bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demand-side or supply-side stabilisation policies in a small euro area economy: a case study for Slovenia
Authors: Neck Reinhard , Weyerstrass Klaus , Blueschke Dmitri , Verbič Miroslav
Published: March 2021

In this paper we analyse the effectiveness of demand- and supply-side fiscal policies in the small open economy of Slovenia. Simulating the SLOPOL10 model, an econometric model of the Slovenian economy, we analyse the effectiveness of various categories of public spending and taxes during the period 2020 to 2030, assuming that no crisis occurs. Our simulations show that those public spending measures that entail both demand- and supply-side effects are more effective at stimulating real GDP and increasing employment than pure demand-side measures. This is due to the fact that supply-side measures also increase potential and not only actual GDP. Measures which foster research and development and those which improve the education level of the labour force are particularly effective in this respect. Employment can also be stimulated effectively by cutting the income tax rate and the social security contribution rate, i.e. by reducing the tax wedge on labour income, which positively affects Slovenia’s international competitiveness. Successful stabilisation policies should thus contain a supply-side component in addition to a demand-side component. We also provide a first simulation of potential effects of the Covid-19 crisis on the Slovenian economy, which is modelled as a combined demand and supply shock.
A Satisficing Framework for Environmental Policy Under Model Uncertainty
Authors: Athanasoglou Stergios , Bosetti Valentina , Drouet Laurent
Published: March 2021

We propose a novel framework for the economic assessment of environmental policy. Our main point of departure from existing work is the adoption of a satisficing, as opposed to optimizing, modeling approach. Along these lines, we place primary emphasis on the extent to which different policies meet a set of goals at a specific future date instead of their performance vis-a-vis some intertemporal objective function. Consistent to the nature of environmental policymaking, our model takes explicit account of model uncertainty. To this end, the decision criterion we propose is an analog of the well-known success-probability criterion adapted to settings characterized by model uncertainty. We apply our criterion to the climate-change context and the probability distributions constructed by Drouet et al. (2015) linking carbon budgets to future consumption. Insights from computational geometry facilitate computations considerably and allow for the efficient application of the model in high-dimensional settings.
Optimistic Fiction as a Tool for Ethical Reflection in STEM
Authors: Hansen Kathryn Strong
Published: March 2021

Greater emphasis on ethical issues is needed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The fiction for specific purposes (FSP) approach, using optimistic science fiction texts, offers a way to focus on ethical reflection that capitalizes on role models rather than negative examples. This article discusses the benefits of using FSP in STEM education more broadly, and then explains how using optimistic fictions in particular encourages students to think in ethically constructive ways. Using examples of science fiction texts with hopeful perspectives, example discussion questions are given to model how to help keep students focused on the ethical issues in a text. Sample writing prompts to elicit ethical reflection are also provided as models of how to guide students to contemplate and analyze ethical issues that are important in their field of study. The article concludes that the use of optimistic fictions, framed through the lens of professional ethics guidelines and reinforced through ethical reflection, can help students to have beneficial ethical models.
Estimate of theoretical shear strength of C60 single crystal by nanoindentation
Authors: Dub Sergey N. , Haftaoglu Cetin , Kindrachuk Vitaliy M.
Published: March 2021

The onset of plasticity in a single crystal C60 fullerite was investigated by nanoindentation on the (111) crystallographic plane. The transition from elastic to plastic deformation in a contact was observed as pop-in events on loading curves. The respective resolved shear stresses were computed for the octahedral slip systems $$\langle{01}\overline{1}\rangle\left\{ {{111}} \right\}$$

⟨
01

1
¯

⟩

111

, supposing that their activation resulted in the onset of plasticity. A finite element analysis was applied, which reproduced the elastic loading until the first pop-in, using a realistic geometry of the Berkovich indenter blunt tip. The obtained estimate of the C60 theoretical shear strength was about $${1}/{11}$$

1
/
11

of the shear modulus on {111} planes.

Graphical abstract
Effect of melatonin/BMP-2 co-delivery scaffolds on the osteoclast activity
Authors: Jarrar Hala , Çetin Altındal Damla , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe
Published: March 2021

Bone morphogenetic protein two (BMP-2) has been widely used as an osteoinductive agent in the treatment of bone diseases. However, some side effects, such as osteoclast activation have emerged when it was used at high doses. In this study, by considering the osteoclast-suppressing capability of melatonin (MEL), its effect on osteoclast differentiation induced by BMP-2 was investigated. These two factors, MEL and BMP-2, were embedded into chitosan/hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffolds that were characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). Release profiles of MEL and BMP-2 from scaffolds were determined in vitro and then, the differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells to osteoclasts was investigated on the scaffolds. Results of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, SEM imaging and expression of cathepsin K gene showed that, in the presence of BMP-2, osteoclast differentiation increased, whereas it decreased in MEL and MEL/BMP-2 embedded scaffolds suggesting that melatonin successfully attenuated osteoclast differentiation induced by BMP-2. Thus, the MEL/BMP-2 loaded chitosan/HAp scaffolds that have dual function in enhancing bone formation and inhibiting osteoclast activity are recommended biomaterials in the field of bone regeneration.
Cystatin-like protein of sweet orange (CsinCPI-2) modulates pre-osteoblast differentiation via β-Catenin involvement
Authors: da Costa Fernandes Célio , Rodríguez Victor Manuel Ochoa , Soares-Costa Andrea , Cirelli Joni Augusto , Justino Daniela Morilha Neo , Roma Bárbara , Zambuzzi Willian Fernando , Faria Gisele
Published: March 2021

Phytocystatins are endogenous cysteine-protease inhibitors present in plants. They are involved in initial germination rates and in plant defense mechanisms against phytopathogens. Recently, a new phytocystatin derived from sweet orange, CsinCPI-2, has been shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of human cathepsins, presenting anti-inflammatory potential and pro-osteogenic effect in human dental pulp cells. The osteogenic potential of the CsinCPI-2 protein represents a new insight into plants cysteine proteases inhibitors and this effect needs to be better addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of pre-osteoblasts in response to CsinCPI-2, mainly focusing on cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation mechanisms. Together our data show that in the first hours of treatment, protein in CsinCPI-2 promotes an increase in the expression of adhesion markers, which decrease after 24 h, leading to the activation of Kinase-dependent cyclines (CDKs) modulating the transition from G1 to S phases cell cycle. In addition, we saw that the increase in ERK may be associated with activation of the differentiation profile, also observed with an increase in the B-Catenin pathway and an increase in the expression of Runx2 in the group that received the treatment with CsinCPI-2.
Interactions between cover crops and soil microorganisms increase phosphorus availability in conservation agriculture
Authors: Hallama Moritz , Pekrun Carola , Pilz Stefan , Jarosch Klaus A. , Frąc Magdalena , Uksa Marie , Marhan Sven , Kandeler Ellen
Published: March 2021

Aims

An essential task of agricultural systems is to improve internal phosphorus (P) recycling. Cover crops and tillage reduction can increase sustainability, but it is not known whether stimulation of the soil microbial community can increase the availability of soil organic P pools.

Methods

In a field experiment in southwest Germany, the effects of a winter cover crop mixture (vs. bare fallow) and no-till (vs. non-inversion tillage) on microbial P-cycling were assessed with soybean as the main crop. Microbial biomass, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), P cycling enzymes, and carbon-substrate use capacity were linked for the first time with the lability of organic P pools measured by enzyme addition assays (using phosphodiesterase, non-phytase-phosphomonoesterase and fungal phytase).

Results

Microbial phosphorus, phosphatase, and fatty acids increased under cover crops, indicating an enhanced potential for organic P cycling. Enzyme-stable organic P shifted towards enzyme-labile organic P pools. Effects of no-till were weaker, and a synergy with cover crops was not evident.

Conclusions

In this experiment, cover crops were able to increase the microbially mediated internal P cycling in a non-P-limited, temperate agroecosystems.
Simple method of selecting totalistic rules for pseudorandom number generator based on nonuniform cellular automaton
Authors: Szaban Miroslaw
Published: March 2021

This paper is devoted to selecting rules for one-dimensional (1D) totalistic cellular automaton (TCA). These rules are used for the generation of pseudorandom sequences, which could be useful in cryptography. The power of pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) based on nonuniform TCA can be improved using not only one rule but a large set of rules. For this purpose, each subset of rules should be analyzed with its assignation to cellular automaton (CA) cells should be analyzed. We examine each of the subsets of totalistic rules, consisting of rules with neighborhood radius equal to 1 and 2. The entropy of bitstreams generated by the nonuniform TCA points out the best set of rules appropriate for the TCA-based generator. The paper also presents the method of simple selection of CA rules based on a cryptographic criterion known as a balance. The proposed method selects a maximal size of the set of available CA rules for a given neighborhood radius and suitable for PRNG. The method guarantees to avoid conflicting assignments of rules resulting in the creation of unwanted stable bit sequences, and provides high-quality pseudorandom sequences. This technique is used to verify the subsets of rules selected experimentally. Verified rules are proposed for 1D TCA-based PRNG as a new subset of best nonuniform TCA rules. New picked, examined, and verified subset of rules could be used in TCA-based PRNG and provide cryptographically strong bit sequences and huge keyspace.
Frequency of flower visitors and achene production increase with rising population size in the self-incompatible herb Centaurea scabiosa (Asteraceae)
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Thielen Mirjam , Weigend Maximilian
Published: March 2021

Self-incompatible, non-clonal plant species are especially dependent on the activity of flower visitors for seed production. Therefore, populations of these plants are vulnerable to a reduced flower visitation rates, but also to increased isolation by extinction of local populations. To study how local populations ofCentaurea scabiosa, a self-incompatible, bee-pollinated herb species changed over time in the region of Bonn, we collected historical population records in the area and investigated their current status. We found that more than half of the subpopulations mentioned in the literature between 1950 and 2012 (38 of 65) have since disappeared. Small populations were most vulnerable, whereas medium to large populations increased in size. In a second step, we studied visitation frequencies and achene production and weight across 14 extant populations. We found that both flower visitation frequency and achene production were positively related to population size. Achene weight was neither related to the frequency of flower visitors nor to achene production. These results clearly indicate that reduced pollen transfer and lower pollination rates may contribute to local extinction in small populations ofCentaurea scabiosa. Overall our results call for an intensified monitoring of the populations of self-incompatible plant species.
Design and Implementation of Low-Cost Real-Time Energy Logger for Industrial and Home Applications
Authors: Khanna Pooja R. , Howells Gareth , Lazaridis Pavlos I.
Published: March 2021

With the significant increase in energy demands in the last decade, the issues of unnecessary energy usage have increased rapidly. Therefore, there is an immediate need to provide a cheap and easily accessible monitoring tool for the energy consumed by an appliance used in homes and industries. Instead of monitoring the total power consumption of the houses and/or industries, it is useful to monitor the power consumption of the individual appliance, which in turn, helps in saving the overall energy usage and thereby makes it cost-effective. This paper presents a cost-efficient design and implementation of a monitoring system that can precisely measure the current and voltage of each appliance. The design provides tracking of device activity in a real-time environment for the industries and helps in adopting to the green initiative. The design comprises of Arduino based micro-controller and Raspberry Pi, that performs precise measurements of current and voltage of the device, followed by measuring the power consumed by the device. This paper presents two different system designs, one for the single-phase measurements and the other for the DC measurements. The single-phase measurement device comprises of 10-bit ADC whereas, the 24 V DC measurement device comprises of a 12-bit ADC, which provides higher measurement accuracy compared to other systems available in the market. The implemented design uses the EmonCMS web application to accumulate and envision the monitored data. It provides a flexible and user-friendly solution to monitor the measured data easily on any android or iOS devices.
Pupil Mental Health, Concerns and Expectations About Secondary School as Predictors of Adjustment Across the Transition to Secondary School: A Longitudinal Multi-informant Study
Authors: Rice Frances , Ng-Knight Terry , Riglin Lucy , Powell Victoria , Moore Graham F. , McManus I. Chris , Shelton Katherine H. , Frederickson Norah
Published: March 2021

The transition from primary to secondary schooling is challenging and involves a degree of apprehension. The extent to which pre-existing mental health difficulties, as well as pupil, parent, and teacher concerns and expectations about secondary school predict adaptation to secondary school, is unclear. In a three-wave, prospective longitudinal study, we examined associations between pre-transition concerns and expectations about moving to secondary school with mental health difficulties and demographic factors. We then evaluated whether these constructs predicted multiple indicators of adaptive pupil functioning at the end of the first year of secondary school (academic attainment, classmate behaviour rating, school liking and loneliness at school). We found children’s concerns reduced across the transition period. Concurrent associations were identified between both concerns about secondary school and lower parent and teacher expectations that children would settle in well at secondary school, with mental health difficulties and special educational needs. Investigating associations with multiple indicators of adaptive functioning at secondary school, multivariable regression analyses controlling for a range of baseline factors (e.g. special educational needs), found children’s concerns about secondary school to be specifically associated with loneliness. In contrast, children’s mental health difficulties and both parent and teacher expectations of how well children would settle into secondary school were associated with a wider range of indicators of adaptive functioning at secondary school. When examining all predictors simultaneously, primary school teacher expectations showed longitudinal association with a wide range of indicators of successful transition. These findings suggest that assessing primary school teacher expectations may be useful for monitoring and supporting pupils through this transition period and could usefully inform school-based interventions to support transition and mental health.
Three Responses to Anthropomorphism in Social Robotics: Towards a Critical, Relational, and Hermeneutic Approach
Authors: Coeckelbergh Mark
Published: March 2021

Both designers and users of social robots tend to anthropomorphize robots. Focusing on the question how to conceptualize the relation between robots and humans, this paper first outlines two opposite philosophical views regarding this relation, which are connected to various normative responses to anthropomorphism and anthropomorphization. Then it argues for a third view: navigating between what it calls “naïve instrumentalism” and “uncritical posthumanism”, it develops a hermeneutic, relational, and critical approach. Paradoxically, by unpacking the human dimension of robotics in its use and development, this view enables a critical discussion of anthropomorphizing robots. At the same time, and again somewhat paradoxically, it avoids a naïve instrumentalist position by taking robots’ role as an instrument in a larger con-technology seriously. As such, the third view questions the dualism assumed in the debate. The paper then explores what this means for the field of social robotics and the education of computer scientists and engineers. It proposes a reform based on a relational understanding of the field itself and offers suggestions for the role of users-citizens.
Expanding the etiologic spectrum of spastic ataxia syndrome: chronic infection with human T lymphotropic virus type 1
Authors: Edhom Karolina af , Lidman Christer , Granberg Tobias , Taylor Graham P. , Paucar Martin
Published: March 2021

Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is a neglected infection most often associated with an indolent process. However, a subset of HTLV-1 seropositive patients face the risk to develop life-threatening T-cell lymphoma/leukemia, or the highly disabling and incurable HTLV1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Over the years, other complications to HTLV-1 have been proposed and debated intensely. One of these, although rare, associations include cerebellar ataxia occurring most often in Japanese patients with manifest HAM/TSP. Here we present a HTLV-1 seropositive patient from the Middle East featuring a slowly progressive cerebellar syndrome with cerebellar atrophy but not evidence of spastic paraparesis. In addition, this patient suffered from autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and vitiligo which are putatively associated with HTLV-1.
Performance Evaluation of Independent Component Analysis-Based Fault Detection Using Measurements Corrupted with Noise
Authors: Kini K. Ramakrishna , Madakyaru Muddu
Published: March 2021

The detection of sensor faults has proven to be easier through data-driven methods which rely on historical data collected from sensors that are placed at various locations in a process plant. Since the distribution of industrial process variables is random and non-Gaussian, the independent component analysis (ICA) method has been better suited for fault detection (FD) problems. Whenever data comes with any level of noise, there is difficulty in separating useful information, which hence degrades the monitoring quality of an FD strategy. In this paper, the robustness of FD strategies is assessed for different noise realizations of sensor data using stochastic simulations. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate that ICA-based FD strategies are more robust for different noise levels in comparison with principal component analysis (PCA). The ICA modeling algorithm is improved to avoid random initialization of a de-mixing orthogonal matrix during computation of independent components. Two case studies are considered for evaluating the robustness of FD strategies: a simulated quadruple tank process and a simulated distillation column process. Comparisons have been carried out between ICA, dynamic ICA, modified ICA and PCA strategies for different sensor noise levels. The simulation results reveal that ICA-based FD strategies over-perform PCA FD strategy in monitoring sensor faults for different levels of noise.
The Gromov–Lawson–Chernysh surgery theorem
Authors: Ebert Johannes , Frenck Georg
Published: March 2021

This is an expository article without any claim of originality. We give a complete and self-contained account of the Gromov–Lawson–Chernysh surgery theorem for positive scalar curvature metrics.
Acute kidney injury and mortality risk in older adults with COVID-19
Authors: Xu Hong , Garcia-Ptacek Sara , Annetorp Martin , Bruchfeld Annette , Cederholm Tommy , Johnson Peter , Kivipelto Miia , Metzner Carina , Religa Dorota , Eriksdotter Maria
Published: March 2021

Background

Research regarding COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) in older adults is scarce. We evaluated risk factors and outcomes of AKI in hospitalized older adults with and without COVID-19.

Methods

Observational study of patients admitted to two geriatric clinics in Stockholm from March 1st to June 15th, 2020. The difference in incidence, risk factors and adverse outcomes for AKI between patients with or without COVID-19 were examined. Odds ratios (OR) for the risk of AKI and in-hospital death were obtained from logistic regression.

Results

Three hundred-sixteen older patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 and 876 patients for non-COVID-19 diagnoses. AKI occurred in 92 (29%) patients with COVID-19 vs. 159 (18%) without COVID-19. The odds for developing AKI were higher in patients with COVID-19 (adjusted OR, 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–2.76), low baseline kidney function as depicted by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [4.19 (2.48–7.05), for eGFR 30 to  < 60 mL/min, and 20.3 (9.95–41.3) for eGFR < 30 mL/min], and higher C reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.81 (1.11–2.95) in patients with initial CRP > 10 mg/L). Compared to patients without COVID-19 and without AKI, the risk of in-hospital death was highest in patients with COVID-19 and AKI [OR 80.3, 95% CI (27.3–235.6)], followed by COVID-19 without AKI [16.3 (6.28–42.4)], and by patients without COVID-19 and with AKI [10.2 (3.66–28.2)].

Conclusions

Geriatric patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher incidence of AKI compared to patients hospitalized for other diagnoses. COVID-19 and reduced baseline kidney function were risk factors for developing AKI. AKI and COVID-19 were associated with in-hospital death.
Drivers of sustainability practices and contributions to sustainable development evident in sustainability reports of European mining companies
Authors: Ivic Anđela , Saviolidis Nína María , Johannsdottir Lara
Published: March 2021

Mining activities cause negative environmental impacts and social conflicts but also provide economic benefits to communities and secure the minerals necessary for low-carbon technology. The aim of this multiple case study is to analyze, compare and critically evaluate sustainability reports of 10 European mining companies for the 2016–2018 period to determine the drivers for implementation of sustainability practices and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that European mining companies act under pressures from international initiatives and industry associations, the European Union, governments, stakeholders, and maintaining social license to operate. The companies report on the core subjects of corporate governance, employees, the environment, stakeholders’ engagement and occupational health and safety. Positive trends were observed in stakeholders’ engagement and health and safety, while air emissions and water and energy usage increased for most companies. Furthermore, there was an absence of improvement in gender diversity, utilization of renewable energy, and waste recycling. Even though all analyzed companies mentioned SDGs in the reports, the reports lacked a comprehensive explanation of mining activities’ contribution to the SDGs. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature on the European mining context of sustainable development and SDGs relevant for researchers, policymakers, and other impacted stakeholders and adds new theoretical knowledge on the external drivers of CSR activities based on institutional theory.
Marketing Global Justice
Authors: Schwöbel-Patel Christine
Published: March 2021

Marketing Global Justice is a critical study of efforts to 'sell' global justice. The book offers a new reading of the rise of international criminal law as the dominant institutional expression of global justice, linking it to the rise of branding. The political economy analysis employed highlights that a global elite benefit from marketised global justice whilst those who tend to be the 'faces' of global injustice - particularly victims of conflict - are instrumentalised and ultimately commodified. The book is an invitation to critically consider the predominance of market values in global justice, suggesting an 'occupying' of global justice as an avenue for drawing out social values.
Blood Theology
Authors: Rogers, Jr Eugene F.
Published: March 2021

The unsettling language of blood has been invoked throughout the history of Christianity. But until now there has been no truly sustained treatment of how Christians use blood to think with. Eugene F. Rogers Jr. discusses in his much-anticipated new book the sheer, surprising strangeness of Christian blood-talk, exploring the many and varied ways in which it offers a language where Christians cooperate, sacrifice, grow and disagree. He asks too how it is that blood-talk dominates when other explanations would do, and how blood seeps into places where it seems hardly to belong. Reaching beyond academic disputes, to consider how religious debates fuel civil ones, he shows that it is not only theologians or clergy who engage in blood-talk, but also lawmakers, judges, generals, doctors and voters at large. Religious arguments have significant societal consequences, Rogers contends; and for that reason secular citizens must do their best to understand them.
The Rights Paradox
Authors: Zilis Michael A.
Published: March 2021

The US Supreme Court is the chief institution responsible for guarding minority rights and equality under the law, yet, in order to function authoritatively, the Court depends on a majority of Americans to accept its legitimacy and on policymakers to enforce its rulings. The Rights Paradox confronts this tension, offering a careful conceptualization and theory of judicial legitimacy that emphasizes its connection to social groups. Zilis demonstrates that attitudes toward minorities and other groups are pivotal for shaping popular support for the Court, with the Court losing support when it rules in favor of unpopular groups. Moreover, justices are aware of these dynamics and strategically moderate their decisions when concerned about the Court's legitimacy. Drawing on survey and experimental evidence, as well as analysis of Court decision-making across many recent high-profile cases, Zilis examines the implications for 'equal justice under the law' in an era of heightened polarization and conflict.
Business Establishment Opposition to Southern Ireland’s Exit from the United Kingdom
Authors: BARRY FRANK
Published: March 2021

After more than a century of political and economic integration, Southern Ireland exited the United Kingdom in 1922. By identifying the leading business firms of the era and the political and religious allegiances of their owners, this paper explores the perspective of the Southern Irish business establishment on the issues involved. While the mass of the population was Catholic and by 1918 favored secession, the business elite is shown to have been predominantly Protestant and strongly supportive of continued integration. Business elite perceptions of the consequences of exiting the United Kingdom are explored, and post-independence economic and business developments assessed in light of the concerns expressed at the time. The paper also charts the post-independence fate of the leading former unionist firms and the erosion and eventual disappearance of the sectarian divisions then prevalent in Irish business life.
Intra-regional differences in the social perception of allophonic variation: The evaluation of [tʃ] and [ʃ] in Huelva and Lepe (Western Andalucía)
Authors: Regan Brendan
Published: March 2021

This study examines the social perceptions of the traditional Andalusian feature [ʃ] and the Castilian feature [tʃ] in the city of Huelva and the town of Lepe in Western Andalucía, Spain. A matched-guise experiment was created by digitally manipulating spontaneous speech from twelve Western Andalusian speakers, varying only in word-medial syllable-initial [tʃ] and [ʃ] for  in disyllabic words. Based on 221 listeners from Huelva and Lepe, mixed effects linear regression models indicate that listeners evaluated speakers with [tʃ] guises as being of higher status, more cosmopolitan, and less friendly than speakers with [ʃ] guises. These findings interacted with speaker and listener gender, listener educational level, and listener origin. The implications are twofold: the traditional Andalusian feature is evaluated as less overtly prestigious than the supra-local Castilian feature; and, that two nearby communities of the same dialect variety may share similar language attitudes, but demonstrate nuanced differences in attitudes due to their unique historical and socioeconomic developments.
Adiponectin and 8-epi-PGF2α as intermediate influencing factors in weight reduction after legume consumption: a 12-week randomised controlled trial
Authors: Han Youngmin , Kim A Ram , Lee Jong Ho , Kim Minjoo
Published: March 2021

Legumes are rich sources of essential nutrients, and their potential health benefits were reported in many studies. Several studies showed a positive effect of legumes on obesity, but randomised clinical trials are limited in the Korean population. The present intervention study investigated the impact of legumes on body weight in obese Korean subjects. A total of 400 participants (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were randomised into two groups. The legume-enriched diet (LD) group replaced one-third of their refined rice consumption with legumes three times per day as a carbohydrate source. In contrast, the usual diet (UD) group consumed their UD. The mean weight loss at 12 weeks was 2·87 (sem 0·21) kg and 0·17 (sem 0·11) kg in the LD and UD, respectively, which was significantly different between the groups (P < 0·001). HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels were increased, and levels of glucose, insulin, TAG, and 8-epi-PGF2α and the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (IR) index value decreased at 12 weeks compared with baseline in the LD. The consumption of legumes may accelerate weight loss accompanied by regulation of adiponectin and 8-epi-PGF2α in obese subjects. In particular, legumes seemed to induce significant changes in BMI by increasing adiponectin in females. Additionally, increases in plasma adiponectin due to greater substantial weight loss may be related to the improvement in IR.
Challenges and opportunities for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions through dairy cattle research in developing countries
Authors: Munidasa Sineka , Eckard Richard , Sun Xuezhao , Cullen Brendan , McGill David , Chen Deli , Cheng Long
Published: March 2021

The global dairy sector is facing the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions whilst increasing productivity to feed a growing population. Despite the importance of this challenge, many developing countries do not have the required resources, specifically funding, expertise and facilities, for quantifying GHG emissions from dairy production and research. This paper aims to address this challenge by discussing the magnitude of the issue, potential mitigation approaches and benefits in quantifying GHG emissions in a developing country context. Further, the paper explores the opportunities for developing country dairy scientists to leverage resources from developed countries, such as using existing relevant GHG emission estimation models. It is clear that further research is required to support developing countries to quantify and understand GHG emissions from dairy production, as it brings significant benefits including helping to identify and implement appropriate mitigation strategies for local production systems, trading carbon credits and achieving the nationally determined contribution obligations of the Paris Agreement.
Hard facts and misfits: essential ingredients of public health nutrition research
Authors: Prentice Ann
Published: March 2021

Policy decisions and the practice of public health nutrition need to be based on solid evidence, developed through rigorous research studies where objective measures are used and results that run counter to dogma are not dismissed but investigated. In recent years, enhancements in study designs, and methodologies for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, have improved the evidence-base for nutrition policy and practice. However, these still rely on a full appreciation of the strengths and limitations of the measures on which conclusions are drawn and on the thorough investigation of outcomes that do not fit expectations or prevailing convictions. The importance of ‘hard facts’ and ‘misfits’ in research designed to advance knowledge and improve public health nutrition is illustrated in this paper through a selection of studies from different stages in my research career, focused on the nutritional requirements of resource-poor populations in Africa and Asia.
Osteosarcopenic adiposity syndrome update and the role of associated minerals and vitamins
Authors: Ilich Jasminka Z.
Published: March 2021

The objectives are to present an updated synopsis on osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) syndrome and evaluate the roles of selected micronutrients in its prevention and management. OSA refers to the concurrent deterioration of bone (osteopenia/osteoporosis), muscle (sarcopenia) and adipose tissue expansion. It portrays the most advanced stage in a continuum of body composition disorders. Although OSA has been widely studied involving the populations of different backgrounds, its prevalence is hard to collate because different methodologies and criteria were used for its diagnosis. Another critical health aspect is the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) which contributes to OSA andvice versa. Nutrition is important in the prevention and management of both OSA and LGCI. Although micronutrients act in numerous metabolic and physiological processes, their roles here are presented in relation to OSA (and its components) and LGCI in general and relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and vitamins D and K; their interactions, physiological ratios and synergism/antagonism are discussed as well. In conclusion, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D have a profound impact on OSA and its components, and the latter two also on LGCI. Potassium and vitamin K are vital in bone, muscle functioning and possibly adipose tissue modification. Both, but particularly vitamin D, surfaced as important modulators of immune system with application in COVID-19 infections. While both phosphorus and sodium have important roles in bone, muscle and can impact adiposity, due to their abundance in food, their intake should be curbed to prevent possible damaging effects.
A tale of two cities: The discursive construction of ‘place’ in gentrifying East London
Authors: Ilbury Christian
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the East End of London has been dramatically transformed from a poor, working-class area, to one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods in the world. Adding to a growing body of research which examines the sociolinguistic dynamics of gentrifying neighbourhoods, this article draws on data from two ethnographic projects to examine how young people from the gentrified (i.e. working-class) and gentrifier (i.e. middle-class) communities index place attachment in East London. I demonstrate that for the gentrified community, place attachment is related to the ethnic and cultural genealogy of the immediate, local neighbourhood. Whilst for the gentrifiers, place identity is associated with the cosmopolitan economic and social opportunities of the city. I argue that whilst these communities occupy the same physical neighbourhood, these discourses suggest that they conceptually and socioculturally reside in two very different cities. (Gentrification, place, space, East London)*
Histories of Indian Citizenship in the Age of Decolonisation
Authors: Ramnath Kalyani
Published: March 2021

This essay discusses the important contributions of three new works on Indian citizenship by Ornit Shani, Uditi Sen, and Oliver Godsmark. Their books discuss the territorial partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan in 1947, the framing and inauguration of the Indian Constitution in 1950, the preparation of voter rolls and the first democratic elections, and linguistic reorganisation of Indian states in 1956, alongside questions of refugee rehabilitation, counterinsurgency measures and rising ethnonationalisms. The emphasis is not only on the legal regimes of national citizenship, but also how it is unevenly mapped and experienced. This emphasis on territoriality is an invitation to ask questions about continuity and change in the transition from empires to nation-states, as well as invented pasts and imagined futures that transcend national borders set up after the end of colonial rule.
LEARNING CONDITION, LINGUISTIC COMPLEXITY, AND FIRST LANGUAGE TRANSFER IN SEMIARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE LEARNING
Authors: Gao Jianwu , Ma Shuang
Published: March 2021

This study explored the interaction between learning conditions, linguistic complexity, and first language (L1) syntactic transfer in semiartificial grammar learning by conceptually replicating and extending Tagarelli et al. (2016). We changed the L1 background, elicited production data during debriefing, and added a binary mixed-effects logistic regression analysis to compare variability at learner and item levels with group-level variation on exposure condition, linguistic complexity, and their interaction. Our results replicated those of the original study regarding the comparative efficacy of explicit instruction; however, we also found a condition × complexity interaction absent in the original study. Debriefing sentence-production data suggest that the changed L1-L2 typological distance may have leveled off the advantage of explicit instruction in the learning of the complex V2-VF structure. Finally, our mixed-effects modeling analysis revealed that variability at learner and item levels accounted for a larger proportion of the variance of the outcomes than all the predictors combined.
Repress or Redistribute? The Chinese State's Response to Resource Conflicts
Authors: Zhan Jing Vivian
Published: March 2021

It is widely assumed that authoritarian states tend to use repression to suffocate social conflicts that threaten regime stability. Focusing on the Chinese state's responses to resource conflict, a particular type of social conflict triggered by mineral resource extraction, this research argues that authoritarian regimes may prefer to use redistributive policies to defuse social unrest under certain circumstances. Through mixed methods combining qualitative research and statistical analysis, I find that local governments in resource-rich regions do not spend heavily on coercive state apparatus. Instead, they generously hand out social security benefits to appease aggrieved citizens. Furthermore, the Chinese state actively involves mining companies in the redistribution process and requires them to share the financial costs of relief policies. Therefore, when conflicts arise between specific social groups with conflicting interests, redistribution may be a more effective strategy to preserve regime stability.
Prefrontal cortex and amygdala anatomy in youth with persistent levels of harsh parenting practices and subclinical anxiety symptoms over time during childhood
Authors: Suffren Sabrina , La Buissonnière-Ariza Valérie , Tucholka Alan , Nassim Marouane , Séguin Jean R. , Boivin Michel , Kaur Singh Manpreet , Foland-Ross Lara C. , Lepore Franco , Gotlib Ian H. , Tremblay Richard E. , Maheu Françoise S.
Published: March 2021

Childhood adversity and anxiety have been associated with increased risk for internalizing disorders later in life and with a range of brain structural abnormalities. However, few studies have examined the link between harsh parenting practices and brain anatomy, outside of severe maltreatment or psychopathology. Moreover, to our knowledge, there has been no research on parenting and subclinical anxiety symptoms which remain persistent over time during childhood (i.e., between 2.5 and 9 years old). Here, we examined data in 94 youth, divided into four cells based on their levels of coercive parenting (high / low) and of anxiety (high / low) between 2.5 and 9 years old. Anatomical images were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and FreeSurfer. Smaller gray matter volumes in the prefrontal cortex regions and in the amygdala were observed in youth with high versus low levels of harsh parenting over time. In addition, we observed significant interaction effects between parenting practices and subclinical anxiety symptoms in rostral anterior cingulate cortical thickness and in amygdala volume. These youth should be followed further in time to identify which youth will or will not go on to develop an anxiety disorder, and to understand factors associated with the development of sustained anxiety psychopathology.
New old stones at Antiochia in Rough Cilicia: A novel city name and a proposed visit by Hadrian and Sabina
Authors: Hoff Michael , Townsend Rhys , Howe Timothy
Published: March 2021

This article considers the evidence of newly discovered inscriptions from Antiochia ad Cragum in western Rough Cilicia and proposes two distinct observations: one, the city had an additional civic name different from that which is most commonly known; and two, the emperor Hadrian and Sabina may have visited the city and region during their journey from Egypt to Athens in 131 CE.
Usefulness of ischemia-modified albumin for assessment of the effects of small ventricular septal defects on the pulmonary vascular bed
Authors: Dervisoglu Pinar , Oner Taliha
Published: March 2021

Background:

Pulmonary vascular damage may be associated with oxidative stress in congenital heart diseases. We investigated whether small ventricular septal defects have an effect on the pulmonary bed.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study included 100 patients with small ventricular septal defects and 75 healthy controls. Ischemia-modified albumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and various cardiovascular parameters were assessed in both groups.

Results:

The mean ischemia-modified albumin level was significantly higher in patients with small ventricular septal defects (0.62 ± 0.17 absorbance units) than in the control group (0.51 ± 0.09 absorbance units; p < 0.001). The mean high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was significantly higher in the ventricular septal defects group (3.72 ± 1.57) than in the control group (2.45 ± 0.89; p < 0.001). The ischemia-modified albumin levels in patients with left ventricular internal diameter end diastole and end sistole and main pulmonary artery z-scores ≥ 2 were significantly higher than patients whose z-scores were <2. The ischemia-modified albumin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were positively correlated in the small ventricular septal defects group (rho = 0.742, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that at the optimal cut-off value of ischemia-modified albumin for the prediction of pulmonary involvement was 0.55 absorbance units with a sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 62% (area under the curve = 0.690, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated the presence of oxidative stress and higher ischemia-modified albumin levels in small ventricular septal defects, suggesting that ischemia-modified albumin might be a useful biomarker for evaluating the effects of small ventricular septal defects on the pulmonary bed.
Validation and Normative Data of the Spanish Version of the Face Name Associative Memory Exam (S-FNAME)
Authors: Alviarez-Schulze Vanessa , Cattaneo Gabriele , Pachón-García Catherine , Solana-Sánchez Javier , Tormos-Muñoz Josep M. , Alegret Montserrat , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Bartrés-Faz David ,   the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative group
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The relevance of the episodic memory in the prediction of brain aging is well known. The Face Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME) is a valued associative memory measure related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, such as amyloid-β deposition preclinical AD individuals. Previous validation of the Spanish version of the FNAME test (S-FNAME) provided normative data and psychometric characteristics. The study was limited to subjects attending a memory clinic and included a reduced sample with gender inequality distribution. The purpose of this study was to assess S-FNAME psychometric properties and provide normative data in a larger independent sample of cognitively healthy individuals.

Method:

S-FNAME was administered to 511 cognitively healthy volunteers (242 women, aged 41–65 years) participating in the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative cohort study.

Results:

Factor analysis supported construct validity revealing two underlying components: face-name and face-occupation and explaining 95.34% of the total variance, with satisfactory goodness of fit. Correlations between S-FNAME and Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test were statistically significant and confirmed its convergent validity. We also found weak correlations with non-memory tests supporting divergent validity. Women showed better scores, and S-FNAME was positively correlated with education and negatively with age. Finally, we generated normative data.

Conclusions:

The S-FNAME test exhibits good psychometric properties, consistent with previous findings, resulting in a valid and reliable tool to assess episodic memory in cognitively healthy middle-aged adults. It is a promising test for the early detection of subtle memory dysfunction associated with abnormal brain aging.