bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Zero Energy Evaporative Cooling Pads on the White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis L.) Fruit Quality and Storage Life
Authors: Tolera Hawi , Abera Solomon , Tolesa Getachew Neme , Belachew Tigistu
Published: August 2023

White sapote fruit is one of the underutilized crops in Ethiopia, with a high postharvest loss magnitude (30-70%). Zero energy cooling chamber (ZECC) performance was evaluated with this fruit. The chamber was constructed from locally available materials in a hot and arid area, Dire Dawa. The experiment evaluated the cooling efficiency of ZECC with different cooling pads (sawdust, charcoal, and sand) in CRD with three replications. The cooling efficiency of ZECC was evaluated before and after loading for six weeks. Seventy-five litres of water (25 L for each ZECC) was used thrice daily to keep the cooling pads wet. The environmental air condition of the storage area varied between 24.5 and 32°C, and the average relative humidity (RH) was 47.59%. ZECC storage with different porous materials reduced the temperature by 6.0-10.2°C and raised the RH to 88.2, 85.1, and 87.6% for the cooling pads of sand, sawdust, and charcoal, respectively. Cooling efficiencies of pads resulted in 91.22, 87.95, and 87.82%, respectively, for sand, sawdust, and charcoal with no significant difference. Physiological weight loss of fruit stored in ZECC was 17% on day 18, whereas a similar loss was recorded for control by the 12th day. The shelf life of the fruits was very much prolonged, as expressed in terms of various quality attributes. Hence, smallholder farmers can use ZECC to extend the storage life of fruits in arid and semiarid areas.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Agriculture and Its Role in Maintaining Ecological Balance and Biodiversity
Authors: Angon Prodipto Bishnu , Mondal Sujit , Jahan Israt , Datto Mitu , Antu Uttam Biswas , Ayshi Famin Jahan , Islam Md. Shafiul
Published: August 2023

The production of sustainable crops and environmental management in farming face several significant potential obstacles, including climate change, resource depletion and environmental degradation. Weeds and insect pests that considerably reduce yields have put crop production systems in danger. The greatest worry for farmers is the decline in productivity due to illnesses and pests. Insects, weed pests, and plant pathogens destroy more than 40% of all potential food production every year. The widespread use of integrated pest management (IPM) is a result of worries about the long-term viability of conventional agriculture. IPM ensures sufficient, secure, equitable, and steady flows of both food and ecosystem services, as well as increased agricultural profitability due to lower pest management expenditures. A number of studies conducted on IPM have been combined. Important information from all these studies was analyzed and summarized in this literature review. In this article, we investigated the following: (1) explanation of different management components; (2) development in organically integrated weed and insect pest management, with possible ramifications and scope; (3) knowledge and adaptation status of IPM in the modern world; (4) resources and tools of IPM; (5) current challenges and suggested future research priorities. Regular training related to IPM should be arranged to spread the knowledge of IPM to all farmer levels. This requires the cooperation of the government. Furthermore, IPM will reach a new milestone if Internet of Things technology is practiced along with the existing pest control method. Overall, this review addresses the possibilities for researchers and farmers to use a variety of natural control agents as a full or partial replacement for synthetic pesticides.
LOX and AAT Genes Affect the Aroma of “Xiaobai” Apricot during Postharvest Storage
Authors: Pei Longying , Xu Heng , Mi Xiaoyun , Tan Huilin , Wu Bin , Liu Wei , Li Haixia , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Meng , Wu Zhonghong
Published: August 2023

“Xiaobai” apricot is one of the most popular fruits in China. However, during postharvest storage, fruit aroma loss occurs easily. In this study, factors affecting the aroma changes in different ripening stages of “Xiaobai” apricot during postharvest storage were searched. Immature and mature “Xiaobai” apricot samples were collected and monitored for sensory changes during postharvest storage. After 25 days of storage, the aromatic ester and alcohol abundance in mature showed a decrease, related to the loss of characteristic aroma. Immature fruit still tasted sour with an indistinct characteristic aroma, as a result of decreased alcohol and increased acid abundance. The ATT, ADH, PDC, and LOX genes were identified, and their expression levels were detected at different ripening stages during storage. The correlation analysis showed that the expression of LOX and ATT was positively correlated with the variation of aromatic ester (

P
<
0.05

), a key factor affecting the apricot aroma during postharvest storage.
Analyzation of the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Atlas and Cell Communication of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Based on Single-Cell RNA-Seq
Authors: Song Xinqiang , Zhang Yu , Zhao Lijun , Fan Jinke , Peng Tao , Ma Ying , Guo Nailiang , Wang Xiaotong , Liu Xudong , Liu Zhe , Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with a multifactorial etiology. Peripheral blood is the main channel of the immune system, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are the immune cells that initiate the autoimmune inflammatory process. However, there are few reports on the mechanisms of peripheral blood immunity in RA. Methods. ScRNA-seq was performed on four RA samples and integrated with single-cell transcriptome data from four healthy control samples downloaded from publicly available databases for analysis. Results. A total of 52,073 cells were used for descending clustering analysis to map RA peripheral blood immune cells at single-cell resolution. Redimensional clustering analysis of four major immune cells (T cells, monocytes, B cells, and natural killer cells) revealed that double-negative T (DNT) cells were significantly altered in abundance and function. And a number of genes (including SOCS3, cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), B2M, MTFP1, RSRP1, and YWHAB) were specifically downregulated in DNT cells. RA T cells, especially DNT cells, exhibit significant metabolic defects and dysfunction, mainly in the form of inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, ATP synthesis, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I-mediated antigen presentation. In addition, cellular communication networks were established, and it was evident that RA is significantly attenuated in the number and intensity of cellular communication. Monocytes and T cells play key roles in the process of the immune inflammatory response through CCL and MHC-related pathways. Conclusions. This study describes the landscape of the peripheral blood immune system and cell communication in RA, characterizes the abundance of PBMCs, gene expression profiles, and changes in signaling pathways in RA patients, and identifies several key cell subpopulations (DNT and classic monocytes) and specific genes (SOCS3, CREM, B2M, MTFP1, RSRP1, and YWHAB). Meanwhile, we propose that classic monocytes in peripheral blood may migrate to sites of inflammation in synovial tissue under the chemotaxis of the chemokines CCL3 and CCL3L1, differentiate into macrophages, secrete proinflammatory cytokines, and thus participate in the inflammatory response. These findings provide new insights for the future elucidation of the peripheral blood immune mechanisms of RA and the search for new clinical therapeutic targets.
Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Sexual Dysfunction, Infertility and Improving Virility in the East African Community: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kyarimpa Christine , Nagawa Christine Betty , Omara Timothy , Odongo Silver , Ssebugere Patrick , Lugasi Solomon Omwoma , Gumula Ivan
Published: August 2023

Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), sterility, and sexual inappetence represent some of the complex reproductive challenges that require addressing the underlying causes. The aim of this paper was to systematically synthesize literature on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, bioactivities, and safety of plants used as remedies for managing sexual dysfunction and infertility, and improving fertility and virility in the EAC. Through an extensive review conducted in multidisciplinary electronic databases, 171 plant species were identified to have been reported for the management of sexual inappetence (i.e., used as aphrodisiacs, 39.4%), ED (35.9%), infertility (18.7%), and increasing fertility (6.0%). The most used plants are Mondia whitei, Acalypha villicaulis, Combretum illairii, Erythrina abyssinica, Pappea capensis, Rhus vulgaris, and Warburgia ugandensis while roots (44.9%), leaves (21.8%), stem and root barks (16.7%) of shrubs (35%), trees (31%), herbs (26%), and climbers (8%) are the preferred organs for making decoctions (69%). The research strides to date indicate that Citropsis articulata, Cola acuminata, Ekebergia capensis, Plumbago zeylanica, Tarenna graveolens, Urtica massaica, and Zingiber officinale have been assessed for their bioactivity. The majority (71.4%) of the plants either increased testosterone levels and mounting frequency or elicited prosexual stimulatory effects in male rats. More studies investigating the relevant pharmacological activities (aphrodisiac, fertility, and phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitory activities), safety aspects, responsible compounds, and clinical studies are warranted to establish the pharmacological potential of the unstudied species and elucidate the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds.
Single-cell Profiling Uncovers a Muc4-Expressing Metaplastic Gastric Cell Type Sustained by Helicobacter pylori-driven Inflammation
Authors: O'Brien Valerie P. , Kang Yuqi , Shenoy Meera K. , Finak Greg , Young William C. , Dubrulle Julien , Koch Lisa , Rodriguez Martinez Armando E. , Williams Jeffery , Donato Elizabeth , Batra Surinder K. , Yeung Cecilia C.S. , Grady William M. , Koch Meghan A. , Gottardo Raphael , Salama Nina R.
Published: August 2023

Mechanisms for Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-driven stomach cancer are not fully understood. In a transgenic mouse model of gastric preneoplasia, concomitant Hp infection and induction of constitutively active KRAS (Hp+KRAS+) alters metaplasia phenotypes and elicits greater inflammation than either perturbation alone. Gastric single-cell RNA sequencing showed that Hp+KRAS+ mice had a large population of metaplastic pit cells that expressed the intestinal mucin Muc4 and the growth factor amphiregulin. Flow cytometry and IHC-based immune profiling revealed that metaplastic pit cells were associated with macrophage and T-cell inflammation. Accordingly, expansion of metaplastic pit cells was prevented by gastric immunosuppression and reversed by antibiotic eradication of Hp. Finally, MUC4 expression was significantly associated with proliferation in human gastric cancer samples. These studies identify an Hp-associated metaplastic pit cell lineage, also found in human gastric cancer tissues, whose expansion is driven by Hp-dependent inflammation.

Significance:

Using a mouse model, we have delineated metaplastic pit cells as a precancerous cell type whose expansion requires Hp-driven inflammation. In humans, metaplastic pit cells show enhanced proliferation as well as enrichment in precancer and early cancer tissues, highlighting an early step in the gastric metaplasia to cancer cascade.
Noções de oceanografia
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto Oceanográfico, Harari Joseph
Published: August 2023

Este livro aborda praticamente todos os temas mais importantes da Oceanografia moderna, com a finalidade de possibilitar a apreciação de um grande número de áreas de atuação desta ciência. Os leitores encontrarão textos muito bem elaborados e ilustrados sobre o início e o desenvolvimento da Ciência Oceanográfica, a composição do interior da Terra, o relevo oceânico, sedimentos no assoalho marinho, Geofísica marinha, a dinâmica de fluidos e a circulação marinha, ondas e marés, características físicas do Oceano Austral, a composição da água do mar, a poluição orgânica e por metais, a bioluminescência marinha, a vida no mar, seus habitantes e ecossistemas, o perfil e a atuação do oceanógrafo, dentre outros. O livro contempla 37 capítulos, totalizando mais de 900 páginas, distribuídos em: Histórico da Oceanografia, Oceanografia Geológica, Oceanografia Física, Oceanografia Química, Oceanografia Biológica, Oceanografia na Prática e o Profissional Oceanógrafo. Esta obra também representa os 75 anos – "Jubileu de Brilhante" do IOUSP comemorado neste ano de 2017. Outro marco importante é a "Década das Nações Unidas de Ciência Oceânica para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável", também conhecida como Década do Oceano, declarada pelas Nações Unidas em 2017, que está em curso entre 2021 e 2030.
As origens autoritárias do Direito Administrativo e a necessária revisão conceitual de “interesse público”
Authors: Rodrigues João Gaspar
Published: August 2023

Este artigo reúne, em breve medida, algumas reflexões sobre o alcance, a abrangência e a operacionalidade prática do conceito administrativista de interesse público. A metodologia aplicada consistiu em revisão bibliográfica, investigação histórica e formulação de hipóteses de trabalho. O objetivo traçado é tentar encontrar bases mais sólidas e funcionais para tornar o conceito de interesse público, verdadeiramente, a viga mestre de todo o edifício administrativista. O grande desafio, neste sentido, é encontrar, dentro do contexto jurídico-político, um padrão razoável para a concretização dos interesses adequados numa síntese transcendental.
Description of Devibursaphelencus lordeganensis sp. n. (Ektaphelenchinae) from Iran
Authors: Aliramaji Farzad , Taheri Abdolhossein , Shokoohi Ebrahim
Published: August 2023

A population of the genus Devibursaphelenchus was collected from the inner part of the decaying Persian oak tree (Quercus brantii) from Lordegan city of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The morphological and molecular characters confirmed the new species, namely D. lordeganensis sp. n. The new species is characterised by female body length (768-1026 μm), lip region separated from the rest of the body by a slight constriction, obscure lines on lateral fields, stylet length long, slender, wide-lumened, tripartite, composed of a conus with an aperture about half its length, a conophore about equal with the conus, and a shaft, taller than (conus + conophore) length, lacking basal knobs or swelling, excretory pore ca three metacorpal lengths posterior to the base of the metacorpus, post-uterine sac (PUS) (36-67 μm long; 1.3-3.7 times longer than vulval body diam.), absence or vestigial of rectum and anus, posterior end of the body conical with a rounded tip (in some specimens with a spherical protruded projection at tail tip), males 668 to 815 μm long, presence of two pairs of caudal papillae (P2 and P3), spicule length (15-17 μm) with long and wide bladed condylus, triangular rostrum with a blunt tip and small bursa flap ending at the tail tip. The molecular phylogeny based on 28S rDNA revealed that the new species stands close to D. alienae (LC629160) and D. lini (FJ768944, AM396570). The measurements, line illustrations, light microscopy photographs and phylogenetic analysis are given for the new species. In addition, a key to the species of Devibursaphelenchus is given.
A phylogenetic reappraisal of Excipulariopsis narsapurensis in Wiesneriomycetaceae, Tubeufiales
Authors: PARAPARATH SRUTHI O. , RAJKUMAR SAKSHI , RAJESHKUMAR KUNHIRAMAN C. , VERMA RAJNISH K. , GAUTAM AJAY KUMAR , NARULA BHAVNA , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N. , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C.
Published: August 2023

The monotypic genus Excipulariopsis, with type species E. narsapurensis, was established based on the emended generic characteristics of Excipularia narsapurensis. Excipulariopsis has non-cupulated superficial conidiomata arising directly from stroma surrounded by thick walled dark brown subulate setae. The conidia are dark brown, broadly fusoid, having thick septa and truncate base. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU, TEF1α and RPB2 sequences positioned Excipulariopsis allied to Speiropsis in the family Wiesneriomycetaceae, as a sister family to Tubeufiaceae within Tubeufiales. This study resolved a long-standing ambiguity about the phylogenetic status of this unique sporodochial setose hyphomycetes from India.
Taxonomic reassessment and nomenclatural status of Niceforonia dolops and Hylodes philippi (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae)
Authors: SÁNCHEZ-VIALAS ALBERTO , MIÑARRO MARTA , PADIAL JOSÉ M. , RIVA IGNACIO DE LA
Published: August 2023

The taxonomic and nomenclatural status of Hylodes philippi and H. verrucosus have been in state of flux. Some problems regarding their identity were noticed in 1971, which were partly solved with the finding of the purportedly lost type of H. verrucosus in 2006 and the morphological revisions of both H. philippi and H. verrucous in 2008 and 2012, upon which they were considered conspecific and closely related to the Eleutherodactylus dolops group; H. verrucosus became a junior synonym of H. philippi, and the latter, a nomen dubium within Hypodactylus (later, Niceforonia). The reexamination of the type series of Eleutherodactylus dolops Lynch & Duellman, 1980 and the types of Hylodes verrucosus Jiménez de la Espada, 1875 and H. philippi Jiménez de la Espada, 1875, suggests that they are conspecific. Accordingly, Eleutherodactylus dolops is herein regarded as junior synonym of H. philippi and a new combination, Niceforonia philippi (Jiménez de la Espada, 1875), and a new diagnosis are granted. This species is known from a few scattered localities along the montane forest of the Amazonian versant of the Andes from Orellana and Napo provinces in northern Ecuador to Sibundoy in southwestern Colombia, and little to nothing is known about its natural history and population trends.
When the digits don’t add up: Research strategies for post-digital peacebuilding
Authors: Hirblinger Andreas T
Published: August 2023

This article develops a post-digital perspective for the study of international peacebuilding and elaborates its merits. Contrary to narratives in policy and practice that tend to fetishize the digital, digital peacebuilding cannot be meaningfully separated from peacebuilding before digitalization. Resisting the call for a “digital turn,” a post-digital lens helps to research, rewrite, and rework the digital while simultaneously staying with and moving beyond digitalization. It aims to demystify the role of digital technologies while enabling critical scrutiny of their impact on contemporary and future peacebuilding. More specifically, the post-digital helps us to (1) establish a critical distance to narratives of fast-paced innovation and progress that fetishize the digital, (2) scrutinize how digitalization compounds contemporary approaches and constellations of peacebuilding, (3) engage with the uneven temporalities of digital peacebuilding and its diverse global manifestations, (4) shed light on its real, embodied, and tangible effects on conflict-affected populations, (5) hold digitalization accountable by unearthing disillusionments and failures, (6) re-adjust our focus on human agency in the development and use of the socio-technical systems that constitute digital peacebuilding, (7) and finally, take a rhizomatic view that is concerned with how power relations make and break digitalized peacebuilding networks.
Research with cancer patients and their caregivers: A dyadic reflection by social work researchers
Authors: Rajaratnam Surendran , Nordin Ashiqin
Published: August 2023

In this article, two social work academics reflect on their experiences conducting qualitative research with cancer patients and their caregivers. Reflections and insights from their experiences are provided for social work students, researchers, and social workers who want to conduct their research and/or practice in oncology.
The Role of Civil Society in India and Afghanistan: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Hakeem M. J. , Sulphey M. M.
Published: August 2023

This paper compares civil society’s role in the past two decades in India and Afghanistan. To give a more detailed examination of civil society organisations’ (CSOs) role, the authors examine and contrast civil society’s composition, interaction with the government, civic challenges and the latest changes. In addition to conceptual clarity, they use Michael Edwards’ work as a theoretical foundation, which is ideal because it pertains to both countries. Despite the similarities in their approaches, there are important differences in how both states frame the need for greater involvement of civil society actors. The authors also find significant differences in the following: (1) the treatment of civil society by state actors, (2) the composition of CSOs varies significantly between the two countries due to different national traditions and institutional relationships and (3) the status of CSOs/non-governmental organisations has also changed significantly in recent years in both settings. They use these and other findings to assess civil society’s ability to play economic, political and social roles, as proposed by Edwards in civil society. They discover significant differences in the political and social functions emerging. This comparison should help researchers structure subsequent scholarly studies of the role of CSO and guide practitioners working in the sector.
Domestic Political Unrest and Sovereign Bond Ratings in the Developing World
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , Lee Hoon , McGauvran Ronald J.
Published: August 2023

This paper integrates the credit rating agency and domestic conflict literatures, investigating the effects of non-violent and violent domestic political unrest on sovereign bond ratings. Using up to 60 developing countries and 94 unrest cases from 1996-2018, we find that while countries under domestic unrest often receive bond downgrades, non-violent unrest appears not to be responsible. Further, we use mediation analysis and show that respect for the rule of law and economic stability seem to mediate the relationship between violent and non-violent unrest and bond ratings. Given developing countries' need to issue debt, and the critical role credit rating agencies play in rating sovereign bonds, our work suggests that countries should seek to avoid violent domestic political unrest if for no other reason than to acquire lower-cost capital.
Analysis of Sex-Specific Gene-by-Cohort and Genetic Correlation-by-Cohort Interaction in Educational and Reproductive Outcomes Using the UK Biobank Data
Authors: Zheng Boyan , Fletcher Jason M. , Song Jie , Lu Qiongshi
Published: August 2023

Synthesizing prior gene-by-cohort (G×C) interaction studies, we theorize that changes in genetic effects by social conditions depend on the level of resource constraints, the distribution and use of resources, structural constraints, and constraints on individual choice. Motivated by the theory, we explored several sex-specific G×C trends across a set of outcomes using 30 birth cohorts of UK Biobank data (N = 400,000). We find that genetic coefficients on years of schooling and secondary educational attainment substantially decrease, but genetic coefficients on college attainments only moderately increase. On the other hand, genetic coefficients for education ranks are stable. Genetic coefficients on reproductive behavior increase for younger cohorts. Additional genetic-correlation-by-cohort analysis shows shifting genetic correlations between education and reproductive behavior. Our results suggest that the G×C patterns are highly heterogenous and that social and genetic factors jointly shape the diversity of human phenotypes.
Teaching Mathematics Word Problem Solving to Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Xin Yan Ping
Published: August 2023

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) emphasizes the teaching of “Big Ideas” in mathematics. This study focuses on the part–part–whole (PPW) relationship as a crucial aspect of word problem solving involving addition and subtraction. This study, conducted in the United States, evaluated the effects of conceptual model-based problem-solving (COMPS) with the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) sequence on teaching addition and subtraction word problem solving to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a multiple-probe design across the participants, the researchers examined the impact of the intervention on students’ performance across three types of word problems: join-in, take-away, and combine. Results demonstrated significant improvements in students’ problem-solving abilities on criterion tests. In addition, students successfully generalized their skills to solve problems with new contexts. The findings of this study provide implications for future research and educational practice.
Commissioning Economic Equality? Lessons from Scotland
Authors: Dixon Rosalind , Lavery Joseph
Published: August 2023

The Scottish Poverty and Inequality Commission (hereafter ‘the Commission’) is a relatively new fourth branch institution with responsibility for addressing both poverty and inequality in Scotland. Nonetheless, it has made important, if modest and incremental, inroads in achieving these objectives, by encouraging the collection and use by government of relevant data in policy-formation; and the expansion and acceleration in the roll-out of important substantive policies focused on alleviating child poverty. The question this raises is what underpins this institutional success. The article draws attention to three key factors: the Commission’s distinctive combination of independence and a collaborative approach to policymaking, supported by a ‘triangular’ relationship between the government, Commission and civil society; its expertise and perceived legitimacy; and the unique policy context presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors, it suggests, also offer useful lessons for constitutional and institutional designers elsewhere — about both the promise and contingency and four branch solutions to problems of economic exclusion and disadvantage.
Postpartum Women’s Perceptions of Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Canadian Armed Forces: A Qualitative Research Study
Authors: Darroch Francine , Roberts Candace , Jean-Pierre Lilly , Montaner Gabriela Gonzalez , Adamo Kristi B.
Published: August 2023

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) are a major concern within military forces, significantly reducing productivity and military readiness. Within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), MSKi are the most common cause of delayed deployment of members. There is a lack of research specifically focused on the experiences of postpartum CAF members and their perceived risk of MSKi. Drawing on Giles et al.’s equity-centered 4 E’s injury prevention framework (education, engineering, enforcement, and equity), we highlight that individuals who experience pregnancy may perceive themselves to be at heightened risk of injury due to sex and gender-based inequities in their workplace. This qualitative research draws on data from focus groups with 32 individuals who experienced pregnancy while serving in the CAF. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified the following findings related to perceived increased risk of MSKi: (a) nature of relevant physiological and anatomical changes in pregnancy, (b) unreasonable pressures to return to work at peak physical readiness, and (c) perceived challenges associated with accessing resources and services to support physical recovery. There are opportunities to improve access to injury prevention resources and support for pregnant and postpartum CAF members to reduce rates of MSKi. Findings from this study may be additionally relevant to armed forces more broadly or other professions that require return to physical readiness.
Gender and Sexual Minorities in the Armed and Police Forces: Perceptions and Mental Health Implications of Portuguese Militaries—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Azevedo Joana , Pereira Henrique
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions toward gender and sexual identities in the Portuguese armed and police forces, emphasizing on mental health implications. A qualitative research methodology was followed, using an electronic inquiry answered by 64 participants who are members of the Portuguese armed or police forces. Data were examined using thematic analysis, and the recurrent themes identified were the following: general characteristics of the military/police environment and culture, sexist attitudes and behaviors, positive attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality, homophobic/heterosexist attitudes and behaviors, influence of military and police culture on the expression of sexuality and coping of sexual minorities, negative impact of military and police culture on the mental health of gender and sexual minorities, and personal opinion regarding how sexual and gender diversity should be addressed in the armed and police forces. Analysis of these themes provides insight into the perceptions and experiences of our participants and suggests that the impact of stigma and discrimination toward gender and sexual minorities in this context was relevant for the individuals within this sample.
Event-triggered trajectory tracking control of underactuated surface vessels with performance-improving mechanisms under input saturation and actuator faults
Authors: Meng Xiangfei , Zhang Guichen , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with the improvement for the tracking performance of underactuated surface vessels (USVs) under input saturation and actuator faults. The neural networks (NNs) are used to reconstruct the dynamic uncertainty of the ship, and an adaptive law is designed to compensate the adverse effects of external unknown disturbances and bias faults on the system. To improve the tracking performance of the system, a nonlinear link is added in the design process of the control scheme to adjust the system error feedback, and the finite-time control (FTC) technology is used to further improve the steady-state performance and transient performance of the system. In addition, to solve the problem of communication resource limitation, an event-triggered mechanism for switching thresholds is introduced, which reduces the update frequency of controller signals. Based on the above techniques, a trajectory tracking control scheme with a performance improvement mechanism is designed. A rigorous stability analysis is provided for the control scheme using Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the control scheme is verified by two sets of simulations.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Petroclival Region Presenting as Posterior Cranial Neuropathies
Authors: Tu Yanyi , Yu Peng , Yu Liang , Ji Hongzhi , Wan Yuzhu , Shi Li , Chen Aiping , Zhong Feng
Published: August 2023

We present a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the petroclival region with clinical symptoms manifested as posterior cranial neuropathies. A 65-year-old male presented with headache symptom for over 1 year, during which time he was diagnosed with RCC and underwent right nephrectomy. However, the headache symptom and cranial neuropathies had been attributed to cranial neuritis all the time until the surgical removal of metastatic tumor in the petroclival region led to the diagnosis of metastatic RCC. RCC has a tendency for metastasis early. The incidence of spread of RCC to brain is a rarity in clinical practice. When a patient presents with cranial nerve neuropathies, the possibility of metastatic RCC should be sought. Brain metastases display nonspecific presentations, and it is useful to examine with magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans radiologically.
The Way They See Us: Examining the Content, Accuracy, and Bias of Metaperceptions Held by Syrian Refugees About the Communities That Host Them
Authors: Webber David , Molinario Erica , Jasko Katarzyna , Gelfand Michele J. , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: August 2023

Discourse about people seeking refuge from conflict varies considerably. To understand what components of this discourse reach refugees the most, we examined refugees’ perceptions of how their host communities perceive them (i.e., intergroup metaperceptions). We sampled refugees who fled Syria to Jordan, Lebanon, Germany, and the Netherlands. Focus groups with 102 Syrian refugees revealed that the most prevalent metaperception discussed by refugees was that they thought their host communities saw them as threatening (Study 1). Surveys with 1,360 Syrian refugees and 1,441 members of the host communities (Study 2) found that refugees’ metaperceptions tracked the perceptions held by their host communities (i.e., they were accurate), but there was also a significant mean difference, indicating that they were positively biased. Analyses further tested the roles of evaluative concern and group salience on metaperception accuracy, as well as differences in accuracy and bias across country and perception domain.
The risk of chronic psychedelic and MDMA microdosing for valvular heart disease
Authors: Tagen Michael , Mantuani Daniel , van Heerden Liron , Holstein Alex , Klumpers Linda E. , Knowles Richard
Published: August 2023

Psychedelic microdosing is the practice of taking very low doses of psychedelic substances, typically over a longer period of time. The long-term safety of chronic microdosing is relatively uncharacterized, but valvular heart disease (VHD) has been proposed as a potential risk due to activation of the serotonin 5-HT2B receptor. However, this risk has not yet been comprehensively assessed. This analysis searched for all relevant in vitro, animal, and clinical studies related to the VHD risk of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and the non-psychedelic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). All five compounds and some metabolites could bind to the 5-HT2B receptor with potency equal to or greater than that of the 5-HT2A receptor, the primary target of psychedelics. All compounds were partial agonists at the 5-HT2B receptor with the exception of mescaline, which could not be adequately assessed due to low potency. Safety margins relative to the maximum plasma concentrations from typical microdoses were greater than known valvulopathogens, but not without potential risk. No animal or clinical studies appropriately designed to evaluate VHD risk were found for the four psychedelics. However, there is some clinical evidence that chronic ingestion of full doses of MDMA is associated with VHD. We conclude that VHD is a potential risk with chronic psychedelic microdosing, but further studies are necessary to better define this risk.
Large differences in collateral blood vessel abundance among individuals arise from multiple genetic variants
Authors: Faber James E , Zhang Hua , Xenakis James G , Bell Timothy A , Hock Pablo , Pardo-Manuel de Villena Fernando , Ferris Martin T , Rzechorzek Wojciech
Published: August 2023

Collateral blood flow varies greatly among humans for reasons that remain unclear, resulting in significant differences in ischemic tissue damage. A similarly large variation has also been found in mice that is caused by genetic background-dependent differences in the extent of collateral formation, termed collaterogenesis—a unique angiogenic process that occurs during development and determines collateral number and diameter in the adult. Previous studies have identified several quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to this variation. However, understanding has been hampered by the use of closely related inbred strains that do not model the wide genetic variation present in the “outbred” human population. The Collaborative Cross (CC) multiparent mouse genetic reference panel was developed to address this limitation. Herein we measured the number and average diameter of cerebral collaterals in 60 CC strains, their 8 founder strains, 8 F1 crosses of CC strains selected for abundant versus sparse collaterals, and 2 intercross populations created from the latter. Collateral number evidenced 47-fold variation among the 60 CC strains, with 14% having poor, 25% poor-to-intermediate, 47% intermediate-to-good, and 13% good collateral abundance, that was associated with large differences in post-stroke infarct volume. Collateral number in skeletal muscle and intestine of selected high- and low-collateral strains evidenced the same relative abundance as in brain. Genome-wide mapping demonstrated that collateral abundance is a highly polymorphic trait. Subsequent analysis identified: 6 novel QTL circumscribing 28 high-priority candidate genes harboring putative loss-of-function polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with low collateral number; 335 predicted-deleterious SNPs present in their human orthologs; and 32 genes associated with vascular development but lacking protein coding variants. Six additional suggestive QTL (LOD > 4.5) were also identified in CC-wide QTL mapping. This study provides a comprehensive set of candidate genes for future investigations aimed at identifying signaling proteins within the collaterogenesis pathway whose variants potentially underlie genetic-dependent collateral insufficiency in brain and other tissues.
A cluster of blood-based protein biomarkers associated with decreased cerebral blood flow relates to future cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Overmars L Malin , Kuipers Sanne , van Es Bram , Bresser Jeroen de , Bron Esther E , Hoefer Imo E , Van Solinge Wouter W , Kappelle L Jaap , van Osch Matthias JP , Teunissen Charlotte E , Biessels Geert Jan , Haitjema Saskia ,   Heart-Brain Connection Consortium
Published: August 2023

Biological processes underlying decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are largely unknown. We hypothesized that identification of protein clusters associated with lower CBF in patients with CVD may explain underlying processes. In 428 participants (74% cardiovascular diseases; 26% reference participants) from the Heart-Brain Connection Study, we assessed the relationship between 92 plasma proteins from the Olink® cardiovascular III panel and normal-appearing grey matter CBF, using affinity propagation and hierarchical clustering algorithms, and generated a Biomarker Compound Score (BCS). The BCS was related to cardiovascular risk and observed cardiovascular events within 2-year follow-up using Spearman correlation and logistic regression. Thirteen proteins were associated with CBF (ρSpearman range: −0.10 to −0.19, pFDR-corrected <0.05), and formed one cluster. The cluster primarily reflected extracellular matrix organization processes. The BCS was higher in patients with CVD compared to reference participants (pFDR-corrected <0.05) and was associated with cardiovascular risk (ρSpearman 0.42, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular events (OR 2.05, p < 0.01). In conclusion, we identified a cluster of plasma proteins related to CBF, reflecting extracellular matrix organization processes, that is also related to future cardiovascular events in patients with CVD, representing potential targets to preserve CBF and mitigate cardiovascular risk in patients with CVD.
CCL20 is a potential therapeutic target associated with immune infiltration in breast cancer
Authors: Zhai Hongyan , Zhang Na , Mo Dan , Qin Tingting
Published: August 2023

Objectives

CCL20 is a chemotactic factor that is involved in immune cell recruitment and cancer progression. However, the role of CCL20 in the prognosis of breast cancer remains unclear. This study analyzed correlations between CCL20 expression and immune infiltration, clinicopathological parameters, and prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Methods

Correlations between CCL20 expression and clinicopathological parameters, prognosis, and immune infiltration in breast cancer were determined using the TIMER, UALCAN, and PrognoScan databases. Furthermore, gene–gene and protein–protein interactions were determined using GeneMANIA and STING network construction, respectively.

Results

CCL20 expression was significantly upregulated in breast cancer and had significant associations with clinicopathological features, including race, sex, age, menopause status, cancer stage, cancer subclass, and nodal metastasis; moreover, patients with higher CCL20 expression exhibited poor prognosis. Meanwhile, CCL20 expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration of immune cells in breast cancer, including monocytes, neutrophils, tumor-associated macrophages, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and exhausted T cells. Moreover, the network of CCL20 expression showed the majority genes and proteins were associated with immune reactions.

Conclusions

CCL20 is a prognosis-related biomarker in breast cancer on the basis of its correlation with immune infiltration levels and has potential to also be a therapeutic target.
Impacts of Ignition Furnace Correction Factor Errors on Quality Assurance of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Nener-Plante Derek , Nash Casey , Robinson James Ryan
Published: August 2023

The accurate determination of asphalt content has long been a key component of assessing the quality and characteristics of an asphalt mixture, with the ignition method (AASHTO T 308) being the most common. Despite previous research work recommending the use of unique correction factors for each mixture and oven, the practice of sharing correction factors is very prevalent. A unique dataset of correction factors and ignition furnace results generated by Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is analyzed to quantify the potential errors in a production environment induced by the practice of sharing correction factors and apply those errors to different quality assurance systems. The work is based largely on correction factors generated by MaineDOT for the same design in multiple ovens across two laboratories. The difference in mixture type was evident in the correction factor data and the difference in correction factors in the same design ranged from 0.0% to 0.43%, with most differences between 0.07% and 0.15%. Larger differences in correction factors were observed between different laboratories then when they were generated for different furnaces in the same laboratory. Analysis of acceptance data and percent-within-limits simulations showed that sharing of correction factors, even in cases when the differences are small, resulted in significant impacts on quality acceptance and payment. The added variability can result in errors in assessment of quality, errors in payment to the producer, unnecessary corrective action by the producer, and a more variable finished product. Agencies and producers using AASHTO T 308 are encouraged to evaluate the differences in correction factors between their furnaces and laboratories to quantify the impact of errors on their quality assurance programs for asphalt mixtures.
Effects of Connectivity and Automation on Saturation Headway and Capacity at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Hajbabaie Ali , Tajalli Mehrdad , Bardaka Eleni
Published: August 2023

This paper analyzes the potential effects of connected and automated vehicles on saturation headway and capacity at signalized intersections. A signalized intersection is created in Vissim as a testbed, where four vehicle types are modeled and tested: (I) human-driven vehicles (HVs), (II) connected vehicles (CVs), (III) automated vehicles (AVs), and (IV) connected automated vehicles (CAVs). Various scenarios are defined based on different market-penetration rates of these four vehicle types. AVs are assumed to move more cautiously than HVs. CVs and CAVs are supposed to receive information about the future state of traffic lights and adjust their speeds to avoid stopping at the intersection. As a result, their movements are expected to be smoother with a lower number of stops. The effects of these vehicle types in mixed traffic are investigated in relation to saturation headway, capacity, travel time, delay, and queue length in different lane groups of an intersection. A Python script code developed by Vissim is used to provide the communication between the signal controller and CVs and CAVs to adjust their speeds accordingly. The results show that increasing CV and CAV market-penetration rate reduces saturation headway and consequently increases capacity at signalized intersections. On the other hand, increasing the AV market-penetration rate deteriorates traffic operations. Results also indicate that the highest increase (80%) and decrease (20%) in lane-group capacity are observed respectively in a traffic stream of 100% CAVs and 100% AVs.
Impact of Modified Post-Consumer Plastic (MPCP) Toner on Asphalt Binder Properties
Authors: Larios Rodriguez Julissa , Sebaaly Peter , Hitti Edgard , Hajj Elie , Hand Adam
Published: August 2023

The utilization of recycled plastics in asphalt pavements has become increasingly popular because of its potential benefits for the environment and economy. Prior studies have concentrated on incorporating high- and low-density polyethylene into asphalt mixtures as an additive to enhance their rheological and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, new techniques have surfaced for utilizing post-consumer plastics (PCP) that cannot otherwise be recycled. One example of PCP is toner, an electronic waste that is challenging to recycle but contains polymeric components such as styrene-acrylate, styrene-butadiene, and polyester, making it a promising candidate for modifying asphalt binders. This research explores the feasibility and potential of modified post-consumer plastic (MPCP), predominately composed of toner, as an additive to improve asphalt binder performance and address issues such as rutting and low-temperature cracking. The research employs Superpave performance grading, phase separation, frequency sweep, and multiple stress creep and recovery testing to assess the effectiveness of different MPCP dosages. The results indicate that MPCP-modified asphalt binders exhibit increased stiffness and viscosity proportional to the MPCP content, resulting in improved resistance to permanent deformation. However, a 20% MPCP dosage level significantly increases phase separation and adversely affects the low-temperature performance grade (PG), while a 10% MPCP dosage does not affect PG. The research recommends limiting MPCP dosage to 10% for optimal storage stability, increased stiffness, improved rutting resistance, and minimal changes in cracking resistance. Overall, this study provides insights on the effective use of MPCP in asphalt binders and the potential influence on the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures.