bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed fiber optic sensing along driven ductile piles: Design, sensor installation and monitoring benefits
Authors: Monsberger Christoph M. , Lienhart Werner , Hayden Martin
Published: June 2020

Efficient and economic foundations are essential to ensure the long-term integrity of structures. Driven ductile piles offer a safe and quick solution for foundations, which can be individually customized to changing soil conditions. Geotechnical load tests on a small subset of piles can be performed at large construction sites to examine the bearing capacity for optimization purposes. Arising deformations during these statical tests are usually measured using electrical sensors at the top, which, however, do not deliver information about the stress distribution along the pile. This paper presents a fiber optic monitoring approach, which provides distributed strain profiles with a spatial resolution of up to 10 mm along driven ductile piles. The high measurement resolution of about $$1~{\mu}m/m$$

1

μ
m
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m

enables the detection of local effects in the load transfer from the pile to the surrounding grout and soil. The critical sensor installation on-site as well as results of various field applications with pile lengths of up to 25 m are presented. Verification measurements at the pile’s head and internal measurements of strain gauges prove the suitability of the developed monitoring approach and demonstrate the high potential of distributed fiber optic sensing for applications in soil mechanics.
Screening for insecticidal efficacy of two Algerian essential oils with special concern to their impact on biological parameters of Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Aouadi Ghozlene , Haouel Soumaya , Soltani Abir , Ben Abada Maha , Boushih Emna , Elkahoui Salem , Taibi Faiza , Mediouni Ben Jemâa Jouda , Bennadja Salima
Published: June 2020

Chemical composition of Algerian Mentha rotundifolia and Myrtus communis essential oils, their insecticidal activities and their impact on some biological parameters of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella were assessed. Results showed that M. rotundifolia essential oil contained piperitenone oxide (46.06%), d-limonene (9.10%), cis-piperitone oxide (6.81%), and endo-borneol (4.64%) as major compounds, while M. communis oil was rich in α-pinene (29.08%), 1,8-cineole (36.82%), α-terpineol (6.42%), geranyl acetate (4.38%), and β-linalool (4.04%). The fumigant potential and contact toxicity tests against E. kuehniella demonstrated the effectiveness of M. rotundifolia essential oil (LC50 = 0.54 μL/L air, LC50 = 0.004 μL/cm2) compared to M. communis oil (LC50 = 2.91 μL/L air, LC50 = 0.025 μL/cm2). Moreover, results revealed that all biological parameters were significantly affected (fecundity: 6 eggs/female, oviposition deterrence: 96.62%, log fertility: 0, hatching rate: 0%, copulation rate: 0% for M. rotundifolia oil against fecundity: 93 eggs/female, percentage of oviposition deterrence: 47.85%, log fertility: 6.7, hatching rate: 57%, copulation rate: 53.33% for M. communis oil). This work supports the use of botanical insecticide as active pest control agents under storage conditions.
Besteht ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Gender-Diversity und Überwachungseffektivität des Aufsichtsrats? Eine empirische Analyse deutscher börsennotierter Unternehmen
Authors: Handschumacher Franziska , Ceschinski Willi
Published: June 2020

Vor dem Hintergrund gesetzlicher Novellierungen und des gesellschaftlichen Rufs nach mehr geschlechterspezifischer Gleichberechtigung untersucht der vorliegende Beitrag den Zusammenhang zwischen der Gender-Diversity im Aufsichtsrat und seiner Überwachungseffektivität. Auf Grundlage der Agency Theorie und der Resource Dependence Theorie sowie anhand mehrerer unternehmensfixen Panelregressionen testen wir die vorstehende Verbindung. Der zugrundeliegende Paneldatensatz umfasst ca. 1500 Aufsichtsräte von 132 Unternehmen, die in den Jahren 2015–2017 im HDAX und SDAX gelistet waren (396 Unternehmensjahre). Gender-Diversity wird durch verschiedene Diversitäts-Kennzahlen gemessen und Überwachungseffektivität mittels übermäßiger Vorstandsvergütung operationalisiert. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass eine höhere Repräsentanz von Frauen im Aufsichtsrat (Aktionärsvertreter und gesamter Aufsichtsrat) mit einer geringeren übermäßigen Vergütung und folglich einer besseren Überwachungseffektivität assoziiert ist. Dagegen können wir keinen Zusammenhang zwischen der Gender-Diversity der Arbeitnehmervertreter bzw. der Mitglieder im Vergütungsausschuss und der vergütungsbezogenen Überwachungseffektivität feststellen. Nachdem sich die internationale Forschung bereits vereinzelt mit der Thematik auseinandergesetzt hat, wird erstmalig im Kontext des dualistischen Corporate Governance-Systems getestet, inwiefern Geschlechtervielfalt im Aufsichtsrat und vergütungsbezogene Überwachungseffektivität miteinander verknüpft sind. Der Beitrag legt hierzu dar, dass eine höhere Gender-Diversity, unabhängig von sozialpolitischen Überlegungen, vorteilhaft für die Corporate Governance von Unternehmen sein kann und trägt somit zur Diskussion über die Wirkung der gesetzlichen Geschlechterquote bei.
Sub-additive (antagonistic) interaction of lacosamide with lamotrigine and valproate in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure model in mice: an isobolographic analysis
Authors: Łuszczki Jarogniew J. , Kondrat-Wróbel Maria , Zagaja Mirosław , Karwan Sławomir , Bojar Hubert , Plewa Zbigniew , Florek-Łuszczki Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Background

Launching polytherapy with two or three antiseizure drugs (ASDs) in patients with epilepsy is still problematic. The choice of ASDs to combine them together is usually based on clinicians’ experience and it requires knowledge about mechanisms of action of the studied ASDs and their drug–drug interactions, whose nature may be favorable, neutral or unfavorable. To characterize three-drug interaction among lacosamide (LCM), lamotrigine (LTG) and valproate (VPA), the type I isobolographic analysis was used. The antiseizure effects of three-drug combination were analyzed in a model of maximal electroshock-induced seizures (MES) in albino Swiss mice.

Materials and methods

The seizure activity in mice was evoked by alternating current stimulation (25 mA, 500 V, 50 Hz, 0.2 s). Both, the type I isobolographic analysis and the test of parallelism of dose-response effects of the ASDs were used so as to properly classify interaction among three ASDs, administered in a fixed ratio combination of 1:1:1.

Results

The three-drug mixture of LCM, LTG and VPA at the fixed ratio of 1:1:1 protected the experimental mice from MES-induced seizures; however, the reported interaction was sub-additive (antagonistic; p < 0.01) with isobolography.

Conclusion

The antagonistic pharmacodynamic interaction among LCM, LTG and VPA in the MES test in mice cannot be transferred to clinical settings and this unfavorable combination should not be recommended for patients with epilepsy.
CB-SEM Latent Interaction: Unconstrained and Orthogonalized Approaches
Authors: Cheah Jun-Hwa , Memon Mumtaz Ali , Richard James E , Ting Hiram , Cham Tat-Huei
Published: June 2020

Covariance Based – Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) is often used to investigate moderation and latent interaction effects. This study illustrates and compares the application of constrained, unconstrained and orthogonalized CB-SEM approaches to latent variable interaction analysis using AMOS. Although all three techniques provided similar parameter estimates, the orthogonalized approach provided reduced standard errors resulting in identifying a significant latent interaction, suggesting the orthogonalized approach may be better suited for exploratory research.

The illustrated example demonstrates three CB-SEM techniques, and the simplicity of the three approaches to test for interaction effects. The three approaches can be comfortably implemented in available software programs. Guidelines and recommendations for the use of the three approaches are identified with a step-wise process of assessing the latent interaction effect in CB-SEM.

As far as we are aware this is the first investigation comparing and recommending specific CB-SEM latent variable moderation analysis techniques in marketing research.
Effects of prenatal exposure to the 1983–1985 Ethiopian great famine on the metabolic syndrome in adults: a historical cohort study
Authors: Arage Getachew , Belachew Tefera , Hassen Habtamu , Abera Mubarek , Abdulhay Fedilu , Abdulahi Misra , Hassen Abate Kalkidan
Published: June 2020

The Ethiopian great famine was one of the severe forms of global famines ever documented in Africa as well as in the recent history of the world. Earlier famine studies, as natural experiments, had tested the association between prenatal famine exposure and the metabolic syndrome and reported heterogeneous findings. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of prenatal exposure to the 1983–1985 Ethiopian great famine on the metabolic syndrome in adults. Self-reported birth date and age of the study subjects were used to classify the status of famine exposure. The International Diabetes Federation criterion was used to assess the metabolic syndrome. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to examine relationship between prenatal famine exposure and the metabolic syndrome. The findings showed that, adjusted for covariates, adults who had prenatal exposure to famine were 2·94 times more likely to develop the metabolic syndrome compared with non-exposed groups (adjusted OR (AOR) 2·94, 95 % CI 1·66, 5·27). More specifically, famine exposure during prenatal life was associated with increased waist circumference (AOR 2·27 cm, 95 % CI 0·28, 4·26), diastolic blood pressure (AOR 2·47 mmHg, 95 % CI 0·84, 4·11), TAG (AOR 0·20 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·10, 0·28) and fasting blood glucose (AOR 0·24 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·43) compared with the control groups. Higher proportion of the metabolic syndrome, risky anthropometric and dyslipidaemic parameters were observed among exposed groups. This finding adds further evidence on fetal origin of adult diseases hypothesis. The finding may imply that one potential means of preventing adulthood metabolic syndrome is to optimise maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
Personalised nutrition advice delivered online or face-to-face is more effective at motivating healthier dietary choices than generalised advice in Kuwait
Authors: Alawadhi Balqees , Fallaize Rosalind , Zenun Rodrigo , Hwang Faustina , Lovegrove Julie
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The adoption of poor dietary and lifestyle habits have been associated with the development of non-communicable disease. The majority of strategies implemented to enhance dietary quality of individuals follow a “one size fits all” standardised approach. Results of recent trials have suggested that Personalised Nutrition (PN), tailored to individual requirements, is able to improve dietary intakes, yet limited focus has been given to the effectiveness of face-to-face compared with online methods. The aim of the EatWellQ8 randomised control trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of web-based PN advice, face-to-face PN advice and standardised advice, on adherence to healthy eating in Kuwait.

Materials and Methods

Free living adults aged 21–65 years, were recruited for the 12-week study and randomised to; face-to-face PN, web-based PN or generalised (control) advise groups. Dietary intake and self-reported anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) modified from the EPIC FFQ was used to assess food and nutrient intake. Diet quality was assessed by a 10-component modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (m-AHEI) which was used to generate the PN advice. At 0 and 12-weeks post FFQ completion, participants randomised to the PN intervention groups were presented with 3 tailored dietary messages based on the m-AHEI components that received the lowest scores.

Results

320 participants completed the trial. Due to over/underreporting, 100 were included in the analysis (71% female, 29% male) with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD 14.3), and body mass index (BMI) of 25.1 kg/m2 (SD 4.2). After 12-weeks intervention, m-AHEI scores increased significantly in both PN intervention groups (face-to-face PN 19%, web-based 12%) compared to controls (4%) (P < 0.01) and significantly higher intakes of vegetables and fruits, and lower intakes of sugars compared with controls (P < 0.05). The PN intervention groups also significantly increased their intakes of omega 3 fatty acids and total folate compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The Face-to-face PN group significantly reduced weight (-1.9 kg) and BMI (-0.5 kg/m2) compared to web-based PN and control groups(P < 0.01).

Discussion

In adults living in Kuwait, PN advice, delivered face-to-face or online, was more effective at improving dietary quality than population-based advice. Face-to-face PN was found to be more effective at inducing weight-loss in adults compared to web-based PN and population-based advice.
Association between diet quality indicators and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: The FLiO study
Authors: Galarregui Cristina , Angeles Zulet M. , Marin-Alejandre Bertha Araceli , Cantero Irene , Goodwin Nora , Ignacio Monreal J. , Elorz Mariana , Benito-Boillos Alberto , Tur Josep A. , Alfredo Martínez J. , Abete Itziar
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Dietary components are contributing factors in the development of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The glycaemic index (GI), glycaemic load (GL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) have been considered potential dietary tools influencing diet–disease relationships. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations of the dietary GI, GL, TAC and insulin resistance (IR) condition with hepatic fat in NAFLD adults.

Material and methods: 112 overweight/obese adults with NAFLD (age: 50.8 ± 9 years old) were included in the trial. Dietary intake was assessed by a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric, glycemic and lipid profiles, fatty liver quantification by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and IR measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) were assessed at baseline. This study was registered as FLiO: Fatty Liver in Obesity study; NCT03183193.

Results: The median of liver fat content by MRI was 6.4 (3.8–10.9) in the recruited population. Participants with higher liver fat content showed significantly increased values of glucose, insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR than those with lower liver fat content (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed relevant positive associations of hepatic fat with GI (r = 0.17; p = 0.077) and GL (r = 0.19; p = 0.047). Also, a negative association between liver fat content and TAC (r = -0.22; p = 0.023) was found. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations of hepatic fat and dietary quality indicators as well as IR adjusted for potential confounders (sex, age and physical activity). The final models showed that HOMA-IR, GI, GL and TAC were able to explain between 22.4 and 22.8 % (p < 0.001) of the variability of liver fat content.

Discussion

The pathophysiology of NAFLD is thought to be associated with dietary determinants that contribute to metabolic dysregulation such as IR, ectopic liver fat deposition and hepatic damage. In accordance with other authors, we suggest that monitoring GI, GL and TAC may be useful approaches for the dietary treatment of NAFLD since they are related to hepatic fat. Additionally, it is important to highlight the essential role of IR in NAFLD as a key mediator in the development of NAFLD. Certainly, findings of the present study revealed a significant association of hepatic fat accumulation and IR.

In summary, GI, GL and TAC are potential markers of diet quality, with an impact on susceptible population at hepatic risk.
Evaluating foods and diets from a multi-dimensional perspective: nutrition, health and environment
Authors: Bianchi Marta , Strid Anna , Winkvist Anna , Johansson Ingegerd , Sonesson Ulf
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The study of the environmental impact of dietary patterns in relation to their nutrition quality and health impact is of recent development and great interest for both nutrition and environmental scientists. Preliminary research has been conducted on the potential application of nutrition and health indexes as reference units (i.e. functional units) in the life cycle assessment of foods. Although proposed methods to include nutrition and health aspects exist, more research is needed to increase the scientific quality and societal usefulness of such assessments.

Materials and Methods

SLF Healthy Diets is a 20-month project where 64 food items from the FFQ used in the population study “Västerbotten Intervention Programme” (VIP) will be characterized for their nutrition density and matched to the carbon footprint from life cycle assessment studies. Several nutrition density scores will be analyzed, among which the NRF9.3 score, a dietary-dependent NQI score, and a new nutrient index tailored for the Swedish population. Hazard ratios for total mortality will be estimated for 100.000 participants to the VIP study, and associations with reported intake of food products, nutrient density and environmental performance described.

Results and Discussion

Multiple results are expected from the project, among which a synthesis of the combined nutritional and environmental performance of the analyzed foods according to different methods, and hence the identification of the best nutritional index to apply in environmental studies. Additionally, the assessment in the VIP cohort of the associations between reported intake of food products and observed health outcomes will evaluate the ability of the suggested nutrition scores to predict the total mortality in the studied population.

The present project will allow for more robust quantification and communication of food products’ sustainability performance. Specifically, the project will: develop clear advice on which nutrition scores can best be used in LCA food studies; evaluate pros and cons of combined environmental, nutritional, and health metrics; validate nutrition and health metrics ability to predict health outcomes within a Swedish population-based cohort; investigate and propose how combined environmental, nutritional and health metrics can be implemented and used by food chain stakeholders.
Fathers’ perception of child's weight and paternal feeding practices in relation to child's gender
Authors: Rahill Stephanie , Kennedy Aileen , Kearney John
Published: June 2020

The role of fathers in child rearing has changed in recent years due to an increase in maternal employment, which has increased the prevalence of co-parenting. It is important therefore to establish the role fathers have in feeding their child and how their attitudes and perceptions may influence the strategies they employ during mealtimes. In addition, research suggests that maternal and paternal feeding practices are associated with child's gender and weight status. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the association between fathers’ perception of child's weight and paternal non-responsive and structure-related feeding practices, and the extent to which this is mediated by a child's gender.

Cross-sectional data from an Irish sample of fathers, who completed an online survey based on one of their children aged 5–12 years old (n = 155). The Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire (FPSQ) assessed paternal feeding practices, and it was validated for use within this sample. A 5-point Likert scale response ranging from Very Underweight to Very Overweight to the question “Do you think your child is . . ?” assessed fathers’ perception of child's weight. Associations were assessed using multiple linear regressions.

Fathers who perceived their sons as underweight reported higher levels of rewarding the child to eat (β = .24; p = 0.04) and overt restriction (β = .27; p = 0.03) than fathers who perceived their sons to be normal weight. Fathers who perceived their sons as overweight reported higher levels of overt restriction (β = .26; p = 0.04) than fathers who perceived their son to be normal weight. In relation to daughters, fathers who perceived them as underweight reported higher levels of both reward for behaviour (β = .28; p = 0.006) and reward for eating (β = .20; p = 0.04), while fathers who perceived their daughters as overweight reported lower levels of structured mealtimes (β = -.27; p = 0.012) compared to fathers who perceived their daughter as normal weight.

Findings suggest that paternal perception of child's weight influences the type of feeding practices utilised by fathers, with the child's gender a mediating influence on reported specific feeding practices. Overall, fathers who perceive their son or daughter to be underweight or overweight appear to engage in more non-responsive and less structure-related feeding practices than fathers who perceive their child to be normal weight.
Delayed onset of lactogenesis and reduced breastfeeding frequency in mothers who give birth by caesarean section
Authors: Kelly Niamh M. , Smilowitz Jennifer T. , Cagney Orla , Flannery Robin L. , Tribe Rachel M
Published: June 2020

Lactogenesis stage II, also known as when a mother's milk “comes in”, is characterised by copious milk production. Delayed lactogenesis II, when onset occurs after 72 hours post-partum, has been linked to early breastfeeding cessation. It has been suggested that caesarean section is a risk factor for late onset of lactogenesis II. It is unknown why lactogenesis II may be delayed in caesarean section but there are several potential reasons such as volume of blood loss, maternal stress, delayed breastfeeding initiation and difficulties with mobility and positioning. Analysis of timing of lactogenesis and breastfeeding frequency was carried out on data from the PROMESA and IMPRINT studies, which were looking at the supplementation of breast milk with a probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis. IMPRINT was carried out in California and enrolled eighty women prior to birth or before postnatal day 4. The PROMESA study in the UK only recruited women who were booked for elective caesarean sections, and also enrolled eighty mother-baby dyads. As part of both studies mothers filled out a variety of surveys and daily logs, including a daily feeding log, along with self-reported lactogenesis. Using logistic regression, we looked at whether mode of birth (spontaneous vaginal delivery, emergency and elective caesarean section) was associated with the timing of onset of lactogenesis, and linear regression to look at the difference in breastfeeding frequency between modes of birth. Mode of birth was significantly associated with delayed onset of lactogenesis > 3 days (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.48–4.61). There was also a reduced frequency of breastfeeding in the first week post-partum in mother-baby dyads who underwent an elective caesarean section. These findings suggest that mothers who give birth by elective caesarean section may need additional support with breastfeeding in the early days post-partum, as well as ongoing support long-term to reduce the likelihood of early cessation of breastfeeding.
Phytochemicals in fenugreek seed prevent high fat diet induced metabolic inflammation and NAFLD via the mediation of Akkermansia muciniphila
Authors: Su Qiaozhu
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual legume that has been used as a spice throughout the world to enhance the sensory quality of foods. A number of health-beneficial bioactive compounds (i.e. trigonelline and diosgenin) have been identified in the seed of fenugreek. These compounds exert multiple health beneficial effects, including anti-obesity and anti-type 2 diabetes. The objective of our study is to determine the underlying mechanism of whole grain of fenugreek seed and purified bioactive compounds, trigonelline and diosgenin, in ameliorating high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Materials and Methods

Two groups of C57B6 mice were fed a HFD containing either a vehicle control or 2% of fenugreek seed for 7 weeks. Caloric intake and body weight were monitored weekly during the feeding trial. Glucose tolerance test was conducted to determine the insulin sensitivity. Q-RT-PCR, immunoblotting analysis and histological analysis were used to determine the expression of genes involved in metabolic inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Results and Discussion

While caloric intake and body weight were comparable between control and fenugreek treated groups during the feeding trial, fenugreek seed containing diet significantly reduced circulation level of inflammatory cytokine TNFa. In the liver, fenugreek suppressed the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1b and IL-6, and ameliorated hepatic ER stress. The improvement of metabolic inflammation was associated with less activation of genes involved in hepatic de novo lipid synthesis (i.e. FASN and ACC) and enhanced fatty b-oxidation which resulted in significant amelioration of HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. Analysis the populations of gut microbiota further revealed that the population of Akkermansia muciniphila, a gut bacterial strain that is involved in body weight regulation and insulin sensitivity, was significantly increased by fenugreek seed containing diet. In vitro, treating McA-RH7777, a rat hepatoma cell line, with purified phytochemicals of fenugreek seeds, trigonelline and diosgenin, inhibited hepatic de novo lipogenesis, attenuated ER stress induced by a saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid. These actions improved insulin sensitivity in McA-RH7777 cells by enhancing the functional activity of insulin signaling molecules, such as insulin receptor and AKT.

Conclusion

Our study unveils a novel mechanism of the bioactive compounds, trigonelline and diosgenin, in fenugreek seed that ameliorate metabolic inflammation and hepatic steatosis via the mediation of gut bacteria. This finding may lend support for developing phytochemicals in fenugreek seed as prebiotic supplement for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance.
Diet modeling showed that local foods can secure nutrient adequacy except for iron in 19–30 years urban Egyptian women
Authors: Brouzes Chloé , Darcel Nicolas , Tomé Daniel , Shaaban Sanaa Youssef , El Gendy Yasmin Gamal , Khalil Hisham , Ferguson Elaine , Lluch Anne
Published: June 2020

Growing urbanization and rapid changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle led to a nutrition transition in several Arabic countries, including Egypt. While Egyptian women have one of the highest mean body mass index worldwide, they also suffer from several micronutrient deficiencies, more particularly iron and vitamin D. The objective of this study was to identify changes needed in dietary practices and product offer, which could help to rebalance energy and nutrient intakes for women living in urban Egypt. Food intakes were obtained from a 4-days dietary record in 130 women aged 19–30 years from urban Egypt. Food prices were collected in modern and traditional trades typical from middle socio-economic classes in Cairo to calculate diet cost. Modeling analyses (with Optifood software) were used to identify problem nutrients and design affordable food-based recommendations (FBRs). The study assessed whether the most consumed foods (i.e. consumed by > 5% of women) could theoretically ensure nutrient adequacy under the mean diet cost, without exceeding recommendations in energy, SFAs, sugars and sodium. The potential of fortified foods to improve intakes of the most problematic micronutrient to cover was tested in additional modeling analyses. Preliminary results from modeling analyses indicate that iron appeared as the most limiting nutrient with locally consumed foods. Daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, milk or yoghurt, and tahini (sesame paste) associated with specific food choices in the meat-fish-eggs category would result in a low percentage of women at risk of inadequate intakes for 11 out of 12 modeled micronutrients. Among the fortified foods tested, iron fortified bread, rice, milk or yoghurt are the most promising vectors. Local and consumed foods allow to meet nutrient adequacy for most nutrients except iron, for which fortified products would be required. Tailored strategies are needed to promote acceptable FBRs (and fortified products) and secure that nutrient requirements are met by most Egyptian women.
Excessive adiposity is associated with an inflammation induced elevation in serum hepcidin, serum ferritin and increased risk of iron overload
Authors: Heslin Aoibhín Moore , O' Donnell Aisling , Buffini Maria , Nugent Anne , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert , McNulty Breige
Published: June 2020

Excess body fat is associated with the production of pro-inflammatory molecules from dysfunctional adipose tissue resulting in systemic inflammation. Inflammation stimulates expression of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, resulting in elevated serum ferritin and iron overload in metabolic tissues. Hepcidin driven iron maldistribution may be implicated in the development of metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of body fat and the associated inflammation on markers of iron homeostasis.

Analyses were based on data from the cross-sectional National Adult Nutrition Survey (2008–2010) (www.iuna.net). Percentage body fat (BF%) of participants (n = 1211) was measured by a Tanita BC420MA device. Participants were classified as healthy, overweight or obese based on age and gender-specific BF% ranges. Serum ferritin and serum hepcidin were measured using immunoturbidimetric immunoassays. ANCOVA with Bonferroni post hoc (p < 0.05) was used to compare anthropometric parameters, biochemical markers of iron status and inflammation and nutrient intakes between BF% groups. Predictors of serum hepcidin and serum ferritin were determined using linear regression analysis.

In the population 42% were classified as healthy, 33% as overfat and 25% as obese. Serum hepcidin was significantly elevated in obese participants (8.42ng/ml ± 4.2) compared to their healthy counterparts (6.49ng/ml ± 3.9)(p < 0.001). Significantly higher serum ferritin was observed in obese (223ng/ml ± 170) and overfat males (166ng/ml ± 120) compared to healthy males (135ng/ml ± 91)(p < 0.001). A significant percentage of overweight (20%) and obese (32%) participants were at severe risk of iron overload compared to healthy participants (8%)(p < 0.001). No significant differences in dietary iron intakes were observed between BF% groups. Linear regression analysis indicated that BF% was a significant (p < 0.001) predictor of hepcidin in males (β = 0.327) and females (β = 0.226). IL-6 (β = 0.317,p < 0.001) and TNFα (β = 0.229,p < 0.001) were the strongest inflammatory predictors of hepcidin in females only. In males, leptin was a positive predictor (β = 0.159,p = 0.003) of hepcidin, while adiponectin displayed a negative predictive relationship (β = -0.145,p = 0.001)

Our results indicate that excessive adiposity is associated with elevated serum ferritin and hepcidin independent of dietary intake. Cytokines are a potential driver of hepcidin in females, with adipose-derived hormones seeming to have the greater effect in males. These results may help to elucidate the relationship between obesity and dysregulated iron metabolism. Further research is required to investigate the metabolic effects of hepcidin-induced iron overload in those with excess body fat.
Assessing knowledge and attitudes towards food sustainability among people who visit Overends Kitchen, Airfield Estate, Dublin
Authors: Corish Clare , McAdoo Kirstie , Alhilou Myriam
Published: June 2020

‘Food sustainability’ is now acknowledged as integral to the achievement of food security, a healthy community and protection of the environment. Understanding consumers’ knowledge of and attitudes towards food sustainability is poorly understood in Ireland. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes towards food sustainability among visitors to an Irish restaurant, known to prepare foods in a sustainable way. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 visitors at the Overends Kitchen, Airfield Estate, Dublin, Ireland using a short questionnaire informed by previously collected data on Irish consumers’ attitudes towards food purchasing and a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK) questionnaire. Information on demographics, food choice motives, food preferences, basic nutritional knowledge, awareness and attitudes toward food sustainability was obtained. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM, v23, Chicago, Ill, USA). Quality (98%) and health (92%) were the most important motives for food choice. Females (P = 0.001) and older (P = 0.029) participants had greater interest in health as a motivating factor for food choice compared to males and those who were younger. Free-range (eggs) and fresh vegetables and fish were most frequently purchased. Poor knowledge of recommendations about saturated fat, and daily fruit and vegetables intakes was demonstrated though this was better in female (P = 0.005) and younger (P = 0.007) participants. Participants demonstrated positive attitudes towards food sustainability and over half (57%) were aware of GLAS principles (Go with the seasons, Local for produce, Avoid food waste, Sustainably produced) although only 37% reported that these principles influence their dietary choices. Misinformation about the environmental sustainability and nutritional value of farmed vs. organic or wild fish and fresh vs. frozen vegetables was apparent. This research provides some understanding of Irish consumers' knowledge and attitudes towards food sustainability. The need to enhance understanding of how diets can be made more sustainable is clear.
Towards a mechanistic understanding of competence: a missing link in diversity–disease research
Authors: Stewart Merrill Tara E. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: June 2020

Biodiversity loss may increase the risk of infectious disease in a phenomenon known as the dilution effect. Circumstances that increase the likelihood of disease dilution are: (i) when hosts vary in their competence, and (ii) when communities disassemble predictably, such that the least competent hosts are the most likely to go extinct. Despite the central role of competence in diversity–disease theory, we lack a clear understanding of the factors underlying competence, as well as the drivers and extent of its variation. Our perspective piece encourages a mechanistic understanding of competence and a deeper consideration of its role in diversity–disease relationships. We outline current evidence, emerging questions and future directions regarding the basis of competence, its definition and measurement, the roots of its variation and its role in the community ecology of infectious disease.
SCORES IN BLOOM: SOME RECENT ORALLY TRANSMITTED EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC
Authors: Nickel Luke
Published: June 2020

A small group of composers and performers are collaborating orally/aurally on the creation of experimental music that eschews written scores (‘living scores’). By charting the overlaps between working methods and relationships – both social and musical – this article endeavours to shed light on how these practices rub against standard modes of documentation, transmission, scholarship and performance. The article begins by mapping out of the orally transmitted collaborative practices of four composers – Cassandra Miller, Pascale Criton, Éliane Radigue and me – as documented through interviews with prominent performer-collaborators such as Deborah Walker, Silvia Tarozzi, Juliet Fraser and Cat Hope. A guiding metaphor frames these practices as gardens and highlights shared thematic concepts such as extended time, hospitality, note-taking and responsibility.
Magneto-Hydrodynamic simulations on galaxy modeling
Authors: Wang Wei-Chen , Chen Ke-Jung
Published: June 2020

Magnetic field plays an important role in star formation and galaxy evolution. Previous studies discussed about the origin of magnetic field and its effect to the environment. With the recent advancement of supercomputers, adding the magnetic field to a cosmological hydrodynamic simulations only become feasible. In this proceeding, we present the results of high-resolution magneto-hydrodynamic simulation with GIZMO and compare our simulation result with the previous literature and the observations.
Atmospheric Escape Processes and Planetary Atmospheric Evolution
Authors: Gronoff G. , Arras P. , Baraka S. , Bell J. M. , Cessateur G. , Cohen O. , Curry S. M. , Drake J. J. , Elrod M. , Erwin J. , Garcia‐Sage K. , Garraffo C. , Glocer A. , Heavens N. G. , Lovato K. , Maggiolo R. , Parkinson C. D. , Simon Wedlund C. , Weimer D. R. , Moore W. B.
Published: June 2020

The habitability of the surface of any planet is determined by a complex evolution of its interior, surface, and atmosphere. The electromagnetic and particle radiation of stars drive thermal, chemical, and physical alteration of planetary atmospheres, including escape. Many known extrasolar planets experience vastly different stellar environments than those in our solar system: It is crucial to understand the broad range of processes that lead to atmospheric escape and evolution under a wide range of conditions if we are to assess the habitability of worlds around other stars. One problem encountered between the planetary and the astrophysics communities is a lack of common language for describing escape processes. Each community has customary approximations that may be questioned by the other, such as the hypothesis of H‐dominated thermosphere for astrophysicists or the Sun‐like nature of the stars for planetary scientists. Since exoplanets are becoming one of the main targets for the detection of life, a common set of definitions and hypotheses are required. We review the different escape mechanisms proposed for the evolution of planetary and exoplanetary atmospheres. We propose a common definition for the different escape mechanisms, and we show the important parameters to take into account when evaluating the escape at a planet in time. We show that the paradigm of the magnetic field as an atmospheric shield should be changed and that recent work on the history of Xenon in Earth's atmosphere gives an elegant explanation to its enrichment in heavier isotopes: the so‐called Xenon paradox.
Quantifying Coastal Fluvial Morphodynamics Over the Last 100 Years on the Lower Rio Grande, USA and Mexico
Authors: Swartz John M. , Goudge Timothy A. , Mohrig David C.
Published: June 2020

Downstream changes in fluvial channel morphology are commonly observed in association with the backwater zone, where rivers transition from quasi‐uniform flow with normal‐flow depth to gradually varying flow. This transition is linked to changes in channel morphology and mobility and resulting fluvial stratigraphy. However, the majority of systems studied to date are perennial rivers with relatively consistent flow conditions. Here we investigate the evolution of a large river with significant flood‐to‐baseflow variability as it transverses and builds a large delta. We provide the first comprehensive study of the morphology and morphodynamics of the lower Rio Grande, a major continental drainage system that enters the western Gulf of Mexico. We quantify the morphology of the current Rio Grande channel and document spatial trends in channel geometry and kinematics using lidar, historical surveys, and hydrographic analysis. The modern Rio Grande channel morphology does not significantly vary toward the coast. Rather, the channel width, levee, and bed slopes remain nearly constant for ~200 river km. We find historical migration rates between 10 and 100 m/yr with no significant reduction toward the coast in contrast to previously studied systems. We propose that this invariant channel geometry and sustained high migration rates are signatures of the channel not requiring adjustment within the lower coastal reach to accommodate baseflow conditions, and the channel remains continuously adjusted solely to peak flow conditions.
The Role of Subsurface Flow on Evapotranspiration: A Global Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Maina Fadji Zaouna , Siirila‐Woodburn Erica R.
Published: June 2020

Water resources are impacted by water‐energy balance fluxes at the land surface, most notably evapotranspiration (ET), the largest component of surface energy balance. While integrated hydrologic models show promise in quantifying the nonlinear dynamics at this interface, the model results are plagued by parametric uncertainties. Given the high computational demand of running multiple parameter spaces of these models, little is known about how these uncertainties propagate into land surface processes. In this work, we perform a global sensitivity analysis by computing Sobol and AMAE indices using a surrogate model constructed with a polynomial chaos expansion to assess the impacts of the subsurface physical properties on ET. We do so by modeling a semisynthetic test case. Our results show that the effects of vertical hydraulic conductivity, porosity, and the water retention curve parameter Van Genuchten α mainly control ET. However, we note that while evaporation (E) shows behavior similar to the ET with high sensitivity to the parameters controlling the flow in the unsaturated zone, transpiration (T) is very sensitive to the saturated zone parameters and groundwater flow, especially during periods without rain. Our results also show that heterogeneities in land cover impact the flow in the saturated zone. Furthermore, our work demonstrates that reduced‐order models can be developed to make integrated models more accessible for rigorous sensitivity analyses and calibration purposes.
Reflected Protons in the Lunar Wake and Their Effects on Wake Potentials
Authors: Xu Shaosui , Poppe Andrew R. , Halekas Jasper S. , Harada Yuki
Published: June 2020

The refilling of the lunar wake is facilitated by the wake ambipolar electric potential arising from the electron pressure gradient. Incident solar wind protons can be reflected by the lunar crustal magnetic fields and the lunar surface on the dayside and repicked up, entering the lunar wake due to their large gyroradii. This burst of positive charges can cause the lunar wake potential to be reduced by hundreds of volts. We utilize over 7 years of ARTEMIS (Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun) measurements to systematically investigate how the reflected protons affect the lunar wake potential structure when the Moon is immersed in the solar wind. RPs have a peak occurrence rate of ∼20% for downstream distances from the Moon at N×2πRg and a preference of high occurrence rates and high densities in the direction of the motional electric field of the solar wind. We show that reflected protons in the lunar wake can significantly change the electrostatic ambipolar potentials in the wake, leading in turn to the formation of field‐aligned, accelerated electron beams. Our case study also suggests a nonmonotonic field‐aligned potential structure in the presence of reflected protons in the wake. Lastly, our results show that when the reflected proton density is larger than ∼30% of the local proton density from refilling solar wind protons, the wake potential scales as the logarithmic density of reflected protons, which can be explained by the Boltzmann relation.
Tsunamis Generated by Submerged Landslides: Numerical Analysis of the Near‐Field Wave Characteristics
Authors: Romano A. , Lara J. L. , Barajas G. , Di Paolo B. , Bellotti G. , Di Risio M. , Losada I. J. , De Girolamo P.
Published: June 2020

The accurate modeling of the landslide‐generated tsunami characteristics in the so‐called near‐field is crucial for many practical applications. In this paper, we present a new full‐3‐D numerical method for modeling tsunamis generated by rigid and impermeable landslides in OpenFOAM® based on the overset mesh technique. The approach has been successfully validated through the numerical reproduction of past experiments for landslide‐generated tsunamis triggered by a rigid and impermeable wedge at a sloping coast. The method has been applied to perform a detailed numerical study of the near‐field wave features induced by submerged landslides. A parametric analysis has been carried out to explore the importance of the landslide's initial acceleration, directly related to the landslide‐triggering mechanisms, on the tsunami generation process and on the related wave properties. Near‐field analysis of the numerical results confirms that the influence of the initial acceleration on the tsunami wave properties is significant, affecting wave height, wave period, and wave celerity. Furthermore, it is found that the tsunami generation mechanism experiences a saturation effect for increasing landslide's initial acceleration, confirming and extending previous studies. Moreover, the resulting extended database, composed of previous experimental data and new numerical ones, spanning a wider range of governing parameters, has been represented in the form of a “nondimensional wavemaker curve,” and a new relationship for predicting the wave properties in the near‐field as a function of the Hammack number is proposed.
The Impacts of Flood, Drought, and Turbidites on Organic Carbon Burial Over the Past 2,000 years in the Santa Barbara Basin, California
Authors: Sarno Caitlyn T. , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Ziolkowski Lori A. , Hendy Ingrid L. , Davis Catherine V. , Tappa Eric J. , Thunell Robert C.
Published: June 2020

Climate conditions and instantaneous depositional events can influence the relative contribution of sediments from terrestrial and marine environments and ultimately the quantity and composition of carbon buried in the sediment record. Here, we analyze the elemental, isotopic, and organic geochemical composition of marine sediments to identify terrestrial and marine sources in sediment horizons associated with droughts, turbidites, and floods in the Santa Barbara Basin (SBB), California, during the last 2,000 years. Stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) indicate that more terrestrial organic carbon (OC) was deposited during floods relative to background sediment, while bulk C to nitrogen (C/N) ratios remained relatively constant (~10). Long‐chain n‐alkanes (C27, C29, C31, and C33), characteristic of terrestrial OC, dominated all types of sediment deposition but were 4 times more abundant in flood layers. Marine algae (C15, C17, and C19) and macrophytes (C21 and C23) were also 2 times higher in flood versus background sediments. Turbidites contained twice the terrestrial n‐alkanes relative to background sediment. Conversely, drought intervals were only distinguishable from background sediment by their higher proportion of marine algal n‐alkanes. Combined, our data indicate that 15% of the total OC buried in SBB over the past 2,000 years was deposited during 11 flood events where the sediment was mostly terrestrially derived, and another 12% of deep sediment OC burial was derived from shelf remobilization during six turbidite events. Relative to twentieth century river runoff, our data suggest that floods result in considerable terrestrial OC burial on the continental margins of California.