bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is Social Appropriateness? Voices from 90 Years of Research
Authors: Bellon Jacqueline , Eyssel Friederike , Gransche Bruno , Nähr-Wagener Sebastian , Wullenkord Ricarda
Published: September 2022

Social appropriateness is not easy to define and can be described and analysed from a manifold of scientific perspectives. Here we give a quick kaleidocopic view of aspects of socially appropriate behaviour and about aspects of what might influence judgement thereof.
Social Appropriateness Tree Structures
Authors: Bellon Jacqueline , Eyssel Friederike , Gransche Bruno , Nähr-Wagener Sebastian , Wullenkord Ricarda
Published: September 2022

As another way of approaching the phenomenon of social appropriateness, the factors discussed in the explanations of the FASA model, their criteria, and the observables/indicators of social appropriateness prominently associated with them can be graphically arranged into tree graphs to illustrate their relations among themselves.
Application of the FASA Model to Technical Systems
Authors: Bellon Jacqueline , Eyssel Friederike , Gransche Bruno , Nähr-Wagener Sebastian , Wullenkord Ricarda
Published: September 2022

To decide which social abilities are required for a robot and which aspects do not require so much weight, the fields of application and the type and frequency of human contact should be analysed in depth (see also the explanations for the «Relations between Interacting Agents» factor). The evaluation criteria proposed by Dautenhahn (2007), each defined on a spectrum, can be used as a basis to analyse contact within a specific field of application (Dautenhahn 2007, p. 683).
UHPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines NNN and NNK for use in preclinical studies
Authors: Meikopoulos Thomas , Begou Olga , Panagoulis Theodoros , Kontogiannidou Eleni , Fatouros Dimitrios G. , Miller John H. , Theodoridis Georgios , Gika Helen
Published: September 2022

A new method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in two different tests matrices: porcine buccal epithelium tissue and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) extracts of smokeless tobacco products. The novelty of this work is in the development of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method that can provide simultaneous quantification of trace levels of TSNAs and high concentrations of nicotine in biological media. Precision, accuracy, and stability were evaluated during method validation to ensure the method was fit for purpose. Several sample preparation and extraction methods were evaluated to minimize matrix effects and maximize analyte recoveries. The method was accurate in the range of 81.1% – 117%; repeatability was estimated in the range of 1.5% – 13.6% across multiple concentrations. The linear regression correlation coefficient (R2) was greater than 0.9959 for all analytes, and the limit of detection (LOD) was determined for nicotine, NNK, and NNN at 1 ng/mL 0.005 ng/mL, and 0.006 ng/ mL, respectively. Our method was found to be appropriate for the analysis of nicotine, NNN, and NNK in the porcine buccal epithelium and PBS extracts of smokeless tobacco products.

Graphical abstract
Structural phenotypes of knee osteoarthritis: potential clinical and research relevance
Authors: Roemer Frank W. , Jarraya Mohamed , Collins Jamie E. , Kwoh C. Kent , Hayashi Daichi , Hunter David J. , Guermazi Ali
Published: September 2022

A joint contains many different tissues that can exhibit pathological changes, providing many potential targets for treatment. Researchers are increasingly suggesting that osteoarthritis (OA) comprises several phenotypes or subpopulations. Consequently, a treatment for OA that targets only one pathophysiologic abnormality is unlikely to be similarly efficacious in preventing or delaying the progression of all the different phenotypes of structural OA. Five structural phenotypes have been proposed, namely the inflammatory, meniscus-cartilage, subchondral bone, and atrophic and hypertrophic phenotypes. The inflammatory phenotype is characterized by marked synovitis and/or joint effusion, while the meniscus-cartilage phenotype exhibits severe meniscal and cartilage damage. Large bone marrow lesions characterize the subchondral bone phenotype. The hypertrophic and atrophic OA phenotype are defined based on the presence large osteophytes or absence of any osteophytes, respectively, in the presence of concomitant cartilage damage. Limitations of the concept of structural phenotyping are that they are not mutually exclusive and that more than one phenotype may be present. It must be acknowledged that a wide range of views exist on how best to operationalize the concept of structural OA phenotypes and that the concept of structural phenotypic characterization is still in its infancy. Structural phenotypic stratification, however, may result in more targeted trial populations with successful outcomes and practitioners need to be aware of the heterogeneity of the disease to personalize their treatment recommendations for an individual patient. Radiologists should be able to define a joint at risk for progression based on the predominant phenotype present at different disease stages.
Flare on [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT after short-term androgen deprivation therapy and its correlation to FDG uptake: possible marker of tumor aggressiveness in treatment-naïve metastatic prostate cancer patients
Authors: Malaspina Simona , Ettala Otto , Tolvanen Tuula , Rajander Johan , Eskola Olli , Boström Peter. J. , Kemppainen Jukka
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Short-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is known to increase heterogeneously prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression. This phenomenon might indicate the potential of cancer lesions to respond to ADT. In this prospective study, we evaluated the flare on [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT after ADT in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Given that aggressive PCa tends to display FDG uptake, we particularly investigated whether the changes in PSMA uptake might correlate with glucose metabolism.

Methods

Twenty-five men with newly diagnosed treatment-naïve metastatic PCa were enrolled in this prospective registered clinical trial. All the patients underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT immediately before and 3–4 weeks after ADT initiation (degarelix). Before ADT, [18F]FDG PET/CT was also performed. Standardized uptake values (SUV)max of primary and metastatic lesions were calculated in all PET scans. Serum PSA and testosterone blood samples were collected before the two PSMA PET scans. The changes in PSMA uptake after ADT were represented as ΔSUVmax.

Results

All the patients reached castration levels of testosterone at the time of the second [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT. Overall, 57 prostate, 314 lymph nodes (LN), and 406 bone lesions were analyzed. After ADT, 104 (26%) bone, 33 (11%) LN, and 6 (11%) prostate lesions showed an increase (≥ 20%) in PSMA uptake, with a median ΔSUVmax of + 50%, + 60%, and + 45%, respectively. Among the lesions detected at the baseline [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 63% bone and 46% LN were FDG-positive. In these metastases, a negative correlation was observed between the PSMA ΔSUVmax and FDG SUVmax (p < 0.0001). Moreover, a negative correlation between the ΔSUVmax and the decrease in serum PSA after ADT was noted (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A heterogeneous increase in PSMA uptake after ADT was detected, most evidently in bone metastases. We observed a negative correlation between the PSMA flare and the intensity of glucose uptake as well as the decrease of serum PSA, suggesting that lesions presenting with such flare might potentially be less aggressive.

Trial registration

NCT03876912, registered 15 March 2019.
Robotic versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approaches to bilateral hernia repair: a multicenter retrospective study using propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Peltrini Roberto , Corcione Francesco , Pacella Daniela , Castiglioni Simone , Lionetti Ruggero , Andreuccetti Jacopo , Pignata Giusto , De Nisco Carlo , Ferraro Luca , Salaj Adelona , Formisano Giampaolo , Bianchi Paolo Pietro , Bracale Umberto
Published: September 2022

Background

Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, new techniques like transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair have progressively gained acceptance for the treatment of groin hernia. Laparoscopic TAPP (LTAPP) is recommended for bilateral repairs. Likewise, the introduction of robotic platforms has promised additional surgical benefits for robotic TAPP (RTAPP), which are yet to be confirmed. This study compared multicenter data obtained from patients undergoing bilateral inguinal hernia repair with RTAPP, performed during the preliminary learning curve period, versus conventional LTAPP.

Materials and methods

All consecutive bilateral inguinal hernia patients from four Italian centers between June 2015 and July 2020 were selected. A propensity score model was used to compare patients treated with LTAPP versus RTAPP, considering sex, age, body mass index, current smoking status, overall comorbidity, hernia classification (primary or recurrent), and associated procedures as covariates. After matching, intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

In total, 275 LTAPP and 40 RTAPP were performed. After matching, 80 and 40 patients were allocated to the LTAPP and RTAPP cohorts, respectively. No intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery occurred. However, a longer operative time was recorded in the RTAPP group (79 ± 21 versus 98 ± 29 min; p < 0.001). Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (p = 0.13) did not differ and complication rates were similar. There were no clinical recurrences in either group, with mean follow-up periods of 52 ± 14 (LTAPP) and 35 ± 8 (RTAPP) months. A statistical difference in length of hospital stay was found between the groups (1.05 ± 0.22 vs 1.50 ± 0.74 days; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this patient population, outcomes for bilateral inguinal hernia repair appear comparable for RTAPP and LTAPP, except for a shorter recovery after laparoscopic surgery. A longer operative time for robotic surgery could be attributable to the learning curve period of each center.
Suspected common bile duct stones: reduction of unnecessary ERCP by pre-procedural imaging and timing of ERCP
Authors: Sperna Weiland Christina J. , Verschoor Evelien C. , Poen Alexander C. , Smeets Xavier J. M. N. , Venneman Niels G. , Bhalla Abha , Witteman Ben J. M. , Timmerhuis Hester C. , Umans Devica S. , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Bruno Marco J. , Fockens P. , Verdonk Robert C. , Drenth Joost P. H. , van Geenen Erwin J. M. ,   for the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group
Published: September 2022

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the procedure of choice to remove sludge/stones from the common bile duct (CBD). In a small but clinically important proportion of patients with suspected choledocholithiasis ERCP is negative. This is undesirable because of ERCP associated morbidity. We aimed to map the diagnostic pathway leading up to ERCP and evaluate ERCP outcome.

Methods

We established a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with suspected CBD stones. We assessed the determinants that were associated with CBD sludge or stone detection upon ERCP.

Results

We established a cohort of 707 patients with suspected CBD sludge or stones (62% female, median age 59 years). ERCP was negative for CBD sludge or stones in 155 patients (22%). Patients with positive ERCPs frequently had pre-procedural endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging (44% vs. 35%; P = 0.045). The likelihood of ERCP sludge and stones detection was higher when the time interval between EUS or MRCP and ERCP was less than 2 days (odds ratio 2.35; 95% CI 1.25–4.44; P = 0.008; number needed to harm 7.7).

Conclusions

Even in the current era of society guidelines and use of advanced imaging CBD sludge or stones are absent in one out of five ERCPs performed for suspected CBD stones. The proportion of unnecessary ERCPs is lower in case of pre-procedural EUS or MRCP. A shorter time interval between EUS or MRCP increases the yield of ERCP for suspected CBD stones and should, therefore, preferably be performed within 2 days before ERCP.

Graphical abstract
Alcohol consumption habits and associations with anxiety or depressive symptoms postpartum in women with high socioeconomic status in Sweden
Authors: Lager Susanne , Gidén Karin , Axfors Cathrine , Sigvardsson Frida , Kollia Natasa , Nylander Ingrid , Fransson Emma , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: September 2022

Postpar
tum depression and anxiety are common among new mothers. It is well-established that in the general population alcohol use is associated with depression and anxiety. Linking alcohol consumption to symptoms of postpartum depression (PPDS) or postpartum anxiety (PPAS) is presently less established. This study aims to determine if alcohol consumption pre-pregnancy, 6 weeks postpartum, 6 months postpartum, or changes in alcohol consumption are associated with PPDS or PPAS. Longitudinal data on 3849 women from a Swedish perinatal cohort were analyzed using logistic regression analyses for associations between alcohol consumption and symptoms of anxiety or depression, as assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. There was no association between pre-pregnancy drinking habits and PPDS (p = 0.588, n = 2479) or PPAS (p = 0.942; n = 2449) at 6 weeks postpartum. Similarly, no associations were observed between concurrent drinking habits at 6 weeks postpartum and PPAS (p = 0.070, n = 3626), 6 months postpartum and PPDS (0.647, n = 3461) or PPAS (p = 0.700, n = 3431). However, there was an association between drinking habits at 6 weeks postpartum and concurrent PPDS (p = 0.047, n = 3659). In conclusion, robust associations were not found between postpartum alcohol consumption and mood symptoms. This lack of association between poor mental health and risk behaviors in new mothers could be interpreted as a result of long-term policy work and high participation in Swedish maternity care. Future studies need to address these research questions in more diverse socio-cultural contexts.
Longitudinal angiographic characterization of the efficacy of combined cerebral revascularization using minimally invasive encephalodurosynangiosis in patients with moyamoya angiopathy
Authors: Lucia K. , Acker G. , Mrosk F. , Beyaztas D. , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: September 2022

Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) can be treated using direct, indirect, or combined revascularization procedures. We perform combined revascularization using the STA-MCA bypass and minimally invasive encephalodurosynangiosis (MIS-EDS). Due to lack of systematic analyses to date it remains unclear whether and to which extent this limited EDS serves as a growth source for extracerebral blood vessels into the brain. The objective of the current study is to characterize the extent of angiographic filling of MIS-EDS and STA-MCA bypass development over time and to determine possible predictors of EDS development in adult MMA patients. Single-center retrospective analysis of 81 MMA patients (139 hemispheres) treated with a MIS-EDS and STA-MCA bypass was performed. Angiographic images and clinical/operative data were reviewed and scored. Uni-/ and multivariate Cox regression analyses identified preoperative predictors of good EDS vascularization. At 3–6 months after surgery EDS showed moderate and high angiographic filling in 40% and 5% of hemispheres, respectively. After 12 months moderate and high filling was found in 57% and 4% of hemispheres, respectively. STA-MCA bypass filling was moderate in 47% and high in 7% of hemispheres at 3–6 months and 45% moderate and 9% high after 12 months. High STA-MCA bypass filling on angiography was a negative predictor of EDS development. MIS-EDS is a simple technique and serves as a source of vessel growth into the brain. EDS development lags behind that of STA-MCA bypass and can be recommended as an additive revascularization source when combined with a direct bypass.
Population and conservation genetics using RAD sequencing in four endemic conifers from South America
Authors: Cano Mauricio J. , Twyford Alex D. , Hollingsworth Peter M.
Published: September 2022

The emblematic conifer flora of Chile has experienced wide-scale habitat loss and fragmentation. Coupled with the complex topography of the region, this leads to a prediction of high levels of genetic drift and isolation resulting in strong population differentiation, and the potential for negative genetic consequences. To address the degree to which these predictions are realised, we conducted a comparative population genetic survey in four endemic conifers from South America, each of conservation concern and with a restricted distribution area. Between seven and ten populations per species were sampled, covering their entire natural distribution in Chile. We used restriction site-associated DNA markers (RAD-seq), with de novo assembly and optimisation, to accommodate the large and complex genome of conifers. The main finding was low levels of genetic structure in all four conifer species (FST = 0.017–0.062). This pattern was strikingly consistent across all four species. These results are likely due to the extreme longevity of individuals restricting divergence due to genetic drift. Thus, despite the currently highly fragmented ranges of these conifer species, we did not detect evidence for high levels of population differentiation and genetic isolation. This suggests some resilience to negative genetic impacts of habitat fragmentation, and the longevity of the individual trees may provide considerable buffering capacity. We recommend follow-up studies focusing on genotyping the seedling generation, to assess whether there is any evidence for the early warning of genetic isolation and/or elevated inbreeding in the currently established cohorts.
Commentary to biodiversity and conservation Upgrading Birgus: lessons for invertebrate conservation
Authors: Caro Tim
Published: September 2022

Coconut crabsBirgus latrohave recently been reclassified from Data Deficient to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This is a somewhat unusual case of temporal and spatial information being used to change the IUCN status of an arthropod and it draws attention to the paucity of biological data on most invertebrate species. To be listed, two or more scientific criteria need to be documented but such data are unavailable for many invertebrates. This raises the question as to whether certain invertebrates receive more scientific attention and are hence more likely to be listed if, like the coconut crab, they are large, slow-reproducing or a dual-biome species (characteristics which make them inherently vulnerable) and whether being an indicator or a flagship species is important.
Explaining Prejudicial Attitudes and Bias-Motivated Aggression in Belgium: a Comparison of Individual-Level Theoretical Models
Authors: Pauwels Lieven J. R. , Williamson Harley
Published: September 2022

Prejudice and bias-motivated aggression (BMA) are pervasive social problems. Scholars have tested numerous competing theoretical models to demonstrate the key predicates of prejudice and BMA, including intergroup contact, dual process (i.e., right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation), perceived injustice, peer socialization, and empathy. Yet, studies to date have not empirically examined the comparative strength of these theoretical perspectives to explain the correlates of (a) prejudice and (b) BMA. This study seeks to address this gap. Utilizing a sample of young 1,001 Belgian participants, this study explores the association between key constructs from different theoretical perspectives to better understand prejudice and BMA towards immigrant populations. Findings show that when accounting for all models of prejudice and BMA, the strongest predictors of prejudice emerge from the dual-process model, the empathy model (outgroup empathy), and the quality (not frequency) of intergroup contact. Yet, prejudice and exposure to peer outgroup hostility are the strongest predictors of BMA. We discuss the implications of our findings and suggest that drawing on criminological theories of prejudice and BMA can be integrated to provide a more nuanced understanding of the nature of prejudice and BMA than what is currently known. We conclude by highlighting some directions for future research on prejudice and BMA.
Trust and Distrust in Pension Providers in Times of Decline and Reform: Analysis of Survey Data 2004–2021
Authors: van Dalen Hendrik P. , Henkens Kène
Published: September 2022

Trust in pension providers by participants is essential because pension providers try to fulfill their pension promises in a fundamentally uncertain world. Reforms and crises are therefore the ultimate testing ground for pension trust. In this paper we estimate with repeated cross-sectional survey data how trust and distrust in Dutch pension funds and the government have evolved over the period 2004–2021 and what the impact of financial stability on trust in these two institutions has been. Financial stability of pension funds, measured by their funding ratio, is shown to affect trust positively, but it does not decrease distrust significantly. Based on the estimation results, achieving a situation where the majority of the adult population trusts pension funds is likely to be attained at funding ratios of 115 or higher. Financial stability of government (measured by government debt/GDP ratio) does not affect either trust or distrust levels. Underlying drivers of distrust and trust such as personal characteristics are also notable: self-employed are more prone to distrust pension funds than employees. Women are more than men likely to take a neutral position.
Conductivity Properties of Perovskite Nickelates and Cuprates Depend on the Oxidation States of the Metal Ions
Authors: Larsson Sven
Published: September 2022

Superconducting nickelates in thin film perovskite structures, designed to be isostructural with the Cu(II) cuprates, have been discovered recently by Zhou et al. (Appl. Mater. Interfaces 10, 1463-1467, 1) and Li et al. (Nature 572, 624-627, 2) The strategies of both groups, to make nickelates as similar to the cuprates as possible by using planar NiO2 superlattice structures, proved successful. Ni(I) and Ni(III) are superconducting in superlattices, although TC is lower than in most Cu(II) cuprates. Here we find that a “3-oxidation states rule” applies to nickelate superlattices based on Ni(I) and Ni(III). It is predicted that the oxides of Ni(II), Cu(I), and Cu(III) cannot superconduct, because of violation of the 3-rule. This rule is derived here, along with other rules where the number of interacting oxidation states is decisive for the conduction properties of the metal ion. The Mott model is replaced by a free energy model.
Joint Invariance Principles for Random Walks with Positively and Negatively Reinforced Steps
Authors: Bertenghi Marco , Rosales-Ortiz Alejandro
Published: September 2022

Given a random walk $$(S_n)$$

(

S
n

)

with typical step distributed according to some fixed law and a fixed parameter $$p \in (0,1)$$

p
∈
(
0
,
1
)

, the associated positively step-reinforced random walk is a discrete-time process which performs at each step, with probability $$1-p$$

1
-
p

, the same step as $$(S_n)$$

(

S
n

)

while with probability p, it repeats one of the steps it performed previously chosen uniformly at random. The negatively step-reinforced random walk follows the same dynamics but when a step is repeated its sign is also changed. In this work, we shall prove functional limit theorems for the triplet of a random walk, coupled with its positive and negative reinforced versions when $$p < 1/2$$

p
<
1
/
2

and when the typical step is centred. The limiting process is Gaussian and admits a simple representation in terms of stochastic integrals, $$\begin{aligned} \left( B(t) , \, t^p \int _0^t s^{-p} \mathrm {d}B^r(s) , \, t^{-p} \int _0^t s^{p} \mathrm {d}B^c(s) \right) _{t \in \mathbb {R}^+} \end{aligned}$$

B

(
t
)

,

t
p

∫
0
t

s

-
p

d

B
r

(
s
)

,

t

-
p

∫
0
t

s
p

d

B
c

(
s
)

t
∈

R

+

for properly correlated Brownian motions $$B, B^r$$

B
,

B
r

, $$B^c$$

B
c

. The processes in the second and third coordinate are called the noise reinforced Brownian motion (as named in [1]), and the noise counterbalanced Brownian motion of B. Different couplings are also considered, allowing us in some cases to drop the centredness hypothesis and to completely identify for all regimes $$p \in (0,1)$$

p
∈
(
0
,
1
)

the limiting behaviour of step reinforced random walks. Our method exhausts a martingale approach in conjunction with the martingale functional CLT.
Analysis of Complex Absorption After Multiple Dosing: Application to the Interaction Between the P-glycoprotein Substrate Talinolol and Rifampicin
Authors: Weiss Michael , D’Argenio David Z. , Siegmund Werner
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In order to clarify the effect of rifampicin on the bioavailability of the P-glycoprotein substrate talinolol, its absorption kinetics was modeled after multiple-dose oral administration of talinolol in healthy subjects.

Methods

A sum of two inverse Gaussian functions was used to calculate the time course of the input rate into the systemic circulation.

Results

The estimated rate of drug entry into the systemic circulation revealed two distinct peaks at 1 and 3.5 h after administration. Rifampicin did not affect bioavailability of talinolol, but did shift the second peak of the input function by 1.3 h to later times. Elimination clearance and one of the intercompartmental distribution clearances increased significantly under rifampicin treatment.

Conclusions

Rifampicin changes the time course of absorption rate but not the fraction absorbed of talinolol. The model suggests the existence of two intestinal absorption windows for talinolol.
Starvation and Re-lubrication in Oscillating Bearings: Influence of Grease Parameters
Authors: Wandel Sebastian , Bader Norbert , Glodowski Jakob , Lehnhardt Bela , Leckner Johan , Schwack Fabian , Poll Gerhard
Published: September 2022

A common application for grease-lubricated oscillating rolling element bearings is, e.g., rotor blade bearings in wind turbines. These bearings mainly operate under conditions that are prone to starvation. If the grease is unable to provide enough inlet lubricant supply for the contact between rolling element and bearing raceway, wear in the form of False Brinelling and thus premature bearing failure is possible. Bearing experiments with different lithium complex model greases, which differ mainly in their base oil viscosity and oil separation rate, were carried out to show the influence of the grease parameters on wear initiation. The results show that the ability of the grease to release a high amount of base oil with high mobility into the track of the rolling element is a crucial mechanism to prevent wear, especially at small oscillation angles. For oscillation angles larger than a critical angle, a secondary replenishment mechanism may prevent early wear initiation. The experimental results are used to validate a starvation model proposed in earlier work (Wandel et al. in Tribol Int 165:107276, 2022).
Association of PRLR, IGF1, and LEP genes polymorphism with milk production and litter size in Egyptian Zaraibi goat
Authors: El-Shorbagy Haidan M. , Abdel-Aal Ehab S. , Mohamed Shaimaa A. , El-Ghor Akmal A.
Published: September 2022

Studying variation in genes responsible for physiological characters is important to enhance goat productive and reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to detect specific nucleotide polymorphisms in prolactin receptor (PRLR), insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), and leptin (LEP) genes and their correlation with milk production (MP) and litter size (LS) traits in Zaraibi goat. PCR-SSCP products of different patterns of each gene were sequenced and aligned to reveal two mutations (T > C) and (G > A) in 3′UTR of PRLR gene and registered on NCBI with accession numbers OM418863 for TT and OM418864 for CT, while (G > A) variation was registered as OM418861 for GG and OM418862 for AG in exon 10. TT, CT, AG, and GG genotypes were distributed in the studied animals with frequencies 0.43, 0.57, 0.65, and 0.35, respectively. While alleles C, T, A, and G frequencies were 0.28, 0.72, 0.32, and 0.68, respectively. CT and AG genotypes associated significantly (P < 0.05) with higher MP and LS, respectively. By studying the haplotypes of PRLR, C-A and T-A were associated with the highest and the lowest level of MP, respectively. For LS, T-A and C-G showed significant correlation with the highest and the lowest rate, respectively. Regarding IGF1 gene, two polymorphisms were detected; T74C at exon 4 which registered on NCBI as OM418860, and combined mutations as ins. G470, A531G, and T534C (PP genotype) at 5′ flanking region that registered as OM418859. For LEP, only one polymorphism was found in intron 2 (G281A) which submitted to NCBI as OM418855. All detected polymorphisms have shown to be involved in regulating the MP or LS as reproductive traits in goat.
Ultrasound and Microwave-assisted Extraction of Proteins from Coffee Green Beans: Effects of Process Variables on the Protein Integrity
Authors: Prandi Barbara , Di Massimo Martina , Tedeschi Tullia , Rodríguez-Turienzo Laura , Rodríguez Óscar
Published: September 2022

The demand for proteins is constantly increasing and green extraction methodologies are needed to achieve environmental sustainability goals. The recovery of the by-products of the agri-food chain has also become a priority from a circular economy perspective. Some by-products are still little exploited for the extraction of proteins, such as coffee by-products. In this work, various innovative extraction technologies were applied to recover the protein fraction from the non-compliant coffee green beans (CGB), using a methodological approach that allowed to correlate the process parameters with the final quality of the extracted proteins. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique has been shown to have a minor impact on the quality of the proteins, thanks to the possibility of refrigerating the system, while the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) shows a certain degree of degradation due to the high temperatures reached. The results indicate that strict temperature control is required during alkaline extraction to preserve the quality of the protein fraction.
Effects of self-regulated learning and procrastination on academic stress, subjective well-being, and academic achievement in secondary education
Authors: García-Ros Rafael , Pérez-González Francisco , Tomás José M. , Sancho Patricia
Published: September 2022

The main objective of this study was to test a structural theoretical model of the effects of self-regulated learning on academic stress, subjective well-being, and academic achievement in Secondary Education, considering academic procrastination as a mediator. An additional aim was to explore whether these relationships were moderated by gender and educational level. Participants were 728 students in compulsory and post-compulsory secondary education in a large city in Eastern Spain. Path analysis results indicated that the proposed model showed satisfactory fit, with the three dimensions of self-regulated learning significantly predicting the educational outcomes considered, and that procrastination mediated these relationships. Overall, the model is able to predict 9.8% of the variance of academic stress, 23.1% of students wellbeing, and 14% of academic achievement. Moreover, the multi-group routine revealed no moderation effects due to gender, but educational level moderated two relationships, between self-efficacy and academic achievement and between metacognitive strategies and procrastination. Additionally, supplementary models were tested for three specific subjects (Spanish Language, Foreign Language and Mathematics), which showed an improvement in explained variance, being respectively: 29%, 28% and 27%. Results are discussed in light of previous research and in terms of their impact on educational practice.
Nukes Under Water. U-Boot-gestützte Kernwaffen in Indien und Pakistan zwischen Stabilität und Instabilität
Authors: Heinrich Jens
Published: September 2022

Kernwaffen spielen in der Verteidigungspolitik Indiens und Pakistans eine immer stärkere Rolle. Beide Staaten rüsten auf und modernisieren ihre Nukleararsenale. Dieser Trend hat auch die maritime Dimension erfasst und zeigt sich an den Bestrebungen Neu-Delhis und Islamabads, U‑Boot-gestützte Kernwaffen zu entwickeln. Unabhängig von den jeweiligen Motivationen, die dem Aufbau dieser Systeme zugrunde liegen, werfen solche Waffen zentrale Fragen für die Stabilität zwischen Kernwaffenstaaten auf.
Does the Use of Different Types of Probiotics Possess Detoxification Properties Against Aflatoxins Contamination in Rabbit Diets?
Authors: Mohamed Said I. A. , Shehata Sabry A. M. , Bassiony Sabry M. , Mahgoub Samir A. M. , Abd El-Hack Mohamed E.
Published: September 2022

The present work was carried out to study the ability of five probiotics on the in vitro degradation of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1). The best results of in vitro were tested on the detoxification of AFB1 in rabbits. A total of 40 growing New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits were assigned to five experimental groups. Animals were fed the following diets: basal diet (control), basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1, basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1. + probiotic 3 (0.5 g/kg diet), basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1 + ajowan (0.5 g/kg diet), and basal diet contaminated with 300 ppb AFB1 + probiotic 3 (0.5 g/kg diet) + ajowan (0.5 g/kg diet). Live body weight significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet compared to the control rabbits. All additives improved (P < 0.05) the live body weight. The best improvement occurred with probiotics + ajowan. The addition of probiotics increased (P < 0.05) daily body weight gain in all weeks except the first week. Adding ajowan or ajowan + probiotic led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in live body weight gain and feed intake compared to rabbits fed AFB1 alone. The digestion coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and digestible crude protein (DCP) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet. All additives improved (P < 0.05) the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE, and total digested nutrients (TDN)%. The best improvement occurred with probiotics + ajowan. Concentrations of serum total protein, albumin and globulin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in rabbits fed AFB1 contaminated diet compared with the control rabbits. In conclusion, the addition of probiotic 3 (AVI-5-BAC) + ajowan could be recommended to eliminate the toxicity of AFB1 and improve growth performance criteria in rabbits.
Weighted Banach spaces of analytic functions with sup-norms and operators between them: a survey
Authors: Bonet José
Published: September 2022

In this survey we report about recent work on weighted Banach spaces of analytic functions on the unit disc and on the whole complex plane defined with sup-norms and operators between them. Results about the solid hull and core of these spaces and distance formulas are reviewed. Differentiation and integration operators, Cesàro and Volterra operators, weighted composition and superposition operators and Toeplitz operators on these spaces are analyzed. Boundedness, compactness, the spectrum, hypercyclicity and (uniform) mean ergodicity of these operators are considered.
Application and development of zero-valent iron (ZVI) for groundwater and wastewater treatment
Authors: Plessl K. , Russ A. , Vollprecht D.
Published: September 2022

Zero-valent iron has been used for more than 130 years for water treatment. It is based on redox reactions as well as on sorption to the corrosion products of iron. It is successfully applied for the removal of metals and organic pollutants from groundwater and wastewater. There are different variations how zero-valent iron can be used, especially (i) permeable reactive barriers, (ii) fluidized bed reactors and (iii) nanoscale zero-valent iron. Permeable reactive barriers are used for in situ treatment of groundwater in trench-like constructions or in a funnel and gate system. Their advantages are low maintenance cost, inexpensive construction and prevention of excavation wastes, and their disadvantages are surface passivation and clogging of pores by corrosion products. Zero-valent iron nanoparticles are injected directly in contaminated soil or groundwater. Their advantages are a higher reactivity than coarse-grained zero-valent iron and their mobility in the subsurface to reach the contaminated areas. However, they also have some major disadvantages like fast ageing in the system, phytotoxicity, agglomeration during migration and high costs. The latest development is a fluidized bed process (“ferrodecont process”) which avoids the passivation and clogging observed in permeable reactive barriers as well as the high costs and toxicity issues of nanoscale zero-valent iron. First results of this technology for Cr(VI) and organically contaminated groundwaters and metal removal from industrial wastewaters are highly promising.
Graphical contractions and common fixed points in b-metric spaces
Authors: Petruşel Adrian , Petruşel Gabriela
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we will prove some fixed point theorems for graphical contractions in complete b-metric spaces. Then, some common fixed point results for a pair of mappings in complete b-metric spaces will be deduced. Our results extend some recent theorems proved in classical metric spaces.
Energy Density Effect on the Interface Zone in Parts Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion on Machined Bases
Authors: Marin Felipe , de Souza Adriano Fagali , Mikowski Alexandre , Fontanella Luís Henrique Guarnieri , Soares Paulo , de Lacalle Luis Norberto López
Published: September 2022

The hybrid manufacturing procedure of combining an initial machining process and a posterior laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process opens a new range of possibilities for manufacturing complex parts, promising to reduce both costs and printing time. Hence, the first portion of the part might be manufactured by machining, which is used as the substrate for the LPBF. Different manufacturing processes produce a melting interface zone (MIZ) that can affect the mechanical properties of hybrid parts. This work investigates the properties of the MIZ in hybrid parts. The influence of the energy density of the LPBF process on the interface zone and the mechanical properties of the final hybrid part were assessed. The different tests showed high-quality interphase even with low energy density, with a melting depth of up to 0.3 mm. Tomography analysis showed no pores in the MIZ and the increase in pore number with the scanning speed, reducing the UTS of the hybrid samples from 8 to 42% in relation to machined Corrax®. Additionally, a test piece for injection molding was produced by this new hybrid manufacturing process. The results showed that the costs and manufacturing time were reduced by about 50%, showing a potential application of hybrid manufacturing in such applications. Besides, this work identifies a limitation of the hybrid manufacturing approach using LPBF machines which are not equipped with a system to identify the substrate coordinate system. The present study develops an operational method to identify the coordinate system in order to ease the referencing of the pre-machined substrate within the machine platform.
From 1D Nanofibers to 3D Nanofibrous Aerogels: A Marvellous Evolution of Electrospun SiO2 Nanofibers for Emerging Applications
Authors: Liu Cheng , Wang Sai , Wang Ni , Yu Jianyong , Liu Yi-Tao , Ding Bin
Published: September 2022

One-dimensional (1D) SiO2 nanofibers (SNFs), one of the most popular inorganic nanomaterials, have aroused widespread attention because of their excellent chemical stability, as well as unique optical and thermal characteristics. Electrospinning is a straightforward and versatile method to prepare 1D SNFs with programmable structures, manageable dimensions, and modifiable properties, which hold great potential in many cutting-edge applications including aerospace, nanodevice, and energy. In this review, substantial advances in the structural design, controllable synthesis, and multifunctional applications of electrospun SNFs are highlighted. We begin with a brief introduction to the fundamental principles, available raw materials, and typical apparatus of electrospun SNFs. We then discuss the strategies for preparing SNFs with diverse structures in detail, especially stressing the newly emerging three-dimensional SiO2 nanofibrous aerogels. We continue with focus on major breakthroughs about brittleness-to-flexibility transition of SNFs and the means to achieve their mechanical reinforcement. In addition, we showcase recent applications enabled by electrospun SNFs, with particular emphasis on physical protection, health care and water treatment. In the end, we summarize this review and provide some perspectives on the future development direction of electrospun SNFs.
Filtration Efficiency in the Recycling Process of Particle-Reinforced Aluminum Alloys Using Different Filter Materials
Authors: Schoß Johannes Paul , Baumann Benedict , Keßler Andreas , Szucki Michal , Wolf Gotthard
Published: September 2022

In this study, filtration of aluminum alloy (Al) with different weight fractions of SiC particles (SiCp) was investigated. Therefore, three different filter materials of 20 pores per inch (ppi) ceramic foam filters (CFF) were tested. A special three-chamber furan mold was used for the casting trials to provide uniform filling and flow conditions for the filtration process. Samples from sections of the gating system, as well as from the filter, were analyzed by optical light microscopy to determine the amount, size, and distribution of SiCp. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used for obtaining the element distribution in the composite. The filtration efficiency increased by decreasing the weight fraction from 20 to 5% of SiCp and reached a significant particle reduction of over 90%. Investigations of CFFs with a weight fraction of 10% have shown a clogging effect and metal flow interruption through the 20 ppi filter. An oxide layer was detected around the respective SiCp in the EDS. Moreover, a strong accumulation effect was observed, indicated by a steadily flattening curve of the density functions after each additional remelting cycle of the same composite material.
Revisiting the islam-patriarchy nexus: is religious fundamentalism the central cultural barrier to gender equality?
Authors: Öztürk Cemal
Published: September 2022

Is Islam a religion that promotes patriarchy? In the academic debate, there are different assessments. On the one hand, there is the thesis of an elective affinity between Islam and patriarchal values. In Muslim-majority countries and among Muslims, support for patriarchal values is most pronounced. On the other hand, there is the antithesis of Islamic feminism, which shows that a significant proportion of devout Muslims support gender equality. It is therefore wrong to describe Islam as a misogynistic religion. What matters is whether the religion is interpreted in an emancipatory manner. This contribution offers a synthesis and argues that religious fundamentalism provides a more valid explanation for patriarchal values than simplistic references to Islam. The 6th and 7th waves of the World Values Survey were analyzed to test this research-guiding hypothesis. Multilevel analyses show that value differences between Muslims and non-Muslims and between Muslim-majority societies and societies with another majority religion turn out to be small or even insignificant when controlling for religious fundamentalism. Fundamentalism is the central driver of patriarchal values and generates uniform effects. At the individual-level, fundamentalism makes both Muslims and non-Muslims more susceptible to patriarchal values. Moreover, Muslims and non-Muslims adapt to the conformity pressures of their societies, resulting in egalitarian as well as patriarchal values, depending on the prevalence of fundamentalism. The high support for patriarchal values in Muslim-majority countries has a simple reason: Religious fundamentalism is by no means a marginal phenomenon in these societies, but rather the norm.
0-D composition and performance analysis of an air-breathing radiofrequency ion thruster
Authors: Lopez-Uricoechea Julian , Lev Dan , Walker Mitchell L. R.
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a physics-based 0-D steady-state model of a radiofrequency ion thruster (RIT) that is valid for any propellant blend, and hence, any plasma mixture, and the model is used to predict the drag compensation capability and plasma composition of an air-breathing RIT operating in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO). This study fills a gap in the modeling of air-breathing electric propulsion with an air-breathing RIT model that is validated with experimental data of a RIT operating with an $${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$$

N
2

/$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

O
2

mixture. The model expands upon current 0-D RIT models by accounting for the dissociation of neutral molecules and molecular ions and by applying particle conservation for each ion and neutral species. Atomic oxygen in the atmosphere is assumed to completely recombine into $${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

O
2

in the collector, and the model is used to calculate an air-breathing RIT’s thrust, discharge efficiency, mass utilization efficiency, and discharge plasma composition at altitudes between 80 and 150 km. At 1 kW of total input power and an optimal flow rate of 0.17 mg/s, the net thrust was limited to 3 mN at all altitudes considered. At these same operating conditions, the mass utilization efficiency and discharge efficiency were approximately 0.15 and 870 eV/ion, respectively. To increase the performance of the thruster, the magnetic field should be increased in order to increase the beam current. The mole fraction of atomic oxygen in the discharge chamber was found to be between 0.19 and 0.27 depending on the altitude, indicating that grid erosion should be a focus of future studies.
Dynamic impacts of economic growth, renewable energy use, urbanization, industrialization, tourism, agriculture, and forests on carbon emissions in Turkey
Authors: Raihan Asif , Tuspekova Almagul
Published: September 2022

The present study examined the dynamic effects of economic growth, renewable energy use, urbanization, industrialization, tourism, agricultural productivity, and forest area in Turkey to accomplish environmental sustainability by lowering carbon dioxide emissions. The Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares method was used to analyze time series data from 1990 to 2020. The results disclosed that a 1% rise in economic growth, urbanization, industrialization, and tourism will raise carbon dioxide emissions by 0.39%, 1.22%, 0.24%, and 0.02% in Turkey, respectively. Furthermore, a 1% increase in renewable energy consumption, agricultural productivity, and forest area might result in reductions in carbon dioxide emissions of 0.43%, 0.12%, and 3.17%, respectively. This article made policy recommendations on low-carbon economies, renewable energy use, sustainable urbanization, green industrialization, eco-friendly tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable forest management, all of which could help to accomplish environmental sustainability by lowering emissions.

Graphical Abstract