bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of pollen as afood resource for honey bees (Apis binghami) in the village of Bonto Manurung, District of Tompobulu, Regency of Maros
Authors: Nuraeni Sitti , Syaid Nurul Muhliza , Sadapotto A. , Wahyudi
Published: December 2023

The endemic Sulawesi giant honey bee, Apis binghami, cannot be domesticated like other domesticated Apis genus bees. This bee is foraging for sources of nectar and pollen from plants around the tree where it is nesting. The purpose of this study is to identify the types of plant pollen in bee bread and honey as a means of identifying the food source of A. binghami forest bees and analyzing the category of honey they produce. The method used to extract pollen from honey and bee bread was acetolysis, an Erdtman method. The research found nine types of plant pollen in bee bread and seven in honey as food sources for A. binghami from samples collected from Bonto Manurung Village, Maros Regency. Aren palm (Arengan pinnata) pollen had the highest percentage frequency as a secondary pollen type group, along with mango (Mangifera sp.) and cotton wood tree (Ceiba petandra). Other types of plant pollen were classified as important minor pollen type and minor pollen type, resulting in honey from the hunting location of Bonto Manurung Village being categorized as multifloral honey.
The Effectiveness of Provision Free Imported Silkworm Eggs in Soppeng Regency
Authors: Sadapotto A , Armidha N
Published: December 2023

The development of natural silk production is viewed as a promising endeavor with the potential to uplift local communities by utilizing abandoned forest lands. The national demand for silk has been steadily increasing over the years, yet production has been on a continuous decline. The decline can be attributed to various factors, one of which is the quality of silkworm eggs. The silkworm eggs commonly bred by farmers are no longer resistant to diseases. In order to ensure the sustainability of natural silk production in Soppeng District, the government has implemented a policy to distribute high quality silkworm eggs for free, imported directly from China. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of providing free silkworm eggs as assistance on the income levels of silkworm farmers. This study employs a quantitative descriptive analysis through interviews and observations conducted with 58 respondents from 8 different farmer groups. The finding of the research indicate that the distribution of subsidized silkworm eggs from China in the specific quantities has not been effective yet. The hatching ability of silkworm eggs distributed to farmers varies depending on the storage period. Silkworm eggs distributed immediately after import have a high hatching rate, whereas eggs distributed after being stored for a long time in the refrigerator have a low hatching rate. Silkworm egg importers must ensure high hatching rate of the distributed silkworm eggs to farmers The system for submitting proposals to farmer groups has been established in accordance with the guideline set by the local department of food crops, horticulture, plantations and food security.
Enhanced Rice Germination Using of Bio-humic Solution from Cacao Pod Compost with Seed Coating Method
Authors: Rahim Iradhatullah , Raden Tri , Suherman S.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal bioactivator for rice seed germination. Based on a randomized block design, a factorial design was used to set up the study experimentally. There were two treatments in the study: One of the factors was the availability of seed coating, which could be found in two variants: S1 and S2. Soaking in the bioactivator, which includes soaking the seeds in water or control (B1), Pleurotus sp (B2), and a biohumic solution (B3), is the second factor. The findings demonstrated that the Ciliwung variety of rice seeds germinated more readily after being coated with bio-humic material.
Morphophysiological Analysis of Gmelina Arborea Roxb in Community Forest in Botolempangan Village, Sinjai Barat
Authors: Afrianti Ananda , Iswanto  , Restu Muhammad , Gusmiaty
Published: December 2023

Gmelina arborea Roxb is a valuable plant that has great potential in various applications, including the timber industry. This study aims to analyze the morphophysiological aspects of gmelina, but knowledge about the morphophysiological characteristics of this plant is still limited. The data collection method involves direct measurements in the field and the use of special measuring equipment to obtain accurate data. The collected data was analyzed statistically using the appropriate method. This study was conducted by collecting 75 samples of gmelina leaves in the community forest in Botolomenpangan Sinjai Barat Village. Morphological parameters include color, namely, green, light green and spotted green. The shape of the leaves is shaped like a heart (cordate). The shape of the leaf tip is tapered while the shape of the base of the leaf is flat like a straight line (Truncate). The shape of the gmelina leaf edges is jagged and flat. The shape of the gmelina leaf bones is pinnate and the texture of the leaves is smooth and shiny. Physiological parameters starting from the largest chlorophyll content are at the location of taking 2 meters from the soil surface which is equal to 0.03610. The water content in gmelina leaves has the same high value starting from the location of taking the base, middle, and ends which is 9.9774, while the highest leaf area is in gmelina leaves which is 37.21 with the location of taking the base. The results of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the morphophysiological characteristics of gmelina. This information can be used in a variety of applications, such as plant breeding and increasing wood production.
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Clean Energy Sector: A Review
Authors: Das Shiv Sankar , Khuntia Kshitish Kumar , Nayak Bijaya Bijeta , Behera Debashree Debadatta , Mohanty Ramesh Chandra , Rath Adarsh
Published: December 2023

Presently, the pandemic has caused the world’s most painful catastrophe in the last few decades, bringing shockwaves throughout healthcare systems, economies, and civilizations worldwide. Governments are concentrating on managing the sickness and rebuilding economies in the face of this unprecedented catastrophe. The energy industry was badly harmed as well, by recurrent lockdowns in the year 2020, with travel restrictions, commerce, and economic activity globally reducing by 4 percent and education in energy use. Although pandemic waves still continue, various protective programs such as giving of vaccinations, booster doses, etc. have allowed people, and countries, to resume. Global energy consumption is predicted to recover by 4.6 percent in the year 2021-22, bringing back to pre-covid era. The effects of the pandemic on clean energy products and transitions are still being determined. Access to clean energy is the lifeline to achieve quality of life, economic development, energy security, and societal upliftment. There is a need to shift from the use of a conventional source of energy to clean energy. The present paper investigates the influence of Covid-19, pandemic on global clean energy accessibility in general and Indian clean energy sector and solar industry in particular.
Motivation Behind Second Hand Product Buying: Is the development of Sustainable Consumption?
Authors: Gupta Nishu , Goyal Puneet Kumar , Dawar Sunny , Sharma Meenakshi
Published: December 2023

To promote the development of sustainability, there is another market for consumption of second-hand products. keeping in view of three Rs; reduce, recycle, and reuse, there are some products which is demanded by customer for several motives. The present study is recognizing the motivation behind buying of second-hand products in different class of consumer. To fulfil the purpose of study, 30 papers are being studied which are related to sustainable consumption in case of second-hand products, motive behind consuming used products by different class of people. Based on the study of previous study, it has been observed that most of the people buying second hand goods due to economic reason but there is awareness among youth and women regarding the consumption of second-hand products leads to the development of sustainability.
Experimental and FEA Analysis of Bonded Connection in Glass Fiber-reinforced Polymer Short Column
Authors: Srujan MJ , Srikanth Seelam
Published: December 2023

Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) is a synthetically manufactured material that is derived by compressing multiple layers of glass fiber in a resin matrix. GFRPs can be used as compressive members and hold good compressive strength. These materials display a brittle mode of failure at maximum loading and this aspect is the major disadvantage of these materials. This study intends to tackle this disadvantage by designing and analyzing a connection method called non-bearing spliced connection by Eurocode 3 based on BS EN 1990 and BS EN 1991 guidelines. The connections are established using only bonding as the type of connection. There are two types of bonds established in this study based on the thickness of the epoxy used to establish the bonded connection. A 2 mm thick bond and a 5 mm thick bond are used to create 5 samples of each bond thickness samples. A detailed study of their behavior is established in this study by testing them manually and by using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The required properties such as failure load, maximum displacement, stiffness, compressive strength, failure modes, and load versus displacement graph behavior are compared and explained in detail in this study.
Spatial Distribution of Dioxins and Furans in Surface Sediments in Dau Tieng Reservoir, Vietnam
Authors: Pham H Q , Bui A T , Le S T
Published: December 2023

The composition and concentration of dioxins, furans, and agricultural chemicals in Dau Tieng reservoir sediments were determined to understand the horizontal distribution of PCDFs/Ds in 2020. The concentrations of agricultural chemicals in the reservoir sediment bed were negligible compared to the threshold (< 10 μg.kg-1, dry weight) and are not the source of PCDFs/Ds in the reservoir bed. This result proved that plant protection chemicals in the basin have been well controlled recently. PCDFs/Ds had negligible concentrations compared to the thresholds regulated by Vietnamese and international standards. The high concentrations of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and OCDD were recorded at the site DT07, DT09, and DT12 with the order DT7 < DT9 < DT12. In addition, 2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF recorded at DT7 and DT9 with high concentrations is one of the most abundant congeners in cement factory wastewater. These results showed that PCDFs/Ds were mainly airborne from the North of the reservoir, where the cement factories could be the emission source, and spread toward the southwest. The PCDFs/Ds can also be transported between sampling sites in the reservoir bed due to differences in topographic elevation. The dioxin homologues distribution model in the sediments of Dau Tieng reservoir confirmed that the dioxins and furans in Dau Tieng reservoir sediments mainly come from atmospheric deposition.
Effect of Addition of Cement in Binary Blended Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Ashveen Kumar P , Preethi M , Sastri M V S S , Arvind Kumar C
Published: December 2023

The construction industry contributes significant greenhouse gases to the climate by consuming vast amounts of cement. Researchers are looking at alternative cement methods to decrease the adverse effects, one of which is Geopolymer Concrete (GPC). The GPC is made from industrial waste materials high in silica and activated with sodium hydroxides (NaOH) to form sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) because Geo polymer is a material that is just two decades old and is an area of extensive research. To study the effect of the addition of cement to GPC’s mechanical properties by replacing up to 50% of the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash with ten per cent increments. The outcomes are contrasted with the Geo Polymer Concrete control mix. For this study, an analysis of activators to fly ash at 0.35, NaOH to Na2SiO3 at 2.5, and the molarity of sodium hydroxide was set at 8M. At different ages, the compressive strength of cubes was calculated, as well as their split and flexural strengths following a 28-day curing period. The findings revealed that adding cement to the mix improves the mechanical properties. The best results are obtained at 40% cement, fly ash, and GGBFS at 60%.
Impact of COVID-19 on Student’s Travel Behavior in Bangalore City, Karnataka
Authors: Kanimozhee S , Srikanth Seelam
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 tragedy had a significant impact on travel and demand for transportation in India before everything returned to normal. The current study is focused on students’ travel behavior in Bangalore City because commutes to college and university were most adversely affected during the pandemic. The modeling of travel demand and transportation planning in and around educational regions depend heavily on the investigation of student travel behavior in large cities like Bengaluru. An online questionnaire survey was used to gather information about changes in travel behavior before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Gender, age, vehicle ownership, household income, travel expenditure, and travel distance all have a substantial impact on the primary trip taken according to the findings. It is also observed that the frequency of student trips reduced from 6 days per week to 3 to 4 days per week. The analysis also shows that many students chose to stay at home than PG or hostel post-COVID-19 due to concerns about the virus’s spread. To simulate the behavior change, multiple linear regression, and artificial neural networks were employed. The ANN model showed the best fit for forecasting travel behavior in terms of travel duration before COVID-19 and after the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the AUC values. The finding of the work can be used for better planning of their operations and services, especially, near colleges and universities.
Understanding The Prevalence of Eco Guilt and Eco Grief among Adolescents: A Salutogenic Approach Towards Building ‘Pro-Environmental Behaviour’
Authors: Nambiar Vaishnavi , Singh Suyesha
Published: December 2023

Negative emotions within the context of environment such as eco guilt and eco grief help individuals understand their impact on the environment and motivate them to act favorable to the environment. Antonovsky’s Salutogenic theory, specifically the sense of coherence model consisting of 3 components, namely, Comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness has been used as a foundation for explaining the concept of eco-guilt, eco-grief, environmental locus of control and pro-environmental behavior in adolescents. This paper aims to examine the relationship between eco-guilt, eco-grief, environmental locus of control and pro-environmental behavior among adolescents. The Eco guilt questionnaire, Eco grief questionnaire and Adolescent Internal Environmental Locus of Control Questionnaire were administered to the subjects to measure the prevalence of eco guilt, eco grief, and environmental locus of control, respectively, and General Ecological Behavior scale was used to assess pro-environmental behavior. Upon analysis, it was found that eco-guilt, eco-grief, and environmental locus of control shared a positive association with pro-environmental behavior among adolescents. Moreover, eco-guilt, eco-grief, and environmental locus of control were found to predict pro-environmental behavior among adolescents. Further investigation may be conducted to deepen the understanding of the relationship between eco-guilt, eco-grief and environmental locus of control and pro-environmental behavior.
Pollutant Dispersion in Atmospheric Boundary Layer Emitted by Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Singh Biri , Singh Devesh , Gupta Anupama , Paul Akshoy Ranjan
Published: December 2023

Dispersion from the polluted point source within the atmosphere is the major concern in the urban areas. The dispersion of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) from a power plant with a 60 m-high chimney is investigated in this study under different atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) of stable and neutral conditions. This paper presents the results obtained by numerical simulation by the discreet phase model using realisable standard k-ε model. For the air pollutants dispersion in the atmosphere boundary layer coming from the deportation of combustion gases ensuing from the fuel combustion in a thermal power plant. Navier-Stokes equation is used to simulate the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere boundary layer. With this numerical simulation concentration of SO2 is determined as 0.093 kgm−3.
Role of Community-Based Organizations (CBO) in Formalizing the Informal E-waste Dismantling Sector of India: An Opinionated Perspective
Authors: Jishaant  , Chowdhury A
Published: December 2023

The informal e-waste dismantling community consists of individuals who recycle and dismantle electronic waste (e-waste) outside of formal regulations. This informality is due to a lack of knowledge about proper waste handling, complex formalization procedures, competition from the formal sector, and economic challenges. Community-based organizations (CBOs) play a vital role in addressing these issues. CBOs support the formalization of informal dismantlers by providing licensed workspaces, access to recycling technologies, and assistance in transitioning to the formal economy. Formalizing the informal e-waste dismantling community through CBOs ensures compliance with regulations, promotes sustainability, and provides economic opportunities and social benefits. Case study analysis revealed that E-waste dismantler communities formed Community level, Sub-provincial Level, and Provincial level representatives partnered with local government bodies and organizations to attain socio-economic stability. They also contribute to capacity building, collaboration, and access to resources, and markets, supporting the transition to a formal sustainable e-waste management system.
Environmental Concerns, Communal Orientation, and Environmental Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Ecologically Conscious Consumer Behaviour Among Young Adults
Authors: Singh Suyesha , Khanwani Geeta
Published: December 2023

The quintessential era of 21st century is well-known for rapid industrialization and growth. Expansion of industrialization has resulted in massive environmental damage leading to several environmental concerns such as global warming, pollution, non-biodegradable wastes, and frequent climatic changes. To combat the threat of environmental damage, ‘Green or eco-friendly products’ has gained enormous attention from both commodities producers and consumers. In no time, there has been an increase in demand for eco-friendly products by consumers globally. Reports have that the young population showed a vigilant interest in adapting to green marketing strategies as a part of their daily routine. However, it is crucial to understand the underlying psycho-social factors responsible for young consumers’ decision-making process while engaging in green purchase behaviour as they will be significantly contributing to nature being the proactive and highly conscious generation. Therefore, the present study aims to understand the role of environmental concerns or attitudes, communal orientation and environmental self-efficacy as the predictors of pro-environmental purchase behaviour among young adults. The cross-sectional survey study was conducted on 150 young adults between the age range of 18-34 years. Psychometric tools i.e., pro-environmental purchase behaviour scale (PPS) [1], new ecological paradigms scale (NEPS) [2], communal orientation scale (COS) [3] and environmental self-efficacy scale (ESE-20) [4] were used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation and regression analysis were computed to statistically analyse the obtained data. Findings of the study aid in gaining insight into motives and intentions related to pro-environmental behaviour engagement among young population. It will help in formulating better public and environmental interventions and policies for strengthening and safeguarding the environment and maintaining sustainability.
Nature Relatedness, Eco-centric Concerns, Future Time Perspective, and Pro-ecological Behavior in Young Adults
Authors: Jain Paridhi , Singh Suyesha
Published: December 2023

Human civilization poses a grave threat to global biodiversity, evident in climate change, species extinction, infectious diseases, food production challenges, droughts, and floods. To reverse this peril, societal structures and individual behavior must transform. Embracing pro-ecological behavior is pivotal in combating environmental issues, reducing waste, curbing pollutants, and minimizing harm. Furthermore, fostering a connection to nature, embracing sustainability, and adopting a long-term perspective can aid in resolving these challenges.

This research explores the link between nature-relatedness, eco-centric concerns, future time perspective, and pro-ecological behavior among 210 young adults. Utilizing multiple regression and Pearson’s correlation, the study reveals significant positive correlations between pro-ecological behavior and nature-relatedness, eco-centric concerns, and future time perspective. Moreover, these factors significantly predict pro-ecological behavior in young adults. These findings offer insights for developing strategies and interventions to nurture pro-ecological and sustainable behavior in future generations, bolstering environmental preservation efforts. The study discusses the limitation and their repercussions.
A comprehensive review of the application of modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the removal of metals from wastewater
Authors: Abdullah Thamer Adnan , Rasheed Rashed Taleb , Adnan Mustafa , Qasim Bashar , Sajet Firas , Mansoor Hadeel Salah , Talib Haitham , Kadhim Mohammed Salman , Kułacz Karol , Meharban Faiza , Abdul-Zahra Zainab
Published: December 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a type of carbonaceous material, have extremely distinctive qualities in terms of tensile strength, heat stability, electrical conductivity, catalysis, and adsorption. These properties rely on structure, length, and thickness. Carbon nanotube and metal oxide combination have been successfully used over the past few decades to create carbon nanomaterials with extraordinary features. The current study offers an outline of the developments in the theory, procedures, and chemical modification of CNT with metals or polymers. This review presents different synthesis methods of functionalized CNTs along with their properties and factors affecting their adsorption capacity. In addition, it explains the role of different functionalized CNTs in removing different metals like Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Cr6+, Ni2+, Tl+3, and Hg2+from wastewater. The adsorption capacity of these modified CNTs is in the range of 130–180 mg g−1. This review offers an essential understanding of the methods for creating multifunctional nano-hybrids for various applications and prospects of using nanomaterials for environmental remediation.
Enhancement of the electrocaloric effect in the 0.4BCZT-0.6BTSn ceramic synthesized by sol-gel route
Authors: Khardazi S , Zaitouni H , Neqali A , Mezzane D , Amjoud M , Abkhar Z , Lyubchyk S , Rožič B , Lyubchyk S , Kutnjak Z , Lukyanchuk I
Published: December 2023

The lead-free ferroelectric 0.4Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.10Ti0.90O3–0.6BaTi0.89Sn0.11O3 (0.4BCZT–0.6BTSn) ceramics were successfully prepared by the sol–gel process. Raman spectroscopy was used to examine the structural properties of the 0.4BCZT-0.6BTSn sample. The findings indicate that the sample was well crystallized into a single perovskite structure. The phase transitions of the studied sample have been investigated using the DSC technique. The electrocaloric effect (ECE) properties were indirectly determined using the Maxwell approach. Under a relatively low applied electric field of 30 kV cm−1, the results show enhanced electrocaloric temperature change and entropy change of ΔT = 1.32 K and ΔS = 1.41 J/kg.K, respectively. Besides, the electrocaloric responsivity (ξ
max = 0.45 K·mm/kV) obtained is among the highest reported values in pb-free ferroelectrics near room temperature. These findings demonstrate that the lead-free 0.4BCZT–0.6BTSn ceramic is a promising candidate for solid-state cooling applications.
Wild solutions to scalar Euler-Lagrange equations
Authors: Johansson Carl
Published: December 2023

We study very weak solutions to scalar Euler-Lagrange equations associated with quadratic convex functionals. We investigate whether

W

1
,
1

W^{1,1}

solutions are necessarily

W

loc

1
,
2

W^{1,2}_{\operatorname {loc}}

, which would make the theories by De Giorgi-Nash and Schauder applicable. We answer this question positively for a suitable class of functionals. This is an extension of Weyl’s classical lemma for the Laplace equation to a wider class of equations under stronger regularity assumptions. Conversely, using convex integration, we show that outside this class of functionals, there exist

W

1
,
1

W^{1,1}

solutions of locally infinite energy to scalar Euler-Lagrange equations. In addition, we prove an intermediate result which permits the regularity of a

W

1
,
1

W^{1,1}

solution to be improved to

W

loc

1
,
2

W^{1,2}_{\operatorname {loc}}

under suitable assumptions on the functional and solution.
Ninein promotes F-actin cup formation and inward phagosome movement during phagocytosis in macrophages
Authors: Omer Safia , Li Jiahao , Yang Claire X. , Harrison Rene E.
Published: December 2023

Phagocytosis by macrophages is a highly polarized process to destroy large target cells. Binding to particles induces extensive cortical actin-generated forces that drive the formation of elaborate pseudopods around the target particle. Postinternalization, the resultant phagosome is driven toward the cell interior on microtubules (MTs) by cytoplasmic dynein. However, it is unclear whether dynein and cargo-adaptors contribute to the earlier steps of particle internalization and phagosome formation. Here we reveal that ninein, a MT minus-end-associated protein that localizes to the centrosome, is also present at the phagocytic cup in macrophages. Ninein depletion impairs particle internalization by delaying the early F-actin recruitment to sites of particle engagement and cup formation, with no impact on F-actin dynamics beyond this initial step. Ninein forms membrane-bound clusters on phagocytic cups that do not nucleate acentrosomal MTs but instead mediate the assembly of dynein–dynactin complex at active phagocytic membranes. Both ninein depletion and pharmacological inhibition of dynein activity reduced inward displacement of bound particles into macrophages. We found that ninein and dynein motor activity were required for timely retrograde movement of phagosomes and for phagolysosome formation. Taken together, these data show that ninein, alone and with dynein, play significant roles during phagocytosis.
Contractile asymmetry and survival in patients with left bundle branch abnormality treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Kader Nareen , Holm-Nielsen Liv Therese , Tayal Bhupendar , Riahi Sam , Sommer Anders , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Kronborg Mads Brix , Stephansen Charlotte , Andersen Niels Holmark , Risum Niels , Søgaard Peter , Zaremba Tomas
Published: December 2023

Aims

Currently, electrical rather than mechanical parameters of delayed left ventricular (LV) activation are used for patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, despite adhering to current guideline-based criteria, about one-third of heart failure (HF) patients fail to derive benefit from CRT. This study sought to investigate the prognostic survival significance of a recently introduced index of contractile asymmetry (ICA) based on the deformation of entire opposing LV walls in the context of selecting patients with HF and left bundle branch abnormality (LBBB) for CRT.

Methods and results

We analysed 367 patients with HF and LBBB undergoing CRT (31.6% females, 69 ± 9 years, ischaemic aetiology in 50.7%, LV ejection fraction 27 ± 6%). ICA was calculated using LV strain rate values from curved anatomical M-mode plots of apical 2D echocardiography images. The predictive value of ICA was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. During a median follow-up time of 5.54 years, death or cardiac transplantation occurred in 105 (28.6%) cases. Higher baseline ICA values in all apical views, particularly in the two-chamber view (ICA-2ch), were associated with increased event-free survival, and the unadjusted hazard ratio was 0.28 (95% confidence interval 0.18–0.46). Higher ICA-2ch (>0.319 s−1) consistently predicted survival across clinical subgroups and remained significant after covariate adjustment, while the event rate sharply increased in low ICA-2ch cases. Additionally, including ICA-2ch improved the predictive value of the multivariate risk model containing the typical LBBB pattern.

Conclusion

Pre-implant ICA suggests a quantitative prognostic threshold for both long-term survival and adverse outcomes following CRT implantation.
Unsupervised cluster analysis reveals different phenotypes in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Kusunose Kenya , Tsuji Takumasa , Hirata Yukina , Takahashi Tomonori , Sata Masataka , Sato Kimi , Albakaa Noor , Ishizu Tomoko , Kotoku Jun’ichi , Seo Yoshihiro ,   JSE-TAVI investigators, Izumo Masaki , Okada Atsushi , Izumi Chisato , Inami Shu , Takeda Yasuharu , Onishi Toshinari , Izumi Yuki , Kumagai Akiko , Fukuda Tomoko , Takahashi Naohiko , Kitai Takeshi , Iwano Hiroyuki , Sugawara Shigeo , Akasaka Kazumi , Harada Kenji , Masaoka Yoshiko , Tanabe Kazuaki , Sakamoto Takahiro , Takamura Takeshi
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify phenotypes with potential prognostic significance in aortic stenosis (AS) patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) through a clustering approach.

Methods and results

This multi-centre retrospective study included 1365 patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR between January 2015 and March 2019. Among demographics, laboratory, and echocardiography parameters, 20 variables were selected through dimension reduction and used for unsupervised clustering. Phenotypes and outcomes were compared between clusters. Patients were randomly divided into a derivation cohort (n = 1092: 80%) and a validation cohort (n = 273: 20%). Three clusters with markedly different features were identified. Cluster 1 was associated predominantly with elderly age, a high aortic valve gradient, and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy; Cluster 2 consisted of preserved LV ejection fraction, larger aortic valve area, and high blood pressure; and Cluster 3 demonstrated tachycardia and low flow/low gradient AS. Adverse outcomes differed significantly among clusters during a median of 2.2 years of follow-up (P < 0.001). After adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic data in a Cox proportional hazards model, Cluster 3 (hazard ratio, 4.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.76–9.94; P = 0.001) was associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. In sequential Cox models, a model based on clinical data and echocardiographic variables (χ2 = 18.4) was improved by Cluster 3 (χ2 = 31.5; P = 0.001) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Unsupervised cluster analysis of patients after TAVR revealed three different groups for assessment of prognosis. This provides a new perspective in the categorization of patients after TAVR that considers comorbidities and extravalvular cardiac dysfunction.
Risk of unemployment and work disability among refugee and non-refugee migrants with incident psychotic disorders in Sweden and Denmark
Authors: Mastafa Suborna , de Montgomery Christopher J , Pettersson Emma , Norredam Marie , Krasnik Allan , Taipale Heidi , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Cullen Alexis E
Published: December 2023

Background

Unemployment and work disability are common among individuals with non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPDs) but it is unknown whether rates differ among migrants and native-born individuals. The present study aimed to compare the risk of these outcomes during the first 5 years of illness in non-refugee migrants, refugees and native-born individuals with NAPDs in Sweden and Denmark—two countries with different immigration policies and models of early psychosis care.

Methods

Using national registers, we identified all individuals aged 18–35 years in Sweden and Denmark who received an incident NAPD diagnosis between 2006 and 2013 (N = 6750 and 8320, respectively). Cohorts were followed for 5 years to determine the days of unemployment and sickness absence (analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial models) and the time to receipt of disability pension (analyzed using complementary log-log models).

Results

Relative to their native-born peers, refugees and non-refugee migrants in Sweden and non-refugee migrants in Denmark were significantly less likely to have zero unemployment days (OR range: 0.54–0.72) and all migrant groups experienced more unemployment days (IRR range: 1.26–1.37). Results were largely unchanged after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors. In the adjusted model, both Swedish migrant groups and refugees in Denmark were more likely to experience zero sickness absence days than native-born individuals (OR range: 1.48–1.56). Only refugees in Denmark were at greater risk of disability pension.

Conclusions

Non-refugee migrants and refugees with NAPDs in both Sweden and Denmark are particularly vulnerable to experiencing unemployment. Targeted interventions may help to reduce these disparities and promote long-term work ability among migrant groups.
Quasi-geostrophic convection-driven dynamos in a thick spherical shell
Authors: Barrois O , Gastine T , Finlay C C
Published: December 2023

We present dynamos computed using a hybrid QG-3D numerical scheme in a thick spherical shell geometry. Our model is based on a quasi-geostrophic convection code extended with a 3-D treatment of heat transport and magnetic induction. We find a collection of self-sustained, multipolar, weak field dynamos with magnetic energy one or two orders of magnitude lower than the kinetic energy. The poloidal magnetic energy is weak and, by construction, there is a lack of equatorially antisymmetric components in the Buoyancy and Lorentz forces. This leads to configurations where the velocity field is only weakly impacted by the magnetic field, similar to dynamos found in 3-D simulations where zonal flows and the Ω-effect dominate. The time-dependence of these dynamos is characterized by quasi-periodic oscillations that we attribute to dynamo waves. The QG-3D dynamos found so far are not Earth-like. The inability of our setup to produce strong, dipole-dominated, magnetic fields likely points to a missing ingredient in our QG flows, and a related lack of helicity and α-effect. The models presented here may be more relevant for studying stellar dynamos where zonal flows are known to dominate. This study was carried out at modest control parameters, however moving to lower Ekman numbers, when smaller values of both the magnetic and hydrodynamic Prandtl numbers can be of interest, our approach will be able to gain in efficiency by using relatively coarse grids for the 3-D magnetic and temperature fields and a finer grid for the QG velocity field.
Characterization and imaging magnetic minerals from ultramafic roots of a LIP: implication for deep crustal magnetic sources
Authors: ter Maat Geertje W , Church Nathan S , Oda Hirokuni , Pastore Zeudia , McEnroe Suzanne A
Published: December 2023

Satellite magnetic surveys have revealed features consistent with magnetization at depth in the lithosphere. Previous studies have reported magnetic minerals preserved in mantle nodules and in some eclogite facies rocks. Deep crustal rocks are another possible source for these deep lithospheric signals, but have not been extensively studied, in many cases due to the difficulty in obtaining samples unaffected by later near-surface alteration processes. Here, we used a combined approach involving petrophysical, rock magnetic and scanning magnetic microscopy (SMM) analyses on unaltered pristine ultramafic samples from the Reinfjord Ultramafic Complex in northern Norway. The focus was to identify the magnetic carriers using SMM and link the magnetic anomalies mapped in thin section to distinct rock magnetic measurements. The dominant magnetic carriers are Cr-magnetite exsolved from grains of Al-chromite, and magnetite exsolution lamellae from clinopyroxene. In addition, some samples have exsolved magnetite from Al-Cr-spinel and Fe-rich exsolution from Cr-spinel as carriers. Rock magnetic measurements suggest that these primary magnetic carriers, could retain magnetization to considerable crustal depths.
The association of safety-net program participation with government perceptions, welfare stigma, and discrimination
Authors: Pulvera Richard , Jackson Kaitlyn , Gosliner Wendi , Hamad Rita , Fernald Lia C H
Published: December 2023

Safety-net programs in the United States offered critical support to counter food insecurity and poverty during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are both means-tested programs with significant benefits. Take-up of SNAP and EITC is lower in California than nationwide and reasons for this difference are unclear. We examined associations of participation in SNAP and receipt of the EITC and perceptions of the US government, 2 types of welfare stigma (program stigma and social stigma), and perceived discrimination. We interviewed a sample of 497 caregivers of young children from families with low income in California during the COVID-19 pandemic (August 2020-May 2021). We found that participation in SNAP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24 [1.05, 1.47]) and receiving the EITC (OR = 1.39 [1.05, 1.84]) were both associated with greater reported perceptions of social stigma, but not with perceptions of government, program stigma, or discrimination. Among food-insecure respondents, we found that participation in SNAP was additionally associated with program stigma and discrimination. These findings suggest that perceived social stigma may be a reason that people with low income may not participate in programs for which they are eligible.
Creating a network of people affected by neglected tropical diseases in Liberia: the same secret we were keeping, they are keeping it, too
Authors: Zaizay Emmanuel Guyan , Joefay Francis , Dennis Decontee
Published: December 2023

This article is written by three people with lived experience of neglected tropical diseases in Liberia. We describe our journey to becoming peer advocates, why mental health is important to us, and our recommendations for challenging stigma and improving the mental well-being of people affected.
Delayed discharges at a tertiary rehabilitation centre in Saudi Arabia: contributing factors and cost impact
Authors: Gudal Bayan Adam , Ahmed Salwa Ali , Qureshi Ahmad Zaheer , Almacen Grace , Azhari Ghassan , Algarras Mostafa
Published: December 2023

There are various challenges in discharging hospitalized patients with disabilities. Discharge process for individuals with disabilities is multifactorial and can vary from one health system to another. The current study is aimed to explore the factors contributing to delayed discharges and to determine the number of exceeded bed days and subsequent cost impact at a government rehabilitation facility in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Hospital of King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh. All the 2285 discharges from inpatient rehabilitation from August 2011 to March 2017 were included in the study. Patients with delayed discharge were identified. Information about the diagnosis and reasons for delayed discharge was obtained from the rehabilitation hospital bed utilization data. The cost impact was calculated based on the number of days patients stayed beyond the estimated length of stay for each diagnosis. Of the 2285 discharges, 531 (23.3%) were delayed. The most common clinical conditions of patients with delayed discharge included spinal cord injury (n = 168, 31.6%) and traumatic brain injury (n = 145, 27.3%). The factors that led to delayed discharges were medical complications (n = 352, 66.7%), organizational factors (n = 83, 15.7%), family factors (n = 46, 8.7%), and external factors (n = 46, 8.7%). A total of 21 817 hospital bed days were exceeded, with an approximate estimated cost of 80 million Saudi Arabian Riyals. Early rehabilitation and enhancement of the discharge process may significantly decrease delayed discharge rates. Strategies need to be adapted to identify patients at risk of delayed discharge based on the factors highlighted in this study. Development of long-term care capacity, community services, and optimizing family and social support can promote timely discharge.
Observation and quantitative analysis of dislocations in steel using electron channeling contrast imaging method with precise control of electron beam incident direction
Authors: Mori Takashige , Amino Takafumi , Yokoyama Chie , Taniguchi Shunsuke , Yonezawa Takayuki , Taniyama Akira
Published: December 2023

Electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) was applied by precisely controlling the primary electron beam incident direction of the crystal plane in scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the dislocation contrast in steel materials was investigated in detail via SEM/ECCI. The dislocation contrast was observed near a channeling condition, where the incident electron beam direction of the crystal plane varied, and the backscattered electron intensity reached a local minimum. Comparing the dislocation contrasts in the visualized electron channeling contrast (ECC) images and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, the positions of all dislocation lines were coincident. During the SEM/ECCI observation, the dislocation contrast varied depending on the incident electron beam direction of the crystal plane and accelerating voltages, and optimal conditions existed. When the diffraction condition g and the Burgers vector b of dislocation satisfied the condition g⸱b = 0, the screw dislocation contrast in the ECC image disappeared. An edge dislocation line was wider than a screw dislocation line. Thus, the SEM/ECCI method can be used for dislocation characterization and the strain field evaluation around dislocation, like the TEM method. The depth information of SEM/ECCI, where the channeling condition is strictly satisfied, can be obtained from dislocation contrast deeper than 5ξg, typically used for depth of SEM/ECCI.
Large language model may assist diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome by bone scintigraphy
Authors: Mori Yu , Izumiyama Takuya , Kanabuchi Ryuichi , Mori Naoko , Aizawa Toshimi
Published: December 2023

Objective

In this study, we employed a large language model to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of radiology reports of bone scintigraphy in the context of identifying SAPHO syndrome, and further examined the potential of such a model to augment the diagnostic procedure.

Methods

Imaging data and clinical information of 151 patients (105/46 women/men, mean age: 53.5 years) who underwent bone scintigraphy for suspected Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome between January 2007 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. ChatGPT-4.0 was used as the large language model. The diagnostic performance of the large language model was verified by comparing the cases judged to have SAPHO syndrome that fulfilled Kahn’s classification criteria based on a combination of concise radiology reports and skin lesions such as palmoplantar pustulosis, with cases diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome by rheumatologists based on all clinical information.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy of a large language model for analysing bone scintigraphy radiology reports in conjunction with information about skin symptoms, such as palmoplantar pustulosis, achieved a sensitivity of 83.5%, specificity of 69.4%, and an overall accuracy of 76.8%.

Conclusion

This research indicates the prospective value of extensive language models in scrutinizing radiology accounts from bone scintigraphy for the diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome.
Identification of miRNA858 long-loop precursors in seed plants
Authors: Wang Wen-qiu , Liu Xiao-fen , Zhu Yong-jing , Zhu Jia-zhen , Liu Chao , Wang Zhi-ye , Shen Xing-Xing , Allan Andrew C , Yin Xue-ren
Published: December 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of nonprotein-coding short transcripts that provide a layer of post-transcriptional regulation essential to many plant biological processes. MiR858, which targets the transcripts of MYB transcription factors, can affect a range of secondary metabolic processes. Although miR858 and its 187-nt precursor have been well studied in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a systematic investigation of miR858 precursors and their functions across plant species is lacking due to a problem in identifying the transcripts that generate this subclass. By re-evaluating the transcript of miR858 and relaxing the length cut-off for identifying hairpins, we found in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) that miR858 has long-loop hairpins (1,100 to 2,100 nt), whose intervening sequences between miRNA generating complementary sites were longer than all previously reported miRNA hairpins. Importantly, these precursors of miR858 containing long-loop hairpins (termed MIR858L) are widespread in seed plants including Arabidopsis, varying between 350 and 5,500 nt. Moreover, we showed that MIR858L has a greater impact on proanthocyanidin and flavonol levels in both Arabidopsis and kiwifruit. We suggest that an active MIR858L-MYB regulatory module appeared in the transition of early land plants to large upright flowering plants, making a key contribution to plant secondary metabolism.
Sex dimorphic cortical brain volumes associated with antisocial behavior in young adults
Authors: Ding Ke , Xu Miao , Huang Taicheng , Song Yiying , Kong Feng , Zhen Zonglei
Published: December 2023

Background

Although sex differences in antisocial behavior are well-documented, the extent to which neuroanatomical differences are related to sex differences in antisocial behavior is unclear. The inconsistent results from different clinical populations exhibiting antisocial behaviors are mainly due to the heterogeneity in etiologies, comorbidity inequality, and small sample size, especially in females.

Objective

The study aimed to find sexual dimorphic brain regions associated with individual differences in antisocial behavior while avoiding the issues of heterogeneity and sample size.

Methods

We collected structural neuroimaging data from 281 college students (131 males, 150 females) and analyzed the data using voxel-based morphometry.

Results

The gray matter volume in three brain regions correlates with self-reported antisocial behavior in males and females differently: the posterior superior temporal sulcus, middle temporal gyrus, and precuneus. The findings have controlled for the total cortical gray matter volume, age, IQ, and socioeconomic status. Additionally, we found a common neural substrate of antisocial behavior in both males and females, extending from the anterior temporal lobe to the insula.

Conclusion

This is the first neuroanatomical evidence from a large non-clinical sample of young adults. The study suggests that differences in males and females in reading social cues, understanding intentions and emotions, and responding to conflicts may contribute to the modulation of brain morphometry concerning antisocial behavior.