bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of communicating uncertainty around statistics, on public trust
Authors: Kerr John , van der Bles Anne-Marthe , Dryhurst Sarah , Schneider Claudia R. , Chopurian Vivien , Freeman Alexandra L. J. , van der Linden Sander
Published: November 2023

Uncertainty around statistics is inevitable. However, communicators of uncertain statistics, particularly in high-stakes and potentially political circumstances, may be concerned that presenting uncertainties could undermine the perceived trustworthiness of the information or its source. In a large survey experiment (Study 1;
N
= 10 519), we report that communicating uncertainty around present COVID-19 statistics in the form of a numeric range (versus no uncertainty) may lead to slightly lower perceived trustworthiness of the number presented but has no impact on perceived trustworthiness of the source of the information. We also show that this minimal impact of numeric uncertainty on trustworthiness is also present when communicating future, projected COVID-19 statistics (Study 2;
N
= 2,309). Conversely, we find statements about the mere existence of uncertainty, without quantification, can reduce both perceived trustworthiness of the numbers and of their source. Our findings add to others suggesting that communicators can be transparent about statistical uncertainty without undermining their credibility as a source but should endeavour to provide a quantification, such as a numeric range, where possible.
Conspicuous stripes on prey capture attention and reduce attacks by foraging jumping spiders
Authors: Gawel Lauren , Powell Erin C. , Brock Michelle , Taylor Lisa A.
Published: November 2023

Many animals avoid predation using aposematic displays that pair toxic/dangerous defences with conspicuous achromatic warning patterns, such as high-contrast stripes. To understand how these prey defences work, we need to understand the decision-making of visual predators. Here we gave two species of jumping spiders (
Phidippus regius
and
Habronattus trimaculatus
) choice tests using live termites that had their back patterns manipulated using paper capes (solid white, solid black, striped). For
P. regius,
black and striped termites were quicker to capture attention. Yet despite this increased attention, striped termites were attacked at lower rates than either white or black. This suggests that the termite's contrast with the background elicits attention, but the internal striped body patterning reduces attacks. Results from tests with
H. trimaculatus
were qualitatively similar but did not meet the threshold for statistical significance. Additional exploratory analyses suggest that attention to and aversion to stripes is at least partially innate and provide further insight into how decision-making played out during trials. Because of their rich diversity (over 6500 species) that includes variation in natural history, toxin susceptibility and degree of colour vision, jumping spiders are well suited to test broad generalizations about how and why aposematic displays work.
Reconstructing Pleistocene Australian herbivore megafauna diet using calcium and strontium isotopes
Authors: Koutamanis Dafne , McCurry Matthew , Tacail Theo , Dosseto Anthony
Published: November 2023

Isotopes in fossil tooth enamel provide robust tools for reconstructing food webs, which have been understudied in Australian megafauna. To delineate the isotopic composition of primary consumers and understand dietary behaviour at the base of the food web, we investigate calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr) isotope compositions of Pleistocene marsupial herbivores from Wellington Caves and Bingara (New South Wales, Australia). Sr isotopes suggest small home ranges across giant and smaller marsupial herbivores. Ca isotopes in Pleistocene marsupial herbivores cover the same range as those in modern wombats and placental herbivores. Early forming teeth are depleted in heavy Ca isotopes compared to late-forming teeth of a given individual, suggesting a weaning signal. Distinct Ca compositions between taxa can be interpreted as dietary niches. Some niches conform to previous dietary reconstructions of taxa, while others provide new insights into niche differentiation across Australian herbivores. Combined with the small roaming ranges suggested by Sr isotopes, the Ca isotope niche diversity suggests rich ecosystems, supporting a diversity of taxa with various diets in a small area.
Sexual antagonism in sequential hermaphrodites
Authors: Hitchcock Thomas J. , Gardner Andy
Published: November 2023

Females and males may have distinct phenotypic optima, but share essentially the same complement of genes, potentially leading to trade-offs between attaining high fitness through female versus male reproductive success. Such sexual antagonism may be particularly acute in hermaphrodites, where both reproductive strategies are housed within a single individual. While previous models have focused on simultaneous hermaphroditism, we lack theory for how sexual antagonism may play out under sequential hermaphroditism, which has the additional complexities of age-structure. Here, we develop a formal theory of sexual antagonism in sequential hermaphrodites. First, we construct a general theoretical overview of the problem, then consider different types of sexually antagonistic and life-history trade-offs, under different modes of genetic inheritance (autosomal or cytoplasmic), and different forms of sequential hermaphroditism (protogynous, protoandrous or bidirectional). Finally, we provide a concrete illustration of these general patterns by developing a two-stage two-sex model, which yields conditions for both invasion of sexually antagonistic alleles and maintenance of sexually antagonistic polymorphisms.
Preparation of antiviral multispray with cationic antimicrobial dialkyldimethyl ammonium salt and sulfobetaine against new coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Morioka Masahiko , Shimaoka Daisuke , Ohnishi Mamoru
Published: November 2023

The novel sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is an enveloped virus currently causing severe illness and death worldwide. Common antiseptics such as alcohol have some efficacy in disinfecting everyday surroundings, but development of more effective disinfectants is imperative. A series of studies focusing on cationic antimicrobials resulted in the development of a safe and effective novel coronavirus disinfectant, DEA-171, which provides ≥99.98% inhibition of all novel coronavirus variants within 1 min.
Tessaracoccus caeni sp. nov., a novel member of Propionibacteriaceae isolated from activated sludge in Hefei, PR China
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Han , Wang Xin , Wang Shanhui , Jiao Dian , Yuan Siliang , Dai Jingcheng , Liu Yaqi , Li Yan , Li Shuyang , Qiu Dongru
Published: November 2023

A floc-forming bacterial strain, designated HF-7T, was isolated from the activated sludge of an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Hefei, PR China. Cells of this strain were Gram-stain-positive, catalase- and oxidase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, and rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 20–42 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 5.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 7.5) and with 0–8.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1 %). The major fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The DNA G+C content was 67 mol% from whole genomic sequence analysis. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, this strain should be assigned to the genus

Tessaracoccus

and is closely related to

Tessaracoccus arenae

CAU 1319T (95.87 % similarity),

Tessaracoccus lapidicaptus

IPBSL-7T (95.19 %) and

Tessaracoccus bendigoensis

Ben 106T (94.63 %) but separated from them by large distances in different phylogenetic trees. Based on whole genome analysis, the orthologous average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values against two of the closest relatives were 75.21–76.50 % and 14.2–24.4 %, respectively. The phylogenetic, genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data demonstrated that strain HF-7T could be distinguished from its phylogenetically related species and represents a novel species within the genus

Tessaracoccus

, for which the name Tessaracoccus caeni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HF-7T (=KCTC 49959T=CCTCC AB 2023019T).
The Effects of Progressive Resistance Strength Training on Pain, Mobility and Activities of Daily Living among Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad Tariq , Hamid Mohamad Shariff A , Hafiz Eliza , Chaudhary Farid Ahmad , Khan Muhammad Irfan
Published: November 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive resistance strength training of lower limb rehabilitation protocol (LLRP) on pain, activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility among knee OA patients who are overweight or obese.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-six overweight or obese knee OA patients were included and randomly assigned to a Rehabilitation Protocol Group (RPG) or Control Group (CG). The patients in the RPG performed the progressive resistance strength training of LLRP and followed the instructions of daily care (IDC) for duration of twelve weeks at home. The patients in the CG followed the IDC (conventional treatment) only. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after the interventions in both groups by comparing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score for pain, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test score for mobility and Katz Index of Independence scores for ADL.

Results

The patients in the RPG reported significant improvements in WOMAC score for pain (p = 0.001), Katz Index of Independence scores for ADL (p = 0.003) and TUG test score for mobility (p = 0.004). The patients in the CG also reported significant improvements in WOMAC score for pain (p = 0.002) and ADL (p = 0.052), but not in mobility score (p = 0.065). The improvement in the pain and ADL scores was greater in the patients of RPG than the CG with p-value of 0.001 and 0.000 respectively.

Conclusion

The progressive resistance strength training of LLRP is effective in terms of reducing pain, improving mobility and ADL among knee OA patients who are overweight or obese.
Membranous Nephropathy: Muti-omics Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis
Authors: Su Zhihang , Liu Wen , Yin Zheng , Wu Di , Cheng Yuan , Wan Qijun
Published: November 2023

Background

The currently available medications for treating membranous nephropathy (MN) still have unsatisfactory efficacy in inhibiting disease recurrence, slowing down its progression, and even halting the development of end-stage renal disease. There is still a need to develop novel drugs targeting MN.

Methods

We utilized summary statistics of MN from the Kiryluk Lab and obtained plasma proteins from Zheng et al., Decode, and UKBioBank and gene data from eQTLgen and GTEX. We performed a two-sample Bidirectional mediation Mendelian randomization analysis, SMR analysis, HEIDI test, Bayesian colocalization, phenotype scanning, external validation, mediation analysis, drug bank analysis, and protein-protein interaction network.

Results

The Mendelian randomization analysis uncovered 8 distinct proteins associated with MN after False Discovery Rate multiple correction. Proteins associated with an increased risk of MN in plasma include ABO [(Histo-Blood Group Abo System Transferase) (WR OR = 1.116, 95%CI:1.047-1.190, FDR=0.090, PPH4 = 0.795)], VWF [(Von Willebrand Factor) (WR OR = 1.412, 95%CI:1.157-1.725, FDR=0.018, PPH4 = 0.816)] and CD209 [(Cd209 Antigen) (WR OR = 1.187, 95%CI:1.074-1.312, FDR=0.090, PPH4 = 0.795)], and proteins that have a protective effect on MN: HRG [(Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein) (WR OR = 1.814, 95%CI:1.345-2.445, FDR=0.018, PPH4 = 0.797)], CD27 [(Cd27 Antigen) (WR OR = 0.785, 95%CI:0.681-0.904, FDR=0.018, PPH4 = 0.797)], LRPPRC [(Leucine-Rich Ppr Motif-Containing Protein, Mitochondrial) (WR OR = 0.790, 95%CI:0.688-0.907, FDR=0.090, PPH4 = 0.797)], TIMP4 [(Cd27 Antigen) (WR OR = 0.666, 95%CI:0.527-0.840, FDR=0.090PPH4 = 0.833)] and MAP2K4 [(Metalloproteinase Inhibitor 4) (WR OR = 0.815, 95%CI:0.723-0.919, FDR=0.090, PPH4 = 0.797)]. None of these proteins exhibited a reverse causal relationship. Bayesian colocalization analysis provided evidence that all of them share variants with MN. In external validation, ABO, CD27, HRG, MAP2K4, TIMP4, and VWF showed significant mediation results. We identified type 1 diabetes, trunk fat, and asthma as having intermediate effects in these pathways. We discovered several genes that are causally related to MN.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive analysis indicates a causal effect of ABO, CD209, CD27, HRG, LRPPRC, MAP2K4, and TIMP4 at the genetically determined circulating levels on the risk of MN. These proteins have the potential to be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of MN. We identified type 1 diabetes, trunk fat, and asthma as having intermediate effects in these pathways. We discovered several genes that are causally related to MN.
COPD with elevated sputum group 2 innate lymphoid cells is characterized by severe disease
Authors: Flayer Cameron H. , Linderholm Angela L. , Ge Moyar Q. , Juarez Maya , Franzi Lisa , Tham Tina , Teuber Melissa , Liao Shu-Yi , Schivo Michael , Kuhn Brooks , Zeki Amir , Haczku Angela
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Pulmonary innate immune cells play a central role in the initiation and perpetuation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however the precise mechanisms that orchestrate the development and severity of COPD are poorly understood.

Objectives

We hypothesized that the recently described family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play an important role in COPD.

Methods

Subjects with COPD and healthy controls were clinically evaluated, and their sputum samples were assessed by flow cytometry. A mouse model of spontaneous COPD [genetically deficient in surfactant protein-D (SP-D-/-)] and ozone (O3) exposure were used to examine the mechanism by which lack of functional SP-D may skew ILC2s to produce IL-17A in combination with IL-5 and IL-13, leading to a mixed inflammatory profile and more severe disease.

Measurements and Main Results

COPD was characterized by poor spirometry, sputum inflammation, and the emergence of sputum GATA3+ILCs (ILC2s), but not T-bet+ILCs (ILC1s) nor RORγt+ILCs (ILC3s). COPD subjects with elevated sputum ILC2s (the ILC2highgroup) had worse spirometry and sputum neutrophilia and eosinophilia than healthy and ILC2lowsubjects. This was associated with the presence of dual-positive IL-5+IL-17A+and IL-13+IL-17A+ILCs and nonfunctional SP-D in the sputum in ILC2highsubjects. SP-D-/-mice showed spontaneous airway neutrophilia. Lack of SP-D in the mouse lung licensed ILC2s to produce IL-17A, which was dose-dependently inhibited by recombinant SP-D. SP-D-/-mice showed enhanced susceptibility to O3-induced airway neutrophilia, which was associated with the emergence of inflammatory IL-13+IL-17A+ILCs.

Conclusions

We report that the presence of sputum ILC2s predicts the severity of COPD, and unravel a novel pathway of IL-17A plasticity in lung ILC2s, prevented by the immunomodulatory protein SP-D.
A simple correction to adjust for sampling biases in phylogeographic discrete trait analysis
Authors: Jorgensen David , Pons-Salort Margarita , Grassly Nicholas C
Published: November 2023

Discrete trait analysis (DTA) methods are widely used to infer patterns of movement between discrete geographic locations from genetic sequence data as they are simple and fast to implement. With the increasing interest in phylogeography for pathogen genomic epidemiology, accounting for and understanding the limitations of the methods used is becoming increasingly important. Applying DTA to location makes several strong simplifying assumptions, including the assumption of equal sampling probability across locations. This may lead to biased estimates of migration rates and ancestral locations where sampling rates vary. Here we investigate these biases using simulated migration and transmission data. We propose a simple correction to DTA for unequal sampling probability across locations when sampling rates are known or can be estimated. This correction to the migration rate matrix can be applied only to phylogenetic branches leading to sampled tips or to the whole phylogeny. We assess the performance of this correction using simulated data for a range of endemic transmission scenarios with varied sampling and migration rates. In a simple, two-location, case the correction performs significantly better than a standard DTA method in three of the four sampling rate distributions investigated. Applying the correction across only the tips of the phylogeny and over the full depth of the tree gives similar results, with the correction only at the tips performing marginally better in this simple two-location simulation. As migration is a key driver of infectious disease spread, improving estimates of migration with simple phylogenetic methods is a valuable development in infectious disease phylogeography.
iMab Antibody Binds Single-Stranded Cytosine-Rich Sequences and Unfolds DNA i-Motifs
Authors: Boissieras Joseph , Bonnet Hugues , Susanto Maria Fidelia , Gomez Dennis , Granzhan Anton , Defrancq Eric , Dejeu Jérôme
Published: November 2023

i-Motifs (iMs) are non-canonical, four-stranded secondary structures formed by stacking of hemi-protonated CH+·C base pairs in cytosine-rich DNA sequences, predominantly at pH < 7. The presence of iM structures in cells was a matter of debate until the recent development of iM-specific antibody, iMab, that was instrumental for several studies that suggested the existence of iMs in live cells and their putative biological roles. We assessed the interaction of iMab with cytosine-rich oligonucleotides by biolayer interferometry (BLI), pull-down assay and bulk-FRET experiments. Our results suggest that binding of iMab to DNA oligonucleotides is governed by the presence of runs of at least two consecutive cytosines and is generally increased in acidic conditions, irrespectively of the capacity of the sequence to adopt, or not, an iM structure. Moreover, the results of the bulk-FRET assay indicate that interaction with iMab results in unfolding of iM structures even in acidic conditions (pH 5.8 or 6.5), similarly to what has been observed with hnRNP K, well-studied single- stranded DNA binding protein. Taken together, our results suggest that iMab actually binds to blocks of 2–3 cytosines in single-stranded DNA, and call for more careful interpretation of results obtained with this antibody.
Aalbo1200: global genetic differentiation and variability of the mosquitoAedes albopictus
Authors: Crawford Jacob E. , Beebe Nigel , Bonizzoni Mariangela , Caputo Beniamino , Carter Brendan H. , Chen Chun-Hong , Cosme Luciano V. , De Marco Carlo Maria , Torre Alessandra della , Estallo Elizabet , Guo Xiang , Liu Wei-Liang , Maringer Kevin , Mains Jimmy , Maynard Andrew , Mogi Motoyoshi , Livdahl Todd , Rose Noah , Scarafia Patricia Y. , Severson Dave , Stein Marina , Surendran Sinnathamby N. , Tuno Nobuko , Wahid Isra , Wang Xiaoming , Xu Jiannong , Yan Guiyan , Yee Don , Armbruster Peter A. , Coccone Adalgisa , White Bradley J.
Published: November 2023

The mosquitoAedes albopictustransmits human viruses including dengue and chikungunya and is an extremely successful invasive species expanding into new regions of the world. New tools are needed to complement existing tools to help monitor and control this species. Genomic resources are improving for this species including genome reference sequences, and whole genome sequencing data will help to catalog genetic diversity in this species and further enable genetic analysis. We collected populations ofAe. albopictusfrom throughout its distribution and generated whole genome sequencing data from population samples. These data will be used to address a number of basic and applied questions for this species. Here, we show genetic differentiation patterns among the tropical and temperate forms, as well as finer scale genetic clustering at the regional and population scale. These data and results will be a valuable resource for further study and tool development for this species.
BACTERIAL DIVERSITY IN ESTUARINE SEDIMENTS IN BRAZILIAN COASTAL: A FOCUS IN BACTERIAL RESISTANCE
Authors: dos Santos Itana Almeida , de Santana Carolina Oliveira , Cruz André Freire , de Oliveira Eddy José Francisco
Published: November 2023

Estuaries are final depositional environments of sediments transported along rivers. Therefore, they give a generalized dimension about the human effluents released in water systems. The development of molecular techniques allowed the study of environmental DNA (eDNA), which can provide a real dimension about the functioning of the microbial communities of those environments and the impacts of human activities. In this context, antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem, caused by irresponsible use of antimicrobial drugs in human and animal health, which has contributed to a selection of bacteria resistant to these drugs. The objective of this study is to identify the main phyla of bacteria and to detect the presence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in different mangroves environments. We observed significant differences between ARGs quantity in each point. Samples collected on Guaibim-2 and Una had bigger diversity of ARGs, while Guaibim-1 had less AGRs diversity. The predominant phyla in all of the samples was Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmecutes. We detectedEnterococcus faecium, Acinetobacter sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faeciumandEnterobacter cloacae,listed bacteria for priority surveillance for World Health Organization on points Una and Guaibim-2.
A general framework for modeling pathogen transmission in co-roosting host communities
Authors: Simonis Molly C. , Becker Daniel J.
Published: November 2023

Cross-species transmission of pathogens can be facilitated by frequent contact among wildlife. Cross-species transmission is often driven by phylogenetic similarity between host species, but the role this plays when multiple host species co-roost is unknown. We developed a generalizable framework for understanding how cross-species transmission is driven by contact among co-roosting species spanning evolutionary similarities and the net impact on roost-level infection prevalence. We developed ordinary differential equation models describing population and infection dynamics between two and three co-roosting species. We parameterized models using co-roosting Neotropical bat systems, with interspecific transmission exponentially declining with phylogenetic distance. To assess the relative contribution of contact rates and phylogenetic similarity, we co-varied intraspecific transmission rates and phylogenetic distances while considering sensitivity to host and pathogen traits. While our models converged on similar equilibria under high intraspecific transmission or long durations of infection and immunity or latency, simulations with lower intraspecific transmission and shorter such periods revealed roost-level prevalence was greatest when hosts were most closely related. However, we identified regions of parameter space where roost-level prevalence also maximized when hosts were distantly related, driven by species-specific traits. Our generalizable models are adaptable to other co-roosting systems and informs our understanding of pathogen spillover.
Nephron progenitors rhythmically alternate between renewal and differentiation phases that synchronize with kidney branching morphogenesis
Authors: Davis Sachin N. , Grindel Samuel H. , Viola John M. , Liu Grace Y. , Liu Jiageng , Qian Grace , Porter Catherine M. , Hughes Alex J.
Published: November 2023

The mammalian kidney achieves massive parallelization of function by exponentially duplicating nephron-forming niches during development. Each niche caps a tip of the ureteric bud epithelium (the future urinary collecting duct tree) as it undergoes branching morphogenesis, while nephron progenitors within niches balance self-renewal and differentiation to early nephron cells. Nephron formation rate approximately matches branching rate over a large fraction of mouse gestation, yet the nature of this apparent pace-maker is unknown. Here we correlate spatial transcriptomics data with branching ‘life-cycle’ to discover rhythmically alternating signatures of nephron progenitor differentiation and renewal across Wnt, Hippo-Yap, retinoic acid (RA), and other pathways. We then find in human stem-cell derived nephron progenitor organoids that Wnt/β-catenin-induced differentiation is converted to a renewal signal when it temporally overlaps with YAP activation. Similar experiments using RA activation indicate a role in setting nephron progenitor exit from the naive state, the spatial extent of differentiation, and nephron segment bias. Together the data suggest that nephron progenitor interpretation of consistent Wnt/β-catenin differentiation signaling in the niche may be modified by rhythmic activity in ancillary pathways to set the pace of nephron formation. This would synchronize nephron formation with ureteric bud branching, which creates new sites for nephron condensation. Our data bring temporal resolution to the renewal vs. differentiation balance in the nephrogenic niche and inform new strategies to achieve self-sustaining nephron formation in synthetic human kidney tissues.
Recovery of Neurophysiological Measures in Post-COVID Fatigue – a 12-month Longitudinal Follow-up Study
Authors: Maffitt Natalie J. , Germann Maria , Baker Anne M.E. , Baker Mark R. , Baker Stuart N. , Soteropoulos Demetris S.
Published: November 2023

One of the major consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the significant incidence of persistent fatigue following resolution of an acute infection (i.e. post-COVID fatigue). We have shown previously that, in comparison to healthy controls, those suffering from post-COVID fatigue exhibit changes in muscle physiology, cortical circuitry, and autonomic function. Whether these changes preceded infection, potentially predisposing people to developing post-COVID fatigue, or whether the changes were a consequence of infection was unclear. Here we present results of a 12-month longitudinal study of 18 participants from the same cohort of post-COVID fatigue sufferers to investigate these correlates of fatigue over time. We report improvements in self-perception of fatigue via questionnaires, as well as significant improvements in objective measures of peripheral muscle fatigue and autonomic function, bringing them closer to healthy controls. Additionally, we found reductions in muscle twitch tension rise times, becoming faster than controls, suggesting that the improvement in muscle fatigability might be due to a process of adaptation rather than simply a return to baseline function.
Longitudinal Analysis of Step Counts in Parkinson’s Disease Patients: Insights from a Web-Based Application
Authors: Gong Yishu , Wang Yuli , Wang Ziyang , Li Xin , Gu Yuan
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the common motor symptoms associated with PD is gait impairment, leading to reduced step count and mobility. Monitoring and analyzing step count data can provide valuable insights into the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of various treatments. The generalized additive model (GAM) model presents the following variables: sex (Male vs. Female, p = 0.03), handedness (Right vs. Left/Both, p = 0.015), PD status of father (Yes vs. No, p = 0.056), COVID-19 status (Yes vs. No, p = 0.008), cohort (PD vs. healthy control, p < 0.0001), the cubic regression spline with three basis functions of age by cohorts (p<0.0001) and the random effect of the individual age trajectories (p = 0.0001) are statistically significant for daily step counts. A web application specifically tailored for step count analysis in PD patients was also developed and it provides a user-friendly interface for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to track and analyze step count data, facilitating personalized treatment plans and enhancing the management of PD.
Analysis of thermsolutal performance and entropy generation for ternary hybrid nanofluid in a partially heated wavy porous cabinet
Authors: Hansda Samrat , Chattopadhyay Anirban , Pandit Swapan K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study comprehensively examines entropy generation and thermosolutal performance of a ternary hybrid nanofluid in a partially active porous cabinet. The purpose of this study is to comprehend the intricate phenomena of double diffusion by investigating the dispersion behavior of Al2O3, CuO, and Ag nanoparticles in water.

Design/methodology/approach

The cabinet design consists of two horizontal walls and two curved walls with the lower border divided into a heated and concentrated region of length b and the remaining sections are adiabatic. The vertical borders are cold and low concentration, while the upper border is adiabatic. Two cavity configurations such as convex and concave are considered. A uniform porous medium is taken within the ternary hybrid nanofluid. This has been characterized by the Brinkman-extended Darcy model. Thermosolutal phenomena are governed by the Navier-Stokes equations and are solved by adopting a higher-order compact scheme.

Findings

The present study focuses on exploring the influence of several well-defined parameters, including Rayleigh number, Darcy number, Lewis number, Buoyancy ratio number, nanoparticle volume concentration and heater size. The results indicate that the ternary hybrid nanofluid outperforms both the mono and hybrid nanofluids in all considered aspects.

Originality/value

This study brings forth a significant contribution by uncovering novel flow features that have previously remained unexplored. By addressing a well-defined problem, the work provides valuable insights into the enhancement of thermal transport, with direct implications for diverse engineering devices such as solar collectors, heat exchangers and microelectronics.
Do technical trading rules outperform the simple buy-and-hold strategy in the cryptocurrency market?
Authors: Jin JunHyeong , Jung JiHoon , Song Kyojik
Published: November 2023

The authors test the weak-form efficiency in cryptocurrency markets using the most recent and comprehensive data as of 2021. The authors apply various technical indicators to take a long or short position on 99 cryptocurrencies and compare the 10-day returns based on the technical trading strategies to the simple buy-and-hold returns. The authors find that the trading strategies based on single indicators or the combination of two indicators do not generate higher returns than buy-and-hold returns among cryptos. These findings suggest that cryptocurrency markets are weak-form efficient in general.
Legitimacy of power exercised by FATF under international law
Authors: Otudor Lovina E. , Bagheri Mahmood
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the legal status of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulatory spread in spite of its limited membership in international law. This is conducted by examining the regime of the FATF with the normative regime of public international law and trying to identify common grounds and conflicts between the two.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted an exploratory approach involving a thorough examination and analysis of accredited text, command papers and reports, archival materials, national obligations, websites as well as other documentary evidence.

Findings

This research gives an empirical determinant of compliance behaviour in response to FATF regulatory standards and the interplay of international law.

Research limitations/implications

The findings here are not exhaustive and could be approached from other perspectives. Researchers are therefore encouraged to engage by testing the findings further, as this is only a blueprint for further research.

Practical implications

This study provides implications for the need to open up the current membership of the FATF, as it appears discriminatory in nature and could inhibit effective compliance with its regulatory standards.

Social implications

FATF regulatory standards do not just revolve around its members and rule-takers but also affect unintended and vulnerable people who were never in contemplation when these regulations were debated without a global consensus.

Originality/value

The main aim of this study is to advocate for a rethink of FATF’s regulatory strategy by ensuring that its operations are more inclusive, where jurisdictions can participate as members, creating a sense of belonging and commitment in the fight against money laundering.
Social media visibility and intellectual capital disclosure. An empirical analysis in the basketball clubs
Authors: L’Abate Vitiana , Raimo Nicola , Rubino Michele , Vitolla Filippo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The sport industry, due to the great importance of intangible assets, represents a field of particular interest for the analysis of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD). However, this sector is still underexplored in the academic literature. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the level of intellectual capital (IC) information disclosed by the most important basketball clubs on their website and the factors capable of influencing the dissemination of such information. Specifically, it examines the impact of social media visibility – in terms of number of social networks, number of posts, number of followers and internet visibility – on the ICD level.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, this study performs a manual content analysis of the websites of the top 80 European and US basketball clubs aimed at analysing the ICD level. Secondly, it provides for a regression analysis to test the impact of social media visibility on the amount of IC information disclosed.

Findings

Empirical results show a low level of ICD among the basketball clubs examined. They also demonstrate the positive impact of number of posts, number of followers and internet visibility on the amount of IC information disclosed online.

Originality/value

This study extends the analysis of the ICD to the sport industry, still little examined by the academic literature. In this regards, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the ICD in the basketball industry.
Plant biodiversity responds more strongly to climate warming and anthropogenic activities than microbial biodiversity in the Qinghai–Tibetan alpine grasslands
Authors: Shangguan Zijian , Jing Xin , Wang Hao , Liu Huiying , Gu Huijie , He Jin‐Sheng
Published: November 2023

Biodiversity serves as the fundamental underpinning for ecosystem functions and services. As a result of human‐induced global change, there is a growing awareness of the substantial alterations in terrestrial above‐ground biodiversity, particularly within alpine regions. However, it remains uncertain whether below‐ground biodiversity will exhibit similar responses, both in terms of magnitude and manner, to anthropogenic global changes as above‐ground biodiversity.

Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the impacts of warming, nutrient addition and grazing on plant and soil microbial biodiversity in alpine grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, which are known to be climate‐sensitive and vulnerable. The analysis included 819 experimental observations from 152 studies, focussing on species richness, Shannon diversity and Pielou's evenness.

We found that plant biodiversity exhibited greater sensitivity to climate warming and anthropogenic activities compared with soil microbial biodiversity. Specifically, plant richness and Shannon diversity were reduced by warming and nutrient addition, while plant evenness was increased by grazing. However, only microbial richness was increased by grazing and microbial evenness was increased by warming slightly.

The responses of biodiversity to climate warming and anthropogenic activities were modulated by multiple factors. Specifically, the negative effects of warming on plant biodiversity were more pronounced in long‐term experiments under warmer or drier environmental conditions. The negative effects of nitrogen addition on biodiversity were enhanced by the intensity and duration of nitrogen treatment. Appropriate intensity and frequency of grazing were beneficial to sustaining plant biodiversity. Soil microbial biodiversity was weakly regulated, where bacterial Shannon diversity was more sensitive to nutrient addition, while fungal species richness was sensitive to grazing.

Synthesis. Our findings reveal a mismatch between above‐ground plant and below‐ground microbial biodiversity in response to climate warming and anthropogenic activities in alpine grasslands, with plant biodiversity being more sensitive. In the context of future global change, plant biodiversity may be at greater risk than soil microbial biodiversity. In addition, biodiversity responses of different experimental and environmental conditions should be distinguished, and more attention is needed on biodiversity conservation in alpine steppe, or areas with warmer and drier environmental conditions, high‐intensity fertilization or heavy grazing.
The gross domestic person? (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Guyer Jane I.
Published: November 2023

On the cusp of what is widely perceived to be seismic economic change, Fioramonti's analysis of the history and power of the GDP is a provocation to anthropologists to unpack its underlying assumptions about the human dimensions of economic life, and to imagine a different set of assumptions for the future. He depicts the presumed most basic unit for GDP analyses, the household, as a “cage”, where all the relevant economic processes go through monetization and formulaic relationships and aspirations. This paper examines the history of the “person” who is necessarily in a “household”: from the household being tax unit, to a domestic unit, to its currently expanding position as a node for the temporary meeting of varied trajectories of life and flows of varied kinds of value. The paper concludes with the challenge to create new metrics as being a challenge to comparison and analytical acuity, drawing on the anthropological archive.
The New Responsive Constitutionalism
Authors: Dixon Rosalind
Published: November 2023

Ideas of responsive law and regulation have been the subject of sustained scholarly attention but only recently have scholars turned their attention to what these ideas mean for constitutional law and governance. The article addresses this gap in the literature by exploring the idea of responsiveness in constitutional design and interpretation. It suggests that the idea of responsive constitutionalism points to the importance of both unwritten and written, and politically and judicially‐enforced, constitutional norms in promoting democratic responsiveness. In turn, responsive constitutionalism also reinforces the value of: (1) institutional pluralism; (2) overlapping institutional authority; (3) multiple access points to institutions; and (4) broad remedial power for relevant institutions, including courts. It further suggests the need for a true balance between constitutional norms that promote rights‐enhancing forms of state action and limits on state action. And finally, it points to the value of strong institutional checks and balances and entrenchment of the ‘minimum core’ of a democratic constitution, but a more flexible set of constraints in other contexts, where the aim of a responsive constitutional model is to promote dialogue between courts and legislators. The article explores these ideas by reference to existing constitutional theoretic ideas but also through illustrations drawn from Australia, Kenya and the United Kingdom.
Habitat selection by Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi): Conservation implications
Authors: Kirathe Joseph Nderitu , Githaiga John Maina , Chira Robert Mutugi , Rubenstein Daniel I.
Published: November 2023

Understanding the spatial dynamics of landscape use by free‐ranging herbivores is essential for species management and conservation in its natural environment. We used Ivelv’s selection index, binary logistic regression analyses and stepwise regression to understand how environmental factors shape habitat selection by the Grevy’s zebra (Equus greyvi). We measured biotic, abiotic and human factors that may influence presence or absence of Grevy’s zebra in Samburu‐Laikipia landscape and showed: (1) during wet periods, percentage perennial grasses, livestock density and grass quality had the greatest effect on Grevy’s zebra presence; but (2) during dry weather periods a different suite of factors determined their landscape distribution, namely, the percentage of tree and bush density, distance to water and overall grass abundance. In addition, different Grevy’s zebra demographic and reproductive classes varied in their response to environmental selective forces, thus demonstrating flexibility in their patterns of habitat selection. While we recommend more detailed studies on how abiotic and biotic interact to shape habitat selection patterns, our findings underscored the need of maintaining both dry and wet season habitats to ensure essential grazing area refugia. Our findings show that ‘soft’ development with controlled livestock stocking rates within the landscape will enhance Grevy’s zebra conservation.
Influence of the type of anatomic resection on anastomotic leak after surgery for colon cancer
Authors: Ng Suat Chin , McCombie Andrew , Frizelle Frank , Eglinton Tim
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Anastomotic leak (AL) after colon cancer resection is feared by surgeons because of its associated morbidity and mortality. Considerable research has been directed at predictive factors for AL, but not the anatomic type of colonic resection. Anecdotally, certain types of resection are associated with higher leak rates although there remains a paucity of data on this. This study aimed to determine the AL rate for different types of colon cancer resection to inform decisions regarding the choice of operation.

Methodology

Retrospective analysis of Bowel Cancer Outcome Registry (BCOR) for all colonic cancer resections with anastomosis between January 2007 and December 2020. Demographic, patient, tumour and outcome data were analysed. AL rates were compared among the different colonic procedures with both univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

20 191 patients who underwent resection with anastomosis for cancer were included in this study. Of these 535 (2.6%) suffered ALs. While the univariate analysis found male sex, procedure type, symptomatic cancers, emergency surgery, unsupervised registrars, conversion to open surgery, medical complications and higher TNM staging were associated with AL, multivariate analysis, found only procedure type remained a significant predictor of AL (total colectomy (OR 4.049, P<0.001), subtotal colectomy (OR 2.477, P<0.001) and extended right hemicolectomy (OR 2.171, P < 0.001)).

Conclusion

AL is more common in extended colonic resections. With growing evidence of similar oncological outcomes between subtotal colectomy and left hemicolectomy for splenic flexure cancers, more limited resections should be considered. The type of colonic resection should be integrated into prediction tools for AL.
Scoping review showed that obesity prevention in Nordic countries had limited effects on children from birth to 7 years of age
Authors: Starnberg Josefine , Renström Lina
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of this scoping review was to map and summarise clinical trials that attempted to prevent obesity in children from birth to 7 years of age in any of the Nordic countries.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL Plus and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for peer‐reviewed papers and registered trials published in English or Swedish. The overall search period was from 1 January 2002 to 13 December 2022. We included randomised and non‐randomised trials initiated from birth to 7 years of age that aimed to prevent obesity in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Results

The search resulted in 414 papers and 14 were included. Despite having diverse settings and designs, none of them reported consistently favourable results for anthropometric outcomes, apart from beneficial trends in subgroups with a high body mass index at baseline. Most studies reported temporarily improved dietary patterns.

Conclusion

There is a gap in the current research about how to best prevent obesity in children. We suggest that researchers should focus on risk groups and that interventions that last a number of years are needed.
Assessing and further developing age‐appropriate information for young people about reporting suspected adverse drug reactions
Authors: Bioletti Louis ,   Alder Hey Research Ambassadors, Woodward Charlotte , Jadeja Mitul , Hawcutt Daniel B.
Published: November 2023

Aims

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Yellow Card scheme (YCS) is the UK's system that collects spontaneous reports about suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Reporting of suspected ADRs by young people (age <19 years) in the UK is extremely uncommon, driving efforts to improve awareness and reporting.

Methods

Quality improvement project, using an anonymous online survey about updated information for young people, distributed through school pupils (age 13–18 years) across the UK through the Alder Hey Research Ambassador programme.

Results

Research Ambassadors were recruited in 21 schools and colleges, generating 2933 responses (15 November 2022–08 April 2023); 6.3% of respondents had heard of the YCS, and 0.8% had previously reported a Yellow Card. There were 307 suspected drug–event combinations reported, 36 of which required attendance at hospital. The updated YCS reporting guide was understood by 92.8% of young people, and 90.8% reported knowing more about ADRs after reading the guide. The percentage of young people ‘Not comfortable’ reporting a suspected ADR decreased from 13.3% (before reading) to 4.1% after reading (P < .000001), and 84.5% of young people reported willingness to report a side effect in the future. The most common comments regarding further improvement of the information were content, or length of the text could be altered in some way (n = 543, 26.1%) and graphic design could be improved (n = 357, 17.2%).

Conclusions

The age‐appropriate information provided met many of their needs, increasing willingness to report. Integration into existing education curricula in the UK would facilitate knowledge transfer and improve reporting.
How our ideological out‐group shapes our emotional response to our shared socio‐political reality
Authors: Elad‐Strenger Julia , Goldenberg Amit , Saguy Tamar , Halperin Eran
Published: November 2023

What shapes our emotional responses to socio‐political events? Following the social identity approach, we suggest that individuals adjust their emotional responses to socio‐political stimuli based on their ideological out‐group's responses, in a manner that preserves the comparative and normative fit of ideological in‐group–out‐group categories. In Study 1 and Study 2 (pre‐registered), Jewish‐Israeli leftists and rightists were exposed to their ideological out‐group's alleged emotional response to a stimulus associated with Israeli‐Palestinian relations, which was either stereotypical (leftists expressing low anger and rightists expressing high anger) or non‐stereotypical (leftists expressing high anger and rightists expressing low anger). Across studies, participants reported more positive affect towards their ideological out‐group when its response to the stimulus was non‐stereotypical versus stereotypical, yet their own response to the stimulus became more “extreme” (towards the low end of the anger scale for leftists, and towards the high end of the anger scale for rightists), shifting farther away from their ideological out‐group norm. Our findings suggest that in highly polarized contexts, where “leftist” and “rightist” identities are largely defined in comparison to one another, the “positioning” of ideological groups relative to one another plays a role in shaping their responses to their shared socio‐political reality.