bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteocyte Estrogen Receptor β (Ot-ERβ) Regulates Bone Turnover and Skeletal Adaptive Response to Mechanical Loading Differently in Male and Female Growing and Adult Mice
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Yang Haisheng , Bullock Whitney A. , Gallant Maxim A. , Ohlsson Claes , Bellido Teresita M. , Main Russell P.
Published: November 2022

Age-related bone loss is a failure of balanced bone turnover and diminished skeletal mechanoadaptation. Estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, play critical roles in osteoprotective regulation activated by estrogen and mechanical signals. Previous studies mainly focused on ERα and showed that osteocyte-ERα (Ot-ERα) regulated trabecular, but not cortical bone, and played a minor role in load-induced cortical adaptation. However, the role of Ot-ERβ in bone mass regulation remains unrevealed. To address this issue, we characterized bone (re)modeling and gene expression in male and female mice with Ot-ERβ deletion (ERβ-dOT) and littermate control (LC) at 10 weeks (young) or 28 weeks (adult) of age, as well as their responses to in vivo tibial compressive loading. Increased cancellous bone mass appeared in the L4 vertebral body of young male ERβ-dOT mice. At the same time, femoral cortical bone gene expression showed signs consistent with elevated osteoblast and osteoclast activities (type-I collagen, Cat K, RANKL). Upregulated androgen receptor (AR) expression was observed in young male ERβ-dOT mice relative to LC, suggesting a compensatory effect of testosterone on male bone protection. In contrast, bone mass in L4 decreased in adult male ERβ-dOT mice, attributed to potentially increased bone resorption activity (Cat K) with no change in bone formation. There was no effect of ERβ-dOT on bone mass or gene expression in female mice. Sex-dependent regulation of Ot-ERβ also appeared in load-induced cortical responsiveness. Young female ERβ-dOT mice showed an enhanced tibial cortical anabolic adaptation compared with LC. In contrast, an attenuated cortical anabolic response presented at the proximal tibia in male ERβ-dOT mice at both ages. For the first time, our findings suggest that Ot-ERβ regulates bone (re)modeling and the response to mechanical signals through different mechanisms in males and females. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
A lung cancer risk prediction model for nonsmokers: A retrospective analysis of lung nodule cohorts in China
Authors: Liao Zufang , Zheng Rongjiong , Shao Guofeng
Published: November 2022

Background

The risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers is increasing; however, there are relatively few studies on the risks of lung cancer in nonsmokers.

Patients and Methods

We collected epidemiological and clinical data from 429 nonsmoking patients with lung nodules from the Affiliated Li Huili Hospital as a training cohort and 123 nonsmoking patients with lung nodules as a testing cohort. We identified variables that might be related to malignant lung nodules from 27 variables by performing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses of these variables were conducted using binary logistic regression. Significant variables were used to generate a lung cancer risk prediction model for nodules in nonsmokers.

Results

We successfully constructed a predictive nomogram incorporating density, ground‐glass opacities, pulmonary nodule size, hypertension, plasma fibrinogen levels, and blood urea nitrogen. This model exhibited good discriminative ability, with a C‐index value of 0.788 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.742–0.833) in the training cohort and 0.888 (95% CI: 0.835–0.941) in the testing cohort; it was well‐calibrated in both cohorts. Decision curve analyses supported the clinical value of this predictive nomogram when used at a lung cancer possibility threshold of 18%. Ten‐fold cross‐validation indicated good stability and accuracy of the model (kappa = 0.416 ± 0.128; accuracy = 0.751 ± 0.056; area under the curve = 0.768 ± 0.049).

Conclusion

Our risk model can reasonably predict the risks of lung cancer in nonsmoking Chinese patients with lung nodules.
Characterization of actinobacteria from wheat seeds for plant growth promoting traits and protection against fungal pathogens
Authors: Sharma Pushpendra , Aswini Krishnan , Sai Prasad Jogdande , Kumar Naresh , Pathak Devashish , Gond Shrikant , Venkadasamy Govindasamy , Suman Archna
Published: November 2022

Seeds harbor naturally occurring microbial endophytes that proliferate during seedling development; playing crucial roles in seedling growth, establishment, and protection against fungal pathogens. Resilient actinobacteria of wheat seeds have been explored in this study for their beneficial traits. Ten actinobacteria isolated from the surface‐sterilized seeds of wheat variety HD3117 were identified as nine species of Streptomyces and one of Nocardiopsis. Most isolates could grow at 42°C, 5% NaCl, and 10% poly ethylene glycol (PEG); exhibited variable hydrolytic enzyme production for amylase, cellulase, and protease. Few isolates produced indole acetic acid (9.0–18.9 µg ml−1) and could solubilize P (11.3–85.2 µg ml−1). The isolates were antagonistic against one or more fungal pathogens under test (Fusarium graminearum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria sp., and Tilletia indica), of which Streptomyces sampsonii WSA20 inhibited all in dual culture assay. Priming of wheat seeds with the efficient isolate WSA20 led to effective colonization in the root zone and significantly improved germination, shoot and root length in seed germination assay. Significant protection was recorded in microcosm experiment where no symptoms of disease were observed. This study shows the significance of actinobacterial endophytes of wheat seeds in influencing seed germination and seedling growth while protecting from soil‐borne pathogens. It is original and suggests that the seed inhabiting efficient actinobacteria may be developed as efficient bioinoculant for sustainable farming system.
Influence of anthropogenic forcing on the long‐range correlation of air temperature in China
Authors: Mei Ying , Zhao Shan‐shan , Wang Si‐yi , Xie Xiao‐qiang , Wan Shi‐quan , He Wen‐ping
Published: November 2022

Based on the long‐range correlation (LRC) of daily air temperature records in China, the simulation performance of 11 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models is first evaluated in this study. And then, those CMIP6 models which can reproduce LRC of the well in observed records are selected for multi‐model ensemble mean. The results indicate that multi‐model ensemble mean can significantly reduce model uncertainty in reproducing LRC characteristics of daily air temperature records. Comparing the differences of the scaling exponents of the ensemble mean temperature data between the historical well‐mixed greenhouse gas, historical natural‐only, historical anthropogenic aerosols, and historical experiments, the LRC characteristics of different temperature variables show some difference. It means that the different forcings are critical for the model to reproduce the LRC characteristics of different temperature variables well. Generally, the influence of anthropogenic forcing enhances LRC of daily maximum air temperature in parts of northern China. Therefore, anthropogenic forcing is very important for CMIP6 models to accurately reproduce the strength of LRC for observed daily air maximum temperature in northern China.
Diagnostic Performance of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and High‐Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Li Qiuping , Cai Miaomiao , Wang Hui , Chen Libo
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR‐MRI) in patients with carotid vulnerable plaques.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using the search terms carotid artery, atherosclerotic plaque, CEUS, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, HR‐MRI, and high‐resolution magnetic resonance. Studies published since the establishment of the library until December 2021 were retrieved. The statistical analyses were performed with Meta‐DiSc version 1.4. Beyond that, the potential sources of heterogeneity for CEUS and HR‐MRI were explored.

Results

Nine articles were included in this study. For CEUS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting carotid vulnerable plaques 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84%, 95%) and 67% (95% CI: 54%, 79%), respectively. For HR‐MRI, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 78% (95% CI: 72%, 83%) and 65% (95% CI, 56%, 73%), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for CEUS and HR‐MRI were 0.9218 and 0.8129, respectively. However, the difference in diagnostic accuracy between CEUS and HR‐MRI diagnostic accuracy was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The study shows that the sensitivity of CEUS was higher than that of HR‐MRI, and the specificity was similar to HR‐MRI. CEUS and HR‐MRI provide a similar diagnostic yield in detecting a vulnerable plaque. Thus, CEUS may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of carotid vulnerable plaques.
Saponin from Platycodi radix inactivates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to hinder colorectal cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through miR‐181c/d‐5p/RBM47
Authors: Liu Mingkai , Xue Guiyang , Liu Rixu , Wang Yi , Sheng Xiaoqian , Sun Wei
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third frequent cancer and second leading reason of cancer‐related mortality all over the globe. Saponins from Platycodi radix (SPR) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate CRC cell progression. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) detected miR‐181c‐5p, miR‐181d‐5p, and RBM47 expression level. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays validated that miR‐181c‐5p and miR‐181d‐5p promote CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and SPR exerts opposite effects. Cignal Finder Reporter Array and western blot proved that the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway was decreased by RBM47 overexpression. RNA pulldown, luciferase reporter, and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays proved the interaction between miR‐181c/d‐5p and RBM47, and RBM47 and PTEN. Rescue experiments were carried out to validate that RBM47 reverses the influence of miR‐181c/d‐5p on the progression of CRC cells. The stability of PTEN was probed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in CRC cells treated with Actinomycin D (Act D). To be concluded, SPR inactivates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to suppress CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via miR‐181c/d‐5p/RBM47. Elucidating the mechanisms of SPR underlying CRC may offer novel insight into CRC treatment.
Bifurcation analysis of a two‐dimensional discrete‐time predator–prey model
Authors: Hamada M. Y. , El‐Azab Tamer , El‐Metwally Hamdy
Published: November 2022

The dynamical behavior of a discrete predator–prey system with a nonmonotonic functional response is investigated in this work. We study the local asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium of the system by examining the characteristic equation of the linearized system corresponding to the model. By choosing the growth rate as a bifurcation parameter, the existence of Neimark–Sacker and period‐doubling bifurcations at the positive equilibrium is established. Furthermore, the effects of perturbations on the system dynamics are investigated. Finally, examples are presented to illustrate our main results.
Multifaceted Effects and Mechanisms of N‐Acetylcysteine on Intestinal Injury in a Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus‐Infected Porcine Model
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Peng , Li Hanbo , Yi Dan , Guo Shuangshuang , Wang Lei , Zhao Di , Wang Chao , Wu Tao , Hou Yongqing
Published: November 2022

Scope

This study investigates the potential effects of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on intestinal injury in a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV)‐infected porcine model.

Methods and results

Thirty‐two piglets are randomly assigned to one of four groups: the control, PEDV, NAC, and NAC+PEDV. Piglets in the NAC+PEDV group are orally administrated with NAC (100 mg (kg·BW)−1 day−1) for 4 consecutive days after 2 days of PEDV infection. The results show that NAC administration decreases the diarrhea rate and improves intestinal morphology. The concentration of diamine oxidase and intestinal fatty‐acid binding protein, as well as IL‐1β, IL‐8, and TNF‐α in the plasma, is decreased by NAC. Intriguingly, NAC administration significantly increases the viral load in the jejunum and ileum and down‐regulates the expression of interferon‐related genes. Microarray and proteomic analyses show that the differentially expressed genes/proteins between NAC+PEDV and PEDV groups are highly enriched in substance transport. Furthermore, aquaporin 8/10 expression is significantly increased by NAC upon PEDV infection.

Conclusion

NAC administration alleviates PEDV‐induced intestinal injury by inhibiting inflammatory responses and improving substance transport, but promotes viral replication by inhibiting interferon signaling. These results suggest NAC exhibits multifaceted effects upon PEDV infection, and thus caution is required when using NAC as a dietary supplement to prevent viral infection.
On the water–fat in‐phase assumption for quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Boehm Christof , Schlaeger Sarah , Meineke Jakob , Weiss Kilian , Makowski Marcus R. , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To (a) define multi‐peak fat model‐based effective in‐phase echo times for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in water–fat regions, (b) analyze the relationship between fat fraction, field map quantification bias and susceptibility bias, and (c) evaluate the susceptibility mapping performance of the proposed effective in‐phase echoes in comparison to single‐peak in‐phase echoes and water–fat separation for regions where both water and fat are present.

Methods

Effective multipeak in‐phase echo times for a bone marrow and a liver fat spectral model were derived from a single voxel simulation. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to assess the field map estimation error as a function of fat fraction for the different in‐phase echoes. Additionally, a phantom scan and in vivo scans in the liver, spine, and breast were performed and evaluated with respect to quantification accuracy.

Results

The use of single‐peak in‐phase echoes can introduce a worst‐case susceptibility bias of  ppm. The use of effective multipeak in‐phase echoes shows a similar quantitative performance in the numerical simulation, the phantom and in all in vivo anatomies when compared to water–fat separation‐based QSM.

Conclusion

QSM based on the proposed effective multipeak in‐phase echoes can alleviate the quantification bias present in QSM based on single‐peak in‐phase echoes. When compared to water–fat separation‐based QSM the proposed effective in‐phase echo times achieve a similar quantitative performance while drastically reducing the computational expense for field map estimation.
Statistical process control for the analysis of quality control in urodynamics: A potential new approach for quality review of urodynamics
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Shen Si‐Hong , Shen Hong , Luo De‐Yi
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To analyze quality control in urodynamic studies, using a proportion control chart (p‐chart) for statistical process control.

Materials and Methods

This single‐center study was conducted at the Urodynamic Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. We randomly selected 15 samples from each month in 2020, and 180 urodynamic traces were finally enrolled. We used the p‐chart of statistical process control for analysis. We calculated the proportion of the incidence of a selected set of artefacts in the monthly urodynamic study process, including non‐standard zero setting, no cough test, incomplete records of all measurements by urodynamicists, catheter displacement, and baseline drift. Through the specific calculation formula of statistical process control, we obtained the values of the center line, lower control limit, and upper control limit.

Results

All data points of each artefact were within zone A. However, one outlier was found in the p‐chart of all artefacts in October, which might have been caused by inexperienced operators.

Conclusions

Statistical process control may play an important role in the process control of urodynamic studies and guide us in identifying the cause of poor quality in process management.
Efficient performance analysis and optimization of transient‐state sequences for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Fuderer Miha , van der Heide Oscar , Liu Hongyan , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro
Published: November 2022

In transient‐state multiparametric MRI sequences such as Magnetic Resonance Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐domain (MR‐STAT), MR fingerprinting, or hybrid‐state imaging, the flip angle pattern of the RF excitation varies over the sequence. This gives considerable freedom to choose an optimal pattern of flip angles. For pragmatic reasons, most optimization methodologies choose for a single‐voxel approach (i.e., without taking the spatial encoding scheme into account). Particularly in MR‐STAT, the context of spatial encoding is important. In the current study, we present a methodology, called BLock Analysis of a K‐space‐domain Jacobian (BLAKJac), which is sufficiently fast to optimize a sequence in the context of a predetermined phase‐encoding pattern. Based on MR‐STAT acquisitions and reconstructions, we show that sequences optimized using BLAKJac are more reliable in terms of actually achieved precision than conventional single‐voxel–optimized sequences. In addition, BLAKJac provides analytical tools that give insights into the performance of the sequence in a very limited computation time. Our experiments are based on MR‐STAT, but the theory is equally valid for other transient‐state multiparametric methods.
Stakeholder views of services for children and adolescents with obesity: Mega‐ethnography of qualitative syntheses
Authors: Carroll Christopher , Sworn Katie , Booth Andrew , Pardo‐Hernandez Hector
Published: November 2022

Objective

The efficacy of services for children and adolescents with obesity is well researched, but this review describes what actually matters to stakeholders (children, caregivers, and professionals) in relation to such services.

Methods

A mega‐ethnography, an innovative review‐of‐reviews approach that uses conceptual findings as primary data, was performed. Twelve bibliographic databases (2010–2020) were searched for reviews that considered the values and preferences of stakeholders concerning services or interventions (diet, exercise, lifestyle) that targeted children and adolescents with obesity.

Results

From 485 citations, 17 relevant reviews were identified. The synthesis found that the perceived need to address obesity is determined by subjective norms of weight and interactions with health professionals. Children's and caregivers' participation in obesity management services is shaped by their response to content, acceptability, and perceived benefits and demands. Whether they continue with and complete an intervention are determined by its perceived success, beyond just weight loss, including behavior change, enhanced self‐esteem, and the provision of timely and relevant support.

Conclusions

Obesity management services must be promoted in a sensitive manner and must be tailored, be varied, and make positive use of family and schools if children and caregivers are to seek and actively engage with them.
What's in a name: The impact of monkeypox nomenclature
Authors: Eya Lawson Ifeanyi , Ibrahim Muiz , Vicente Creuza Rachel , Rabe Adrian Paul J.
Published: November 2022

The monkeypox outbreak has garnered significant global attention and has since been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Even though the virus is not novel and has been endemic in African countries, most cases in the present outbreak have been detected in Europe and the Americas. Disease nomenclature has historically included references to places, animals, and people. There could be unintended negative consequences emanating from these references. The COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed some of these consequences, with terms such as “China virus” and fueling racism and hate crimes toward Asians, especially in America. Similarly, following the monkeypox outbreak, there have been reports of attacks on monkeys in Brazil even though monkeys are not linked to this present outbreak. The WHO Best Practices for the Naming of New Human Infectious Diseases has advised the avoidance of these references and terms that can cause negative impacts. The naming of the COVID‐19 virus is an example of the use of the new naming practice. The WHO is already working on new names for the monkeypox disease. This name change will help clear up the confusion and prevent further attacks on monkeys both in Brazil and other parts of the world.
Assessment of regional development needs according to criteria based on the Sustainable Development Goals in the Meta Region (Colombia)
Authors: Aragonés‐Beltrán Pablo , González‐Cruz Mª. Carmen , León‐Camargo Astrid , Viñoles‐Cebolla Rosario
Published: November 2022

When a regional government considers investing funds for the sustainable development of its region, it must consider the real needs of the population and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The identification of needs should be carried out with the support of local stakeholders representing various social groups. This paper seeks to answer the question of how to guide public investment policies at the local level, such as improving education, health, transportation and others, to better meet the SDGs. To answer this question, a multi‐criteria decision‐making process is followed, whereby, once the needs are classified by investment areas, they are prioritized based on criteria derived from the SDGs. The problem is complex because of the difficulty of the local stakeholder engagement process and also because of the interrelationships and influences that arise between all the elements of the decision problem: criteria and alternatives. To address this complexity, the Analytical Network Process method combined with DEMATEL will be followed. This process is applied to the case study of the distribution of funds allocated by the Government of Colombia to the Meta Region (Colombia) with the participation of 48 stakeholders to identify needs and the support of six experts in sustainability and project management for their prioritization.
The role of local cultural factors in the achievement of the sustainable development goals
Authors: Ordonez‐Ponce Eduardo
Published: November 2022

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are the greatest agreement achieved among countries. However, international policies such as the SDGs usually forget to include local cultural factors that would enable their achievement. Culture and sustainability have been studied in several contexts; however, the role that local culture plays in achieving sustainability has not been fully explored. This research addresses that gap by focusing on the SDGs globally and according to countries' income, continent, and region of origin. Hypotheses are tested through regression models using Hofstede's six cultural dimensions at the country level and the countries' overall and partial SDG scores. Results highlight significant relationships between cultural dimensions and countries' SDG scores in general and for groups of countries, and between cultural predictors and SDGs. Overall, power distance and masculinity contribute negatively to sustainability, whereas individualism, uncertainty avoidance, long‐term orientation, and indulgence affect sustainability positively. However, results vary across regions and SDGs. This article contributes with recommendations for policy and decision‐makers to address local SDGs and manage the different cultural dimensions of countries toward the accomplishment of sustainability. Certainly not an easy task.
Construction of Atomic Metal‐N2 Sites by Interlayers of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical H2O2 Synthesis
Authors: Liu Minghao , Yang Shuai , Liu Sijia , Miao Qiyang , Yang Xiubei , Li Xuewen , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: November 2022

Electrosynthesis of H2O2 is a promising alternative to the anthraquinone oxidation process because of its low energy utilization and cost‐effectiveness. Heteroatom‐doped carbons‐based catalysts have been widely developed for H2O2 synthesis. However, their doping degree, defective degree, and location of active sites are difficult to be preciously controlled at molecular level. Herein, a dioxin‐linked covalent organic framework (COF) is used as the template to preciously construct different metal‐N2 sites along the porous walls for H2O2 synthesis. By tuning the metal centers, the catalyst with Ca‐N2 sites enables to catalyze H2O2 production with selectivity over 95% from 0.2 to 0.6 V versus RHE, while the H2O2 yields for Co sites or Ni sites are 20% and 60% in the same potential range. In addition, the turnover frequency (TOF) values for Ca‐N2 sites are 11.63 e–1 site–1 s–1, which are 58 and 20 times higher than those of Co and Ni sites (0.20 and 0.57 e–1 site–1 s–1). The theoretical calculations further reveal that the OOH* desorption on Ca sites is easier than those on Co or Ni sites, and thus catalyzes the oxygen reduction reaction in the 2e– pathway with high efficiency.
Practice Theory and Informal Urban Livelihoods in M’Bour, Senegal: A Case Study of Urban Cultivation
Authors: White Stephanie A.
Published: November 2022

Throughout African cities, the majority of citizens make their livelihoods in what is commonly referred to as the “informal” economy. The concept of informality, however, is problematic and obscures more than it clarifies. Drawing on qualitative research carried out in the secondary city of M’Bour Senegal, this chapter offers one way to improve the legibility of such urban economic practices, which has implications for urban development decision-making processes. Through the use of Theodore Schatzki’s practice ontology, which roots livelihood firmly in place by connecting everyday economic practices to the material world, this research explores the “practice-material assemblages” that comprise urban cultivation and how those assemblages constitute and are constituted by the city and civic environment. This conceptual orientation provides insight about how people navigate complex urban processes and how those processes are informed by local social and environmental realities. Insights generated from such research might support efforts to create more sustainable, place-based, inclusive, and equitable urban planning practices.
The Role of the Informal Sector in Epworth’s Food System, Zimbabwe
Authors: Tawodzera Godfrey
Published: November 2022

The informal sector in Zimbabwe is largely criminalized by the state. It is seen as a sector that is dirty, disorderly, and a source of foodborne diseases in spite of the important role it plays in the economy through employment, income generation, food distribution, and general livelihoods. This study sought to examine the role of the informal food sector in the food system of Epworth, Zimbabwe. Study results indicated that it is integral to the food system of the area as a significant proportion of individuals and households in the area access food from the informal sector. While the food system of the area is embedded in the international food system, at the local level the formal and informal food systems merge and interact to serve the food needs of the area. Given these findings, this chapter recommends that the local authority repeals all laws that criminalize the informal food sector and improves the infrastructure used by the sector in order to effectively and sustainably serve the food needs of the area. In Epworth, the informal food sector is not a temporary sector thriving in times of crisis, but rather one that is enduring and integral to the food system of the area.
The Enabling Environment for Informal Food Traders in Nigeria’s Secondary Cities
Authors: Resnick Danielle , Sivasubramanian Bhavna , Idiong Idiong Christopher , Ojo Michael Akindele , Tanko Likita
Published: November 2022

Informal vendors are a critical source of food security for urban residents in African cities. However, the livelihoods of these traders, and the governance constraints they encounter, are not well-understood outside of the region’s capital and primate cities. This study focuses on two distinct secondary cities in Nigeria, Calabar in the South-South geopolitical zone of the country and Minna in the Middle Belt region. Interviews were collected with local and state officials in each city on the legal, institutional, and oversight functions they provide within the informal food sector. This was complemented with a survey of approximately 1097 traders across the two cities to assess their demographic profile, contributions to food security, key challenges they face for profitability, engagement with government actors, and degree of access to services in the markets. The analysis highlights two main findings. First, informal traders report less harassment by government actors than has been observed in larger Nigerian cities. At the same time, however, the enabling environment is characterized by benign neglect whereby government-mandated oversight functions are not comprehensively implemented and service delivery gaps remain a major hindrance to food safety. Second, there are important differences in the needs of traders across cities, suggesting that policies focused on food safety and improving the livelihoods of this constituency more broadly need to be properly nuanced even at the subnational level.
Ethics Versus the Law: The Case of the Belfast Project
Authors: Kara Helen
Published: November 2022

This chapter offers a case study of the Belfast Project archive, set up by Boston College in the US to hold accounts of the conflict in Northern Ireland known as ‘the Troubles’. People who provided information were given written guarantees that their own accounts, and indeed the Project itself, would be kept secret until after their deaths. However, the existence of the Project was made public by its own director while some participants were still alive. The chapter begins with a brief background to the Troubles and an explanation of the importance of archives. Then the history of the archive is outlined and analysed, and the lessons learned from the case are discussed. One key lesson is that unless or until there is legal recognition of researcher-participant privilege, it will not always be possible for research data to be kept secure both ethically and legally. In conclusion, we outline the potential role for archival evidence in policymaking, and provide evidence for the importance of trust in social co-operation. We point to ways in which policy can help to build and maintain this trust and so help to forestall and manage conflict.
Research and the Ethics of Urban Exploration and Criminal Trespass
Authors: Israel Mark
Published: November 2022

Bradley Garrett, an urban ethnographer, took part in exploration of British urban space that involved trespass onto land owned by the public transport authority. Garrett argued that it was ‘deeply problematic’ to block research on people simply because they lived close to ‘legal boundaries’. He also argued that participant observation with such groups might entail breaking the law. In 2012, Garrett and eight participants were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and the prosecution based its case on research notes seized from Garrett. The case ended with Garrett receiving a conditional discharge. This chapter uses this ‘urban explorer’ case study to explore the justifications that might exist for undertaking covert research, for researchers breaking the law or for doing harm to participants and other interested parties, the ethics of autoethnography, the dangers of romanticising the subject of research, and the difficulties of negotiating multiple roles as researcher, urban explorer, political activist, journalist and filmmaker.
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and Research Ethics
Authors: Declich Giovanna , Berliri Maresa , Alfonsi Alfonso
Published: November 2022

The case study presented in this chapter concerns the policy adopted by the European Commission for better management of the relationship between science and society, with a focus on the ethics of scientific research. This policy, since 2011, has been based on the notion of responsible research and innovation(RRI). We discuss the RRI strategy as an attempt to include ethics within a broader policy framework to respond to the challenges emerging in the European research and innovation landscape. To do so, we examine the origins of the RRI idea, its incorporation into Commission policy, as well as its effectiveness and its impacts. We further discuss whether it has served its purpose in light of the fact that the terminology associated with RRI has been progressively downplayed in more recent years. Positive impacts exist, but also difficulties as RRI aims to take root and enhance and strengthen its ethical aspects. In conclusion, some lessons learned from this ten-year policy effort are presented, exploring the potentialities and limits of such an approach for the renewal of research ethics, and discussing what can be the theoretical and practical legacy of RRI for contemporary scientific and technological innovation policies.
Responsible Research and Innovation and India: A Case for Contextualization and Mutual Learning
Authors: Srinivas Krishna Ravi
Published: November 2022

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is largely identified as a concept developed in Europe and adopted mostly in Europe, particularly in research. Principles in RRI have been incorporated into policies and programs in Europe and elsewhere. While studies have pointed out the need to adapt/contextualize/transduce RRI in non-European countries and contexts, the extent to which this is possible is a big issue. Developing countries like Chinaare adopting and contextualizing RRI to suit their needs and to enhance protocols/practices. this chapter takes India as an example and points out that RRI is relevant for India and at the same time some of the keys in RRI find a place in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy and practice, although RRI as a concept is not acknowledged or recognized. This chapter argues that contextualizing RRI for India, particularly in the light of STI Policy (STIP) (under finalization) and Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) is feasible and desirable. While the former gives importance to Open Science, Science Education (in the Indian context), Science Communicationand Gender, SSR opens up possibilities for enriching RRI. Similarly, RRI in theory and practice can benefit from interaction with ideas and practices developed in India such as Access, Equityand Inclusion, Scientific Temper and Scientific Social Responsibility. These ideas and practices may not be relevant in all countries in adopting RRI but can contribute to the diversity in RRI as a concept and practice.
Ethics in Space: The Case for Future Space Exploration
Authors: Detsis Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

The coming decades will see humans setting foot on the Moon once more and possibly Mars. However, current radiation exposure standards for long duration spaceflight do not allow for such missions. This chapter gives an overview of the discussion in the US and NASA, regarding the way forward and outlines important recommendations that were presented to NASA from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in 2021. The ethical issues regarding human spaceflight and radiation exposure are highlighted and examined.
Luminescent metal complexes as emerging tools for lipid imaging
Authors: Schwehr Bradley J. , Hartnell David , Massi Massimiliano , Hackett Mark J.
Published: November 2022

Fluorescence microscopy is a key tool in the biological sciences, which finds use as a routine laboratory technique (e.g., epifluorescence microscope) or more advanced confocal, two-photon, and super-resolution applications. Through continued developments in microscopy, and other analytical methods, the importance of lipids as constituents of subcellular organelles, signalling or regulating molecules continues to emerge. The increasing recognition of the importance of lipids to fundamental cell biology (in health and disease) has prompted the development of protocols and techniques to image the distribution of lipids in cells and tissues. A diverse suite of spectroscopic and microscopy tools are continuously being developed and explored to add to the “toolbox” to study lipid biology. A relatively recent breakthrough in this field has been the development and subsequent application of metal-based luminescent complexes for imaging lipids in biological systems. These metal-based compounds appear to offer advantages with respect to their tunability of the photophysical properties, in addition to capabilities centred around selectively targeting specific lipid structures or classes of lipids. The presence of the metal centre also opens the path to alternative imaging modalities that might not be applicable to traditional organic fluorophores. This review examines the current progress and developments in metal-based luminescent complexes to study lipids, in addition to exploring potential new avenues and challenges for the field to take.
Establishing Local Power Markets and Enabling Financial Access to Solar Photovoltaic Technologies: Experiences in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Mazzà Guglielmo , Pasini Marco , Ricci Silvia , Matimbwi Matthew , Pizzo Giampietro
Published: November 2022

Energy inclusion is a major concern in Tanzania, where rural areas are widely lacking access to both power networks and off-grid systems. Different barriers are slowing the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7: universal electrification in the country raises concerns in delays and equity. Financial exclusion adds to the complexity of adopting appropriate technological solutions, particularly for rural communities. Solar photovoltaic solutions represent an opportunity to increase energy access and enable growth. The introduction of new technological products requires to establish local power markets, including demand, financial resources and providers, supply mechanisms and after-sale services. The financing of renewable energy solutions for rural households partially relies on microfinance institutions and community financial groups. Technology suppliers are also providing financial services to expand access to solar and photovoltaic products, applying models mostly enabled by mobile payment systems. The paper assesses the effects of an initiative implemented in Malinyi and Kilombero districts to support the establishment of local solar power markets. The involvement of Village Community Banks to engage communities and develop sustainable financial schemes is evaluated, together with the complexity of combining awareness raising on technological solutions and financial education. Results of the implementation are presented and discussed evaluating the different ingredients of the established markets.
Consequences of Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on the Electricity Generation and Environment in South Asia
Authors: Hasan Shameem , Rasheduzzaman Mirza , Hossain M. Mofazzal
Published: November 2022

There has been an unprecedented impact of COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. To save people from COVID-19, many countries imposed strict lockdown since March 2020 in different phases. In this paper, the impacts of COVID-19 on the power industry of Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka and its positive impacts on the environment have been investigated through the reduction of power generation and Green House Gas (GHG) emission during a certain part of the lockdown period. It is found that there was a 16.96%, 26% and 22.7% reduction of power generation in May’20 compared with that of May’19 in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka respectively. Carbon dioxide (CO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen oxides (NOX) and fluorinated gases are the main components of Green House Gases (GHGs) where CO2 contains almost 80% of the GHGs. CO2 emission was reduced by a maximum of 22.29% in May 2020 in Bangladesh compared to May’19. India encountered a CO2 emission reduction of 29.75% in April’20 compared to April’19. NOX and SO2 reduction in India in April’20 were 29.59% and 31.19% respectively whereas in Bangladesh in May’20 during the lockdown, NOX decreased by 15.57% and SO2 increased by 23.36%. Hence, from the comparative study presented in this paper, the consequence of lockdown due to COVID-19 on the power sector and environment of three South Asian countries can be realized.
Integrating Wind and Solar in the Indian Power System
Authors: Rodrigues Neshwin , Pachouri Raghav , Thakare Shubham , Renjith G. , Spencer Thomas
Published: November 2022

India’s coal contribution to the total electricity generation mix stood at 73% in 2018. To meet India’s NDC ambitions, the federal government announced determined targets to integrate 450 GW Renewable Energy in the grid by 2030. This paper explores the pathways to integrate high RE generation by 2030 with effective balancing of supply and demand and associated challenges of flexibility requirements. A Unit commitment and economic dispatch model, which simulates the power system operation was used. The overall share of variable renewables reaches 26% and 32% in the Baseline Capacity Scenario (BCS) and High Renewable Energy Scenario (HRES) respectively. Improved ramp rates and a minimum thermal loading limit induce flexibility in the thermal fleet. In the HRES, more than 16 GW of coal plants are required for two-shift operations in April and more than 50% of days see an aggregate all-India ramp from the coal fleet in excess of 500 MW per minute. Battery Storage provides daily balancing while reducing VRE curtailment to less than 0.2% in the HRES. Nationally Coordinated dispatch shows increased power transfer from high VRE regions to export power during high VRE generation periods. It is thus found that high RE penetration is possible by 2030 at no extra system costs.
Kompetenzentwicklung für hybride Wertschöpfung
Authors: Ottersböck Nicole , Holtermans Wolfgang , Klinke Manuel , Günther Maren , Bücker Stefan , Urban Isabella
Published: November 2022

Der technologische Fortschritt ermöglicht die Erhebung und Nutzung von großen Datenmengen im gesamten Produktionsprozess und bietet dadurch Unternehmen die Chance, neue, sogenannte hybride Geschäftsmodelle zu etablieren und ihre Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zu stärken, da sich mit datengetriebenen Dienstleistungen eine höhere Wertschöpfung erzielen lässt. Die Hybridisierung verändert sowohl Arbeitsinhalte als auch Arbeitsprozesse in den Unternehmen und bringt neue Kompetenzanforderungen mit sich. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Vorgehensweise zur Analyse von Veränderungen und Kompetenzanforderungen, welche durch Digitalisierung und Hybridisierung in den Unternehmen entstehen sowie die Vorgehensweise zur bedarfsgerechten Kompetenzentwicklung im AnGeWaNt-Projekt.
A mirror theorem for multi-root stacks and applications
Authors: Tseng Hsian-Hua , You Fenglong
Published: November 2022

Let X be a smooth projective variety with a simple normal crossing divisor $$D:=D_1+D_2+\cdots +D_n$$

D
:
=

D
1

+

D
2

+
⋯
+

D
n

, where $$D_i\subset X$$

D
i

⊂
X

are smooth, irreducible and nef. We prove a mirror theorem for multi-root stacks $$X_{D,{\overrightarrow{r}}}$$

X

D
,

r
→

by constructing an I-function lying in a slice of Givental’s Lagrangian cone for Gromov–Witten theory of multi-root stacks. We provide three applications: (1) We show that some genus zero invariants of $$X_{D,\overrightarrow{r}}$$

X

D
,

r
→

stabilize for sufficiently large $$\overrightarrow{r}$$

r
→

. (2) We state a generalized local-log-orbifold principle conjecture and prove a version of it. (3) We show that regularized quantum periods of Fano varieties coincide with classical periods of the mirror Landau–Ginzburg potentials using orbifold invariants of $$X_{D,\overrightarrow{r}}$$

X

D
,

r
→

.
„Die ungeklärten Gefahrenpotentiale der Gentechnologie“. Öffentliche Wissenschaft, Inszenierungsstrategien und Rhetorik der Objektivität im Kontext der bundesdeutschen Gentechnologie-Debatte
Authors: Schmidt Anna Maria
Published: November 2022

Im März 1986 veranstalteten verschiedene ‚ökologiebewegte‘ Institutionen in Heidelberg ein öffentliches Fachsymposion mit dem Titel „Die ungeklärten Gefahrenpotentiale der Gentechnologie“, auf dem internationale Wissenschaftler*innen unterschiedlichster Disziplinen referierten. Anhand dieses Fachsymposions zeigt der Artikel, wie sich das öffentliche Auftreten von Wissenschaftler*innen als eine Form von politischem Aktivismus lesen lässt. Anhand dieser Perspektive wird herausgearbeitet, wie Biolog*innen, Chemiker*innen, Mediziner*innen, Rechts- und Politikwissenschaftler*innen politische Botschaften zu platzieren suchten, indem sie sich gerade als unabhängige Wissenschaftler*innen in Szene setzten. Das Heidelberger Fachsymposion, so die vertretene These, war darum beides: ein Ort der Wissenschaftsvermittlung und der politischen Agitation, und das in einer Zeit, da die schwarz-gelbe Bundesregierung an einer Gentechnikgesetzgebung arbeitete und auf unabhängige Expertisen angewiesen war. Der Beitrag macht deutlich, wie der Rekurs auf wissenschaftliche Unabhängigkeit zu einer Strategie in der kontroversen Debatte um den Einsatz von Gentechnik wurde. Er nimmt dabei eine Dimension politisch-wissenschaftlicher Aktivität in den Blick, die das in der Wissenschaftsgeschichte etablierte Expert*innen-Konzept nicht berücksichtigt.
Material gradients in gastropod radulae and their biomechanical significance: a combined approach on the paludomid Lavigeria grandis
Authors: Krings Wencke , Matsumura Yoko , Brütt Jan-Ole , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: November 2022

The radula, a chitinous membrane spiked with teeth, is the molluscan autapomorphy for the gathering and processing of food. The teeth, as actual interfaces between the organism and the ingesta, act as load transmitting regions and have to withstand high stresses during foraging — without structural failure or high degrees of wear. Mechanisms contributing to this were studied previously in paludomid gastropods from Lake Tanganyika. For some species, gradients in hardness and Young’s modulus along the teeth were detected, enabling the bending and relying of teeth onto the next row, distributing the stresses more equally. The here presented study on one of them — Lavigeria grandis — aims at shedding light on the origin of these functional gradients. The mechanical properties were identified by nanoindentation technique and compared to the elemental composition, determined by elemental dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX, EDS). This was done for the complete radular (mature and immature tooth rows), resulting in overall 236 EDX and 700 nanoindentation measurements. Even though teeth showed regional differences in elemental composition, we could not correlate the mechanical gradients with the elemental proportions. By applying confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we were finally able to relate the mechanical properties with the degree of tanning. CLSM is a common technique used on arthropod cuticle, but was never applied on radular teeth before. In general, we found that nanoindentation and CLSM techniques complement one another, as for example, CLSM is capable of revealing heterogeneities in material or micro-gradients, which leads to a better understanding of the functionalities of biological materials and structures.