bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against the flow: unexpected migration movements over the open sea by inexperienced ospreys
Authors: Monti Flavio , Sammuri Giampiero , Montillo Francesco , Duriez Olivier , Sforzi Andrea
Published: January 2023

As part of a long-term monitoring program, more than 80 Mediterranean ospreysPandion haliaetus(both adults and juveniles) were tagged with GPS-GSM transmitters and tracked to study their spatiotemporal behaviour. Here we document the peculiar and unexpected migration movements performed by three inexperienced (juvenile/immature) individuals, who crossed the open sea “against the flow”, in the opposite direction to that foreseen for the given season. Using a combination of GPS tracking data and weather information, we found that such movements were linked to particular meteorological conditions occurring over the Mediterranean Sea during migration. Mean values of wind gust of approximately 20 km/h and moderate tailwinds seem to have mediated the onset of the movements, facilitating the flight of ospreys over water. Our findings suggest that both weather conditions (sidewinds) and the inexperience of the birds explain these long migration movements performed towards unexpected directions over the open sea. We conclude that migratory capabilities and the ability to cope with external conditions may lead inexperienced birds to perform extensive and tortuous dispersal/explotrative movements during both first autumn and spring migration.
Does Sexual Desire Fluctuate More Among Women than Men?
Authors: Harris Emily A. , Hornsey Matthew J. , Hofmann Wilhelm , Jern Patrick , Murphy Sean C. , Hedenborg Fanny , Barlow Fiona K.
Published: January 2023

There is a lay assumption that women’s sexual desire varies substantially over time, whereas men’s is stable. This assumption is mirrored in prominent theories of desire, which posit that women are more variable than men in the extent to which they desire sex, and that women’s sexual desire is more contextually sensitive than men’s. We tested this assumption across three longitudinal studies. Study 1 assessed desire at 3 time points spanning 13 years (Nobservations = 5562), and Studies 2 and 3 (Nobservations = 11,282) assessed desire moment-to-moment over 7 days. When desire was measured over years, women were more variable in their sexual desire than men (Study 1). However, we found a different pattern of results when desire was measured over the short term. In Studies 2 and 3, we found no significant differences in women’s and men’s desire variability. The extent to which desire varied as a function of affective states (e.g., happiness) and relationship-oriented states (e.g., partner closeness) was similar for women and men, with some exceptions; women’s desire was more negatively associated with tiredness and anger in Study 2. These data qualify existing assumptions about sex differences in sexual desire variability.
Alkali-labile gangliosides
Authors: Mauri Laura , Sonnino Sandro
Published: January 2023

The structure and properties of a group of gangliosides modified by mild alkaline treatment are discussed. We will present the occurrence and the structure of gangliosides carrying the N-acetyneuraminic acid O-acetylated in position 9, the Neu5,9Ac2, and of gangliosides carrying a sialic acid that forms a lactone ring. Starting from biochemical data we will discuss the possible biochemical role played by these gangliosides in the processes of cell signaling and maintenance of brain functions.
Cadmium sulphide-sensitized zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) photoanode by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction for solar cell application
Authors: Prasad Bikram , Chougale Akanksha S. , Jadkar Sandesh R. , Naik Nithesh , Pathan Habib M.
Published: January 2023

In the present study, cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dot-sensitized ZrO2 photoanodes have been analysed by using the facial and cost-effective method, popularly known as successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), performed at 300 K. The presence of compact layer and ZnS treatment of the as-prepared photoanode is studied in this article to improve the solar cell parameters. The X-ray diffraction peaks infer the nano-crystalline nature of ZrO2 films with an average particle size of 39.14 nm. The CdS-sensitized ZrO2 films show a significant increase in absorption of photons in the visible region (i.e., 200 to 520 nm) of the absorption spectrum, as we have increased the number of SILAR cycles. Poly-sulphide electrolytes have been prepared in double distilled water and carbon black soot on conducting substrate is used as a counter electrode to be economical. The J–V characteristic of 10 CdS/ZrO2 with a compact layer of TiO2 with surface passivation (ZnS) treatment gives the maximum Jsc of 1.46 mA/cm2 with a fill factor of 0.34 and conversion efficiency of 0.46%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the quantum dot-sensitized solar cell is studied to understand the kinetics of charge transfer and transport processes mechanisms involved.
Ecomorphology of toothed whales (Cetacea, Odontoceti) as revealed by 3D skull geometry
Authors: Vicari Deborah , McGowen Michael R. , Lambert Olivier , Brown Richard P. , Bianucci Giovanni , Sabin Richard C. , Meloro Carlo
Published: January 2023

Extant odontocetes (toothed whales) exhibit differences in body size and brain mass, biosonar mode, feeding strategies, and diving and habitat adaptations. Strong selective pressures associated with these factors have likely contributed to the morphological diversification of their skull. Here, we used 3D landmark geometric morphometric data from the skulls of 60 out of ~ 72 extant odontocete species and a well-supported phylogenetic tree to test whether size and shape variation are associated with ecological adaptations at an interspecific scale. Odontocete skull morphology exhibited a significant phylogenetic signal, with skull size showing stronger signal than shape. After accounting for phylogeny, significant associations were detected between skull size and biosonar mode, body length, brain and body mass, maximum and minimum prey size, and maximum peak frequency. Brain mass was also strongly correlated with skull shape together with surface temperature and average and minimum prey size. When asymmetric and symmetric components of shape were analysed separately, a significant correlation was detected between sea surface temperature and both symmetric and asymmetric components of skull shape, and between diving ecology and the asymmetric component. Skull shape variation of odontocetes was strongly influenced by evolutionary allometry but most of the associations with ecological variables were not supported after phylogenetic correction. This suggests that ecomorphological feeding adaptations vary more between, rather than within, odontocete families, and functional anatomical patterns across odontocete clades are canalised by size constraints.
Correlated product of experts for sparse Gaussian process regression
Authors: Schürch Manuel , Azzimonti Dario , Benavoli Alessio , Zaffalon Marco
Published: January 2023

Gaussian processes (GPs) are an important tool in machine learning and statistics. However, off-the-shelf GP inference procedures are limited to datasets with several thousand data points because of their cubic computational complexity. For this reason, many sparse GPs techniques have been developed over the past years. In this paper, we focus on GP regression tasks and propose a new approach based on aggregating predictions from several local and correlated experts. Thereby, the degree of correlation between the experts can vary between independent up to fully correlated experts. The individual predictions of the experts are aggregated taking into account their correlation resulting in consistent uncertainty estimates. Our method recovers independent Product of Experts, sparse GP and full GP in the limiting cases. The presented framework can deal with a general kernel function and multiple variables, and has a time and space complexity which is linear in the number of experts and data samples, which makes our approach highly scalable. We demonstrate superior performance, in a time vs. accuracy sense, of our proposed method against state-of-the-art GP approximations for synthetic as well as several real-world datasets with deterministic and stochastic optimization.
Reliability based topology optimization of thermoelastic structures using bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method
Authors: Habashneh Muayad , Rad Majid Movahedi
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to propose a novel computational technique of applying reliability-based design to thermoelastic structural topology optimization. Therefore, the optimization of thermoelastic structures' topology based on reliability-based design is considered by utilizing geometrical nonlinearity analysis. For purposes of introducing reliability-based optimization, the volume fraction parameter is viewed as a random variable with a normal distribution having a mean value and standard deviation. The Monte Carlo simulation approach for probabilistic designs is used to calculate the reliability index, which is used as a constraint related to the volume fraction constraint of the deterministic problem. A new bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization scheme is developed, in which a geometrically nonlinear thermoelastic model is applied in the sensitivity analysis. The impact of changing the constraint of a defined volume of the required design in deterministic problems is examined. Additionally, the impact of altering the reliability index in probabilistic problems is investigated. The effectiveness of the suggested approach is shown using a benchmark problem. Additionally, this research takes into account probabilistic thermoelastic topology optimization for a 2D L-shaped beam problem.
Comparison of machine learning tools for damage classification: the case of L’Aquila 2009 earthquake
Authors: Di Michele F. , Stagnini E. , Pera D. , Rubino B. , Aloisio R. , Askan A. , Marcati P.
Published: January 2023

On April 6, 2009, a strong earthquake (6.1 Mw) struck the city of L’Aquila, which was severely damaged as well as many neighboring towns. After this event, a digital model of the region affected by the earthquake was built and a large amount of data was collected and made available. This allowed us to obtain a very detailed dataset that accurately describes a typical historic city in central Italy. Building on this work, we propose a study that employs machine learning (ML) tools to predict damage to buildings after the 2009 earthquake. The used dataset, in its original form, contains 21 features, in addition to the target variable which is the level of damage. We are able to differentiate between light, moderate and heavy damage with an accuracy of 59%, by using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The level of accuracy remains almost stable using only the 12 features selected by the Boruta algorithm. In both cases, the RF tool showed an excellent ability to distinguish between moderate-heavy and light damage: around the 3% of the buildings classified as seriously damaged were labeled by the algorithm as minor damage.
Fluffy cuffs: SME’s innovation in alliances with buyer firms
Authors: Bouncken Ricarda B. , Ratzmann Martin , Covin Jeffrey G.
Published: January 2023

Supplier firms, especially the more resource constraint SMEs, form alliances for product innovation. Supplier firms can try to push in creative inputs while needing to align them with the overall solution of the buyer. Our study zooms in on this push and alignment balancing act. Our theoretical model is informed by the attention-based view. It considers two centralization mechanisms, relationship intensity and formalized specifications of the buyer firm. Our dependent variable is innovation of the SME supplier. The model hypothesizes linear and non-linear effects by relationship intensity and the buyer’s detailed and formalized specifications (e.g., functional principles, features, and design elements). Data collected from 279 European supplier SMEs reveals that moderate levels of “post-formational specifications” proposed by the buyer firm are associated with greater product innovation of the supplier. Interestingly, less product innovation results when the specifications of the buyer are either minimal or high. Stronger relationship intensity allows greater product innovation as it enables partners to capture more benefits from the post-formational specifications as they constructively work together.
Predicting Soft Tissue Sarcoma Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using an MRI-Based Delta-Radiomics Approach
Authors: Fields Brandon K. K. , Demirjian Natalie L. , Cen Steven Y. , Varghese Bino A. , Hwang Darryl H. , Lei Xiaomeng , Desai Bhushan , Duddalwar Vinay , Matcuk George R.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of machine learning–augmented MRI-based radiomics models for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in soft tissue sarcomas.

Methods

Forty-four subjects were identified retrospectively from patients who received NAC at our institution for pathologically proven soft tissue sarcomas. Only subjects who had both a baseline MRI prior to initiating chemotherapy and a post-treatment scan at least 2 months after initiating chemotherapy and prior to surgical resection were included. 3D ROIs were used to delineate whole-tumor volumes on pre- and post-treatment scans, from which 1708 radiomics features were extracted. Delta-radiomics features were calculated by subtraction of baseline from post-treatment values and used to distinguish treatment response through univariate analyses as well as machine learning–augmented radiomics analyses.

Results

Though only 4.74% of variables overall reached significance at p ≤ 0.05 in univariate analyses, Laws Texture Energy (LTE)-derived metrics represented 46.04% of all such features reaching statistical significance. ROC analyses similarly failed to predict NAC response, with AUCs of 0.40 (95% CI 0.22–0.58) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.26–0.62) for RF and AdaBoost, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, while our result was not able to separate NAC responders from non-responders, our analyses did identify a subset of LTE-derived metrics that show promise for further investigations. Future studies will likely benefit from larger sample size constructions so as to avoid the need for data filtering and feature selection techniques, which have the potential to significantly bias the machine learning procedures.
Managing Interruptions to Improve Diagnostic Decision-Making: Strategies and Recommended Research Agenda
Authors: Sloane Jennifer F. , Donkin Chris , Newell Ben R. , Singh Hardeep , Meyer Ashley N. D.
Published: January 2023

Interruptions are an inevitable occurrence in health care. Interruptions in diagnostic decision-making are no exception and can have negative consequences on both the decision-making process and well-being of the decision-maker. This may result in inaccurate or delayed diagnoses. To date, research specific to interruptions on diagnostic decision-making has been limited, but strategies to help manage the negative impacts of interruptions need to be developed and implemented. In this perspective, we first present a modified model of interruptions to visualize the interruption process and illustrate where potential interventions can be implemented. We then consider several empirically tested strategies from the fields of health care and cognitive psychology that can lay the groundwork for additional research to mitigate effects of interruptions during diagnostic decision-making. We highlight strategies to minimize the negative impacts of interruptions as well as strategies to prevent interruptions altogether. Additionally, we build upon these strategies to propose specific research priorities within the field of diagnostic safety. Identifying effective interventions to help clinicians better manage interruptions has the potential to minimize diagnostic errors and improve patient outcomes.
Stable and Efficient Hole Selective Contacts for Silicon Photovoltaics via Solution-Processed Luminescent Small Molecules
Authors: Kuo Li-Jung , Li Li-Yu , Chang Yu-Chun , Lin Tong-Ke , Chang Han-Chen , Shieh Yu-Chiao , Chen Shih-Wei , Shieh Jia-Min , Chen Li-Yin , Yu Peichen , Chao Yu-Chiang , Meng Hsin-Fei
Published: January 2023

We report an organic luminescent small molecule, Bis(1-phenylisoquinoline) (acetylacetonate) iridium(III) or Ir(piq)2(acac), that can function as a stable and efficient hole selective contact (HSC) for crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The devices with the Ir(piq)2(acac) HSC exhibit superior charge transport properties and high stability for up to 30 days in the air without packaging. The photovoltaic characteristics with the solution-processed Ir(piq)2(acac) HSC exhibit little dependence on the blade coating speed and film thickness, demonstrating tolerance to coating and thickness variations. Moreover, the series resistance of the solar cells and the surface work function of the Ir(piq)2(acac) HSCs exhibit analogous correlations to the annealing temperature, suggesting that the fill factor (FF) enhancement originates from an upward energy band bending and a reduced barrier height which facilitates hole transport and collection. The conventional c-Si solar cell incorporating an Ir(piq)2(acac) HSC achieves a 17.8% power conversion efficiency (PCE) with a 78.9% FF, both exceeding the reference counterpart with a 16.9% PCE and 76.8% FF. This work opens up possibilities for exploring a variety of organic luminescent small molecules as efficient hole selective contacts in high-efficiency and low-cost silicon photovoltaics.

Graphic Abstract
Microsatellite instability assessment is instrumental for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine: status quo and outlook
Authors: Styk Jakub , Pös Zuzana , Pös Ondrej , Radvanszky Jan , Turnova Evelina Hrckova , Buglyó Gergely , Klimova Daniela , Budis Jaroslav , Repiska Vanda , Nagy Bálint , Szemes Tomas
Published: January 2023

A form of genomic alteration called microsatellite instability (MSI) occurs in a class of tandem repeats (TRs) called microsatellites (MSs) or short tandem repeats (STRs) due to the failure of a post-replicative DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system. Traditionally, the strategies for determining MSI events have been low-throughput procedures that typically require assessment of tumours as well as healthy samples. On the other hand, recent large-scale pan-tumour studies have consistently highlighted the potential of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) on the MSI scale. As a result of recent innovations, minimally invasive methods show a high potential to be integrated into the clinical routine and delivery of adapted medical care to all patients. Along with advances in sequencing technologies and their ever-increasing cost-effectiveness, they may bring about a new era of Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine (3PM). In this paper, we offered a comprehensive analysis of high-throughput strategies and computational tools for the calling and assessment of MSI events, including whole-genome, whole-exome and targeted sequencing approaches. We also discussed in detail the detection of MSI status by current MPS blood-based methods and we hypothesised how they may contribute to the shift from conventional medicine to predictive diagnosis, targeted prevention and personalised medical services. Increasing the efficacy of patient stratification based on MSI status is crucial for tailored decision-making. Contextually, this paper highlights drawbacks both at the technical level and those embedded deeper in cellular/molecular processes and future applications in routine clinical testing.
Mechanization and sustainable agri-food system transformation in the Global South. A review
Authors: Daum Thomas
Published: January 2023

There is an urgent need for agri-food system transformation to achieve global sustainability goals. Innovations can play a key role in this transformation but often come with both sustainability synergies and trade-offs. One such innovation is agricultural mechanization, which is spreading rapidly in parts of the Global South and is high on the policy agenda in others. The rapid spread of mechanization is fundamentally changing the character of agri-food systems in the Global South, with both positive and negative effects. However, while some of these effects have been well explored, no study so far has systematically reviewed the sustainability synergies and trade-offs associated with mechanization, undermining necessary accompanying research and policy efforts. This review provides an overview of the progress toward mechanization across the Global South, identifies drivers and barriers, assesses sustainability synergies and trade-offs, and discusses options to maximize sustainability outcomes. The review is the first to holistically assess the potentials and risks of agricultural mechanization for the sustainable transformation of agri-food systems in the Global South, taking into account all pillars of sustainability. The review suggests that agricultural mechanization is needed to make agri-food systems more sustainable concerning various economic and social aspects, such as labor productivity, poverty reduction, food security, and health and well-being. However, there are also sustainability risks concerning environmental aspects such as biodiversity loss and land degradation, and economic and social concerns related to lacking inclusiveness and growing inequalities, among others. A wide range of technological and institutional solutions is identified to harness the potential of agricultural mechanization for sustainable agri-food system transformation, while at the same time minimizing the risks. However, more efforts are needed to implement such solutions at scale and ensure that mechanization contributes to agri-food systems that respect all pillars of sustainability.
The Psychology of Athletic Tapering in Sport: A Scoping Review
Authors: Stone Maxwell J. , Knight Camilla J. , Hall Ross , Shearer Catherine , Nicholas Ross , Shearer David A.
Published: January 2023

Taper is a common training strategy used to reduce fatigue and enhance athletic performance. However, currently, no review has summarised what psychological research has been conducted examining taper, what this research shows and what future research needs to be undertaken to extend the field. Consequently, a scoping review was conducted with three aims: (a) to determine the characteristics of psychological research examining taper, (b) to summarise psychological research collected during taper with adult athletes and coaches, and (c) to identify gaps in psychological research examining taper. Forty-eight articles were identified following an exhaustive search strategy and charted following scoping review guidelines. Results showed most research was quantitative, used a longitudinal design, was conducted in swimming, triathlon, cycling or across multiple sports, and used a university-, regional- or national-level male athlete sample. Eight themes were developed to summarise the research: Mood, Perception of Effort, Perceived Fatigue and Wellness, Recovery-Stress, Taper as a Stressor, Stress Tolerance, Psychological Preparation and Cognitive Functioning. Additionally, four research recommendations were identified: (a) conducting exploratory research that examines the impact taper has on athletes’ and coaches’ competition preparation and stress experience, (b) asking more advanced psychological questions and conducting multi-disciplinary research, (c) including a more diverse participant sample in studies and (d) examining the impact of psychological interventions during taper. Overall, this scoping review has highlighted the limited research examining the psychology of taper and the need for focused research that asks more complex questions across diverse populations.
Die Feinstaubbelastung Radfahrender im innerstädtischen Straßenverkehr
Authors: Fischer Martin , Dröge Janis , Braun Markus , Groneberg David A.
Published: January 2023

Fahrradfahren als Form der aktiven Fortbewegung bietet viele gesundheitliche Vorteile durch eine gesteigerte körperliche Aktivität. In städtischer Umgebung können diese Vorteile aufgrund der intensivierten Respiration beim Radfahren und der Nähe zum Fahrzeugverkehr mit einer assoziierten Exposition von verkehrsbedingter partikulärer Luftverschmutzung durch Feinstaub beeinträchtigt werden. Das Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist, eine Darstellung der aktuellen Literatur mit mobil erhobenen Daten zur Feinstaubbelastung Radfahrender im urbanen Raum zu geben sowie die darin beschriebenen Einflussfaktoren der Feinstaubkonzentrationen aus Meteorologie, Verkehr, Architektur und zeitlichen Bedingungen zu beschreiben. Fahrradfahren repräsentiert diesbezüglich eine effiziente Vorgehensweise zur Charakterisierung individueller Feinstaubbelastungen mit der Möglichkeit einer hohen räumlich-zeitlichen Auflösung. Unter Beachtung der Hintergrundkonzentration können Aussagen zur relativen Schadstoffexposition und des einhergehenden Gesundheitsrisikos mit Erkenntnissen zugunsten einer umweltverträglichen innerstädtischen Verkehrsplanung getroffen werden.
Continuity and Change in the World Trade Organization: Pluralism Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Howse Robert , Langille Joanna
Published: January 2023

The World Trade Organization is at an important institutional crossroads, buffeted by critique and with its once-heralded dispute system in doubt. Despite some achievements at the 2022 MC12 Ministerial Conference, the WTO appears in crisis, without a strong institutional mandate. In this Article, we offer a vision for its future, rooted in a particular interpretation of its past. The WTO's legal architecture is characterized by a resilient pluralism, which seeks to preserve diversity of governance models and regulatory approaches, both economic and political, in the domestic orders of member states. Despite strong pressures to impose a neoliberal vision of the state-market relationship on states, this pluralism has persevered; it offers a response to the WTO's critics and a mandate for the WTO's future.
Mean flow reconstruction of unsteady flows using physics-informed neural networks
Authors: Sliwinski Lukasz , Rigas Georgios
Published: January 2023

Data assimilation of flow measurements is an essential tool for extracting information in fluid dynamics problems. Recent works have shown that the physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) enable the reconstruction of unsteady fluid flows, governed by the Navier–Stokes equations, if the network is given enough flow measurements that are appropriately distributed in time and space. In many practical applications, however, experimental measurements involve only time-averaged quantities or their higher order statistics which are governed by the under-determined Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. In this study, we perform PINN-based reconstruction of time-averaged quantities of an unsteady flow from sparse velocity data. The applied technique leverages the time-averaged velocity data to infer unknown closure quantities (curl of unsteady RANS forcing), as well as to interpolate the fields from sparse measurements. Furthermore, the method’s capabilities are extended further to the assimilation of Reynolds stresses where PINNs successfully interpolate the data to complete the velocity as well as the stresses fields and gain insight into the pressure field of the investigated flow.
Coaxial jets with disparate viscosity: mixing and laminarization characteristics
Authors: Usta Mustafa , Ahmad M.R.C. , Pathikonda G. , Khan I. , Gillis P. , Ranjan D. , Aidun C.K.
Published: January 2023

Mixing of fluids in a coaxial jet is studied under four distinct viscosity ratios,

$m=1$

,

$10$

,

$20$

and

$40$

, using highly resolved large-eddy simulations (LES), particle image velocimetry and planar laser-induced fluorescence. The accuracy of predictions is tested against data obtained by the simultaneous experimental measurements of velocity and concentration fields. For the highest and lowest viscosity ratios, standard RANS models with unclosed terms pertaining to viscosity variations are employed. We show that the standard Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach with no explicit modelling for variable-viscosity terms is not applicable whereas dynamic LES models provide high-quality agreement with the measurements. To identify the underlying mixing physics and sources of discrepancy in RANS predictions, two distinct mixing modes are defined based on the viscosity ratio. Then, for each mode, the evolution of mixing structures, momentum budget analysis with emphasis on variable-viscosity terms, analysis of the turbulent activity and decay of turbulence are investigated using highly resolved LES data. The mixing dynamics is found to be quite distinct in each mixing mode. Variable viscosity manifests multiple effects that are working against each other. Viscosity gradients induce additional instabilities while increasing overall viscosity decreases the effective Reynolds number leading to laminarization of the turbulent jet, explaining the lack of dispersion and turbulent diffusion. Momentum budget analysis reveals that variable-viscosity terms are significant to be neglected. The scaling of the energy spectrum cascade suggests that in the TLL mode the unsteady laminar shedding is responsible for the eddies observed.
The association between plasma zinc concentrations and markers of glucose metabolism in adults in Cameroon
Authors: Mba Camille M. , Jones Kerry S. , Forouhi Nita G. , Imamura Fumiaki , Assah Felix , Mbanya Jean Claude , Wareham Nicholas J.
Published: January 2023

An abnormal Zn status has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, epidemiological studies of the relationship between plasma Zn concentrations and diabetes are sparse and inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma Zn concentrations and glycaemic markers (fasting glucose, 2-h glucose and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) in rural and urban Cameroon. We studied 596 healthy adults (63·3 % women) aged 25–55 years in a population-based cross-sectional study. The mean plasma Zn concentration was 13·7 ± 2·7 µmol/L overall, with higher levels in men (14·4 ± 2·9 µmol/l) than in women (13·2 ± 2·6 µmol/l),P-value < 0·0001. There was an inverse relationship between tertiles of plasma Zn and 2-h glucose concentrations (P-value for linear trend = 0·002). The difference in 2-h glucose between those in the highest tertile of plasma Zn compared to the lowest was −0·63 (95 % CI − 1·02, −0·23) mmol/l. This remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol intake, education level, area of residence, adiposity and objectively measured physical activity −0·43(–0·82, −0·04). Similar inverse associations were observed between plasma Zn concentrations and fasting glucose and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance when adjusted for socio-demographic and health-related behavioural characteristics. The current findings of an inverse association between plasma Zn concentrations and several markers of glucose homeostasis, together with growing evidence from intervention studies, suggest a role for Zn in glucose metabolism. If supported by further evidence, strategies to improve Zn status in populations may provide a cheap public health prevention approach for diabetes.
Organic system vs. conventional – a Bayesian analysis of Polish potato post-registration trials
Authors: Przystalski M. , Lenartowicz T.
Published: January 2023

Interest in organic agriculture worldwide is growing and is mainly supported by a strong consumer interest. In the literature, a lot of attention has been paid to comparing organic and conventional systems, on studying the yield gap between the two systems and, how to reduce it. In the present work, based on the results from Polish organic and conventional series of field trials carried out in 2019–2021, organic and conventional systems were compared in terms of potato tuber yield. Moreover, we propose a Bayesian approach to the variety × environment × system data set and describe Bayesian counterparts of two stability measures. Using this methodology, we identify the most stable and highest tuber yielding varieties in the Polish potato organic and conventional series of field trials. It is shown that the tuber yield in the organic system was approx. 44% lower than the tuber yield in the conventional system. Moreover, varieties Tajfun and Otolia were the most stable and highest yielding varieties in the organic system, whereas in the conventional system, the variety Jurek was the most stable and highest yielding variety among the tested varieties. In the present work, the use of the Bayesian approach allowed us to calculate the probability that the mean of a given variety in given system exceeds the mean of control varieties in that system.
Salivary crystallization pattern: a possible unconventional tool for timing of insemination and early pregnancy diagnosis in zebu cows
Authors: Chavan Nitin Bhaskar , Kumaresan Arumugam , Chhillar Shivani , Nayak Samiksha , Prakash Mani Arul , Lathika Sreela , Baithalu Rubina Kumari , Onteru Suneel , Manimaran Ayyasamy , Kimothi Shiv Prasad
Published: January 2023

The present study assessed if salivary crystallization pattern (ferning pattern formed as a result of the higher levels of salt content in the dried sample) could be used for estrus detection and for diagnosis of pregnancy/non-pregnancy in dairy cows. Saliva and blood samples were collected from non-pregnant cycling cows (Sahiwal breed; n = 20) on alternate days from the day of estrus till next estrus. Then, all the cows were inseminated and saliva and blood sampling were continued further for a period of 22 d post-insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on day 45 post-insemination and eight cows were found to be pregnant. The salivary crystallization pattern and estradiol:progesterone ratio during estrous cycle and during pregnancy were compared among these cows. Six types of salivary crystallization patterns were discerned; distinct patterns such as branch-like, fern-like, fir-like and combinations of these. Fern-like pattern was observed in all the cows on the day of estrus (first measurement day) and furthermore, all of the cows that subsequently became pregnant had fern-like salivary crystallization pattern at the time of insemination. Saliva of all the pregnant cows showed branch-fir type of crystallization pattern on day 16 post-breeding while only 50% of non-pregnant cows showed this pattern on day 16 of estrous cycle. The appearance of fern-like pattern was positively and significantly related to estradiol:progesterone ratio (r = 0.86; P < 0.001). The findings were validated on a separate group of cycling cows (n = 32). We can conclude that salivary crystallization pattern might serve as a non-invasive and cost effective and easy-to-use cow-side tool for estrus detection and early pregnancy/non-pregnancy diagnosis in cows upon validation on a larger sample size.
Fibrillar aggregates in powdered milk
Authors: Wawer Jarosław , Andrukajtis Martyna , Karczewski Jakub , Zielińska-Jurek Anna , Piątek Rafał
Published: January 2023

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that powdered milk may contain amyloid fibrils. Amyloids are fibrillar aggregates of proteins. Up to this time, research on the presence of amyloids in food products are scarce. To check the hypothesis we performed thioflavin T fluorescence assay, X-ray powder diffraction, atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy imaging. Our preliminary results show that commercially available milks contain fibrils that have features characteristic to amyloids. The obtained results can be interpreted in two opposite ways. The presence of amyloids could be considered as a hazard due to the fact that food products may induce amyloid related diseases. On the other hand, the presence of amyloids in traditionally consumed foodstuffs could serve as proof that fibrils of food proteins do not pose a threat for consumers.
Policy Experimentation under Pressure in Contemporary China
Authors: Heffer Abbey S. , Schubert Gunter
Published: January 2023

Many studies put forward the argument that local policy experimentation, a key feature of China's policy process in the Hu Jintao era, has been paralysed by Xi Jinping's (re)centralization of political power – otherwise known as “top-level design.” This narrative suggests that local policymakers have become increasingly risk-averse owing to the anti-corruption campaign and are therefore unwilling to experiment. This article, however, argues that local governments are still expected to innovate with new policy solutions and now will be punished if they do not. By introducing the analytical framework of “experimentation under pressure” and drawing on an analysis of over 3,000 local government regulations and fieldwork data related to foreign investment attraction policies in two localities, Foshan and Ganzhou, the authors highlight new features developing within current experimental policy cycles. Local cadres now have no choice but to experiment as the political risk of shirking the direct command to experiment may be higher than the inherent risk of experimentation itself.
Medium-shifting and intraspeaker variation in conversational interviews
Authors: Bleaman Isaac L. , Cugno Katie , Helms Annie
Published: January 2023

We investigate the impact of medium of communication (in-person versus video) on intraspeaker variation in conversation—a process we refer to asmedium-shifting. To quantify the effects of medium-shifting and understand its possible motivations, we analyze three variables that show intraspeaker effects of “clear” or “careful” speech: articulation rate, density-controlled vowel space area, and (ING). The data come from matched in-person and video-mediated interviews with thirty-three repeat guests fromThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, recorded before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed-effects regression models show that compared to in-person interviews, video-mediated interviews involve a significantly lower articulation rate and larger vowel space, but no significant difference in (ING). The results suggest that speakers may engage in medium-shifting in order to enhance their intelligibility over video, for example, through more precise articulatory movements and greater contrast between phonemic vowel categories. The null effect of medium on (ING) further suggests that medium-shifting is a motivator of intraspeaker differences even within a single contextual style. An emergent extralinguistic factor affecting speaking behavior and choices, medium-shifting should be carefully considered especially when designing variationist research involving mixed media interviews.
“It is Typical of Teenagers”: When Teachers Morally Disengage from Cyberbullying
Authors: Pereira Nádia Salgado , Ferreira Paula Da Costa , Veiga Simão Ana Margarida , Cardoso Andreia , Barros Alexandra , Marques-Pinto Alexandra , Ferreira Aristides I. , Primor Ana Cláudia , Carvalhal Sara
Published: January 2023

Teachers can contribute to preventing and solving cyberbullying situations. Therefore, it is relevant to investigate what may influence their involvement and actions concerning this phenomenon. A first study analyze teachers’ definitions of cyberbullying, how they would intervene and feel morally implicated with the phenomenon. A second study aimed to investigate the association between teachers’ being aware of cyberbullying and their perceived severity, moral disengagement with the phenomenon, perceived performance to solve such situations and their acquired knowledge about cyberbullying. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted in the first study with 25 to 65-year-old teachers. An online inventory was answered in study two by 541 middle and high school teachers (Mage = 50, SD = 7). A thematic analysis from the first study revealed that most teachers did not report repetition of behavior, power imbalance, intentionality to harm, and occurrence among peers as defining features of cyberbullying. Also, strategies they would use to intervene mainly focused on reporting the incident. Moreover, moral disengagement mechanisms were found in teachers’ discourse, which contribute to displacing responsibility for intervening and perceiving cyberbullying as less severe. In the second study, path analysis revealed that teachers’ awareness of cyberbullying among their students was positively associated with moral disengagement and acquired knowledge of the phenomenon. The mediating role of acquired knowledge of cyberbullying was significant between being aware of cyberbullying and teachers’ perceived severity of the situation, moral disengagement, and perceived performance to solve these situations. These findings highlight the relevance of developing cyberbullying training actions involving teachers.
Rapid evolution of competitive ability in giant foxtail (Setaria faberi) over 34 years
Authors: Ethridge Sandra R. , Chandra Saket , Everman Wesley J. , Jordan David L. , Locke Anna M. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Leon Ramon G.
Published: January 2023

Competition between genotypes within a plant population can result in the displacement of the least competitive by more competitive genotypes. Although evolutionary processes in plants may occur over thousands and millions of years, it has been suggested that changes in key fitness traits could occur in as little as decades, with herbicide resistance being a common example. However, the rapid evolution of complex traits has not been proven in weeds. We hypothesized that changes in weed growth and competitive ability can occur in just a few years because of selection in agroecosystems. Seed of multiple generations of a single natural population of the grassy weed giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.) were collected during 34 yr (i.e., 1983 to 2017). Using a “resurrection” approach, we characterized life-history traits of the different year-lines under noncompetitive and competitive conditions. Replacement-series experiments comparing the growth of the oldest year-line (1983) versus newer year-lines (1991, 1996, 1998, 2009, and 2017) showed that plant competitive ability decreased and then increased progressively in accordance with oscillating selection. The adaptations in competitive ability were reflected in dynamic changes in leaf area and biomass when plants were in competition. The onset of increased competitive ability coincided with the introduction of herbicide-resistant crops in the landscape in 1996. We also conducted a genome-wide association study and identified four loci that were associated with increased competitive ability over time, confirming that this trait changed in response to directional selection. Putative transcription factors and cell wall–associated enzymes were linked to those loci. This is the first study providing direct in situ evidence of rapid directional evolution of competitive ability in a plant species. The results suggest that agricultural systems can exert enough pressure to cause evolutionary adaptations of complex life-history traits, potentially increasing weediness and invasiveness.
Geographic and demographic variability in serum PFAS concentrations for pregnant women in the United States
Authors: DeLuca Nicole M. , Thomas Kent , Mullikin Ashley , Slover Rachel , Stanek Lindsay W. , Pilant Andrew N. , Cohen Hubal Elaine A.
Published: January 2023

Background

While major pathways of human PFAS exposure are thought to be drinking water and diet, other pathways and sources have also been shown to contribute to a person’s cumulative exposure. However, the degree of contribution of these other sources to PFAS body burdens is still not well understood and occurrence data for PFAS in conssumer products and household materials are sparse. Questionnaire data concordant with biomonitoring may improve understanding of associations between other PFAS exposure pathways and exposure in human populations.

Objective

This study aims to better understand maternal and early-life exposures to PFAS from various potential sources and pathways in the context of household and community level characteristics.

Methods

PFAS data from the National Children’s Study (NCS) Vanguard Data and Sample Archive Access System were analyzed from serum of 427 pregnant women residing in 7 counties throughout the United States. Location and self-reported questionnaire responses were used to analyze variability in serum concentrations based on demographics, housing characteristics, behaviors, and geography. Spatial mapping analyses incorporated publicly available data to further hypothesize potential sources of exposure in two NCS counties.

Results

Location was associated with serum concentrations for all PFAS chemicals measured. Questionnaire responses for race/ethnicity, income, education level, number of household members, drinking water source, home age, and fast-food consumption were associated with PFAS levels. Statistical differences were observed between participants with the same questionnaire responses but in different locations. Spatial mapping analyses suggested that participants’ proximity to local point sources can overshadow expected trends with demographic information.

Significance

By increasing understanding of maternal and early-life PFAS exposures from various potential sources and pathways, as well as highlighting the importance of proximity to potential sources in identifying vulnerable populations and locations, this work reveals environmental justice considerations and contributes to risk management strategies that maximize public health protection.

Impact

This work increases understanding of maternal and early-life PFAS exposures, reveals environmental justice considerations, and contributes to study design and risk management strategies.
Exclusive detection of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons using bilayer oxide chemiresistors with catalytic overlayers
Authors: Jeong Seong-Yong , Moon Young Kook , Wang Joseph , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: January 2023

The accurate detection and identification of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, which are highly toxic pollutants, are essential for assessing indoor and outdoor air qualities and protecting humans from their sources. However, real-time and on-site monitoring of aromatic hydrocarbons has been limited by insufficient sensor selectivity. Addressing the issue, bilayer oxide chemiresistors are developed using Rh–SnO2 gas-sensing films and catalytic CeO2 overlayers for rapidly and cost-effectively detecting traces of aromatic hydrocarbons in a highly discriminative and quantitative manner, even in gas mixtures. The sensing mechanism underlying the exceptional performance of bilayer sensor is systematically elucidated in relation to oxidative filtering of interferants by the CeO2 overlayer. Moreover, CeO2-induced selective detection is validated using SnO2, Pt–SnO2, Au–SnO2, In2O3, Rh–In2O3, Au–In2O3, WO3, and ZnO sensors. Furthermore, sensor arrays are employed to enable pattern recognition capable of discriminating between aromatic gases and non-aromatic interferants and quantifying volatile aromatic hydrocarbon classifications.
Unveiling the spectrum of electrohydrodynamic turbulence in dust storms
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhou You-He
Published: January 2023

Although the electrical effects in dust storms have been observed for over 100 years, little is known about their fluctuating properties, especially for the dust concentration and electric fields. Here, using a combined observational and theoretical approach, we find that wind velocity, PM10 dust concentration, and electric fields in dust storms exhibit a universal spectrum when particle mass loading is low. In particular, all measured fields at and above 5 m display a power-law spectrum with an exponent close to − 5/3 in the intermediate-wavenumber range, consistent with the phenomenological theory proposed here. Below 5 m, however, the spectra of the wind velocity and ambient temperature are enhanced, due to the modulation of turbulence by dust particles at relatively large mass loading. Our findings reveal the electrohydrodynamic features of dust storms and thus may advance our understanding of the nonlinear processes in dust storms.