bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Assisted Cooking Improves Edible Quality of Germ Rice: Insights of Multiscale Starch Microstructure, In Vitro Digestion, and Flavor
Authors: Yu Jiahao , Li Yanan , Ye Yufen , Zhang Jianming , Shao Ping
Published: September 2023

Germ rice is a moderately processed products with high germ retention rate (>80%). Electric rice‐cooker and microwave cooking as the most common cooking methods have different effects on starch microstructures, digestibility, rheological behavior, texture, and flavor of germ rice. Microwave‐cooked germ rice contains more short‐range ordered structures and higher crystallinity than electric rice‐cooker cooked germ rice. The starch digestibility of germ rice (i.e., rapidly digestible starch) cooked by microwave under different power and time (50.74%–52.47%) is lower than that of electric rice‐cooker cooked by two modes (60.52%–60.82%). The rheology (modulus and shear viscosity) of germ rice treated by electric rice‐cooker is higher than that treated by microwave. Microwave‐cooked germ rice has lower adhesiveness (164–212 g s) than that cooked in electric rice‐cooker (286–295 g s). Aldehydes are the most abundant volatile components, and play a very important role in germ rice flavor. Microwave cooking can reduce the digestibility of starch and improve the flavor of cooked germ rice. Microwave is expected to be a promising cooking technique for germ rice cooking.
Immobilization of Xylanase onto Starch Nanoparticles: A Reusable and Robust Nanobiocatalyst for Juice Clarification
Authors: Dik Gamze , Bakar Büşra , Ulu Ahmet , Köytepe Süleyman , Ateş Burhan
Published: September 2023

Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted interest recently as a promising support for the immobilization of enzymes.Xylanase (Xyl) has been utilized in the food industry for several purposes. To improve its stability and reusability,starch NPs (SNPs)are synthesized and assessed for Xyl immobilization for the first time. The characterization results reveal that SNPs are successfully synthesized and Xyl@SNPs are effective as the immobilization carrier. The Xyl is immobilized on SNPs under optimized conditions leading to 91% immobilization efficiency. A shift in optimum pH (from 6.0 to 8.0) and temperature (from 70 to 60 °C) of Xyl is observed after immobilization. The Xyl@SNPs possess improve pH stability and thermal stability as well as operational stability. The Xyl@SNPs are easily reutilized and the residual activity is still higher than 62% after seven times. More importantly, the Xyl@SNPs have a lower Km value and enhance affinity for the substrate compared to the free Xyl. Additionally, the clarity of orange juice is increased by 76.0% by using Xyl@SNPs after 2 h incubation at 60 °C, pH 8.0. These positive results show promising support for the Xyl immobilization of SNPs, confirming that this immobilized enzyme‐based strategy is an effective technique for rapid clarification of targeted juices.
Hydrochloric acid resistance of mortars incorporating waste glass powder as cementitious materials
Authors: Sharifi Yasser , Visrudi Hasan Najafi
Published: September 2023

Despite numerous studies conducted on the potential of waste materials as cement substitutes, the resistance of mortars comprising such blended cementitious materials against acidic environments has seldom been investigated. This paper presents an investigation into the potential of waste glass powder (WGP) as a replacement for cement in enhancing the mechanical, and durability of cementitious materials subjected to acidic environments. The study examines the impact of WGP on the resistance of mortar to hydrochloric acid solution attack, with specimens containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% WGP produced as cement substitutes. The tests were conducted on the cement mortar and paste after water curing for 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days. Initially, the pozzolanic activity index assessment, fresh density, water absorption, and compressive strengths during water curing times were evaluated. Subsequently, the performance of mortars, when subjected to hydrochloric acid solutions, was assessed, including mass loss, residual compressive strength, visual inspection, and microstructure features during 8 weeks of immersion in hydrochloric acid. The results of the study indicated that the incorporation of WGP led to improved hydrochloric acid resistance in the mortar. Furthermore, an increase in WGP content resulted in a reduced reduction in compressive strength against hydrochloric acid attacks as the ages progressed. The study revealed that the mortar containing 5% WGP as a cement substitute had the highest compressive strength compared to other specimens, and using 10% WGP as a supplementary cementitious material was comparable to the control mixture. Finally, the x‐ray diffraction pattern indicated that the specimen containing 5% WGP had a lower intensity of portlandite peaks than the reference specimen.
A combination of isoliquiritigenin with Artemisia argyi and Ohwia caudata water extracts attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating Nrf2/Ho‐1 signaling pathways in SD rats with doxorubicin‐induced acute cardiotoxicity
Authors: Yuan Hsieh Dennis jine , Islam Md. Nazmul , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Lai Chin‐Hu , Lin Pi‐Yu , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Chen Michael Yu‐Chih , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: September 2023

Ohwia caudata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi (Leguminosae) also called as “Evergreen shrub” and Artemisia argyi H.Lév. and Vaniot (Compositae) also named as “Chinese mugwort” those two‐leaf extracts frequently used as herbal medicine, especially in south east Asia and eastern Asia. Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly used as effective chemotherapeutic drugs in anticancer therapy around the world. However, chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure are seen in patients who receive DOX therapy, with the mechanisms underlying DOX‐induced cardiac toxicity remaining unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cardiomyocytes have been shown to play crucial roles in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL, 10 mg/kg) is a bioactive flavonoid compound with protective effects against inflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer, and diabetes. Here, in this study, our aim is to find out the Artemisia argyi (AA) and Ohwia caudata (OC) leaf extract combination with Isoliquiritigenin in potentiating and complementing effect against chemo drug side effect to ameliorate cardiac damage and improve the cardiac function. In this study, we showed that a combination of low (AA 300 mg/kg; OC 100 mg/kg) and high‐dose(AA 600 mg/kg; OC 300 mg/kg) AA and OC water extract with ISL activated the cell survival‐related AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in DOX‐treated cardiac tissue leading to the upregulation of the antioxidant markers SOD, HO‐1, and Keap‐1 and regulated mitochondrial dysfunction through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, the water extract of AA and OC with ISL inhibited the inflammatory response genes IL‐6 and IL‐1β, possibly through the NFκB/AKT/PI3K/p38α/NRLP3 signaling pathways. The water extract of AA and OC with ISL could be a potential herbal drug treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, inflammatory disease, and apoptosis, which can lead to sudden heart failure.
Suspected robenacoxib‐induced liver injury in a dog
Authors: Pena‐Ramos Jorge , Finch Natalie Clare , Sanchez‐Redondo Sonia
Published: September 2023

A 9‐year six‐month‐old, female, neutered border collie was referred to a tertiary referral hospital to further investigate a 17‐day history of anorexia, lethargy and increased liver enzyme activities. The dog had been receiving robenacoxib (1 mg/kg) alongside omeprazole (1 mg/kg), both given once daily for 55 days, for the treatment of degenerative joint disease. There was no history of toxin exposure. Liver enzyme activities were within reference intervals before the course of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Investigations revealed increased liver enzyme activities, mainly alanine aminotransferase. Histopathological analysis of liver biopsies taken 17 days after the onset of the clinical signs revealed mild portal lymphoplasmacytic, histiocytic and minimally neutrophilic inflammation. Robenacoxib‐induced liver injury was suspected. Liver enzyme activities gradually returned to normal after discontinuation of the drug. This report raises awareness about possible liver injury associated with robenacoxib when prescribing long‐term treatment with the drug.
Diagnosis of intracranial neoplasia by transcranial ultrasound in two pet rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Ardiaca García María , Montesinos Barceló Andrés , Bonvehí Nadeu Cristina , Romero Herrera Paula , Plaza Serrano Pedro
Published: September 2023

This article describes the use of transcranial ultrasound for confirmation of intracranial neoplasia in two pet rats. The diagnosis was confirmed by means of a contrast‐enhanced computed tomography scan in one case, and postmortem examination and histopathology in the other. Pituitary adenoma is a common condition in rats and, until now, advanced diagnostic imaging, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, was required to support a presumptive diagnosis of an intracranial mass based on anamnesis and clinical signs. Despite some limitations of image quality, ultrasound provided images of diagnostic quality in both cases in this study. Compared to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial ultrasound is a less expensive, less time consuming and more readily available diagnostic imaging technique that can be valuable to aid diagnosis of intracranial tumours in pet rats.
Chemical reaction and radiation impact on unsteady free convective flow through a porous medium past an infinite oscillatory vertical plate
Authors: Saikia Dibya Jyoti , Ahmed Nazibuddin
Published: September 2023

The current investigation is concerned with the effect of chemical reactions and radiation on unsteady free convective flow through a porous medium via an infinitely oscillating vertical plate. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the effects of first‐order homogeneous chemical reactions and thermal radiation on mass flow and heat transmission characteristics. The closed‐form Laplace transformation method is used to obtain exact solutions to the governing equations for concentration, energy and momentum. The impact of various non‐dimensional parameters on fluid velocity, temperature and concentration is graphically depicted. Furthermore, 3‐dimensional surface plots for the Nusselt number and Sherwood number are provided, and the equation for skin friction is derived and demonstrated in tabular form. Investigation simulates that the skin friction increases as the chemical reaction parameter hikes, whereas the fluid concentration reduces as the chemical reaction parameter increases. Further, it was revealed that the augmentation of the radiation parameter decreased the temperature and velocity pattern. It is seen that the primary and secondary velocities reduce due to the increment of the chemical reaction parameter.
Impact of climate change on the distribution and habitat suitability of the world’s main commercial squids
Authors: Guerreiro Miguel Fernandes , Borges Francisco Oliveira , Santos Catarina Pereira , Xavier José Carlos , Hoving Henk-Jan , Rosa Rui
Published: September 2023

Climate change is expected to have major negative effects on marine life across phylogenetic groups. Cephalopods, however, have life history characteristics that suggest they may benefit from certain climate change scenarios. Of all cephalopods, squids reach the greatest biomasses; as a result, they are of substantial importance for human and predator consumption. To test the hypothesis that the effects of climate change are beneficial for commercial squid, we used species distribution models on climate scenarios for the period between 2000 and 2014, as well as the years 2050 and 2100 (RCP [representative concentration pathway] 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5; CMIP5). Our results suggest that consequences of climate change scenarios are species specific. In the North Pacific and Northwest Atlantic, squid’s habitat suitability may increase (from + 0.83% [Doryteuthis pealeii] to + 8.77% increase [Illex illecebrosus]), while it is predicted to decrease in other regions (from  − 1.03% [Doryteuthis opalescens] to − 15.04% decrease [Loligo reynaudii]). Increases in habitat suitability occurred mostly at higher latitudes (north of 50° N), while suitable habitat decrease was predicted for the tropical regions. These shifts in future habitat suitability were stronger under harsher emission scenarios. Starting in 2050 (with RCP scenarios 4.6, 6.0 and 8.5), as a result of warming of the Arctic, squid habitat may increase along both coasts of North America. In the Southern Hemisphere, squids may lose habitat with no poleward habitat alternatives to move into. Contrary to our hypothesis, these commercial squid do not stand to benefit from climate change. Since these squid are an important food source for marine megafauna and humans, it is imperative that climate change biogeographic impacts are considered for a sustainable management of this important group of molluscs.
N2 modified cap analogues as translation inhibitors and substrates for preparation of therapeutic mRNA
Authors: Kurpiejewski Karol , Jankowska-Anyszka Marzena , Grzela Renata
Published: September 2023

In recent years many scientists have begun to focus on the mRNA molecule’s emeregence as a new type of drug. Its fast-moving and successful career as a vaccine technology cannot be underestimated. mRNA provides new opportunities and allows for the rapid preparation of effective drugs at low cost. These extensive possibilities stem from a number of factors, but the small cap structure located at the 5′ end of the mRNA is one contributing factor. Cap protects mRNA and ensures efficient recruitment to the biosynthesis machinery. Furthermore, it allows for the easy introduction of various modifications that influence the activity of the entire mRNA. Among the many different cap analogues that have been reported, those modified at the N2 position of guanosine have been systematically developed. N2-modified caps in the form of nucleoside monophosphates or dinucleotides show favorable biological properties, as well as a high capacity to inhibit the translation process in the cell-free RRL system. Modified N2 dinucleotides are efficiently incorporated into the structure of the mRNA transcript, and in specific circumstances with the correct orientation, making them an interesting alternative for ARCA-type analogues. Moreover, mRNA transcripts containing cap structures modified within the exocyclic amino group show very high translational activity. Therefore, analogues modified at the N2 position may have future applications as therapeutics against various manifestations of cancer and as desirable tools in RNA engineering.
Axial Convex‐Shaped Hematoma was Associated with Poor Curative Effect of Surgical Treatment for Traumatic Posterior Fossa Epidural Hematoma in Children
Authors: Miao Zhuangzhuang , Lei Jin , Li Yu , Wan Xueyan , Zhao Kai , Niu Hongquan , Lei Ting
Published: September 2023

Background

Posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH) is rare which accounts for just 4–12.9% of all EDH cases. Since its frequently subtle and nonspecific clinical presentation, CT scan has great importance for early diagnosis and treatment of PFEDH. However, indications for surgery depending on the findings of CT image are still controversial.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 40 pediatric cases of PFEDH. Their baseline characteristic, clinical presentation, imaging findings and outcomes were collected and analyzed. The ellipsoid volume equation X × Y × Z/2 was used to measure the hematoma volume. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to assess the neurologic functional outcome.

Results

A total of 40 pediatric PFEH patients were included with 8 patients having poor outcome and 32 patients having a relatively good prognosis. GCS score showed a significant difference between good and poor outcome groups (p < 0.001). Y value on CT image was significantly bigger in poor outcome group than good outcome group (p < 0.01). Similar results were got in X/Z value (p < 0.05) and Y/Z value (p < 0.01) which reflected the shape of hematoma. A predictive model with Y + X/Z showed the largest area under the ROC curve with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 93.7%.

Conclusions

GCS score at admission was closely related to the prognosis of the pediatric patients with PFEDH. The morphometry of PFEDH has a crucial role in judging the prognosis. Axial convex‐shaped hematoma was associated with poor curative effect of surgical treatment.
Oxygen isotope constraints on the ventilation of the modern and glacial Pacific
Authors: Millet Bruno , Gray William R. , de Lavergne Casimir , Roche Didier M.
Published: September 2023

Changes in Pacific tracer reservoirs and transports are thought to be central to the regulation of atmospheric CO2 on glacial–interglacial timescales. However, there are currently two contrasting views of the circulation of the modern Pacific; the classical view sees southern sourced abyssal waters upwelling to about 1.5 km depth before flowing southward, whereas the bathymetrically constrained view sees the mid-depths (1–2.5 km) largely isolated from the global overturning circulation and predominantly ventilated by diffusion. Furthermore, changes in the circulation of the Pacific under differing climate states remain poorly understood. Through both a modern and a Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) analysis focusing on oxygen isotopes in seawater and benthic foraminifera as conservative tracers, we show that isopycnal diffusion strongly influences the mid-depths of the Pacific. Diapycnal diffusion is most prominent in the subarctic Pacific, where an important return path of abyssal tracers to the surface is identified in the modern state. At the LGM we infer an expansion of North Pacific Intermediate Water, as well as increased layering of the deeper North Pacific which would weaken the return path of abyssal tracers. These proposed changes imply a likely increase in ocean carbon storage within the deep Pacific during the LGM relative to the Holocene.
Microglial contribution to the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans
Authors: Matuleviciute Rugile , Akinluyi Elizabeth T. , Muntslag Tim A. O. , Dewing Jennifer M. , Long Katherine R. , Vernon Anthony C. , Tremblay Marie-Eve , Menassa David A.
Published: September 2023

Microglia are the brain’s resident macrophages, which guide various developmental processes crucial for brain maturation, activity, and plasticity. Microglial progenitors enter the telencephalic wall by the 4th postconceptional week and colonise the fetal brain in a manner that spatiotemporally tracks key neurodevelopmental processes in humans. However, much of what we know about how microglia shape neurodevelopment comes from rodent studies. Multiple differences exist between human and rodent microglia warranting further focus on the human condition, particularly as microglia are emerging as critically involved in the pathological signature of various cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this article, we review the evidence supporting microglial involvement in basic neurodevelopmental processes by focusing on the human species. We next concur on the neuropathological evidence demonstrating whether and how microglia contribute to the aetiology of two neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum conditions and schizophrenia. Next, we highlight how recent technologies have revolutionised our understanding of microglial biology with a focus on how these tools can help us elucidate at unprecedented resolution the links between microglia and neurodevelopmental disorders. We conclude by reviewing which current treatment approaches have shown most promise towards targeting microglia in neurodevelopmental disorders and suggest novel avenues for future consideration.
The relation between cochlear implant programming levels and speech perception performance in post-lingually deafened adults: a data-driven approach
Authors: Migliorini Enrico , van Dijk Bastiaan , Philips Birgit , Mylanus Emmanuel , Huinck Wendy
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Programming a cochlear implant (fitting) is an essential part of a user’s post-implantation journey, defining how sound will be translated into electrical stimulation and aiming to provide optimal speech perception outcomes. Currently, there are no established, evidence-based guidelines for fitting cochlear implant users, leading to a high degree of variability in fitting practices, users’ parameters, and probably outcomes. In this study a data-driven approach is used to retrospectively investigate the relation between cochlear implant fitting parameters and speech perception outcomes in post-lingually deafened adults.

Methods

298 data points corresponding to fitting parameters and speech audiometry test results for the same number of adult, post-lingually deafened, experienced CI users were analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed, after which parameters from the top-scoring and bottom-scoring tertiles were compared via the Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon u test.

Results

Weak correlations between dynamic range and speech audiometry outcomes were identified, having p values lower than (albeit close to) 0.05. A significant (p < 0.05) difference in electrical dynamic range (the difference between the minimum and maximum amount of current which may be delivered by each electrode) was found, with top-scoring subjects having on average a wider dynamic range.

Conclusion

The association between dynamic range and speech perception outcomes shown in this retrospective study highlights the need for deeper investigation into evidence-driven fitting. It might be a first step in the direction of evidence-based fitting, minimizing variability in outcomes for cochlear implant users and helping mitigate the issue of unexplained low performance.
The myth of brain damage: no change of neurofilament light chain during transient cognitive side-effects of ECT
Authors: Besse Matthias , Belz Michael , Bartels Claudia , Herzig Bettina , Wiltfang Jens , Zilles-Wegner David
Published: September 2023

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective, safe, and mostly well-tolerated treatment for patients with severe or difficult to treat depression or psychotic disorders. However, a relevant number of patients experience subjective and/or objective cognitive side-effects. The mechanism of these transient deficits is not yet clear. Thus, our study prospectively investigated neurofilament light chain (NfL) concentrations as a highly sensitive biomarker for neuroaxonal damage along with cognitive performance during a course of ECT. Serum NfL concentrations from 15 patients with major depressive disorder receiving ECT were analyzed (1) 24 h before the first ECT, (2) 24 h and (3) 7 days after the last ECT (45 measurements in total). Neuropsychological testing including memory, executive functions and attention was performed at each time-point. NfL concentrations did not change between the three time-points, while a temporary cognitive impairment was found. Even in the subset of patients with the strongest impairment, NfL concentrations remained unchanged. Neuropsychological testing revealed the common pattern of transient cognitive side-effects with reduced performance 24 h post-ECT (global cognition score: p < 0.001; memory: p = 0.043; executive functions: p = 0.002) and return to baseline after 7 days (all p < 0.001). Our study adds to the evidence that neither ECT per se nor the transient cognitive side-effects seem to be associated with an increase of NfL as a marker of neuroaxonal damage. In contrast, we discuss cognitive side effects to be potentially interpreted as a byproduct of ECT’s neuroplastic effects.
Use of NIRS to explore skeletal muscle oxygenation during different training sessions in professional boxing
Authors: Usher Andrew , Babraj John
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The physiological examination of boxing has been limited to systemic response in amateur athletes. The demands of professional boxing have been overlooked, despite the different competition format. We sought to determine the physiological demands placed on skeletal muscle in professional boxing.

Methods

Ten male professional boxers (age 26 ± 5 years, height 177 ± 4 cm, weight 71 ± 6 kg) were recruited for this observational study. On different days, the athletes completed 6 × 3 min rounds of pad, bag or spar-based training with 1 min recovery between each round. Prior to each session, participants put on a heart rate monitor and near-infrared spectroscopy attached to the belly of the rectus femoris muscle to record heart rate and muscle oxygenation.

Results

There were significantly less punches thrown in sparring compared to other training modalities (p < 0.001). Skeletal muscle oxygenation across training modalities consisted of a delay, fast desaturation and steady state. Across rounds there was a significant increase in time delay for desaturation (p = 0.016), rate of fast desaturation (p < 0.001) and duration of fast desaturation (p = 0.019). There was a significant difference in sparring for the heart rate where skeletal muscle oxygenation changes occurred compared to pads or bag sessions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings highlight differences in the skeletal muscle response to the different training modalities. Practitioners need to be aware of the muscular demands of each session to allow optimal adaptation across a training camp. Training needs to allow the skeletal muscle to achieve a new oxygenation steady state rapidly to promote efficient performance across rounds.
Opinion Dynamics with Limited Information
Authors: Fotakis Dimitris , Kandiros Vardis , Kontonis Vasilis , Skoulakis Stratis
Published: September 2023

We study opinion formation games based on the famous model proposed by Friedkin and Johsen (FJ model). In today’s huge social networks the assumption that in each round agents update their opinions by taking into account the opinions of all their friends is unrealistic. So, we are interested in the convergence properties of simple and natural variants of the FJ model that use limited information exchange in each round and converge to the same stable point. As in the FJ model, we assume that each agent i has an intrinsic opinion $$s_i \in [0,1]$$

s
i

∈

[
0
,
1
]

and maintains an expressed opinion $$x_i(t) \in [0,1]$$

x
i

(
t
)

∈

[
0
,
1
]

in each round t. To model limited information exchange, we consider an opinion formation process where each agent i meets with one random friend j at each round t and learns only her current opinion $$x_j(t)$$

x
j

(
t
)

. The amount of influence j imposes on i is reflected by the probability $$p_{ij}$$

p

ij

with which i meets j. Then, agent i suffers a disagreement cost that is a convex combination of $$(x_i(t) - s_i)^2$$

(

x
i

(
t
)

-

s
i

)

2

and $$(x_i(t) - x_j(t))^2$$

(

x
i

(
t
)

-

x
j

(
t
)

)

2

. An important class of dynamics in this setting are no regret dynamics, i.e. dynamics that ensure vanishing regret against the experienced disagreement cost to the agents. We show an exponential gap between the convergence rate of no regret dynamics and of more general dynamics that do not ensure no regret. We prove that no regret dynamics require roughly $$\varOmega (1/\varepsilon )$$

Ω
(
1
/
ε
)

rounds to be within distance $$\varepsilon $$
ε
from the stable point of the FJ model. On the other hand, we provide an opinion update rule that does not ensure no regret and converges to $$x^*$$

x
∗

in $$\tilde{O}(\log ^2(1/\varepsilon ))$$

O
~

(

log
2

(
1
/
ε
)

)

rounds. Finally, in our variant of the FJ model, we show that the agents can adopt a simple opinion update rule that ensures no regret to the experienced disagreement cost and results in an opinion vector that converges to the stable point $$x^*$$

x
∗

of the FJ model within distance $$\varepsilon $$
ε
in $$\textrm{poly}(1/\varepsilon )$$

poly
(
1
/
ε
)

rounds. In view of our lower bound for no regret dynamics this rate of convergence is close to best possible.
Computing and Listing Avoidable Vertices and Paths
Authors: Papadopoulos Charis , Zisis Athanasios E.
Published: September 2023

A simplicial vertex of a graph is a vertex whose neighborhood is a clique. It is known that listing all simplicial vertices can be done in O(nm) time or $$O(n^{\omega })$$

O
(

n
ω

)

time, where $$O(n^{\omega })$$

O
(

n
ω

)

is the time needed to perform a fast matrix multiplication. The notion of avoidable vertices generalizes the concept of simplicial vertices in the following way: a vertex u is avoidable if every induced path on three vertices with middle vertex u is contained in an induced cycle. We present algorithms for listing all avoidable vertices of a graph through the notion of minimal triangulations and common neighborhood detection. In particular we give algorithms with running times $$O(n^{2}m)$$

O
(

n
2

m
)

and $$O(n^{1+\omega })$$

O
(

n

1
+
ω

)

, respectively. Additionally, based on a simplified graph traversal we propose a fast algorithm that runs in time $$O(n^2 + m^2)$$

O
(

n
2

+

m
2

)

and matches the corresponding running time of listing all simplicial vertices on sparse graphs with $$m=O(n)$$

m
=
O
(
n
)

. Moreover, we show that our algorithms cannot be improved significantly, as we prove that under plausible complexity assumptions there is no truly subquadratic algorithm for recognizing an avoidable vertex. To complement our results, we consider their natural generalizations of avoidable edges and avoidable paths. We propose an O(nm)-time algorithm that recognizes whether a given induced path is avoidable.
Rewilding Risks for Peatland Permafrost
Authors: Holmgren Milena , Groten Finn , Carracedo Manuel Rodríguez , Vink Sverre , Limpens Juul
Published: September 2023

Permafrost thaw is projected to reinforce climate warming by releasing large stocks of stored carbon. Rewilding northern high latitude regions with large herbivores has been proposed as a climate mitigation strategy to protect frozen soils and increase ecosystem resilience to climate warming. We explored the impact of summer reindeer density on subarctic peatlands by comparing 17 peatlands differing in reindeer density in Fennoscandia. We used a combination of high-resolution image analyses and field assessments along 50 transects to assess microtopography, surface water cover, vegetation, summer albedo, permafrost presence, soil temperature, soil nutrients and snow depth. Our results show that high summer reindeer densities fragment the characteristic bumpy topography of the peatlands, reducing the insulating soil properties and the probability of keeping permafrost in elevated hummocks. As a result, waterlogged lawns with surface water increase in size and reduce summer albedo. Furthermore, high reindeer density peatlands were associated with an increase in tall inedible shrubs and thicker snow layers. These changes may favor summer warming and reduce winter cooling of the soil thus accelerating permafrost loss. Our results suggest that high reindeer densities may reduce resilience of the peatland permafrost to climate warming. High densities of large herbivores will likely have different effects in well-drained uplands, but in the lowlands we studied, the complex cascading effects of summer trampling may well offset any climate-protection gained by browsing. Optimal use of wildlife management to mitigate global warming will thus require tuning herbivore densities to different ecosystem types across high northern landscapes.
Assessment of changes in regional groundwater levels through spatio-temporal kriging: application to the southern Basin of Mexico aquifer system
Authors: Júnez-Ferreira H. E. , Hernández-Hernández M. A. , Herrera G. S. , González-Trinidad J. , Cappello C. , Maggio S. , De Iaco S.
Published: September 2023

A common approach for calculating the spatial distribution of groundwater level changes consists in choosing a set of different times, interpolating the groundwater level data available at each time over a spatial grid, and then calculating changes in each period by subtracting the interpolated values for these times. However, this can produce misleading results when the data are available in different positions for consecutive times. This paper presents an alternative procedure based on the interpolation of the groundwater level with spatio-temporal kriging, the assessment of the temporal groundwater elevation changes over a regional semiconfined aquifer, and the estimation of their error standard deviations. A comparative analysis of cross-validation results and error standard deviations provides a quantitative measure of the superiority of the introduced approach with respect to the one given in the literature. Moreover, the spatio-temporal case produces more reasonable estimates than the spatial kriging, notably fewer extreme recoveries and drawdowns, in an area under high water stress, such as the upper aquifer of the southern part of the Basin of Mexico aquifer system.
Sustainable groundwater management and its implications for agricultural land repurposing
Authors: Quandt Amy , Larsen Ashley E. , Bartel Gracie , Okamura Kiana , Sousa Daniel
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we examine the implications of groundwater sustainability policies on agricultural land retirement and how retired land can be repurposed to minimize social, economic, and environmental harms, while maximizing potential benefits. Globally, as water resources are strained by increasing agricultural demand and biophysical factors, policies are enacted to restrict groundwater pumping for irrigated agriculture in order to stem social, economic, and environmental harm. However, little is known about the implications of land retirement on ecosystems and people, and how this land can be best repurposed. Using Kern County, CA, as a case study, we draw from 23 qualitative interviews with stakeholders in the agricultural, water, and conservation sectors to understand the impacts of sustainable groundwater management policy and options for land repurposing. Stakeholders in our study outlined both positive and negative impacts of such policies across the region, including increased financial costs of agricultural production, crop type switches to perennial crops such as trees and vines, and improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Stakeholders discussed options for land repurposing to maximize ecological, social, and economic benefits, including habitat restoration, installation of solar farms, grazing, groundwater recharge, temporary fallowing, and recreation and parks. Finally, we propose recommendations to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms from the retirement and repurposing of agricultural land: (1) increasing regional planning and cross-stakeholder communication for strategic land repurposing, (2) minimizing the burden of policies that may restrict land repurposing options, and (3) ensuring financial incentives exist for landowners to repurpose their land.
Calibration of P-values for calibration and for deviation of a subpopulation from the full population
Authors: Tygert Mark
Published: September 2023

The author’s recent research papers, “Cumulative deviation of a subpopulation from the full population” and “A graphical method of cumulative differences between two subpopulations” (both published in volume 8 of Springer’s open-access Journal of Big Data during 2021), propose graphical methods and summary statistics, without extensively calibrating formal significance tests. The summary metrics and methods can measure the calibration of probabilistic predictions and can assess differences in responses between a subpopulation and the full population while controlling for a covariate or score via conditioning on it. These recently published papers construct significance tests based on the scalar summary statistics, but only sketch how to calibrate the attained significance levels (also known as “P-values”) for the tests. The present article reviews and synthesizes work spanning many decades in order to detail how to calibrate the P-values. The present paper presents computationally efficient, easily implemented numerical methods for evaluating properly calibrated P-values, together with rigorous mathematical proofs guaranteeing their accuracy, and illustrates and validates the methods with open-source software and numerical examples.
Exploring young students’ attitude towards coding and its relationship with STEM career interest
Authors: Ogegbo Ayodele Abosede , Aina Adebunmi Yetunde
Published: September 2023

This paper presents findings of an investigation on students’ attitudes towards coding and its relationship with interest in STEM-related careers. A concurrent mixed-method research design involving a pre-intervention-intervention-post-intervention non-equivalent control group was adopted. A sample of 50 grade seven to nine South African students (21 male and 29 female) from Township schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, participated. Quantitative data was gathered using the elementary students’ coding attitude survey and STEM Career Interest survey, while qualitative data was collected through a focus group interview. Interview data was analysed using content analysis, and quantitative data was analysed using multiple correlation analysis and standardized regression coefficients (β). It was found that students’ attitude towards coding was generally positive. A number of correlations between students’ attitude and their STEM career interests were significant at p < .05. Results also revealed that students’ attitudes in terms of coding confidence, coding interest, the social value of coding and perceptions of coders were found to be significant predictors of their interest in a STEM occupation. Based on this, it is argued that encouraging a positive attitude toward coding in students and increasing their self-efficacy can reinforce STEM learning and increase students’ interest in STEM occupations.
Sustainability as an Intrinsic Moral Concern for Solidaristic Health Care
Authors: Verweij Marcel , Ossebaard Hans
Published: September 2023

Environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change have adverse impacts on global health. Somewhat paradoxically, health care systems that aim to prevent and cure disease are themselves major emitters and polluters. In this paper we develop a justification for the claim that solidaristic health care systems should include sustainability as one of the criteria for determining which health interventions are made available or reimbursed – and which not. There is however a complication: most adverse health effects due to climate change do occur elsewhere in the world. If solidarity would commit us to take care of everyone’s health, worldwide, it might imply that solidaristic health system cannot justifiably restrict universal access to their own national populations. In response we explain health solidarity is to be considered as a moral ideal. Such an ideal does not specify what societies owe to whom, but it does have moral implications. We argue that ignoring sustainability in political decision making about what health care is to be offered, would amount to betrayal of the ideal of solidarity.
Equation for the Dynamic Viscosity of Propane for the Use in Mixture Models
Authors: Rösler Meret , Pohl Sven M. , Thol M.
Published: September 2023

In the present paper, a new equation for the dynamic viscosity of propane is presented, which is suitable for the application in mixture models. The dilute-gas contribution was adopted from Vogel and Herrmann (J Phys Chem Ref Data 45:043103, 2016). The residual part is an empirical approach designed following the example of thermodynamic Helmholtz equations of state. With this functional form, an approach is proposed, which will allow to combine pure-fluid equations in the manner of high precision Helmholtz equations of state in a multifluid mixture model in the future. The parameters of the equation are adjusted to experimental data, so that the data are mostly reproduced within their experimental uncertainty. The present equation is valid in a temperature range from 90 K to 525 K with a maximum pressure of 145 MPa.
Can We Compare Attitudes Towards Crime Around the World? Assessing Measurement Invariance of the Morally Debatable Behavior Scale Across 44 Countries
Authors: Schumann Sandy , Wolfowicz Michael
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We aim to encourage scholars who conduct cross-national criminological studies to routinely assess measurement invariance (MI), that is, verify if multi-item instruments that capture latent constructs are conceptualized and understood similarily across different populations. To promote the adoption of MI tests, we present an analytical protocol, including an annotated R script and output file. We implement the protocol and, doing so, document the first test of configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the three-factor Morally Debatable Behavior Scale (MDBS).

Methods

We worked with data from wave seven of the World Values Survey (WVS). Applying multi-group confirmatory factor analyses, we, first, explored invariance of the MDBS in 44 countries (N = 59,482). Next, we conducted analyses separately for seven South-american, six South-east Asian, six East-asian, two North American and Australasian, and all four Anglophone countries.

Results

The MDBS displays an overall lack of invariance. However, we confirmed configural invariance of the MDBS for the South-east Asian sample, metric invariance in the sample of Anglophone countries, and scalar invariance for the Australasian and North American countries.

Conclusions

Wave seven of the WVS can be used for latent mean score comparisons of the MDBS between the Australasian and North American countries. Associative relationships can be compared in the larger Anglophone sub-sample. Taken together, MI must be tested, and cannot be assumed, even when analyzing data from countries for which previous research has established cultural similarities. Our protocol and practical recommendations guide researchers in this process.
The European University Initiative – investigating alliance formation and initial profile developments
Authors: Stensaker Bjørn , Maassen Peter , Rosso Arianna
Published: September 2023

The European University Initiative (EUI) – launched by the European Commission in 2018 has been received with considerable interest from higher education institutions in Europe with hundreds of institutions forming new alliances. While the EUI-initiative in many ways is a continuation of a long history of collaboration across national borders in Europe, the initiative also contains novel elements – not least with respect to the institutional commitments the new alliances are based on. This paper offers new insights into the alliance formation process, and the profiles of European university alliances. Based on a series of qualitative interviews with key persons at alliance level, our findings demonstrate quite complex alliance formation processes where both collective and individual networks of institutions were activated, and where different path-dependencies shaped the membership of the alliances.
Modeling the Role of Immune Cell Conversion in the Tumor-Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Moffett Alexander S. , Deng Youyuan , Levine Herbert
Published: September 2023

Tumors develop in a complex physical, biochemical, and cellular milieu, referred to as the tumor microenvironment. Of special interest is the set of immune cells that reciprocally interact with the tumor, the tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME). The diversity of cell types and cell–cell interactions in the TIME has led researchers to apply concepts from ecology to describe the dynamics. However, while tumor cells are known to induce immune cells to switch from anti-tumor to pro-tumor phenotypes, this type of ecological interaction has been largely overlooked. To address this gap in cancer modeling, we develop a minimal, ecological model of the TIME with immune cell conversion, to highlight this important interaction and explore its consequences. A key finding is that immune conversion increases the range of parameters supporting a co-existence phase in which the immune system and the tumor reach a stalemate. Our results suggest that further investigation of the consequences of immune cell conversion, using detailed, data-driven models, will be critical for greater understanding of TIME dynamics.
Hydrological assessment of some old dams in Saudi Arabia under the current climate, environmental conditions, and the use of the advanced technology
Authors: Elfeki Amro , Kamis Ahmed Samy , Marko Kuswantoro
Published: September 2023

Dams were built in Saudi Arabia (SA) starting from the late fifties. The rainfall record at that time is rather short since the early rainfall records in the study area were in the mid-sixties. Therefore, due to the recent changes in climatic conditions worldwide and having longer rainfall records nowadays, it is very important to assess the existing dams under the current conditions. The assessment is based on some criteria: the length of the rainfall records, the rainfall storm hyetographs, storm duration, the type of the rainfall frequency distribution, topographic data, and the current land use/land cover conditions. Fourteen dams in the Riyadh region are chosen, as a pilot study, to perform the proposed dam evaluation procedure. Later, the study can be extended to any region in SA. The results show that increasing the record length leads to a convergence of the rainfall to an asymptotic value. The minimum record length to produce stable statistical rainfall is about 20 years. Nine out of fourteen dams have a storage capacity less than the 5-year return period. The statistical analysis showed that the measured rainfall in some past years corresponds to 50 and 100 years return periods. Gumbel Type I distribution, which was used in the analysis of the old dams, does not seem to be the best distribution under the recent climate data. The dams should also be assessed under the effects of climate change and urban expansion.
Academic work from the perspectives of aspiring academics: a study of doctoral candidates and recent graduates
Authors: Le Ai Tam
Published: September 2023

Several studies have highlighted the changing nature and forms of work in the academic profession, but few have examined the perspectives of aspiring academics who may contribute to shaping the future academic profession. What types of activities do aspiring academics consider academic work, and what are the implications for academic training and the future of the academic profession? This paper addresses these questions by drawing on qualitative interviews with a group of doctoral candidates and recent doctoral candidates at a research-intensive university in Australia. Building on Ernst Boyer’s scholarship typology, the paper proposes a conceptualisation of academic work domains based on how the outcomes of intellectual inquiry can be communicated. Conceptualising academic work from a communication perspective allows for a language to speak of and recognise the diversity of academic work. The paper also raises questions about how doctoral training could prepare aspiring academics for work areas beyond research, particularly engagement, and how institutional structure could accommodate and recognise this diversity.