bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between teachers’ professional competencies and the quality of interactions and relationships in preschool: findings from Austria
Authors: Embacher Eva-Maria , Smidt Wilfried
Published: November 2023

The professionalization of preschool teachers is considered an important factor for ensuring and improving the quality of interactions and relationships. Findings on associations between teachers’ professional competencies and the quality of interactions and relationships in preschools are not only inconsistent in general but also rare for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Austria. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address this research gap by considering interaction quality at the child level (measured with the inCLASS) and preschool teachers’ perceptions of the teacher–child relationship (measured with the STRS). A sample of 287 children from 89 Austrian preschools was examined. After including control variables, the results of regression analyses revealed that preschool teachers’ beliefs on co-construction were negatively related to task orientation, whereas their beliefs on instruction were positively related to task orientation. Furthermore, preschool teachers’ work engagement was positively related to conflict interactions. Regarding teacher–child closeness, a positive association with preschool teachers’ work engagement was found. Results on teacher–child conflict showed a positive effect of preschool teachers’ beliefs on instruction and negative effects of teachers’ beliefs on co-construction and their self-efficacy. The findings are discussed in regard to the professionalization of preschool teachers.
Relational needs frustration: an observational study on the role of negative (dis)engaging emotions
Authors: Pirrone Davide , Sels Laura , Verhofstadt Lesley
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to explore the role of partners’ negative engaging and disengaging emotions in dealing with the frustration of autonomy and relatedness needs during conflict. In an observational study, partners from 141 heterosexual couples participated in a conflict interaction task followed by a video-mediated recall procedure during which they reported their level of relational need frustration and their emotions experienced at different moments during the interaction. Results showed that in partners, more autonomy frustration, experienced at the beginning of the conflict, was accompanied by more concurrent negative disengaging emotions (anger, irritation), whereas more relatedness frustration was accompanied by more negative engaging emotions (hurt, sadness, disappointment). Additionally, the concurrent association between partners’ relatedness frustration and their experience of negative engaging emotions was negatively moderated by their own relatedness relationship beliefs (as assessed by background questionnaires), indicating that for individuals who considered relatedness to be less important, relatedness frustration and negative engaging emotions were more strongly linked than for people with high relatedness beliefs. Finally, negative engaging emotions – assessed at the beginning of the conflict – were associated with more relatedness frustration at a subsequent time point in the interaction in men, but not in women. This study contributes to our understanding of how partners’ negative emotions and the frustration of important relational needs are intertwined.
Child development beyond the nutrition-specific models: bridging the pathways via psychosocial stimulation
Authors: David Blessy E. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: November 2023

Background

Undernutrition has severe and lasting consequences on child development. Evidently, the interventions based on the biomedical model with food and direct supplementation have failed to produce the desired outcomes for decades. In light of the established positive effects of psychosocial stimulation on developmental outcomes, we propose that the observed failures relate to not including psychosocial stimulation within the interventions. Here we test whether psychosocial stimulation mediates the association between nutritional status and motor and mental development in a large cohort from Madhya Pradesh, India.

Method

Using a correlational design in children below 3 years of age (N = 275; Males = 148, Females = 127) nutritional status was measured through mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), psychosocial stimulation was assessed with the HOME-inventory, and motor and mental development were assessed with the Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants (DASII). We assessed the effectiveness of 25-week intervention model incorporating psychosocial stimulation on 95 undernourished children in experimental group and 77 in control group.

Results

The study found that psychosocial stimulation fully mediated the relationship between nutritional status and the motor development [Effect = 1.03, 95% C.I. (0.19, 2.04), p = 0.05] and mental development [Effect = 0.49, 95% C.I. (0.09, 1.03), p = 0.05] in children under 3 years of age. Nutritional status significantly predicted the psychosocial stimulation to the child (R2 = 0.77). Analyzing the effectiveness of the intervention program revealed significant reduction in the developmental delays in both the motor [t(81) = 2.568, p = 0.012] and mental development [t(81) = 4.506, p = 0.001] of the undernourished children.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that nutrition translates into positive developmental outcomes in a child only with the scaffolding effects of psychosocial stimulation primarily received from home. Integrating psychosocial stimulation activities like storytelling, play, art and crafts, puppets, travel etc. in the intervention programs designed to address undernutrition may yield rich dividends in bridging the developmental delays among undernourished children.
ChatGPT’s advice is perceived as better than that of professional advice columnists
Authors: Howe Piers Douglas Lionel , Fay Nicolas , Saletta Morgan , Hovy Eduard
Published: November 2023

ChatGPT is a high-performance large language model that has the potential to significantly improve human-computer interactions. It can provide advice on a range of topics, but it is unclear how good this advice is relative to that provided by competent humans, especially in situations where empathy is required. Here, we report the first investigation of whether ChatGPT’s responses are perceived as better than those of humans in a task where humans were attempting to be empathetic. Fifty social dilemma questions were randomly selected from 10 well-known advice columns. In a pre-registered survey, participants (N = 404) were each shown one question, along with the corresponding response by an advice columnist and by ChatGPT. ChatGPT’s advice was perceived as more balanced, complete, empathetic, helpful, and better than the advice provided by professional advice columnists (all values of p < 0.001). Although participants could not determine which response was written by ChatGPT (54%, p = 0.29), most participants preferred that their own social dilemma questions be answered by a human than by a computer (77%, p < 0.001). ChatGPT’s responses were longer than those produced by the advice columnists (mean 280.9 words vs. 142.2 words, p < 0.001). In a second pre-registered survey, each ChatGPT answer was constrained to be approximately the same length as that of the advice columnist (mean 143.2 vs. 142.2 words, p = 0.95). This survey (N = 401) replicated the above findings, showing that the benefit of ChatGPT was not solely due to it writing longer answers.
A study of the relationship between social anxiety and mask-wearing intention among college students in the post-COVID-19 era: mediating effects of self-identity, impression management, and avoidance
Authors: Xia Tiansheng , Xu Xuan , Ding Shiyao
Published: November 2023

Introduction

During the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, wearing masks not only prevented transmission of the virus but also reduced social anxiety to some extent. With the end of the epidemic, the intention to wear masks to prevent transmission declined, but the effect of social anxiety on the intention to wear masks is unclear. The current study investigated the effects of social anxiety and fear of COVID-19 on mask-wearing intentions in the post-epidemic era, using self-identity, impression management and avoidance as mediating variables.

Methods

In total, 223 college students participated in the current study, and the related variables were measured using the social anxiety scale, the social behavior questionnaire, the self-identity questionnaire, and the mask-wearing intention questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that social anxiety was significantly positively correlated with avoidance, impression management, and intention to wear masks, and significantly negatively correlated with self-identity. The fear of COVID-19, avoidance, and impression management were significantly positively correlated with mask-wearing intentions, while self-identity was significantly negatively correlated with mask-wearing intentions. Social anxiety affected college students’ intention to wear masks through three main pathways: the mediating role of avoidance, impression management, and the chain mediating role of self-identity and avoidance. The fear of COVID-19 directly and positively affected mask-wearing intentions.

Discussion

The current study reveals the differential pathways of the effects of COVID-19 fear and social anxiety on mask-wearing intentions in the post-COVID-19 era, and the findings have some practical implications for social anxiety interventions.
Freezing and freeing of degrees of freedom in joint action learning
Authors: Hafkamp Marijn S. J. , Casanova Remy , Bootsma Reinoud J.
Published: November 2023

In daily life, we often encounter situations in which we have to coordinate our actions with others to achieve a common goal. These actions are also defined as joint actions. In this study we investigated how a multi-agent system learns to acquire control in a novel joint action task. To this end, we designed a task in which agents had to coordinate their actions so as to control a ball rolling on a long, hand-held beam. Participants' task was to roll the ball as fast and accurately as possible back-and-forth between two indicated targets on the beam, by manually adjusting the inclination angle of the beam. In the joint action version of this task, two participants each hold a different beam extremity. In a solo action version, the participant holds one extremity while the other is attached to a static support. The experiment consisted of two practice sessions that each comprised 15 two-min trials. One group of 12 participants first performed a solo action session of the task and then a joint action session (Group S/J), while another group of 12 participants started with a joint action session, followed by a solo action session (Group J/S). While performance increased over practice in all sessions, we found that in the joint action task dyads without prior solo task experience (Group J/S) adopted a sequential pattern of interpersonal coordination by freezing their motion whenever the other agent moved. In contrast, dyads that had received prior practice in the solo task setting (Group S/J) demonstrated less freezing and more complementary motion during the joint action performance. Lastly, we found that initial practice as a dyad in the joint action task did not result in a significant improvement of a subsequent solo action performance. We concluded that multi-agent motor learning in a novel joint action task is characterized by the initial freezing of task-relevant degrees of freedom, while individual training in a constrained setting can stimulate the freeing of these DFs during subsequent joint action performance.
The relationship between emotional self-awareness, emotion regulation, and diabetes distress among Italian and Dutch adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bassi Giulia , Embaye Jiska , de Wit Maartje , Snoek Frank J. , Salcuni Silvia
Published: November 2023

Objective

Evidence suggests that many adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience clinically relevant levels of diabetes distress, indicating coping difficulties. Studies have primarily focused on emotion regulation as a possible construct to be addressed in psychological interventions to alleviate diabetes distress. This study extends the literature by investigating the cross-sectional association between emotion regulation, diabetes distress and the construct of emotional self-awareness as an additional variable to be considered in potentially reducing diabetes distress.

Methods

Via an online survey, data was collected on emotional self-awareness dimensions (attention to feelings, clarity of feelings), emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, mood repair) and diabetes distress, along with self-reported clinical and sociodemographic information. Multiple linear regression with stepwise backward method was used to examine associations, controlling for country.

Results

N = 262 Italian and Dutch adults with T1D (80.5% women, M = 38.12 years, SD = 12.14) participated. Clarity of feelings was significantly negatively associated with diabetes distress, resulting in a medium effect size (β = −0.22, p < 0.001). Likewise, mood repair was negatively related to diabetes distress, showing a small effect size (β = −0.26, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings shed light on the importance of a dimension of emotional self-awareness, namely clarity of feelings. This represents the ability to identify one’s emotional states and discriminate between them. Thus, it should be considered in psychological interventions, such as mentalization-based treatment, that might contribute to alleviating T1D-related distress.
Brain changes with Chinese reading development in typical and atypical readers
Authors: Cao Fan
Published: November 2023

Reading is a high-order cognitive process that is unique in human beings. There is a prolonged developmental course and a wide range of proficiency levels associated with reading. In this review, I focus on brain changes underlying Chinese reading development in both typical readers and readers with reading disability. Reading development in typical readers is characterized by a shift from dorsal phonological reading to ventral orthographic reading in the brain and increased interactive specialization in the reading network. Even though some individuals with reading disability may be able to catch up with typical readers on phonological reading by adulthood, they cannot reach fluent orthographic reading. In the brain, the reduction of brain activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus associated with reading disability disappears by adulthood, suggesting that this is a developmental delay, while there is a greater reduction of brain activation in the left inferior temporal gyrus in adults than children with reading disability. It suggests a greater deficit in the dorsal phonological reading pathway in children and a greater deficit in the ventral orthographic reading pathway in adults with reading disability. This review provides insights about the developmental trajectories in typical and atypical reading.
Neuro-ophthalmologic and blood biomarker responses in ADHD following subconcussive head impacts: a case–control trial
Authors: Nowak Madeleine K. , Kronenberger William G. , Rettke Devin , Ogbeide Osamudiamen , Klemsz Lillian M. , Quinn Patrick D. , Mickleborough Timothy D. , Newman Sharlene D. , Kawata Keisuke
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This clinical trial aimed to determine the influence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on neuro-ophthalmologic function and brain-derived blood biomarkers following acute subconcussive head impacts.

Methods

The present trial consisted of age- and sex-matched samples with a ratio of 1:1 between two groups with a total sample size of 60 adults (age ± SD; 20.0 ± 1.8 years). Soccer players diagnosed with and medicated daily for ADHD were assigned into an ADHD group (n = 30). Soccer players without ADHD were assigned into a non-ADHD group (n = 30). Participants performed 10 soccer headers with a soccer ball projected at a velocity of 25mph. King-Devick test (KDT), near point of convergence (NPC), and serum levels of NF-L, tau, GFAP, and UCH-L1 were assessed at baseline (pre-heading) and at 2 h and 24 h post-heading.

Results

There were no statistically significant group-by-time interactions in outcome measures. However, at baseline, the ADHD group exhibited lower neuro-ophthalmologic functions compared to the non-ADHD group (NPC: p = 0.019; KDT: p = 0.018), and persisted at 2 h-post (NPC: p = 0.007; KDT: p = 0.014) and 24 h-post heading (NPC: p = 0.001). NPC significantly worsened over time in both groups compared to baseline [ADHD: 2 h-post, 1.23 cm, 95%CI:(0.77, 1.69), p < 0.001; 24 h-post, 1.68 cm, 95%CI:(1.22, 2.13), p = 0.001; Non-ADHD: 2 h-post, 0.96 cm, 95%CI:(0.50, 1.42), p < 0.001; 24 h-post, 1.09 cm, 95%CI:(0.63, 1.55), p < 0.001]. Conversely, improvements in KDT time compared to baseline occurred at 2 h-post in the non-ADHD group [−1.32 s, 95%CI:(−2.55, −0.09), p = 0.04] and at 24 h-post in both groups [ADHD: −4.66 s, 95%CI:(−5.89, −3.43), p < 0.001; Non-ADHD: −3.46 s, 95%CI:(−4.69, −2.23), p < 0.001)]. There were no group-by-time interactions for GFAP as both groups exhibited increased levels at 2 h-post [ADHD: 7.75 pg./mL, 95%CI:(1.41, 14.10), p = 0.019; Non-ADHD: 7.91 pg./mL, 95%CI:(1.71, 14.14), p = 0.015)] that returned to baseline at 24 h-post. NF-L levels increased at 2 h-post heading in the ADHD group [0.45 pg./mL, 95%CI:(0.05, 0.86), p = 0.032], but no significant NF-L changes were observed in the non-ADHD group over time.

Discussion

Ten soccer headers elevated GFAP levels and NPC impairment in both groups. However, persisting group difference in NPC, blunted KDT performance, and increased NF-L levels in the ADHD group suggest that ADHD may reduce neuro-ophthalmologic function and heighten axonal response to soccer headers.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ID: (NCT04880304).
Individuals under voluntary treatment with sexual interest in minors: what risk do they pose?
Authors: von Franqué Fritjof , Bergner-Koether Ralf , Schmidt Stefanie , Pellowski Jan S. , Peters Jan H. , Hajak Göran , Briken Peer
Published: November 2023

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and the production, use, and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are key threats to children’s mental health. From the perspective of indicated prevention, it can be assumed that some persons with a sexual interest in children commit such unreported crimes. Accordingly, the German Network kein Täter werden (meaning do not offend) has implemented a confidential treatment service for persons with a sexual interest in minors who voluntarily seek therapy, might or might not have offended but have not yet been detected or have fulfilled all legal requirements (here referred to as non-forensic individuals). However, this offer has been questioned for investing resources in a group which critics consider as low risk. The following study addresses the question of recidivism risks for CSA or viewing CSAM among non-forensic individuals. We found significantly higher rates of CSA/CSAM in our participants’ history compared to a German study on a representative sample of males. Regarding CSAM, the recidivism rate of 39% was found to be 11 times higher than the expected recidivism rate based on previous publications. Regarding CSA, the recidivism rate of 14% was not significantly different from the expected rate reported for subjects with a conviction for a sexual contact offense. Among various risk instruments, only the CPORT with CASIC rating was able to predict CSA (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.82) and CSAM (AUC = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.73) among individuals with a history of CSAM, but with poor discrimination. We conclude that a large proportion of our sample poses a substantial risk and therefore treatment resources are well invested. However, further studies are needed to improve risk assessment among non-forensic clients.
Trait rumination in post-stress growth among Chinese college students: the chain mediating effect of distress disclosure and perceived social support
Authors: Wang Zengjian , Xu Yining , Zeng Huifang
Published: November 2023

Background

Rumination has emerged as a significant factor contributing to personal growth following periods of stress or trauma. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between trait rumination and post-stress growth (PSG) within the context of Chinese college students who encounter mild stressors in their daily lives. Moreover, we aim to evaluate the potential mediating roles played by both distress disclosure and perceived social support in this dynamic relationship.

Method

All participants completed assessments using the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, Rumination Response Scale, Post-Stress Growth Inventory, Distress Disclosure Index, and Perceived Social Support Scale. Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS 4 MACRO.

Results

All students reported experiencing mild psychological impacts as a result of negative life events in the past year and displayed moderate levels of PSG. There was no significant correlation observed between the effects of negative life events and PSG. Significant negative correlations were found between trait rumination and distress disclosure, perceived social support, and PSG. Distress disclosure and perceived social support jointly operated as sequential mediators in the relationship between trait rumination and PSG among all the participants. Qualitative analyses revealed different correlation patterns of high- versus low-ruminator.

Conclusion

Trait rumination affects PSG both directly and indirectly, through its influence on distress disclosure and perceived social support. Our results emphasize the significance of actively participating in distress disclosure and nurturing a robust sense of social support to counteract the detrimental effects of rumination on post-stress growth among Chinese college students.
Racial identity profiles among Black adolescents: impact on the relationship between daily racial microaggressions and health outcomes
Authors: Clifton Richelle L. , Zapolski Tamika C. B.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Racial microaggressions are associated with multiple negative health outcomes, including increased distress, anxiety, and substance use. One factor that may impact this relationship and has received considerable attention in the literature is racial identity. Moreover, recent studies have employed the use of racial identity profiles to provide a more nuanced understanding of racial identity's impact on health outcomes. However, to date, few studies have explored the existence of racial identity profiles among adolescents or variability in risk pathways between racial microaggressions and health outcomes based on racial identity profiles among adolescents.

Methods

For the current study, 48 Black adolescents (79.2% girls; Mage= 17.13) completed measures of racial identity at baseline and daily diary measures of racial microaggressions, depression, anxiety, aggression, and substance use for 14 days.

Results

Four racial identity profiles were identified (labeled race-focused, undifferentiated, integrationist, and multiculturalist), with evidence to suggest reduced risk for aggression among youth within the race-focused profile but that these youth remain at risk for depression and cannabis use.

Discussion

The current study helps to inform the field of adolescent health, highlighting several areas for future research and intervention for mental and behavioral health outcomes among Black adolescents experiencing racial microaggressions.
Locally linear attributes of ReLU neural networks
Authors: Sattelberg Ben , Cavalieri Renzo , Kirby Michael , Peterson Chris , Beveridge Ross
Published: November 2023

A ReLU neural network functions as a continuous piecewise linear map from an input space to an output space. The weights in the neural network determine a partitioning of the input space into convex polytopes, where each polytope is associated with a distinct affine mapping. The structure of this partitioning, together with the affine map attached to each polytope, can be analyzed to investigate the behavior of the associated neural network. We investigate simple problems to build intuition on how these regions act and both how they can potentially be reduced in number and how similar structures occur across different networks. To validate these intuitions, we apply them to networks trained on MNIST to demonstrate similarity between those networks and the potential for them to be reduced in complexity.
Efficacy of behavior modification training combined with electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luo Xiangfen , Zhang Ling , Xia Lei , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children. Multiple treatments are currently available with varying effectiveness, and our aim was to investigate the efficacy of behavior modification training combined with Electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback treatment on ADHD in children.

Methods

Children with ADHD were randomly divided into a control group (n = 42), an EEG biofeedback group (n = 30) and a behavior modification training combined with EEG biofeedback group (i.e., a combined intervention group) (n = 30) according to the intervention. Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, Version IV (SNAP-IV) and Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) were assessed before and after three months of treatment.

Results

We found that in the EEG biofeedback group and the combined intervention group, the scores of all factors except “anxiety” and “psychosomatic disorder” were lower than before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of the three groups were compared. The scores of “impulsivity-hyperactivity”, “learning problems”, “inattention factor” and “hyperactivity factor” were all lower than before, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the post-treatment comprehensive intervention group and the control group, the efficacy was apparent, and the differences in the scores of each factor were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the comparison between the EEG biofeedback group and the control group, except for “anxiety”, “psychosomatic disorder” and “conduct problem” the scores of each factor were statistically significant (P < 0.05). For the comparison between the integrated intervention group and the EEG biofeedback group, the scores of all factors before and after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for “anxiety”, “impulsivity-hyperactivity” and the scores of all the factors before and after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for “anxiety”, “impulsivity-hyperactivity” and “psychosomatic disorder”.

Conclusions

The comprehensive efficacy of behavior modification training combined with EEG biofeedback therapy on the improvement of symptoms in children with ADHD is positive, and good compliance is worthy of clinical promotion.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/indexEN.html, identifier (ChiCTR2300071511).
From classical to quantum machine learning: survey on routing optimization in 6G software defined networking
Authors: Bouchmal Oumayma , Cimoli Bruno , Stabile Ripalta , Vegas Olmos Juan Jose , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso
Published: November 2023

The sixth generation (6G) of mobile networks will adopt on-demand self-reconfiguration to fulfill simultaneously stringent key performance indicators and overall optimization of usage of network resources. Such dynamic and flexible network management is made possible by Software Defined Networking (SDN) with a global view of the network, centralized control, and adaptable forwarding rules. Because of the complexity of 6G networks, Artificial Intelligence and its integration with SDN and Quantum Computing are considered prospective solutions to hard problems such as optimized routing in highly dynamic and complex networks. The main contribution of this survey is to present an in-depth study and analysis of recent research on the application of Reinforcement Learning (RL), Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), and Quantum Machine Learning (QML) techniques to address SDN routing challenges in 6G networks. Furthermore, the paper identifies and discusses open research questions in this domain. In summary, we conclude that there is a significant shift toward employing RL/DRL-based routing strategies in SDN networks, particularly over the past 3 years. Moreover, there is a huge interest in integrating QML techniques to tackle the complexity of routing in 6G networks. However, considerable work remains to be done in both approaches in order to accomplish thorough comparisons and synergies among various approaches and conduct meaningful evaluations using open datasets and different topologies.
Comparative X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of nitrogen atoms implanted in graphite and diamond
Authors: Auciello Orlando , Veyan Jean-François , Arellano-Jimenez Maria J.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Insertion of N atoms at a nanoscale subsurface depth in single-crystal diamond (SCD) may enable new generations of quantum electronics devices. In this sense, it is critical to understand the interaction between implanted N atoms and C atoms in the diamond lattice.

Methods: The investigation of the interaction of N atoms with SCD at the atomic scale using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis involves in situ bombardment of the SCD surface with relatively low-energy (5,000 eV) N2 ions. In situ XPS analyses of SCD and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) before and after N-atom implantation are compared with published XPS analyses of C-N materials (e.g., g-CN, N in poly/single-crystal diamond).

Results: The analyses revealed three N 1s peaks at 398–399 eV (N1), 399–400.5 eV (N2), and 401–403 eV (N3), with the N1 and N2 peaks assigned to C-N bonds and an N3 peak inaccurately assigned, in prior publications, to N-bonded contaminants (e.g., O, NH). In situ cleaning of the SCD and HOPG surfaces prior to N-atom implantation was performed to eliminate all atmospheric contaminants. This cleaning process revealed that the N3 peak is associated with N-C-bonded atoms and not the C-O/NH linkage, as previously suggested. Ex situ high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies of N-implanted SCD show a defect-structured subsurface region.

Discussion: An important side effect of the relatively low-energy N implantation in SCD is the formation of a 5–8 nm electrically conductive surface layer, an effect that may open the pathways for future research in diamond-based micro- and nano-electronics.
Real-time robot topological localization and mapping with limited visual sampling in simulated buried pipe networks
Authors: Li Xiangyu S. , Nguyen T. L. , Cohn Anthony G. , Dogar Mehmet , Cohen Netta
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Our work introduces a real-time robotic localization and mapping system for buried pipe networks.

Methods: The system integrates non-vision-based exploration and navigation with an active-vision-based localization and topological mapping algorithm. This algorithm is selectively activated at topologically key locations, such as junctions. Non-vision-based sensors are employed to detect junctions, minimizing the use of visual data and limiting the number of images taken within junctions.

Results: The primary aim is to provide an accurate and efficient mapping of the pipe network while ensuring real-time performance and reduced computational requirements.

Discussion: Simulation results featuring robots with fully autonomous control in a virtual pipe network environment are presented. These simulations effectively demonstrate the feasibility of our approach in principle, offering a practical solution for mapping and localization in buried pipes.
Improving water use efficiency of surface irrigated sugarcane
Authors: Mortel Guia Marie M. , Madramootoo Chandra A.
Published: November 2023

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a traditional major crop and export of Guyana. This study aims to assess the current irrigation scenario and propose scenarios to maximize the yield and water use efficiency of sugarcane (S. officinarum) in Guyana, using the AquaCrop model. Field-measured climate and soil data, and local crop parameters were used in the simulations. The crop simulations were calibrated with actual yields from 2005 to 2008. The calibrated parameters were then validated using the 2009 to 2012 yield dataset. The good agreement (RMSE of 7.15%) with the recorded yield during validation and the low sensitivity of calibrated parameters indicate the acceptability of AquaCrop and the parameters used for simulations. During calibration, the yield was weakly sensitive (0.6–2% ΔRMSEn) to changes in crop parameter values with the highest sensitivity observed for the maximum canopy cover (CCx) and the crop coefficient (kcmax). Several irrigation scenarios were then simulated, of which no significant reduction or increase in yield was observed between the scenarios 50% to 100% of the total available water (TAW). A threshold of 50%TAW is advised during dry periods to avoid significant yield loss. It is recommended that this scenario be validated with field experiments. The results of this study will assist in maintaining high sugarcane yields even during dry conditions.
Space Radiation May Affect Male and Female Brains Differently
Authors: Hinshaw Robert G. , Lemere Cynthia A.
Published: November 2023

Radiation in outer space can be dangerous for astronauts who leave the protection of Earth’s magnetic field. On long space missions to the moon and Mars, even small amounts of radiation will add up… but how will this affect the brain? Alzheimer’s disease is a common brain disease in older people that damages brain cells and affects memory. Because both Alzheimer’s disease and radiation can change the brain, we want to know if astronauts are more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease when they get older. That way, we can work to better protect astronauts traveling into deep space. In this article, we will tell you about one of the first long-term studies in mice, describing how radiation and Alzheimer’s disease affect each other. What is interesting is that the effect seems different in male mice and female mice. While female mice had more Alzheimer’s brain disease than male mice in general, the brains of male mice were hurt more by radiation!
Simulation study of asteroid mass determination using CSST asteroid observations
Authors: Li Fan , Yuan Ye , Fu Yanning , Chen Jian
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to explore the potential of the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) in asteroid mass determination with asteroid-asteroid close encounters. The CSST is expected to observe some asteroids with an accuracy of several milliarcseconds and has a limiting magnitude of 26 (AB mag) or higher in the g and r bands. By combining CSST observations with existing ground-based observations, significant improvements in asteroid mass precision can be achieved. To quantify the CSST’s capability in asteroid mass determination, three types of simulations are conducted. In Type A simulation, 58 close encounters with available Gaia DR2 observations were considered, assuming CSST observes asteroids at a frequency similar to Gaia’s. After using the simulated CSST observations, asteroid mass precision is improved substantially. In seven events, the determined precision are better than 5%. Type B simulation is performed based on a tentative optical survey plan of CSST, but the limited opportunities to observe asteroids involved in a close encounter with strong perturbation from to-be-determined masses. As a result, the precision of mass determination is low, though the improvement brought by CSST data is obvious. This implies that the dedicated observations are necessary for CSST to contribute masses with high precision. Type C simulation is performed with a small amount of CSST observing time, to be specific for a strong encounter, 144 observations spanning 3 years centered at the encounter time, totaling about 7.2 observation hours. In this case, CSST can determine a number of asteroid masses, of which 10 asteroid’s precision are expected to be better than 10%.
Campesino and indigenous women conserve floral species richness for pollinators for esthetic reasons
Authors: Kolze Anna Lena , Philpott Stacy M. , Rivera-Pedroza Leonardo F. , Armbrecht Inge
Published: November 2023

Background

Homegardens in agricultural areas are important refuges for pollinators and other valuable species due to the extensive plant diversity therein. Yet, plant diversity may strongly depend on the identity of the gardeners and their knowledge of plant identification and plant uses.

Objective

In this study, we used botanical surveys and homegardener interviews to explore plant diversity in homegardens in coffee-producing regions of Colombia, and to examine how homegardener identity influences their knowledge of plants, plant uses, and motivations for maintaining a homegarden.

Methods

We collected information in three villages in Cauca, Colombia and interviewed campesino (n = 30) and indigenous (n = 30) homegardeners. Half of the respondents from each social group were women and half were men.

Results and discussion

Of the 566 plant species that we detected in botanical surveys, the most recognized spontaneous herbs among homegardeners were “papunga” (Bidens pilosa, n = 38), “lechuguilla” (Emilia sonchifolia, n = 32), and “escoba” (Sida acuta, n = 31). Homegardeners identified multiple uses of spontaneous herbs including for food, material, medicine, plants for bees, and other environmental, conservation, or social uses. In addition, three different groups of gardeners emerged from social groupings and interview responses: (1) indigenous men with little knowledge of the uses of spontaneous herbs; (2) indigenous and campesino women who considered it beneficial to have flowers and crops for pollinators; and (3) male farmers who described detailed mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions that benefit crops, and who use spontaneous herbs to maintain soil moisture. In conclusion, homegardeners kept very diverse gardens and identified spontaneous herbs and pollinator functions, but this strongly depended on age, knowledge, and social group. Thus, homegarden presence within agricultural landscapes is of great importance to sustain functional biodiversity and ecosystem services in Colombian agroecosystems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homegardeners kept very diverse gardens and identified spontaneous herbs and pollinator functions, but this strongly depended on age, knowledge, and social group. Thus, homegarden presence within agricultural landscapes is of great importance to sustain functional biodiversity and ecosystem services in Colombian agroecosystems.
Optimizing fertilizer use for sustainable food systems: an evaluation of integrated water-fertilizer system adoption among cotton farmers in China
Authors: Yuan Yinghui , Wang Changyi , Zai Xueming , Song Yulan , Zhang Xiaoheng
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In the face of escalating apprehensions surrounding food security, the sustainability of food systems, and food quality, the ingenuity of resource management strategies becomes paramount. A key component within these strategies is the enhancement of chemical fertilizer utilization, an element that bears significant weight on agricultural yields and the preservation of our environment. The emergence of Integrated Water-Fertilizer Systems (IWFS) thus presents a significant innovation in boosting the efficiency of chemical fertilizer usage, necessitating in-depth examination.

Methods

Utilizing a rigorous analytical framework that combines meta-frontier production function with a Two-Stage Residual Inclusion model, this study delves into the multi-dimensional impacts of IWFS adoption on fertilizer use efficiency among cotton growers in Xinjiang, China.

Results

Empirical evidence demonstrates that those who have adopted IWFS achieve a fertilizer use efficiency score of 0.452, markedly outstripping the mean score of 0.382 among non-adopters. Intriguingly, efficiency increases proportionately with the size of the farm, hinting at a sophisticated interplay between the adoption of technology and operational parameters.

Discussion

The research further unveils additional benefits including augmented cotton yields and diminished labor inputs among adopters. These multifaceted outcomes bear significant policy implications, highlighting the transformative potential of IWFS in promoting sustainable food systems, bolstering food security, and enhancing food quality.
Assessment of microbial quality in poultry drinking water on farms in Austria
Authors: Mustedanagic Azra , Matt Monika , Weyermair Karin , Schrattenecker Anna , Kubitza Isabella , Firth Clair L. , Loncaric Igor , Wagner Martin , Stessl Beatrix
Published: November 2023

The quality of poultry drinking water has a significant effect on broiler health and performance. This study conducted an analysis of aerobic mesophilic counts (AMC), Enterobacteriaceae (EB), Pseudomonadaceae (PS), and screened for the presence of Campylobacter spp. in water samples collected from a total of 14 farms in Austria, with either a public or private water source. The efficacy of two water line treatment methods was evaluated: a chemical treatment of the water lines with 4.0 ppm ClO2 (T1) and a combined chemical (4.0 ppm active ClO2 and 3.0% peracetic acid) and mechanical treatment (purging of the water lines with a high-pressure air pump; T2). However, both the T1 and T2 treatments failed to reduce the AMC counts below the maximum acceptable microbial limit of 4.0 log10 CFU/ml in water samples. In addition, no significant reduction in EB and PS counts was observed in water samples after either T1 or T2 water line treatment. The water samples showed a high level of microbial diversity with 18 to 26 different genera. The genus Pseudomonas was most frequently isolated across all poultry farms, while Campylobacter jejuni was identified in a single sample collected before water line treatment. Isolate analysis revealed the presence of opportunistic pathogens in water samples both before (T1 43.1%, T2 30.9%) and after (T1 36.3%, T2 33.3%) water line treatment. Opportunistic pathogens belonging to genera including Pseudomonas spp., Stenotrophomonas spp., and Ochrobactrum spp., were most frequently isolated from poultry drinking water. These isolates exhibited multidrug resistance and resistance phenotypes to antimicrobials commonly used in Austrian poultry farms. The findings of this study emphasize the potential risk of exposure to opportunistic pathogens for poultry and personnel, underscoring the importance of efficient water line management.
Genome-wide copy number variation detection in a large cohort of diverse horse breeds by whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Tang Xiangwei , Zhu Bo , Ren Ruimin , Chen Bin , Li Sheng , Gu Jingjing
Published: November 2023

Understanding how genetic variants alter phenotypes is an essential aspect of genetic research. Copy number variations (CNVs), a type of prevalent genetic variation in the genome, have been the subject of extensive study for decades. Numerous CNVs have been identified and linked to specific phenotypes and diseases in horses. However, few studies utilizing whole-genome sequencing to detect CNVs in large horse populations have been conducted. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing on a large cohort of 97 horses from 16 horse populations using Illumina Hiseq panels to detect common and breed-specific CNV regions (CNVRs) genome-wide. This is the largest number of breeds and individuals utilized in a whole genome sequencing-based horse CNV study, employing racing, sport, local, primitive, draft, and pony breeds from around the world. We identified 5,053 to 44,681 breed CNVRs in each of the 16 horse breeds, with median lengths ranging from 1.9 kb to 8 kb. Furthermore, using Vst statistics we analyzed the population differentiation of autosomal CNVRs in three diverse horse populations (Thoroughbred, Yakutian, and Przewalski’s horse). Functional annotations were performed on CNVR-overlapping genes and revealed that population-differentiated candidate genes (CTSL, RAB11FIP3, and CTIF) may be involved in selection and adaptation. Our pilot study has provided the horse genetic research community with a large and valuable CNVR dataset and has identified many potential horse breeding targets that require further validation and in-depth investigation.
Prevalence of Eimeria spp. infections and major histocompatibility complex class II DRA diversity in Mongolian Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus)
Authors: Khatanbaatar Igori , Nyamdolgor Uranbileg , Chinchuluun Boldbaatar , Naranbaatar Khandsuren , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos R. , Suchentrunk Franz , Knauer Felix , Burger Pamela A. , Battsetseg Gonchigoo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The two-humped Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia. Domestic Bactrian camels are economically important in Mongolia and other Central Asian countries. These animals are used for transport, milk and meat production, and camel racing which is a great culture of nomads. Eimeriosis, also known as coccidiosis, is considered as an economically important parasitic diseases in Bactrian camels. There is still considerable lack of data concerning the spectrum of monoxenous Eimeria species, their epizootiology as well as their precise life cycles in Bactrian camels. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of Eimeria species in camelids from southern part of Mongolia.

Methods

A total of 536 fresh camel fecal samples (n = 536) collected from herds located in five different Aimags (provinces) of Mongolia were examined. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated using the sugar flotation technique, and after sporulation, oocysts were identified by morphometric evaluation.

Results

We identified the most common Eimeria species infecting Mongolian Bactrian camels: Eimeria cameli (22.3%), Eimeria rajasthani (37.3%) and Eimeria dromedarii (27.7%). Interestingly, mixed infections were detected in 24.8% (n = 133) of the samples, while 39.0% (n = 209) were negative for coccidian stages. To investigate the immunogenetic response of the Mongolian Bactrian camels to Eimeria spp. infection, we screened the genetic diversity in a functional important immune response gene of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We detected two polymorphic sites in the MHC class II DRA exon 2, which translated into one non-synonymous and one synonymous amino acid (aa) change.

Discussion

The resulting aa alleles were not significantly associated with any of the three detected Eimeria species infections, nor could we show heterozygote advantage in non-infected Mongolian Bactrian camels. Further investigations on molecular epidemiology, in vitro culture, pathogenicity and host–parasite interactions will be necessary to better understand the impact of eimeriosis in Bactrian camels.