bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive Domain Adaptive Object Detection Based on Self‐Attention in Foggy Weather
Authors: Lin Meng , Zhou Gang , Yang Yawei , Shi Jun
Published: October 2023

The quality of captured images is compromised by foggy weather, resulting in poor performance of detection networks. To mitigate this issue, researchers have attempted to employ domain adaptation techniques. However, a significant difference between the domains can create difficulties in the adaptation process, resulting in unstable training procedures and less‐than‐optimal outcomes. A self‐attention‐based progressive domain adaptive object detection framework is proposed to address this issue. We solved this problem by building an intermediate domain through physical synthesis. Moreover, the domain features of different levels are aligned in the feature space to achieve a better domain adaptation effect. In addition, we add a plug‐and‐play attention module to enhance the feature discriminability in the shallow feature extraction stage. Our method performs better than the existing state‐of‐the‐art techniques in synthetic and real‐world datasets, according to the experimental results. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Corosolic acid inhibits metastatic response of human renal cell carcinoma cells by modulating ERK/MMP2 signaling
Authors: Wu Tsai‐Kun , Hung Tung‐Wei , Chen Yong‐Syuan , Pan Ying‐Ru , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Tsai Jen‐Pi
Published: October 2023

Corosolic acid (CA), a plant‐derived pentacyclic triterpenoid, has potent anti‐inflammatory, anti‐metabolic, and anti‐neoplastic actions against a variety of human cancers. However, the specific mechanism by which CA inhibits the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is yet unclear. We found that CA (≤8 μM) had no influence on either the growth or viability of RCC cell lines (786‐O, ACHN, and Caki‐1) or normal HK2 cells. However, in a dose‐dependent manner, CA prevented the invasion and migration of RCC cells. Human protease array analysis showed that CA reduced MMP2 expression. At increasing concentrations of CA, the expression of MMP2 was dose‐dependently reduced, as shown by western blot and RT‐PCR analyses as well as immunofluorescence staining. CA also stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in 786‐O and Caki‐1 cells. Transfection of CA‐treated RCC cells with siRNA‐ERK restored MMP2 protein expression and the motility and invasion capabilities of RCC cells. Molecular docking study results showed that CA and MMP2 interact strongly. These findings elucidate the mechanism by which CA prevents RCC cells from migrating and invading, and these findings indicate that CA may be a potential anti‐metastatic therapy for RCC.
Airborne magnetite nanoparticles induced early vascular pathologies by disrupting lipid metabolism under high‐fat dietary patterns
Authors: Zhang Jingxu , Yu Hongyan , Pan Ruonan , Miao Gan , Wang Yu , Li Ziyuan , Yu Haiyi , Lu Lin , Jin Xiaoting
Published: October 2023

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been extensively detected in the atmospheric environment and implicated as a prominent threat to atherosclerosis, a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. Due to globalization and economic development, the dramatic shift in diet from traditional to high‐fat dietary patterns aggravated atherosclerosis progression induced by environmental factors. However, limited knowledge is available regarding vascular risks and underlying mechanisms of airborne MNPs in high‐risk populations with high‐fat dietary habits. Herein, we demonstrated that MNPs exerted a proatherogenic effect under high‐fat dietary patterns, leading to aortic wall thickening, elastic fiber disorganization, macrophage infiltration, and local inflammation. Based on the correlation analysis between MNPs and PM group, we identified that MNPs might be a key PM component in atherogenic toxicity. MNPs exposure disturbed the dynamic process of lipid metabolism, manifested as aortic lipid accumulation, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder, which was modulated by the JAK–STAT pathway. Overall, these findings provide new insight into understanding the cardiovascular risks and mechanisms of MNPs among high‐risk populations.
Winkler‐Pasternak foundation effect on the buckling loads of arbitrarily rigid or restrained supported nonlocal beams made of different FGM and porosity distributions
Authors: Uzun Büşra , Yaylı Mustafa Özgür
Published: October 2023

The present research investigates lateral stability of a functionally graded nanobeam using Eringen's differential nonlocal elasticity model under rigid (clamped, pinned, free) and deformable (lateral, rotational restraints) boundary conditions. Sigmoid and power law have been employed as grading laws to study the influence of the material distribution on the snap‐buckling analysis of a nanobeam with arbitrary boundary conditions. Moreover, Fourier sine series with Stokes’ transformation are employed to investigate the effects of boundary conditions on the stability response of nanobeams embedded in a Pasternak foundation. A parametric study has been performed to investigate the effect of deformable boundaries, Pasternak foundation and small‐scale parameters on the stability response of the nanobeam and the results have been presented in a series of tables and figures. It has been observed that consideration of the small‐scale parameter, Pasternak foundation, deformable boundaries and functionally grading index (of sigmoid and power‐law) are essential while analyzing the static stability response. The obtained analytical results may be used as benchmarks in future researches of functionally graded nanobeams embedded in an elastic medium.
Remarks on a linearization of Koopmans recursion
Authors: Zdun Marek Cezary
Published: October 2023

Let X be a metric space and $$U:X^{\infty }\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

U
:

X
∞

→
R

be a continuous function satisfying the Koopmans recursion $$U(x_0,x_1,x_2,\ldots )=\varphi (x_0, U(x_1,x_2,\ldots )),$$

U

(

x
0

,

x
1

,

x
2

,
…
)

=
φ

(

x
0

,
U

(

x
1

,

x
2

,
…
)

)

,

where $$\varphi :X\times I \rightarrow I$$

φ
:
X
×
I
→
I

is a continuous function and I is an interval. Denote by $$\succeq $$
⪰
a preference relation defined on the product $$X^{\infty }$$

X
∞

represented by a function $$U:X^{\infty }\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

U
:

X
∞

→
R

, called a utility function, that means $$(x_0,x_1,\ldots )\succeq (y_0,y_1,\ldots )\Leftrightarrow U(x_0,x_1,\ldots )\ge U(y_0,y_1,\ldots )$$

(

x
0

,

x
1

,
…
)

⪰

(

y
0

,

y
1

,
…
)

⇔
U

(

x
0

,

x
1

,
…
)

≥
U

(

y
0

,

y
1

,
…
)

. We consider a problem when the preference relation $$\succeq $$
⪰
can be represented by another utility function V satisfying the affine recursion $$V(x_0,x_1,x_2,\ldots ) = \alpha (x_0)V(x_1,x_2,\ldots )+ \beta (x_0)$$

V

(

x
0

,

x
1

,

x
2

,
…
)

=
α

(

x
0

)

V

(

x
1

,

x
2

,
…
)

+
β

(

x
0

)

. Under suitable assumptions on relation $$\succeq $$
⪰
we determine the form of the functions $$\varphi $$
φ
defining the utility functions possessing the above property. The problem is reduced to solving a system of simultaneous functional equations. The subject is strictly connected to a problem of preference in economics. In this note we extend the results obtained in Zdun (Aequ Math 94, 2020).
Changes in antimony isotopic composition as a tracer of hydrothermal fluid evolution at the Sb deposits in Pezinok (Slovakia)
Authors: Kaufmann Andreas B. , Lazarov Marina , Weyer Stefan , Števko Martin , Kiefer Stefan , Majzlan Juraj
Published: October 2023

In this work, we investigated in situ isotopic compositions of antimony (Sb) minerals from two substages of the ore deposits near Pezinok (Slovakia). The δ123Sb values of the primary Sb minerals range from −0.4 and +0.8‰ and increase progressively along the precipitation sequence. In the substage II, the early-formed gudmundite (FeSbS) shows in all sections the lowest δ123Sb values, followed by berthierite (FeSb2S4), stibnite (Sb2S3), and valentinite (Sb2O3) with the heaviest δ123Sb values. A similar trend was observed for the substage III, from the initially-formed stibnite, followed by kermesite (Sb2S2O), valentinite, senarmontite (both Sb2O3), and schafarzikite (FeSb2O4). The evolution can be rationalized by a Rayleigh fractionation model with a starting δ123Sb value in the fluid of +0.3‰, applying the same mineral-fluid fractionation factor to all minerals. Thus, the texturally observed order of mineralization is confirmed by diminishing trace element contents and heavier δ123Sb values in successively crystallized Sb minerals. Antimony in substage III was likely supplied from the oxidative dissolution of stibnite that formed earlier during substage II. The data interpretation, although limited by the lack of reliable mineral-fluid fractionation factors, implies that Sb precipitation within each substage occurred from an episodic metal precipitation, likely associated with a similar Sb isotope fractionation between fluid and all investigated Sb minerals. Large isotopic variations, induced by precipitation from a fluid as a response to temperature decrease, may be an obstacle in deciphering the metal source in hydrothermal ore deposits. However, Sb isotopes appear to be an excellent instrument to enhance our understanding on how hydrothermal systems operate.
Risk and protective factors for recovery at 3-year follow-up after first-episode psychosis onset: a multivariate outcome approach
Authors: Serra-Arumí Clara , Golay Philippe , Bonnarel Vincent , Alerci Livia , Abrahamyan Empson Lilith , Conus Philippe , Alameda Luis
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Recovery in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) remains a major issue. When risk factors are studied in relation to the disorder, potential protective factors should also be considered since they can modulate this relationship. This study is aimed at exploring which premorbid and baseline characteristics are associated with a good and poor global recovery in patients with FEP at 3-year follow-up.

Methods

We categorized patients’ outcome by using a Latent Class Analysis (LCA) considering a multimodal set of symptomatic and functional outcomes. A Mixed effects Models Repeated Measures analysis of variance (MMRM) was used to highlight group differences over time on symptomatic and functional outcomes assessed during the 3-year follow-up.

Results

A total of 325 patients with FEP aged between 18 and 35 years were included. Two groups were identified. A total of 187 patients (57.5%) did not achieve recovery, and 138 patients (42.5%) achieved recovery. Recovered patients had generally a better premorbid and baseline profile in comparison with non-recovered patients (as among which shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), higher degree of insight, better functional level and lower illness severity at baseline). The trajectories for the psychopathological and functional outcomes over 36 months differed between the non-recovered and the recovered group of patients.

Conclusions

Our results pointed to some variables associated with recovery, acting as potential protective factors. These should be considered for early intervention programs to promote psychological resilience specifically in those with a worse prognosis in order to mitigate the effects of the variables that make them more vulnerable to poorer outcome.
The effect of governance structures on optimal control of two-patch epidemic models
Authors: Howerton Emily , Dahlin Kyle , Edholm Christina J. , Fox Lindsey , Reynolds Margaret , Hollingsworth Brandon , Lytle George , Walker Melody , Blackwood Julie , Lenhart Suzanne
Published: October 2023

Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant threat to the health of humans globally. While the spread of pathogens transcends geographical boundaries, the management of infectious diseases typically occurs within distinct spatial units, determined by geopolitical boundaries. The allocation of management resources within and across regions (the “governance structure”) can affect epidemiological outcomes considerably, and policy-makers are often confronted with a choice between applying control measures uniformly or differentially across regions. Here, we investigate the extent to which uniform and non-uniform governance structures affect the costs of an infectious disease outbreak in two-patch systems using an optimal control framework. A uniform policy implements control measures with the same time varying rate functions across both patches, while these measures are allowed to differ between the patches in a non-uniform policy. We compare results from two systems of differential equations representing transmission of cholera and Ebola, respectively, to understand the interplay between transmission mode, governance structure and the optimal control of outbreaks. In our case studies, the governance structure has a meaningful impact on the allocation of resources and burden of cases, although the difference in total costs is minimal. Understanding how governance structure affects both the optimal control functions and epidemiological outcomes is crucial for the effective management of infectious diseases going forward.
Obesity in prenatal medicine: a game changer?
Authors: Prodan Natalia Carmen , Schmidt Markus , Hoopmann Markus , Abele Harald , Kagan Karl Oliver
Published: October 2023

Obesity is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease in its own right. Moreover, obesity is an increasingly concerning public health issue across the world and its prevalence is rising amongst women of reproductive age. The fertility of over-weight and obese women is reduced and they experience a higher rate of miscarriage. In pregnant women obesity not only increases the risk of antenatal complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, but also fetal abnormalities, and consequently the overall feto-maternal mortality. Ultrasound is one of the most valuable methods to predict and evaluate pregnancy complications. However, in overweight and obese pregnant women, the ultrasound examination is met with several challenges, mainly due to an impaired acoustic window. Overall obesity in pregnancy poses special challenges and constraints to the antenatal care and increases the rate of pregnancy complications, as well as complications later in life for the mother and child.
Impact of different fracture types in the pyriform buttress area on nasal airway function
Authors: Wang Zhongying , Chen Dong
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Fractures in the pyriform buttress area adversely affect facial appearance and nasal airway patency. Nasal airway function has received less attention than aesthetic problems in the literature. This retrospective study classified the different fracture types in this area and determined their impact on nasal airway function.

Mathods

Three-dimensional computed tomography images of patients with fractures in the pyriform buttress area were analyzed to identify the exact fracture pattern. The nasal airway functions were evaluated and compared between patients with different fracture patterns using acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale.

Results

Overall, 47 patients, including 16 with type I fractures (high fracture line; group I), 16 with type II fractures (intermediate fracture line; group II), and 15 with type III fractures (low fracture line; group III), were included in the study. The mean minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), total nasal inspiratory resistance (Tri) and total nasal expiratory resistance (Tre) of group I were 0.51 ± 0.06 cm2, 1.67 ± 0.11 kPa L−1 s−1, and 1.66 ± 0.12 kPa L−1 s−1, respectively; those of group II were 0.48 ± 0.07 cm2, 1.89 ± 0.15 kPa L−1 s−1, and 1.88 ± 0.14 kPa L−1 s−1, respectively; and those of group III were 0.36 ± 0.04 cm2, 1.94 ± 0.21 kPa L−1 s−1, and 2.01 ± 0.34 kPa L−1 s−1, respectively. The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale scores for groups I, II, and III were 7.188, 9.813, and 13.27, respectively.

Conclusion

Therefore, the severity of the nasal airway obstruction depends on the displacement of the fractured bones in patients with fractures in the pyriform buttress area. The most profound nasal obstruction occurs in patients with the lowest fracture line.
Different cortical connectivities in human females and males relate to differences in strength and body composition, reward and emotional systems, and memory
Authors: Zhang Ruohan , Rolls Edmund T. , Cheng Wei , Feng Jianfeng
Published: October 2023

Sex differences in human brain structure and function are important, partly because they are likely to be relevant to the male–female differences in behavior and in mental health. To analyse sex differences in cortical function, functional connectivity was measured in 36,531 participants (53% female) in the UK Biobank (mean age 69) using the Human Connectome Project multimodal parcellation atlas with 360 well-specified cortical regions. Most of the functional connectivities were lower in females (Bonferroni corrected), with the mean Cohen’s d =  − 0.18. Removing these as covariates reduced the difference of functional connectivities for females—males from d =  − 0.18 to − 0.06. The lower functional connectivities in females were especially of somatosensory/premotor regions including the insula, opercular cortex, paracentral lobule and mid-cingulate cortex, and were correlated with lower maximum workload (r = 0.17), and with higher whole body fat mass (r =  − 0.17). But some functional connectivities were higher in females, involving especially the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, and these were correlated with higher liking for some rewards such as sweet foods, higher happiness/subjective well-being, and with better memory-related functions. The main findings were replicated in 1000 individuals (532 females, mean age 29) from the Human Connectome Project. This investigation shows the cortical systems with different functional connectivity between females and males, and also provides for the first time a foundation for understanding the implications for behavior of these differences between females and males.
Coping and vegetative reactivity in uveal melanoma
Authors: Gabriel Maximilian , Trapp Eva-Maria , Rohrer Peter , Trapp Michael , Schwantzer Gerold , Mester Amalia , Richtig Erika , Schwab Christoph , Langmann Gerald , Egger Josef , Mayer-Xanthaki Christoph
Published: October 2023

Background

We aimed to assess coping and vegetative reactivity in uveal melanoma (UM) patients compared to controls with benign nevi of the uvea.

Material and methods

In total, 20 patients with recently diagnosed uveal melanoma were recruited and matched for age and gender to 20 controls with benign nevi of the uvea. Heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) were monitored throughout an initial period of rest (POR1), a mental stress test (DT), and another period of rest (POR2). Coping strategies were assessed for both groups using a stress-coping questionnaire.

Results

The LF/HF ratio (low-/high-frequency component of total spectral power) of HRV showed decreasing values in the UM group and increasing values in controls throughout the measurement sequence (p = 0.025). Diastolic BPV revealed declining values of the low-frequency component in normalized units (LFnu) between POR1 and DT in UM patients compared to rising values between POR1 and DT in controls (p = 0.006). There were no intergroup differences in coping strategies (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Coping mechanisms are unaltered in patients with uveal melanoma compared to controls, but vegetative reactivity may show a different pattern once patients are diagnosed.
Senior volunteers: addressing loneliness in times of COVID-19
Authors: Torres Zaira , Martínez-Gregorio Sara , Oliver Amparo
Published: October 2023

Volunteering in old age plays an important role in addressing feelings of loneliness, but little research has been conducted on the impact of engaging in volunteering activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the longitudinal impact of volunteering on feelings of loneliness. We analyzed data from 31,667 adults aged 50 years and older in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), across three consecutive waves (one before the pandemic and two during the COVID-19 pandemic). Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted for loneliness, using volunteering and several control variables as independent variables, and found that even after controlling for previous loneliness, volunteering has a protective effect against experiencing feelings of loneliness. Those who participated in volunteering activities before or during the second pandemic period had a lower risk of loneliness during the second pandemic period. Volunteering during the second pandemic period, before and during the second pandemic period, and during all three periods measured in the study was negatively associated with the odds of feeling lonely. Encouraging volunteering among older adults can be a useful strategy to prevent loneliness during future emergency situations like the COVID-19 outbreak.
Protective effects of Chlorella vulgaris as a feed additive on growth performance, immunity, histopathology, and disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the Pacific white shrimp
Authors: Eissa El-Sayed Hemdan , Aljarari Rabab Mohamed , Elfeky Amal , Abd El-Aziz Yasmin M. , Munir Mohammad Bodrul , Jastaniah Samyah D. , Alaidaroos Bothaina Ali , Shafi Manal E. , Abd El-Hamed Nadia Nazmy B. , AL-Farga Ammar , Dighiesh Hagar Sedeek , Okon Ekemini Moses , Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , Ezzo Omaima H. , Eissa Moaheda E. H. , ElBanna Noha I.
Published: October 2023

The present study investigated the effect of Chlorella vulgaris on growth performance, feed consumption, body composition, and immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Shrimps (4.00 ± 0.04 g) were divided into five groups (3 replicates/20 each) in 15 hapa (1 m3) and cultured for 56 days with five C. vulgaris experimented diets at five different concentrations (0, 15, 20, 25, and 30 g/kg feed). Growth performance, feed utilization, biomass, and body composition (protein, lipid, and ash) were analyzed and revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in shrimp fed the high C. vulgaris diet. Additionally, the survival rate of shrimp in all experimental feeds was improved, but was not significant. Shrimp fed with C. vulgaris at different concentrations showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity. The study showed that shrimp fed with a concentration of 30 g/kg C. vulgaris in the diet showed significantly (P < 0.05) highest disease resistance against the pathogen tested. Hence, dietary C. vulgaris might be used to improve growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and immune biomarker responses, leading to disease resistance in cultured shrimp.
Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) are involved in cadmium enrichment in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under cadmium stress
Authors: Yan Lei , Jin Haotian , Raza Ali , Huang Yang , Gu De ping , Zou Xiaoyun
Published: October 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous heavy metal, and Cd pollution has become a serious problem worldwide. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil crop in the world and has a strong capacity to accumulate Cd in soil. The natural resistant-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) plays an important part in the absorption and transportation of Cd in plants. To date, the NRAMP family in peanut is ill-informed. In the present study, 29 AhNRAMPs were identified and were classified into three groups and fourteen proteins in group 1 (G1), ten proteins in group 2 (G2) and five proteins in group 3 (G3). There are 71-1347 amino acids in AhNRAMPs. Most of the AhNRAMPs exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns. For instance, AhNRAMP10 and AhNRAMP26 from G1 were highly expressed in roots, G2 genes in shoots and leaves and G3 genes in shoots. The transcriptional levels of AhNRAMPs in roots can be regulated by Cd. Notably, 55% of (16) AhNRAMPs genes were upregulated in peanut roots and positively responded to Cd stress. It’s worth noting that the relative expressions of AhNRAMP2 and AhNRAMP11, which were increased by 6.9-fold and 14.1-fold at 3 h in roots of Cd-enriched variety under Cd stress while decreasing by 44% and 25% at the same time in Cd sensitive variety. In a word, the comprehensive research of the AhNRAMP family provides insights into the capacity of Cd enrichment in peanut.
The Effect of Family Foster Care vs. Residential Group Care on Educational Attainment
Authors: Bolvig Iben , Thorsager Mette
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effect of foster care relative to residential group care on enrollment in upper secondary education among Danish children in out-of-home care who were placed out of home at the age six to 14 years (n = 4530). We address the proposition that children placed in family foster care generally have less severe emotional and/or behavioral problems than children placed in residential group care by utilizing a variation in the municipalities’ relative use of foster care among all children placed in out-of-home care. We find evidence that children living in municipalities with a high inclination to use foster care will be more likely to enroll in upper secondary education (p = 0.004). When splitting the sample by gender, we see that the effects are significant only among girls. When looking at potential mechanisms, we find that children in foster care are more likely to attend the school-leaving exams after lower secondary school, while we find no effect on the average standardized test score in the school-leaving exams. As with the main results, these findings apply to the girls only.
Excessive Smartphone Use is Associated with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Sleep Quality of Australian Adults
Authors: Khan Asaduzzaman , McLeod Geoffrey , Hidajat Tarissa , Edwards Elizabeth J
Published: October 2023

Problematic smartphone use has been associated with poorer mental health in different population groups; however, little is known about how levels of smartphone use were associated with mental health outcomes of adults in Australia. Using data from a cross-sectional survey among Australian adults aged 18–59 years (n = 655, Mean = 24.55 [SD = 5.59] years; 66% female), the current study aimed to examine association between problematic smartphone use and different psychological outcomes. Participants completed measures of problematic smartphone use with Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS), mental health outcomes with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), in addition to some socio-demographics. Smartphone use was categorised into three groups: low-moderate, moderate-high, and high-severe. A total of 160 adults (24.4%) reported high-severe smartphone use. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that smartphone use was inversely associated with psychological outcomes in a dose-dependent manner with high-severe smartphone uses having the most adverse effects. Compared to low-moderate use, average depression score was 3.5 points higher for moderate-high smartphone use (β = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.63–5.40) and 6.9 points higher for high-severe smartphone use (β = 6.91, 95% CI: 4.74–9.07). Similarly, average stress score was 3.4 points higher for moderate-high smartphone use (β = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.75–5.06) and 7.0 points higher for high-severe smartphone use (β = 7.02, 95% CI: 5.11–8.93). Similar association estimates were found for anxiety and sleep quality. Reducing smartphone use has the potential to optimise depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality; however, longitudinal research is warranted to establish directionality of the association.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Large-Area Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge on Food Contact Surfaces
Authors: Maccaferri Caterina , Sainz-García Ana , Capelli Filippo , Gherardi Matteo , Alba-Elías Fernando , Laurita Romolo
Published: October 2023

The food industry, as a consequence of globalization and in particular with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, is calling for additional measures to reduce the risks of contamination throughout the steps of the food chain. Several methods are used to avoid this problem, such as hot water or chemical procedures. However, they have some disadvantages like high economic costs or the fact that they are not eco-friendly technologies. For those reasons, novel strategies are being sought in order to substitute or work in synergy with conventional decontamination systems. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) can be produced by many various sources for a wide range of different applications, including decontamination. In this study, a Large-Area Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma source has been used with the aim of inactivating Staphylococcus epidermidis inoculated on polypropylene food packaging samples inside a treatment chamber. Moreover, electrical and chemical analysis of the plasma source has been carried out, as well as temperature measurements. A homogenous distribution of the reactive species inside the treatment chamber was suggested, achieving almost 2 log of bacteria reduction for every plasma treatment. Finally, it was suggested that the inactivation rates reached were not caused by the thermal effect. Thus, it is strongly believed that CAP could be an eco-friendly, cheap, and sustainable technology for food packaging and food tools decontamination.
Highly Reproducible Synthesis of Hollow Zirconia Particles via Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Processing with Inkjet Droplets
Authors: Nitta Kaishu , Sakai Tomoki , Muneoka Hitoshi , Shimizu Yoshiki , Kobayashi Hiromichi , Terashima Kazuo , Ito Tsuyohito
Published: October 2023

Hollow particles have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique properties. In this study, hollow monoclinic zirconia particles were directly synthesized from inkjet droplets of a zirconyl hydroxychloride aqueous solution via atmospheric-pressure plasma processing. Hollow structures with craggy surfaces were obtained in the plasma at gas temperatures above 1000 K. The steep solvent evaporation rate induced by the localized high-energy reaction field of the atmospheric-pressure plasma may have induced solute condensation near the droplet surface and contributed to the formation of hollow particles. The average diameter of the synthesized particles was ~ 3 μm, while their size distribution was narrow (coefficient of variation: 0.06–0.10). The high reproducibility of the synthesized particles was attributed to the small variations in inkjet droplet size. The proposed method enables the rapid synthesis of hollow particles of various inorganic materials, while controlling their number and composition.
Lunar Gravitational-Wave Detection
Authors: Branchesi Marica , Falanga Maurizio , Harms Jan , Jani Karan , Katsanevas Stavros , Lognonné Philippe , Badaracco Francesca , Cacciapuoti Luigi , Cappellaro Enrico , Dell’Agnello Simone , de Raucourt Sébastien , Frigeri Alessandro , Giardini Domenico , Jennrich Oliver , Kawamura Taichi , Korol Valeriya , Landrø Martin , Majstorović Josipa , Marmat Piyush , Mazzali Paolo , Muccino Marco , Patat Ferdinando , Pian Elena , Piran Tsvi , Rosat Severine , Rowan Sheila , Stähler Simon , Tissino Jacopo
Published: October 2023

A new era of lunar exploration has begun bringing immense opportunities for science as well. It has been proposed to deploy a new generation of observatories on the lunar surface for deep studies of our Universe. This includes radio antennas, which would be protected on the far side of the Moon from terrestrial radio interference, and gravitational-wave (GW) detectors, which would profit from the extremely low level of seismic disturbances on the Moon. In recent years, novel concepts have been proposed for lunar GW detectors based on long-baseline laser interferometry or on compact sensors measuring the lunar surface vibrations caused by GWs. In this article, we review the concepts and science opportunities for such instruments on the Moon. In addition to promising breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics and cosmology, lunar GW detectors would also be formidable probes of the lunar internal structure and improve our understanding of the lunar geophysical environment.
Co-constructing knowledge with generative AI tools: Reflections from a CSCL perspective
Authors: Cress Ulrike , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: October 2023

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, have received great attention from researchers, the media, and the public. They are gladly and frequently used for text production by many people. These tools have undeniable strengths but also weaknesses that must be addressed. In this squib we ask to what extent these tools can be employed by users for individual learning as well as for knowledge construction to spark a collective endeavor of developing new insights. We take a social, collective notion of knowledge as a basis and argue that users need to establish a dialog that goes beyond knowledge telling (simply writing what one knows) and stimulates knowledge transformation (converting knowledge into complex relational argumentation structures). Generative AI tools do not have any conceptual knowledge or conscious understanding, as they only use word transitions and rely on probabilities of word classes. We suggest, however, that argumentative dialogs among humans and AI tools can be achieved with appropriate prompts, where emergent processes of joint knowledge construction can take place. Based on this assumption, we inquire into the human and into the AI parts of communication and text production. For our line of argument, we borrow from research on individual and collaborative writing, group cognition, and the co-evolution of cognitive and social systems. We outline future CSCL research paths that might take the human-AI co-construction of knowledge into account in terms of terminology, theory, and methodology.
Parent-Youth Relationships and Youth Alcohol Use: The Moderating Role of Parental Alcohol Use
Authors: Yang Chiao-Yu , Shen April Chiung-Tao , Hsieh Yi-Ping , Huang Ching-Yu , Wei Hsi-Sheng , Feng Jui-Ying , Hwa Hsiao-Lin
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have shown that strong parent-youth relationships serve as a protective factor inhibiting early alcohol use onset among youth, while parental alcohol use as a risk factor. However, little is known about the moderating effect of parental alcohol use on the relationship between parent-youth relationships and youth alcohol use. Using a nationally representative sample of 2,667 junior high school students entering eighth grade (aged 14 to 15) in Taiwan, this study examined the moderating role of parent use of alcohol on the relationship between parent-youth relationships and youth alcohol use. Results show that parent-youth relationship only remains a protective factor for youths whose parents do not drink alcohol; parent-youth relationship increases the likelihood of youth alcohol use if the parents use alcohol. Results suggest that parents and practitioners aiming to prevent early alcohol use onset among junior high school students should be aware of the potential influence of parental alcohol use behaviors and educate youths to assess their health behaviors regardless of their parents’ alcohol use behaviors.
Politikwissenschaftliche Fachkompetenzen für die digital geprägte Arbeitswelt
Authors: Herrmann Thomas , Grabs Janin , Killmann Hannah
Published: October 2023

Studierende auf die Teilhabe an einer digital geprägten Arbeitswelt vorzubereiten, gehört nach den Empfehlungen des Wissenschaftsrates 2022 zu den vordringlichen Aufgaben der Hochschulbildung im 21. Jahrhundert. In der Politikwissenschaft steht die Diskussion über digitale Kompetenzen dagegen noch am Anfang. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift die Fachdebatte zu den Zielen des politikwissenschaftlichen Studiums auf und setzt sie in Beziehung zu den allgemeinen Zielen eines akademischen Studiums. Die sich daraus ergebenden politikwissenschaftlichen Fachkompetenzen bilden den Hintergrund für die Entwicklung und Kontextualisierung eines domänenspezifischen Modells digitaler Kompetenzen. Der zweite Teil des Artikels basiert auf einer qualitativen Studie, in der die Perspektive von Arbeitgeber*innen auf die erforderlichen digitalen Kompetenzen von Politikwissenschaftler*innen ermittelt wird. Die abschließende Reflexion argumentiert, dass wissenschaftliche Arbeitstechniken, empirische Forschungsmethoden und computergestützte Datenanalyse, forschendes Lernen und aktivierende Lehrmethoden die curricularen Anknüpfungspunkte bilden, an denen die Entwicklung von Digitalkompetenzen, die in wissenschaftlichen und beruflichen Kontexten relevant sind, ansetzen kann. Dabei sollten vor allem neue Medien als Präsentationsformate sowie digitale Sozial- und Problemlösungskompetenzen im Kontext kollaborativer Gruppenarbeit stärker fokussiert werden.
Resisting racialization: subjectivation of women of color in and beyond school
Authors: Hinrichsen Merle , Terstegen Saskia
Published: October 2023

Based on poststructuralist theories of subjectivation and racialization, this article examines how experiences of racism at school and (digital) resistance practices interact in the subjectivation of young women of Color. Based on two case studies, each consisting of a biographical interview and a social media post, insights into different forms of racializing subjectivation in school and social media and possible resistance strategies are generated. Racializing subjectivation is summarised as a gradual phenomenon in which subjugation and resistance interact over time.
Bikini-line Hiatal Hernia Repair (BLHHR) During Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Abdelbaki Tamer N
Published: October 2023

Background

To preserve the aesthetic benefits achieved with Bikini line sleeve gastrectomy (BLSG), we have devised a novel approach for simultaneous hiatal hernia repair (HHR), known as bikini-line hiatal hernia repair (BLHHR). This manuscript presents our initial experience with BLHHR and assesses its feasibility and outcomes.

Methods

A prospective preliminary study was conducted on patients who underwent BLHHR between September 2020 and October 2022. Patient demographics, preoperative assessments, operative details, postoperative outcomes, and aesthetic evaluations were recorded. Feasibility and safety were assessed.

Results

Among 891 BLSG patients, 89 (9.9%) underwent BLHHR. The mean distances between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus, symphysis pubis, and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) were 28.8 ± 2.2, 33.9 ± 3.1, and 31.2 ± 1.8 cm, respectively. Optimal visualization and accessibility of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) were achieved without compromising HHR repair or sleeve gastrectomy. The mean operative time was 76.5 ± 11 min, longer than the 58 ± 10 min required for BLSG alone. Patient scar satisfaction ranged from 87.5 to 97.9%, and the mean pain score was 2.9 ± 0.8. No major complications were reported. At 6 months, %EWL (percentage of excess weight loss) was 53.3 ± 13.7%, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) remission was achieved in 62.8% of patients and comorbidities were improved.

Conclusion

BLHHR was potentially feasible and safe. Outcomes related to patient scar satisfaction, weight loss, improvement of associated comorbidities, and GERD symptoms were not compromised. The aesthetic benefits achieved by BLSG were maintained.

Graphical Abstract
Feasibility analysis of the application of building automation and control system and their interaction with occupant behavior
Authors: Bottero Marta , Cavana Giulio , Dell’Anna Federico
Published: October 2023

Occupant behavior is among the main causes for the mismatch between simulated and in-use energy performance of buildings. One of the strategies considered capable of reducing user’s behavior induced energy consumption, while increasing indoor environmental quality is the application of Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS). In this study, three building user’s profiles have been considered depending on their energy consumption. The energy savings due to BACS class increase have been calculated, and a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) has been performed to evaluate the feasibility of different scenarios. Additional co-benefits perceived by the individuals have been accounted for in the form of willingness-to-pay (WTP). The methodology is applied to two case studies: a nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) rural single-family house and a recently renovated dwelling in an apartment block. The results show that the main reductions are achieved by the users’ behavior alone, and the adoption of BACS is economically feasible only when an incentive program is in place, and the WTP is repeated as a recurrent co-benefit over the years. In particular, relying only on energy reduction due to higher BACS class introduction is not economically desirable. The greatest savings are achieved by the behavioral change of the user when coupled with BACS, supporting their potential role in improving user’s energy literacy. Finally, incentive schemes are necessary to reduce the investment costs of such projects, being these the most influential variables in the feasibility of BACS applications.
Contribution Assessment of Northern Hemispheric Atmospheric Circulations to Korean Mid-Summer Surface Warming by the Atmospheric Nudging Experiment
Authors: Lee Min-Hee , Noh El , Kim Joo-Hong , Kim Joowan , Jun Sang-Yoon
Published: October 2023

Anomalous surface warming in Korea has been explained by the high-pressure anomaly accompanied by the vertical sinking motion and weakening of westerlies at the exit of the East Asian Jet. The large-scale circulations linked to this high pressure over East Asia are characterized by the low pressure over the Arctic (AC) and the high pressure over Western Europe (WE), East Asia, and the North Pacific (NP). To assess the contribution of these circulation anomalies to the hot summer in Korea, the four nudging experiments (AC, NP, AC + NP, and WE) are applied to the simulations with 50 different initial conditions in July. As a result, the most similar patterns on local and hemispheric scales are found in the AC + NP nudging experiment. However, the near-surface response in the AC + NP is still weak, and its center shifts to the north compared to the observed, which is induced by the weaker diabatic contribution for the downward motion in the nudging experiment. Using the quasi-geostrophic omega equation, we find that the simulated radiative feedback process is not sufficient to build up the large-scale subsidence with the short nudging period. Despite this limitation, AC + NP well simulates the coherent sinking motion and high-pressure system near Korea by the vorticity advection associated with the upper-level westerlies. It implies that the contribution of the North Pacific circulation (a downstream region) should also be considered to reasonably simulate the East Asia surface warming along with those in the upstream regions.
LGB Female Veterans’ Experience of Military Service During the “Gay Ban”: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Biscoe Natasha , Hendrikx Laura Josephine , Williamson Victoria , Murphy Dominic
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Until 2000, the UK Armed Forces implemented a “gay ban” that led to the investigation and discharge of thousands of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) veterans. Yet, the experiences of those who served during the ban remain unknown. According to the minority stress model, individuals may face specific stressors related to both their gender and sexual minority status. Thus, the present study investigated the military experiences of female veterans who identify as LGB and who served during the ban.

Methods

Female LGB veterans (N = 10) were recruited from a larger cohort of female veterans who previously took part in a survey with a UK national veteran mental health charity. Participants were interviewed online using MS Teams between March and May 2022. A semi-structured interview method was employed to explore participants’ experiences of being LGB within the military as well as perceived differential treatment. Thematic qualitative analysis was used to identify key themes.

Results

Three overarching and seven subthemes were identified, reflecting the risk of being found out, the experience of negative treatment, and possible buffering factors.

Conclusions

Female LGB veterans who served under the “gay ban” faced negative experiences, including fear and distress, sexism, and interpersonal and institutional discrimination related to their (perceived) sexual orientation. In addition to experiencing negative treatment during service similar to non-LGB female veterans, LGB female veterans may face an elevated risk of being targeted and additionally experience sexual orientation discrimination. Findings of the current study are in line with the minority stress model.

Policy Implications

The current findings correspond with US evidence of ongoing negative treatment of LGB serving personnel. Together, this should encourage further investigation of ongoing negative treatment of LGB females within the UK Armed Forces, adaptations of veteran services to address unmet needs of female LGB veterans, and appropriate training to combat negative differential treatment of LGB female serving personnel.
The forerunners and successful partnerships behind the BioNTech mRNA vaccine
Authors: Aygün Ilkin , Barciszewski Jan
Published: October 2023

The discovery of nucleic acids stands as a paramount achievement in the history of scientific endeavors. By applying transformative advancements in the fields of chemistry and physics to biological systems, researchers unveiled the enigmatic nature of life. Notably, messenger RNA (mRNA) emerged as a crucial player in this profound revelation, serving as a transient intermediary for genetic information transfer between genes and proteins. Groundbreaking investigations carried out from 1944 to 1961 led to the initial identification of this pivotal molecule, captivating scientific interest for the past three decades. The field of mRNA research has witnessed a transformative shift owing to the development of cap analogs and nucleotide modifications. This revolutionary progress has fostered a new generation of potent therapeutics. Prior to the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous scientists had already begun exploring the unique properties of mRNA. However, with the onset of the pandemic, mRNA catapulted into the limelight as a heroic agent, providing the foundation for highly effective vaccines that have played a crucial role in mitigating the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The successive generations of cap analogs have significantly enhanced the translation efficacy of mRNA, while the discovery of suitable purification, packaging, and delivery methods has paved the way for groundbreaking medical breakthroughs. Pioneers in the field such as Katalin Karikó, Drew Weissman, Edward Darzynkiewicz, Robert Rhodes, Ugur Sahin, and Ozlem Tureci have made significant contributions during the early stages of mRNA research, warranting acknowledgement for their visionary endeavors. The narrative of mRNA represents a remarkable journey marked by a succession of breakthroughs in a discipline that holds immense promise for the future of medicine. Thanks to the pioneering work of these exceptional scientists, we are well-positioned to unlock the full potential of this extraordinary molecule, ushering in a new era of medical advancements.