bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate warming leads to advanced fruit development period of temperate woody species but divergent changes in its length
Authors: Ma Qianqian , Hänninen Heikki , Berninger Frank , Li Xiaobo , Huang Jian‐Guo
Published: July 2022

Climate warming has significantly altered the phenology of plants in recent decades. However, in contrast to the widely reported warming‐induced extension of vegetative growing season, the response of fruit development period (FDP) from flowering to fruiting remains largely unexplored, particularly for woody plants. Analyzing >560,000 in situ observations of both flowering and fruiting dates for six temperate woody species across 2958 European phenological observations sites during 1980–2013, we found that in all species both flowering and fruiting phenology, that is, the FDP, advanced with climate warming. However, the advancing rates of the two events were not necessarily equal for any given species, resulting in divergent changes in the length of FDP among species with climate warming. During 1980–2013, not only the temperature during FDP but also the forcing requirement for fruit development increased, both affecting the length of FDP. The shortened FDP was mainly due to elevated temperature, thus accelerating the accumulation of forcing, whereas the prolonged FDP was primarily caused by the substantial increase of the forcing requirement of fruiting, which could be fulfilled only in a longer time and thus slowed down the advance of fruiting. This study provides large‐scale empirical evidence of warming‐induced advances of FDP but divergent changes in its length in temperate woody species. Our findings demonstrate the contrasting reproductive phenological strategies among temperate woody species under the pressure of warming climate, contrary to the lengthening of vegetative growing season, which is by and largely similar with different woody species.
Improving the representation of sugarcane crop in the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) model for climate impact assessment
Authors: Vianna Murilo S. , Williams Karina W. , Littleton Emma W. , Cabral Osvaldo , Cerri Carlos Eduardo P. , De Jong van Lier Quirijn , Marthews Toby R. , Hayman Garry , Zeri Marcelo , Cuadra Santiago V. , Challinor Andrew J. , Marin Fabio R. , Galdos Marcelo V.
Published: July 2022

Bioenergy from sugarcane production is considered a key mitigation strategy for global warming. Improving its representation in land surface models is important to further understand the interactions between climate and bioenergy production, supporting accurate climate projections and decision‐making. This study aimed to calibrate and evaluate the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) for climate impact assessments in sugarcane. A dataset composed of soil moisture, water and carbon fluxes and biomass measurements from field experiments across Brazil was used to calibrate and evaluate JULES‐crop and JULES‐BE parametrizations. The ability to predict the spatiotemporal variability of sugarcane yields and the impact of climate change was also tested at five Brazilian microregions. Parameters related to sugarcane allometry, crop growth and development were derived and tested for JULES‐crop and JULES‐BE, together with the response to atmospheric carbon dioxide, temperature and low‐water availability (CTW‐response). Both parametrizations showed comparable performance to other sugarcane dynamic models, with a root mean squared error of 6.75 and 6.05 t ha−1 for stalk dry matter for JULES‐crop and JULES‐BE, respectively. The parametrizations were also able to replicate the average yield patterns observed in the five microregions over 30 years when the yield gap factors were taken into account, with the correlation (r) between simulated and observed interannual variability of yields ranging from 0.33 to 0.56. An overall small positive trend was found in future yield projections of sugarcane using the new calibrations, with exception of the Jataí mesoregion which showed a clear negative trend for the SSP5 scenario from the years 2070 to 2100. Our simulations showed that an abrupt negative impact on sugarcane yields is expected if daytime temperatures above 35°C become more frequent. The newly calibrated version of JULES can be applied regionally and globally to help understand the interactions between climate and bioenergy production.
Constitutive programmed death ligand 1 expression protects gastric G‐cells from Helicobacter pylori–induced inflammation
Authors: Mommersteeg Michiel C. , Yu Bing Ting , van den Bosch Thierry P. P. , von der Thüsen Johan H. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Doukas Michael , Spaander Manon C. W. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Fuhler Gwenny M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a premalignant lesion, highly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Previous studies have shown that H. pylori is able to induce the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), an inhibitory immune modulator, in gastric cells. Our aim was to investigate whether tissues from GIM patients may exploit PD‐L1 expression upon H. pylori infection to evade immunosurveillance.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed for PD‐L1 and enteroendocrine markers somatostatin and gastrin on samples derived from a cohort of patients with known GIM, both before and after H. pylori eradication. To determine the identity of any observed PD‐L1‐positive cells, we performed multiplex immunofluorescent staining and analysis of single‐cell sequencing data.

Results

GIM tissue was rarely positive for PD‐L1. In normal glands from GIM patients, PD‐L1 was mainly expressed by gastrin‐positive G‐cells. While the D‐cell and G‐cell compartments were both diminished 2‐fold (p = .015 and p = .01, respectively) during H. pylori infection in the normal antral tissue of GIM patients, they were restored 1 year after eradication. The total number of PD‐L1‐positive cells was not affected by H. pylori, but the percentage of PD‐L1‐positive G‐cells was 30% higher in infected subjects (p = .011), suggesting that these cells are preferentially rescued from destruction.

Conclusions

Antral G‐cells frequently express PD‐L1 during homeostasis. G‐cells seem to be protected from H. pylori‐induced immune destruction by PD‐L1 expression. GIM itself does not express PD‐L1 and is unlikely to escape immunosurveillance via expression of PD‐L1.
Development and psychometric testing of the patient participation in bedside handover survey
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Marshall Andrea P. , Gardiner Therese , Jenkinson Kim , Shapiro Margaret , Ireland Michael
Published: July 2022

Introduction

When handover is conducted at the patient's bedside, active patient participation can be encouraged, which may improve the safety and quality of care. There is a need for valid and reliable tools to measure patient perceptions of participation in bedside handover, to ensure the rising number of implementation and improvement efforts are consistently and effectively evaluated. The aim of this study is to systematically develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a self‐report survey to measure patients' perceptions of participation in bedside handover.

Methods

In Phase 1, our team developed a conceptual framework and item pool (n = 130). In Phase 2, content validity was assessed with four health consumers, four nurses and four researchers. Next, 10 current hospital inpatients tested the survey for end‐user satisfaction. In Phase 3, 326 inpatients completed the survey, allowing exploratory factor analysis, reliability analyses and convergent/divergent validity analyses to occur.

Results

Phase 1 and 2 resulted in a 42‐item survey. In Phase 3, 321 surveys were available for analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three‐factor solution, with 24 items, which matched our conceptual framework. The three factors were: ‘Conditions for patient participation in bedside handover’, ‘Level of patient participation in bedside handover’ and ‘Evaluation of patient participation in bedside handover’. There was strong evidence for factor reliability and validity. Additionally, the correlation between factors was strong.

Conclusion

This study furthers our conceptual understanding by showing that nurse facilitating behaviours are a strong precursor for patient participation and perceived handover outcomes, justifying the need for nursing training. A robust survey has been developed to measure patient perceptions of participation in bedside handover, which can effectively evaluate this approach to care. Engaging consumers and nurses as research team members was invaluable in ensuring that the survey is acceptable for end‐users.

Patient or Public Contribution

A health consumer and nurse partnered as members of the research team from study inception to dissemination.
The effect of conservation interventions on the abundance of breeding waders within nature reserves in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jellesmark Sean , Ausden Malcolm , Blackburn Tim M. , Hoffmann Mike , McRae Louise , Visconti Piero , Gregory Richard D.
Published: July 2022

Breeding populations of many wading birds have declined globally, primarily caused by habitat degradation and loss. In the UK, population declines have been particularly notable on lowland wet grasslands. In response, some areas of lowland wet grassland have been restored and are under ongoing management to improve the breeding conditions of target species. Here, we assess the efficacy of management measures using a Bayesian framework and controlling for confounding factors. We focus on four wader species, Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago and Common Redshank Tringa totanus, that breed in numbers on wet grassland reserve sites in the UK. We collated annual site‐specific climate variables, management information (e.g. the creation of wet features and predator control measures) and bird counts between 1994 and 2018. We found the effects of conservation actions varied between intervention types and species. For Lapwing and Redshank, excluding predators by predator‐exclusion fencing, especially in combination with fox control, was generally associated with higher breeding counts. For all study species, sites with longer histories of management were associated with higher breeding numbers, with the effect of site age being particularly notable for management on former arable land. Our findings support the effectiveness of targeted conservation actions to achieve high numbers of breeding waders on lowland wet grassland reserves, and also highlight the value of consistent and reliable monitoring data.
Spatial patterns in age‐ and colony‐specific survival in a long‐lived seabird across 14 contrasting colonies
Authors: Kentie Rosemarie , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Spaans Arie L. , Camphuysen Kees (C. J.)
Published: July 2022

Demographic rates such as recruitment and survival probability can vary considerably among populations of the same species due to variation in underlying environmental processes. If environmental processes are spatially correlated, nearby populations are expected to have more similar demographic rates than those further apart. Breeding populations and foraging ranges are spatially segregated in colonial seabirds, making them ideal for studying spatial patterns in demographic rates and their effects on local population dynamics. Here we explored variation in age‐dependent survival probabilities across 14 colonies of Herring GullsLarus argentatusbreeding along the Dutch North Sea coast. We used long‐term mark–recapture data of marked fledglings to estimate survival, and estimated spatial autocorrelation of survival probabilities. We assessed whether survival until recruitment age or until 10 years old (close to their expected lifespan) explained variation in population trajectories of each colony. Juvenile and adult survival showed a strong, but different, north‐to‐south gradient in survival probability, with lower juvenile but higher adult survival in northern colonies than southern colonies, whereas the spatial pattern of immature survival was less distinct. Neither recruitment nor the proportion of 10‐year‐old adults alive predicted whether a colony collapsed, declined, remained stable or increased. The distinct spatial pattern in survival suggests variation in regional food availability, which do not seem to drive local population dynamics. The absence of a link between survival and colony trajectories implies that connectivity between populations plays an important role affecting population dynamics.
Effect of the diluent on combustion synthesis of silicon nitride
Authors: Li Fei , Cui Wei , Tian Zhaobo , Zhang Jie , Du Songmo , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Shijia , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: July 2022

Si3N4 powders were prepared by combustion synthesis with 1‐ and 3‐μm α‐Si3N4, β‐Si3N4 diluent and BN inert diluent. The maximum temperatures of samples with boron nitride (BN) as a diluent are about 1500–1600°C lower than that of samples with α‐Si3N4 and β‐Si3N4 as diluents are about 1600–1800°C. Moreover, the newly formed α‐Si3N4 contents in the synthesized products with BN as diluent over 90 wt% are much higher than those with α‐Si3N4 and β‐Si3N4 as diluent about 20–40 wt%. The strip‐like α‐Si3N4, rod‐like β‐Si3N4 grains, and radiative shaped grains can be observed in the synthesized products. Finally, the effect of the diluent on the α‐phase content of combustion synthesized Si3N4 is discussed, which provides key guidance for preparing Si3N4 powders with high α‐phase content.
Legumes flour: a review of the nutritional properties, physiological functions and application in extruded rice products
Authors: Guan Chunmin , Long Xinkang , Long Zhao , Lin Qinlu , Liu Chun
Published: July 2022

In recent years, legumes have become increasingly popular because of their high nutritional value and health benefits. Moreover, most legumes have a low glycaemic index (GI) and are often considered in dietary interventions for diabetes. Extruded rice products (ERPs) are trendy in major rice‐producing areas, including staple foods (such as rice noodles) and snack foods (such as rice cake). However, ERPs have a higher GI and a relatively simple nutritional composition. Therefore, adding whole legumes flour or its components to ERPs is a significant issue, which can reduce ERPs' GI and improve these products' nutritional value. This paper reviewed the nutritional properties and physiological functions of legumes flour or its components. In addition, the factors (starch and extrusion processing) affecting the quality and GI of ERPs were summarised. Besides, this paper reviewed after adding whole legumes flour or its components to ERPs, the products' appearance and quality are better and its nutritional properties are also better, especially with regard to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, this review also summarised three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology in ERPs could improve the products' quality and nutritional value. Finally, directions that will be the focus of 3D printing and legumes were highlighted.
Managing the external financing constraints of social enterprises: A systematic review of a diversified research landscape
Authors: Schätzlein Lena , Schlütter Deike , Hahn Rüdiger
Published: July 2022

Social enterprises, located between non‐profit organisations and for‐profit firms, often struggle to acquire external funding. An increasing amount of research on the external financing of social enterprises stems from a fragmented body of the literature anchored in a variety of subject areas (e.g. entrepreneurship, public sector management, general management and strategy). We systematically review 204 academic articles published between 1998 and 2021 to bridge the knowledge gaps in these subject areas by: (1) mapping the field of the external financing of social enterprises at the individual, organisational and institutional levels; (2) synthesising the findings to develop an overarching framework; and (3) discussing theoretically sound future research avenues. We find that research at the individual level focuses primarily on investors’ perspective of the ideal characteristics of a social entrepreneur. Research at the organisational level often addresses the dual logics of social enterprises and their impact on the successful financing of these businesses and the role of investor–investee collaboration. Research at the institutional level can be clustered into cultural, economic, political and legal factors. Overall, we stress the need for research that adopts an overarching view by considering all three levels of analysis simultaneously and using organisational and economic theories.
Once the best student always the best student? Predicting graduate study success using undergraduate academic indicators: Evidence from research masters’ programs in the Netherlands
Authors: Kurysheva Anastasia , Koning Nivard , Fox Christine M. , van Rijen Harold V. M. , Dilaver Gönül
Published: July 2022

In the face of increasing and diversifying graduate application numbers, evidence‐based selective admissions have become a pressing issue. By conducting multilevel regression analyses on institutional admissions data from a Dutch university, this study aims to determine the predictive value of undergraduate academic indicators for graduate study success on research masters’ programs in the life sciences. The results imply that in addition to undergraduate grade point average, undergraduate thesis grade is a valid predictor of graduate grade point average. To a small extent, the examined undergraduate academic indicators also predict graduate degree completion and time to degree. The results from this study can be used by admissions committees for evaluating and improving their current practices of graduate selective admissions.
Oxidative phosphorylation regulates interleukin‐10 production in regulatory B cells via the extracellular signal‐related kinase pathway
Authors: Zhu Yinhong , Zhang Xiaoran , Xie Shujuan , Bao Weijia , Chen Jingrou , Wu Qili , Lai Xiaorong , Liu Longshan , Xiong Shiqiu , Peng Yanwen
Published: July 2022

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are immune cells that constrain autoimmune response and restrict inflammation via their expression of interleukin (IL)‐10. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Breg differentiation and IL‐10 secretion remain unclear. Previous data suggest that cellular metabolism determines both the fate and function of these cells. Here, we suggest an essential role for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the regulation of IL‐10 in these Bregs. We found that IL‐10+ B cells from IL‐10‐green fluorescent protein‐expressing mice had higher oxygen consumption rate than IL‐10− B cells. In addition, inhibition of OXPHOS decreased the expression of IL‐10 in B cells. Furthermore, suppression of OXPHOS diminished the expression of surface markers for Bregs and impaired their therapeutic effects in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. Mechanistically, mitochondrial OXPHOS was found to regulate the transcription factor HIF‐1α through the extracellular signal‐related kinase pathway. Taken together, this study reveals a strong correlation between mitochondrial OXPHOS and Breg phenotype/function, indicating OXPHOS as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases driven by Breg dysfunction.
An extended model of coordination of an all‐terrain vehicle and a multivisit drone
Authors: Amorosi Lavinia , Puerto Justo , Valverde Carlos
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a model that combines the movement of a multivisit drone with a limited endurance and a base vehicle that can move freely in the continuous space is considered. The mothership is used to charge the battery of the drone, whereas the drone performs the task of visiting multiple targets of distinct shapes: points and polygonal chains. For polygonal chains, it is required to traverse a given fraction of its lengths that represent surveillance/inspection activities. The goal of the problem is to minimize the overall weighted distance traveled by both vehicles. A mixed integer second‐order cone program is developed and strengthened using valid inequalities and giving good bounds for the Big‐M constants that appear in the model. A refined matheuristic that provides reasonable solutions in short computing time is also established. The quality of the solutions provided by both approaches is compared and analyzed on an extensive battery of instances with different number and shapes of targets, which shows the usefulness of our approach and its applicability in different situations.
Disposable or reusable? Packaging strategy and pricing decision for fresh food considering environmental policies
Authors: Wang Min , Zhao Lindu
Published: July 2022

Packaging has become an important concern of fresh food supply chains and will exert a growing influence under environmental policies. In this paper, we have discussed three specific issues to investigate fresh food supply chains’ packaging strategy, that is, whether to use disposable packaging containers (DPCs) or reusable packaging containers (RPCs), whether to purchase or rent RPCs, and the influences of environmental policies. Our research has generated some key findings. First, we find that penalty (such as taxes) and reward (such as subsidies) are simultaneously needed to motivate supply chains to choose RPCs. In terms of the “purchasing or renting” choice, it highly depends on the relative magnitude of the purchase and rental subsidies, along with the number of uses of RPCs and the perishability of fresh food. We also conclude that reusing RPCs for more times has two‐sided effects, that is, the effect of cost saving and the effect of accelerated deterioration. Thus, it is not recommended to excessively reuse RPCs. In addition, we make two extensions. First, we consider endogenous tax rate and subsidy rates and discuss from the perspective of social welfare. Second, we consider endogenous sales price and rental price of RPCs and study the optimal decisions of the RPC operator. Results show that the government should establish a classified tax and subsidy system for packaging containers, and meanwhile benchmarking prices for RPC services should be set to curb the RPC operator's free‐riding behavior.
Looking through Sherlock's eyes: Effects of eye movement modelling examples with and without verbal explanations on deductive reasoning
Authors: van Marlen Tim , van Wermeskerken Margot , Jarodzka Halszka , Raijmakers Maartje , van Gog Tamara
Published: July 2022

Background

Eye movement modelling examples (EMME) are demonstrations in which learners' not only see a model's (e.g., a teacher's) task performance on a computer screen (as in regular video examples) but also the model's eye movements (represented as moving coloured dots overlaid on the screen). Thereby EMME help guide learners' attention towards the relevant information and can model cognitive strategies which are otherwise unobservable for learners.

Objectives

This study investigated whether EMME can help to learn deductive reasoning strategies and how the presence/absence of a teacher's verbal explanation affects learning from EMME.

Methods

Secondary education students (N = 137) were randomly assigned to study video examples under one of four conditions in a 2 (EMME: yes/no) x 2 (verbal explanations: yes/no) between‐subjects design.

Results and Conclusions

Results revealed only a beneficial effect of the presence of verbal explanations on performance on the practice problems, but no pretest‐to‐posttest learning gains.

Implications

Seeing the teacher's eye movements does not appear to enhance learning of deductive reasoning. The presence/absence of the teacher's verbal explanation does not seem to affect learning deductive reasoning.
A community health worker delivered intervention to address hypertension among adults engaged in HIV care in northern Tanzania: Outcomes from a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Manavalan Preeti , Madut Deng B. , Wanda Lisa , Msasu Ally , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Thielman Nathan M. , Watt Melissa H.
Published: July 2022

Current care models are inadequate to address the dual epidemic of hypertension and HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. We developed a community health worker (CHW)‐delivered educational intervention, integrated into existing HIV care to address hypertension in persons living with HIV. A detailed educational curriculum was created with five sessions: three in‐person clinic sessions and two telephone sessions. The intervention was piloted among hypertensive adults at one HIV clinic in northern Tanzania over a 4‐week period. Primary outcomes were feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included hypertension care engagement and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Among 16 eligible participants, 14 (64% women, median age of 54.5 years) were recruited into the study, and 13 (92.9%) completed all five intervention sessions. The intervention was delivered with 98.8% fidelity to the curriculum content. Hypertension care engagement improved following the intervention. At baseline, two (15.4%) participants had seen a doctor previously for hypertension, compared to 11 (84.6%) participants post‐intervention (P = .0027). No participant was using antihypertensives at baseline, compared to 10 (76.9%) post‐intervention (P = .0016). Pre‐intervention median SBP was 164 (IQR 152–170) mmHg, compared to post‐intervention SBP of 146 (IQR 134–154) mmHg (P = .0029). Pre‐intervention median DBP was 102 (IQR 86–109) mmHg, compared to post‐intervention DBP of 89 (IQR 86–98) mmHg (P = .0023). A CHW‐delivered educational intervention, integrated into existing HIV care, is feasible and holds promise in improving hypertension care engagement and reducing blood pressure. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and scale‐up of our intervention.
(Dis)respect and shame in the context of ‘medically unexplained’ illness
Authors: Cheston Katharine
Published: July 2022

A significant proportion of somatic symptoms remain, at present, medically unexplained. These symptoms are common, can affect any part of the body, and can result in a wide range of outcomes—from a minor, transient inconvenience to severe, chronic disability—but medical testing reveals no observable pathology. This paper explores two first‐person accounts of so‐called ‘medically unexplained’ illness: one that is published in a memoir, and the other produced during a semi‐structured interview. Both texts are revelatory for their expression of shame in the context of encountering disrespect from healthcare professionals. The first section of my paper, clinical encounters, explores disrespect which, I argue, takes three interconnecting forms in these texts: disrespect for pain when it is seen as ‘medically unexplained’, disrespect for the patient's account of her own pain, and disrespect for the patient herself. The second section elucidates the shame that occurs as an affective and embodied consequence of encountering such disrespect. I claim that patients living with so‐called ‘medically unexplained’ illnesses suffer a double burden. They endure both somatic and social suffering—not only their symptoms, but also disrespectful, traumatic and shame‐inducing experiences of healthcare systems. I conclude with a reflection on the urgent need for changes in clinical training that could improve the quality of life for these patients, even in the absence of an explanation, treatment or cure for their symptoms.
Effect of microwave and enzymatic pretreatment and type of solvent on kinetics of ultrasound assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from ripe papaya peel
Authors: Singla Mohit , Singh Awanish , Sit Nandan
Published: July 2022

The study was aimed to investigate the effect of pretreatment by microwave and enzyme and type of solvent on kinetics of ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity from papaya peels. The enzyme used was viscozyme and the solvents used were water, ethanol, and their combination (1:1). The effect of combination of pretreatments was also studied. The data from the experiments were fitted to second order kinetic model and Langmuir model. The second order rate constant (k) varied from 0.0005 to 0.0134 for total phenolic content (TPC), 0.0016–0.0080 for total flavonoid content, and 0.0004–0.0228 for antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl‐radical scavenging activity). The comparative kinetic assessment illustrated that the progression of the extraction for TPC was higher in enzyme‐water (E‐W) treatment (98.91 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g), followed by microwave‐enzyme water (ME‐W) treatment (93.98 mg GAE/100 g) while microwave‐water:ethanol (M‐WEt) treatment gave the lowest yield (42.56 mg GAE/100 g), respectively. The present study also investigated influences of ultrasonication on extraction kinetics and their yield. Ultrasound was clearly influencing the yield (over 72.95% increase in yield of polyphenols). Antioxidant activity of the extracts confirmed that the UAE extraction is suitable for preparing antioxidant‐rich plant extracts. Ultrasound and pretreatment before extraction could provide many advantages like increased yield and quality, energy efficiency, faster extraction, and low solvent consumption.

Practical Applications

Papaya peels are waste products generated during processing of papaya and are valuable sources of polyphenols and natural antioxidants such as caffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and many more bioactive compounds that have significant biological activity. These bioactive compounds of papaya peel can be extracted and utilized in food and pharmaceutical industry for development of functional food or nutraceuticals. Ultrasound extraction is regarded as a green technology as it is environment friendly and energy‐efficient process. When ultrasound technology is combined with microwave or enzymatic treatment, the efficiency of such process may be further improved. The present study is therefore useful as it can provide a solution for utilization of papaya peel for extraction of valuable compounds using green technology.
3D printing to enable the reuse of marine plastic waste with reduced environmental impacts
Authors: Cañado Naiara , Lizundia Erlantz , Akizu‐Gardoki Ortzi , Minguez Rikardo , Lekube Blanca , Arrillaga Alex , Iturrondobeitia Maider
Published: July 2022

Over the years, our oceans have witnessed an enormous accumulation of marine plastic waste resulting from ocean‐related economic activities. As plastic pollution adversely affects marine wildlife and habitat, our society requires urgent solutions to address this increasingly alarming dilemma. Here, we turn our attention to circular economy principles to reduce the amount of nonbiodegradable petroleum‐based marine litter. We consider a production process based on 3D printing to fabricate products for the marine industry, which uses marine plastic waste as a source material. Additionally, the suitability of virgin bio‐based polyamide (bio‐PA), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is explored. PHB is selected due to its extraordinary rapid biodegradation in aquatic environments. To quantify the environmental impacts of the proposed processes, a cradle‐to‐grave life cycle assessment (LCA) is applied according to ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 standards. Different end‐of‐life alternatives are proposed, including landfill deposition, thermal degradation, and composting. LCA results reveal that the use of marine plastic waste is environmentally preferred in comparison with bio‐PA, PLA, and PHB. Specifically, the global warming indicator, considered a prime driver toward sustainability, shows a 3.7‐fold decrease in comparison with bio‐PA. Importantly, the environmental impacts of PHB production through crude glycerol fermentation are quantified for the first time. Regarding the end‐of‐life options with a composting scenario, PLA and PHB are preferred as they yield biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), which can be used as a renewable energy source.
Retirement and health outcomes in a meta‐analytical framework
Authors: Filomena Mattia , Picchio Matteo
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a meta‐analysis on the effects of retirement on health. We selected academic papers published between 2000 and 2021 and studying the impact of retirement on physical and mental health, self‐assessed general health, healthcare utilization and mortality. Our search resulted in a dataset consisting of 308 observations from 85 articles. Using meta‐regression analysis and after checking for the presence of publication bias, we found that the average effect of retirement on health outcomes is very small and barely significant, under the assumption of a common true effect. We applied model averaging techniques to explore possible sources of heterogeneity of the true effect. Our findings suggest that effect heterogeneity across results is explained by the differences in both health measurements and retirement schemes. In particular, mandatory or involuntary retirement is associated with a negative impact of retirement on health, although it is small in magnitude.
Assessment of masticatory efficiency based on glucose concentration in orthodontic patients: A methodological study
Authors: Aiyar Akila , Shimada Akiko , Svensson Peter
Published: July 2022

Background

Treatment for malocclusion can cause discomfort and pain in the teeth and periodontium, which may impair masticatory efficiency. The glucose concentration method is widely used to assess masticatory efficiency for its convenience in the clinical situation, although its validity has not been shown.

Objectives

The aims were to determine the validity of the glucose concentration method and investigate if this method can be applicable to orthodontic patients with braces.

Method

Sixteen healthy individuals (7 men, 9 women, and 26 ± 5 years old) and 16 patients with malocclusions needing orthodontic treatment (5 men, 11 women, and 26 ± 4 years old) participated. Glucose concentration was measured after 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐s mastication of gummy jelly and compared to Hue values obtained from the color‐changing gum method (reference method). In addition, all participants were asked to fill out the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP) to assess differences in perception related to the mouth before and after the placement of braces.

Results

Glucose concentrations were strongly correlated to measures of the two‐color chewing gum methods (R2 = 0.965). Both the glucose extraction and chewing gum hue value were the smallest for 5 s chewing cycles and increased as the number of chewing strokes increased for the 15 s chewing cycles. (Hue: R² = 0.510, p < 0.001; glucose: R² = 0.711, p < 0.001) Masticatory efficiency assessed by both methods was significantly lower in orthodontic patients compared to controls (p < 0.05), even though it was not affected by bonding (p > 0.09). In addition, OHIP scores in physical pain dimension and psychological disability were higher in orthodontic patients than in the control group (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Measurement of glucose concentration was confirmed as a reliable and convenient method for assessing masticatory efficiency. Furthermore, it appears that this method is applicable to patients with braces whose perception in the oral cavity could change.
Social expectations and abilities to meet them as possible mechanisms of youth personality development
Authors: Hang Yuzhan , Soto Christopher , Lee Billy , Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Murray Aja Louise , Mõttus René
Published: July 2022

Objective

Personality traits change from childhood through late‐adolescence, however the effects of social expectations and self‐regulatory efforts remain unknown. This study aims to explore mechanisms underlying personality development by assessing mean levels personality traits from childhood to late‐adolescence.

Method

We used Common‐Language California Child Q‐Set to measure youths' (N = 11,000) mean personality trait levels; social expectations for these traits as perceived by parents (N = 47), teachers (N = 42) and students (N = 120); and self‐regulatory efforts required for achieving the desired levels in these traits as perceived by parents (N = 27), teachers (N = 26), and students (N = 54).

Results

Expectations for youths' traits were consistent, regardless of raters' or youths' age. In our unique between‐trait study design, traits' mean levels were positively associated with expectations for them, but age differences minimally tracked these expectations. Traits' required self‐regulatory efforts were not associated with their developmental trends.

Conclusions

Results were only partially consistent with existing developmental theories of personality development.
Caste and COVID‐19: Psychosocial disparities amongst rural Indian women during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Jiwani Zishan , Raval Vaishali V. , Steele Miriam , Goldberg Simon B.
Published: July 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated preexisting mental health disparities. In India, marginalization based on caste membership, gender, and rural residence are critical determinants of inequity across the lifespan. Guided by the theoretical frameworks of minority stress and intersectionality, this study examined caste‐based disparities in fear of coronavirus (FOC), mental health symptoms, and perceived loneliness amongst rural women in north India during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants (N = 316) completed self‐report measures and were classified into three groups based on their responses: General caste (GC, n = 124), other backward castes (OBC, n = 122), and scheduled caste or tribe (SC/ST, n = 71). Using a three‐way ANOVA and Tukey t‐tests, women in SC/ST and OBC groups reported greater FOC (OBC d = .37; SC/ST d = .40) and greater mental health symptoms (OBC d = .58; SC/ST d = .43) relative to the GC group. OBC, but not SC/ST, group also reported higher perceived loneliness (d = .32). The results were consistent after adjusting for demographic variables such as wealth and highlight caste as an important social determinant for well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic amongst rural Indian women.
Progress Monitoring of Language Acquisition and Academic Content for English Learners
Authors: Rivera Mabel O. , McKeithan Glennda K.
Published: July 2022

Meeting the needs of English learners (ELs) effectively must be an individualized, purposeful, and data‐driven process. Progress monitoring can help practitioners to target their EL students’ most significant academic and linguistic needs and, subsequently, develop and deliver instructional programming that may help students develop to their fullest potential with regards to language acquisition as well as content knowledge. This article offers considerations of best practices for educators in K–12 settings interested in learning more about progress monitoring of the academic and language proficiency of ELs receiving instruction in varied settings. Considerations regarding progress monitoring for ELs are reviewed, and tables of resources for instructional activities and supporting materials are provided.
Adipose tissue dysfunction and visceral fat are associated with hepatic insulin resistance and severity of NASH even in lean individuals
Authors: Saponaro Chiara , Sabatini Silvia , Gaggini Melania , Carli Fabrizia , Rosso Chiara , Positano Vincenzo , Armandi Angelo , Caviglia Gian Paolo , Faletti Riccardo , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Gastaldelli Amalia
Published: July 2022

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous disorder, but the factors that determine this heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Adipose tissue dysfunction is causally linked to NAFLD since it causes intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) accumulation through increased hepatic lipid flow, due to insulin resistance and pro‐inflammatory adipokines release. While many studies in NAFLD have looked at total adiposity (i.e. mainly subcutaneous fat, SC‐AT), it is still unclear the possible impact of visceral fat (VF). Thus, we investigated how VF versus SC‐AT was related to NAFLD severity in lean, overweight and obese individuals versus lean controls.

Methods

Thirty‐two non‐diabetic NAFLD with liver biopsy (BMI 21.4–34.7 kg/m2) and eight lean individuals (BMI 19.6–22.8 kg/m2) were characterized for fat distribution (VF, SC‐AT and IHTG by magnetic resonance imaging), lipolysis and insulin resistance by tracer infusion, free fatty acids (FFAs) and triglyceride (TAG) concentration and composition (by mass spectrometry).

Results

Intrahepatic triglyceride was positively associated with lipolysis, adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo‐IR), TAG concentrations, and increased saturated/unsaturated FFA ratio. Compared to controls VF was higher in NAFLD (including lean individuals), increased with fibrosis stage and associated with insulin resistance in liver, muscle and adipose tissue, increased lipolysis and decreased adiponectin levels. Collectively, our results suggest that VF accumulation, given its location close to the liver, is one of the major risk factors for NAFLD.

Conclusions

These findings propose VF as an early indicator of NAFLD progression independently of BMI, which may allow for evidence‐based prevention and intervention strategies.
Role of novel polysaccharide layers in assembly of the exosporium, the outermost protein layer of the Bacillus anthracis spore
Authors: Lehmann Dörte , Sladek Margaret , Khemmani Mark , Boone Tyler J. , Rees Eric , Driks Adam
Published: July 2022

A fundamental question in cell biology is how cells assemble their outer layers. The bacterial endospore is a well‐established model for cell layer assembly. However, the assembly of the exosporium, a complex protein shell comprising the outermost layer in the pathogen Bacillus anthracis, remains poorly understood. Exosporium assembly begins with the deposition of proteins at one side of the spore surface, followed by the progressive encirclement of the spore. We seek to resolve a major open question: the mechanism directing exosporium assembly to the spore, and then into a closed shell. We hypothesized that material directly underneath the exosporium (the interspace) directs exosporium assembly to the spore and drives encirclement. In support of this, we show that the interspace possesses at least two distinct layers of polysaccharide. Secondly, we show that putative polysaccharide biosynthetic genes are required for exosporium encirclement, suggesting a direct role for the interspace. These results not only significantly clarify the mechanism of assembly of the exosporium, an especially widespread bacterial outer layer, but also suggest a novel mechanism in which polysaccharide layers drive the assembly of a protein shell.
Experiences of COVID‐19 survivors: A qualitative study based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring
Authors: Muslu Leyla , Kolutek Rahşan , Fidan Güldane
Published: July 2022

This study aims to investigate the experiences of survivors of COVID‐19 in Turkey. The research questions and results are structured according to Watson's Theory of Human Caring. The study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative research design. The phenomenological method was used to explore the experiences of survivors of COVID‐19. A total of 34 survivors of COVID‐19 were included in the study. Data were collected using semistructured and open‐ended questions online and via telephone interviews between February and March 2020. Data were evaluated using thematic analysis and descriptive analysis. Six main themes and 25 subthemes were defined that describe the experiences of survivors of COVID‐19 regarding the illness: (a) denial and adaptation, (b) fear, (c) feeling of hopelessness, (d) preventions, (e) meaning attribution, and (f) metaphors about COVID‐19. Information from this research may be used by healthcare professionals to develop new strategies for the care of survivors of COVID‐19. Moreover, it can be said that Watson's Theory of Human Caring is suitable for monitoring the psychosocial development of patients with COVID‐19.
The effectiveness of music listening for critically ill patients: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Lixia , Yin Juan , Zheng Yanan , Zhao Chunhong , Zhang Han , Li Jianhua , Ji Daihong , Zhang Yin‐Ping
Published: July 2022

Background

Music listening can be easily implemented as a safe, low‐cost, and non‐invasive intervention.

Aims

We assessed the effectiveness of music listening on sleep quality, psychological outcomes, and physiological outcomes for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Study design

It is a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Twelve electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2022. Inclusion criteria were randomized and quasi‐experimental trials that assessed the effect of music listening during ICUs, excluding those receiving music therapy. The outcome indicators were sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and physiological outcomes. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and performed a meta‐analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) were used as measures of effect and the results were presented as SMD or MD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 1585 titles and abstracts were identified, in which 29 studies were included in the systematic review, which evaluated 2198 subjects, including 1106 in control groups and 1092 in intervention groups. Compared with control groups, music listening improved sleep quality (SMD: 0.93 [95% CI: 0.49–1.38]), anxiety (SMD: −1.12 [−1.55 to −0.69]), depression (SMD: −1.08 [−1.62 to −0.55]), and physiological parameters. Subgroup analysis revealed that music listening produced better results in improving sleep quality in studies of non‐surgical patients, in studies in which researchers selected the type of music, in studies with longer intervention duration (>45 to ≤60 min), and in studies that used the Richards‐Campbell sleep questionnaire. Bias risk was moderate in all of the included studies.

Conclusions

Music listening can improve sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in critically ill patients. However, high‐quality trials are still needed to determine the role of music listening in critical care in more depth.

Relevance to clinical practice

Music listening is an inexpensive and easy‐to‐administer intervention that is unlikely to have adverse effects, in contrast to many sedative and analgestic drugs. It deserves widespread use in critically ill patients.

Registration

The present study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42019147202.