bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Citizenship, Media Literacy, and the ACTS Framework
Authors: von Gillern Sam , Gleason Benjamin , Hutchison Amy
Published: May 2022

In a “post‐truth” era in which misinformation permeates digital environments, it is critical for teachers to help students develop media literacy skills by analyzing and evaluating media messages. Through these processes, English language arts teachers can also help students develop digital citizenship skills, in which they can analyze media, create messages, and then share their creations. These skills and processes empower students to become informed digital citizens who actively engage in civic processes and advocate for issues and actions in which they believe. This article explores the concepts of digital citizenship and media literacy and presents the Analyze, Create, Then Share Framework as a way to help students develop skills in these areas. Analyzing, Creating, Then Sharing media messages can aid students' understanding of disciplinary content, help students participate in civic processes, and promote digital citizenship.
Application of vinyl polymer‐based materials as nucleic acids carriers in cancer therapy
Authors: Pereira Patrícia Alexandra , Serra Maria Elisa Silva , Serra Arménio C. , Coelho Jorge F. J.
Published: May 2022

Nucleic acid‐based therapies have changed the paradigm of cancer treatment, where conventional treatment modalities still have several limitations in terms of efficacy and severe side effects. However, these biomolecules have a short half‐life in vivo, requiring multiple administrations, resulting in severe suffering, discomfort, and poor patient compliance. In the early days of (nano)biotechnology, these problems caused concern in the medical community, but recently it has been recognized that these challenges can be overcome by developing innovative formulations. This review focuses on the use of vinyl polymer‐based materials for the protection and delivery of nucleic acids in cancer. First, an overview of the properties of nucleic acids and their versatility as drugs is provided. Then, key information on the achievements to date, the most effective delivery methods, and the evaluation of functionalization approaches (stimulatory strategies) are critically discussed to highlight the importance of vinyl polymers in the new cancer treatment approaches.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures
Keeping dysprosium in line: Trinuclear heterometallic MII2DyIII complexes with M=Cd, Co and Cu
Authors: Ruppert Thomas , Schlittenhardt Sören , Suryadevara Nithin , Fuhr Olaf , Anson Christopher E. , Ruben Mario , Powell Annie K.
Published: May 2022

Four new heterometallic trinuclear essentially linear (“in‐line”) MII2DyIII complexes (M=CdII (1), CoII (2), CuII (3, 4) were synthesised using the ligand 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzoic acid (dtbbaH) in a MeCN : iPrOH (1–3) or in a MeOH : iPrOH : DMF (4) mixture. Single crystal structure analyses revealed the formation of [Cd2Dy(dtbba)6(iPrOH)2(H2O)2NO3] ⋅ iPrOH (1), [Co2Dy(dtbba)6(iPrOH)2(H2O)2NO3] ⋅ iPrOH (2), [Cu2Dy(dtbba)6(MeCN)4NO3] ⋅ MeCN (3) and [Cu2Dy(dtbba)6(iPrOH)1.68(DMF)1.32(H2O)NO3] ⋅ 3iPrOH ⋅ H2O (4). The M−Dy−M angles become more acute from (1) to (3) leading to decreased M⋅⋅M distances. The DyIII ions are 8‐coordinate with a distorted triangular dodecahedron geometry and a D2d symmetry whereas the geometry of the 5‐coordinate terminal MII ions can best be described as either distorted vacant octahedra or as spherical square pyramids with a C4v symmetry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed on (1), (2) and (3) which allows a comparison of the effect of replacing highly anisotropic CoII with the quantum spin of CuII. Both (2) and (3) show effects of ferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures.
Low-Cost In Vitro Options for Banana Mutation Breeding
Authors: Jhurree-Dussoruth Babita
Published: May 2022

Mutation fixation of irradiated banana cultures is achieved through at least three generation advancements by in vitro subculturing. The in vitro culture is a technique which allows rapid multiplication of plantlets within a short time and which often relies highly on expensive inputs that are almost unaffordable in many developing countries. This chapter highlights some easily affordable options that can be adopted for in vitro propagation and weaning of tissue-cultured banana plantlets and other horticultural crops. The presented options provide resource restricted laboratories opportunities to coopperate with irradiation facilities for mutation induction. Thus, when applied to any locally selected banana variety, the low-cost in vitro methods allow an efficient mutagenesis process to improve local accessions. Low-cost alternatives adopted to carry out in vitro mutagenesis activities in the current FAO/IAEA project are presented, by using as baseline other cheaper options developed and adapted through a locally funded project (supported by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council).
Excess mortality in a cohort of Brazilian patients with a median follow-up of 11 years after the first psychiatric hospital admission
Authors: da Roza Daiane Leite , de Rezende Marcos Gonçalves , Barros Régis Eric Maia , de Azevedo-Marques João Mazzoncini , Santos Jair Lício Ferreira , Morais Lilian Cristina Correia , Ferreira Carlos Eugenio de Carvalho , Waldvogel Bernadette Cunha , Menezes Paulo Rossi , Del-Ben Cristina Marta
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To estimate the mortality rates of a cohort of Brazilian patients after their first psychiatric admission and determine the possible risk factors associated with excess mortality.

Methods

The study included a cohort of psychiatric patients hospitalised from Jan 1, 2002 to Dec 31, 2007 in the catchment area of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, Brazil. Data were linked to deaths that occurred between Jan 1, 2002 and Dec 31, 2016 from the SEADE Foundation (state data analysis system of São Paulo). The mortality rate (MR), age-sex-standardised mortality ratio (SMR), life expectancy at birth, and years of life lost (YLL) were computed. The factors associated with mortality were analysed by survival analysis using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

Of 4019 patients admitted (54.76% male), 803 died (69.74% male) during the follow-up (median = 11.25 years). Mortality rates were approximately three-fold higher than expected (SMR = 2.90, 95% CI 2.71–3.11). The highest mortality rate was noted in men with alcohol-related disorders (SMR = 5.50, 95% CI 4.87–6.19). Male sex (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.62, 95% CI 1.37–1.92), higher age (aHR = 21.47, 95% CI 13.48–34.17), and unemployment (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.05–1.43) significantly increased the mortality risk from all causes. The average YLL was 27.64 years with the highest YLL noted in nonalcohol substance-related disorders (39.22 years). The life expectancy at birth in this cohort was 47.27 years. Unnatural causes of death were associated with nonwhite skin colour and substance-related disorders.

Conclusion

An excess of mortality and a significant reduction in life expectancy of mentally disordered patients who were first admitted to psychiatric beds was noted, particularly patients admitted for substance-related disorders, which should represent a priority in mental health policies.
Online hyphenation of centrifugal partition chromatography with countercurrent chromatography (CPC-CCC) and its application to the separation of saturated alkylresorcinols
Authors: Hammerschick Tim , Vetter Walter
Published: May 2022

Centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) and countercurrent chromatography (CCC) are two preparative techniques mainly used for the isolation and purification of natural products. While CPC benefits from a larger sample capacity, CCC typically provides better peak resolutions and hereby higher purities. In this study, we aimed to combine both advantages by the direct linking of CPC and CCC which was achieved by installation of switching valves and connection tube. The hyphenated CPC-CCC setup was tested with major alkylresorcinols which were obtained from a transesterified and hydrogenated rye extract. Injections of 1- and 5-g samples into the individual CCC system confirmed the limited sample capacity because of immediate flooding with the 5-g sample (total loss of stationary phase). In comparison, the CPC system was stable with 5- and 10-g samples but the peak resolution with 1-g sample was poorer than with the CCC system. Injections of 5- and 10-g samples into the CPC-CCC system were successful. However, a sample load of 10 g resulted in lower purities of the alkylresorcinols (80% or less) due to peak tailing. By contrast, injection of 5-g sample provided high amounts of ~ 1.2 g alkylresorcinols with purities of > 95%.

Graphical abstract
Controlling neuronal assemblies: a fundamental function of respiration-related brain oscillations in neuronal networks
Authors: Folschweiller Shani , Sauer Jonas-Frederic
Published: May 2022

Respiration exerts profound influence on cognition, which is presumed to rely on the generation of local respiration-coherent brain oscillations and the entrainment of cortical neurons. Here, we propose an addition to that view by emphasizing the role of respiration in pacing cortical assemblies (i.e., groups of synchronized, coactive neurons). We review recent findings of how respiration directly entrains identified assembly patterns and discuss how respiration-dependent pacing of assembly activations might be beneficial for cognitive functions.
Data and insights to advance characterization of groundwater resources in the Plaine des Gonaïves, Haiti
Authors: Adamson James K. , Miner Wm. Javan , Bernasconi Jonas L.
Published: May 2022

The Plaine des Gonaïves houses a regionally significant yet data-scarce coastal aquifer in one of the driest regions of Haiti. It is the primary source of water for the region, including Haiti’s third largest city, Gonaïves. Pressure on groundwater resources will be compounded as municipal water services modernize and energy infrastructure enables the resurgence of commercial agriculture. In anticipation of increased stress and greater impacts, this study was undertaken (including data discovery, reconnaissance, and analysis) to gain insights and to advance understanding of the groundwater resources. The alluvial aquifer covers >115 km2, exceeds 100 m thickness, and supports pumping yields as high as 532 m3/h. The heterogeneous multilayer aquifer exhibits hydraulic conductivities that range by an order of magnitude, influencing groundwater flow, residence times, and chemistry. Significant recharge occurs in the central and upgradient portions of the plain; river infiltration appears to be a more significant recharge source than direct infiltration. In the downgradient portion of the plain, confined aquifer pressure increases and discharge areas include the Quinte River, springs, wetlands, ditches and canals. Underlying the alluvium, discontinuous groundwater in bedrock with structural influence may mix with the alluvial aquifer, affecting isotopic composition and water chemistry. Increased abstraction, climate change, and intensification of agriculture and urban development could have consequential impacts on water quantity, water quality and ecosystems. The results, insights, and supporting datasets are a baseline to guide planning and to advance a hydrogeological conceptual model that supports sustainable and informed groundwater management.
Crown allometry and growing space requirements of four rare domestic tree species compared to oak and beech: implications for adaptive forest management
Authors: Schmucker Julia , Uhl Enno , Steckel Mathias , Pretzsch Hans
Published: May 2022

Rare domestic tree species are increasingly being viewed as promising alternatives and additions to current main tree species in forests facing climate change. For a feasible management of these rare species, it is, however, necessary to know their growth patterns and space requirements. This information has been lacking in management and science up to now. Our study investigated the basic crown allometries of four rare domestic tree species (European hornbeam, European white elm, field maple and wild service tree) and compared them to the more established and assessable European beech and oak (sessile oak and pedunculate oak). For our analysis, we used data from eight temporary research plots located on seven sites across south-eastern Germany, augmented by data from long-term plots. Using quantile regression, we investigated the fundamental relationships between crown projection area and diameter, and height and diameter. Subsequently, we used a mixed-effect model to detect the dependence of crown allometry on different stand variables. We derived maximum stem numbers per hectare for each species at different stand heights, thus providing much-needed practical guidelines for forest managers. In the early stages of stand development, we found that European white elm and field maple can be managed with higher stem numbers than European beech, similar to those of oak. European hornbeam and wild service tree require lower stem numbers, similar to European beech. However, during first or second thinnings, we hypothesise that the rare domestic tree species must be released from competitors, as shade tolerance and competitiveness decrease with age. Furthermore, we argue that thinnings must be performed at a higher frequency in stands with admixed European beech because of the species’ high shade tolerance. When properly managed, rare species can reach target diameters similar to oak and beech.
The determinants of sovereign risk premiums in the UK and the European government bond market: the impact of Brexit
Authors: Kadiric Samir
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes recent developments in the British and European government bond markets with reference to the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. The two main goals of the study are, firstly, to examine whether the Brexit referendum result has affected the risk premium and, secondly, whether there are any changes in risk pricing following the referendum. The paper finds a significant impact of the Brexit referendum on the risk premium in selected economies. Furthermore, the results suggest that there is a considerable change in risk pricing after the announcement of the referendum result. Credit default risk and the risk aversion play a much important role in the post-referendum period than they did prior to the vote, particularly in the UK.
Mating system in a small pelagic spawner: field case study of the mandarinfish, Synchiropus splendidus
Authors: Sadovy de Mitcheson Yvonne J. , Mitcheson George R. , Rasotto Maria B.
Published: May 2022

Mating systems in fishes are extremely diverse, ranging from monogamy to multiple polygamous forms, some of which include alternative male mating tactics within species. The major reproductive mode across approximately 33,000 bony fishes is pelagic-spawning with external fertilization. Despite the dominance of this mode, it is relatively little studied in the field because the greater mobility of larger species typically makes individuals difficult to follow for extensive periods, or to catch and mark. However, smaller, more sedentary pelagic spawners provide excellent opportunities to examine mating system variability in response to environmental conditions. The mandarinfish, Synchiropus splendidus, is a small sedentary pelagic spawner which is accessible to divers. Its complex body markings are distinctive and variable allowing individuals to be identified and followed repeatedly without the need for capturing and marking fish. In over 400 h of underwater surveys, we recorded movements, inter- and intra-sexual behaviors, sex ratios, and the timing and duration of spawning activity of focal fish in predetermined study areas. We concluded that the mandarinfish has a polygamous mating system with pair-spawning. Females are sequentially polyandrous, spawning once nightly or not at all, while males are polygynous, spawning up to 8 times a night. Males and females use loosely defined spawning sites on a daily basis and show flexibility in their tactics through differential movements according to dispersion of individuals, distances between spawning sites and temporally limited daily female receptivity. These results reveal the mandarinfish to be an excellent model species for studying small pelagic spawners in the field.
Comparing cotyledon, leaf and root resistance to downy mildew in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Coelho Paula S. , Valério Luísa , Monteiro António A.
Published: May 2022

Radish downy mildew (DM) caused by the oomycete Hyaloperonospora brassicae f. sp. raphani is a serious problem in radish crop, an edible root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family. The objective of this research was to assess radish germplasm for DM resistance and to evaluate the response of different radish organs to the disease under controlled conditions. Forty-four radish accessions were inoculated at cotyledons and true-leaves with H. brassicae isolate R10, collected in cotyledons of field plants. The roots were tested with isolates R10 and R6, this last one collected in roots of field radish. DM symptoms varied with the radish genotype and plant organ analysed. Twenty-seven resistant and partially resistant accessions were identified in all plant stages and are promising sources of resistance to DM, namely 16 commercial varieties, 10 breeding lines, and one landrace. A significant correlation was observed between cotyledon and leaf (1st and 2nd leaves) DM resistance, but low and no correlation was found between the resistance of true-leaves or cotyledons and roots, respectively. Cotyledon and leaf evaluation cannot be used to predict root resistance response in radish. However, cotyledon resistance has its own value because non-infected cotyledons will act as a barrier to slow disease progression to true-leaves and roots. Interesting sources of DM resistance were identified that can be used in radish breeding programs.
Hasok Chang on the nature of acids
Authors: Scerri Eric R.
Published: May 2022

For a period of several years the philosopher of science Hasok Chang has promoted various inter-related views including pluralism, pragmatism, and an associated view of natural kinds. He has also argued for what he calls the persistence of everyday terms in the scientific view. Chang claims that terms like phlogiston were never truly abandoned but became transformed into different concepts that remain useful. On the other hand, Chang argues that some scientific terms such as acidity have suffered a form of “rupture”, especially in the case of the modern Lewis definition of acids. Chang also complains that the degree of acidity of a Lewis acid cannot be measured using a pH meter and seems to regard this as a serious problem. The present paper examines some of these views, especially what Chang claims to be a rupture in the definition of acidity. It is suggested that there has been no such rupture but a genuine generalization, on moving from the Brønsted-Lowry theory to the Lewis theory of acidity. It will be shown how the quantification and measurement of Lewis acidity can easily be realized through the use of equilibrium theory and the use of stability constants.
Improvement of sciatic nerve regeneration by multichannel nanofibrous membrane-embedded electro-conductive conduits functionalized with laminin
Authors: Nazeri Niloofar , Derakhshan Mohammad Ali , Mansoori Korosh , Ghanbari Hossein
Published: May 2022

Multichannel structures in the design of nerve conduits offer potential advantages for regeneration of damaged nerves. However, lack of biochemical cues and electrical stimulation could hamper satisfactory nerve regeneration. The aim of this study was to simultaneously evaluate the effects of topographical, biological, and electrical cues on sciatic nerve regeneration. Accordingly, a series of multichannel nerve conduit was made using longitudinally-aligned laminin-coated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanofibers (NF, mean diameter: 455 ± 362 nm) in the lumen and randomly-oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) NF (mean diameter: 340 ± 200 nm) on the outer surface. In vitro studies revealed that the materials were nontoxic and able to promote cell attachment and proliferation on nanofibers and on fibrin gel. To determine the influence of laminin as biological and CNT as electrical cues on nerve regeneration, either of hollow PCL conduits, PLGA NF-embedded, PLGA/CNT NF-embedded or laminin-coated PLGA/CNT NF-embedded PCL conduits were implanted in rats. A new surgery method was utilized and results were compared with an autograft. The results of motor and sensory tests in addition to histopathological examination of the regenerated nerves demonstrated the formation of nerve fibers in laminin-coated PLGA/CNT NF-embedded PCL conduits. Results suggested that these conduits have the potential to improve sciatic nerve regeneration.
Fabrication of interconnected porous Ag substituted octacalcium phosphate blocks based on a dissolution-precipitation reaction
Authors: Sugiura Yuki , Horie Masanori
Published: May 2022

Here, we introduce Ag substituted octacalcium phosphate (OCP-Ag) blocks with interconnected porous structure and sufficient mechanical strength as bone substitute (i.e., foam). We employed a two-step process for fabrication, which includes a setting reaction for acidic calcium phosphate granules using an acidic phosphate solution and a phase conversion process via dissolution-precipitation method in cocktail ((NH4)2HPO4-NH4NO3-NaNO3-AgNO3) solutions. The Ag contents in the fabricated OCP-Ag foams were 0.08–0.15 at%, which were sufficient in exhibiting contact antibacterial ability. The mechanical strength and porosity of the OCP-Ag foams were about 0.5 MPa and 70%, respectively. These values were sufficient for the application of the OCP-Ag foams as bone substitute.
Design of an electrospun tubular construct combining a mechanical and biological approach to improve tendon repair
Authors: Pien N. , Van de Maele Y. , Parmentier L. , Meeremans M. , Mignon A. , De Schauwer C. , Peeters I. , De Wilde L. , Martens A. , Mantovani D. , Van Vlierberghe S. , Dubruel P.
Published: May 2022

Hand tendon injuries represent a major clinical problem and might dramatically diminish a patient’s life quality. In this study, a targeted solution for flexor tendon repair was developed by combining a mechanical and biological approach. To this end, a novel acrylate-endcapped urethane-based polymer (AUP) was synthesized and its physico-chemical properties were characterized. Next, tubular repair constructs were developed using electrospinning of the AUP material with incorporated naproxen and hyaluronic acid (i.e. anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion compounds, respectively), and with a tubular braid as mechanical reinforcement. Tensile testing of the repair constructs using ex vivo sheep tendons showed that the developed repair constructs fulfilled the required mechanical properties for tendon repair (i.e. minimal ultimate stress of 4 MPa), with an ultimate stress of 6.4 ± 0.6 MPa. Moreover, in vitro biological assays showed that the developed repair tubes and the incorporated bioactive components were non-cytotoxic. In addition, when equine tenocytes and mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured with the repair tubes, an increased production of collagen and non-collagenous proteins was observed. In conclusion, this novel construct in which a mechanical approach (fulfilling the required mechanical properties) was combined with a biological approach (incorporation of bioactive compounds), shows potential as flexor tendon repair application.
Topological charges of fullerenes
Authors: Udvardi László , László István
Published: May 2022

We defined the topological charge and bump number for fullerenes. All even fullerene isomers from $$C_{20}$$

C
20

up to $$C_{70}$$

C
70

were constructed. After optimizing the geometry of the molecules the relation between the topological charge, the bump number and the atomization energy were analysed.
Revisiting the paradox of whether retail buyers behave more like consumers or industrial purchasers: the case of price discounts
Authors: Isojärvi Jyrki , Aspara Jaakko , Movarrei Reza
Published: May 2022

A long-lasting debate in marketing literature is whether retail buyers who purchase consumer products behave like consumers or like industrial purchasing managers. We address this question empirically, by focusing on retail buyers’ behavioral responses to price discounts. Cooperating with a national wholesaler of drugstore products, we conduct a field experiment on the wholesaler’s product ordering platform. We expose the retail buyers (n = 780) to a new product offer that either includes a price discount or not. Simultaneously, we vary peripheral cues included in the offer (package color and organic claim). The results support the “industrial buyer resemblance” argument: The price discount decreases the retail buyers’ purchase likelihood, and there is no significant interaction effect between the price discount and the peripheral cues. An additional qualitative study reveals that retail buyers speculate on the motivations behind the price discount, which elicits suspicions about the product’s quality and resale potential.
Development of SiO2-coumarin fluorescent nanohybrid and its application for Cu(II) sensing in aqueous extracts of roadside soil
Authors: Qian Bin , De Silva Shamali , Reichman Suzie M. , Bao Lei , Trinchi Adrian , Lan Minbo , Wei Gang , Váradi Linda , Cole Ivan
Published: May 2022

A SiO2-coumarin nanohybrid was investigated for its Cu(II) sensing performance in aqueous media, and in comparison with the Cu(II)-selective coumarin used alone. Fluorescence of both coumarin itself and the nanohybrid, λex/λem 435/481 nm, was selectively quenched by Cu(II) when tested against a range of multivalent cations. The nanohybrid had enhanced Cu(II) sensing properties when compared to the coumarin including (i) improved limit of detection from μM-level (0.48 μM) of Cu(II) using coumarin alone to nM-level (0.033 μM) and (ii) an extended linear detection range of 0.033–260 μM (0.0005–4.1 mg/mL) Cu(II) compared to 0.48–55 μM for the coumarin itself. The lower limit of detection and extended range were achieved with a smaller amount of coumarin and no traces of organic solvents used to help coumarin dissolution. Characterization suggested that under applied test conditions at pH = 5, SiO2 nanoparticles with negative surface charges adsorbed coumarin and then (when present) Cu(II) ions. The SiO2-coumarin nanohybrid was then applied for the determination of Cu(II) levels in aqueous soil extracts reaching over 94% recovery rates when used against the standard soil analysis method by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Graphical Abstract
Nonlinear analysis of forced mechanical systems with internal resonance using spectral submanifolds, Part II: Bifurcation and quasi-periodic response
Authors: Li Mingwu , Haller George
Published: May 2022

In Part I of this paper, we have used spectral submanifold (SSM) theory to construct reduced-order models for harmonically excited mechanical systems with internal resonances. In that setting, extracting forced response curves formed by periodic orbits of the full system was reduced to locating the solution branches of equilibria of the corresponding reduced-order model. Here, we use bifurcations of the equilibria of the reduced-order model to predict bifurcations of the periodic response of the full system. Specifically, we identify Hopf bifurcations of equilibria and limit cycles in reduced models on SSMs to predict the existence of two-dimensional and three-dimensional quasi-periodic attractors and repellers in periodically forced mechanical systems of arbitrary dimension. We illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of these computations on finite-element models of beams and plates.
Comparing how accurately four different proximal spectrometers can estimate pasture nutritive characteristics: effects of spectral range and data type
Authors: Thomson Anna L. , Vassiliadis Simone , Copland Amy , Stayches Danielle , Jacobs Joe , Morse-McNabb Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

The nutrition of grazing ruminants can be optimized by allocating pasture according to its nutritive characteristics, provided that nutritive concentrations are determined in near-real time. Current proximal spectrometers can provide accurate predictive results but are bulky and expensive. This study compared an industry standard, ‘control’, proximal spectrometer, often used for scientific estimation of pasture nutrient concentrations in situ (350–2500 nm spectral range), with three lower-cost, ‘next-generation’, handheld spectrometers. The candidate sensors included a hyperspectral camera (397–1004 nm), and two handheld spectrometers (908–1676 nm and 1345–2555 nm respectively). Pasture samples (n = 145) collected from two paddocks on a working Australian dairy farm, over three timepoints, were scanned in situ by each instrument and then analysed for eight nutritive parameters. Chemometric models were then developed for each nutrient using data from each sensor (split into 80:20 calibration and validation sets). According to Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (LCCC) from independent validation (n = 29), the hyperspectral camera was the best candidate instrument (LCCC from 0.31 to 0.85, and 0.67 on average), rivalling the control sensor (LCCC from 0.41 to 0.84, and 0.67 on average). Consideration was given to whether the hyperspectral camera’s success was due to spectral range or data type/capture method. It was found that the 400–920 nm (trimmed) spectral region was slightly less sensitive in principle to nutrient concentrations than higher spectral ranges. Therefore, the predictive performance of the camera was attributed to the advantage of gathering data as hyperspectral images as opposed to single spectra.
How Do Base Rules Constitute a Virtual World?
Authors: Pałosz Radosław
Published: May 2022

The classic theory of rules and norms rooted in John Searle’s theory of institutional facts makes it impossible to treat directives encoded in information and communication technologies (ICT) as rules. In the age of increasing dependence on ICTs, it is important to develop a proper ontological framework for discussing previously unknown issues. The aim of the paper is to characterize the rules constituted by the language of the code and show how they differ from purely social institutional rules. The analysis is based mostly on Jaap Hage's theory of rules as constraints on possible worlds. Hage's understanding makes it possible to explain how rules embedded in the code regulate the functioning of a non-intentional computer system. As a useful representation of relations between base rules and institutional rules, the author presents an example of virtual worlds of massive multiplayer online games, which are spaces that facilitate the emergence of complex, normative social orders. They are very illustrative when it comes to the distinction between digital and social dimensions, thus showing how human culture is able to flourish on top of the digital facts that function as observer-independent, physical brute facts. It is possible, because the base rules constrain the system that processes them, by which they constitute digital facts rather than directly guide users’ behavior. The analysis aims to provide tools for the future development of an appropriate legal framework to analyze the digital layer of reality.
The Structure of the Large-Scale Heliosphere as Seen by Current Models
Authors: Kleimann Jens , Dialynas Konstantinos , Fraternale Federico , Galli André , Heerikhuisen Jacob , Izmodenov Vladislav , Kornbleuth Marc , Opher Merav , Pogorelov Nikolai
Published: May 2022

This review summarizes the current state of research aiming at a description of the global heliosphere using both analytical and numerical modeling efforts, particularly in view of the overall plasma/neutral flow and magnetic field structure, and its relation to energetic neutral atoms. Being part of a larger volume on current heliospheric research, it also lays out a number of key concepts and describes several classic, though still relevant early works on the topic. Regarding numerical simulations, emphasis is put on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), multi-fluid, kinetic-MHD, and hybrid modeling frameworks. Finally, open issues relating to the physical relevance of so-called “croissant” models of the heliosphere, as well as the general (dis)agreement of model predictions with observations are highlighted and critically discussed.
Theory-based habit modeling for enhancing behavior prediction in behavior change support systems
Authors: Zhang Chao , Vanschoren Joaquin , van Wissen Arlette , Lakens Daniël , de Ruyter Boris , IJsselsteijn Wijnand A.
Published: May 2022

Psychological theories of habit posit that when a strong habit is formed through behavioral repetition, it can trigger behavior automatically in the same environment. Given the reciprocal relationship between habit and behavior, changing lifestyle behaviors is largely a task of breaking old habits and creating new and healthy ones. Thus, representing users’ habit strengths can be very useful for behavior change support systems, for example, to predict behavior or to decide when an intervention reaches its intended effect. However, habit strength is not directly observable and existing self-report measures are taxing for users. In this paper, building on recent computational models of habit formation, we propose a method to enable intelligent systems to compute habit strength based on observable behavior. The hypothesized advantage of using computed habit strength for behavior prediction was tested using data from two intervention studies on dental behavior change ($$N = 36$$N=36and$$N = 75$$N=75), where we instructed participants to brush their teeth twice a day for three weeks and monitored their behaviors using accelerometers. The results showed that for the task of predicting future brushing behavior, the theory-based model that computed habit strength achieved an accuracy of 68.6% (Study 1) and 76.1% (Study 2), which outperformed the model that relied on self-reported behavioral determinants but showed no advantage over models that relied on past behavior. We discuss the implications of our results for research on behavior change support systems and habit formation.
An adaptive Metalearner-based flow: a tool for reducing anxiety and increasing self-regulation
Authors: Jebur Ghassan , Al-Samarraie Hosam , Alzahrani Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: May 2022

Anxiety and self-regulation are the most common problems among the college student population. There are few attempts found in the literature to promote the development of students’ cognitive and metacognitive abilities in online learning environments. In addition, mechanisms for overcoming or reducing individuals’ anxiety in a computer-mediated environment is yet to be fully characterized. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of integrating the concept of flow into the design of a Metalearner (MTL) to help reduce anxiety and increase self-regulation among students. The design of MTL was based on the development of adaptive strategies to balance between the challenge of the task and user skills. A total of 260 participants were asked to use the system and respond to an online questionnaire that asked about flow antecedents, experience, and consequences. The structural model results showed that incorporating flow into the design of MTL can help reduce anxiety and improve self-regulation among students. Our findings can be used to enrich students’ online learning experience and inform designers and developers of learning systems about the importance of regulating task complexity according to the challenge/skills balance. This would help learners to process the presented information meaningfully and to make the inferences necessary for understanding the learning content.
Effect of physical activity during COVID-19 on the sleep health of community-level athletes in Australia
Authors: Walsh Andrew , Harris Sarah , Beranek Philipp , Vial Shayne , Cruickshank Travis , Turner Mitchell
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak presents a serious health challenges, with Australia enforcing tight restrictions, impacting sporting activities and sleep health of many Australians. Routine lifestyle patterns (physical activity and employment) are important to maintaining overall sleep health. Current literature indicates COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the employment status and sport engagement. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of physical activity during COVID-19 on sleep health, and its association with employment and sport engagement of community-level athletes throughout Australia. Participants self-reported sleep health prior to COVID-19 (pre-sleep) and over the month prior to data collection (during-sleep) using the validated 5-item Satisfaction Alertness Timing Efficiency and Duration questionnaire (SATED). Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test assessed the difference in pre- and during perceived sleep health scores. A generalized linear model was used to assess the impact of sporting and demographic factors on a community athlete’s change in perceived sleep health score. A total of 139 community-level Australian athletes responded. The majority of participants were aged 18–30 and engaged in full-time employment prior to COVID-19 (n = 82, 54%). Eight percent of participants were unemployed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 12, 8%). Our findings show that sleep health values were higher during COVID-19, with 91.4% of respondents able to maintain some form of physical activity during the pandemic. Together, our results show better sleep health scores reported by the respondents who maintained or lost employment and maintained sporting engagements during the pandemic.
The nexus of financial development, natural resource rents, technological innovation, foreign direct investment, energy consumption, human capital, and trade on environmental degradation in the new BRICS economies
Authors: Ganda Fortune
Published: May 2022

Early periods of history have demonstrated that enhanced economic development is fostered in instances where natural resources are abundant, hence averting the resource curse. In this vein, accelerated economic advancement is driven by a rigorous and proficient financial sector that efficiently utilises and allocates the economy’s natural resources. A strong financial system that transforms resources into advantages rests on an advanced technological innovation base, superior human capital, distinct foreign direct investment, powerful trade, and sustainable energy consumption. While this paper investigates the nexus of these factors, the specific purpose of this research is to examine the interactive impact of financial development and natural resource rents on carbon emissions in the new BRICS economies for the duration of 1990 to 2019. The panel data generalised least squares (GLS) and the panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) techniques are adopted. The Dumitrescu and Hurlin technique is used to establish causality. The study found a U-shaped association between economic growth and emissions. The findings prove that the financial development of financial institutions and the financial development of financial markets’ relationships with emissions are significantly positive. Natural resource rents, energy consumption, and human capital create a significantly positive relationship with emissions (mostly just positive for technological innovation). Conversely, the connection involving trade and carbon emissions is significantly negative (but mostly just negative for FDI). The interaction (s) intervening financial development of financial institutions and financial development of financial markets with natural resource rent significantly lowers emissions, respectively. The interaction parameter (financial development of financial institutions, natural resource rent, and financial development of financial markets) mixed with trade significantly adds emissions (positively insignificant with energy consumption). Contrarily, this factor mixed with human capital and technological innovation, respectively, is significantly negative (just negative for FDI). The Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel Granger causality outcomes are also outlined.
The clean development mechanism in Eastern Europe: an in-depth exploration
Authors: Cansino José M. , Román-Collado Rocío , Nassar Sari
Published: May 2022

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a partnership tool founded under the Kyoto Protocol, grants potential opportunities to help developing countries achieve sustainable development. The present research examines the CDM projects in Eastern Europe (Moldova, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania). Although there were far fewer projects in this region than, for instance, China or India, it has some specific features that make it worth studying. Major findings are that most CDM projects in Eastern Europe involved a changing combination of two or more sources of financing, and the distribution of projects in the region was uneven. Moreover, although there was a small number of projects overall, they were all cost-effective, long-term and large-scale. The findings of the research call for improvements to be made to the governance of the CDM, by strengthening the international and national regulation of projects and by aggregating the scales of decision-making and actions so that real multi-scalar transnational governance — from the global level down to the local level — is implemented in a coherent manner. It is also recommended to carry out ex-post project evaluations, following which readjustments could be made.
Binomial adjective doublets in Japanese: A Relational Morphology account
Authors: Akita Kimi , Murasugi Keiko
Published: May 2022

Adjectives whose stems consist of two elements (or binomial adjectives) are becoming increasingly productive in colloquial Japanese. Unlike the stems of conventional adjectives, the stems of numerous, but not all, innovative binomial adjectives can have two distinct inflectional behaviors (e.g., daru-omo-{i/na} ‘be languid and heavy’, aza-kawai-i/aza-kawa-na ‘be shrewd and cute’) and have different syntactic properties depending on the suffix. Within the framework of Relational Morphology, the current study proposes that two independently established word-formation rules, represented as “sister schemas,” account for the apparent derivational gaps in these adjectives and their difference in productivity. I-forms are crucially based on particular subschemas, such as X-kawai-i ‘be X and cute’ and kuso-Y-i ‘be very Y’, and are not fully productive, whereas na-forms have detailed morphophonological constraints and are notably productive. The two suffixes are available only if an adjective stem meets the structural and semantic requirements of both schemas.
Mechanism of Staple Line Leak After Sleeve Gastrectomy via Isobaric Pressurisation Concentrating Stress Forces at the Proximal Staple Line
Authors: Catchlove William , Liao Sam , Lim Gillian , Brown Wendy , Burton Paul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Staple line leak following sleeve gastrectomy is a significant problem and has been hypothesised to be related to hyperpressurisation in the proximal stomach. There is, however, little objective evidence demonstrating how these forces could be transmitted to the luminal wall. We aimed to define conditions in the proximal stomach and simulate the transmission of stress forces in the post-operative stomach using a finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and Methods

The manometry of fourteen patients post sleeve gastrectomy was compared to ten controls. Manometry, boundary conditions, and volumetric CT were integrated to develop six models. These models delineated luminal wall stress in the proximal stomach. Key features were then varied to establish the influence of each factor.

Results

The sleeve gastrectomy cohort had a significantly higher peak intragastric isobaric pressures 31.58 ± 2.1 vs. 13.49 ± 1.3 mmHg (p = 0.0002). Regions of stress were clustered at the staple line near the GOJ, and peak stress was observed there in 67% of models. A uniform greater curvature did not fail or concentrate stress under maximal pressurisation. Geometric variation demonstrated that a larger triangulated apex increased stress by 17% (255 kPa versus 218 kPa), with a 37% increase at the GOJ (203kPA versus 148kPA). A wider incisura reduced stress at the GOJ by 9.9% (128 kPa versus 142 kPa).

Conclusion

High pressure events can occur in the proximal stomach after sleeve gastrectomy. Simulations suggest that these events preferentially concentrate stress forces near the GOJ. This study simulates how high-pressure events could translate stress to the luminal wall and precipitate leak.

Graphical Abstract
Beeldzorg in de gehandicaptenzorg – door corona eindelijk een doorbraak! Of toch niet?
Authors: Mravunac Marko , van der Weegen Sanne , van der Poel Agnes
Published: May 2022

Samenvatting

Door corona hebben drie gehandicaptenzorgorganisaties versneld technologie voor beeldbellen en beeldzorg ingezet. Sinds 2021 wisselen zij daarover ervaringen uit in de Innovatie-impuls Gehandicaptenzorg. We inventariseerden hoe begeleiders, cliënten en naasten beeldzorg ervaren. Uit de interviews blijkt dat ze blij zijn met de mogelijkheden die beeldzorg biedt, maar ook dat ze het vooral zien als back-up. Voor duurzame implementatie van beeldzorg is een visie nodig op de toekomst van de zorg en de rol die digitale zorg daarin speelt. Deze resultaten zijn daar behulpzaam bij.