bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of texture on ultra‐high strain behavior in eco‐friendly NBT‐0.25ST ceramics using NBT template
Authors: Berksoy‐Yavuz Ayse , Kaya Mustafa Yunus , Yalcin Ezgi , Gozuacik Namik Kemal , Mensur Ebru
Published: April 2024

<001> oriented textured (Na0.5Bi0.5Ti)O3‐0.25SrTiO3 (NBT‐0.25ST) system was fabricated using 10 mol% plate‐like NBT template particles to enhance the electrical properties. Random and textured samples were prepared by a tape‐casting method. Lotgering factor for textured sample was calculated as 88%. Dielectric values of the samples were comparable, and this means texturing using NBT samples of this orientation did not change the dielectric constant. The maximum unipolar strain values of random and textured NBT‐0.25ST systems were found to be as ∼0.09% and ∼0.59%, respectively. This current study emphasizes the significant difference in maximum unipolar strain values between the random and textured versions of the NBT‐0.25ST system, indicating the superiority of the textured material in terms of responsiveness to the electric field. The FOM under high electric fields of textured and random NBT‐0.25ST was found to increase almost 45‐fold compared with random case.
Long‐term efficacy of encapsulated xenogeneic islet transplantation: Impact of encapsulation techniques and donor genetic traits
Authors: Park Heon‐Seok , Lee Eun Young , You Young‐Hye , Rhee Marie , Kim Jong‐Min , Hwang Seong‐Soo , Lee Poong‐Yeon
Published: April 2024

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the long‐term efficacy of various encapsulated xenogeneic islet transplantation, and to explore the impact of different donor porcine genetic traits on islet transplantation outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Donor porcine islets were obtained from wild‐type, α1,3‐galactosyltransferase knockout (GTKO) and GTKO with overexpression of membrane cofactor protein genotype. Naked, alginate, alginate‐chitosan (AC), alginate‐perfluorodecalin (A‐PFD) and AC‐perfluorodecalin (AC‐PFD) encapsulated porcine islets were transplanted into diabetic mice.

Results

In vitro assessments showed no differences in the viability and function of islets across encapsulation types and donor porcine islet genotypes. Xenogeneic encapsulated islet transplantation with AC‐PFD capsules showed the most favorable long‐term outcomes, maintaining normal blood glucose levels for 180 days. A‐PFD capsules showed comparable results to AC‐PFD capsules, followed by AC capsules and alginate capsules. Conversely, blood glucose levels in naked islet transplantation increased to >300 mg/dL within a week after transplantation. Naked islet transplantation outcomes showed no improvement based on donor islet genotype. However, alginate or AC capsules showed delayed increases in blood glucose levels for GTKO and GTKO with overexpression of membrane cofactor protein porcine islets compared with wild‐type porcine islets.

Conclusion

The AC‐PFD capsule, designed to ameliorate both hypoxia and inflammation, showed the highest long‐term efficacy in xenogeneic islet transplantation. Genetic modifications of porcine islets with GTKO or GTKO with overexpression of membrane cofactor protein did not influence naked islet transplantation outcomes, but did delay graft failure when encapsulated.
Coexistence, resource partitioning, and fisheries management: A tale of two mesopredators in equatorial waters
Authors: Orrell Danielle L. , Sadd Daniel , Jones Kirsty L. , Chadwick Kate , Simpson Tiffany , Philpott Darcy E. , Hussey Nigel E.
Published: April 2024

Rock hind (Epinephelus adscensionis) and spotted moray (Gymnothorax moringa) are ubiquitous mesopredators that co‐occur in the nearshore waters of Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, where they have significant cultural and subsistence value, but management of their non‐commercial take is limited. This isolated volcanic system is home to high biomass and low species diversity, which poses two key questions: How can two mesopredators that perform similar ecological roles coexist? And if these two species are so ecologically similar, can they be managed using the same approach? Here, we combined acoustic telemetry, stomach content analysis, and stable isotope analysis to (i) explore space use and diet choices within and between these two species and (ii) to assess appropriate species‐specific management options. Although rock hind had high residency and small calculated home ranges (0.0001–0.3114 km2), spotted moray exhibited shorter periods of residency (<3 months) before exiting the array. Vertical space use differed significantly across the 20‐month tracking period, with individual differences in vertical space observed for both species. A hierarchical generalized additive model using 12‐h averaged depth data identified that rock hind occurred lower in the water column than spotted moray, with both species occupying moderately deeper depths at night versus day (+1.6% relative depth). Spotted moray depth was also significantly predicted by lunar illumination. Aggregating samples by species and tissue type, Bayesian ecological niche modeling identified a 53.14%–54.15% and 78.02%–97.08% probability of niche overlap from fin clip and white muscle, respectively, whereas limited stomach content data indicated a preference for piscivorous prey. Variability in niche breadth between years suggests these species may exploit a range of prey items over time. These findings indicate that although these two species perform a similar ecological role by feeding on prey occupying the same trophic levels, subtle differences in movement behaviors between them suggest a one‐rule‐fits‐all management approach is not likely the most effective option.
Mixed debris interaction with obstacle array under extreme flood conditions
Authors: Chowdhury Piyali , Fredericks Indigo‐Jaie , Alvarez Jesus Castaño , Clark Matthew , Jayaratne Ravindra , Wijetunge J. J. , Raby Alison , Taylor Paul
Published: April 2024

This investigation explores the interactions of different shaped debris with an array of obstacles under subcritical flow conditions, representative of a flood associated with a storm surge or tsunami. Panels, blocks and cylinders were used in a flow channel, as analogues for house panels, cars/containers and trees respectively, whilst some tests used a mix of debris. The backwater effect due to the blockage caused by the obstacles was most (least) significant for panels (cylinders). There was some evidence that smaller key log types and higher flow rates led to smaller dams. It was also evident that key logs formed at different depths depending on debris shape; debris shape also determined the vertical shape of the dam. Capture efficiency had a broadly negative (positive) correlation with the Froude number (permeability). Also, from video footage there were examples of the debris moving more quickly through partial dams. Finally, the drag force, deduced from only the water depths and the flow discharge, showed a clear relationship between drag force and Froude number, and a dependency of drag force on debris shape. There are some implications for the layout of building footprints in the inundation zones and the use of large, break‐away panels.
Model‐based estimation of long‐duration design precipitation for basins with large storage volumes of reservoirs and snowpacks
Authors: Hiraga Yusuke , Iseri Yoshihiko , Warner Michael D. , Duren Angela M. , England John F. , Frans Chris D. , Kavvas M. Levent
Published: April 2024

This study proposes a model‐based methodology to estimate design precipitation for long durations during the winter and spring seasons (October to June) through its application to the drainage areas of two dams in the Columbia River Basin, United States. For basins with large reservoir storage or snowpack, design precipitation and floods need to be estimated based on long‐duration processes rather than focusing only on flood peaks or single storm durations. This study used the advanced research version of weather research and forecasting (WRF) model to maximize the target precipitation over the drainage areas by means of the Atmospheric Boundary Condition Shifting and Relative Humidity Perturbation with relaxed moisture flux thresholds. The greatest cumulative basin‐average precipitation depths during Oct–Jun were estimated to be 1220.5 and 1595.4 mm for the drainage areas of Bonneville and Libby Dams, respectively. The 95% confidence interval (CI) of the exceedance probabilities of the estimated design precipitation depths were found to range from 10−3 to 10−5 at Bonneville Dam's drainage area. Those orders were found to be comparable with the documented exceedance probabilities of PMP/PMF in the US. The estimated design precipitation and corresponding atmospheric/land‐surface fields together will drive a physical model to estimate the design flood.
The impact of multimorbidity and functional limitation on quality of life in patients with heart failure: A multi‐site study
Authors: Manemann Sheila M. , Hade Erinn M. , Haller Irina V. , Horne Benjamin D. , Benziger Catherine P. , Lampert Brent C. , Rasmusson Kismet D. , Roger Veronique L. , Weston Susan A. , Killian Jill M. , Chamberlain Alanna M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Multimorbidity and functional limitation are associated with poor outcomes in heart failure (HF). However, the individual and combined effect of these on health‐related quality of life in patients with HF is not well understood.

Methods

Patients aged ≥30 years with two or more HF diagnostic codes and one or more HF‐related prescription drugs from four U.S. institutions were mailed a survey to measure patient‐centric factors including functional status (activities of daily living [ADLs]) and health‐related quality of life (PROMIS‐29 Health Profile). Patients with HF from January 1, 2013 to February 1, 2018 were included. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 non‐cardiovascular comorbidities; functional limitation as any limitation in at least one of eight ADLs. Patients were categorized into four groups by multimorbidity (Yes/No) and functional limitation (Yes/No). We dichotomized the PROMIS‐29 sub‐scale scores at the median and calculated odd ratios for the four multimorbidity/functional limitation groups.

Results

A total of 3330 patients with HF returned the survey (response rate 31%); 3020 completed the questions of interest and were retained. Among these patients (45% female; mean age 73 [standard deviation: 12] years), 29% had neither multimorbidity nor functional limitation, 24% had multimorbidity only, 22% had functional limitation only, and 25% had both. After adjustment, having functional limitation only was associated with higher anxiety (odds ratio [OR]: 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.66–4.45), depression (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 2.39–4.06), and fatigue (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 3.25–5.40); worse sleep (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.69–2.72) and pain (OR: 6.73, 95% CI: 5.15–8.78); and greater difficulty with social activities (OR: 9.40, 95% CI: 7.19–12.28) compared with having neither. Results were similar for having both multimorbidity and functional limitation.

Conclusion

Patients with only functional limitation have similar poor health‐related quality of life scores as those with both multimorbidity and functional limitation, underscoring the important role that physical functioning plays in the well‐being of patients with HF.
Open‐label topical application of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and acetyl zingerone containing serum improves the appearance of photoaging and uneven pigmentation
Authors: Min Mildred , Pérez Damonte Silvia H. , Sivamani Raja K.
Published: April 2024

Background

Skin photoaging and uneven pigmentation are common dermatological concerns. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA) and acetyl zingerone (AZ) are potent antioxidants that have been shown to have anti‐photoaging and anti‐pigmentation effects. THDA is a more stable and penetrable form of vitamin C. AZ is an antioxidant derived from ginger which has clinical evidence for improving photoaging. However, no studies have assessed how they may synergistically act on the skin.

Aims

This study aims to assess whether a serum containing both THDA and AZ can improve photoaging and the appearance of uneven facial pigmentation.

Patients/Methods

This open‐label study was conducted on 35 healthy individuals aged 21–55. All subjects were instructed to use three to five drops of the topical serum (Power‐C Serum, Image Skincare, Lantana, FL) daily for 12 weeks. Videomicroscopy and high‐resolution photography and various skin biophysical measurements were taken at baseline, 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Outcomes included skin tone and pigmentation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin smoothness, firmness, and elasticity.

Results

Compared to baseline, the results at 12 weeks revealed significant decreases in skin pigmentation (p < 0.0001), decreased fine lines and wrinkles (p < 0.0001), and increased smoothness (p < 0.0001), firmness (p < 0.0001), and elasticity (p < 0.0001). Additionally, transepidermal water loss was significantly decreased at 4 weeks compared to baseline (p = 0.01), indicating an increased epidermal barrier integrity.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings provide evidence for the combined use of THDA and AZ to address skin photoaging and dyspigmentation changes.
Examining the implications of work–nonwork demand congruence
Authors: Hockensmith Kirby , Ragsdale Jennifer M. , Fonseca Rose
Published: April 2024

Examining the implications of excessive work demands on employee well‐being is an important research area of occupational health psychology. Recovery during nonwork time has been emphasized as an important process for mitigating the negative implications of excessive work demands. However, this notion ignores the potential for nonwork activities to be comparably demanding to work activities. There has been a lack of attention paid to the potentially complex interrelationships between work and nonwork demands. Using the effort–recovery and challenge–hindrance stressor models, we developed a set of hypotheses for both the positive and negative implications of the interplay between employee work and nonwork cognitive demands. We collected information on cognitive workweek job demands (Friday) and nonwork cognitive weekend demands (Sunday) from a sample of workers (N = 146), and we used polynomial regression with response surface analysis to examine how different aspects of work–nonwork cognitive demand (in)congruence related to Monday work engagement. In general, higher cognitive workweek job demands promoted work engagement, even when nonwork cognitive demands were equally high. Cognitive demand incongruence that favoured higher cognitive work demands was also beneficial for employee work engagement. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, along with directions for future research in this area.
Climate‐related naturally occurring epimutation and their roles in plant adaptation in A. thaliana
Authors: Chen Bowei , Wang Min , Guo Yile , Zhang Zihui , Zhou Wei , Cao Lesheng , Zhang Tianxu , Ali Shahid , Xie Linan , Li Yuhua , Zinta Gaurav , Sun Shanwen , Zhang Qingzhu
Published: April 2024

DNA methylation has been proposed to be an important mechanism that allows plants to respond to their environments sometimes entirely uncoupled from genetic variation. To understand the genetic basis, biological functions and climatic relationships of DNA methylation at a population scale in Arabidopsis thaliana, we performed a genome‐wide association analysis with high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and found that ~56% on average, especially in the CHH sequence context (71%), of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are not tagged by SNPs. Among them, a total of 3235 DMRs are significantly associated with gene expressions and potentially heritable. 655 of the 3235 DMRs are associated with climatic variables, and we experimentally verified one of them, HEI10 (HUMAN ENHANCER OF CELL INVASION NO.10). Such epigenetic loci could be subjected to natural selection thereby affecting plant adaptation, and would be expected to be an indicator of accessions at risk. We therefore incorporated these climate‐related DMRs into a gradient forest model, and found that the natural A. thaliana accessions in Southern Europe that may be most at risk under future climate change. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating DNA methylation that is independent of genetic variations, and climatic data to predict plants' vulnerability to future climate change.
Metaphors of Sin and Disability in Augustine's Anti‐Pelagian Writings
Authors: Kundu Tanya
Published: April 2024

This article examines Augustine's use of theological metaphor in his anti‐Pelagian writings. Drawing on disability studies in theology and literary theory, it explores how Augustine uses metaphors of disability to provide a material anchor for his concept of sin in Nature and Grace and The Grace of Christ and Original Sin. However, the article proffers that in The Nature and Origin of the Soul, Augustine offers us a model of apophatic theological metaphor which might benefit our figurative theological landscape for conceptualising sin. This latter metaphorical mode might be seen as being congruent with the priorities of contemporary disability theology, and provides a method to disrupt the analogy between sin and disability. The article finally uses these tools to re‐examine the story of Bartimaeus in Luke's gospel with a redistributed hermeneutic, and argues for the pastoral benefits of a more underdetermined approach to our concept of sin.
Intensive care nurses' perceptions and awareness of delirium and delirium prevention guidelines
Authors: Meghani Salima , Timmins Fiona
Published: April 2024

Background

Delirium is an acute and fluctuating disturbance of cognition and is a common occurrence in critically ill patients. It is a manifestation of an acute brain dysfunction often attributed to higher survival rates and a subsequently aging population. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment and survival often contributes towards development of delirium, and lack of or inappropriate management can translate into the development of long‐term psychological effects that last even after discharge. While a lot is already known about this topic, and several assessment tools exist, these are not being consistently used by ICU nurses and as a result delirium often goes unrecognized, with unwarranted consequences.

Aims

The study aimed to explore the perception of delirium among ICU nurses, and the extent of their awareness about guidelines to assess and prevent delirium in ICU patients. It also sought to understand the application of delirium guidelines in ICU practice.

Study Design

A quantitative, exploratory, self‐reporting survey was conducted among 145 ICU nurses from one critical care unit in the Republic of Ireland.

Results

The overall response rate was 71% (103/145). Most nurses (85%) who participated in this survey believed delirium was expected. However, only 45% acknowledged it is a complication. Only 31% of nurses monitored delirium using a validated scale and few observed this as a part of routine care. Most nurses had received education; however, this did not translate to their clinical practice.

Conclusions

Guidelines on managing delirium may not be routinely implemented in the ICU settings of hospitals in the Republic of Ireland.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

As the findings suggest, a gap exists between theory and practice, necessary revision of policy or creating a new policy, supplemental educational sessions such as bedside sessions, e‐learning module, study day or seminars need to be organized to improve nurses' awareness related to delirium and delirium prevention guidelines.
Mandibular molar protraction: A comparison between fixed functional appliances and temporary anchorage devices
Authors: Alshehri Abdulrahman , Abu Arqub Sarah , Betlej Anna , Chhibber Aditya , Yadav Sumit , Upadhyay Madhur
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and fixed functional appliances (FFAs) for mandibular molar protraction.

Methods

Orthodontic records of 1050 consecutively treated patients with molar protraction were screened. Thirty‐six records (22 females and 14 males; mean age, 17.4 years) were divided into two groups: TAD (21 subjects with 25 edentulous spaces) and FFA (15 subjects with 24 edentulous spaces). The primary outcome measure was the efficiency of protraction [magnitude and time required for protraction (rate) and anchor loss (AL)]. The secondary outcomes involved measuring the type of tooth movement (TOTM), external apical root resorption (EARR), alveolar bone height change (ABHC), alveolar bone width change (ABWC) and appliance failure.

Results

The rate of tooth movement was significantly higher for FFAs (0.83 ± 0.35 mm/month) versus TADs (0.49 ± 0.2 mm/month) (P = .005). Total treatment duration was less for FFAs (34.78 ± 8.1 months) versus TADs (47.72 ± 13.94 months) (P = .002). TOTM was similar for both (P = .909). EARR was 1.42 ± 1.38 mm for TAD and 1.25 ± 0.88 mm for FFA (P = .81). ABHC increased in the FFA group (1.01 ± 3.62 mm) and decreased for the TAD group (0.68 ± 1.66 mm). ABWC increased for both TAD (1.81 ± 1.73 mm) and FFA (1.75 ± 1.35 mm). The failure rate was 50% for FFAs and 33% for TADs.

Conclusions

Both systems provided translation of lower molars with comparable anchorage control. However, FFAs were more efficient than TADs for lower molar protraction.
Prostaglandin E‐induced polycyclic cutaneous eruption with geometric features
Authors: Shah Ananya , El‐Feghaly Jinia , Bender Alexandra M.
Published: April 2024

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a substance produced by the patent ductus arteriosus that keeps it open. PGE1 can be a lifesaving drug for infants born with ductus‐dependent congenital heart disease (CHD) where there is a block of blood flow to the lungs or transposition of great arteries. We present a case of a 36‐week, 2‐day gestation neonate with CHD who developed bright erythematous annular and polycyclic patches on day 2 of PGE1 administration. When PGE1 dosing was decreased, the rash resolved on its own. Our case demonstrates that PGE1 treatment may not need to be interrupted.
Phototherapy for vitiligo: A narrative review on the clinical and molecular aspects, and recent literature
Authors: Bishnoi Anuradha , Parsad Davinder
Published: April 2024

Background

Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented patches resulting from loss of melanocytes. Phototherapy has emerged as a prominent treatment option for vitiligo, utilizing various light modalities to induce disease stability and repigmentation.

Aims and Methods

This narrative review aims to explore the clinical applications and molecular mechanisms of phototherapy in vitiligo.

Results and Discussion

The review evaluates existing literature on phototherapy for vitiligo, analyzing studies on hospital‐based and home‐based phototherapy, as well as outcomes related to stabilization and repigmentation. Narrowband ultra‐violet B, that is, NBUVB remains the most commonly employed, studied and effective phototherapy modality for vitiligo. Special attention is given to assessing different types of lamps, dosimetry, published guidelines, and the utilization of targeted phototherapy modalities. Additionally, the integration of phototherapy with other treatment modalities, including its use as a depigmenting therapy in generalized/universal vitiligo, is discussed. Screening for anti‐nuclear antibodies and tailoring approaches for non‐photo‐adapters are also examined.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of phototherapy for vitiligo treatment. It underscores the evolving landscape of phototherapy and offers insights into optimizing therapeutic outcomes and addressing the challenges ahead. By integrating clinical evidence with molecular understanding, phototherapy emerges as a valuable therapeutic option for managing vitiligo, with potential for further advancements in the field.
Populus euphratica has stronger regrowth ability than Populus pruinosa under salinity stress
Authors: Huang Zongdi , Zhai Juntuan , Li Zhijun , Yu Lei
Published: April 2024

Pest infestation and soil salinization levels are increasing due to climate change. Comprehending plant regrowth after insect damage and salinity stress is crucial to understanding climate change's multifactorial impacts on forest ecosystems. This study examined Populus euphratica and P. pruinosa regrowth after different defoliation levels combined with salinity stress. Specifically, the biomass and regrowth ability, non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) and nitrogen (N) pools in different organs and the whole plant, and the leaf Cl− concentration of both poplars were analyzed. Our results showed that after 50% defoliation and no salt addition, the regrowth of both species recovered similarly to the control level, while their regrowth was about 70% after 90% defoliation. However, under salinity stress, the regrowth (% leaf biomass) of P. euphratica was significantly higher than P. pruinose at either the 50% or 90% defoliation levels. Additionally, P. euphratica had more soluble sugar, starch, NSC and N pools in leaf, stem, root and whole plant than P. pruinose under salinity stress. The regrowth based on leaf biomass increased linearly with soluble sugar, starch, NSC and N pools, and decreased linearly with leaf Cl− concentration across different salinity and defoliation levels. These results indicated that defoliation significantly decreased NSC and N pools, limiting the growth of both poplars, and salinity stress exacerbated the negative effect. Furthermore, when suffering from salinity stress, P. euphratica with higher NSC and N pools exhibited stronger regrowth ability than P. pruinose.
Biological soil crusts are more prevalent in warmer and drier environments within the Great Basin ecoregion: implications for managing annual grass invasion
Authors: Condon Lea A. , Bradford John B. , Coates Peter S.
Published: April 2024

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) can thrive under environmental conditions that are stressful for vascular plants such as high temperatures and/or extremely low moisture availability. In these settings, and in the absence of disturbance, cover of biocrusts commonly exceeds cover of vascular plants. Arid landscapes are also typically slow to recover from disturbance and prone to altered vegetation and invasion by exotic species. In the sagebrush ecosystems, cover of annual, exotic, invasive grasses are lower where cover of biocrusts and vascular plants are greater, suggesting that biocrusts play a role in helping arid sites avoid conversion to dominance by invasive grasses. The conceptual framework for assessing ecological resistance and resilience (R&R) is used across the region to estimate the risk of invasion by annual grasses and the likelihood of recovery of native plants following disturbance. However, this framework does not currently account for biocrusts. We used data collected by the Bureau of Land Management Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring program to relate biocrusts, specifically the presence of lichens and mosses, to the R&R framework. Lichens frequently occur on warm, dry sites, classified as lower R&R. Mosses frequently occur on sites classified as moderate or moderately low R&R. Without management practices that favor biocrusts in low‐moderate R&R, these areas may be more vulnerable to transitioning from being dominated by shrubs to annual grasses. Under climate change scenarios, the area occupied by lower R&R sites is likely to increase, suggesting that the role of biocrusts in maintaining site resistance to invasion may also increase.
The role of formal, informal, and family credit in the business performance of young entrepreneurs in Benin
Authors: Nadege Djossou Gbetoton , Jacob Novignon , Araar Abdelkrim
Published: April 2024

This research estimated the impact of credit uptake (formal, informal, and family) on youth entrepreneurship performance in Benin using panel data from a World Bank survey on enterprise formalization. To address potential endogeneity and ensure the robustness of results, we employed multiple models and estimation techniques (fixed‐effects and Lewbel approach). Our results showed that, while formal credit was most important for larger firms, smaller firms benefited mainly from flexible (informal or family) credit. The impact of credit uptake was generally higher for female‐owned firms. There were also variations in uptake according to the firm owner's age. The impact of formal credit was relatively higher for older firm owners while informal credit impacted more younger owners. The findings highlight the importance of informal and family credit sources, especially for start‐ups and small firms.
Political Campaigns’ Use of E-mail vs. Television Advertising
Authors: Kang Taewoo
Published: April 2024

This research explores how political campaigns use e-mail and television advertising differently. The data consist of 267,675 television ad airings sponsored, and 2,164 e-mails sent, by the forty-seven U.S. Senate candidates who used both communication channels during the 2014 general election cycle. Major findings include that fundraising requests and get-out-the-vote messages were more commonly found in campaign e-mails than in television ads; that campaigns were more likely to use partisan appeals in their e-mails while they often used bipartisan appeals in their television ads; and that campaigns sometimes mentioned issues owned by the other party more frequently than their opponents did when using television ads whereas they tended to focus on issues owned by their party in their e-mails. Campaigns’ use of multiple communication channels within a single election cycle should be monitored more systematically and thoroughly.
Exploring the Multidimensional Model of Leadership Through the Lens of Coaches: An Examination of the Relationship Between Personality, Leader Behaviors, and the Coach–Athlete Relationship
Authors: Anderson Shelby N. , Harenberg Sebastian , Nieto Maggie , Vosloo Justine
Published: April 2024

The Multidimensional Model of Leadership hypothesizes that leader personality characteristics impact leader behaviors, which in turn influence collective and individual outcomes. While the Multidimensional Model of Leadership has received substantial research attention over the past four decades, the full hypothesis including antecedents, throughputs, and outputs has rarely been tested in one study. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to test the relationship between adaptive and maladaptive personality characteristics (i.e., perfectionism and passion), leader behaviors, and the coach–athlete relationship in college coaches. National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches (N = 380) completed the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2, the Passion Scale, the Leadership Scale for Sports, and the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling revealed that perfectionism and passion accounted for 65% of the variance for leader behaviors. Specifically, adaptive dimensions of perfectionism and passion positively predicted leader behaviors, whereas maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism negatively predicted leader behaviors. Furthermore, leader behaviors explained over half the variance of the coach–athlete relationship. The results provide support for the Multidimensional Model of Leadership from the perspective of sport coaches. Applied implications for coaches and sport psychology practitioners are discussed.
Mapping twist-tuned multiband topology in bilayer WSe
2
Authors: Foutty Benjamin A. , Kometter Carlos R. , Devakul Trithep , Reddy Aidan P. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Fu Liang , Feldman Benjamin E.
Published: April 2024

Semiconductor moiré superlattices have been shown to host a wide array of interaction-driven ground states. However, twisted homobilayers have been difficult to study in the limit of large moiré wavelengths, where interactions are most dominant. In this study, we conducted local electronic compressibility measurements of twisted bilayer WSe
2
(tWSe
2
) at small twist angles. We demonstrated multiple topological bands that host a series of Chern insulators at zero magnetic field near a “magic angle” around 1.23°. Using a locally applied electric field, we induced a topological quantum-phase transition at one hole per moiré unit cell. Our work establishes the topological phase diagram of a generalized Kane-Mele-Hubbard model in tWSe
2
, demonstrating a tunable platform for strongly correlated topological phases.
Structural disorder determines capacitance in nanoporous carbons
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Lyu Dongxun , Merlet Céline , Leesmith Matthew J. A. , Hua Xiao , Xu Zhen , Grey Clare P. , Forse Alexander C.
Published: April 2024

The difficulty in characterizing the complex structures of nanoporous carbon electrodes has led to a lack of clear design principles with which to improve supercapacitors. Pore size has long been considered the main lever to improve capacitance. However, our evaluation of a large series of commercial nanoporous carbons finds a lack of correlation between pore size and capacitance. Instead, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements and simulations reveal a strong correlation between structural disorder in the electrodes and capacitance. More disordered carbons with smaller graphene-like domains show higher capacitances owing to the more efficient storage of ions in their nanopores. Our findings suggest ways to understand and exploit disorder to achieve highly energy-dense supercapacitors.
Group to establish standards for AI in papers
Authors: Else Holly
Published: April 2024

Researchers may be using generative artificial intelligence to help write 1%–5% of manuscripts
Alternative models to support weight loss in chronic musculoskeletal conditions: effectiveness of a physiotherapist-delivered intensive diet programme for knee osteoarthritis, the POWER randomised controlled trial
Authors: Allison Kim , Jones Sarah , Hinman Rana S , Pardo Jesse , Li Peixuan , DeSilva Anurika , Quicke Jonathan George , Sumithran Priya , Prendergast Jodie , George Elena , Holden Melanie A , Foster Nadine E , Bennell Kim L
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To determine if physiotherapists can deliver a clinically effective very low energy diet (VLED) supplementary to exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and overweight or obesity.

Methods

88 participants with knee OA and body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m2were randomised to either intervention (n=42: VLED including two daily meal replacement products supplementary to control) or control (n=46: exercise). Both interventions were delivered by unblinded physiotherapists via six videoconference sessions over 6 months. The primary outcome was the percentage change in body weight at 6 months, measured by a blinded assessor. Secondary outcomes included BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, self-reported measures of pain, function, satisfaction and perceived global change, and physical performance tests.

Results

The intervention group lost a mean (SD) of 8.1% (5.2) body weight compared with 1.0% (3.2) in the control group (mean (95% CI) between-group difference 7.2% (95% CI 5.1 to 9.3), p<0.001), with significantly lower BMI and waist circumference compared with control group at follow-up. 76% of participants in the intervention group achieved ≥5% body weight loss and 37% acheived ≥10%, compared with 12% and 0%, respectively, in the control group. More participants in the intervention group (27/38 (71.1%)) reported global knee improvement than in the control group (20/42 (47.6%)) (p=0.02). There were no between-group differences in any other secondary outcomes. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

A VLED delivered by physiotherapists achieved clinically relevant weight loss and was safe for people with knee OA who were overweight or obese. The results have potential implications for future service models of care for OA and obesity.

Trial registration number

NIH, US National Library of Medicine, Clinicaltrials.govNCT04733053(1 February 2021).
Area deprivation and premature cardiovascular mortality: a nationwide population-based study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Eunji , Lee Hokyou , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Ko Young Gyu , Kim Byoung Gwon , Kim Hyeon Chang
Published: April 2024

Background

Regional disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden exist. The effect of area deprivation, one of the possible explanations, still needs to be fully understood. This population-based study investigated the association between Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and CVD-related premature death.

Methods

ADI was derived from 10 socioeconomic indicators in 250 South Korean municipalities using the 2020 Population and Housing Census data. Mortality rates for CVD and its subtypes, namely ischaemic heart diseases, other heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases, in adults under 65 years were directly standardised by sex and age, referencing the total population structure. Municipalities were categorised by urbanicity, and adjustments for the number of hospitals and geographical area size were made using log-linear regression models.

Results

The most deprived municipalities showed 41.6% excess mortality for CVD, 30.3% for ischaemic heart diseases, 60.7% for other heart diseases and 36.9% for cerebrovascular diseases compared with the least deprived municipalities. Even after adjusting for the number of hospitals per unit area, the association between ADI and premature CVD death was more significant in metropolitan areas than in other provinces. For each incremental increase in the continuous ADI, the adjusted mortality rate ratios were observed as 1.031 (95% CI, 1.020 to 1.043) in metropolitan areas and 1.009 (95% CI, 1.000 to 1.019) in other provinces. Additional multilevel analyses showed consistent findings of a higher risk in deprived areas.

Conclusion

This study highlights a higher risk of premature cardiovascular death in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. CVD prevention strategies should reflect regional characteristics and focus on reducing the burden in deprived metropolitan areas.
Sea ice influence on male polar bear survival in Hudson Bay
Authors: McGeachy David , Lunn Nicholas J. , Richardson Evan S. , Derocher Andrew E.
Published: April 2024

Environmental variability and seasonality of resources influence species distribution and demographic parameters such as survival. We quantified the spatiotemporal dynamics of sea ice that remains in Hudson Bay during break-up (remnant ice) and assessed relationships with apparent survival for three age classes of male polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774): subadult (1–4 years), prime age (5–19 years), and senescent (≥20 years) captured in Western Hudson Bay in 1980–2019. Remnant ice distribution varied annually, and we identified ice-related covariates that were correlated with detection probabilities and male apparent survival. Apparent survival declined by 10% for prime age males during the earliest retreat dates within Hudson Bay. Apparent survival for senescent bears declined during earlier sea ice retreat within western Hudson Bay. Subadult apparent survival was time constant and not significantly influenced by sea ice; however, detection probability was higher when remnant ice occurred in the west compared to the eastern half of Hudson Bay. Our results suggest that spatiotemporal sea dynamics at varying spatial scales affected males based on age class, had important impacts on estimating apparent survival, and has implications for assessing population status.
History of monitoring the endangered ivory gull in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Mallory Mark L. , Gilchrist H. Grant
Published: April 2024

The ivory gull ( Pagophila eburnea Phipps 1774) is a rare seabird found in the Canadian High Arctic. The Seymour Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary has supported the core colony for ivory gull research since the 1970s, but by the 2000s, survey work was extended across the species’ range in Nunavut, prompted by growing Indigenous concerns of population declines, which led to regular monitoring of colonies. We found marked declines in numbers of ivory gulls since the 1980s, especially in the southern part of the range, leading the Canadian Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada to recommend uplisting ivory gulls to Endangered under Canada’s Species At Risk Act, which the federal government did in 2009. This resulted in the development of a national Recovery Strategy that outlined research and monitoring needs. Canadian results prompted international concern and led to coordinated, international research and monitoring on this iconic Arctic species, which collectively suggested worldwide declines in the species’ numbers. Despite our efforts, the future of monitoring, and indeed of ivory gulls in Canada, remains unclear.
Density-dependent development in pest and domestic Drosophilidae species
Authors: Gandini Luciano Mauricio , Flaibani Nicolás , Fanara Juan José
Published: April 2024

The capacity to lay eggs inside healthy fruits rather than on decaying plant matter differentiates insect fruit pests from domestic species. This niche differentiation has been previously proposed to be an adaptation to avoid competition. We hypothesize that pest species will be more strongly affected by competition. We compare the impact of larvae density on fitness traits between Drosophila pests ( Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931); Zaprionus indianus Gupta, 1970) and domestic species ( Drosophila immigrans Sturtevant, 1921; Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830). We assessed the effect of crowding on adult emergence and development time. Viability decreased gradually with density for D. immigrans and D. suzukii, while for D. melanogaster and Z. indianus it remained high. Development time increased with density; this was stronger on Z. indianus and D. immigrans than on D. suzukii, which had a moderate increase, and D. melanogaster, which did not change. Contrary to expectations, the distinct patterns observed were not related to each species' domestic or pest lifestyle. In fact, patterns consistent with either scramble or contest type of competition were observed on both pest and domestic species, respectively. These findings challenge prior beliefs regarding competition effects among Drosophila pest species and provide information relevant to integrated pest management.
Seshadri constants on some flag bundles
Authors: Hanumanthu Krishna , Pine Jagadish
Published: April 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a smooth complex projective curve and let [Formula: see text] be a vector bundle on [Formula: see text] which is not semistable. We consider a flag bundle [Formula: see text] parametrizing certain flags of fibers of [Formula: see text]. The dimensions of the successive quotients of the flags are determined by the ranks of vector bundles appearing in the Harder–Narasimhan filtration of [Formula: see text]. We compute the Seshadri constants of nef line bundles on [Formula: see text].
Nonlinear Dynamic Properties of Rigid–Elastic–Liquid Coupled Ball Bearings Considering External Load Excitation
Authors: Li Yan , Yang Haisheng , Cui Yongcun , Deng Sier , Zhang Wenhu
Published: April 2024

In this study, a novel dynamic model of a ball bearing based on rigid–elastic–liquid (REL) coupling structure considering external load excitation is established, and the dynamic response of its outer ring under external load excitation is examined. First, the differential equation of the journal motion (i.e. the outer ring) is derived based on Newton’s law, and the oil film force induced by the REL coupling structure is determined by using the central finite difference method, planar bending theory of thin ring, and Simpson’s rule. Further, the fourth and fifth-order variable step length Runge–Kutta method is used to solve the kinematic differential equation. Second, the dynamic characteristics of the outer ring of the bearing under different speeds and elastic support structural parameters are examined. Finally, the feasibility of the theoretical model is verified through experiments. The results show that compared with the traditional squeeze film damper (SFD) system, the ball bearing with REL coupling structure is more stable, and the vibration damping effect is better under higher bearing speed, lower squirrel cage stiffness, and smaller elastic ring flexibility coefficient. The above findings provide useful insights into the dynamic characteristics of REL coupled ball bearings under unbalanced excitation, which can serve as a reference for the optimization design of such ball bearings.
Possible dark energy stars in Rastall gravity
Authors: Ashraf Asifa , Shahzad M. R. , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: April 2024

Observational evidence revealed that in the composition of the Universe, the dark energy is in heap proportion which is mainly responsible for the accelerated expansion of the Universe. The astrophysicists hypothesized that every astrophysical object is likely interact with the dark energy Sakti and Sulaksono [Phys. Rev. D 103 (2021) 084042]. Therefore, researchers are intended to study the astrophysical objects with dark energy interaction. In this paper, we proposed a dark energy stars (composed of with dark matter and ordinary matter) model in the Rastall theory of gravity. The Rastall field equations are obtained in the Tolman–Kuchowicz-type metric. To solve the field equations, the arbitrary constants involved in the field equations (due to Tolman–Kuchowicz ansatz) are obtained by matching the interior geometry with the exterior Schwarzschild geometry. The obtained solution is tested physically by computing some analytical results and plotting graphs of different physical parameters like pressure, density for ordinary matter, density for dark matter, mass function, compactness and surface redshift. Stability of the model is also analyzed by different tests like velocity of sound, adiabatic index and TOV equations. The influence of the Rastall parameter on the model has been studied by plotting graphs and computing numerical values of model’s physical parameters for different values of the Rastall parameter. We infer that our propounded model fulfills all the necessary requirements for a physically plausible model.
Credit Evaluation Model and Its Application in Healthcare Insurance Fraud Detection
Authors: Ding Zeyu , Zhao Xiaomin , Huan Ruohong
Published: April 2024

Healthcare insurance fraud has become a major problem worldwide in recent decades, resulting in significant financial losses for every affected country. Traditional fraud detection methods, however, often fall short as they primarily focus on analyzing data from the current period, thereby neglecting valuable historical information. In our study, we introduce a novel approach inspired by the financial concept of “credit” to detect fraudulent activities in various domains, such as healthcare insurance, credit card, and online retail transactions. Our approach aims to build a credit evaluation model (CEM) that can distinguish between fraudulent and normal activities by analyzing their historical records. We acknowledge that numerous fraud detection methods have been proposed, but they often struggle to detect edge cases, which limits their practical effectiveness. To address this challenge, our proposed CEM employs a time interval-aware long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm to assist fraud detection. Furthermore, we propose an innovative approach that transforms traditional binary classification into a multi-classification problem, which improves the model’s ability to handle diverse fraudulent activities. We conducted experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed approach and model, comparing them against baseline algorithms and recently proposed methods. The results indicate that our approach outperforms the others, demonstrating its potential for practical use in detecting fraudulent activities across various domains.