bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating ecosystem services and life cycle assessment: a framework accounting for local and global (socio-)environmental impacts
Authors: Taelman Sue Ellen , De Luca Peña Laura V. , Préat Nils , Bachmann Till M. , Van der Biest Katrien , Maes Joachim , Dewulf Jo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Human activities put pressure on our natural ecosystems in various ways, such as globally through the spread of emissions or locally through the degradation of species-rich landscapes. However, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies that integrate ecosystem services (ES) are still in the minority because of intrinsic differences in data, modelling, and interpretation. This study aims to overcome these challenges by developing and testing a framework that comprehensively evaluates the (socio-)environmental impacts of human activities.

Methods

LCA and ecosystem services assessment (ESA) were integrated in two different ways: (1) both methodologies run in parallel and results are combined, and (2) LCA as a driving method where ES are integrated. Because local ESA studies contain the most accurate information but will not be available for all processes in the value chain, it was necessary to advance the life cycle impact assessment method ReCiPe 2016 including three new midpoint impact categories (terrestrial provision, regulation, and cultural ES) and site-generic CFs based on the Ecosystem Services Valuation Database to account for changes in regulating, cultural and provisioning ES due to land use, for the remaining processes in the value chain. Monetary valuation is used to aggregate at the areas of protection (AoP).

Results and discussion

A comprehensive LCA+ES-ESA sustainability assessment framework is developed to account for local and global impacts due to human activities on three AoPs (natural resources, ecosystem quality, and human health and well-being), of which the results are expressed in monetary terms. The framework is able to visualize all benefits and burdens accounted for through the handprint/footprint approach. A simplified terrestrial case study on Scots pinewood shows the applicability of the proposed framework, resulting in a handprint (€2022 9.81E+02) which is four times larger than the footprint (€2022 2.31E+02) for 1 kg of wood produced. Challenges related to the framework such as data availability and database shortcomings (i.e., beyond land use) and ES interrelations are discussed.

Conclusion

While classical LCA studies focus more on burdens, this framework can also take into account benefits, such as the provision of ecosystem services (or the value of the functional unit of the study). Although the integration of both LCA and ESA has been increasingly explored recently, until now no framework has been available that can incorporate results from local ESA, site-specific ESA, and classical LCA studies, which is considered highly relevant to decision-making.
Impact of rolling processes in the production of aluminum packaging assessed through LCA
Authors: Astarita Antonello , De Luca Maria , Sinagra Ciro
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The environmental impact of aluminum cans and aluminum food packaging has been extensively studied in the last years; most of the researchers focused their attention on the whole lifecycle: from the aluminum extraction to the end-of-life management, while there are no dedicated studies devoted to the detailed analysis of the rolling phase. The aim of this paper is to present an LCA analysis focused on the fabrication of the thin plates to be used for can and tray production; the work has been carried out by studying the “Laminazione Sottile” plant with a cradle-to-gate approach, considering as functional unit thin plates of two different alloys.

Materials and methods

Inventory data were collected from the “Laminazione Sottile S.p.A.” plant, and off-plant emissions from external goods and fuels were accounted for based on existent LCA databases. Gabi has been used as software to model the process and calculate the impacts, while the CML method has been used. Most of the data have been directly measured in the plant during 1 year of work.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the most impactful phase is the extraction of aluminum or the use of primary aluminum. Focusing the attention on the manufacturing process, the foundry is the most impacting stage, and the high energy required to melt the aluminum leads to most of the emissions. Moreover, this contribution is probably underestimated in this work because the impacts related to the manufacturing of the facilities used (furnaces and so on) are not considered. Another interesting finding is that both the supply chain and the general consumption have a non-negligible impact, highlighting the necessity to optimize these two aspects by implementing new policies for purchasing and work organization.

Conclusions

The study highlighted that the production of primary aluminum is the most impacting step, followed by the foundry and the hot rolling. Production of thin aluminum plates by rolling requires a lot of energy, so the carbon footprint of these processes is quite high. The chemicals used in the rolling steps play also a role in the general impact of the whole process. The company continuously promotes improvements of the process to reduce the footprint and puts a lot of money and effort to introduce new sensors and technologies to monitor the consumptions and improve the processes.
Ex-ante life cycle assessment of FineFuture flotation technology: case study of Grecian Magnesite
Authors: Eltohamy Hazem , Cecere Giuseppe , Rigamonti Lucia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims at evaluating the environmental performance of a novel froth flotation technology in mining industry from a life cycle perspective. The technology is being developed under EU Horizon 2020 project titled “FineFuture” (FF) with the aim of saving valuable materials in fine particles that are currently wasted due to lack of technology.

Methods

FF relies on chemically enhancing the physical characteristics of particles allowing it to float and concentrate.

Prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) was conducted for two possible industrial applications of FF flotation technology in the case study of Grecian Magnesite (GM) which is a main magnesium oxide producer in Europe. Each application can be perceived as a standalone comparative LCA study comparing current system with future system incorporating FF technology on industrial scale.

Results and discussion

The future scenarios did not decisively support FF technology in neither of the two applications from an environmental point of view. When applied to fines of < 4 mm granular size with the aim of material recovery, the future scenario performed better than the current situation only in 5 out of 16 impact categories. The main issue is the added burden of calcination phase. When the technology was tested to upgrade the existing magnesite concentrate before calcination, it introduced some gains in most of the impact categories, but the difference compared to the current situation is not very considerable. Testing improved scenarios showed a great benefit to the overall performance of the scenarios by introducing cleaner fuels and burners in calcination phase.

Conclusion and recommendations

Overall, the results tend to favour applying FF technology to upgrade low quality concentrates rather than beneficiating < 4 mm fines. However, and in any case, if FF technology is to be applied, combining it with cleaner fuels and burners in calcination should be prioritized. Furthermore, it was found that improving the purity (i.e. quality) in the flotation tank output is a key factor from an environmental view. The results also showed little impact of the added electric energy demand from the new units. As any pLCA, the study has limitations mainly originating from the low technology readiness level (TRL) when data collection activities were carried out. Further studies should start from pilot-scale data and adopting more accurate upscaling approaches to calculate the impacts of a full industrial deployment of the technology.
Soil bacterial community composition and function play roles in soil carbon balance in alpine timberline ecosystems
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Chen Qianqian , Zhou Yin , Yu Wu , Shi Zhou
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Soil microbial communities and related key ecological processes play critical roles in timberline delineation and soil carbon balance in alpine ecosystems, which are highly vulnerable to climate change. Accordingly, understanding their geographical differentiation will facilitate recognition of ecosystem functions and improve soil carbon models. In this study, we explored the biogeographic patterns of soil bacterial communities and their mechanisms in maintaining soil carbon balance in an alpine timberline ecosystem of the Sygera Mountains, Southeast Tibet.

Materials and methods

Soil samples were collected from typical forest belts above and below the timberline. The abundance and composition of bacterial communities, as well as functional genes, were assessed using the gene chip technology. The relationship of key microbial taxa, functional genes, and soil carbon maintenance was investigated using random forest analysis, multi-model inference, and structural equation modeling.

Results and discussion

The shrubland soil bacterial community exhibited greater diversity compared with the coniferous forest community, with higher Shannon Index and more functional genes at the taxonomic and functional levels, respectively. Bacterial community composition differed between the two forest types, with copiotrophic bacteria more abundant in shrubland, and oligotrophic bacteria more abundant in coniferous forest. The shrubland community was also more efficient at utilizing labile organic carbon, while the coniferous forest community utilized recalcitrant organic carbon more efficiently. Genes related to labile carbon degradation were more intense in shrubland, while genes related to recalcitrant carbon degradation were more concentrated in the coniferous forest. Soil temperature and C:N ratio were dominant drivers of bacterial community composition and function. Besides key soil-environment and microbial properties, certain bacterial taxa and functional genes also exerted unique roles in soil carbon variation.

Conclusions

Significant differences exist in soil bacterial community composition and functions between the two forest types above and below the timberline of the Sygera Mountains. These differences may be attributed to soil temperature and soil C:N ratio. Coupling these microbial variables into the earth system model can improve the predictive power of the carbon feedback process in terrestrial ecosystems.
Robust gradient boosting for generalized additive models for location, scale and shape
Authors: Speller Jan , Staerk Christian , Gude Francisco , Mayr Andreas
Published: August 2023

Due to the increasing complexity and dimensionality of data sources, it is favorable that methodological approaches yield robust results so that corrupted observations do not jeopardize overall conclusions. We propose a modelling approach which is robust towards outliers in the response variable for generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS). We extend a recently proposed robustification of the log-likelihood to gradient boosting for GAMLSS, which is based on trimming low log-likelihood values via a log-logistic function to a boundary depending on a robustness constant. We recommend a data-driven choice for the involved robustness constant based on a quantile of the unconditioned response variable and investigate the choice in a simulation study for low- and high-dimensional data situations. The versatile application possibilities of robust gradient boosting for GAMLSS are illustrated via three biomedical examples—including the modelling of thyroid hormone levels, spatial effects for functional magnetic resonance brain imaging and a high-dimensional application with gene expression levels for cancer cell lines.
Status and perspectives of blue economy sectors across the Macaronesian archipelagos
Authors: Fernández-Palacios Yaiza , Kaushik Sadasivam , Abramic Andrej , Cordero-Penín Víctor , García-Mendoza Alejandro , Bilbao-Sieyro Alberto , Pérez-González Yeray , Sepúlveda Pedro , Lopes Isabel , Andrade Carlos , Nogueira Natacha , Carreira Gilberto P. , Magalhães Maria , Haroun Ricardo
Published: August 2023

The global economy is increasingly focusing on the Oceans to meet its needs, for which maritime spatial planning is being fostered to promote this is done sustainably. Thus, assessing the current state and future development trends of the maritime sectors is key to evaluating the performance of the planning process. This is the aim of this study, in which the main maritime sectors related to the blue economy present in the archipelagos of the European Macaronesia Sea Basin, i.e. the Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain), were identified and studied. The following maritime sectors were analysed: fisheries, marine aquaculture, marine biotechnology, coastal and maritime tourism, maritime transport, ship repair and maintenance, extraction of aggregates, deep-sea mining, offshore oil and gas, renewable ocean energies, and desalination. As part of the PLASMAR project, partners undertook in 2017–19 a literature review gathering scientific papers, official statistics and reports, which were complemented by interviews with experts from the economic sectors and public administration departments. Results show that while some maritime sectors are well established, others are emerging sectors with varying long-term growth potential. Besides, development patterns vary across the archipelagos. This study represents the first effort in the Macaronesia Sea Basin to set the basis of the current and future development conditions of the blue economy in applicability to maritime spatial planning processes at a regional level. The future post-pandemic context will provide a unique opportunity to promote the blue economy sectors and activities through the support provided by the EU Green Deal and Recovery and Resilience Plans, as well as with the actions envisioned under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The European Macaronesia example –given its wide maritime territory, commitment, and capacities in terms of expertise and networking– presents a great potential to act as a good practice to extrapolate the new approach for a sustainable blue economy to other similar geographical settings such as island regions/states.
Is Lipoprotein(a) Clinically Actionable with Today’s Evidence? The Answer is Yes
Authors: Ma Gary S. , Chiou Tommy T. , Wilkinson Michael J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We review the ongoing shifts in consensus guidelines for the testing and management of Lp(a) and provide insight into whether current evidence suggests that awareness and testing of Lp(a) is clinically actionable.

Recent Findings

GWAS and Mendelian randomization studies have established causal links between elevated Lp(a) and forms of CVD, including CAD and calcific aortic valve disease. Testing of Lp(a) identifies patients with similar risk to that of heterozygous FH, enhances risk stratification in patients with borderline/intermediate risk as determined through traditional factors, and facilitates the assessment of inherited CVD risk through cascade screening in patients with known family history of elevated Lp(a). Reductions in Lp(a) through non-targeted therapies including PCSK9 inhibition and lipoprotein apheresis have demonstrated reductions in ASCVD risk that are likely attributable to lowering Lp(a). Targeted therapies to potently lower Lp(a) are in clinical development.

Lp(a) is actionable, and can be used to identify high risk patients for primary prevention and their family members through cascade screening, and to guide intensification of therapy in primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.
Evaluation of the effect of chemical fertilization and some natural extracts on the production of freesia (Freesia refracta L.) plants: a sustainable approach
Authors: Suedan Eman A. , Abdelmegied Walaa , Hassan Ibrahim A. , EL-kinany Ramy G.
Published: August 2023

Effects of different types of fertilizers; traditional NPK (1 g plant−1), 2, 4, 6 and 8 gm L−1 of moringa leaves extract (MLE), 10, 20, 40 and 60 mL L−1 of aloe leaves extract (AL) on vegetative growth, flowering Corms production and chemical constituents of Freesia refracta L. were evaluated during two successive seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). Treating plants with MLE caused increases in plant height, number if leaves and number of flowers by 35.2%, 8.2% and 16.3%, respectively, while treating plants with Al caused increases by 33.2%, 7.9% and 15.4% in the same parameters, respectively, averaged between different concentrations and growth seasons. The results revealed that, treating plants with 8 gm L−1 MLE caused a significant increase in the vegetative growth, flowering, and corms production. These improvement fits with the many goals of the 17 United Nation Sustainable Goals (UNSDGs); especially SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action) and SDG15 (Life on land). Moreover, the chemical composition of plant was improved significantly.
The Severity of Direct Antiglobulin Test Negative ABO Hemolytic Disease of Newborn: A Retrospective Analysis at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital
Authors: Ma Huimin , Sheng Zhe , Xu Jin
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the severity of ABO hemolytic disease of newborn (ABO-HDN) with negative direct antiglobulin test (DAT), which was identified by elution test. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of all neonates admitted with the diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusion. Neonates were divided into four groups according to their immunohematology test results. Then their essential laboratory results, magnetic resonance image (MRI), brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) findings, and rate of exchange transfusion were compared between different groups. We found that neonates in ABO-HDN with negative DAT group developed jaundice faster and anaemia more severely than those in the non-HDN group. Although they might get less severe anaemia than neonates in ABO-HDN with positive DAT group and the Rh-HDN group, neonates in ABO HDN with negative DAT group might develop jaundice as quickly as the latter two groups. As to MRI and BAEP findings, there were no significant differences among the four groups. The rate of exchange transfusion in ABO-HDN with negative DAT group was higher than that in the non-HDN group but lower than that in ABO-HDN with positive DAT group, though without statistical significance. It suggested that in the presence of clinical suspicion of ABO-HDN with negative DAT result, the elution test should be added to rule out or confirm the diagnosis to help prevent the morbidity from hyperbilirubinemia.
Understanding the provenance and production process of historic mortars—a novel approach employing calcareous nannofossils
Authors: Falkenberg Janina , Kaplan Ulrich , Mutterlose Joerg
Published: August 2023

Limestones (CaCO3) have been an important source for masonry and mortars throughout approx. 10,000 years of human history. They are often composed of calcitic shells of minute marine algae, known as calcareous nannofossils. The 0.25–30-µm large calcitic skeletons of these primary producers have been well documented from various archaeological materials including building stones of masonry. Surprisingly, these tiny microfossils were recently also observed in medieval mortars and mortar-based materials, even though the carbonate-based source rocks of the mortars have been heated in kilns for quicklime production. Burning experiments of carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks, containing well-preserved and abundant calcareous nannofossils, documented a deteriorating preservation and a decrease of diversity and relative abundance of the nannofossils with increasing temperatures.

Alongside the lime-based binder historic mortars often contain under- and overburnt lime lumps and carbonate-rich aggregates; the latter were added after the heating process. Lime lumps and aggregates offer additional, so far not yet fully understood information on the burning process. Here, calcareous nannofossils were studied in ultra-thin sections of historic mortars, resulting in the separate analysis of the binder, lime lumps and aggregates. The findings allow (i) a more precise provenance of the limestones and (ii) a more accurate reconstruction of the temperatures reached during historic quicklime production. Our study thus improves the provenance analysis approach of limestones and sheds light on historic technology of mortar production by using calcareous nannofossils.
The identity of the Silurian retiolitine genera Paraplectograptus and Sagenograptoides (Graptoloidea, Retiolitinae)
Authors: Maletz Jörg
Published: August 2023

The genus Paraplectograptus includes a small number of retiolitine species with an identical development of the main thecal and ancora sleeve lists. A complete virgella-virga-nema development with connecting lists is formed on the obverse side of the tubarium, while the only thecal lists on the reverse side are the lateral apertural lists, connected through the pleural lists of the ancora sleeve. Obverse and reverse sides of the tubarium are connected by the thecal lips on the ventral sides. The characteristic zigzag thecal lists of the reverse side of many early retiolitines are not present in the genus. The development and extent of the reticular ancora sleeve lists on the obverse and reverse sides of the tubarium are quite variable and range from lacking entirely to dense. The genus Pseudoplectograptus is regarded as a junior synonym of Paraplectograptus. Pseudoplectograptus sagenus is transferred to the genus Sagenograptoides. Its type species ‘Sagenograptoides arctos’ was known only from small, immature or fragmentary specimens of the associated Sagenograptoides sagenus. This species bears a characteristic reticulum on the ventral thecal walls, not found in the genus Paraplectograptus, but which is present in other Cyrtograptus lundgreni Biozone retiolitines.
Genomic Analysis of Bacteriocin-Producing Staphylococci: High Prevalence of Lanthipeptides and the Micrococcin P1 Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Rosa , Elsherbini Ahmed M. A. , Lozano Carmen , Martínez Agustí , de Toro María , Zarazaga Myriam , Peschel Andreas , Krismer Bernhard , Torres Carmen
Published: August 2023

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria. This study aimed to in silico analyze the presence of bacteriocin gene clusters (BGCs) among the genomes of 22 commensal Staphylococcus isolates from different origins (environment/human/food/pet/wild animals) previously identified as bacteriocin producers. The resistome and plasmidome were studied in all isolates. Five types of BGC were detected in 18 genomes of the 22 bacteriocin-producing staphylococci included in this study: class I (Lanthipeptides), class II, circular bacteriocins, the non-ribosomal-peptide lugdunin and the thiopeptide micrococcin P1 (MP1). A high frequency of lanthipeptides was detected in this collection: BGC variants of BSA, bacCH91, and epilancin15X were identified in two Staphylococcus aureus and one Staphylococcus warneri isolates from food and wild animals. Moreover, two potentially new lanthipeptide-like BGCs with no identity to database entries were found in Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus simulans from food and wild animal, respectively. Interestingly, four isolates (one S. aureus and one Staphylococcus hominis, environmental origin; two Staphylococcus sciuri, food) carried the MP1 BGC with differences to those previously described. On the other hand, seven of the 22 genomes (~32%) lacked known genes related with antibiotic or disinfectant-acquired resistance mechanisms. Moreover, the potential carriage of plasmids was evaluated, and several Rep-proteins were identified (~73% of strains). In conclusion, a wide variety of BGCs has been observed among the 22 genomes, and an interesting relationship between related Staphylococcus species and the type of bacteriocin has been revealed. Therefore, bacteriocin-producing Staphylococcus and especially coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) can be considered good candidates as a source of novel bacteriocins.
Genetic services survey—experience of people with rare diseases and their families accessing genetic services in the Irish Republic
Authors: Ward AJ , Lambert DM , Butterly D , O’Byrne JJ , McGrath V , Lynch SA
Published: August 2023

Irish Health Service objectives state that patients with rare diseases should have timely access to genomic diagnostics with appropriate pre and post-test counselling. However, waiting times for clinical genetics outpatient appointments, during the study period, were up to two years as staffing levels remain low. A targeted public online survey was conducted in January 2022 to capture the experiences of Rare Disease families trying to access genetic testing and clinical genetic clinics in the Irish Republic. Irish patients experience significant waiting times to access clinical genetic services and self-report anxiety and stress, related to delayed access to diagnosis, clarity around recurrence risk and follow-up management. This negatively impacts personal decisions around family planning, education and employment and has a significant impact on family members seeking clarity on their own risk. Mainstream genetic testing activity is significant. Families report concern over the competency of health care professionals arranging and delivering genetic results and delays in accessing clinical genetics expertise to take them through the clinical implications. Timely access to clinical genetics expertise is important to ensure families with rare diseases have an appropriate understanding of the medical and reproductive implications of a genetic diagnosis and access to relevant care pathways. A national framework to develop competency in genomic literacy for health-care professionals including a national genetic test directory may be beneficial. Clinical genetics teams require ongoing support and investment to ensure the delivery of a safe and effective service for Irish families with rare diseases.
Framing the Windows of Prostitution: Unfolding Histories in Amsterdam’s Redesign of Its Famous Red-Light District
Authors: Fijen Sarah , van Bohemen Samira
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This research is about the power of documents as recorders of history and preservers of institutional memory. Specifically, the study examines Project 1012, a municipal reform project in Amsterdam’s famous Red-Light District.

Methods

We performed a critical discourse analysis on 10 policy briefs leading up to and following the implementation of Project 1012 between 2007 and 2020.

Results

Our study reveals that the documents actively evoke certain narratives about sex work, its historical connections to the city, and its social problems to support the reduction of the industry. The documents omit other information about the history and origins of the problems experienced in Amsterdam’s Red-Light District, including policymakers’ own roles in the creation of these issues.

Conclusions

The research concludes that policy documents have deontic powers and can be considered “folded objects” that consistently present certain narratives as truthful by omitting or downplaying the historical context of social issues. By folding these narratives in themselves, they have the power to shape the futures of the city and its citizens, executing a myriad of changes that have significantly impacted the lives and work conditions of local sex workers.

Policy Implications

This research highlights the importance of being aware of the power and potential biases inherent in policy documents. Policymakers should strive to create policies that are based on accurate and comprehensive information and consider the voices of marginalized groups, such as sex workers, who are disproportionately affected by the policies.
Effect of resveratrol and combination of resveratrol and donepezil on the expression of microglial cells and astrocytes in Wistar albino rats of colchicine-induced Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rao Y. Lakshmisha , Ganaraja B. , Suresh Pooja K. , Joy Teresa , Ullal Sheetal D. , Manjrekar Poornima A. , Murlimanju B. V. , Sharma B. Gaurav
Published: August 2023

Aim

The goal was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol (RS) and combination therapy of RS and donepezil (DPZ), on the numerical expression of microglial cells and astrocytes, in the frontal cortex, regions of the hippocampus in colchicine-induced Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model.

Methods

The study involved male albino Wistar rats of three months, age and consisted of 6 groups, with six animals each. The immunohistochemical staining with mouse monoclonal anti-human CD 68 and mouse monoclonal anti-GFAP was performed to assess the number of microglial cells and astrocytes, respectively.

Results

AD group showed an increase in the number of microglia, and the numbers declined in the treatment groups, RS 10, RS 20, RS10/10 and DPZ + RS (p < 0.001). Astrocyte count was increased in the treatment groups in contrast to the AD group (p < 0.05). The DPZ + RS combination group revealed substantial elevation in the number of astrocytes and decreased microglial number among all the groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

RS administration has diminished the microglial number and elevated the number of astrocytes. The elevated reactive astrocytes have decreased the microglial population. However, the limitation of our study is utilizing the colchicine for the induction of neurodegeneration. Using the transgenic models of AD may give a better insight into the pathogenesis and effect of RS. Another limitation of this study is the administration of RS and DPZ through different routes. The prospects of this research include studying the probiotic nature of RS and the effect of RS in other neurodegenerative disorders.
Clustered and Unclustered Group Testing for Biosecurity
Authors: Clark Robert Graham , Barnes Belinda , Parsa Mahdi
Published: August 2023

Group testing is an important element of biosecurity operations, designed to efficiently reduce the risk of introducing exotic pests and pathogens with imported agricultural products. Groups of units, such as seeds, are selected from a consignment and tested for contamination, with a positive or negative test returned for each group. These schemes are usually designed such that the probability of detecting contamination is high assuming random mixing and a somewhat arbitrary design prevalence. We propose supplementing this approach with an assessment of the distribution of the number of contaminated units conditional on testing results. We develop beta-binomial models that allow for between-consignment variability in contamination levels, as well as including beta random effects to allow for possible clustering within the groups for testing. The latent beta distributions can be considered as priors and chosen based on expert judgement, or estimated from historical test results. We show that the parameter representing within-group clustering is, unsurprisingly, effectively non-identifiable. Sensitivity analysis can be conducted by investigating the consequences of assuming different values of this parameter. We also demonstrate theoretically and empirically that the estimated probability of a consignment containing contamination and evading detection is almost perfectly robust to mis-specification of the clustering parameter. We apply the new models to large cucurbit seed lots imported into Australia where they provide important new insights on the level of undetected contamination. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
Connected domination in graphs and v-numbers of binomial edge ideals
Authors: Jaramillo-Velez Delio , Seccia Lisa
Published: August 2023

The v-number of a graded ideal is an algebraic invariant introduced by Cooper et al., and originally motivated by problems in algebraic coding theory. In this paper we study the case of binomial edge ideals and we establish a significant connection between their v-numbers and the concept of connected domination in graphs. More specifically, we prove that the localization of the v-number at one of the minimal primes of the binomial edge ideal $$J_G$$

J
G

of a graph G coincides with the connected domination number of the defining graph, providing a first algebraic description of the connected domination number. As an immediate corollary, we obtain a sharp combinatorial upper bound for the v-number of binomial edge ideals of graphs. Lastly, building on some known results on edge ideals, we analyse how the v-number of $$J_G$$

J
G

behaves under Gröbner degeneration when G is a closed graph.
Targeting PUF60 prevents tumor progression by retarding mRNA decay of oxidative phosphorylation in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Cancan , Ni Xiaoge , Tao Chunlin , Zhou Ziyang , Wang Fengmian , Gu Fei , Cui Xiaoxiao , Jiang Shuheng , Li Qing , Lu Huan , Li Dongxue , Wu Zhiyong , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies, and its etiology and pathogenesis are currently unclear. Recent studies have found that PUF60 overexpressed in various cancers. However, the exact function of PUF60 in global RNA processing and its role in OC has been unclear.

Methods

The expression of PUF60 and its relationship with clinical characteristics were analyzed by multiple database analysis and immunohistochemistry. Phenotypic effects of PUF60 on ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis were examined by in vitro cell proliferation assay, migration assay, and in vivo xenograft models and lung metastasis models. RNA immunoprecipitation, seahorse analyses, RNA stability assay were used to study the effect of PUF60 on the stability of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-related genes in OC.

Results

We report PUF60 is highly expressed in OC with frequent amplification of up to 33.9% and its upregulation predicts a poor prognosis. PUF60 promotes the proliferation and migration of OC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that silencing of PUF60 enhanced the stability of mRNA transcripts involved in OXPHOS and decreased the formation of processing bodies (P-bodies), ultimately elevating the OXPHOS level.

Conclusion

Our study unveils a novel function of PUF60 in OC energy metabolism. Thus, PUF60 may serve as a novel target for the treatment of patients with OC.
Cross-Linguistic Influence in Hong Kong ESL Learners’ Acquisition of Conjunctions
Authors: Kong Ming Sum , Carr Mary , Chong Sin Wang
Published: August 2023

Language transfer is one of the most significant aspects of cross-linguistic influence. It can be divided into two types: positive and negative, the beneficial and detrimental use of one language’s acquired characteristics in another. This study aims to investigate the L1 (Chinese) influence on Hong Kong ESL learners’ acquisition of conjunctions and whether the use of L1 has an impact on this influence. An online questionnaire combining questions about students’ English learning experience and a grammatical judgement task was sent to a government-funded secondary school in Hong Kong and completed by 79 students. Evidence of both positive and negative transfer from Chinese to English was found by testing six conjunctions or conjunction pairs: although…but, because…so, not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor, and despite. The results suggest that Chinese is likely to have an impact on students’ acquisition of conjunctions, and the use of Chinese in English classes can worsen negative transfer and boost positive transfer. The degree of transfer might increase when more Chinese is used in class. To alleviate the impact of Chinese transfer and to provide more effective L2 teaching, monitoring the use of L1 and regular evaluation might be useful. Teachers can also adjust the amount of Chinese used according to the students’ English proficiency level.
The edge segmentation of grains in thin-section petrographic images utilising extinction consistency perception network
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhou Jiazhou , Zhao Wen , Li Xuyang , Pu Liu
Published: August 2023

The first step in petrographic image analysis is to segment the mineral grains in the thin section petrographic image, allowing the petrographer to identify the rock based on the grain size and composition. The purpose of this research is to present an automated computer vision solution for obtaining accurate and efficient edge segmentation maps. The proposed model, termed the extinction consistency perception network, is made up of three sections. The multi-angle extinction consistency block, which is based on the extinction consistency of mineral grains, uses consecutive petrographic images to generate edge-enhanced features. Then they are processed by the multi-scale edge perception network to obtain rich expression of edge features at different levels. Afterward, a distance-map penalized compound loss function is introduced to guide the model to pay more attention to grains’ edges. The generated cross-polarized petrographic image dataset (CPPID) with meticulous annotations has been shared with the community. Experimental findings show that the proposed model is effective, which is evaluated on CPPID and scores 0.940 ODS and 0.941 OIS, outperforming seven classic edge detection models by a large margin.
The Trivers-Willard Effect for Educational Investment: Evidence from an African Sample
Authors: Borgstede Matthias , Scheunpflug Annette
Published: August 2023

The Trivers-Willard hypothesis (TWH) states that individuals in good condition favor offspring of the sex that has a higher variance in reproductive value. Empirical studies with historical human populations suggest that the TWH might explain biased birth-ratios as well as biased parental investment in male or female offspring. However, empirical tests of the TWH in modern human populations are less conclusive.

In this study, we investigate whether parental investment in education might be skewed according to the TWH in an African sample (N = 314) that includes students from 8 different countries. The data show that male students who rate their family’s wealth high tend to report more parental involvement in their own education, whereas the opposite is true for female students. This pattern is in accordance with the TWH for parental investment. The results support the validity of evolutionary explanations of behavioral bias in the context of parental investment in offspring education.
Modeling the Duration of the Impact of Unplanned Disruptions on Passenger Trips Using Smartcard Data in Urban Rail Systems
Authors: Liu Tianyou , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Ma Zhenliang
Published: August 2023

Many urban rail systems operate near capacity given the rapid increase in passenger demand, and unplanned disruptions are unavoidable. From a passenger perspective, the duration of trip delays is a major concern, and passenger trip delays may be longer than the train delays. Several studies have focused on predicting train delays, but the research on the duration of the disruption impacts on passenger trips is limited given that the duration is not observed directly. This paper proposes a probabilistic method to estimate the disruption impact duration using smartcard data, explores statistical and machine learning models to predict the duration of impacts on passengers, and identifies influencing factors including incident characteristics, operating conditions, infrastructure, external factors, and demand. The results highlight that prediction accuracies are acceptable for multiple linear regression, accelerated failure time, and random forest models. Disruptions caused by power failures have longer impact durations than other causes, followed by platform screen doors. The fixed block signaling system leads to a larger disruption duration than the moving block system. The study provides, for the first time, a data-driven approach to understanding the duration of the impact of disruptions on passenger trips using smartcard data which can facilitate timely and informed decision-making under unplanned disruptions.
A micromechanical investigation of diagenetically-induced changes to the anisotropic elastic properties of calcareous mudstones
Authors: Graham Samuel P. , Aplin Andrew C. , Rouainia Mohamed , Ireland Mark T. , Armitage Peter J.
Published: August 2023

Microscale diagenetic changes that occur during burial exert a profound influence on the elastic and mechanical properties of sediments—but are poorly quantified. The focus here is on how diagenesis influences the elastic properties of carbonate-rich mudstones, which are subject to a wide range of physical and chemical changes. Nanoindentation data for gas-window (180 $$^\circ$$

∘

C) Eagle Ford formation samples give intrinsic indentation moduli of the clay-sized calcite matrix of $$M =$$

M
=

40–50 GPa, which contrasts with $$M =$$

M
=

60–77 GPa for diagenetic calcite fills of foraminifera tests, closer to values for highly crystalline calcite. The matrix calcite is weakly anisotropic. Inverse analysis of immature (< 70 $$^\circ$$

∘

C) organic-rich chalks gives much lower intrinsic indentation moduli for biogenic calcite, between 17 and 30 GPa; the calcite is also more anisotropic, with values of $$M_1/M_3 \sim$$

M
1

/

M
3

∼

1.3. Diagenesis, which includes recrystallisation and pore-filling cementation, results in calcite becoming elastically stiffer and behaving in an increasingly isotropic manner, in agreement with grain scale studies using atomic force microscopy. The results demonstrate that nanoindentation can resolve diagenetic contributions to the mechanical response of mudstones, and suggest intrinsic structural changes to calcite, in addition to diagenetic cementation, need to be accounted for in rock-physics models of mud-rich sediments.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Selective Recognition of Microcystins: An African Perspective
Authors: Mbisana Mesha , Zewde Tigist W. , Mogopodi Dikabo , Demissie Taye B.
Published: August 2023

Microcystins (MCs) are found in aquatic settings and have detrimental effects on both human and animal health. Their occurrence is influenced by the deposition of nutrients in water and further increased by high temperatures which favor the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Climatic conditions in Africa favor the growth of HABs. Therefore, determination of MC contamination of African water sources is of paramount importance. The use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the adsorption of MCs has recently gained increasing interest in the selective and rapid determination of MCs in water. MIPs are ideal adsorbents for this purpose because of their versatility and environmental friendliness and thus have potential to replace conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon and silica composites. This review summarizes the occurrence of MCs in Africa as well as the detection and determination methods used for analysis. Secondly, common methods for the synthesis of MIPs are compared and their application and efficacy towards determination of MCs in water is investigated, with focus on the African continent. An assessment of current challenges and proposed solutions is also presented.
Polyphenols and phytohormones profiling of pre-harvest sprouting resistant and susceptible wheat genotypes
Authors: Zhou Guoyan , Wu Shaoyun , Chen Dan , Wu Xiaoyang , Cai Qing
Published: August 2023

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is one of the major threats to global food security as it significantly affects cereals’ production and quality. PHS tolerance depends on diverse factors, among which phytohormones and germination-inhibitory substances (GISs) play essential roles. However, in wheat, information related to GIS in the glume is scarce. Thus, we applied LC–MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis to explore the polyphenols and phytohormones profiles of two contrasting wheat genotypes, Lincang Hulled Wheat (LHW, PHS-resistant) and Yunmai53 (Yun53, PHS-highly susceptible). Physiological tests revealed that LHW PHS-resistance is not associated with the ability of its spikelet to prevent water absorption. The total polyphenol content of the spikes and shells of LHW was significantly higher than that of Yun53, respectively. In total, 214 phenolic compounds classified mainly into phenolic acids (42.52%), flavones (23.83%), and flavonoid carbonosides (16.36%) were identified. 180 differentially accumulated polyphenols (DAPs) were uncovered, including 168 up-regulated in LHW. 24 most up-regulated DAPs (Log2FC ≥ 8) were unveiled as potential candidate GISs. Of the identified phytohormones, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid exhibited significantly higher content in LHW compared to Yun53. Whereas, Yun53 contained significantly higher levels of ethylene and gibberellin than LHW. Our findings offer new resources for PHS control in wheat.
Mapping of the Circular Economy Implementation Challenges in the Fashion Industry: a Fuzzy-TISM Analysis
Authors: Abdelmeguid Aya , Afy-Shararah Mohamed , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

The fashion industry creates a large amount of pollution, making it one of the least environmentally friendly industries in the world with an ever-growing adoption of the linear fashion system “take-make-dispose” that continues to exploit scarce natural resources and energy. This advocate shifting to a circular economy to achieve sustainable production and consumption. However, numerous challenges are faced when introducing the principles of circular economy, obstructing the system transition. The ten challenges identified from the literature include poor material and energy efficiency, poor circular design, technological challenges, regulatory pressures, internal stakeholders’ pressures, financial pressures, insufficient human capital, poor management and leadership, lack of external collaborations, and consumer-related challenges. This research aims to identify the level of significance of the challenges identified from the literature to assist top management with formulating a strategy. Decisions will be made and prioritised based on the key challenges to ensure a successful and effective implementation of the circular economy in the fashion industry. To achieve the aim of this research, seven experts within both the circular economy and fashion context are interviewed. Fuzzy Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (Fuzzy-TISM) is used to arrange the challenges into a hierarchy-based model and to illustrate the interrelationship between these challenges. Also, Fuzzy MICMAC analysis is used to map and rank these challenges depending on their driving and dependence power. Based on the findings, regulatory pressures and poor management and leadership are the key challenges with the highest significance level. Therefore, successful and effective implementation of a circular economy requires a change in managerial strategies.