bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling a hotspot of genetic diversity in southern Italy for the endangered Hermann’s tortoise Testudo hermanni
Authors: Chiocchio Andrea , Zampiglia Mauro , Biaggini Marta , Biello Roberto , Tizio Luciano Di , Leonetti Francesco Luigi , Olivieri Olivierio , Sperone Emilio , Trabalza-Marinucci Massimo , Corti Claudia , Canestrelli Daniele
Published: August 2022

BackgroundHotspots of intraspecific genetic diversity represent invaluable resources for species to cope with environmental changes, and their identification is increasingly recognized as a major goal of conservation ecology research. However, even for iconic and endangered species, conservation strategies are often planned without thorough information on the geographic patterns of genetic variation. Here, we investigated the spatial patterns of genetic variation of the endangered Hermann’s tortoise Testudo hermanni in the Italian Peninsula by genotyping 174 individuals at 7 microsatellite loci, with the aim to contribute to planning effective conservation strategies.ResultsOrdination-based and Bayesian clustering analyses consistently identified three main genetic clusters, one spread in the central and northern part of the peninsula, and two restricted to southern Italy and Sicily, respectively. The highest levels of genetic diversity were found in populations of the southern cluster and, in particular, at the northern edges of its distribution (He > 0.6, Ar > 2.8 ), that correspond to areas of putative secondary contact and admixture between distinct lineages. Our results clearly identify a hotspot of genetic diversity for the Hermann’s tortoise in southern Italy. ConclusionsWe inferred the evolutionary history and the spatial patterns of genetic variation of the Hermann’s tortoise in the Italian Peninsula. We identified three main genetic clusters along the peninsula and a hotspot of intraspecific diversity in southern Italy. Our results underline the urgent need for conservation actions to warrant the long-term persistence of viable tortoise populations in this area. Furthrmore, these data add further evidence to the role of southern Italy as a biodiversity hotspot for temperate fauna, claiming for higher consideration of this area in large scale conservation programs.
Closed-loop recycling of colored regenerated cellulose fibers from the dyed cotton textile waste
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Fan Wei , Miao Yaping , Dou Hao , Shi Yang , Wang Shujuan , Zhang Xinqing , Hou Lin , Yu Xichen , Lam Su Shiung , Ge Shengbo
Published: August 2022

Worldwide, 45 million tons of waste cotton textiles are produced annually, of which 75% is burned and buried, leading to serious environmental pollution. In this study, a method for directly preparing colored regenerated cellulose fibers (CRCFs) from dyeing cotton textile waste (DCTW) was demonstrated. The tensile strength of CRCFs reached 226 MPa, which was equivalent to that of commercial viscose fibers. CRCFs exhibited excellent color fastness and hydrophilicity. In addition, CRCFs can be reprocessed into secondary CRCFs. The tensile strength of secondary CRCFs was 14.64% less than that of the primary CRCFs due to the reduction in the polymerization degree of secondary CRCFs; However, it also can be woven into fabrics. The exploration of the secondary utilization of CRCFs provides an experimental basis for prolonging the service life of DCTW. This approach of preparing CRCFs achieves closed-loop recycling of waste colored cellulose textiles and prevents environmental pollution caused by decoloring and dyeing.
Generating method and application of basic probability assignment based on interval number distance and model reliability
Authors: Li Junwei , Xie Baolin , Jin Yong , Zhou Lin
Published: August 2022

In the Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory, how to transform the objective data in reality into the basic probability assignment (BPA) is still an open issue. Based on this problem, a new method of generating BPA based on interval number distance and model reliability is proposed. First, construct the interval number model under each attribute. Secondly, calculate the interval number distance between the test sample and the interval number model and convert it into the initial basic probability assignment (IBPA). Thirdly, the final BPA is obtained by discounting the IBPA by constructing the comprehensive reliability from the static reliability and dynamic reliability of the interval number model. Finally, the Dempster combination rule is used to fuse the final BPA one by one, and the decision is made according to the fusion result. The ten-fold cross-validation results show that the classification accuracy under the three data sets is higher than other methods, and the classification accuracy of the Iris data set is 0.9733. At the same time, it is verified that the proposed method still has good effectiveness and robustness in the incomplete information environment.
Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of low carbon technologies under rice production systems in China
Authors: Chen Zhong-Du , chen fu
Published: August 2022

[Background] Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the prominent cereal crop in Hunan Province (HP), which is a major rice production area in China. Rice production, such as farmers’ livelihood and the soil quality, has been identified to be influenced by climate change. Low carbon technologies (LCTs) have been identified to tackle agricultural challenges; however, the benefits of LCTs for farmers in rice production are still debatable. The choice of potential LCTs relevant to the case study is based on a literature review of previous empirical studies. Thus, the objective of the study were to 1) investigate the public perception and preferences of LCTs in rice production of HP, and 2) analyze the influences of the factors on farmer’s decision in adopting LCTs in rice production. There were 555 farmer surveys from eight representative rice production counties in HP, both the poisson estimators and multivariate probit (MVP) approach were applied in the study. [Results] Our results show that water-saving irrigation, integrated pest management techniques and planting green manure crops in winter season were the three major LCTs adapted by farmers in rice production in HP. Both the intensity and probability of the adoptions of LCTs were affected by the main factors including farmers’ education level, climate change awareness, machinery ownership, technical support and subsidies. There is a significant correlation among the LCTs, and the adoption of the technologies is interdependent, depicting either complementarities or substitutabilities between the practices. [Conclusions] This study suggests that policies enhance the integration of LCTs would be central to farmers’ knowledge, environmental concerns, technical service and financial support in rice production systems in China.
Effects of Different Progesterone Containing Contraceptive Methods on Safety and Endogenous Progesterone Level: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Osman Ahmed , Omar Mona
Published: August 2022

Background
Progestogen-only contraceptives are presented as injections, implants, oral formulations, hormone-releasing intrauterine methods, and emergency contraceptives. This study assessed the effect of different progesterone-containing contraceptive methods on safety and endogenous progesterone level.
Methods
This prospective cohort study included 80 healthy fertile females aged between 20 and 35 years with normal menstrual history who had at least one offspring after spontaneous pregnancy. Subjects were divided into four equal groups according to the contraceptive method: group D (Depo-Provera®) used the injectable progesterone of 150 mg every 90 days or 3 months, group I contained 68 mg of etonogestrel implant formerly known as Implanon, group N: used norgestrel (Ovrette®), (each pill contains 0.075 mg of norgestrel) once daily, and group M: used intrauterine device (IUD) (Mirena) containing 52 mg of levonorgestrel.
Results
Group M had a higher endogenous progesterone level compared to those who used other contraceptives with a normal follicle size. Incidence of amenorrhea was significantly lower in group M (20%) than in group D (75%), group I (65%), and group N (70%), with an insignificant difference among the other three groups. Continuation rate had significantly increased in group M than in the other three groups after 6 months. Efficacy was insignificantly different among the four groups.
Conclusion
Mirena had low systemic absorption of exogenous progesterone, so it had less effect on endogenous progesterone with better follicle size and low incidence of side effects (amenorrhea) compared to other contraceptives containing progesterone.
Entrepreneurs' perception: the connection of the brand with the Amazon Forest business
Authors: Diego Luiz , Sandro Francisco , Paula Ana
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to understand the perception of entrepreneurs based on their business model related to the connection of the Amazon brand. There is a need to present an entrepreneurial perspective on the brand´s changes and their long-term relationships between the Forest and the environmental sustainability on the Brazilian Amazon. The study consisted of semi-structured interviews with 1 out of 7 companies operating in the Amazon region. Brands that develop sustainable businesses in the Brazilian Amazon, with their brand equity based on the region's environmental responsibility, brought an understanding that a full performance of sustainable activities depends on the performance of three agents: entrepreneurs, native peoples and management. Entrepreneurs perceive a greater valuation of their products associated with the sustainability of the Amazon introduced in the brand experience by the customer.
Effects of CYP3A4/5 and ABC transporter polymorphisms on osimertinib plasma concentrations in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yokota Hayato , Sato Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Sho , Okuda Yuji , Fukuda Natsuki , Asano Mariko , Takeda Masahide , Nakayama Katsutoshi , Miura Masatomo
Published: August 2022

Background
The effects of polymorphisms in CYP3A4 (20230G > A), CYP3A5 (6986A > G), ABCB1 (1236C > T, 2677G > T/A, 3435C > T), ABCG2 (421C > A), and ABCC2 (-24C > T) on the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of osimertinib in 23 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were investigated.
Methods
Blood sampling was performed just prior to and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after osimertinib administration at the steady-state on day 15 after beginning therapy.
Results
There were significant correlations of the osimertinib AUC0-24 with age (P = 0.038), serum albumin (P = 0.002), and serum creatinine (P = 0.012). Additionally, there were significant differences in the AUC0-24 of osimertinib among the groups administered vonoprazan, histamine 2-receptor antagonists or esomeprazole, and no acid suppressants (P = 0.021). By contrast, there were no significant differences in the AUC0-24 of osimertinib between genotypes of CYP3A4/5 or ABC transporters. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the AUC0-24 of osimertinib between patients with diarrhea, skin rash, or hepatotoxicity and those without these conditions. In multivariate analysis, only serum albumin value was an independent factor predicting the AUC0-24 of osimertinib.
Conclusions
Analysis of CYP3A4/5 and ABC transporter polymorphisms before osimertinib therapy may not predict the efficacy or side effects of osimertinib. However, lower serum albumin values were associated with an increase in the AUC0 − 24 of osimertinib. After beginning osimertinib therapy, periodic measurement of serum albumin values should be performed.
Risk of urinary tract infection in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with dapagliflozin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Zheng Zhigui , He Dongyuan , Chen Jianguo , Xie Xiaohui , Lu Yunan , Wu Binbin , Jiang Xinxin
Published: August 2022

As a selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, dapagliflozin is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether it increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) remains an ongoing issue. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to estimate the short-term and long-term risks of UTI in patients with T2DM who received dapagliflozin at different doses.
As a selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, dapagliflozin is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether it increases the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) remains an ongoing issue. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to estimate the short-term and long-term risks of UTI in patients with T2DM who received dapagliflozin at different doses. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov website from each database's inception to December 2021. The review protocol was previously registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022299899). A total of 40 RCTs involving 35573 patients were assessed for eligibility. The results showed that dapagliflozin imposed a higher risk of UTI compared to placebo and other active treatments, with a heterogeneity of 11% (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.31, P=0.006). In the subgroup analysis, dapagliflozin 10 mg/d with a treatment period >24 weeks was associated with a significantly higher UTI risk than placebo or other active treatments (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.43, P＜0.0001). The ORs for dapagliflozin as monotherapy and combination therapy in the control group were 1.05 (95% CI 0.88-1.25, P=0.571) and 1.27 (95% CI 1.09-1.48, P=0.008), respectively. Overall, dapagliflozin 10 mg daily with a treatment duration of more than 24 weeks may significantly increase the risk of UTI in patients with T2DM. The combination of dapagliflozin and other glucose-lowering drugs might be associated with a higher risk of UTI. Therefore, high-dose, long-term treatment and add-on therapy of dapagliflozin call for careful consideration of the risk of UTI in T2DM patients.
Effects of zinc doping on current-voltage and capacitance-voltage-frequency characteristics of n-silicon Schottky diode
Authors: Oeba D. A. , Bodunrin J. O. , Moloi S. J.
Published: August 2022

The electrical properties of diodes fabricated on undoped and zinc-dopedn-silicon were investigated in this study using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage-frequency (C-V-f) techniques. The diode’s forward current decreased by a factor of ~ 3, while the reverse current increased by a factor of ~ 37, confirming that the charge carrier recombination/ compensation is due to the generation of minority carrier to increase the resistivity of the material upon doping with zinc (Zn). The generation of the minority carrier was confirmed by inversion of the material conductivity formn- top-type, as shown by C-Vresults. Furthermore, the findings reveal that Zn is responsible for a reduction in full depletion voltage (FDV), implying that the space charge region (SCR) width can be fully depleted with a relatively low applied voltage. For the manufacturing of sensitive radiation detectors, a low FDV is critical. A change in the electrical properties of the diode was explained in terms of defects induced in the Si bulk by Zn. The properties of Zn-dopedn-Si-based diodes are similar to those of radiation-hard Si devices. In general, the findings suggest that Zn might be employed as a possible dopant in a study to improve the characteristics of Si to fabricate radiation-hard and sensitive detectors for current and future high energy physics experiments.
Influencing factors of perioperative blood loss in intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with intramedullary nail: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Hao Zeyu , Sun Jiantao , Wang Jiantao , Liu Mingwei , Liu Minghui
Published: August 2022

Background
As society ages and the incidence of periprosthetic fractures continues to rise, hemoglobin (HGB) levels are closely associated with the incidence of perioperative complications and mortality of intertrochanteric femoral fractures (ITFs), and effective assessment of changes in HGB levels may be critical to reducing the incidence of complications and mortality.
Methods
We retrospectively collected clinical data of ITFs treated with PFNA at our institution. Perioperative HGB, fracture type, operation time, whether limited open reduction was used, and other general characteristics of the patients were documented. The independent risk factors causing HGB drop were studied using multiple linear regression.
Results
Preoperative and postoperative HGB were substantially lower in the unstable group, and HGB drop was significantly larger in the unstable group than in the stable group. The unstable group's limited open reduction rate was significantly higher than the stable group's. Age, operation time, intraoperative limited open reduction, and fracture type were all independent risk factors for HGB drop, with age being negatively connected and the rest being positively correlated.
Conclusion
In ITFs patients treated with PFNA, HGB drop could indicate perioperative blood loss. It is much more important to be vigilant to changes in HGB in unstable fractures and younger patients; operation time should be minimized, and unnecessary restricted open reduction should be avoided to minimise blood loss.
Learning and Navigating Digitally-Rendered Haptic Spatial Layouts
Authors: Tivadar Ruxandra , Franceschiello Benedetta , Minier Astrid , Murray Micah
Published: August 2022

Learning spatial layouts and navigating through them rely not simply on sight, but rather on multisensory processes, including touch. Digital haptics are effective for creating and manipulating mental images of individual objects in sighted and visually impaired participants. Here, we tested if this extends to scenes and navigation within them. Using only digital haptics, sighted blindfolded participants first learned the basic layout of an apartment and then one of two pathways through it. While still blindfolded, participants successfully reconstructed the haptically learned 2D spaces and also navigated these spaces. Digital haptics were thus an effective means to learn and translate 2D images into 3D reconstructions of layouts and actions within real spaces. Digital haptics are thus an alternative learning tool for complex scenes as well as for successful navigation in previously unfamiliar layouts, which can likely be further applied in rehabilitation of spatial functions and mitigation of visual impairments.
Supercooling of the A phase of 3He}
Authors: Tian Yefan , Lotnyk Dmytro , Eyal Anna , Zhang Kuang , Zhelev Nikolay , Abhilash T. , Chavez Aldo , Smith Eric , Hindmarsh Mark , Saunders John , Mueller Erich , Parpia Jeevak
Published: August 2022

Because of the extreme purity, lack of disorder, and complex order parameter, the first-order superfluid 3He A-B transition is the leading model system for first order transitions in the early universe. Here we report on the path dependence of the supercooling of the A phase over a wide range of pressures below 29.3 bar at nearly zero magnetic field. The A phase can be cooled significantly below the thermodynamic A-B transition temperature. While the extent of supercooling is highly reproducible, it depends strongly upon the cooling trajectory: The metastability of the A phase is enhanced by transiting through regions where the A phase is more stable. We provide evidence that some of the additional supercooling is due to the elimination of B phase seeds formed upon passage through the superfluid transition.
A greater understanding of the physics is essential before the 3He can be exploited to model transitions in the early universe.
Directly Batch-Manufacturing of Flexible Sensors for Soft Manipulator Based on Graphene-Nanosheets Film
Authors: Zhang Xi , Huang Wenhao , Lv Chaoyang , Zeng Ruifeng , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jichen , Wen Bo , Diao Dongfeng
Published: August 2022

One of the fundamental problems in direct manufacturing of flexible devices is the low-melting temperature of flexible substrate which hinders the development of flexible electronics. Here, we proposed an ECR sputtering system which can directly batch fabricate devices on flexible substrate under a low temperature, by virtue of the unique plasma generation mode of ECR and the polariton energy-transfer mode between the plasma and the substrate surface. The preparation temperature is accurately controlled within 100 ~ 400 ℃. The films have the good uniformity of distribution in a large size (17×17 mm2). The Ra roughness is 20 ~ 30 nm. Flexible graphene nanosheets embedded carbon (F-GNEC) films are directly manufactured on materials such as PI, PET, PDMS, etc. The batch manufacturing was obtained with a linewidth of 18 µm and the wafer size of 2 inch (8×8 sensors). We investigated the effects of three manufacturing parameters: substrate bias (electron energy), microwave power (plasma flux and energy), and magnetic field (electron flux) on the nanostructure of F-GNEC films. Finally, the tensile tensor and angle sensor for machine hand of F-GNEC film was studied and the theoretical mechanism of the polariton energy-transfer mode of the quantum manufacturing was discussed.
Impact of cataract surgery on income in rural Southern China: the SUCCESS randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tan Xuhua , Han Xiaotong , Zheng Yingfeng , Jin Ling , Qiu Xiaozhang , Zhu Yi , Chen Chuan , Zhang Jiaqing , Dickey Heather , Wang Decai , Huang Shengsong , Liu Bin , liang xiaoling , Zeng Yangfa , Lin Haotian , He Mingguang , Luo LiXia , Huang Wenyong , congdon nathan , Liu Yizhi
Published: August 2022

Purpose Visual impairment from cataract is closely associated with low income, but trial evidence regarding impact of surgery on income is lacking. We investigated whether cataract surgery could increase personal income. Methods This is a two-arm, parallel-group, open-label, randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03020056). Persons aged ≥50 years in rural Guangdong, China, with best-corrected visual acuity < 6/19 in both eyes due to cataract were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive surgery within four weeks (intervention group), or one year later (control). All participants were interviewed at baseline and end-line regarding demographic characteristics, income and quality of life. Results Among the 292 eligible persons (5.40%, mean age 74.0 years, 61.0% women) randomly assigned to intervention (n=146) or control (n=146),12 intervention group participants (8.22%) and one control (0.68%) did not receive the allocated intervention. By study closeout, 18 participants (6.16%) were lost to follow-up. Mean one-year intervention group income increase (USD2469 to 3588; change: USD1119) was significantly larger than for controls (USD2258 to 2052; change: USD-206), a between-group difference of USD1325 (relative increase 54.0%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: USD739 to 1911, p<0.001). In multivariable modeling, intervention group membership was associated with greater income increase (β=1143.2, 95%CI: 582.0 to 1704.3; p<0.001). Greater improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was associated with income increase in univariable modeling (β=1626.9, 95%CI: 1083.6 to 2170.1; p<0.001).Conclusions Cataract surgery substantially increases personal income in rural China, offering a strategy for poverty alleviation. The strong association between increased income and change in visual acuity enhances biological plausibility of the result.
Antenatal care and health behavior of pregnant women - An evaluation of the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania
Authors: Mahlo-Nguyen Janine , Heckmann Matthias , Pierdant Guillermo , Allenberg Heike , Ittermann Till , Lange Anja Erika
Published: August 2022

Background. The German maternity guidelines require regular medical checkup (MC) during pregnancy as a measure of prevention. Socioeconomic factors such as education, profession, income and origin, but also age and parity may influence the preventive and health behavior of pregnant women. The aim was to investigate the influence of these factors on the participation rate in MC of pregnant women.Method. The current analysis is based on the prospective population-based birth cohort study Survey of Neonates in Pomerania, which was conducted in Western Pomerania, Germany. The data of 4092 pregnant women from 2004 to 2008 were analyzed regarding the antenatal care and health behavior. Up to 12 MC were regularly offered; participation in 10 MC is defined as standard screening according to maternity guidelines.Results. Women participated in the first preventive MC on average in the 10th (± 3.8 SD) week of pregnancy. 1343 (34.2 %) women participated in standard screening and 2039 (51.9 %) took a screening above standard. 547 (13.92 %) women participated in less than the 10 standard MCs. In addition, about one-third of the pregnancies investigated in this study were unplanned. Bivariate analyses showed an association between better antenatal care behavior and higher maternal age, stabile partnerships and mother born in Germany, p < .05. On the contrary antenatal care below standard were more often found by women with unplanned pregnancies, less educational women and women with lower equivalent income, p < .001. Health behaviors also influenced antenatal care. Whereas, the risk of antenatal care below standard increased by smoking during pregnancy (RRR 1.64; 95% CI 1.25, 2.14) and alcohol consumption (RRR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01, 1.69), supplementation intake was associated with decreased risk (iodine - RRR 0.66; 95% CI 0.53, 0.81; folic acid - RRR 0.56; 95% CI 0.44, 0.72). The health behavior of pregnant women also differs according to their social status. Higher maternal income was negatively correlated with smoking during pregnancy (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.15, 0.24), but positively associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.15, 1.48) and lower pre-pregnancy BMI (Coef. = .083, p < .001). Lower maternal education was positively correlated with smoking during pregnancy (OR 59.0; 95% CI 28.68, 121.23).Conclusions. Prenatal care according to maternity guidelines is well established with a high participation rate in MC during pregnancy of more than 85%. However, targeted preventive measures may address younger age, socioeconomic status and health-damaging behaviors (smoking, drinking) of the pregnant women because these factors were associated with antenatal care below standard.
Exploring the health and sociodemographic characteristics of people seeking advice with claiming Universal Credit: A longitudinal analysis of UK Citizens Advice data, 2017-2021
Authors: Brown Heather , Xiang Huasheng , Cheetham Mandy , Morris Steph , Gibson Marcia , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Munford Luke Aaron , Taylor-Robinson David , Finney Hannah , Bartle Victoria , Baxter Andrew J , Whickham Sophie , Craig Peter , Bambra Clare
Published: August 2022

Background
The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers Universal Credit (UC) – the main UK benefit for people in- and out-of-work. UC is being rolled out nationally from 2013 to 2024. Citizens Advice (CA) is an independent charity that provides advice and support to people making a claim for UC. The aim of this study is to understand who is seeking advice from CA when making a UC claim and how the types of people seeking advice are changing as the rollout of UC continues.
Methods
Co-developed with Citizens Advice Newcastle and Citizens Advice Northumberland we performed longitudinal analysis of national data from Citizens Advice for England and Wales on the health (mental health and limiting long term conditions) and socio-demographic of 1,003,411 observations for people seeking advice with claiming UC over four financial years (2017/18 to 2020/21). We summarised population characteristics and estimated the differences between the four financial years using population-weighted t-tests. Findings were discussed with three people with lived experience of seeking advice to claim UC to help frame our interpretation and policy recommendations.
Results
When comparing 2017/18 to 2018/19, there was a significantly higher proportion of people with limiting long term conditions seeking advice with claiming UC than those without (+ 2.40%, 95%CI: 1.31%-3.50%). However as the rollout continued between 2018/29 and 2019/20 (-6.75%, 95%CI: -9.62%--3.88%) and between 2019/20 and 2020/21 (-2.09%, 95%CI: -2.54%--1.64%), there were significantly higher proportions of those without a limiting long term condition seeking advice than with. When comparing 2018/19 to 2019/20 and 2019/20 to 2020/21, there was a significant increase in the proportion of self-employed compared to unemployed people seeking advice with claiming UC (5.64%, 95%CI: 3.79%-7.49%) and (2.26%, 95%CI: 1.29%-3.23%) respectively.
Conclusion
As the rollout for UC continues, it is important to understand how changes in eligibility for UC may impact on those who need help with applying for UC. Ensuring that the advice process and application process is responsive to a range of people with different needs can help to reduce the likelihood that the process of claiming UC will exacerbate health inequalities.
Observation of metallic mosaic phase in 1T-TaS2 at equilibrium
Authors: Salzmann Björn , Hujala Elina , Witteveen Catherine , Hildebrand Baptiste , Berger Helmuth , von Rohr Fabian , Nicholson C. W. , Monney Claude
Published: August 2022

The transition-metal dichalcogenide tantalum disulphide (1T-TaS2) hosts a commensurate charge density wave (CCDW) at temperatures below 165 K where it also becomes insulating.
The low temperature CCDW phase can be driven into a metastable "mosaic" phase by means of either laser or voltage pulses which shows a large density of CDW domain walls as well as a closing of the electronic band gap.
The exact origins of this pulse-induced metallic mosaic are not yet fully understood.
Here, we observe the occurrence of such a metallic mosaic phase on the surface of TaS2 without prior pulse excitation using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) over continuous areas larger than 100x100 nm2 and macroscopic areas on the millimetre scale.
We attribute the appearance of the mosaic phase to the presence of surface defects which arrange into the characteristic dense domain wall network.
Based on our STM measurements, we further argue how the appearance of the metallic behaviour in the mosaic phase can be explained by local stacking differences of the top two layers induced by the large number of domain walls.
Thus, we provide a potential avenue to explain the origin of the pulse induced mosaic.
Docking and simulation Studies on CDK4 for targeting Cell cycle Arrest in Cancer using Flavanone and its Congener
Authors: Nagare sagar , Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Swamy K. Venkateswara
Published: August 2022

Flavanone compounds are naturally occurring phytochemicals present in most of citrus fruits reported to be a potential anticancer moiety as it majorly participates in inhibition of cell cycle, apoptosis, and Angiogenesis. Because of poor bioavailability Natural Flavanones were not used as therapeutic targets so flavanone congeners was prepared by Modifying at B-functional group using compound libraries such as Drugbank, PubChem, Sellkchem Database .Cyclin dependent Kinase is primarily activating cell cycle and potentiating M phase, in order to control cell cycle in cancer Cyclin dependent pathway was targeted and potential CDK4 Receptor protein was retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDBID:2W9Z).Binding site was determined using FlexX docking. Flavanone and its congeners were docked against 2W9Z receptor Protein with docking software FlexX. For validation of docking results Molecular Dynamics simulations of the best fitting molecule were carried out using Desmond Package. Noncovalent interactions like hydrogen bond, electrostatic interaction, and Vander walls potentials for stable conformations were calculated. Thus upon docking and molecular dynamics studies we discovered the potential flavanone derivatives such as Flavanone 20, flavanone 23,and flavanone 29 will become a potential drug target in controlling cell cycle arrest and may become a futuristic candidate in targeting cancer
Are lipids always light? Lipids in larval lampreys are enriched in 13C but depleted in 2H relative to muscle
Authors: Evans Thomas , Beharie Shale
Published: August 2022

Stable isotope ratios in organisms can be used to estimate source contributions to the organism. However, during lipid synthesis light isotopes of carbon (12C) and hydrogen (1H) are preferentially incorporated into the lipids, potentially causing source contributions to be poorly estimated. Contrary to expectations and other published examples in animals, larval lampreys, which are basal vertebrates, have lipids which are enriched in heavy isotopes of carbon (13C), but still depleted in heavy hydrogen (deuterium;2H). Four lamprey species were collected and their isotopes ratios of δ2H, δ13C, δ15N were measured in their muscle before and after lipid extraction. Larval lamprey of one species was collected every three months for a year from two streams in Maryland and the isotope ratios of muscle before and after lipid extraction, as well as the extracted lipid were measured. Muscle δ13C was positively related to C:N ratios in samples when lipids were not removed and δ2H was negatively associated with the percent hydrogen in a sample. As expected, the measured difference between muscle and lipid δ2H (ΔMLδ2H) was the same for all months and was 111‰ (SE = ± 21, n = 35), but the ΔMLδ13C was different between months (ANOVA, F3,53= 5.05, p < 0.005) and was always negative. Our work suggests that while lipids are often enriched in12C relative to muscle, this is not a universal rule. The physiological mechanism(s) for generating heavy carbon-backbones in lipids remains unknown and requires exploration.
Consumer perception of brand equity based on environmental sustainability in the Amazon: development and validation of a scale
Authors: Diego Luiz , Holanda Francisco Sandro Rodrigues
Published: August 2022

PurposeBrands gradually became the core dimension and strategic asset of branding for organizations of all sizes, and today many companies adopt various forms of green marketing activities as part of their strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate and develop the psychometric properties of precision and validity of a scale for brand evaluation equity based on the environmental sustainability of the Brazilian Amazon.Design/methodologyThe scale was validated by adopting the standards described in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing APA. As samples for validation tests, eight companies were selected for among the ones who develop their business model in the Brazilian Amazon region. The data were applied to 262 potential consumers.Findings A scale with 22 items was constructed and validated, and after evaluation by the specialists, 22 items were obtained, divided into four dimensions: Brand quality perception — BQP (6 questions); Strategic Brand Positioning – SBP (10 questions); Willingness to purchase — WtB (3 questions) and Innovation in retail — INM (3 questions). Three items were modified because they presented the CVC at 0.8 and were accepted after the adjustments. The instrument items showed good internal consistency (0.877) regarding their domains. For DIF data, the scale invariably works for older and younger people for almost all items, except item INM 04.Research limitations/implicationsThis article fills the gap in the literature by developing a scale to assess consumer perception of brand equity and environmental sustainability. However, the findings are limited to the variation in the data collection. Considering the period of COVID-19 pandemic, most participants chose to fill in the scale online. Thus, the scale data are limited by the context in which the research was applied.Practical implicationsThe development and subsequent validation of the contextualized psychometric scale fills an important gap in the academic literature, providing a better understanding of the perception of potential consumers about the sustainable brand equity that generalist scales could not measure. Likewise, the scale provides essential information for brand entrepreneurs who aim to develop their products in a sustainable way, an important tool for managers to test and validate the extent to which new advertising materials demonstrate brand authenticity.Originality/ValueThe present study contributes to the directional and effective branding of brands related to environmental sustainability, mainly from tropical forests such as the Amazon rainforest. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the developed and validated cross-culturally instrument can be applied to potential consumers aged between 19 and 64 years of both sexes.
The effect of human disturbance on the community composition and diversity of aquatic plants in the tropical wetlands of Lake Tana, Ethiopia
Authors: Kahsay Abrehet , Stiers Iris , Wondie Ayalew , Triest Ludwig , Meester Luc , Kibret Mulugeta , Verleyen Elie , Adgo Enyew , Lemmens Pieter
Published: August 2022

The aquatic plants in wetlands have been threatened by increasing human disturbances in recent decades. The present study investigates to what extent human disturbance affects the community composition and richness of aquatic plants in 3 different wetland types in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. We selected twelve wetlands representing 3 different wetland types (four lacustrine, four river mouth, and four riverine papyrus wetlands) and collected data on aquatic plant species richness and community composition, major local environmental variables, and the degree of human disturbance at multiple plots along three transects in each wetland during the dry and wet season of 2018. The unique and shared contributions of human disturbance, local environmental variables, and wetland type on variations in community compositions of aquatic plants in wetlands were investigated using variation partitioning analyses. The Overlap and Decreasing Fill (NODF) metric was used to estimate the nestedness in aquatic plant communities. A total of 113 aquatic plant species, belonging to 38 families, were identified across all wetlands during the dry and wet season. Wetland types explained the greatest proportion of variation in community composition, followed by human disturbance and local environmental variables. The species richness was negatively correlated with the overall degree of human disturbance, while NODF was positively correlated. Irrespective of the degree of human disturbance, papyrus swamps had systematically the highest species richness and supported clearly different plant communities, therefore conservation efforts should focus on these habitats. In addition, measures should be taken to restore the highly disturbed and species-poor river mouth wetlands.
Short S-Glass fibre reinforced polymer composites: design, manufacture and tribological performance on the influence of fibre length and concentration
Authors: Raju Raju , Loy Chee Wah , Cho Kiho , Farrar Paul , Prusty B. Gangadhara
Published: August 2022

Fibre-reinforced biocomposites usage has gained prominence over the past decade. Although higher fracture toughness was observed when fibres were added to biocomposites, material degradation could occur due to filler and fibre content intolerance in the biocomposite matrix. Optimisation of resin-fibre-filler ratios helps in increasing the tribological performance of high load-bearing applications. However, the tribological performance is less understood due to limited in-vitro studies on the effect of fibre microstructures. A comprehensive investigation of the reciprocating and rotary wear behaviour of different compositions was carried out by varying fibre (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) to particulate filler (40%, 45%, 50%, and 55%) weight fractions. The investigation aimed to identify the optimal composition of fibre-reinforced biocomposites based on the in-vitro ball-on-disc reciprocating and rotary wear tests in the presence of modified Fusayama solution. The cross-sectional areas of wear tracks were analysed using laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques to assess the surface morphology and subsurface damage of the wear tracks on biocomposites and the antagonist. The numerical results were statistically analysed using two-way ANOVA followed by a posthoc Tukey’s test (p = 0.05). The results showed a combination of adhesive, abrasive and fatigue wear for all the tested Groups. The friction coefficient had a longer transient period for the 5 wt% and 10 wt% Groups. Based on the surface roughness, coefficient of friction, SEMs, specific wear rate, and ease of manufacturing, the threshold limit for fibre loading was found to be 10 wt%. The rotary test had a considerably lower specific wear rate compared to the reciprocating test. Fibre weight fraction was found to be the influencing factor of the abrasive wear behaviour compared to fibre length for the tested Groups.
In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation Gap Analyses of West African Priority Crop Wild Relative
Authors: Nduche Michael Ugochukwu , Brehm Joana Magos , Maxted Nigel , Parra-Quijano Mauricio
Published: August 2022

Crop wild relatives are genetically related wild taxa of crops with unique resources for crop improvement through the transfer of novel and profitable genes. The in situ and ex situ conservation gap analyses for priority crop wild relatives from West Africa were evaluated using species distribution modelling, ecogeographic diversity, and complementary analyses. A total of 20, 125 unique occurrence records were used for the conservation gap analysis, however, 26 taxa had no occurrence data. 64 taxa (62.7%) occurred in protected areas, 56 taxa (55%) were conserved ex situ, while 76.7% (43) of the accessions are underrepresented with less than 50 accessions conserved ex situ. Areas of highest potential diversity were found in the Woroba and Montangnes districts in Cote d’Ivoire, Nzerekore, Faranah, Kindia, and Boke regions of Guinea, South-South, and North-East zones of Nigeria, and Kono and Koinadugu districts in Sierra Leone. Hotspots were found in Atlantique, Littoral, Mono, Kouffo, Atakora, Donga, and Colline provinces of Benin, Accra, and Volta regions of Ghana, North – Central Nigeria, and Lacs district of Cote d’Ivoire and Nzerekore region of Guinea. 29 reserve sites for active in situ conservation were identified, 11 occur in protected areas, while 18 are located outside protected areas. The establishment of the reserve sites will complement existing PAs and ensure long-term active in situ and ex situ conservation and sustainable utilization of priority CWR to underpin food security and mitigate climate change in the region.
Robust and Rigorous Identification of Tissue-Specific Genes by Statistically Extending Tau Score
Authors: Lüleci Hatice Büşra , Yılmaz Alper
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Tissue-specific genes are a class of genes whose functions and expressions are preferred in one or several tissues, restrictedly. Identification of tissue-specific genes is essential for discovery of multi-cellular biological processes such as tissue-specific molecular regulations, tissue development, physiology and also pathogenesis of tissue-associated diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify tissue-specific genes for various human tissues/organs in more robust and rigorous fashion.
Method: Gene expression data, derived from five large RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) projects, spanning 96 different human tissues was retrieved fromArrayExpress and ExpressionAtlas. The first step is categorization of genes using significant filters and tau score as specificity index. After calculation of tau for each gene in all datasets separately, statistical distance from maximum expression level was estimated using a new meaningful procedure. Specific expression of agene in one or several tissues was calculated after integration of tau and statistical distance estimation that is called as extended tau approach. Obtainedtissue-specific genes for 96 different human tissues were functionally annotated and some comparison were carried out to show effectiveness of extended taumethod.
Results: Categorization of genes based on expression level and identification of tissue-specific genes for a large number of tissues/organs were executed. Genes were successfully assigned to multiple tissues by generating extended tau approach as opposed to original tau score which can assign tissue specificity to single tissue only.
Keywords: Tissue-specific genes, RNA-Seq, Tau score
“Before I was like a Tarzan. But now, I take a pause”: Mixed methods feasibility study of the Naungan Kasih parenting program to prevent violence against children in Malaysia
Authors: Lachman Jamie M , Juhari Rumaya , Stuer Francesca , Zinser Paula , Han Qing , Gardner Frances , McCoy Amalee , Yaacob Siti Nor Binti , Kahar Rojanah Binti , Mansor Mariani Binti , Madon Zainal Bin , Arshat Zarinah Binti , Nadzri Farah Zeehan Binti Mohd , Aftar Nur Farhana Ardillah , Landers Cassie
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite impressive strides in health, social protection, and education, children continue to experience high rates of child maltreatment in Malaysia. This mixed-methods study assessed the feasibility of a five-session, social learning-based parenting program delivered by government staff in a community setting to reduce violence against children. Methods: Parents of children ages 0-17 were recruited from two communities near Kuala Lumpur to participate in the government-run program called the Naungan Kasih Positive Parenting Program (“Protecting through Love” in Bahasa Melayu). Quantitative data from female caregivers (N = 74) and children ages 10-17 (N = 26) were collected along with qualitative interviews and focus groups with parents, children, and facilitators. The primary outcome was child maltreatment with secondary outcomes including neglect, positive parenting, acceptability of corporal punishment, harsh parenting, positive discipline, and child behavior problems. Multilevel Poisson regression and multilevel linear regression were conducted to compare baseline and post-test outcomes. Qualitative interviews and focus groups examined how participants experienced the program utilizing a thematic analysis approach. Results: Quantitative analyses found per-post reductions in overall child maltreatment, physical abuse, emotional abuse, attitudes supporting corporal punishment, parent sense of inefficacy, and child behavior problems. There were no reported effects on positive and harsh parenting, parental mental health, and marital satisfaction, nor were there any other significant effects reported by children. ]Qualitative findings suggested that the program had tangible benefits for female caregivers involved in the program, with the benefits extending to their family members.Conclusions: This feasibility study is one of the few studies in Southeast Asia that examined the feasibility and initial program effects of a parenting program delivered by government staff to families with children across the developmental spectrum from ages 0 to 17 years. Promising results suggest that the program may be effective at reducing child maltreatment across a range of child ages. Findings also indicate areas for program improvement prior to further delivery and testing, including additional training and content on sexual reproductive health, parenting children with disabilities, and online child protection.