bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of thermal-ion-driven internal kink in DIII-D high-T
i plasmas
Authors: Liu Yueqiang , Xie Weichao , Du Xiaodi
Published: June 2022

Toroidal modeling utilizing the non-perturbative magnetohydrodynamic-kinetic hybrid code MARS-K (Liu Y.Q. et al 2008 Phys. Plasmas
15 112503), to a DIII-D high-performance discharge with the core thermal ion temperature of T
i ∼ 13 keV, finds multiple branches of unstable internal kink (IK) modes triggered by the bounce resonance of trapped thermal ions. The range of the computed mode frequency aligns well with the bounce frequency of trapped thermal ions, confirming the nature of resonance drive for the instability. The computed mode frequency is close to that observed in experiments. Plasma toroidal flow, in particular the fast flow (

>

10% of Alfvén speed) as in the considered DIII-D discharge, strongly stabilizes the fluid IK branch but not all of the thermal-ion-driven internal kink (TIK) branches, leaving one dominant unstable TIK branch under the experimental conditions. Plasma resistivity also significantly affects stability of the TIKs (but not much on the IK which is ideally strongly unstable) in combination with the drift kinetic drive by thermal ions. High resistivity can drive additional unstable TIK branches. Scanning the on-axis safety factor over a large range confirms robustness of the TIK triggering by thermal ions. The computed TIKs contain both the IK and the tearing components as the dominant contributions to the eigenmode structure. These findings, together with the experimental results reported in reference (Du X.D. et al 2021 Phys. Rev. Lett.
127 025001), strongly suggest the possibility of thermal-ion driven instabilities in ITER.
Water pump control system in hydroponic plants using the ebb and flow method
Authors: Setiawan David , Hamzah  , Siswati Latifa , Ariyanto Anto , Guntoro
Published: June 2022

Along with the restrictions during the covid-19 pandemic, many new farmers are growing vegetables for their own needs or for sale and there are also many new farmers who are planting ornamental flowers which are currently booming, these new farmers are mothers or people who have free time at home. In growing vegetables using the hydroponic method, it does not require a large area of land and yields faster harvests by paying attention to the accuracy in providing nutrients, the intensity of light and temperature around the plant and the flow of water that is maintained to circulate oxygen and nutrients to the plant roots. In previous research, Hydroponic Plants powered by Solar Panels have been designed and tested but in the middle of the night the motor stops flowing water to the plants due to insufficient battery voltage, so it is necessary to find a solution so that the existing equipment can be optimized again, so this research aims to get a solution so that the existing system can be optimized by using the control system carried out by Arduino so that the pump can continue to flow water (oxygen and nutrients) for 24 hours continuously.
Assessing and preparedness for earthquake disaster in Salaf-Khalaf Islamic Boarding School
Authors: Rosyida Fatiya , Wahyuningtyas Neni , Tanjung Ardyanto , Kodir Abdul
Published: June 2022

Trenggalek is an earthquake-vulnerable area because it is located in the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. Therefore, it is necessary to have the preparedness of the people who live there in order to reduce disaster risk. The Islamic boarding school that was there was also affected by the disaster. Santri have a high risk of experiencing a disaster because they live in the Islamic boarding school. There have been many studies related to the preparedness of the community and school students, but not many studies related to santri’s preparedness. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to analyze the level of santri’s preparedness against the earthquake disaster in Trenggalek. The research method is a quantitative description using questionnaires and interviews. The sample amounted to 30 and was obtained by stratified random sampling. Data analysis uses the earthquake preparedness index. The results showed that 10% were classified as extremely prepared, 35% were classified as prepared, 43% were classified as unprepared, and 17% were classified as extremely unprepared. This happens because of the lack of knowledge of students about the vulnerability of disasters that exist around the Islamic boarding school and the disaster mitigation efforts.
The innovation of ecological fiscal transfers policy at Siak Regency
Authors: Kabullah Muhammad Ichsan
Published: June 2022

For several decades, the problem of forest fires has been recurring almost every year in Siak regency, Riau Province. This phenomenon affected a huge portion of damage for public. However, the previous policy has been failed to solve the forest fires problem. However, some local government has attempting to address the problem of forest fires with policy innovation. This article focuses on innovation by the Siak local government through ecological transfer policy. Although the idea of ecological transfer policy is not new, there are few Indonesian local governments has initiate in the policy. Siak is one step ahead to initiate the ecological transfer policy during Siak Hijau vision. This article analyses the success story of Siak in formulating the ecological transfer policy in local budget. Through a qualitative research method, we found that the ecological transfer policy can occur due to combination of local elite support and advocacy of civil society organizations. Both actors played an active role in the ecological transfer policy. However, the women tended to be alienated in the formulation of the ecological transfer policy due to cultural and political barriers. In that sense, it is important to create inclusiveness for policy formulation‥
Etnobotany of medicine plants in the community of Rawang Kao Village, Siak, Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Afidah Mar’atul
Published: June 2022

This study aims to determine the plant species used as medicine by the community of Rawang Kao Village, Siak, Indonesia. This research was conducted in Rawang Kao Village, Lubuk Dalam District, Siak Regency, Riau Province in April-May 2021. This study used qualitative descriptive techniques. Samples were taken by snowball sampling technique. Samples in this study were 12 people of Rawang Kao Village who knows about the use of plant as medicine. Data collection techniques used were interview and direct observation to indentify the plant species. Overall, the research results revealed that there are 32 species of plants used as medicine by the people of Rawang Kao Village belong to 21 families. The most widely used plant species as medicine are from Zingiberaceae, as many as 6 species (19 %) and the most widely used plant parts as medicinal ingredients are leaves (56 %). 66 % of plants used as medicine by the people of Rawang Kao Village are planted in the yard of the house. In general, these plants are used as medicine for diabetes, cough, hypertension, and fever.
The effects of nano encapsulated Syzygium Polyanthum leaves extract inclusion in drinking water
Authors: ‘Afifah A N , Zuprizal  , Dono N D
Published: June 2022

A study with six treatments in a Completely Randomized Design was conducted to evaluate the effects of nano encapsulated Syzygium polyanthum leaves extract (SpLE) inclusion in drinking water on small intestinal digesta pH and macromorphology in broiler chickens. The treatments were: drinking water without any addition (negative control), drinking water with 50 ppm antibiotic Tetracycline addition (positive control), or drinking water with1% SpLE, 3% SpLE, 1% nano-capsulated SpLE (N-SpLE), and 3% N-SpLE additions. Each experimental treatment was repeated four times with eight birds per replicate pen. The basal diet and drinking water were provided from days 8 to days 35. One-way ANOVA was used to calculate the effect of the treatments. The difference data in present study were separated with Duncan’s new Multiple Range Test. Result showed no treatment effect was detected on macromorphology of all segments on the small intestine. However, drinking water inclusion with 3% SpLE reduced digesta pH (P<0.05) in the duodenum and jejunum. Inclusion of 3% N-SpLE reduced digesta pH only in the ileum (P<0.05). Reductions of digesta pH in some segments of the small intestinal might shows beneficial effect of drinking water inclusion with Syzygium polyanthum leaves extract on the intestinal health improvement in broiler chickens.
The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cherry Leaf Extract (Muntingia Calabura L.) Balm Stick
Authors: Nugrahaeni Fitria , Efendi Kriana , Aziz Abdul Kholik
Published: June 2022

In previous studies, cherry leaf extract has been shown to be anti-inflammatory. This means a preparation is needed to deliver the extract. Balm stick is an innovation in a stem-shaped balm that makes it easier to be used so that cherry leaf extract is made into a balm stick preparation. This study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the balsam stick of cherry leaf extract topically. The study was conducted by varying the concentration of cherry leaf extract at 2.5%, 5%, and 10% and tested its anti-inflammatory activity in male white rats induced by carrageenan. The experimental animals were divided into 5 test groups, whereby the positive control group was given 2.5% hydrocortisone balm stick, the negative control group was given the balm stick preparation and the 3 test groups were given 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The observations were made using a plethysmometer by looking at the volume of edema in the carrageenan-induced rat paws. Balm sticks with a concentration of 5% and 10% had an inhibitory power of more than 50% with a value of 70.27% and 95.83% while a concentration of 2.5% had an inhibitory power of 44.44%. Balm stick ethanol extract of cherry leaves has anti-inflammatory activity with concentrations of 5% and 10% and demonstrates an increase in anti-inflammatory activity, whereby the greater the concentration, the greater the anti-inflammatory activity produced.
The Effect of HPMC Concentration as a Gelling Agent on Color Stability of Copigmented Blush Gel Extract of Purple Sweet (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam.)
Authors: Nugrahaeni Fitria , Nining  , Okvianida Redina
Published: June 2022

Purple sweet potato contains anthocyanin pigments that can be used as natural dyes. However, the use of anthocyanins as dyes has less stable properties. Anthocyanin stability can be increased by the addition of copigments. Copigment that can be used is apple extract at pH 4.6. In this study, a blush was made. One of the blush dosage forms that can be made is gel. Blush gel can provide a cool feeling, easy to wash, soft, and not sticky on the skin. In the creation of gels, the gelling agent is one of the components that affect the characteristics of gel preparations. HPMC is a gelling agent used in the manufacture of blush gel preparations. This study aims to determine the effect of increasing the concentration of HPMC as a gelling agent on the color stability of the copigmented purple sweet potato extract blush gel. The preparations were made in 3 formulas with varying concentrations of gelling agent (F1) 1%, (F2) 1.5%, and (F3) 2%. The evaluation carried out included testing the physical characteristics of the gel, namely organoleptic test, pH test, dispersion test, phase separation test, color stability test, and preference test. The results showed that the evaluation of blush gel preparations met the requirements of pharmaceutical standards with the pH test value of blush gel preparations being 4.72 to 5.84 and the spreadability test value being 5.26 cm to 6.48 cm. The results of the color stability test on the three formulas showed that there were significant differences. The increase in the concentration of HPMC as a gelling agent on the color stability of the copigmented purple sweet potato extract blush gel was unstable during 28 days of storage.
Microbiological profile of concentrated yoghurt manufactured from low and full fat milk during storage
Authors: Setyawardani T , Sumarmono J , Kusuma D R
Published: June 2022

The microbiological profile illustrates the existence and growth of microflora in fermentation products, such as concentrate yogurt. The study aimed to identify and evaluate microflora in yogurt paste observed from the total bacteria, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total yeast, LAB viability, and level of acidity. Concentrate yogurt was made of full-fat milk and low-fat milk that was fermented and hung for 24h and stored at a low temperature for observation on day 0,15, 30, 45, and 60. The data were subjected to a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) followed by the Duncan test. The result showed significant (P<0.05) changes in the total bacteria, total LAB, total yeast, LAB viability dan acidity (pH) of the fermentation products; however, no significant difference (P>0.05) was identified regarding the use of raw material. Storage made the fermented products suffer from the decreased total bacteria, LAB dan its viability, but there was an increase in the total yeast and pH. Conclusively, storing concentrate yogurt in a cool place for 60 would decrease the microflora profile (total bacteria, LAB dan LAB viability) but increase the total yeast and pH value.
Production profile and microbiological properties of locally produced pork sausage in the Philippines
Authors: Dealino MM , Bueno CM
Published: June 2022

This study evaluated the micro-enterprise production practices and microbiological properties of Philippine pork sausage. It was noted that most sausage manufacturers that fall under the said business category require workers to take a bath prior to operation and wear aprons while few require hand washing and use of hairnet and facemask. No one used hand gloves. Meat materials are sourced locally and undergo no washing prior to grinding which are mostly facilitated at room temperature. Only few of the respondents have designated processing area while others process in-store or at the back of their house. All the respondents use stainless steel mixing basin and manual stuffing with 46.67% using stainless steel table. Processors use hog casing and/or artificial edible casing. Results of the microbial analysis showed all sausage samples were beyond the limit for coliforms while only 26.77% were below the limit set for Escherichia coli. Salmonella had 93.33% incidence while all samples were tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Results showed that micro-enterprise production process of local pork sausage may compromise the safety of the consuming public and comprehensive evaluation by the local government unit is necessary to comply with the Philippine Food Safety Act of 2013.
Biogas as methane mitigation path on dairy cattle waste management
Authors: Herliatika A , Widiawati Y
Published: June 2022

Greenhouse gas (GHG) caused global warming. The GHG emissions in ruminants come from enteric fermentation and manure management. Some of manure management of large ruminants (dairy cattle and beef cattle) are Biogas and manure stacking. Biogas in manure management is the most suggested, since beside reduce the GHG emission, it’s also produced an alternative energy source. Biogas system had been applied by many sectors including small holder farmers. There is no data available on the reduction value of GHG emission resulted from Biogas system. Therefore, the equation of methane mitigation from biogas was needed to predict the potential mitigation from this activity. This study aimed to create a simple equation to predict methane mitigation from manure management activity of dairy cattle, also to predict added value as an energy source in manure management. A correction factor of emission from dry stacking of manure compared to emission from biogas is also required in the calculation. Equations formed from the study are EB=(940,57 CO2-eq/AU/year) x N, EBB=130,73 CO2-eq/AU/year x N, and EDS=0,659281 x EB or EDS=4,74336 x EBB. These equations used to predict greenhouse gas production in the manure of dairy cattle. The final result showed that manure management of dairy cattle should be done by using Biogas. Gases produced in biogas can be used as alternative energy by burning it and contribute to reducing the GHG production in manure management.
Study of phytoplankton biology index and water quality parameters of kali Surabaya River
Authors: Cahyonugroho O H , Hariyanto S , Supriyanto G
Published: June 2022

Phytoplankton is used as an indicator of water quality because of its short life cycle and fast response to changes in the aquatic environment, especially in river ecosystems. In addition, the existence of industrial, agricultural, and community activities around the river will cause changes in the water quality of the waters. This study aim was to analyze the distribution of the phytoplankton community based on the biological index related to the water quality parameters of the Kali Surabaya river. The study was carried out in January – February 2021. The study sample used a random sample method which was divided into four observation station. The samples obtained were identified by the type of phytoplankton and tested for water quality parameters (pH, temperature, brightness, strong currents, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate, and chlorophyll-a). The results showed the phytoplankton abundance index in the Kali Surabaya river is low with a range of 485,49–626,21 cell/L, the diversity index (H’) is moderate with a range of 1.446–1.703, uniformity index (E) in the range of 0,61–0,626, and dominance index (D) with a range of 0,293–0,368. The relationship between the biological index of phytoplankton with the water quality of the Kali Surabaya River that the water quality parameters that had more influence on the diversity index, uniformity index, and dominance index were pH, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate.
Energy Efficiency of Offshore Support Vessels
Authors: Ajith P J , Bangar Raju T , Aqib Jalil Syed , Chaturvedi B K
Published: June 2022

The International Maritime Organization has brought forward the need to reduce CO2 emissions from ships. There have been many deliberations in this regard; however, there is an absence of specific guidelines to monitor emissions in offshore support vessels. This study attempts to prioritize the various factors affecting the operational energy efficiency of these vessels. The objective of this study is to rank the factors and sub-factors based on feedback from various stakeholders. Three major factors namely Managerial, functional and Infrastructural and their respective sub factors were considered for the study. In total, seventeen sub-factors were taken for the study and feedback from twenty-two stakeholders were obtained. The Best worst method, which is an MCDM approach, is deployed to rank these factors based on feedback from various stakeholders. Infrastructure factors emerge as the leading factors among the three major factors: vessel performance monitoring, digitalized fleet management, and regulatory compliance. The study throws light for vessel operators to focus on infrastructure sub-factors for better energy efficiency in offshore vessels.
Changes in Water Surface Boundary of East Juyan Lake in Northwest China Based on Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Li Lingqi , Lu Jinqiang , Wu Kai , Qu Bo , Liu Bingbing
Published: June 2022

Lakes in arid inland areas are important indicators for reflecting the regional ecosystem security under climate change and human-related impacts. Understanding the evolution characteristics of lakes is helpful for eco-environment protection and management. This study applied the Landsat remote sensing data from 2002 to 2017 to analyze the water surface area changes of East Juyan Lake, a closed lake in northwest China. The results showed that the upward trends existed from 2002 to 2006 and were more significant from 2014 to 2017. The upward trends became gentle from 2007 to 2013. Regarding the seasonal characteristics, the water surface area in winter was almost the largest in the whole year, with an annual average of 51km2, followed by that in autumn (50.45km2). The annual average value in spring (48.16km2) was larger than that in summer (41km2). For the spatial changes, the lake boundary generally expanded from 2002 to 2009, and its eastern and western boundaries changed obviously after 2006. After 2010, the changes in lake boundaries tended to be gentle.
Green Architecture as A Facilitating Mechanism for Regional Development and Sustainable Cities-The Case of the Island of Chiloé, Chile
Authors: S Pareti , V González , D Flores , M Pareti
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore how to develop a sustainable architecture to recover the vernacular architecture, and through this strengthen the socioeconomic development of a city It is proposed that through these recoveries and promotions, the city can welcome sustainable logics, also considering its geographical advantages, natural resources and bordering the sea as characteristics to take advantage of. For this, the island of Chiloé in southern Chile has been selected as a case study, due to (1) it has a unique vernacular architecture, the palafitos (stilt houses); and (2) It has a geographic morphology that has allowed, from its genesis as a city, to build in wood and other sustainable materials, consequently, this can be used as a basis for achieve a restoration of its communities respecting the interrelation of various social, cultural and environmental factors and whose sustainability is established by the balance of the previously mentioned factors.
A Conceptual Framework for Developing and Transitioning to a Green Economy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Nigeria
Authors: John Ogbonna Alfred
Published: June 2022

Green Economy (GE) is among the sustainability trends meant to tackle challenges in the present norm. As such, for developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to indulge and transform their economic activities in line with GE standards, there is a need for a workable and pragmatic framework for GE that the stakeholders agree and accept. Hence, this research identified and examined GE-related issues and developed a conceptual framework for a green economy to examine the GE related factors and stages in transitioning to GE in Nigeria. The framework identified and incorporated four stages: the formation, implementation, results and post GE stages by examining the factors at every stage. An exploratory desk study was adopted to analyze the secondary data to examine the linkages in factors that promote/accelerate or hinder/impede GE concepts. The research highlighted the framework’s feasible application and adaptability in Nigeria.
Examining the Success Factors for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development
Authors: John Ogbonna Alfred
Published: June 2022

Sustainable Development (SD) is a concept of socially inclusive approach, resource-efficient, with low-carbon measures bolstered by public and private investment partnerships in economic activities and infrastructural projects that minimizes carbon emissions pollution reductions, improves energy usage, and ultimately prevents the loss of biodiversity within the ecosystem services for humankind. Implementing SD policies is paradoxically challenging for a Nigeria and other African countries due to significant factors affecting the success of such policies and efforts within its economy. This study examined 11success factors (SFs) that affects SD in Nigeria’s economy. The results show the huge impact of stakeholders on the success of the SD efforts in Nigeria. In addition, SD policy implementation, enforcement, and adaptability may take years or decades, but once embedded in overall economic sectors, organizational operations, and corporate social responsibilities, as well as the majority of the population’s respective activities, the positive social, economic, and environmental sustainability impacts, will be profound.
A study of morphology of silicon with femtosecond laser based on phase field model
Authors: Zhang Linan , Lu Kai , Wu Liqun , Wang Hongcheng , Liu Hongying , Chen Chao
Published: June 2022

In this paper, phase field model is employed to simulate the process of femtosecond laser which irradiates on silicon surface. The numerical model is mainly used to study the micro/nano evolution process and the atomic diffusion motion of the system. Meanwhile, the Semi-Implicit Fourier spectral method and Semi-Implicit Backwards Differentiation Formula are applied for high efficiency and numerical stability. Further, the rules of surface bumps are controlled by different thermal conductivities which are systematically revealed. Our work provides a new prospect for fabricating the bumps of the probe, to obtain high sensitivity sensors in chemical and biological fields.
Stigma in Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Bédard Sarah , Sasewich Hannah , Culling Jessica , Turner Simon R , Pellizzari Janelle , Johnson Scott , Bédard Eric L R
Published: June 2022

Background

The phenomenon of lung cancer stigma has been firmly established in the literature. However, studies have predominantly focused on patients with advanced disease, whose experiences may differ from patients with earlier stage, surgically resectable lung cancer and an improved prognosis.

Purpose

The objective of the study was to examine the stigma experienced in a Canadian population with early-stage, resectable lung cancer.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer were enrolled at a tertiary thoracic surgery clinic. The 25-item Lung Cancer Stigma Inventory (LCSI) was self-administered by patients to quantitatively measure experiences of lung cancer stigma. LCSI results informed the development of a semi-structured focus group and individual interviews.

Results

Of the 53 participants completing the survey, 38 (72%) met established LCSI score threshold, indicating a clinically meaningful level of stigma. No significant relationship was found between total LCSI scores and any demographic variable. Analysis of qualitative data revealed multiple themes related to experiences of lung cancer stigma. The major themes were classified into four categories: impact of the association between lung cancer and smoking, societal attitudes and assumptions, personal choices in relation to diagnosis, and experiences related to care.

Conclusions

A surgical population of patients with predominantly early-stage lung cancer experienced lung cancer stigma at a high incidence and a level similar to previously studied populations with more advanced disease. The qualitative results support the quantitative findings that respondents experienced more internal stigma than either perceived stigma from others or constrained disclosure related to their diagnosis.
The role of resistance exercise training for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Smart Thomas F F , Doleman Brett , Hatt Jacob , Paul Melanie , Toft Suzanne , Lund Jonathan N , Phillips Bethan E
Published: June 2022

Background

Declines in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle mass are both associated with advancing age and each of these declines is associated with worse health outcomes. Resistance exercise training (RET) has previously been shown to improve muscle mass and function in the older population. If RET is also able to improve CRF, as it has been shown to do in younger populations, it has the potential to improve multiple health outcomes in the expanding older population.

Methods

This systematic review aimed to identify the role of RET for improving CRF in healthy older adults. A search across CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMCARE databases was conducted with meta-analysis performed on eligible papers to identify improvements in established CRF parameters (VO2 peak, aerobic threshold (AT), 6-minute walking distance test (6MWT) following RET intervention. Main eligibility criteria included older adults (aged over 60), healthy cohorts (disease-specific cohorts were excluded) and RET intervention.

Results

Thirty-seven eligible studies were identified. Meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in VO2 peak (MD 1.89 ml/kg/min; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–2.57 ml/kg/min), AT (MD 1.27 ml/kg/min; 95% CI 0.44–2.09 ml/kg/min) and 6MWT (MD 30.89; 95% CI 26.7–35.08) in RET interventions less than 24 weeks. There was no difference in VO2 peak or 6MWT in interventions longer than 24 weeks.

Discussion

This systematic review adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the implementation of RET in the older population for improving whole-body health, particularly in time-limited timeframes.
Resource-dependent investment in male sexual traits in a viviparous fish
Authors: Fernlund Isaksson Erika , Reuland Charel , Kahrl Ariel F , Devigili Alessandro , Fitzpatrick John L
Published: June 2022

Exaggerated and conspicuous sexually selected traits are often costly to produce and maintain. Costly traits are expected to show resource-dependent expression, since limited resources prevent animals from investing maximally in multiple traits simultaneously. However, there may be critical periods during an individual’s life where the expression of traits is altered if resources are limited. Moreover, costly sexual traits may arise from sexual selection acting both before (pre-copulatory) and after mating (post-copulatory). Gaining a robust understanding of resource-dependent trait expression therefore requires an approach that examines both episodes of sexual selection after resource limitation during different times in an individual’s life. Yet few studies have taken such an approach. Here, we examine how resource restriction influences a set of pre- and post-copulatory traits in male pygmy halfbeaks (Dermogenys collettei), which invest in sexual ornaments and routinely engage in male–male contests and sperm competition. Critically, we examined responses in males when resources were restricted during development and after reaching sexual maturity. Both pre- and post-copulatory traits are resource-dependent in male halfbeaks. Body size, beak size, courtship behavior, and testes size were reduced by diet restriction, while, unexpectedly, the restricted-diet group had a larger area of red color on the beak and fins after diet treatment. These patterns were generally consistent when resources were restricted during development and after reaching sexual maturity. The study reinforces the role of resource acquisition in maintaining variation among sexual traits.
Can you hear/see me? Multisensory integration of signals does not always facilitate mate choice
Authors: Coss Derek A , Ryan Michael J , Page Rachel A , Hunter Kimberly L , Taylor Ryan C
Published: June 2022

Females of many species choose mates using multiple sensory modalities. Multimodal noise may arise, however, in dense aggregations of animals communicating via multiple sensory modalities. Some evidence suggests multimodal signals may not always improve receiver decision-making performance. When sensory systems process input from multimodal signal sources, multimodal noise may arise and potentially complicate decision-making due to the demands on cognitive integration tasks. We tested female túngara frog, Physalaemus (=Engystomops) pustulosus, responses to male mating signals in noise from multiple sensory modalities (acoustic and visual). Noise treatments were partitioned into three categories: acoustic, visual, and multimodal. We used natural calls from conspecifics and heterospecifics for acoustic noise. Robotic frogs were employed as either visual signal components (synchronous vocal sac inflation with call) or visual noise (asynchronous vocal sac inflation with call). Females expressed a preference for the typically more attractive call in the presence of unimodal noise. However, during multimodal signal and noise treatments (robofrogs employed with background noise), females failed to express a preference for the typically attractive call in the presence of conspecific chorus noise. We found that social context and temporal synchrony of multimodal signaling components are important for multimodal communication. Our results demonstrate that multimodal signals have the potential to increase the complexity of the sensory scene and reduce the efficacy of female decision making.
Social Workers’ Experiences of Bureaucracy: A Systematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Pascoe Katheryn Margaret , Waterhouse-Bradley Bethany , McGinn Tony
Published: June 2022

Since the 1990s managerialism has spread across the public sector, implementing private sector practices targeting greater efficiency in public services. Consequently, reforms focusing on risk management, standardisation, fragmentation and accountability have increased demands for paperwork and procedure compliance from street-level bureaucrats (SLBs). Focusing specifically on the impact on social work, this paper presents the findings of a systematic literature review synthesising social workers experience of bureaucracy across thirty-nine published qualitative studies. Despite warnings being voiced about the risks associated with enforcing highly bureaucratic and managerial cultures in social work, evidence reinforces the consequences predicted over two decades prior. Major themes from the systematic synthesis include negative effects on social workers and service users, social workers’ resistance to bureaucratic structures and the coping strategies they employed. Although the review found some positive perspectives, this was sporadic and only reported in a minority of studies. As SLBs, social workers face an important question: What should be prioritised in the delivery of social services? Managing procedures, administration and documentation or pursuing sustainable change through meaningful engagement with service users?
Exploring Local Authority Variation in Looked After Young People’s Subjective Well-being
Authors: Suh Ellie , Selwyn Julie
Published: June 2022

There has been growing interest in the Local Authority (LA) variation in rates of admission to care and provision of services but less is known about whether young people’s experience of care varies by LA. Using survey data from 4,994 looked after young people (aged eleven to eighteen years) from thirty-six English LAs, the analyses focused on LA variation in their subjective well-being. There was a statistically small LA variation in young people’s responses to individual survey questions except for a question that asked if young people felt they had a trusted adult in their lives. Between 66 per cent and 100 per cent of young people had a trusted adult depending on the LA caring for them. Positively associated with overall well-being were, being looked after by a non-London LA, a longer length of time in care, fewer placement moves, children’s positive perceptions of a reciprocal trusting relationship with their carer, having a good friend and being male. Counter-intuitively, LAs with an outstanding or good Ofsted social care or education judgement were associated with a higher proportion of their young people having low well-being.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Codetection With Influenza A and Other Respiratory Viruses Among School-Aged Children and Their Household Members—12 March 2020 to 22 February 2022, Dane County, Wisconsin
Authors: Temte Jonathan L , Barlow Shari , Temte Emily , Goss Maureen , Bateman Allen , Florek Kelsey , Uzicanin Amra
Published: June 2022

Background

Concurrent detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and another respiratory virus in individuals can document contemporaneous circulation. We used an ongoing, community-based study of school-aged children and their households to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 codetections with other respiratory viruses in a non–medically attended population over a 2-year period.

Methods

Household enrollment was predicated on an acute respiratory illness in a child residing in that household who was also a kindergarten through 12th-grade student in the participating school district. Demographic, symptom, and household composition data and self-collected nasal specimens were obtained on the recruitment day, and 7 and 14 days later, from the index child and all other household members. All specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Day 0 specimens from the index children were simultaneously tested for 16 pathogens using a commercial respiratory pathogen panel (RPP). To assess viral codetections involving SARS-CoV-2, all household specimens were tested via RPP if the index child’s day 0 specimen tested positive to any of the 16 pathogen targets in RPP and any household member tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Results

Of 2109 participants (497 index children in 497 households with 1612 additional household members), 2 (0.1%) were positive for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A; an additional 11 (0.5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and another RPP-covered respiratory virus. Codetections predominantly affected school-aged children (12 of 13 total) and were noted in 11 of 497 households.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 codetections with other respiratory viruses were uncommon and predominated in school-aged children.
Patterns, Predictors, and Intercenter Variability in Empiric Gram-Negative Antibiotic Use Across 928 United States Hospitals
Authors: Goodman Katherine E , Baghdadi Jonathan D , Magder Laurence S , Heil Emily L , Sutherland Mark , Dillon Ryan , Puzniak Laura , Tamma Pranita D , Harris Anthony D
Published: June 2022

Background

Empiric antibiotic use among hospitalized adults in the United States (US) is largely undescribed. Identifying factors associated with broad-spectrum empiric therapy may inform antibiotic stewardship interventions and facilitate benchmarking.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adults discharged in 2019 from 928 hospitals in the Premier Healthcare Database. “Empiric” gram-negative antibiotics were defined by administration before day 3 of hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression models with random effects by hospital were used to evaluate associations between patient and hospital characteristics and empiric receipt of broad-spectrum, compared to narrow-spectrum, gram-negative antibiotics.

Results

Of 8 017 740 hospitalized adults, 2 928 657 (37%) received empiric gram-negative antibiotics. Among 1 781 306 who received broad-spectrum therapy, 30% did not have a common infectious syndrome present on admission (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, sepsis, or bacteremia), surgery, or an intensive care unit stay in the empiric window. Holding other factors constant, males were 22% more likely (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22 [95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.23]), and all non-White racial groups 6%–13% less likely (aOR range, 0.87–0.94), to receive broad-spectrum therapy. There were significant prescribing differences by region, with the highest adjusted odds of broad-spectrum therapy in the US West South Central division. Even after model adjustment, there remained substantial interhospital variability: Among patients receiving empiric therapy, the probability of receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics varied as much as 34+ percentage points due solely to the admitting hospital (95% interval of probabilities: 43%–77%).

Conclusions

Empiric gram-negative antibiotic use is highly variable across US regions, and there is high, unexplained interhospital variability. Sex and racial disparities in the receipt of broad-spectrum therapy warrant further investigation.
Viral Dynamics of Omicron and Delta Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Variants With Implications for Timing of Release from Isolation: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Bouton Tara C , Atarere Joseph , Turcinovic Jacquelyn , Seitz Scott , Sher-Jan Cole , Gilbert Madison , White Laura , Zhou Zhenwei , Hossain Mohammad M , Overbeck Victoria , Doucette-Stamm Lynn , Platt Judy , Landsberg Hannah E , Hamer Davidson H , Klapperich Catherine , Jacobson Karen R , Connor John H
Published: June 2022

Background

In January 2022, US guidelines shifted to recommend isolation for 5 days from symptom onset, followed by 5 days of mask-wearing. However, viral dynamics and variant and vaccination impact on culture conversion are largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study on a university campus, collecting daily anterior nasal swabs for at least 10 days for reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and culture, with antigen rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) on a subset. We compared culture positivity beyond day 5, time to culture conversion, and cycle threshold trend when calculated from diagnostic test, from symptom onset, by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, and by vaccination status. We evaluated sensitivity and specificity of RDT on days 4–6 compared with culture.

Results

Among 92 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR–positive participants, all completed the initial vaccine series; 17 (18.5%) were infected with Delta and 75 (81.5%) with Omicron. Seventeen percent of participants had positive cultures beyond day 5 from symptom onset, with the latest on day 12. There was no difference in time to culture conversion by variant or vaccination status. For 14 substudy participants, sensitivity and specificity of day 4–6 RDT were 100% and 86%, respectively.

Conclusions

The majority of our Delta- and Omicron-infected cohort culture-converted by day 6, with no further impact of booster vaccination on sterilization or cycle threshold decay. We found that rapid antigen testing may provide reassurance of lack of infectiousness, though guidance to mask for days 6–10 is supported by our finding that 17% of participants remained culture-positive after isolation.
Characterization of Virologic Rebound Following Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir Treatment for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Boucau Julie , Uddin Rockib , Marino Caitlin , Regan James , Flynn James P , Choudhary Manish C , Chen Geoffrey , Stuckwisch Ashley M , Mathews Josh , Liew May Y , Singh Arshdeep , Reynolds Zahra , Iyer Surabhi L , Chamberlin Grace C , Vyas Tammy D , Vyas Jatin M , Turbett Sarah E , Li Jonathan Z , Lemieux Jacob E , Barczak Amy K , Siedner Mark J
Published: June 2022

We enrolled 7 individuals with recurrent symptoms or antigen test conversion following nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment. High viral loads (median 6.1 log10 copies/mL) were detected after rebound for a median of 17 days after initial diagnosis. Three had culturable virus for up to 16 days after initial diagnosis. No known resistance-associated mutations were identified.
Centralizing neurofibromatosis experimental tool knowledge with the NF Research Tools Database
Authors: Clayton Ashley , DeFelice Mialy , Zalmanek Brynn , Hodgson Jay , Morin Caroline , Simon Stockard , Bletz Julie A , Eddy James A , Nikolov Milen , Banerjee Jineta , Vinnakota Kalyan , Marasca Marco , Boske Kevin J , Hoff Bruce , Bradic Ljubomir , Kim YooRi , Goss James R , Allaway Robert J
Published: June 2022

Experimental tools and resources, such as animal models, cell lines, antibodies, genetic reagents and biobanks, are key ingredients in biomedical research. Investigators face multiple challenges when trying to understand the availability, applicability and accessibility of these tools. A major challenge is keeping up with current information about the numerous tools available for a particular research problem. A variety of disease-agnostic projects such as the Mouse Genome Informatics database and the Resource Identification Initiative curate a number of types of research tools. Here, we describe our efforts to build upon these resources to develop a disease-specific research tool resource for the neurofibromatosis (NF) research community. This resource, the NF Research Tools Database, is an open-access database that enables the exploration and discovery of information about NF type 1-relevant animal models, cell lines, antibodies, genetic reagents and biobanks. Users can search and explore tools, obtain detailed information about each tool as well as read and contribute their observations about the performance, reliability and characteristics of tools in the database. NF researchers will be able to use the NF Research Tools Database to promote, discover, share, reuse and characterize research tools, with the goal of advancing NF research.

Database URL: https://tools.nf.synapse.org/.
Interventions on the social dimension of people with chronic heart failure: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Olano-Lizarraga Maddi , Wallström Sara , Martín-Martín Jesús , Wolf Axel
Published: June 2022

Aims

The symptom burden of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), together with social determinants and psychosocial factors, results in limitations to maintain adequate social life and roles, participate in social events and maintain relationships. This situation's impact on health outcomes makes it of utmost importance to develop meaningful social networks for these patients. The primary objective aimed to identify randomized controlled trials that impact the social dimension of people with CHF. The secondary objectives were to analyze the methodological quality of these interventions, establish their components, and synthesize their results.

Methods and results

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsychINFO, and CINAHL databases between 2010 and February 2022. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials was used. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Eight randomized controlled trials were identified, among which two were at ‘high risk of bias.’ Interventions were synthesized according to the following categories: delivery format, providers and recipients, and the intervention content domains. Half of the studies showed statistical superiority in improving the intervention group's social support in people with CHF.

Conclusion

This review has highlighted the scarcity of interventions targeting the social dimension of people with CHF. Interventions have been heterogeneous, which limits the statistical combination of studies. Based on narrative review and vote counting, such interventions could potentially improve social support and self-care, which are important patient reported outcomes, thus warrant further research. Future studies should be co-created with patients and families to be adequately targeted.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021256199
Genomics analysis ofDrosophila sechelliaresponse toMorinda citrifoliafruit diet
Authors: Drum Zachary , Lanno Stephen , Gregory Sara M , Shimshak Serena , Barr Will , Gatesman Austin , Schadt Mark , Sanford Jack , Arkin Aaron , Assignon Brynn , Colorado Sofia , Dalgarno Carol , Devanny Trevor , Ghandour Tara , Griffin Rose , Hogan Mia , Horowitz Erica , McGhie Emily , Multer Jake , O'Halloran Hannah , Ofori-Darko Kofi , Pokushalov Dmitry , Richards Nick , Sagarin Kathleen , Taylor Nicholas , Thielking Acadia , Towle Phie , Coolon Joseph
Published: June 2022

Drosophila sechellia is an island endemic host specialist that has evolved to consume the toxic fruit of Morinda citrifolia, also known as noni fruit. Recent studies by our group and others have examined genome-wide gene expression responses of fruit flies to individual highly abundant compounds found in noni responsible for the fruit’s unique chemistry and toxicity. In order to relate these reductionist experiments to the gene expression responses to feeding on noni fruit itself, we fed rotten noni fruit to adult female D. sechellia and performed RNA-sequencing. Combining the reductionist and more wholistic approaches, we have identified candidate genes that may contribute to each individual compound and those that play a more general role in response to the fruit as a whole. Using the compound specific and general responses, we used transcription factor prediction analyses to identify the regulatory networks and specific regulators involved in the responses to each compound and the fruit itself. The identified genes and regulators represent the possible genetic mechanisms and biochemical pathways that contribute to toxin resistance and noni specialization in D. sechellia.