bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondhand homes: The multilayered influence of woodpeckers as ecosystem engineers
Authors: Hardin Faith O. , Leivers Samantha , Grace Jacquelyn K. , Hancock Zachary , Campbell Tyler , Pierce Brian , Morrison Michael L.
Published: July 2021

Ecosystem engineers alter, and can be influenced in turn by, the ecosystems they live in. Woodpeckers choose foraging and nesting sites based, in part, on food availability. Once abandoned, these cavities, particularly within areas of high forage, may be crucial to secondary cavity‐nesting birds otherwise limited by cavities formed through decay. Our study examined factors that influence the nesting success of primary cavity nesters and the subsequent impact on secondary cavity‐nesting birds. Using 5 years of point count data, we monitored the outcomes of cavity‐nesting birds in South Texas. We used logistic‐exposure models to predict daily survival rates based on cavity metrics and used woodpecker foraging trends and insect surveys to determine if nesting where woodpeckers actively forage benefits secondary cavity‐nesting birds. Both woodpeckers and secondary cavity nesters shared predictors of daily survival; nests were more successful in cavities with small openings in minimally decayed trees. All secondary cavity nesters had higher probabilities of success when nesting in an abandoned woodpecker cavity, opposed to ones formed by decay. Woodpeckers tended to forage in areas with higher‐than‐average levels of the insect orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera, and secondary cavity nesters had higher rates of success when nesting in these areas. Our results suggest abandoned woodpecker cavities may be constructed in a way that directly benefit secondary cavity nesters. Additionally, we suggest an interplay between these ecosystem engineers, food availability, and secondary cavity nesters: Woodpeckers engineer superior nesting cavities in areas where food is more abundant, and the resultant cavities in areas of high forage may benefit local secondary cavity nesters. Our findings indicate that there is still much to be explored in the role of ecosystem engineers, and how they influence local communities on multiple trophic levels.
Characterization of the abiotic drivers of abundance of nearshore Arctic fishes
Authors: Khalsa Noah S. , Gatt Kyle P. , Sutton Trent M. , Kelley Amanda L.
Published: July 2021

Fish are critical ecologically and socioeconomically for subsistence economies in the Arctic, an ecosystem undergoing unprecedented environmental change. Our understanding of the responses of nearshore Arctic fishes to environmental change is inadequate because of limited research on the physicochemical drivers of abundance occurring at a fine scale. Here, high‐frequency in situ measurements of pH, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were paired with daily fish catches in nearshore Alaskan waters of the Beaufort Sea. Due to the threat that climate change poses to high‐latitude marine ecosystems, our main objective was to characterize the abiotic drivers of abundance and elucidate how nearshore fish communities may change in the future. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to describe responses to the nearshore environment for 18 fish species. Relationships between abundance and the physicochemical environment were variable between species and reflected life history. Each abiotic covariate was significant in at least one GAM, exhibiting both nonlinear and linear associations with abundance. Temperature was the most important predictor of abundance and was significant in GAMs for 11 species. Notably, pH was a significant predictor of abundance for six species: Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), broad whitefish (Coregonus nasus), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), ninespine stickleback (Pungitius pungitius), saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis), and whitespotted greenling (Hexagrammos stelleri). Broad whitefish and whitespotted greenling abundance was positively associated with pH, while Arctic cod and saffron cod abundance was negatively associated with pH. These results may be a bellwether for future nearshore Arctic fish community change by providing a foundational characterization of the relationships between abundance and the abiotic environment, particularly in regard to pH, and demonstrate the importance of including a wider range of physicochemical habitat covariates in future research.
DNA barcoding reveals the temporal community composition of drifting fish eggs in the lower Hongshui River, China
Authors: Chen Weitao , Zhu Shuli , Yang Jiping , Li Xinhui , Li Yuefei , Li Jie
Published: July 2021

Determining the temporal community composition of fish eggs in particular regions and understanding the reproductive times of regional fish taxa are key aspects of the management and regulation of regional fish stocks. However, it is extremely difficult to accurately identify fish eggs due to the absence of diagnostic morphological characters. We sampled fish eggs in the lower Hongshuihe River (an upper mainstem of the Pearl River) between May and September 2020. We then used DNA barcoding to determine the species composition of the egg pool and to predict the spawning periods of the identified species. A total of 641 eggs and 17 larvae were chosen for molecular identification; 397 eggs and 17 larvae yielded high‐quality barcoding sequences. The high failure rate (~38%) was most likely due to long‐term storage in low concentrations of ethanol prior to molecular analysis. We successfully classified 392 eggs into 10 species and 13 larvae into four species using public databases. Most of the species identified in the egg pool were small and/or benthic, and migratory species were rare. This may partially reflect the adverse effects of hydropower cascade development in this river section. We also found that spawning periods tended to be species‐specific. Our study provides a reference for the conservation and management of regional fishery stocks.
Effects of varying retention tree patterns on ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) taxonomic and functional diversity
Authors: Sultaire Sean M. , Kroll Andrew J. , Verschuyl Jake , Landis Douglas A. , Roloff Gary J.
Published: July 2021

Managing forests intensively for timber production can homogenize forest structure and, in turn, alter species richness and functional composition of native species communities. Retention forestry, the practice of retaining structural elements during timber harvest, can increase species diversity in recently harvested forests, but its effect on functional trait diversity is less understood. We used a broad‐scale, replicated experiment to evaluate the effect of five tree retention patterns on species and functional trait diversity of ground beetles (Family: Carabidae) within early‐seral production forests in the Pacific Northwest, USA. We found no evidence for differences in carabid species or functional trait richness among treatments when considering species present in retention patches and adjacent clear‐cuts. However, we found evidence for lower taxonomic and functional trait variation between carabid communities present in retention patches and those present in clear‐cut areas of stands when retention was allocated to several small patches. Lower levels of functional trait variation in stands with several small patches were due to specialized predators found less often in small retention patches than in aggregated or riparian retention patches. Our findings indicate that relative to single large or riparian‐associated patches, small retention patches functioned similarly to clear‐cuts within harvested forests and several small patches did not increase species or functional trait richness. At current levels of retention in the region, allocation of trees to a single upland patch or split between riparian and upland patches can increase variation in ground beetle taxonomic and functional composition within harvested forests.
Effects of different tea plantation management systems on arthropod assemblages and network structure
Authors: Meng Yuanyuan , Chen Hui , Behm Jocelyn E. , Xia Shangwen , Wang Bo , Liu Shengjie , Yang Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

Tea plantations are intensive monocultures and vulnerable to various pests due to a low diversity of natural enemies. In ancient tea plantations, the trees have grown for hundreds of years in mixed stands with many native trees, resulting in a landscape deemed as a “forest tea plantation.” However, no empirical studies have explicitly examined the effects of forest tea plantations on arthropod communities. Here, we addressed the difference of arthropod assemblages and ecological networks between the forest tea plantations and monoculture tea plantations, specifically focusing on the natural enemies and insect herbivores. Our results showed that the diversity of all arthropods, insect herbivore, and their natural enemies was higher in forest tea plantations compared to the monoculture tea plantations. In contrast, monoculture tea plantations had a higher abundance of all arthropods and insect herbivores due to a sharp increase in the abundance of the pest leafhopper, Empoasca vitis. Furthermore, forest tea plantation had higher co‐occurrences among natural enemies and insect herbivores than a randomized network, which suggests that natural enemies may co‐occur with some specific herbivore species. These results allow us to predict that forest tea plantations enhance insect herbivore control by increasing diversity of natural enemies and network structure between natural enemies and herbivores. Our study suggests that the ecological network approach opens up new possibilities for improving our prediction and understanding of pest suppression in agroecosystems.
Drivers of variation in the population dynamics of bighorn sheep
Authors: Paterson J. Terrill , Proffitt Kelly , Rotella Jay , McWhirter Douglas , Garrott Robert
Published: July 2021

Understanding how variation in vital rates interact to shape the trajectories of populations has long been understood to be a critical component of informed management and restoration efforts. However, an expanding body of work suggests that the expectations for population dynamics of ungulates may not be applicable to small, declining, or threatened populations. Populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) suffered declines at the turn of the 20th century, and restoration efforts have been mixed such that many populations remain small and isolated. Here, we utilized survey data collected from 1983 to 2018 from 17 populations of bighorn sheep in Montana and Wyoming to estimate the parameters of a stage‐specific population model that we used to (1) characterize the spatial and temporal variation in key vital rates including whether populations were stable, increasing, or declining; (2) estimate the contributions of vital rates to variation in population growth rates; and (3) evaluate potential sources of variation in lamb survival. We found substantial variation in all vital rates both among years and populations, strong evidence for an overall decline in nine of the 17 populations, and clear evidence for multiple combinations of vital rates that resulted in positive population trajectories. The contribution of ewe survival and lamb survival to the total variation in population growth rates varied among populations; however, declines in ewe survival dominated transitions of population trajectories from stable or increasing to declining, whereas reversals of declining population trajectories were dominated by improved lamb survival. We found strong evidence for a diverse set of associations between lamb survival and environmental covariates related to growing season and winter severity. The estimated relationships predict that environmental drivers can cause important changes in lamb survival and provide suggestive evidence that the presence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is not sufficient to prevent population growth. Although our work demonstrates that the trajectories of these populations of bighorn sheep are driven by a variety of processes, the diversity of relationships between vital rates and population growth rates also suggests that there are multiple pathways to manage for population recovery.
The link between collaborative governance design and markers of legitimacy: Comparing Swedish water‐ and large carnivore management
Authors: Söderberg Charlotta , Sandström Annica , Lundmark Carina , Nilsson Jens
Published: July 2021

This paper addresses how the design of collaborative regimes influences markers of legitimacy in Swedish water‐ and large carnivore governance. Based on institutional analysis and statistical analysis of survey data, the study examines two systems with different types of collaborative designs and compares them in relation to markers of legitimacy, in terms of perceived process quality, policy agreement and policy acceptance among the involved decision‐making actors and concerned organizations. The findings show how the design of collaboration influences some, but not all, explored markers of legitimacy. First, the categories of actors involved; whom they are accountable to; and the authority given to the collaborative forums, effect perceptions of influence, the possibility of reaching joint agreements and the degree of policy agreement among involved decision‐makers. Second, the findings indicate that the degree of policy agreement among concerned organizations is unaffected by differences in institutional design. Third, the degree of policy acceptance among involved decision‐making actors and concerned organizations was unaffected by institutional design and notably high in both systems. The results both verify and develop previous research findings and the message to policymakers is to carefully consider the design when introducing new collaborative forums, including whom to invite, in what role, and with what mandate.
Rhenium – A Tuneable Player in Tailored Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Gothe Maitê L. , Silva Karla L. C. , Figueredo Adolfo L. , Fiorio Jhonatan L. , Rozendo Jennifer , Manduca Bruno , Simizu Vinício , Freire Renato S. , Garcia Marco A. S. , Vidinha Pedro
Published: July 2021

Although rhenium may not be the most common choice of active species in catalysis, it has been reported as a highly active and selective catalyst over a wide range of reactions. Its applications include hydrogenation reactions of great relevance in the field of renewable materials and bio‐derived platform molecules, such as valorization of lignin, CO2, and carboxylic acids. Different from several transition metals, rhenium presents oxidation numbers varying from −3 to +7. Such diversity in the coordination chemistry of rhenium is reflected in the variety of known rhenium compounds, since this metal can form stable structures such as ligand‐bridged multinuclear and organometallic compounds as well as inorganic oxides, metal‐organic frameworks, and clusters. The exceptional flexibility in rhenium speciation yields numerous selective catalysts; however, it also makes the characterization of rhenium catalysts challenging, and its influence on the catalytic activity is not trivial. This review will outline the most established rhenium‐based materials used in hydrogenation catalysis and shed some light on the relation of rhenium species to catalyst selectivity based on advanced characterization techniques. Finally, our perspectives on the use of rhenium catalysts to produce value‐added products will be given.
Improved Synthesis of MediPhos Ligands and Their Use in the Pd‐Catalyzed Enantioselective N‐Allylation of Glycine Esters
Authors: Albat Dominik , Reiher Martin , Neudörfl Jörg‐Martin , Schmalz Hans‐Günther
Published: July 2021

A new class of chiral C2‐symmetric diphosphines (MediPhos) was recently shown to give superior results in the Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric N‐allylation of amino acid esters. We here describe a new, improved protocol for the preparation of such ligands through bidirectional SN2‐coupling of a tartrate‐derived ditosylate with 6‐alkyl‐2‐bromophenols followed by double lithiation/phosphanylation. This method gave access to a series of nine ligands with branched alkyl substituents, which were benchmarked in the enantioselective Pd‐catalyzed N‐allylation of tert‐butyl glycinate with racemic (E)‐2,8‐dimethylnona‐5‐en‐4‐yl methyl carbonate (up to 95 % ee). In addition, the analogous transformation of tert‐butyl glycinate with methyl (E)‐nona‐5‐en‐4‐yl carbonate was optimized. The obtained allylic amines were then used in the stereoselective synthesis of the conformationally restricted proline‐derived dipeptide analogs ProM‐17 and ProM‐21.
Affinity monolith chromatography: A review of general principles and recent developments
Authors: Poddar Saumen , Sharmeen Sadia , Hage David S.
Published: July 2021

Affinity monolith chromatography (AMC) is a liquid chromatographic technique that utilizes a monolithic support with a biological ligand or related binding agent to isolate, enrich, or detect a target analyte in a complex matrix. The target‐specific interaction exhibited by the binding agents makes AMC attractive for the separation or detection of a wide range of compounds. This article will review the basic principles of AMC and recent developments in this field. The supports used in AMC will be discussed, including organic, inorganic, hybrid, carbohydrate, and cryogel monoliths. Schemes for attaching binding agents to these monoliths will be examined as well, such as covalent immobilization, biospecific adsorption, entrapment, molecular imprinting, and coordination methods. An overview will then be given of binding agents that have recently been used in AMC, along with their applications. These applications will include bioaffinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, immobilized metal‐ion affinity chromatography, and dye‐ligand or biomimetic affinity chromatography. The use of AMC in chiral separations and biointeraction studies will also be discussed.
Embroidering a Light and Foldable Photovoltaic Gauze Kerchiefs
Authors: Yu Hui , Xiang Siwei , Tao Hongmei , Xue Jie , Tao Changyuan , Li Chunmei , Zhang Nannan , Fan Xing
Published: July 2021

With the development of flexible electronics, energy fabric is a promising alternative for the power supply for them. Sustainable solar‐harvesting textile with comfortable wearing experience and stylish appearance are essential to the future lifestyle for driving smart electronics. Different from form the photovoltaic textile based on a shuttle‐flying process, the couching embroidery process is another traditional textile technology by reliably stitching ribbons and wires at any desired length onto fabric to make nice‐looking fabric at an industrial scale. Photovoltaic textiles woven from shuttle‐flying process may be too thick for a light and breathable summer dress. Herein, a foldable and stretchable all‐solid photovoltaic gauze kerchief with colorful patterns is presented, which was directly assembled from short photoanode cables via an industrial‐scalable couching embroidery strategy. Due to a reliable electric connection, the light and breathable textile, which is comfortable for summer wearing, can provide any desired electric output for wearable electronics. Furthermore, the couching embroidering technology can also offer ideas for other functional fiber devices to integrate on the textile, which will render the textile with almost unlimited functions in the commercial application.
Impact analysis of energy‐related carbon emission in Chongqing based on logarithmic mean division index
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Yang Yuezhi
Published: July 2021

The greenhouse effect has become the focus of global research attention in recent years. As a major carbon emitter, China has made great efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Chongqing, located in southwest China, is a comprehensive transportation hub in southwest China and the largest industrial and commercial hub in the west of the city and the Yangtze River economic belt. The purpose of the article is to investigate the impact analysis of the energy‐related carbon emission in Chongqing. And the logarithmic mean division index is employed to explore the contributor level of population, energy efficiency, energy structure and economic development to the total carbon emissions in Chongqing. The study reveals that economic development was the main driving factor affecting carbon emissions in Chongqing, and energy efficiency was the main factor in the decline of carbon dioxide emissions. Both factors increase over time. Population and energy structure have little effect on carbon emissions in Chongqing. Population factors have always played a driving role in carbon emissions, and the contribution of energy structure to carbon emissions is not obvious in the analysis of results. The findings of the study provide a valuable reference for the government to formulate related low policies and plans for carbon emissions mitigation.
Biosorption of fluoride from aqueous solutions byRhizopus oryzae: Isotherm and kinetic evaluation
Authors: Tangestani Mahbubeh , Naeimi Behrouz , Dobaradaran Sina , Keshtkar Mozhgan , Salehpour Parisa , Fouladi Zahra , Zareipour Samaneh , Sadeghzadeh Farzaneh
Published: July 2021

Removal of high fluoride contents from aqueous solutions by inexpensive, and biocompatible biosorbent is a main concern for human health. In the present study the efficacy ofRhizopus oryzaefungal biomass in removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions considering the effects of different parameters such as contact time (10–180 min), initial fluoride concentration (2–10 mg/L), and biosorbent dose (0.25–2 g/L) was studied in a batch system. The optimum condition for the maximum fluoride biosorption (90.5%) was obtained at 2 g/L biosorbent dose, 30 min contact time and 2 mg/L initial fluoride concentration. The Langmuir model (R2 = 0.9844) fitted better than the other models and showed a homogeneous biosorption surface with the possibility of a monolayer biosorption of fluoride by biosorbent. The Langmuir maximum biosorption capacity of fluoride forR. oryzaewas obtained at 1.16 mg/g. The biosorption kinetic was controlled by the pseudo‐second‐order (R2 = 0.9999) model and based on the intra‐particle diffusion model; the fluoride biosorption rate was not controlled only by the mechanisms of intra‐particle diffusion. Consequently, the results showed that fungal biomass can be used as a suitable biosorbent for fluoride removal from aqueous solutions.
Synthesis and characterization of layered double hydroxide decorated zeolite as the efficient sorbent for removal of toxic metal ions
Authors: Shamsayei Maryam , Yamini Yadollah , Asiabi Hamid
Published: July 2021

Here is synthesized low‐cost and green core‐shell ZSM‐5 zeolite@ layered double hydroxides (ZSM‐5@LDH) via a simple in situ coprecipitation method. The structure of the sorbent was investigated using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Barret‐Joyner‐Halenderm, and transmission electron microscope. The ZSM‐5@LDH was used for the removal of heavy metal ions include Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) and oxyanions include As(V), Cr(VI), Se(VI) from aqueous solutions. Synthesized sorbent showed selectivity for removing Pb(II) and As(V) ions. The kinetics models (pseudo‐first‐order and the pseudo‐second‐order models) and adsorption isotherms models (Langmuir and Freundlich models) of sorbent were studied to evaluate the performance of their practical application. The ZSM‐5@LDH for removal of Pb(II) and As(V) exhibits a high adsorption capacity (546.25 and 411.41 mg g−1, respectively) and very high distribution coefficient (Kd) values (4.07× 104 and 8.0 × 106 ml g−1, respectively), which place it at the top of materials known for the removal of Pb(II) and As(V). As a result, this study indicates that the ZSM‐5@LDH may be an ideal material for the selective removal of Pb(II) and As(V).
Potential application of palm oil products as electrical insulating medium in oil‐immersed transformers
Authors: Mohd Noor Khairin , Wen‐Huei Lim , Abu Hassan Noor Armylisa's , Shoot‐Kian Yeong
Published: July 2021

The physico‐chemical and electrical insulating properties of certain palm oil products, including triglyceride oils, fatty acids, fatty esters, and glycerol were evaluated for use in oil‐immersed transformers. The studied triglyceride oils have excellent kinematic viscosity values: 30.25–40.49 mm2 s−1 at 40°C, 6.46–8.34 mm2 s−1 at 100°C; flash point: 278–320°C; moisture content: 16–175 mg kg−1 and dielectrical breakdown voltage: 29.1–40.9 kV. Fatty acids and fatty esters have relatively lower kinematic viscosity and flash point values than triglyceride oils. The type of hydrocarbon chain, hydrocarbon chain length and molecular size were shown to have substantial effects on the physico‐chemical and electrical properties of the studied oils. The drying process imposed on refined‐bleached‐deodorized palm olein (RBD POo) has reduced the moisture from 400 mg kg−1 to 100 mg kg−1 and improved the dielectrical strength from 31.1 kV to 76.8 kV. Blending of RBD POo with fatty acids or fatty esters has improved the kinematic viscosity of RBD POo and offers even higher flash and fire points than mineral oil. This study showed that palm oil and palm oil products have strong potential to serve as coolants and may be safer for use in oil‐filled transformers as compared to mineral oil.
Using Transcriptomics and Metabolomics to Understand Species Differences in Sensitivity to Chlorpyrifos in Japanese Quail and Double-Crested Cormorant Embryos
Authors: Desforges Jean-Pierre , Legrand Elena , Boulager Emily , Liu Peng , Xia Jianguo , Butler Heather , Chandramouli Bharat , Ewald Jessica , Basu Niladri , Hecker Markus , Head Jessica , Crump Doug
Published: July 2021

Modern 21st-century toxicity testing makes use of omics technologies to address critical questions in toxicology and chemical management. Of interest are questions relating to chemical mechanisms of toxicity, differences in species sensitivity, and translation of molecular effects to observable apical endpoints. Our study addressed these questions by comparing apical outcomes and multiple omics responses in early–life stage exposure studies with Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), representing a model and ecological species, respectively. Specifically, we investigated the dose-dependent response of apical outcomes as well as transcriptomics and metabolomics in the liver of each species exposed to chlorpyrifos, a widely used organophosphate pesticide. Our results revealed a clear pattern of dose-dependent disruption of gene expression and metabolic profiles in Japanese quail but not double-crested cormorant at similar chlorpyrifos exposure concentrations. The difference in sensitivity between species was likely due to higher metabolic transformation of chlorpyrifos in Japanese quail compared to double-crested cormorant. The most impacted biological pathways after chlorpyrifos exposure in Japanese quail included hepatic metabolism, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption (steroid and nonsteroid hormones), and metabolic disease (lipid and fatty acid metabolism). Importantly, we show consistent responses across biological scales, suggesting that significant disruption at the level of gene expression and metabolite profiles leads to observable apical responses at the organism level. Our study demonstrates the utility of evaluating effects at multiple biological levels of organization to understand how modern toxicity testing relates to outcomes of regulatory relevance, while also highlighting important, yet poorly understood, species differences in sensitivity to chemical exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3019–3033. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Overview of study design and comparative effect assessment for Japanese quail and double-crested cormorant exposed to chlorpyrifos in ovo.
Evaluation of Different Extraction Methods for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Dried Blood Spots from the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Authors: Griffin Emily K. , Aristizabal-Henao Juan J. , Bowden John A.
Published: July 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants linked to adverse health effects in humans and wildlife. Marine mammals, particularly manatees, have shown potential as sentinels for evaluating the presence and effects of anthropogenic chemicals. However, traditional blood collection techniques with marine mammals can be challenging, highlighting the need for improved strategies. In the present study, four different methods for the extraction of PFAS from dried blood spots were evaluated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2726–2732. © 2021 SETAC
EquitableSTEMInstruction and Assessment: Accessibility and Fairness Considerations for Special Populations
Authors: Guzman‐Orth Danielle , Supalo Cary A. , Smith Derrick W. , Lee Okhee , King Teresa
Published: July 2021

The landscape for STEM instruction is rapidly shifting in the United States. Attention toward STEM instruction and assessment opportunities is increasing. All students must have opportunities to gain access to the STEM content and show what they know and are able to do. We caution that attention to fairness and accessibility is critical for students from special populations, particularly English learners and students with disabilities. Opportunities for equitable access to STEM instruction and assessment are diminished without accessibility. In this report, we use an assets‐based perspective to discuss and reframe common misconceptions and challenges as opportunities. We argue that attention to accessibility at the onset of STEM instruction and assessment is the pivotal foundation for fair opportunities in STEM. We highlight key opportunities and conclude with recommendations for improved fairness and access in STEM.
Morphological Characterization on accessions of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L. and Capsicum frutescens L.) cultivated in Nigeria
Authors: Sunday Oyelakin Abiodun , Omobolaji Olabiyi David , Chiamaka Amaogu Charity , Oluwatobiloba Olabisi Adeola
Published: July 2021

Improved cultivars are developed by the breeders due to the variability in characters and availability of redundant diverse genotypes. Many pepper varieties exist in the cultivated land and waste sites in southwest Nigeria but very few had been recommended for breeding and crop improvement. This study was aimed to characterize accessions of pepper varieties from southwest Nigeria using morphological characters with a view to select genotypes with desirable morphological traits for breeding, crop improvement and hybridization. Thirty accessions were characterized using 45 morphological (27 qualitative and 18 quantitative) characters. Qualitative characters were recorded while quantitative characters were measured. Descriptive statistics, Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation coefficients and Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were carried out using IBM SPSS software package 20.0 version. A wide diversity was observed and measured among pepper varieties on vegetative and reproductive morphological characters. Hence the following genotypes C. frutescens var. maxima (AOS009, AOS023, AOS033), C. annuum var. glabrisculum (AOS010, AOS036), C. frutescens var. baccatum (AOS038), C. frutescens var. chacoense (AOS028), C. frutescens var. minima (AOS040) and unknown variety (AOS019) were identified and are hereby suggested for hybridization and recommended to breeders for crop improvement.
Evaluating the Eurosystem/ECB staff macroeconomic projections: The first 20 years
Authors: Kontogeorgos G. , Lambrias K.
Published: July 2021

This work marks a thorough analysis of a confidential real‐time dataset consisting of the Eurosystem/ECB staff macroeconomic projections since their existence. By applying techniques widely employed in the literature of forecast evaluation, we examine their statistical properties with a special emphasis on optimality and rationality. Long‐term GDP projections are biased (tendency to overpredict), do not fully account for available information, and are outperformed by private sector expectations. Inflation projections are optimal and rational on a full‐sample analysis; however, subsample analysis reveals two distinct periods with a persistent and significant bias. Before the financial crisis inflation was persistently underpredicted, while in post‐2013, the bias reverses into overprediction.
Bracteanolide A abrogates oxidative stress‐induced cellular damage and protects against hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Chao Ting‐Yu , Hsieh Cheng‐Chu , Kuo Yueh‐Hsiung , Yu Ya‐Ju , Wan Cho‐Hua , Hsieh Shu‐Chen
Published: July 2021

Liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer, mostly remain silent until the late stages and pose a continuing threat to millions of people worldwide. Liver transplantation is the most appropriate solution in the case of liver failure, but it is associated with hepatic ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury which severely reduces the prognosis of the patients. In order to ameliorate I/R injury, we investigated the potential of bracteanolide A, from the herb Tradescantia albiflora Kunth in protecting the liver from I/R injury. We first determined the protective effect of bracteanolide A against oxidative stress and DNA damage using HepG2 hepatocyte cell line and then assessed the levels of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant proteins in response to hepatic insult using an animal model of hepatic I/R injury. The results showed bracteanolide A greatly enhanced cell survival and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under H2O2 induction. It also upregulated the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like2 (Nrf2) and its downstream cytoprotective proteins NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). Bracteanolide A effectively reduced the severity of liver lesions in I/R‐injured rats revealed by histological analysis and significantly decreased the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), cyclooxygenase‐2, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Bracteanolide A preconditioning effectively protected the liver from I/R damage in the animal model, and this easily applied procedure may provide a new means to ameliorate hepatic I/R injury during liver surgeries.
Petrology, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb‐Lu–Hf isotopes of granitoids from the Ivindo Basement Complex of the Souanké Area, Republic of Congo: Insights into the evolution of Archean continental crust
Authors: Gatsé Ebotehouna Chesther , Xie Yuling , Adomako‐Ansah Kofi , Qu Yunwei
Published: July 2021

The Ivindo Basement Complex (IBC) comprises the largest exposure of Meso‐ to Neoarchean rocks in the northwestern segment of the Congo Craton in the Republic of Congo. The age and petrogenetic setting of the IBC are not clear due to a lack of detailed studies. In the Souanké area, which is on the northeastern margin of the IBC, the most exposed rocks are charnockites, tonalite/granodiorite, and trondhjemite. Based on geology, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb‐Lu–Hf isotopes, this paper constrains the petrogenesis and tectonic significance of these granitoids for the evolution of the IBC. Poor‐quality zircons did not allow for age determination and Lu–Hf isotopic characteristics for the charnockite. However, zircon U–Pb dating of the tonalite/granodiorite and trondhjemite yielded the weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb ages of 2,895 ± 9.4 Ma and 2,889 ± 9.2 to 2,897 ± 5.0 Ma, respectively. Zircon Hf isotopic (εHf[t]) values of +1.22 to +4.55 and Th/La >0.12 for the tonalite/granodiorite and trondhjemite indicate that these rocks were derived from partial melting of an older mafic reservoir (TDM2 ages range from 3,028 to 3,230 Ma), possibly triggered by mantle upwelling or plume activity. All the studied IBC granitoids are peraluminous, calcic‐alkalic, relatively sodium‐rich (Na2O/K2O > 1), and contain low Ni, Cr, and Yb contents, with strongly fractionated rare‐earth element (REE) patterns. On standard‐normalization diagrams, the IBC rocks exhibited similar distribution patterns in the trace element geochemistry as average Archean TTGs, except for high U, Nb, and Ta concentrations in the IBC trondhjemite. These high values may indicate amphibole dehydration melting (which sequesters Ta and Nb) at low‐pressure conditions at the source for the trondhjemite generation, while the other IBC rocks experienced high‐pressure melting. The 2,900–2,800 Ma tectono‐thermal event registered in the IBC from our study was also previously documented for the Ntem Complex TTGs of Cameroon (northwestern equivalent of the IBC) and elsewhere in other cratons such as in the Bação Complex (São Francisco Craton) of Brazil and, therefore, represents an important period for the Archean crustal evolution in geologic history.
Coupling relationship between glucose and oxygen metabolisms to differentiate preclinical Alzheimer's disease and normal individuals
Authors: Ding Changchang , Du Wenying , Zhang Qi , Wang Luyao , Han Ying , Jiang Jiehui
Published: July 2021

The discovery of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (preAD) provides a wide time window for the early intervention of AD. The coupling relationships between glucose and oxygen metabolisms from hybrid PET/MRI can provide complementary information on the brain's physiological state for preAD. In this study, we purpose to explore the change of coupling relationship among 27 normal controls (NCs), 20 preADs, and 15 cognitive impairments (CIs). For each subject, we calculated the Spearman partial correlation between the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and the regional homogeneity (ReHo) from functional image (fMRI), and the standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) from [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET), in the whole‐brain and default mode network (DMN) as a novel potential biomarker. The diagnostic performance of this biomarker was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic analysis. Significant Spearman correlations between the FDG SUVR and the fALFF/ReHo were found in 98% of subjects. For the DMN‐based biomarker, there was a significant decreasing trend for the preAD and CI groups compared to the NC group, whereas no significant difference in preAD based on whole‐brain. The correlation ρ value for the FDG SUVR/ReHo showed the highest area under curve of the preAD classification (0.787). The results imply the coupling relationship changed during the preAD stage in the DMN area.
Does subsidizing the private for‐profit sector benefit the poor? Evidence from national antimalarial subsidies in Nigeria and Uganda
Authors: Tougher Sarah , Hanson Kara , Goodman Catherine A.
Published: July 2021

Subsidising quality‐assured artemisinin combination therapies (QAACTs) for distribution in the for‐profit sector is a controversial strategy for improving access. The Affordable Medicines Facility—malaria (AMFm) was the largest initiative of this kind. We assessed the equity of AMFm in two ways using nationally representative household survey data on care seeking for children from Nigeria and Uganda. First, the delivery of subsidized drugs through the for‐profit sector via AMFm was compared with two alternative mechanisms: subsidized delivery in public health facilities and unsubsidized delivery in the for‐profit sector. Second, we developed a novel extension of benefit incidence analysis (BIA) methods based on the concept of pass‐through, and applied them to Uganda. In Nigeria, the use of subsidized QAACTs from both public health facilities and for‐profit outlets was concentrated among the rich, while in Uganda, the use of QAACTs from both sources was concentrated among the poor. Similarly, the BIA of AMFm found that the intervention was pro‐poor in Uganda. Unsubsidized antimalarials from for‐profit outlets were distributed equally across wealth quintiles in both countries. Private sector subsidies may have a role in bolstering access to effective malaria treatments, including among the poor, but the equity impact of subsidies may depend on context.
mRMR‐based hybrid convolutional neural network model for classification of Alzheimer's disease on brain magnetic resonance images
Authors: Eroglu Yesim , Yildirim Muhammed , Cinar Ahmet
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative fatal disease characterized by a decrease in mental functions. Although there is no definitive treatment for the disease, there are some treatment methods that delay the course of the disease in case of early diagnosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and classification of the disease are important to determine the most appropriate treatment. The most commonly used method for imaging the brain with a high soft‐tissue resolution is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain MRI help in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease with some specific imaging findings. In this study, we aimed to classify Alzheimer's disease in brain MRI using machine learning architectures. An mRMR‐based hybrid CNN was proposed in the study. First, features of MRI in Darknet53, InceptionV3, and Resnet101 models were extracted. These extracted features were concatenated. Then the obtained features were optimized using the mRMR method. SVM and KNN classifiers were used to classify the optimized features. The accuracy value obtained in the proposed model was 99.1%.
Phase‐change memory based on matched Ge‐Te, Sb‐Te, and In‐Te octahedrons: Improved electrical performances and robust thermal stability
Authors: Wang Ruobing , Song Zhitang , Song Wenxiong , Xin Tianjiao , Lv Shilong , Song Sannian , Liu Jun
Published: July 2021

Phase‐change memory (PCM) has been developed for three‐dimensional (3D) data storage devices, posing huge challenges to the thermal stability and reliability of PCM. However, the low thermal stability of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) limits further application. Here, we demonstrate PCM based on In0.9Ge2Sb2Te5 (IGST) alloy, showing 180°C 10‐years data retention, 6 ns set speed, one order of magnitude longer life time, and 75% reduced power consumption compared to GST‐based device. The In can occupy the cationic positions and the In‐Te octahedrons with good phase‐change properties can geometrically match well with the host Ge‐Te and Sb‐Te octahedrons, acting as nucleation centers to boost the set speed and enhance the endurance of IGST device. Introducing stable matched phase‐change octahedrons can be a feasible way to achieve practical PCMs.

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Impact of remote delivery on a pharmacists' patient care process capstone course on the development of patient work‐up skills
Authors: Phillips Beth B. , Palmer Russ , Chastain Daniel B. , Smith Katie , Bland Christopher M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused colleges of pharmacy to abruptly change teaching strategies mid‐semester in Spring 2020 due to campus closure and transition to remote learning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pandemic‐induced remote learning on student skill acquisition in a third year pharmacy student (P3) Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP) capstone course.

Methods

Student performance on weekly quizzes and mid‐term and final practical examinations were evaluated before and after implementation of remote learning in 2020 and were compared with a previous class in 2019. Paired and anonymous student perceptions of their skill development were also compared within the same semester and between years. Independent sample and paired Student's t tests were used to compare means, the Pearson correlation was used to identify associations between continuous variables, and nonparametric tests were used to compare ordinal data.

Results

In 2020, student performance was significantly higher on quizzes at the end of the semester after implementation of remote learning compared with pre‐remote learning (8.2 ± 1.6 vs 7.7 ± 1.8 points, P < .05). Students performed significantly worse on the final examination compared with the mid‐term examination (21.2 ± 5.4 vs 23.4 ± 5.3 points, P < .05) in 2020. Students also performed significantly worse on the final examination in 2020 compared with 2019 (21.3 ± 5.4 vs 23.1 ± 5.4, P < .01). In both 2019 and 2020, students rated their ability to meet course objectives higher at the end of the semester compared with the beginning of the semester (P < .05).

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic‐related changes in course delivery, participation, and assessment had a mixed effect on development of a systematic process for patient work‐up skills using the PPCP. Students progressed throughout the semester on early PPCP patient work‐up skills, but performance decreased when higher level skills or later PPCP steps were assessed and was lower compared with a previous offering of the course.
Inferring financial bubbles from option data
Authors: Jarrow Robert A. , Kwok Simon S.
Published: July 2021

Financial bubbles arise when the underlying asset's market price deviates from its fundamental value. Unlike other bubble tests that use time series data and assume a reduced‐form price process, we infer the existence of bubbles nonparametrically using option price data. Under no‐arbitrage and acknowledging data constraints, we can partially identify asset price bubbles using a cross section of European option prices. In the empirical analysis, we obtain interval estimates of price bubbles embedded in the S&P 500 Index. The estimated index bubbles are then used to construct profitable momentum trading strategies that consistently outperform a buy‐and‐hold trading strategy.
Skipping the skippable: An empirical study with out‐of‐sample predictive relevance
Authors: Munawar Saima , Syed Muhammad Fahim , Syed Ahmed Shoeb , Farooq Sumair , Rehman Asma
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This explanatory research aims to describe the factors that impact YouTube ad intrusiveness, value, and avoidance in light of psychological reactance theory.

Research Design

The research has a causal–predictive design. It describes the relationship between the construct with an underpinning theory. Data from a sample of 294 respondents were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling to test within sample explanatory power and out‐of‐sample prediction power.

Findings

The results show that informativeness does not significantly impact intrusiveness and ad avoidance. Entertainment has a negative direct and mediated impact on ad avoidance. Moreover, irritation was found to moderate the impact of informativeness on intrusiveness negatively. Importance–Performance Map Analysis revealed that entertainment lacks in performance despite being an essential factor. Besides explanatory power, the model has a moderate out‐of‐sample predictive relevance power.

Practical Implications

The relative importance of the entertainment and interactive impact of irritation with informativeness is established for the first time in this study. The new finding is a significant contribution to theory while leading to practical implications for the industry.