bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3D-Printed Biomimetic Porous Cellulose-Based Artificial Seed with Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystals for Colorimetric Humidity Sensing
Authors: Cikalleshi Kliton , Mariani Stefano , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: July 2023

Distributed sensing of environmental parameters is going towards solutions that are more efficient by taking inspiration from flying plant seeds. Yet, present technologies mostly rely on electronics, and they are often heavy and not biodegradable. Here, we develop a biodegradable and porous material, based on cellulose acetate and lignin, and characterize its degree of porosity. We use this material to 3D print lightweight and porous artificial fliers inspired by Ailanthus altissima seeds. By 3D printing, we can tailor in a precise way the morphology of the artificial flier that strongly influences its aerodynamic behavior. We add a cellulose-based photonic crystal for humidity sensing of topsoil by optical readout. These artificial flyers are biomimetic, lightweight and biodegradable and have the same mass (~22.4 mg) and descent speed (~0.64 m/s) of the natural seeds, thus constituting a novel approach for perspective distributed monitoring of relevant environmental parameters (i.e., humidity).
Living Organisms as Sensors for Biohybrid Monitoring Systems
Authors: Rajewicz Wiktoria , Helmer Nikolaus , Schmickl Thomas , Thenius Ronald
Published: July 2023

Many aquatic habitats have become vulnerable to rapid and long-term changes induced by industrialism, air pollution, tourism, fishing activities etc. These factors created an urgent need for extensive water monitoring and conservation. By observing the behaviour of lifeforms, we can monitor the state of the environment. Here, we present the methodology, calibration approaches and preliminary results of designing a biohybrid entity for aquatic monitoring. Biohybrid robots combine mechanical and electronic elements with living organisms or tissues. This biohybrid consists of several modules, each hosting or attracting different species and communities. We focus on animals such as Daphnia sp., zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and various representatives of the plankton community. The first results showed that 1) both Daphnia and D. polymorpha show no clear signs of confinement-induced stress, 2) the designed structures are examples of suitable tools for hosting the organisms, observing their behaviour and collecting and storing data and 3) their behaviour can be calibrated under laboratory conditions to be able to extrapolate the field data into environmental data.
Schluss
Authors: Kowalski Philipp
Published: July 2023

Bei der Ausübung der beleuchteten Mitgliedschaftsrechte durch eine Erbengemeinschaft ergeben sich keine Schwierigkeiten, die groß genug wären, um etwa die Notwendigkeit einer gesetzesübersteigernden Rechtsfortbildung zu begründen. Folglich lässt sich aus dem aufgedeckten Wertungsgeflecht, das die berührten Normen durchzieht, induktiv eine einzelne Schlussfolgerung für das dogmatische Verständnis von der gesamthänderischen Zuordnung der im Nachlass befindlichen Mitgliedschaft in einer Körperschaft ableiten.
The burden of attempted hanging and drowning presenting to hospitals in Ireland between 2007 and 2019: a national registry-based study
Authors: White Philippa , Corcoran Paul , Griffin Eve , Arensman Ella , Barrett Peter
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To measure the impact of hospital-treated self-harm by hanging and drowning in Ireland in 2007–2019 and identify risk factors for these methods of self-harm.

Method

Data on all self-harm presentations to Irish hospitals between 2007 and 2019 were obtained from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland, a national self-harm surveillance system. Multinomial regression was used to explore factors associated with attempted hanging and drowning.

Results

The age-standardised incidence rate of attempted hanging and drowning increased by 126% and 45%, respectively, between 2007 and 2019. The incidence of both methods was highest among young people aged 15–24 years. The odds of presenting to hospital for attempted hanging were highest in males (aOR 2.85, 95% CI 2.72–3.00), people experiencing homelessness (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.16–1.49) and individuals living in the capital, Dublin (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17–1.29). The odds of presenting for attempted drowning were highest in males (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.58–1.78) and people experiencing homelessness (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 2.41–2.99).

Conclusion

The incidence of hospital-treated self-harm by hanging and drowning is increasing in Ireland and is highest among adolescents and young adults. Males and people experiencing homelessness may be at highest risk and warrant targeted preventive interventions.
On the exact equilibrium conditions of irregular shells reinforced by beams along the junctions
Authors: Konopińska-Zmysłowska Violetta
Published: July 2023

The exact, resultant equilibrium conditions for irregular shells reinforced by beams along the junctions are formulated. The equilibrium conditions are derived by performing direct integration of the global equilibrium conditions of continuum mechanics. New, exact resultant static continuity conditions along the singular curve modelling reinforced junction are presented. The results do not depend on shell thickness, internal through-the-thickness shell structure, or material properties of shell and beam elements. In this theoretical approach, the beam’s kinematics is represented by the elastic Cosserat curve. Kinematically, the six-parameter model of shell structures coincides with the Cosserat curve model of the beam. The presented method can be easily applied to cases of connection of three or four shell elements with the reinforcement along the junction.
Land cover and use-history of large empty spaces at fortified Iron Age hilltop sites; a case study from La Terrasse, Bibracte oppidum
Authors: Hajnalová Mária , Goláňová Petra , Jamrichová Eva , Petr Libor , Fránková Markéta , Barta Peter , Kočárová Romana , Flammer Patrik G. , Pető Ákos
Published: July 2023

The research of Iron Age oppida and hillforts plays a significant role in understanding the urbanisation processes throughout the European continent. The habitation and built-up areas have always been in the limelight of both traditional and environmental archaeological research. However, at many oppida, there were also large, unoccupied empty spaces. As they are crucial for understanding these settlements’ internal organisation, their functions are debated. Here we aim to demonstrate that seldom studied archaeobotanical archives preserve information on their use-history. By implementing a multiproxy approach, we seek to answer questions on the development, land use and vegetation history of one important open space at Bibracte oppidum on Mont Beuvray. Through the correlation of pollen, phytoliths, diatoms, charcoal, seeds, and parasites with radiocarbon dating we collected evidence of archaeologically otherwise untraceable human activities and detected a much more complicated history of the studied area. We show that it was repeatedly used in the last eight millennia and was never farmed or built up. During the phases of its most intensive exploitation in the Late Iron Age (La Tène) and Early Middle Ages (Merovingian) periods, it was kept as grassland. Our research lays down the foundation for the wider implementation of archaeobotany into projects that aim to clarify the uses and functions of enigmatic large open spaces, not only from the Iron Age but also from other periods.
Techno-economic evaluation of biofertilizer production using wastewater biosolids: case study from municipal wastewater treatment plants in northwest region of Russia
Authors: Hassan Md. Kamrul , Senko Sergei , Villa Aki , Grafova Elena , Pappinen Ari , Kuittinen Suvi
Published: July 2023

The continuous and rapid growth of sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) poses both economic and environmental challenges. In many cities of Russia, the situation has exacerbated with time. In this study, three state-of-the-art biosolid management technologies, namely windrow composting (WC), tunnel composting (TC), and lime stabilization (LS), were evaluated for their economic feasibility to produce commercially biofertilizers from WWTP-derived biosolids. Based on an annual discharge of 22,000 m3 of dewatered biosolids from the case WWTP, about 29,785, 22,453, and 35,056 m3 biofertilizers could be produced through WC, TC, and LS, respectively. Analysis showed the selected WC, TC, and LS technological options to be feasible if the selling price of the produced biofertilizer would be maintained at 19 EUR/m3 for WC and LS, and 77 EUR/m3 for TC. The discounted payback period (DPP) of WC, LS, and TC would be 3.1, 18.1, and 25.3 years, respectively, with an IRR (internal rate of return) of 10%. The key characteristics of the treated WWTP-derived biosolids were found to be good enough to meet the existing environmental laws, standards, and regulations in Russia. From an investment perspective, this study is useful in developing WWTP-derived biosolids for biofertilizer production at enterprise level.
EEG Microstates in Social and Affective Neuroscience
Authors: Schiller Bastian , Sperl Matthias F. J. , Kleinert Tobias , Nash Kyle , Gianotti Lorena R. R.
Published: July 2023

Social interactions require both the rapid processing of multifaceted socio-affective signals (e.g., eye gaze, facial expressions, gestures) and their integration with evaluations, social knowledge, and expectations. Researchers interested in understanding complex social cognition and behavior face a “black box” problem: What are the underlying mental processes rapidly occurring between perception and action and why are there such vast individual differences? In this review, we promote electroencephalography (EEG) microstates as a powerful tool for both examining socio-affective states (e.g., processing whether someone is in need in a given situation) and identifying the sources of heterogeneity in socio-affective traits (e.g., general willingness to help others). EEG microstates are identified by analyzing scalp field maps (i.e., the distribution of the electrical field on the scalp) over time. This data-driven, reference-independent approach allows for identifying, timing, sequencing, and quantifying the activation of large-scale brain networks relevant to our socio-affective mind. In light of these benefits, EEG microstates should become an indispensable part of the methodological toolkit of laboratories working in the field of social and affective neuroscience.
Rotifers of lake psammon: a knowledge synthesis
Authors: Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta
Published: July 2023

Most information on rotifers living in lake sands comes from the 1930s, when the first reports on this subject by Jerzy Wiszniewski appeared. After some decline in the interest in lake psammon in the following years, research on lake psammon returned in the last decade of the twentieth century. The last comprehensive review of ecology of psammon Rotifera was included in the excellent 1998 publication by Schmid-Araya on Rotifera in interstitial sediments. More than 20 papers have been published since that time. So far, research conducted almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere have dealt with issues related to distribution of rotifers, their species structure and diversity as well as to their relation to abiotic and biotic factors. The aim of the present study was to collect all available information on psammon rotifers, assess the shortcomings in our knowledge and fill these gaps with the results of some of my recent research. The results of the study show that the species richness of this group in geographical terms is still unknown. It means we also do not know the level of endemism among the psammon rotifers. The role of psammon rotifers in benthic food webs is another issue requiring research.
Rotifer-heliozoan interactions: a population growth study
Authors: Sarma S. S. S. , Nandini S.
Published: July 2023

We quantified the population growth of the predatory heliozoan Actinosphaerium eichhornii fed separately four rotifer prey (Anuraeopsis fissa, Brachionus calyciflorus, Brachionus havanaensis and Plationus patulus) at three densities (0.5, 1 and 2 ind. ml−1 per day). All the four prey rotifer species were consumed by A. eichhornii. Regardless of the prey species, increasing rotifer prey density resulted in an increased population growth of the heliozoans. Higher cyst production in A. eichhornii occurred at higher prey densities on all prey species. A. fissa offered at the lower densities of 0.5–1.0 ind. ml−1 day−1 did not lead to cyst production by A. eichhornii. The predator did not survive beyond 2 days on Chlorella vulgaris alone. When cultured together with heliozoans, A. fissa, B. calyciflorus and B. havanaensis were eliminated within 4 days. However, the prey rotifer Plationus patulus continued to survive for about 10 days with heliozoans. The highest rate of population increase of heliozoans (0.91 day−1) was recorded when fed B. calyciflorus at a density of 2 ind. ml−1 day−1, while of those of prey varied from 0.30 to 0.41 day−1 when fed Chlorella vulgaris at 1 × 106 cells ml−1 day−1. We have analyzed the impact of heliozoan predation on rotifers.
Family firm heterogeneity and patenting. Revising the role of size and age
Authors: Aiello Francesco , Mannarino Lidia , Pupo Valeria
Published: July 2023

This study offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating the moderating effects of size and age on the relationship between family ownership and innovation. The research hypotheses are tested on a large sample of Italian firms observed over the 2010–2017 period using a zero-inflated nonlinear count model. To refine the understanding of firm heterogeneity, we employ a three-way interaction approach. Results show that the patenting gap between FFs and non-FFs is sensitive to size and age. Compared to non-FFs, FFs underperform when they are small and young, or large and mature, with no substantial differences seen in other types of firms. By referring to the Socioemotional Wealth theory, we find that the founder effect, which differs over a firm’s life, is behind a good deal of these findings.
Thomasson’s defence of easy arguments
Authors: Symonds Hezki
Published: July 2023

According to Amie Thomasson, most of the existence questions that concern ontologists can be easily answered using trivial arguments from uncontroversial premises. In this paper, I examine Thomasson’s main argument for this significant and striking thesis, focusing on the crucial premise that sortal terms have application conditions. I argue that Thomasson’s defence of this premise fails to support it. I also argue that it faces a serious objection.
Understanding young children’s science learning through embodied communication within an MR environment
Authors: Tu Xintian , Danish Joshua , Humburg Megan , Zhou Mengxi , Mathayas Nitasha , Enyedy Noel , Jen Tessaly
Published: July 2023

While there is increased interest in using movement and embodiment to support learning due to the rise in theories of embodied cognition and learning, additional work needs to be done to explore how we can make sense of students collectively developing their understanding within a mixed-reality environment. In this paper, we explore embodied communication’s individual and collective functions as a way of seeing students’ learning through embodiment. We analyze data from a mixed-reality (MR) environment: Science through Technology Enhanced Play (STEP) (Danish et al., International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning 15:49–87, 2020), using descriptive statistics and interaction analysis to explore the role of gesture and movement in student classroom activities and their pre-and post-interviews. The results reveal that students appear to develop gestures for representing challenging concepts within the classroom and then use these gestures to help clarify their understanding within the interview context. We further explore how students collectively develop these gestures in the classroom, with a focus on their communicative acts, then provide a list of individual and collective functions that are supported by student gestures and embodiment within the STEP MR environment, and discuss the functions of each act. Finally, we illustrate the value of attending to these gestures for educators and designers interested in supporting embodied learning.
Applications of the levelized cost concept
Authors: Friedl Gunther , Reichelstein Stefan , Bach Amadeus , Blaschke Maximilian , Kemmer Lukas
Published: July 2023

Levelized cost is a life-cycle cost measure that aggregates investment expenditures and operating costs into a unit cost figure. So far, most applications of this concept have originated in relation to energy technologies. This paper describes the role of the levelized cost concept in cost accounting and synthesizes multiple research streams in connection with electricity, energy storage, hydrogen and carbon capture. Finally, we sketch multiple potential future applications of the levelized cost concept.
Epiphenomenalism and the Epistemic Argument
Authors: Rostek Jan
Published: July 2023

The epistemic argument against epiphenomenalism aims to prove that even if epiphenomenalism is true, its adherents are not able to justify their inferential beliefs. This would mean that they cannot know that they are right which is a self-stultifying consequence. I elaborate on this problem and then present an updated version of epiphenomenalism based on property dualism. I argue that this position is capable of refuting the conclusion of the epistemic argument even in spite of accepting its essential assumptions. This was made possible by an upgraded property exemplification account of events. I also argue against a view which, if true, gives substantial support to the epistemic argument: that a belief justified by other beliefs is knowledge only if it is caused by those beliefs in virtue of their contents.
Retirement resources and post-retirement well-being: the mediating effect of sense of coherence and the moderated mediation effect of leisure activity types
Authors: Joo Jin Young , Yoon Jee In , Lim Soyoun , Won Hyungjoong
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the mediating effect of sense of coherence on the relationship between retirement resources and post-retirement well-being (i.e., retirement adjustment and retirement satisfaction) and the moderated mediation effect of leisure activity types (i.e., active vs. passive physical activity) on the relationship. An online survey was distributed to Korean baby boomer retirees, born between 1955 and 1963, and 442 participants completed the survey. Structural equation modeling and multigroup analyses were performed to examine the hypothesized model. The results showed that sense of coherence (SOC) mediated the relationship between retirement resources, retirement adjustment, and satisfaction. Additionally, the analyses demonstrated a moderated mediation effect from leisure activity types on this relationship. Specifically, the effect of retirement resources on retirement satisfaction through SOC was higher for Korean baby boomer retirees who participated in active leisure types, such as golfing and climbing. Therefore, considering active leisure types to better cope with the post-retirement lifestyle and increase post-retirement well-being is crucial.
How Should Crypto Lending Be Regulated Under EU Law?
Authors: Avgouleas Emilios , Seretakis Alexandros
Published: July 2023

The collapse of Genesis is the latest in a cascade of failures of crypto lenders. The last year has seen numerous major crypto lenders, such as Celsius, Voyager and BlockFi, going out of business in domino-like fashion. The failures have revealed the vulnerabilities of crypto-market lenders’ business model, most notably the liquidity and maturity mismatches in their loan portfolios, and their markedly weak corporate governance. The present article explores avenues to regulate crypto lending within the framework of EU financial services regulation. It argues that crypto lenders should be taken as falling within the definition of credit institutions under EU law, and thus, as a result, should be subject to the stringent licensing and prudential requirements introduced by the Capital Requirements Directive and Regulation. Prudential regulation is one of the ways that have been suggested for the regulation of crypto-market operators, alongside the investor protection framework. Taking into account that crypto lenders easily operate on a cross-border basis and that prudential regulation is fully harmonized in the EU, we take an EU-wide perspective and focus our analysis on EU law, rather than member state laws. In addition, prudential regulation can deal with any systemic risk issues with which investor protection regulation cannot deal. However, in order to avoid moral hazard and not give investors the false impression that crypto lenders are safe too-big-to fail institutions, we suggest that crypto lenders should not enjoy the full protection of prudential regulations. In particular, they should not be offered lender of last resort support and they should not be allowed to subscribe into a deposit insurance scheme. Even though it is often said that crypto markets pose no risk to the regulated sector due to limited interconnectedness, it should be noted that due to the high leverage of crypto investors, the real risk to the regulated sector comes from the possibility of crypto investors massively liquidating their positions in other asset markets.
International Recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment: What Is the Added Value for Latin America and the Caribbean?
Authors: Tigre Maria Antonia
Published: July 2023

Although there is still no United Nations treaty on the right to a healthy environment, the recognition of the right by the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council have helped solidify its status as customary international law. The overwhelming recognition of the right at the national and regional levels, and now at the United Nations, evidences greater uniformity and certainty in understanding human rights obligations relating to the environment. But what value do the resolutions add to the regional recognition of the right in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)? Through judicial and legislative developments, LAC has provided fertile ground for the flourishing of the right to a healthy environment. The region has seen some of the most innovative responses to the fragmented fields of human rights and the environment, providing a model for progressive legal development. Within this context, this essay focuses on how UN recognition of the new right may impact the burgeoning law on human rights and the environment in LAC. I argue that the resolutions should support the already rich environmental and climate jurisprudence in the region to realize the full potential of the right to a healthy environment. The right to a healthy environment can further solidify the role of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) as a leading human rights court in environmental protection, with wide-ranging implications for rights-based environmental (and climate) litigation.
The Right to a Healthy Environment as a Catalyst for the Codification of the Crime of Ecocide
Authors: Mwanza Rosemary
Published: July 2023

This essay explores some of the reasons why the recognition by the UN General Assembly of the human right to a healthy environment could catalyze the codification of ecocide as a crime under international law. It argues that even though the two concepts fall within distinct areas of international law, their potential for a synergistic interaction derives from the right's rhetorical and normative aspects. The right's rhetorical dimension refers to the communicative value derived from phrasing calls for responsive action in the language of rights, while the right's normative dimension alludes to its legal or juridical character.
The Right to a Healthy Environment: Beyond Twentieth Century Conceptions of Rights
Authors: Alston Philip
Published: July 2023

The lengthy process culminating in the UN General Assembly's recognition of the right to a healthy environment provides important insights into the nature of today's international human rights regime. In particular, it shows that human rights have moved well beyond the impoverished conceptions of rights that dominated the second part of the last century, that new norms develop in ways that are more complex and flexible than traditional doctrinal accounts would suggest, and that today's process of norm generation involves a wide and diverse array of actors, with states sometimes struggling to keep up.
Banning indirect boycotts: Contentious interactions and the role of the state in marketplace activism
Authors: O'Brien Erin , Johnson Hope , Murray Yu-An
Published: July 2023

In 2019, the prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Australia both declared their intent to ban indirect, or secondary, boycotts. In the United Kingdom, the ban was directed against public bodies engaging in the “boycott, divest, and sanction” (BDS) campaign against Israel. In Australia, the proposed ban was directed against environmental action groups. Research on market-based activism to date has focused primarily on conceptualizing the use of the market by nonstate actors to achieve social change, with less attention paid to the role of the state in these dynamics. State efforts to curtail social movements’ repertoires of contention require careful scrutiny to understand the state's role in legitimizing or delegitimizing political activism and to reveal the complex power dynamics between corporations, social movements, and the state. This article analyzes two key instances of the state declaring an intent to prevent activists from protesting through the market. By investigating how indirect boycotts were problematized by state actors, we aim to reveal the rationale behind the state's intervention in marketplace politics. Our findings indicate that opposition to the political cause behind the boycott, rather than a problematization of the strategy itself, drives state intervention.
Economic Evaluation Approaches in the Field of Disaster Health Management
Authors: Sohrabizadeh Sanaz , Shojaei Fahimeh , Möckel Luis , Jahanmehr Nader , Zandi Armin , Soori Hamid , Hashemi Nazari Seyed Saeed
Published: July 2023

Background:

Economic evaluation approaches are needed to establish useful interventions for saving lives, preventing economic damage, and saving recovery costs at the time of disasters. Thus, the present study is aimed to identify the studies that applied economic evaluation approaches/methods for evaluating the economic costs of disasters.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted to find the eligible studies and perform a comprehensive data analysis.

Results:

Based on the findings, cost-effectiveness analysis, economic loss assessment, modeling, or mapping, as well as behavioral economic analysis were used as the economic evaluation approaches/methods.

Conclusions:

Applying economic evaluation approaches to illustrate the economic costs of disasters is highly recommended. Managing competing priorities and optimizing resources allocations to the most cost-effective interventions can be achieved by cost-effectiveness analysis. The results of economic loss assessment can be used as the basis of disaster preparedness and response planning. Economic modeling can be applied to compare different interventions and anticipate socio-economic effects of disasters. A behavioral economic approach can be effective for decision-making in the field of disaster health management. Further research is needed to identify the advantages and limitations of each economic evaluation method/approach in the field of health in disasters. Such research can preferably be designed as the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Predictors of Food and Water Stockpiling During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Latinos and Non-Latino Black People
Authors: Fabusoro Olufemi Kehinde , Singleton Chelsea R , Teran-Garcia Margarita , Lara-Cinisomo Sandraluz
Published: July 2023

Objective:

The study examined factors associated with food and water stockpiling (FWS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of online survey data collected in two waves: April 2020 (wave 1) and June/July 2020 (wave 2), was conducted through REDCap web application. A total of 2,271 Non-Latino Black and Latino adults (mean age: 36.8 years (SD = 16.0); 64.3% female) living in Illinois were recruited. Participants self-reported if they stockpiled food and/or water (FWS) seven days prior to survey completion because of the pandemic. Logistic regression was used to determine if each variable was associated with the odds of reporting FWS.

Results:

Nearly a quarter (23.3%) of participants reported FWS. The adjusted model revealed that odds of FWS increase as the number of household members increased (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05-1.41). Odds of FWS were lower among participants who were not self-quarantining compared to those self-quarantining all the time (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.17 – 0.62). Furthermore, individuals with lower levels of concern about COVID-19 had lower odds of FWS than those extremely concerned.

Conclusions:

Household size, self-quarantine status, and concern about COVID-19 were significantly associated with FWS. These findings highlight the need to address the concerns of marginalized individuals to promote healthy behaviors.
Penn Healthy Diet survey: pilot validation and scoring
Authors: Compher Charlene W. , Quinn Ryan , Haslam Richard , Bader Elizabeth , Weaver Joellen , Dudek Scott , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Lewis James D. , Wu Gary D.
Published: July 2023

Though diet quality is widely recognised as linked to risk of chronic disease, health systems have been challenged to find a user-friendly, efficient way to obtain information about diet. The Penn Healthy Diet (PHD) survey was designed to fill this void. The purposes of this pilot project were to assess the patient experience with the PHD, to validate the accuracy of the PHD against related items in a diet recall and to explore scoring algorithms with relationship to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 computed from the recall data. A convenience sample of participants in the Penn Health BioBank was surveyed with the PHD, the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour recall (ASA24) and experience questions. Kappa scores and Spearman correlations were used to compare related questions in the PHD to the ASA24. Numerical scoring, regression tree and weighted regressions were computed for scoring. Participants assessed the PHD as easy to use and were willing to repeat the survey at least annually. The three scoring algorithms were strongly associated with HEI-2015 scores using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 data from which the PHD was developed and moderately associated with the pilot replication data. The PHD is acceptable to participants and at least moderately correlated with the HEI-2015. Further validation in a larger sample will enable the selection of the strongest scoring approach.
GROUP-BASED PROTECTION OF AFGHAN WOMEN AND GIRLS UNDER THE 1951 REFUGEE CONVENTION
Authors: Tan Nikolas Feith , Ineli-Ciger Meltem
Published: July 2023

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 deprived women and girls of their fundamental rights. The Taliban denied or severely restricted women and girls’ rights to education, work, healthcare, freedom of movement, opinion and expression, and to protection from gender-based violence. This article argues that the Taliban's treatment of Afghan women and girls amounts to persecution, and all Afghan women and girls should be recognised as refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. The article further examines the feasibility of prima facie recognition for Afghan women and girls.
The effect of waterfowl signals andPseudocorynosoma enriettiinfection on the behaviour of the amphipodHyalella patagonica
Authors: Figueroa N. , Flores V. , Rauque C.
Published: July 2023

In the present study, we sought to determine whether i) a waterfowl signal induces avoidance behaviour of the amphipodHyalella patagonica, ii) infection by the acanthocephalanPseudocorynosoma enriettiaffects the behaviour of the amphipod, and iii) the parasite interferes with the amphipod response to waterfowl. We evaluated amphipod behaviour experimentally by measuring activity levels, phototaxis, geotaxis, and clinging behaviour. The main findings of this study indicate that uninfected amphipods show avoidance behaviour by reducing their activity in the presence of a predator signal. Secondly, infected amphipods show altered behaviour, such as swimming in bright areas near the water surface, which makes them more visible to predators in nature. Lastly, the presence of predatory cues causes infected amphipods to drop to the bottom, which increases their visibility to predators. The present research allows us to perceive the intricate interplay among predators, parasites, and their intermediate hosts and advance our understanding of these complex ecological dynamics.
Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia: predictors and correlates of patient life engagement in a large sample of people living in the community
Authors: Vita Antonio , Barlati Stefano , Deste Giacomo , Nibbio Gabriele , Penn David L. , Pinkham Amy E. , McIntyre Roger S. , Harvey Philip D.
Published: July 2023

Background

Life engagement represents a holistic concept that encompasses outcomes reflecting life-fulfilment, well-being and participation in valued and meaningful activities, which is recently gaining attention and scientific interest. Despite its conceptual importance and its relevance, life engagement represents a largely unexplored domain in schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were to independently assess correlates and predictors of patient life engagement in a large and well-characterized sample of schizophrenia patients.

Methods

To assess the impact of different demographic, clinical, cognitive and functional parameters on life engagement in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, data from the social cognition psychometric evaluation project were analyzed.

Results

Overall schizophrenia and depressive symptom severity, premorbid IQ, neurocognitive performance, social cognition performance both in the emotion processing and theory of mind domains, functional capacity, social skills performance and real-world functioning in different areas all emerged as correlates of patient life engagement. Greater symptom severity and greater impairment in real-world interpersonal relationships, social skills, functional capacity and work outcomes emerged as individual predictors of greater limitations in life engagement.

Conclusions

Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia represents a holistic and complex construct, with several different clinical, cognitive and functional correlates. These features represent potential treatment targets to improve the clinical condition and also facilitate the process of recovery and the overall well-being of people living with schizophrenia.
Prediction of fat-free mass in young children using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Lyons-Reid Jaz , Ward Leigh C. , Derraik José G. B. , Thway-Tint Mya , Monnard Cathriona R. , Ramos Nieves J. Manuel , Albert Benjamin B. , Kenealy Timothy , Godfrey Keith M. , Chan Shiao-Yng , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Bioimpedance devices are practical for measuring body composition in preschool children, but their application is limited by the lack of validated equations.

Objectives

To develop and validate fat-free mass (FFM) bioimpedance prediction equations among New Zealand 3.5-year olds, with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference method.

Methods

Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (SFB7, ImpediMed) and DXA (iDXA, GE Lunar) measurements were conducted on 65 children. An equation incorporating weight, sex, ethnicity, and impedance was developed and validated. Performance was compared with published equations and mixture theory prediction.

Results

The equation developed in ~70% (n = 45) of the population (FFM [kg] = 1.39 + 0.30 weight [kg] + 0.39 length2/resistance at 50 kHz [cm2/Ω] + 0.30 sex [M = 1/F = 0] + 0.28 ethnicity [1 = Asian/0 = non-Asian]) explained 88% of the variance in FFM and predicted FFM with a root mean squared error of 0.39 kg (3.4% of mean FFM). When internally validated (n = 20), bias was small (40 g, 0.3% of mean FFM), with limits of agreement (LOA) ±7.6% of mean FFM (95% LOA: –0.82, 0.90 kg). Published equations evaluated had similar LOA, but with marked bias (>12.5% of mean FFM) when validated in our cohort, likely due to DXA differences. Of mixture theory methods assessed, the SFB7 inbuilt equation with personalized body geometry values performed best. However, bias and LOA were larger than with the empirical equations (–0.43 kg [95% LOA: –1.65, 0.79], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We developed and validated a bioimpedance equation that can accurately predict FFM. Further external validation of the equation is required.
Dance/movement therapy for improving balance ability and bone mineral density in long-term patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guan Hengyong , Zhou Zhaoxia , Li Xipo , Pan Yanfen , Zou Zhenmin , Meng Xiangfei , Guan Kunya , Zhang Lie , Li Zhanmin , Li Xueling , Wei Baochun , Zhang Xuan , Li Weiqing , Han Dongmei , Li Zezhi , Xiu Meihong
Published: July 2023

Fractures are common accidents for long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia (SZ) in psychiatric hospitals, and once they occur, patients usually endure the pain of fractures for a long time. Accumulating evidence has supported the implementation of dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a promising intervention for patients with SZ. However, no research has been conducted to investigate its role in balance ability in SZ. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a 12-week DMT intervention in bone mineral density and balance ability in patients with SZ using a randomized, controlled trial design. A total of 58 veterans with SZ were randomly assigned to the DMT intervention group (n = 29) and the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group (n = 29). Bone mineral density (BMD) and balance ability were measured in both groups at two measurement points (at baseline and at the end of Week 12). We found that patients in the DMT intervention group had significant improvements in BMD and balance ability compared with the TAU group by using repeated measures analysis of variance. Treatment with DMT demonstrated a significant improvement in BMD from baseline to week 12 (0.03, 95% CI: 0.01–0.05). For the Berg total score and static and dynamic balance, the mean changes in the DMT group were 7.3 (95% CI: 5.6–9.0), 4.0 (95% CI: 0.9–7.1), and 3.7 (95% CI: 2.6–4.8), respectively. Regression analysis showed that baseline BMD was a significant predictor of improvement in BMD from baseline to week 12 in the DMT group (β = 0.58, p < 0.001). Our results suggest for the first time that DMT intervention may be effective in beneficially regulating BMD and balance ability in SZ patients.
DISC-3D: dual-hydrogel system enhances optical imaging and enables correlative mass spectrometry imaging of invading multicellular tumor spheroids
Authors: Avard Rachel C. , Broad Megan L. , Zandkarimi Fereshteh , Devanny Alexander J. , Hammer Joseph L. , Yu Karen , Guzman Asja , Kaufman Laura J.
Published: July 2023

Multicellular tumor spheroids embedded in collagen I matrices are common in vitro systems for the study of solid tumors that reflect the physiological environment and complexities of the in vivo environment. While collagen I environments are physiologically relevant and permissive of cell invasion, studying spheroids in such hydrogels presents challenges to key analytical assays and to a wide array of imaging modalities. While this is largely due to the thickness of the 3D hydrogels that in other samples can typically be overcome by sectioning, because of their highly porous nature, collagen I hydrogels are very challenging to section, especially in a manner that preserves the hydrogel network including cell invasion patterns. Here, we describe a novel method for preparing and cryosectioning invasive spheroids in a two-component (collagen I and gelatin) matrix, a technique we term dual-hydrogel in vitro spheroid cryosectioning of three-dimensional samples (DISC-3D). DISC-3D does not require cell fixation, preserves the architecture of invasive spheroids and their surroundings, eliminates imaging challenges, and allows for use of techniques that have infrequently been applied in three-dimensional spheroid analysis, including super-resolution microscopy and mass spectrometry imaging.
Evidence for the formation of fused aromatic ring structures in an organic soil profile in the early diagenesis
Authors: Gamage Jeewan , Voroney Paul , Gillespie Adam , Lo Andy , Longstaffe James
Published: July 2023

The presence of fused aromatic ring (FAR) structures in soil define the stability of the recalcitrant soil organic matter (RSOM). FAR are important skeletal features in RSOM that contribute to its extended residence time. During the early diagenesis, FAR structures are formed through condensation and polymerization of biomolecules produced during plant residue and microbial product decay. Molecular level characterization of the RSOM extracted from an organic soil profile gives important insights into the formation of FAR. Advanced solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including recoupled long-range C–H dipolar dephasing experiments on extracted humic acids (HA) showed that they contain diagenetically formed FAR different from charcoal and lignin. Peaks characteristic of FAR are observed at all depths in the soil profile, with a greater prevalence observed in the HA extracts from the clay soil layer at the bottom. In the clay soil layer, 78% of the aromatic carbon was non-protonated, and this was 2.2-fold higher than the topsoil. These data further strengthen our understanding of the humification process that could occur in early diagenesis and help explain the importance of incorporating diagenesis as an important phenomenon for long-term carbon sequestration in soil.
Dating of groundwater using uranium isotopes disequilibrium in Siwa Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Imam Noha
Published: July 2023

Data on the recent migratory history of radionuclides as well as geochemical circumstances can be obtained from the disequilibrium of the uranium series, which is often brought on by groundwater flow and host rock. Groundwater from the Siwa Oasis is a vital source of water for many uses, and it is distributed widely throughout the Western Desert. Groundwater in Siwa Oasis was dated using measurements of uranium in the water. In water samples that exhibited disequilibrium behavior, the activity concentrations of radionuclides from the 238U, 235U and 232Th series were measured. Therefore we conclude that the measured waters are rich in the 234U and 230Th. The secular equilibrium between 234U and 230Th indicates that colloidal transport could be the mechanism for the mobility of 230Th in groundwater. Higher 230Th levels in the samples show that the aquifer is deep and may have a large amount of thorium-bearing minerals. The lake and groundwater estimated ages showed that the time of uranium migration happened between 60 and 130 ka ago. This aquifer is rich in mineral deposits, as evidenced by the extraordinarily high content of radionuclides. The 230Th/232Th activity ratio of the samples, indicating pure carbonate minerals, ranged from 12.58 to 20.86.
Elite darts performance and the social influence of real crowds and simulated crowd noise
Authors: Greve Jona , van Meurs Edda , Strauss Bernd
Published: July 2023

While the effect of missing audiences has been studied numerously in team sports with diverse effects, studies on individual performances are rare. The current investigation analyzes performances of professional dart players in (a) the absence of spectators, (b) the presence of real crowds, and (c) artificial crowd noise (simulated crowds) substituting live spectators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical evidence suggests that performances in coordination-based accuracy tasks are negatively impacted by the presence of others. Therefore, we hypothesize that performance of elite darts players deteriorates in the presence of a real audience (RA) in comparison to no audience (NA) and simulated audience (SA). https://dartsorakel.com provided the data of professional tournaments played from 2018 to 2021, which included N = 26,724 individual performances from k = 442 players (98.8% male). How RA and SA impacted checkout percentage (CP) and three-dart average (3DA) was analyzed using separate multilevel models, adding various control variables. Competing with audiences (SA and RA) resulted in decreased CP with an effect of βstand_real = − .20, p < .001, and βstand_sim = − .14, p < .001. 3DA increased with SA, βstand_sim = .08, p < .001, and decreased with RA, βstand_sim = − .07, p < .001. The results show that real crowds appear to have a negative impact on darts performance, yet effect sizes are small.
Understanding H-aggregates crystallization induced emissive behavior: insights from theory
Authors: Li Huixue , Lv Lingling , Yuan Kun , Pan Sujuan , Li Zhifeng
Published: July 2023

We conducted a theoretical investigation into how the molecular stacking effect impacts the photophysical properties in solid phases. Our findings indicated that in the aggregated state, the out-of-plane distorted vibration and imidazole ring stretching vibration of triimidazo-[1,3,5] triazinethe are significantly suppressed, which decreased the Huang-Rhys factor and the corresponding reorganization energy of the photophysical process, as a result, this restricted intramolecular motions and dissipation pathways of excess energy in the excited state, therefore, aggregation induced enhancement emission (AIEE) was found for the title compound from dichloromethane solution to solid state. Analysis of the emission spectrum through discrete spectral lines revealed that the main peak was affected by the vibrational modes with lower frequencies, while the middle-frequency modes influenced the shoulder peak. Furthermore, the predicted intersystem crossing rate (kiosk) and reverse intersystem crossing rate (krisc) using Marcus theory confirmed that an electron can successfully shift from its S1 state to the T1 state, however, the reverse T1 → S1 process can not come into being due to very small krisc (10–6–10–9 s–1), therefore the phosphorescence can be observed. At last, we explored the influence of charge transfer process of the title compound, our theoretical data declared this process can be ignored due to its low transfer rate.
Analysis of the effects of stent-induced deformation on the hemodynamics of MCA aneurysms
Authors: Huang Conggang , Zhou Xueqin , Duan Faliang , Li Ruixue , Luo Ming , Luo Zhihua , Mousavi SValiallah
Published: July 2023

The use of a stent to coil an aneurysm can alter the position of the main blood vessel and affect blood flow within the sac. This study thoroughly examines the impact of stent-induced changes on the risk of MCA aneurysm rupture. The research aims to assess the effects of coiling and vessel deformation on blood flow dynamics by comparing the OSI, WSS, and blood structure of two distinct MCA aneurysms to identify high-risk areas for hemorrhage. Computational fluid dynamics is used to model blood flow. The results indicate that aneurysm deformation does not always decrease the risk of rupture, and coiling is more effective in occluding blood flow than aneurysm deformation.
Palladium-catalyzed coupling of amides and cyclopropanols for the synthesis of γ-diketones
Authors: Fang Lili , Jia Shuqi , Fan Shuaixin , Zhu Jin
Published: July 2023

A palladium catalytic method has been developed for the coupling of amides and cyclopropanols to γ-diketones in an amide N-atom structural context-dependent manner, showcasing the promising future of synthetic planning via chemistry set and set chemistry.