of -0.5m/ decade in 63% of the wells, while increasing post-monsoon GWD trends at an average rate of +0.43m/decade in 72% of the wells at 5% significance level. The singular spectrum analysis (SSA) captured monotonic as well as non-monotonic trend trajectories for the GWDs. About 41% wells exhibited a correlation below - 0.5 (p<0.05) between post-monsoon GWDs and JJASO (June, July, August, September and October) rainfall totals. The increasing post-monsoon GWDs could be related to recent changes in the southwest monsoon patterns over the peninsular India. Adequate planning and management of existing water resources could impart better control on water conservation strategies under the scenario of climate change.
Impact of Leachate Percolation on Groundwater Quality near the Bandhwari Landfill Site Gurugram, India
Authors: Srivastava Sudhir K. , Mohiddin Syed K. , Prakash Dhan , Bhartariya Sanjay G , Singh Tejdeep , Nagar Anoop , Lale Kiran , Radhapyari Keisham
Published: January 2023

Non-engineered landfill sites pose substantial environmental threats, especially on air, biodiversity, soil fertility, human health. In addition, they have significant threats to groundwater resources. As a result, areas lying close to these landfills have a higher chance of groundwater contamination because of the leachate originating from these sites. Therefore, physico-chemical, heavy metal and organic pollutants were examined to study the effects of leachate seepage on groundwater quality collected in and around the Bandhwari sanitary landfill site. The study results revealed that parameters such as TDS, total hardness, COD, cations, anions, and heavy metals (Cd and Pb) exceeded the BIS limits and WHO limits. It depicts that contaminant from the landfill site have made their way into the groundwater, adversely affecting the quality of groundwater of the vicinal area, despite the existing quartzite geological setup and deep aquifers. The concentration of COD in groundwater samples around landfill ranged between 08-152 mg/L, and COD in leachate samples ranged between 14000-14800 mg/L. The concentration of BOD in groundwater samples ranged between 1.0-30 mg/L, and BOD for leachate samples ranged between 6771-7617 mg/L. The samples analysed for organo-chlorine, carbanates and organo-phosphorus pesticides shows that pesticides concentration is within the acceptable limit of 0.001 μg/L.
Productivity gains, evolution of productive performances, and profitability of organic ruminant farms: farm size and feed self-sufficiency matter
Authors: Veysset Patrick , Kouakou Edith , Minviel Jean-Joseph
Published: January 2023

We analyzed the productive and economic performances of a constant sample of 58 organic ruminant farms between 2014 and 2018, in a mountain grassland area (French Massif Central). Over this 5-year period, these farms expanded without increasing their labor productivity or animal density per hectare of forage area. While animal productivity has been maintained, we observed a decrease in feed self-sufficiency, and thus, an increase in feed purchases. Over the period, the volume of inputs used has increased more rapidly than agricultural production, resulting in a decline in the productivity surplus (PS) at a rate of −2.6%/year. As the prices of products and inputs were relatively stable, this decrease in PS was financed at 41% by an increase in public aid (drought aid, agri-environmental climate measures) and at 49% by a decrease in profitability for the farmer (the farm income per farmer fell by 40%). A binary choice estimation model, i.e., which variables determine the positive or negative sign of the PS, showed that farm size was a negative determinant of the PS, as was system specialization, while feed self-sufficiency was a positive determinant. More statistically robust references on price indices of organic farming (OF) products and inputs, as well as long-term follow-ups of OF farms, are needed to validate these original results, which were based on a small sample size and a short period of time.
From naturalness to materiality: reimagining philosophy of scientific classification
Authors: Ludwig David
Published: January 2023

The notion of natural kinds has been widely criticized in philosophy of science but also appears indispensable for philosophical engagement with classificatory practices. Rather than addressing this tension through a new definition of “natural kind”, this article suggests materiality as a substitute for naturalness in philosophical debates about scientific classification. It is argued that a theory of material kinds provides an alternative and more inclusive entry point for analyzing classificatory practices, which is specified through an account of “restricted malleability” of materiality and further analyzed as (1) gradual, (2) multi-dimensional, (3) scalable, (4) interactive, and (5) purpose sensitive.
Pharmaceutical applications of lignin-derived chemicals and lignin-based materials: linking lignin source and processing with clinical indication
Authors: Karagoz Pinar , Khiawjan Sansanee , Marques Marco P. C. , Santzouk Samir , Bugg Timothy D. H. , Lye Gary J.
Published: January 2023

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant bioresources on Earth. Over recent decades, various valorisation techniques have been developed to produce value-added products from the cellulosic and hemicellulosic fractions of this biomass. Lignin is the third major component accounting for 10–30% (w/w). However, it currently remains a largely unused fraction due to its recalcitrance and complex structure. The increase in the global demand for lignocellulosic biomass, for energy and chemical production, is increasing the amount of waste lignin available. Approaches to date for valorizing this renewable but heterogeneous chemical resource have mainly focused on production of materials and fine chemicals. Greater value could be gained by developing higher value pharmaceutical applications which would help to improve integrated biorefinery economics. In this review, different lignin extraction methods, such as organosolv and ionic liquid, and the properties and potential of the extracted chemical building blocks are first summarized with respect to pharmaceutical use. The review then discusses the many recent advances made regarding the medical or therapeutic potential of lignin-derived materials such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor compounds and in controlled drug delivery. The aim is to draw out the link between the source and the processing of the biomass and potential clinical applications. We then highlight four key areas for future research if therapeutic applications of lignin-derived products are to become commercially viable. These relate to the availability and processing of lignocellulosic biomass, technologies for the purification of specific compounds, enhancements in process yield, and progression to human clinical trials.
Teleonomy: Revisiting a Proposed Conceptual Replacement for Teleology
Authors: Dresow Max , Love Alan C.
Published: January 2023

The concept of teleonomy has been attracting renewed attention recently. This is based on the idea that teleonomy provides a useful conceptual replacement for teleology, and even that it constitutes an indispensable resource for thinking biologically about purposes. However, both these claims are open to question. We review the history of teleological thinking from Greek antiquity to the modern period to illuminate the tensions and ambiguities that emerged when forms of teleological reasoning interacted with major developments in biological thought. This sets the stage for an examination of Pittendrigh’s (Adaptation, natural selection, and behavior. In: Roe A, Simpson GG (eds) Behavior and evolution. Yale University Press, New Haven, pp 390–416, 1958) introduction of “teleonomy” and its early uptake in the work of prominent biologists. We then explore why teleonomy subsequently foundered and consider whether the term may yet have significance for discussions of goal-directedness in evolutionary biology and philosophy of science. This involves clarifying the relationship between teleonomy and teleological explanation, as well as asking how the concept of teleonomy impinges on research at the frontiers of evolutionary theory.
Using the global value chain framework to analyse and tackle global environmental crises
Authors: De Marchi Valentina , Gereffi Gary
Published: January 2023

Climate crises are being experienced all over the world and appear to be accelerating as “extreme weather” events become the “new normal.” In today’s world economy, where trade and production activities are internationally dispersed and prone to disruptions, the global value chain (GVC) framework provides a systematic approach to understand and combat environmental crises and to advance sustainable development options across global, regional, and local scales. A vast “implementation deficit” characterizes sustainability efforts to date. The GVC framework incorporates firm and policymaker perspectives in a multistakeholder approach that offers multiple building blocks for a progressive environmental agenda, including: a multi-actor perspective to define sustainability; measuring it across diverse geographic scales; analysis of both environmental upgrading and downgrading; distinguishing motivations, actions, and outcomes when assessing environmental performance; viewing GVC resilience in terms of the interplay of economic and environmental forces; and highlighting how context matters in analyzing national, industry, and geopolitical factors.
Long-Term Clinical and Toxicological Follow-up of Severe Cobalt and Chromium Intoxication—a Case Report
Authors: Preisser Alexandra M. , Scheit Lorenz , Kraft Alexander , Thieme Olaf , Harth Volker
Published: January 2023

Cobalt intoxications from fractured hip endoprostheses have been described since the early 2000s. Typical symptoms include cardiomyopathy, neurological symptoms with visual and hearing loss and hypothyroidism. Less is known about long-term progression of these pathologies. This case report shows the long-term course of complications caused by cobalt and chromium exposure after substantial elimination of the source of intoxication. We report here a 63-year-old male Caucasian with severe cobalt and chromium intoxication. He presented 1 month after 2nd revision surgery of a broken hip endoprosthesis in a reduced general condition with signs of heart failure, pale skin and diminished hearing and vision. Blood analyses showed a cobalt concentration of 600 μg/L (reference value < 0.45 μg/L). Because the blood cobalt concentration decreased rapidly after surgery and symptoms improved, chelation therapy was not applied. Close clinical and toxicological monitoring was performed. The intoxication was not diagnosed until 6 years after the faulty hip joint revision and 3 years of clear signs of intoxication during a 2nd revision of the prosthesis. The patient’s ordeal could have been much shorter if his cobalt intoxication with neurologic, cardiac and thyroid symptoms had been detected earlier by toxicological blood tests. After the elimination of the source of poisoning, the long-term course showed constant excretion of cobalt and chromium over several years without chelation. Specific symptoms such as cardiomyopathy and neurological symptoms were declining. However, due to the continuous release of metal ions from the tissue, complete recovery did not occur.
Effect of a Water Phase on the Swelling Pressure and Water Retention of an Unsaturated Bentonite–Sand Mixture with Insignificant Osmotic Suction
Authors: Lang Lin Zhi , Baille Wiebke
Published: January 2023

Compacted bentonite–sand mixture is proposed widely as backfill in geological repositories for disposal of radioactive waste in many countries because this material has significant swelling capacity and low water permeability. Development of the swelling pressure of backfills upon hydration is related closely to the stability of the host rock in the geological repository. No systematic experimental studies have been carried out to explore the effect of a water phase on the swelling pressure and water retention of bentonite–sand mixtures with insignificant osmotic suction. The objective of the current study was to examine experimentally the influence of a water phase involving liquid water and water vapor on swelling pressure and water retention of a bentonite–sand mixture with insignificant osmotic suction. Swelling-pressure tests with suction control and water-retention measurements under constant-volume conditions were performed on the compacted bentonite–sand mixture with a dry density of 1.80 g/cm3. Osmotic and vapor equilibrium techniques were used to make identical specimens adsorb liquid water and water vapor, respectively. The experimental results showed that the water phase had almost no effect on the swelling-pressure patterns of the unsaturated bentonite–sand mixture upon hydration over a suction range from 27 to 3 MPa. The swelling pressure increased significantly with decreasing suction from 27 to 3 MPa, regardless of the mixture adsorbing either the liquid water or water vapor. Nevertheless, the water phase had a considerable impact on both the swelling pressure and water retention of the unsaturated bentonite–sand mixture upon hydration over the same suction range. For a given value of suction in the range above, the swelling pressure and the water content of the bentonite–sand upon adsorption of liquid water were greater than those upon adsorption of water vapor. The influence of the water phase on the swelling pressure and the water retention of the bentonite–sand mixture with insignificant osmotic suction is related mainly to the hydration or swelling mechanism of Ca-rich bentonite.
Rating the significance of the factors influencing shortage of skilled labours for sustainable construction: a perception of Makkah construction practitioner
Authors: Alshahrani Adnan , Alaboud Naif , Leje Mohammed Isah , Karban Abdullah , Altowerqi Zayed
Published: January 2023

The construction industry is one of the main economic sectors that contribute significantly to social and economic development. However, the lack of skilled labour is one of the factors affecting the success of projects in the construction industry. Skilled labours are the potential for enhancing overall delivery of construction projects to achieve sustainability. Building and construction industry in Makkah has continued to respond to shortages of skilled labours. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of factors influencing the shortage of skilled labours from the perceptions of construction practitioners. In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this study, the quantitative descriptive method was adopted for this research study, and data for this study was collected through a stratified random sample of construction practitioners in Makkah. Data were first analysed by way of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Relative Importance Index (RII) for ranking comparison among the construction practitioners. The results of RII indicates that the significant factors influencing the shortage of skilled labours in Makkah include delay in salary payment, low wages structure, lack of motivation system, health and safety issues on construction sites, lack of job security, bad relations between skilled labours and management team, poor living conditions, Slow recruitment of skilled labours, restricted government regulations, and exposure of climate conditions. The findings revealed that the factors rated are required for organisational performances which are essential in achieving sustainable building and construction in Makkah.
COVID-19 and its impact on mental health as a function of gender, age, and income
Authors: Gulati Namrata , Nanda Chandni , Hora Ramandeep Kaur
Published: January 2023

This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people from different socioeconomic classes. This has been done by creating an anxiety score, based on responses to a set of questions that were asked as part of a two-round telephonic survey done by Young Lives Data for India. Using this index, anxiety levels have been classified as high, medium, and low. As the dependent variable has an ordered nature, an ordered logit model has been used for regression. According to the results, job loss, death of the family’s earning member or mishap in the family, and price increases all contributed to increased anxiety. The analysis indicates that anxiety levels among women were higher than among men because of the increased burden of household chores and childcare responsibilities. Also, anxiety levels were higher among those who perceived themselves as rich or poor as opposed to those who were comfortable in their income group. There was a higher anxiety level among the rich due to income loss and increased household responsibilities. A high percentage of children and elders reported feeling anxious; school closures and a lack of social interaction caused stress. Isolation also plagued the elderly. Furthermore, many students couldn’t avail online learning opportunities due to a lack of resources. The government implemented many policies to mitigate these issues, which included those to mitigate the immediate hunger problem.
Perceived COVID-19 Severity, Risk of Infection, and Prevention Self-Efficacy in Saudi Arabia During Lockdown: A Population-Based National Study
Authors: Al-Raddadi Rajaa , Bahabri Nezar , AlRaddadi Zeyad
Published: January 2023

Evidence shows that the risk perception of humans can significantly affect their response to a threat. This population-based, cross-sectional study explored the determinants of perceived disease seriousness, perceived disease infectiveness, and perceived prevention self-efficacy of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the lockdown period, using the health belief model for preventive behavior (HBMPB) among 4423 adults in Saudi Arabia from 13 provinces. Multivariate binary regression was used to analyze the independent factors of three risk perception variables and to measure their effect on adherence to preventive measures. Overall, COVID-19 seriousness was perceived to be higher than that of diabetes and lower than that of a heart attack, while its infectiousness was perceived to be high by 75.3% of the participants. Furthermore, 66.6% had a low perception of their prevention self-efficacy. The HBMPB showed independent effects of all three risk perception parameters on adherence to the preventive measures, including perceived seriousness (Odd’s ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.01–1.56), infectiousness (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.52–2.38), and prevention self-efficacy (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.20–1.91). Authorities should maintain an optimal level of communication on the COVID-19 risk, communicate more about the virus’ cycle and the disease to demystify the rationale of the preventive measures, and enhance confidence in their efficiency.
Generalized Bockstein maps and Massey products
Authors: Lam Yeuk Hay Joshua , Liu Yuan , Sharifi Romyar , Wake Preston , Wang Jiuya
Published: January 2023

Given a profinite group G of finite p-cohomological dimension and a pro-p quotient H of G by a closed normal subgroup N, we study the filtration on the Iwasawa cohomology of N by powers of the augmentation ideal in the group algebra of H. We show that the graded pieces are related to the cohomology of G via analogues of Bockstein maps for the powers of the augmentation ideal. For certain groups H, we relate the values of these generalized Bockstein maps to Massey products relative to a restricted class of defining systems depending on H. We apply our study to prove lower bounds on the p-ranks of class groups of certain nonabelian extensions of

$\mathbb {Q}$

and to give a new proof of the vanishing of Massey triple products in Galois cohomology.
Injection medialisation laryngoplasty: an alternative approach for challenging cases
Authors: Gupta T , Ali Y , Sudan S , Bowles P F D
Published: January 2023

Objective

Conventional injection medialisation laryngoplasty techniques may be compromised by patient-specific factors such as marked kyphosis, an anteriorly positioned larynx or intolerance to nasendoscopy. This paper describes a technique for successful injection medialisation laryngoplasty where conventional methods are precluded, in an 88-year-old man with presbyphonia on a background of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

After induction of general anaesthesia, a transoral introducing needle, shaped by tactile manipulation to match the curvature of a ‘C-MAC’ intubating video-laryngoscope ‘D-blade’ attachment, was introduced until visible above the glottis. The implant material was then injected into the paraglottic space as normal until satisfactory medialisation of the vocal fold was achieved.

Results

When reviewed in the out-patient clinic four weeks later, the patient's post-operative Voice Handicap Index score fell to 6, from a pre-operative score of 21.

Conclusion

By utilising commonly available equipment and anaesthetic support to recreate the views and access conventional nasendoscopy and laryngoscopy facilitate, this novel procedure provides a viable and proven alternative in uncommon but challenging cases.
Abortion Access and the Benefits and Limitations of Abortion-Permissive Legal Frameworks: Lessons from the United Kingdom
Authors: Romanis Elizabeth Chloe
Published: January 2023

This paper argues that abortion access is an important subject for bioethics scholarship and reflects on the relationship between legal frameworks and access to care. The author uses the example of the United Kingdom to examine the benefits and limitations of abortion-permissive legal frameworks in terms of access. These are legal frameworks that enable the provision of abortion but subject to restrictions. An abortion-permissive regime—first in Great Britain and then in Northern Ireland—has gone some way to improving access to care over time. However, aspects of the regime (that lead to its description as permissive rather than supportive of abortion) have the potential to endanger abortion access in the future and so legal reform is necessary.
Eating in Isolation: A Normative Comparison of Force Feeding and Solitary Confinement
Authors: Buzath Emma , Lederman Zohar
Published: January 2023

The practice of solitary confinement (SC) is established within the literature as a common occurrence of torture within the prison system, and many international and national human rights organizations have called for its abolition. A somewhat more contentious topic in the literature is the practice of force feeding (FF) of hunger-striking prisoners. The paper aims to make a case against FF by establishing a parity argument that states the following: If SC is considered an immoral practice (and indeed it should be), it should follow that FF is morally impermissible as well. In conclusion, this paper will argue that FF of hunger-striking prisoners is a violation of their fundamental moral rights and constitutes cruel and inhumane treatment and, therefore, should be abolished.
Isorhamnetin improves in vitro maturation of oxidative stress-exposed porcine oocytes and subsequent embryo development
Authors: Oh Seung-Hwan , Lee Seung-Eun , Yoon Jae-Wook , Park Chan-Oh , Park Hyo-Jin , Kim So-Hee , Lee Do-Geon , Pyeon Da-Bin , Kim Eun-Young , Park Se-Pill
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the effect of the flavonoid-based compound isorhamnetin (ISO) on maturation and developmental competence in oxidative stress-exposed porcine oocytes in vitro. Treatment with 2 μM ISO (2 ISO) increases the developmental rate of oxidative stress-exposed porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM). The glutathione level and mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes (NFE2L2 and SOD2) were increased in the 2 ISO-treated group, whereas the reactive oxygen species level was decreased. Treatment with 2 ISO increased mRNA expression of a cumulus cell expansion-related gene (SHAS2) and improved chromosomal alignment. mRNA expression of maternal genes (CCNB1, MOS, BMP15 and GDF9) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity were increased in the 2 ISO-treated group. The total cell number per blastocyst and percentage of apoptotic cells were increased and decreased in the 2 ISO-treated group, respectively. Treatment with 2 ISO increased mRNA expression of development-related genes (SOX2, NANOG, and POU5F1) and anti-apoptotic genes (BCL2L1 and BIRC5) and decreased that of pro-apoptotic genes (CASP3 and FAS). These results demonstrate that 2 ISO improves the quality of porcine oocytes by protecting them against oxidative stress during IVM and enhances subsequent embryo development in vitro. Therefore, we propose that ISO is a useful supplement for IVM of porcine oocytes.
A New Seismic Phase to Detect Mid‐Mantle Scatterers
Authors: Yuan Y. , Sun D. , Thomas C.
Published: January 2023

Small‐scale mid‐mantle heterogeneities (<100 km) are revealed by various short‐period seismic waves with different sampling paths. Here, using dense stations in China, we present the observations of a new seismic phase that arrives as a PP precursor. This arrival represents a P‐wave scattered at mid‐mantle heterogeneities as PdpP (“d” indicates the depth of heterogeneity) and appears in two forms: (a) a wave train with increasing slowness from P/Pdiff to PP slowness; (b) a single arrival with unique slowness between Pdiff and PP slowness. Waveform modeling results suggest that both types of PdpP signals can be simultaneously generated by lower mantle scatterers with scales larger than 20 km, situated close to the source region. Furthermore, focusing on the observations of PdpP from Fiji‐Tonga earthquakes, we locate a series of scatterers at depth of 800–1,350 km that may be related to the Pacific slab subducting along the Tonga‐Kermadec trench.
Electron Heating Scales in Collisionless Shocks Measured by MMS
Authors: Johlander Andreas , Khotyaintsev Yuri V. , Dimmock Andrew P. , Graham Daniel B. , Lalti Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Electron heating at collisionless shocks in space is a combination of adiabatic heating due to large‐scale electric and magnetic fields and non‐adiabatic scattering by high‐frequency fluctuations. The scales at which heating happens hints to what physical processes are taking place. In this letter, we study electron heating scales with data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft at Earth's quasi‐perpendicular bow shock. We utilize the tight tetrahedron formation and high‐resolution plasma measurements of MMS to directly measure the electron temperature gradient. From this, we reconstruct the electron temperature profile inside the shock ramp and find that the electron temperature increase takes place on ion or sub‐ion scales. Further, we use Liouville mapping to investigate the electron distributions through the ramp to estimate the deHoffmann‐Teller potential and electric field. We find that electron heating is highly non‐adiabatic at the high‐Mach number shocks studied here.
Evaluating the Retreat, Arrest, and Regrowth of Crane Glacier Against Marine Ice Cliff Process Models
Authors: Needell C. , Holschuh N.
Published: January 2023

The fastest projected rates of sea level rise appear in models which include “the marine ice cliff instability (MICI),” a hypothesized but mostly unobserved process defined by rapid fracture and wastage of terminal ice cliffs that outpaces viscous relaxation and ice‐shelf formation. Crane Glacier's response to the Larsen B Ice Shelf collapse has been invoked as evidence of MICI in the observational record. Using available remote sensing data, we analyze Crane's retreat, arrest, and regrowth over the last two decades. Much of Crane's terminus retreat occurred in floating, not grounded ice. Retreat accelerated by at least 54% during the 2 years following ice shelf collapse. This is inconsistent with contemporaneous regional forcing that promoted ice shelf growth during this period, but consistent with a geometrically controlled positive feedback. We infer a maximum possible cliff height of 111 m, which according to process models, could enable cliff calving assuming damaged ice.
The Spatiotemporal Variability of Non‐Migrating Tides in the Zonal Wind Component Detected From TIMED/TIDI Observations
Authors: Li Xing , Ren Zhipeng , Cao Jinbin
Published: January 2023

With Doppler Interferometer instruments on thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere energetics and dynamics satellite (TIMED/TIDI) observations, the 1‐day resolution, non‐migrating DE3 tide in the zonal wind component can be extracted using the method from Li et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JA021577). This paper presents the spatiotemporal variability of the DE3 tide in the zonal wind component between 85 and 105 km altitude and within ±30° latitude. The global structure and long‐term variation (intra‐annual and >1 year variability) are similar to the previous results. It is found that (a) it is dominant in the Southern Hemisphere between 95 and 105 km altitude and in the Northern Hemisphere between 90 and 100 km altitude; (b) the maximum amplitudes are in August and September around the equator, and the phases are stable and hardly vary with their latitudes; and (c) the influence of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) phenomenon can be noticeably detected. Additionally, the short‐term variability (after filtering out long‐term variability) can also be presented: (a) it increases with altitudes gradually between 85 and 105 km altitude, and the peak value is above 100 km; and (b) the short‐term variability does not demonstrate significant long‐term variation. Furthermore, through comparative analysis, we found that (a) the long‐term variations in DE3 in temperature and zonal wind are consistent with each other; however, the short‐term variabilities in DE3 are not similar. This indicates that the dominant dynamic processes of DE3 in the temperature and zonal wind components are different. (b) The symmetric DE3 tide in the zonal wind component is dominant at 0°–15° latitudes, and the asymmetric tide is dominant at 15°–30° latitudes. This indicates that the DE3 tide at different latitudes is dominated by wave modes with different symmetries.
The Importance of Subsurface Productivity in the Pacific Arctic Gateway as Revealed by High‐Resolution Biogeochemical Surveys
Authors: Juranek L. W. , Hales B. , Beaird N. L. , Goñi M. A. , Shroyer E. , Allen J. G. , White A. E.
Published: January 2023

Following sea‐ice retreat, surface waters of Arctic marginal seas become nutrient‐limited and subsurface chlorophyll maxima (SCM) develop below the pycnocline where nutrients and light conditions are favorable. However, the importance of these “hidden” features for regional productivity is not well constrained. Here, we use a unique combination of high‐resolution biogeochemical and physical observations collected on the Chukchi shelf in 2017 to constrain the fine‐scale structure of nutrients, O2, particles, SCM, and turbulence. We find large O2 excess at middepth, identified by positive saturation () maxima of 15%–20% that unambiguously indicate significant production occurring in middepth waters. The maxima coincided with a complete depletion of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN = NO3− + NO2− + NH4+). Nitracline depths aligned with SCM depths and the lowest extent of maxima, suggesting this horizon represents a compensation point for balanced growth and loss. Furthermore, SCM were also associated with turbulence minima and sat just above a high turbidity bottom layer where light attenuation increased significantly. Spatially, the largest maxima were associated with high nutrient winter‐origin water masses (14.8% ± 2.4%), under a shallower pycnocline associated with seasonal melt while lower values were associated with summer‐origin water masses (7.4% ± 3.9%). Integrated O2 excesses of 800–1,200 mmol m−2 in regions overlying winter water are consistent with primary production rates that are 12%–40% of previously reported regional primary production. These data implicate short‐term and long‐term control of SCM and associated productivity by stratification, turbulence, light, and seasonal water mass formation, with corresponding potential for climate‐related sensitivities.
Seasonal Variation of the Land Breeze System in the Southwestern Bay of Bengal and Its Influence on Air‐Sea Interactions
Authors: Athulya K. , Girishkumar M. S. , McPhaden M. J. , Kolukula S. S.
Published: January 2023

This study examines the seasonal variability of the Land Breeze System (LBS) in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) using hourly moored buoy data, coastal radar data, atmospheric reanalysis data, and 6‐hourly satellite‐based Cross‐Calibrated Multi‐Platform (CCMP) wind velocity data. We first provide an overview of the LBS for the entire BoB, then focus on the pronounced LBS in southwestern BoB and its impact on the near‐surface current field and latent heat flux (LHF). We show that the LBS in the southwestern BoB exhibits a maximum diurnal wind speed amplitude of ∼2 m s−1 with seaward nearshore winds best developed in the morning hours. The geographical coverage is maximum in July and August and minimum in December and January. During its peak phase in July–August, the signature of the LBS in the southwestern BoB extends up to 600 km offshore, occupies ∼20% of the basin, and accounts for approximately 15% of the seasonal mean wind speed variance. The near‐surface current field shows a rapid response to the diurnal wind speed variations, with an eastward current observed between 1000–1800 IST, a westward current between 1800–0800 IST, and a diurnal range of 12 cm s−1. LHF shows well‐defined diurnal variability in response to diurnal LBS wind speed variability, with a morning maximum, evening minimum, and a diurnal range of 35 W m−2. We also find that the large‐scale seasonal winds are the main factor in determining the annual variability in strength and geographical coverage of the LBS in the southwestern BoB.