bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Governance, access, and harms: perspectives of the Irish public on the use of their genetic data for research
Authors: Staunton Ciara , Middleton Anna , Milne Richard , Ó Broin Pilib , Calmasini Carlo
Published: May 2023

Background 

After years of government inaction, Ireland’s first National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomic Medicine in Ireland was launched in December 2022. Research, innovation, and robust governance are identified as key to supporting a genomic service. It is critical that any policies developed to support the implementation of this strategy are informed in part by the views of the Irish public. The aim of this research is to explore the perspectives of the Irish public on the use of their genetic data for research. 

Methods 

The “Your DNA Your Say” project is a global exploratory project that is gathering public attitudes towards genomic data sharing. Between March and April 2022, 1005 members of the Irish public were anonymously surveyed to determine their views on the use of their genetic data and health data for research. 

Results  

Less than half of respondents were familiar with DNA, genetics, and genomics. There was a feeling that DNA and medical information should receive high levels of protection. Amongst the categories to whom the participants could share data, there are high levels of trust in the medical profession, and highest levels of willingness to share data with the medical profession. There were low levels of willingness for a separate individual or entity to decide on access. Overall, there is a consistent level of uncertainty with many respondents selecting “I do not know”, perhaps indicating the need for more information in this area. 

Conclusion 

It is critical that the Genomic Strategic builds upon the willingness to donate and provides ongoing and sustained funding to ensure trust of the Irish public in genomic research.
NON-TARIFF REGULATION MEASURES IN CUSTOMS LAW
Authors: Litke Polina V. , Morozov Vitaliy E.
Published: May 2023

Necessary to point out that the current system of tariff regulation is a prerequisite for the implementation of an effective customs policy and the implementation by customs authorities of the tasks of ensuring the economic security of the country. However, most countries don’t currently have the ability to actively respond to changes in the terms of trade by reducing or increasing tariff rates. Therefore, against the backdrop of a decrease in the customs and tariff protection of national markets, the role of non-tariff means of foreign trade policy is growing. It is non-tariff measures that are the main tool for protecting the domestic market and the country’s economy from unfair actions of foreign states in the field of foreign trade. The preference given to non-tariff measures is due to the fact that, unlike tariff measures, they do not constitute an additional tax burden for the population.

Purpose. The article is devoted to the characterization of legal regulation of non-tariff regulation measures. The authors give classification to these measures and pay attention to their individual types: for example, product quotas.

Methodology. he basis of the study is the dialectical-materialistic method of knowing objective reality and the general scientific and private scientific methods based on it (comparison, analysis, deduction, induction, formal-logical, comparative-legal, formal-legal, system-structural, interpretation method).

The results of the study consist in the analysis of the term «non-tariff regulation measures», the formulation of their typology, the grounds for their application. The authors formulate a proposal for their codification at the supranational level.

Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in the field of customs regulation or foreign trade.
An ancient schwannoma misdiagnosed as a dermoid cyst on ultrasound examination: a case report
Authors: Jung Suk Han , Kim Byung-Kook , Dan Jinmyoung , Lee Ho-Jae
Published: May 2023

Ancient schwannomas are benign, long-standing schwannomas of the neural sheaths. This schwannoma subtype is characterized by cystic and hemorrhagic changes. These degenerative changes are thought to result from the tumor’s long-term progression and have the potential to be misdiagnosed as other soft tissue tumors or sarcomas. A 37-year-old female patient presented to our department with discomfort caused by a mass on the anterior side of her forearm. Approximately 2 weeks prior to her visit, an excisional biopsy was attempted under local anesthesia, but the patient experienced severe tingling sensations up to the wrist during surgery, preventing successful removal of the mass. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed for further differential diagnosis. An excisional biopsy was performed under general anesthesia, and histologic analysis revealed typical degenerative features of ancient schwannoma. A thorough examination, including MRI, is necessary to identify these tumors, prevent potential misdiagnosis, and ensure appropriate treatment.
Uncovering Retail Trading in Bitcoin: The Impact of COVID-19 Stimulus Checks
Authors: Divakaruni Anantha , Zimmerman Peter
Published: May 2023

In April 2020, the U.S. government sent economic impact payments (EIPs) directly to households as part of its measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We characterize these stimulus checks as a wealth shock for households and examine their effect on retail trading in Bitcoin. We find a significant increase in Bitcoin buy trades of size $1,200, which is the modal EIP amount. We find similar increases in trading for other countries that paid out stimulus checks. We estimate that the EIPs have a significant impact on the U.S. dollar–Bitcoin trading pair, increasing buy volume by 3.8% and the price by 0.6%. We also find that demand for Bitcoin is highly price inelastic compared with the demand for stocks. We suggest the demographic characteristics that make people more resilient to the COVID-19 economic shock—single, computer literate, and educated—are also characteristics of people who are more interested in Bitcoin.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Biais, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4790 .
Distribution-Free Contextual Dynamic Pricing
Authors: Luo Yiyun , Sun Will Wei , Liu Yufeng
Published: May 2023

Contextual dynamic pricing aims to set personalized prices based on sequential interactions with customers. At each time period, a customer who is interested in purchasing a product comes to the platform. The customer’s valuation for the product is a linear function of contexts, including product and customer features, plus some random market noise. The seller does not observe the customer’s true valuation, but instead needs to learn the valuation by leveraging contextual information and historic binary purchase feedback. Existing models typically assume full or partial knowledge of the random noise distribution. In this paper, we consider contextual dynamic pricing with unknown random noise in the linear valuation model. Our distribution-free pricing policy learns both the contextual function and the market noise simultaneously. A key ingredient of our method is a novel perturbed linear bandit framework, in which a modified linear upper confidence bound algorithm is proposed to balance the exploration of market noise and the exploitation of the current knowledge for better pricing. We establish the regret upper bound and a matching lower bound of our policy in the perturbed linear bandit framework and prove a sublinear regret bound in the considered pricing problem. Finally, we demonstrate the superior performance of our policy on simulations and a real-life auto loan data set.

Funding: Y. Liu and W.W. Sun acknowledge support from the National Science Foundation Division of Social and Economic Sciences [Grant NSF-SES 2217440].

Supplemental Material: The supplementary material is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/moor.2023.1369 .
Naturally nurtured children
Authors: Blunden Frannie
Published: May 2023

Nursery manager, Frannie Blunden outlines the unique approach of her nursery which fosters skills such as independence, confidence, communication and resilience in the children in their care.
Exploring the life cycle of a butterfly
Authors: Marycz Adam
Published: May 2023

Each spring the topic of growth and change is often at the forefront of the discussions across early years settings. Examples you will often see, especially in line with National Gardening Week in early May involves planting flowers/food, however here is another example I use in my setting.
Critical incident reflection: a co-created tool to analyse, reflect on and advance social work
Authors: Skjefstad Nina S. , Julkunen Ilse , Uggerhøj Lars
Published: May 2023

Critical incident reflection is a set of procedures for promoting, thinking about, reflecting upon and learning about oneself or other individuals, organisations and/or processes based on direct observations of human behaviour. Critical incident reflection consists of reflections based on analysis of the surprises, discomforts and worries in practice, as well as a critical re-examination, with the aim of developing new knowledge, skills and values. Critical incident reflection was developed over a period of time and is based on such processes as theoretical analysis, meetings between researchers, practitioners and students, and two pilots and a lab. All parts of the processes originate from a Nordic network, Knowledge Production in Social Work, which has been running for almost 20 years. In this article, experiences from these developments are elaborated. It is asked how the critical incident reflection tool can be developed through co-creation, and how it can be used as an innovative approach to analyse, develop and advance social work. The main conclusion is that critical incident reflection is an evolving method that can be applied to advance social work practice, as well as a teaching method for developing student skills.
Design and test of a FBG acceleration sensor based on multi-stage flexible hinges
Authors: Li Caihua , Guan Yuxin , Zhang Bingbing , Qiu Lei , Zhou Jianchao , Hu Xingxing
Published: May 2023

High-precision and high-sensitivity vibration acceleration sensors have been a research hotspot in engineering technology, which play an important role in engineering structural health monitoring, earthquakes, tsunamis, and geological exploration. A novel, to the best of our knowledge, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) acceleration sensor incorporating a mass block and flexible hinge was proposed against the low sensitivity and poor transverse interference resistance of existing FBG acceleration sensors. The FBG accelerometer with the multi-stage flexible hinge was modeled and theoretically analyzed, the structural parameters of the sensor were optimized and actual sensors were developed, and a sensor performance test experiment was carried out in the end. The result suggested that the sensor’s natural frequency was as high as 1400 Hz, and its response was flat in the frequency range of 50–800 Hz; its sensitivity was 18.4 pm/g, linearity R2 was 0.9983, and transverse interference immunity was below 3.2%. The research findings offered a new way of thinking about high-precision and high-sensitivity vibration measurement in engineering technology.
Thermal compensation design of achromatic and apochromatic optical systems using a 3D glass chart
Authors: Ren Zhiguang , Li Xuyang , Pang Zhihai , Wang Wei , Wei Jinyang , Zhao Jiawen , Yao Kaizhong
Published: May 2023

It is important to determine
the ideal combination of housing materials, groups of refractive
materials, and their optical powers for athermalizing achromatic and
apochromatic optical systems. This study proposes
a combined design approach
that utilizes three or more glass types to resolve thermal aberrations
and defocus achromatic and apochromatic optical systems. It selects a
suitable glass type using a 3D glass chart and calculates the optical
power analytically. Furthermore, a temperature-insensitive optical
system with a 450–750 nm band based on refractive materials
(CDGM Glass Co., Ltd.) is designed, with the modular transfer function
value of the center field of view decreasing by less than 0.024 in the
temperature range of −40∘C to +80∘C and the secondary spectrum aberration
decreasing by over three times and being maintained within
0.08 mm.
Identification of late-life depression and mild cognitive impairment via serum surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Yan Denghui , Xiong Changchun , Zhong Qingshan , Yao Yudong , Chen Shuo , Mei Xi , Zhu Shanshan
Published: May 2023

Identification of age-related neuropsychiatric disorders, i.e., late-life depression (LDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is of imperative clinical value considering the large probability of misdiagnosis and current lack of sensitive, non-invasive and low-cost diagnostic approaches. Here, the serum surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique is proposed to identify healthy controls, LDD and MCI patients. Based on SERS peaks analysis, abnormal levels of ascorbic acid, saccharide, cell-free DNA and amino acids in serum are found to be potential biomarkers for identifying LDD and MCI. These biomarkers might be related to oxidative stress, nutritional status, lipid peroxidation and metabolic abnormalities. Moreover, partial least square analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-LDA) is applied to those collected SERS spectra. Finally, the overall identification accuracy is 83.2%, and accuracies are 91.6% and 85.7% for differentiating healthy versus neuropsychiatric disorders and LDD versus MCI, respectively. Thus, the serum SERS combined with multivariate statistical analysis has proved its successful potential for rapid, sensitive and non-invasive identification of healthy, LDD and MCI, which may open new avenues for early diagnosis and timely intervention for age-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Near-field antenna measurement based on Rydberg-atom probe
Authors: Shi Yuansheng , Ouyang Kang , Ren Wu , Li Weiming , Cao Meng , Xue Zhenghui , Shi Meng
Published: May 2023

Current near-field antenna measurement methods are commonly based on metal probes, with the accuracy limited and hard to be optimized due to the drawbacks they suffered, such as large volume, severe metal reflection/interference and complex circuit signal processing in parameter extracting. In this work, a novel method is proposed based on Rydberg atom in the near-field antenna measurement, which can offer a higher accuracy due to its intrinsic character of traceability to electric field. Replacing the metal probe in near-field measurement system by Rydberg atoms contained in a vapor cell (probe), amplitude- and phase- measurements on a 2.389 GHz signal launched out from a standard gain horn antenna are conducted on a near-field plane. They are transformed to far-field pattern and agree well with simulated results and measured results by using a traditional metal probe method. A high precision in longitudinal phase testing with an error below 1.7% can be achieved.
Thermally tuned VCSEL at 850 nm as a low-cost alternative source for full-eye SS-OCT
Authors: Kendrisic Milana , Agafonov Vladislav , Salas Matthias , Ferrara Lorenzo , Niederleithner Michael , Resch Hemma , Steiner Stefan , Vass Clemens , Drexler Wolfgang , Leitgeb Rainer A.
Published: May 2023

Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) demonstrates superior performance in comparison to spectral domain OCT with regard to depth ranging. The main driver of cost for SS-OCT systems is, however, the price of the source. Here we show a low-cost alternative swept source that uses a thermally tuned vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) at 850 nm. Its center wavelength can be tuned by adjusting the operating temperature through modulation of the injection current. At 2 kHz sweep rate, the depth range of the system was 5 cm, with a sensitivity roll-off of under −3 dB across this range. The system achieved a sensitivity of 97 dB with a sample beam power of 0.3 mW and an axial resolution of 50 µm in air. To demonstrate the system performance in vivo, an eye of a healthy volunteer was measured, and full-eye scans were acquired at 25 and 50 kHz from the cornea to the retina. Based on our results, we believe that this technology can be used as a cost-effective alternative OCT for point-of-care diagnostics.
All-optical synaptic neuron based on add-drop microring resonator with power-tunable auxiliary light
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Jiang Ning , Li Anran , Zhang Yiqun , Hu Gang , Cao Yongsheng , Qiu Kun
Published: May 2023

We propose and demonstrate an all-optical synaptic neuron based on an add-drop microring resonator (ADMRR) with power-tunable auxiliary light. Dual neural dynamics of passive ADMRRs, having spiking response and synaptic plasticity, are numerically investigated. It is demonstrated that, by injecting two beams of power-tunable and opposite-direction continuous light into an ADMRR and maintaining their sum power at a constant value, linear-tunable and single-wavelength neural spikes can be flexibly generated, in virtue of the nonlinear effects triggered by perturbation pulses. Based on this, a weighting operation system based on cascaded ADMRRs is designed; it enables implementation of real-time weighting operations at a number of wavelengths. This work provides a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach for integrated photonic neuromorphic systems based entirely on optical passive devices.
Optical second-order skyrmionic hopfion
Authors: Ehrmanntraut Daniel , Droop Ramon , Sugic Danica , Otte Eileen , Dennis Mark R. , Denz Cornelia
Published: May 2023

Due to their topological stability and spatial confinement, particle-like field configurations have gained significant interest in many areas of physics. Only recently, the first skyrmionic hopfion was proposed in light, but its higher-order analog in optics has stayed a theoretical construct so far, and direct experimental observations also prove difficult in non-optical systems. Here we overcome this challenge by the experimental realization and analysis of a second-order skyrmionic hopfion in the polarization and phase texture of a paraxial light field in three-dimensional space. Thereby, we exemplify advanced control of observed parameters in a localized space, pioneering further experimental studies on higher-order hopfions in optics and beyond.
Flour nutritional profile, and soxhlet-extracted oil physicochemical breakdown-storage performance of white melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) seed varieties from Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Nwoke Solomon I. , Okechukwu Queency N. , Ugwuona Fabian U. , Ojukwu Moses , Skendrović Hanna , Juchniewicaz Szymon , Leicht Katarzyna , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Korzeniowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2023

White melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin), is among common and yet underutilized oil seed crop within the West African region, does not have sufficient information specific to its nutrient composition for foreign consumers. To supplement existing information, therefore, we investigated the nutritional profile of defatted and full-fat flour, alongside physicochemical breakdown and storage performance of soxhlet-extracted oil from two white melon (C. mannii) seed varieties found in Southeast Nigeria. Nutritional profile involved the determinations of proximate composition, minerals, vitamins, functional properties as well as amino acid profile. Physicochemical breakdown involved the determinations of fatty acid profile, lipid breakdown parameters, as well as associated physical attributes. Results showed defatting of flours increased the protein (69.04%), carbohydrates (16.26%), crude fiber (2.68%), ash (11.9%), mineral (Na ranging from 223.92–246.99 mg/100g), and vitamin contents (Vit B1 ranging from 0.453–0.712 mg/100g). Total amino acid differed slightly when comparing miniature (30.36 g/100g) and large (22.36 g/100g) seeds. Soxhlet-extracted oil possessed low thiobarbituric acid, acid, and peroxide values (0.030 and 0.038 mg MDA/kg, 1.08 and 1.27 mg KOH/g, and 2.95 and 3,94 mEqO2/kg, for large and miniature seeds respectively), and peak linoleic acid (5 and 6.45 mg/ml, for miniature and large seeds respectively). During storage, the thiobarbituric acid and peroxide values of soxhlet-extracted oil increased yet within acceptable limits.
Prevalence of refractive error among Dongarias and use of Folding Phoropter (FoFo) as a field device enabling implementation research in this indigenous community. Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) Report # 13
Authors: Padhy Debananda , Das Taraprasad , Majhi Debasmita , Khanna Rohit C. , Avhad Komal , Ota Akhila Bihari , Rout Prachi Parimita , Rath Suryasnata
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error (URE) among Dongarias—a particularly vulnerable tribal group in Rayagada, Odisha, India and evaluate if folding phoropter (FoFo) can help achieve on-site correction of URE.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. FoFo was used for people with URE. Spherical equivalent (SE) spectacles based on the FoFo refraction were dispensed when distance visual acuity improved to > 6/12. Others were referred to fixed eye centres. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the relationship of URE with sociodemographic characters and factors predicting acceptance of FoFo.

Results

In the study, 7.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]:7–8) people had URE, and included 4% with severe vision impairment and 36% with moderate visual impairment. URE was less common in children. Simple hyperopia was more common in females (25.3% vs 19.3%); compound myopic astigmatism was more common in males (27.4% vs 20.2%). People older than 50 years (p <0.0001) and females (p <0.0001) were more likely to have URE. Ninety-four people accepted FoFo on-site refraction and received SE spectacles; the acceptance was better in the younger (15–29 years old) and literate people (p <0.0001).

Conclusions

URE was the second most common cause of visual impairment in older adults and was higher in females. Within its technological limit, FoFo could be used in the field for correcting URE and obviating the need for travel, thus bridging the know-do gap for the marginalised Dongaria community.
Semi-field evaluation of a volatile transfluthrin-based intervention reveals efficacy as a spatial repellent and evidence of other modes of action
Authors: Burton Timothy A. , Kabinga Lewis Hambayi , Simubali Limonty , Hayre Quinton , Moore Sarah J. , Stevenson Jennifer C. , Lobo Neil F.
Published: May 2023

Presently, the most common malaria control tools–i.e., long lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS)–are limited to targeting indoor biting and resting behaviors of Anopheles mosquito species. Few interventions are targeted towards malaria control in areas where transmission is driven or persists due to outdoor biting behaviors. This study investigated a volatile pyrethroid-based spatial repellent (VPSR) designed to bridge this gap and provide protection from mosquito bites in outdoor spaces. Southern Province, Zambia, is one such environment where outdoor biting is suspected to contribute to malaria transmission, where people are active in the evening in open-walled outdoor kitchens. This study assessed the VPSR in replica kitchens within a controlled semi-field environment. Endpoints included effects on mosquito host seeking, immediate and delayed mortality, deterrence, blood feeding inhibition, and fertility. Host-seeking was reduced by approximately 40% over the course of nightly releases in chambers containing VPSR devices. Mosquito behavior was not uniform throughout the night, and the modeled effect of the intervention was considerably higher when hourly catch rates were considered. These two observations highlight a limitation of this overnight semi-field design and consideration of mosquito circadian rhythms is recommended for future semi-field studies. Additionally, deterrence and immediate mortality were both observed in treatment chambers, with evidence of delayed mortality and a dose related response. These results demonstrate a primarily personal protective mode of action with possible positive and negative community effects. Further investigation into this primary mode of action will be conducted through a field trial of the same product in nearby communities.
Expression and secretion of glycosylated barley oxalate oxidase in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Donelan William , Li ShiWu , Dominguez-Gutierrez Paul R. , Anderson IV Augustus , Yang Li-Jun , Nguyen Cuong , Canales Benjamin K.
Published: May 2023

Oxalate oxidase is an enzyme that degrades oxalate and is used in commercial urinary assays to measure oxalate levels. The objective of this study was to establish an enhanced expression system for secretion and purification of oxalate oxidase using Pichia pastoris. A codon optimized synthetic oxalate oxidase gene derived from Hordeum vulgare (barley) was generated and cloned into the pPICZα expression vector downstream of the N-terminal alpha factor secretion signal peptide sequence and used for expression in P. pastoris X-33 strain. A novel chimeric signal peptide consisting of the pre-OST1 sequence fused to pro-αpp8 containing several amino acid substitutions was also generated to enhance secretion. Active enzyme was purified to greater than 90% purity using Q-Sepharose anion exchange chromatography. The purified oxalate oxidase enzyme had an estimated Km value of 256μM, and activity was determined to be 10U/mg. We have developed an enhanced oxalate oxidase expression system and method for purification.
Characterising school-age health and function in rural Zimbabwe using the SAHARAN toolbox
Authors: Piper Joe D. , Mazhanga Clever , Mapako Gloria , Mapurisa Idah , Mashedze Tsitsi , Munyama Eunice , Mwapaura Marian , Chidhanguro Dzivaidzo , Mpofu Eddington , Mutasa Batsirai , Gladstone Melissa J. , Wells Jonathan C. , Langhaug Lisa F. , Tavengwa Naume V. , Ntozini Robert , Prendergast Andrew J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We developed the School-Age Health, Activity, Resilience, Anthropometry and Neurocognitive (SAHARAN) toolbox to address the shortage of school-age assessment tools that combine growth, physical and cognitive function. Here we present i) development, acceptability and feasibility of the SAHARAN toolbox; ii) characteristics of a pilot cohort; and iii) associations between the domains measured in the cohort.

Methods

Growth was measured with anthropometry, knee-heel length and skinfold thicknesses. Bioimpedance analysis measured lean mass index and phase angle. Cognition was assessed using the mental processing index, derived from the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children version 2, a fine motor finger-tapping task, and School Achievement Test (SAT). Physical function combined grip strength, broad jump and the 20m shuttle-run test to produce a total physical score. A caregiver questionnaire was performed in parallel.

Results

The SAHARAN toolbox was feasible to implement in rural Zimbabwe, and highly acceptable to children and caregivers following some minor modifications. Eighty children with mean (SD) age 7.6 (0.2) years had mean height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) of -0.63 (0.81) and -0.55 (0.85), respectively. Lean mass index and total skinfold thicknesses were related to WAZ and BMI Z-score, but not to HAZ. Total physical score was associated with unit rises in HAZ (1.29, 95% CI 0.75, 1.82, p<0.001), and lean mass index (0.50, 95% CI 0.16, 0.83, p = 0.004), but not skinfold thicknesses. The SAT was associated with unit increases in the mental processing index and child socioemotional score. The caregiver questionnaire identified high levels of adversity and food insecurity.

Conclusions

The SAHARAN toolbox provided a feasible and acceptable holistic assessment of child growth and function in mid-childhood. We found clear associations between growth, height-adjusted lean mass and physical function, but not cognitive function. The SAHARAN toolbox could be deployed to characterise school-age growth, development and function elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.
Efficient keystone species identification strategy based on tabu search
Authors: Fan Chuanjin , Zhu Donghui , Zhang Tongtong , Wu Ruijia
Published: May 2023

As species extinction accelerates globally and biodiversity declines dramatically, identifying keystone species becomes an effective way to conserve biodiversity. In traditional approaches, it is considered that the extinction of species with high centrality poses the greatest threat to secondary extinction. However, the indirect effect, which is equally important as the local and direct effects, is not included. Here, we propose an optimized disintegration strategy model for quantitative food webs and introduced tabu search, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, to identify keystone species. Topological simulations are used to record secondary extinctions during species removal and secondary extinction areas, as well as to evaluate food web robustness. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is also validated by comparing it with traditional methods. Results of our experiments demonstrate that our strategy can optimize the effect of food web disintegration and identify the species whose extinction is most destructive to the food web through global search. The algorithm provides an innovative and efficient way for further development of keystone species identification in the ecosystem.
Private capital holding, financial awareness of government and steadying operation of banks: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Kun , Liu Jie , Li Jiarong
Published: May 2023

Based on the panel data of 123 city commercial banks in China from 2007 to 2017, we use the dynamic panel system GMM estimation method to empirically test the impact of private capital holdings on the stability of city commercial banks. The results show that private capital holding improves the operating performance of city commercial banks, reduces the volatility of return on total assets, and is conducive to the stability of city commercial banks. Furthermore, the lack of financial awareness of local governments has led to the negative impact of private capital, that is, the stability of the banks has declined.
Signal and noise in metabarcoding data
Authors: Gold Zachary , Shelton Andrew Olaf , Casendino Helen R. , Duprey Joe , Gallego Ramón , Van Cise Amy , Fisher Mary , Jensen Alexander J. , D’Agnese Erin , Andruszkiewicz Allan Elizabeth , Ramón-Laca Ana , Garber-Yonts Maya , Labare Michaela , Parsons Kim M. , Kelly Ryan P.
Published: May 2023

Metabarcoding is a powerful molecular tool for simultaneously surveying hundreds to thousands of species from a single sample, underpinning microbiome and environmental DNA (eDNA) methods. Deriving quantitative estimates of underlying biological communities from metabarcoding is critical for enhancing the utility of such approaches for health and conservation. Recent work has demonstrated that correcting for amplification biases in genetic metabarcoding data can yield quantitative estimates of template DNA concentrations. However, a major source of uncertainty in metabarcoding data stems from non-detections across technical PCR replicates where one replicate fails to detect a species observed in other replicates. Such non-detections are a special case of variability among technical replicates in metabarcoding data. While many sampling and amplification processes underlie observed variation in metabarcoding data, understanding the causes of non-detections is an important step in distinguishing signal from noise in metabarcoding studies. Here, we use both simulated and empirical data to 1) suggest how non-detections may arise in metabarcoding data, 2) outline steps to recognize uninformative data in practice, and 3) identify the conditions under which amplicon sequence data can reliably detect underlying biological signals. We show with both simulations and empirical data that, for a given species, the rate of non-detections among technical replicates is a function of both the template DNA concentration and species-specific amplification efficiency. Consequently, we conclude metabarcoding datasets are strongly affected by (1) deterministic amplification biases during PCR and (2) stochastic sampling of amplicons during sequencing—both of which we can model—but also by (3) stochastic sampling of rare molecules prior to PCR, which remains a frontier for quantitative metabarcoding. Our results highlight the importance of estimating species-specific amplification efficiencies and critically evaluating patterns of non-detection in metabarcoding datasets to better distinguish environmental signal from the noise inherent in molecular detections of rare targets.
The effect of foot-stretcher position and stroke rate on ergometer rowing kinematics
Authors: Engstrom Ian , Anderson Katelyn , Bez Eleanna , Agresta Cristine , Telfer Scott
Published: May 2023

Rowing ergometers are popular tools for general fitness and competitive crew teams. The effect of the equipment set up on the rowing stroke has received limited attention. This study aimed to determine the effects of altering the foot-stretcher position on rowing kinematics across different stroke rates. Eleven college-level rowers took part in this study. A rowing ergometer was modified to allow the height and angle of the foot-stretcher to be adjusted. Seven foot-stretcher positions were tested, each at rates of 22, 26, and 32 strokes per minute. Sagittal plane kinematic waveforms were compared between conditions for all major joints using statistical parametric mapping, and temporal variables were assessed (p < 0.05). Stroke rate was found to affect kinematic patterns for all joints. The effect of the foot-stretcher position was limited to the ankle and hip. Similarly, the timing of events during the rowing stroke was affected by the stroke rate, but not foot position. These results indicate that while some limited changes to the stroke technique can be caused by altering the foot-stretcher position, the changes were largely compensated for by the rowers and are generally smaller than differences between stroke rates.
False memory in a second language: The importance of controlling the knowledge of word meaning
Authors: Suarez Mar , Beato Maria Soledad
Published: May 2023

In the globalized world we live in, it is increasingly common for people to speak more than one language. Although research in psychology has been widely interested in the study of false memories with the Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm, to date, there is a scarcity of studies comparing false memories in the first and the second language (L1 and L2, respectively). It is noteworthy that one of the most studied variables in the DRM paradigm, the backward associative strength (BAS), has hardly been studied in the L2. Moreover, the only study that recently examined this matter found differences in the knowledge of L2-word meaning between the high-BAS and low-BAS lists, which would hinder the interpretation of the BAS effect in L2 false memories. Taking all this into account, the current work examined false memories in the L1 (Spanish) and the L2 (English) as a function of BAS overcoming the limitations of the previous study. We selected DRM lists using both Spanish and English free association norms and lists were constructed to vary in BAS values while controlling the knowledge of word meaning. Results showed that false recognition was greater in the L1 or dominant language than in the L2 or non-dominant language. Furthermore, BAS modulated the false recognition in both the L1 and the L2. That is, false recognition was higher in high-BAS than low-BAS lists in both languages. Sensitivity index from the signal-detection theory helped us gain further insight into these results. The main findings are discussed in the light of theoretical models from both the false memory and the second language processing literature. Finally, practical implications and future research are provided.
Linearity of Housekeeping Proteins in Old Rat Heart Samples
Authors: Swied Muhammed Yaman , Makd Bassam , Gomes Aldrin V
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Housekeeping proteins (HKP) are commonly used as an internal loading control (ILC) in western blotting to minimize the source of error via a process called “normalization”. However, recent studies suggested that under certain conditions these proteins can no longer be used to correct the error as they fail to display linearity above a certain sample concentration point. The aim of the study is to evaluate certain HKP proteins (specifically; Actin, Alpha Tubulin, GAPDH), besides other proteins; ISG15, HSP90 and to check if these proteins display a linear relationship with the loaded sample amount. Materials and Methods: 22 months old rat heart samples have been pulverized, homogenized, and adjusted to the same concentration of protein. Each sample of the following set (12µg, 18µg, 24µg, 30µg) were ran on SDS-page gels and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane. Blots were probed with respective primary and secondary antibodies. Ponceau S has been used for the total protein staining. All data were quantified using Sigma Plot. Results are expressed as mean ± SE. Results: Results showed that Actin, GAPDH, and α-Tubulin only express linearity up to sample concentration of 24µg. However, the results for ISG15 and HSP90 can display a linear relationship to a relatively larger sample concentration up to 30µg. Conclusion: The data suggest that the previous HKP can be used as ILC only with relative lower sample concentration. However, HSP90 and ISG15 -which are not considered as HKP- can be more useful as ILC since it can express linearity to a relatively larger sample concentration.
Perceived Parenting Skills that Immigrant Parents of Children with a Disability, During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Güney Mesut
Published: May 2023

In the present study, the topic of "perceived parental skills that immigrant parents of children with a disability, during the Covid-19 Pandemic" was examined. A survey of 50 immigrant parents was carried out. Perceived parental skills were recorded using the Parenting and Family Adjustment Scale (PAFAS) developed by the University of Queensland's Education and Family Support Center. Relevant demographic data such as gender, age, country of origin, marital status, the duration for integration assistance help, family size, and perceived language skills were collected using a separate questionnaire. The results show that there are many factors that can affect directly perceived parenting skills. Immigrant parents’ knowledge of their children’s disabilities, immigrants’ parent’s German language level, immigrant parents coping level with everyday life, and the duration of Integration assistance for immigrant parents all impact perceived parenting skills for immigrant parents. The current study demonstrates that there is a strong relationship between perceived parenting skills and knowledge of children's diagnosis, receiving integration assistance, coping with the Pandemic in daily life, and the German language level.
Adhesion of new thermoplastic materials printed on textile fabrics
Authors: Erdem Göksal , Grothe Timo , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: May 2023

Combining 3D printing, especially fused deposition modelling (FDM) as a material extrusion technique, with textile fabrics can lead to full-layer composites as well as partly reinforced textiles with different mechanical properties at different positions. While the combination of both techniques enables the production of new kinds of objects different from common fibre-reinforced matrices, the adhesion between both materials is still challenging and the subject of intense research activities. Besides well-known setup and printing parameters, such as the distance between nozzle and fabric or the extrusion temperature, material combinations, in particular, strongly influence the adhesion between 3D printed polymer and textile fabric. In this study, we investigate composites of woven fabrics from cotton (CO), polyester (PES) and a material blend (CO/PES) with newly developed thermoplastic materials for FDM printing, and show that depending on the FDM polymer, the adhesion can differ by a factor of more than four for different blends, comparing highest and lowest adhesion.
Techno-economic analysis of fixed versus sun-tracking solar panels
Authors: Elahi Gol Akram , Ščasný Milan
Published: May 2023

The potential output of photovoltaic (PV) panels is influenced by several factors, including the direction of solar radiation from the sun toward the panel’s surface. The maximum output of the panels is obtained when the panels are vertical to the sun's rays. In this study, a techno-economic analysis is conducted to examine whether an automatic one-axis sun tracker system is an economically feasible option for installing a large-scale PV park in the Nicosia district in the central part of Cyprus. The performance of a one-axis sun tracker with an installed capacity of 781 kWp is compared to a PV system with a fixed flat structure having the same capacity and larger capacity at 1034 kWp. Output generated by the three PV system options is simulated by three alternative simulation software (SolarGIS, PVSyst, and PVGIS). Financial analysis is performed utilizing simulated PV power output, accounting for electricity feed-in tariff and overall cost of the project. The cash-flow model is run for several scenarios defined by different leverage ratios, including no leverage. Considering the technical parameters of a PV system and solar panel characteristics, such as the degradation effect on solar panel efficiency and solar radiation, we estimate the solar tracking system produces about 20%–30% more energy compared to a fixed structure. We find both technologies are economically viable options, however, a one-axis tracker system performs better financially. LCOE in all scenarios is below the highest acceptable level for solar PV projects in Cyprus which is 103 EUR per MWh. LCOE for a solar tracker PV is 39 EUR per MWh with a 30% leverage ratio and up to 79 EUR per MWh with 85% leverage. LCOE for a sun-tracker is ~20% lower than LCOE for a PV with a fixed axis of comparable size. Despite higher investment costs, the solar tracking PV system performs with a 12% higher equity internal rate of return, and a 9% shorter loan payback period compared to the same installed power of a fixed structure. The Financial analysis is complemented by quantified benefits due to avoided carbon emissions. Accounting for carbon benefits makes a sun-tracker PV system economically a better option over the fixed tracker PV system, resulting in 228,000 EUR more benefits. Overall, the present value of net benefits of a solar-tracker PV amounts to 1.39 mil. EUR and due to high irradiation in Cyprus, the carbon footprint of PV power output represents only 6% of the footprint of generating electricity in thermal power plants. When these benefits are accounted for the sum of NPV and social benefits will turn out to be higher for a one-axis tracker compared to the total social benefits of a fixed tracker of the same size.
Zur Praxis des Judenschutzes im Meistertum des Deutschen Ordens zum Ende der Frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Grimm Maximilian
Published: May 2023

The article deals with the practice of granting protection in the Franconian possessions of the Teutonic Order. In the early modern period, the examined area was a dominion characterized by structures of small-scale ownership, disputed dominion rights and unclear borders. The Jewish population lived distributed over the entire area in specific focal points. Branches with shared local rulers were of particular importance. The right to settle was nominally granted by the Hochmeister and Deutschmeister. Obtaining protection was associated with an official process for which defined patterns of action were developed. It formed a communication and negotiation process that was conducted across various administrative levels and was characterized by a close exchange between Christian and Jewish actors.
Media portrayal of people with autism spectrum disorder in an official Chinese newspaper
Authors: Lin Meizhen , Ma Bosen
Published: May 2023

News media play a potentially vital role in promoting how people perceive and evaluate people with autism spectrum disorder. While there is an extensive literature on verbal texts of media representations of people with autism spectrum disorder, there is little on the way that such discourses are realized and disseminated visually. This study, based on the framework of multimodal critical discourse analysis, examines the features of images in media coverage of people with autism spectrum disorder within an official Chinese newspaper from 2008 to 2019. The findings indicate that people with autism spectrum disorder are portrayed in the corpus as deficient in communication, deviating from the norm, pathological, and in need of medical intervention and family assistance, as well as having somewhat special talents. The findings also demonstrate that images in the corpus seem to reinforce stereotypes of people with autism spectrum disorder to a greater or lesser extent.
A novel conservative numerical approximation scheme for the Rosenau-Kawahara equation
Authors: Pan Xintian , Zhang Luming
Published: May 2023

In this article, a numerical solution for the Rosenau-Kawahara equation is considered. A new conservative numerical approximation scheme is presented to solve the initial boundary value problem of the Rosenau-Kawahara equation, which preserves the original conservative properties. The proposed scheme is based on the finite difference method. The existence of the numerical solutions for the scheme has been shown by Browder fixed point theorem. The priori bound and error estimates, as well as the conservation of discrete mass and discrete energy for the finite difference solutions, are discussed. The discrepancies of discrete mass and energy are computed and shown by the curves of these quantities over time. Unconditional stability, second-order convergence, and uniqueness of the scheme are proved based on the discrete energy method. Numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and confirm the theoretical analysis.
A country-specific COVID-19 model
Authors: Meissner Gunter , Sherwin Hong
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To dynamically measure COVID-19 transmissibility consistently normalized by population size in each country.

Methods

A reduced-form model enhanced from the classical SIR is proposed to stochastically represent the Reproduction Number and Mortality Rate, directly measuring the combined effects of viral evolution and population behavioral response functions.

Results

Evidences are shown that this e(hanced)-SIR model has the power to fit country-specific empirical data, produce interpretable model parameters to be used for generating probabilistic scenarios adapted to the still unfolding pandemic.

Conclusions

Stochastic processes embedded within compartmental epidemiological models can produce measurables and actionable information for surveillance and planning purposes.