bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling entropy generation of magnetohydrodynamics flow of nanofluid in a porous medium: a review
Authors: Zahor Feda Abdalla , Jain Reema , Ali Ahmada Omar , Masanja Verdiana Grace
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review previous research studies on mathematical models for entropy generation in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of nanofluids. In addition, the influence of various parameters on the velocity profiles, temperature profiles and entropy generation was studied. Furthermore, the numerical methods used to solve the model equations were summarized. The underlying purpose was to understand the research gap and develop a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews 141 journal articles published between 2010 and 2022 on topics related to mathematical models used to assess the impacts of various parameters on the entropy generation, heat transfer and velocity of the MHD flow of nanofluids.

Findings

This review clarifies the application of entropy generation mathematical models, identifies areas for future research and provides necessary information for future research in the development of efficient thermodynamic systems. It is hoped that this review paper can provide a basis for further research on the irreversibility of nanofluids flowing through different channels in the development of efficient thermodynamic systems.

Originality/value

Entropy generation analysis and minimization constitute effective approaches for improving the performance of thermodynamic systems. A comprehensive review of the effects of various parameters on entropy generation was performed in this study.
The impact of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being: a person-centered investigation
Authors: Chen Chunxiao , Zhang Jian , Tian Huirong , Bu Xing
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Entrepreneurial passion has important implications for entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being. But their connections are complicated by the fact that three entrepreneurial passions (passion for inventing, passion for founding and passion for developing) can be combined differently according to their level and shape difference. A variable-centered approach cannot explain their relationship very well, by only focusing on the level difference and ignoring the different combination of entrepreneurial passion in subpopulations. The purpose of this study is to explore the function of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being from a person-cantered approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors conducted latent profile analyses to identify different configurations of different entrepreneurial passions (passion for inventing, passion for founding, passion for developing) on two samples of Chinese students and entrepreneurs. Then in the sample of Chinese entrepreneurs, the authors utilized the DCON command in Mplus to provide comparisons among the profiles on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being.

Findings

Based on identity theory, the authors found four entrepreneurial passion profiles across two samples—fully passionate, action-driven, interest-driven and dispassionate. Furthermore, the authors found that fully passionate entrepreneurs showed the highest level of entrepreneurial success, followed by action-driven, and then by interest-driven and dispassionate showed the lowest level. Action-driven entrepreneurs experienced the highest level of psychological well-being, followed by fully passionate entrepreneurs, then by interest-driven and dispassionate.

Originality/value

The results provide new insights into the nature and influence of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being from a person-centered perspective.
A bibliometric analysis of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM)
Authors: Srivastava Mukta , Saini Gordhan K.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to unpack the knowledge structure of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), examine its applications in various domains and propose future research directions using bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves the bibliometric analysis of 279 articles retrieved from Scopus using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. The authors used trend topic analysis, bibliographic coupling, cluster analysis and content analysis as the analytical methods.

Findings

The study revealed the most influential authors, journals, articles and countries in the domain. The keyword analyses showed that initially, the model was used in the field of “persuasion” and “persuasive communication”; however, in the past five years, it has been widely adopted in different areas such as “crowdsourcing,” “decision support systems” and “information systems.” Bibliographic coupling combined with content analysis resulted in seven clusters: ELM in marketing communications, ELM in information system research, ELM in the service context, ELM in advertising research, ELM and electronic word-of-mouth, ELM and trust in the online context and ELM in other contexts.

Originality/value

The study provides a bibliometric analysis of the ELM, offers useful future research directions to the scholars of different domains and highlights implications for managers.
The ‘Service Transformation Outline’ toolkit to assist in the design, comparison and replication of integrated care programmes
Authors: Rossi Mori Angelo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The author is introducing a toolkit that can assist stakeholders to design, compare and replicate integrated care programmes, by making explicit their view on the transformations of care and cure services, according to a structured template. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The toolkit is made of two elements: a classification and a template. The author adopted a step-wise approach of semantic modelling to work out three layers of a classification in the domain of integration needs related to care and cure services. The third layer consists of 23 non-overlapping classes that fully cover that semantic domain. The classes are used to build a template to elicit the stakeholder's standpoint about the transformations involved in the deployment of a programme. The result is the «Outline» of the programme.

Findings

So far, in eight years the author applied the toolkit to 100+ programmes either to design, simulate or evaluate them, either to compare them to similar ones in the same or in different jurisdictions, and we refined the description of the classes according to that experience.

Research limitations/implications

The objective of the toolkit is not to provide solutions, but to stimulate reflections on the transformations involved in a programme and their practical consequences in a precise context. In fact, the Outlines cannot be generalized: they are conceived to reflect the perspective of the stakeholders and thus are intrinsically subjective; in addition, they must be contingent, as they must depend on the local context in the particular timeframe. In case of similar initiatives in other localities, the Outlines must be filled in again by the local stakeholders; however, a subsequent comparison could help to explore similarities and motivated differences.

Practical implications

Ideally the stakeholders should use the Outline of the actual transformations in a programme as a reference to mediate between the principles and the methodologies provided by the «Models» and «Conceptual Frameworks» in the literature (e.g. Chronic Care Model, Rainbow Model, Development Model of Integrated Care Patient-Centered Medical Home and Maturity Models) and the deeper studies using the specific tools developed in their disciplines (e.g. on information modelling, process modelling, cost–benefit analysis and health technology assessment). The toolkit could have its role also in a multi-annual roadmap made of a sequence of programmes to cope with the urgent challenges on ageing, social changes and technological evolution, in synergy with regulations, budget, context maturity, critical success factors and local priorities.

Originality/value

The author argues that the approach of the structured Outline is unique, as the scoring mechanism to assess the relevance of the transformation within each class on the overall change brought by the whole programme into the health systems.
Innovativeness and export competitiveness in the East African Community
Authors: Olyanga Anthony Moni , Shinyekwa Isaac M.B. , Ngoma Muhammed , Nkote Isaac Nabeta , Esemu Timothy , Kamya Moses
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of innovation indicators: Internet usage, patent rights, innovation in exporting countries and innovation in the importing country on the export competitiveness of firms in the East African Community (EAC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the structural gravity model and the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood a nonlinear estimation method that was applied in STATA on balanced panel data from 2007 to 2018. Data were obtained from World Bank International Trade Center and World Bank development indicators.

Findings

Results show that innovation in the importing country, innovation in the exporting country and patent rights of exports are positive and significant predictors of export competitiveness in developing countries. While Internet usage is an insignificant predictor in the EAC.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to examine the complicated nature of the EAC economy to further this study's findings.

Practical implications

Exporting countries need to take deeper reforms as regards structural transformation to enable firms to integrate into the Global Value Chains (GVCs) to enable them to increase their productivity by reviewing the existing policies to match the changes in the market.

Originality/value

This study explains the complex dynamic interactions of technological innovation indicators in the EAC using quantitative data and that this interaction has an effect on the export competitiveness in import-oriented countries with less harmonization in their trade policies.
Integrating Virtual Reality and interactive game for learning structures in architecture: the case of ancient Chinese dougong cognition
Authors: Pei Wanyu , Lo Tian Tian Sky , Guo Xiangmin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Ancient Chinese architecture is famous for its wooden frame structure and unique position in world architecture history. As numerous types of components and complex combinations exist, the overall structural system and how they are interlocked have always been crucial but challenging parts of the study. Students find it hard to understand and remember the concepts using traditional 2D paper media, making such knowledge unattractive to pass on to the new generation. To overcome the challenges, this research aims to examine the effect of combining Virtual Reality (VR) with digital interaction games in learning structural characteristics (dougong) of ancient Chinese architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

This research develops an interactive cognitive system in the VR environment based on constructivist theory to improve the learning approach of ancient Chinese architecture. Applying an experimental procedure, the feedback of an experimental group using the VR cognition system and a control group using traditional learning 2D media are collected to examine the differences in learning effectiveness and user experience.

Findings

This study develops an interactive cognitive system to aid in learning the structural system of ancient Chinese architecture. The results indicate that integrating VR and interactive learning games can increase students' positive attitudes and learning effectiveness towards ancient Chinese architecture.

Originality/value

This study integrates VR technology and interactive games to improve the learning approach. It examines the effect of applying the concept of human–computer interaction in learning ancient Chinese buildings. The concept of designing the interactive cognitive system is expected to guide students gradually to be the main body of learning and stimulate their learning enthusiasm and motivation.
Global Enterprises: contemporarisation of khadi products in India
Authors: Swain Sasmita , Patoju Sri Krishna Sudheer
Published: September 2022

Theoretical basis

This paper aims to explain the theory of stakeholder, value chain analysis and triple bottom line sustainability approach.

Research methodology

The present case was developed from both primary and secondary data sources. The primary sources included visits to Global Enterprises and collected data through a structured interview. The secondary sources included enterprise annual reports and websites.

Case overview/synopsis

This case presents the innovative approach adopted by a for-profit social enterprise, utilizing locally available resources, changed products and an improved business model to deliver the desired social impact. It highlights the challenges social entrepreneurs face and how the people at the grass-root level are uplifted through the success of a social entrepreneurial venture. The case study is based on an interview conducted with the founder and managing director of Global Enterprises and other stakeholders (farmers, women artisans and employees). An interview schedule was used for conducting the interviews. The researchers tried to understand the business model deployed, stakeholders involved, challenges faced, competencies needed and strategic decisions made by the social entrepreneur that helped the enterprise become sustainable. The social problems identified by the entrepreneur include unavailability of quality raw material at a reasonable price on time; financial scarcity and massive dependence on non-institutional financial sources; lack of product development, market research and production; and the high price of handmade products compared to factory-made products. The case explains how the entrepreneur addressed the problems of cotton farmers, women artisans and local youths through his enterprise. The case also explains how he could make a social venture sustainable in the long run.

Complexity academic level

This case targets graduate-level students and is designed to be taught in Entrepreneurship, Social entrepreneurship, Rural entrepreneurship, Business administration and Entrepreneurship development. It can also be used for other programmes, where problem identification, opportunity recognition, stakeholder analysis and porter's value chain analysis are taught.
Resistance of subarctic soil fungal and invertebrate communities to disruption of below‐ground carbon supply
Authors: Parker Thomas C. , Chomel Mathilde , Clemmensen Karina E. , Friggens Nina L. , Hartley Iain P. , Johnson David , Kater Ilona , Krab Eveline J. , Lindahl Björn D. , Street Lorna E. , Subke Jens‐Arne , Wookey Philip A.
Published: September 2022

The supply of recent photosynthate from plants to soils is thought to be a critical mechanism regulating the activity and diversity of soil biota. In the Arctic, large‐scale vegetation transitions are underway in response to warming, and there is an urgent need to understand how these changes affect soil biodiversity and function.

We investigated how abundance and diversity of soil fungi and invertebrates responded to a reduction in fresh below‐ground photosynthate supply in treeline birch and willow, achieved using stem girdling. We hypothesised that birch forest would support greater abundance of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal species and fauna than willow shrubs, and that girdling would result in a rapid switch from ECM fungi to saprotrophs as canopy supply of C was cut, with a concomitant decline in soil fauna.

Birch forest had greater fungal and faunal abundance with a large contribution of root‐associated ascomycetes (ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and root endophytes) compared to willow shrub plots, which had a higher proportion of saprotrophs and, contrary to our expectations, ECM fungi. Broad‐scale soil fungal and faunal functional group composition was not significantly changed by girdling, even in the third year of treatment. Within the ECM community, there were some changes, with genera that are believed to be particularly C‐demanding declining in girdled plots. However, it was notable how most ECM fungi remained present after 3 years of isolation of the below‐ground compartment from contemporary photosynthate supply.

Synthesis. In a treeline/tundra ecosystem, distinct soil communities existed in contrasting vegetation patches within the landscape, but the structure of these communities was resistant to canopy disturbance and concomitant reduction of autotrophic C inputs.
Far‐right boundary construction towards the “other”: Visual communication of Danish People’s Party on social media
Authors: Awad Sarah , Doerr Nicole , Nissen Anita
Published: September 2022

This paper explores how images are used in online far‐right political communication to create distinct groups of “otherness.” Focusing on the Danish People's Party, we look at how symbolic boundaries are constructed through images to emphasize an exclusive conception of the nation and its citizens, who need protection from the threatening “others.” In order to understand the global rise of the far right, scholars of social movements and digital media have called for new research on how visual images serve the mainstreaming of extremist and nationalist beliefs online. We look at images communicated by the Danish People's Party on their Facebook page, exploring how digital images visually communicate the party's slogan of “Safety and trust” (in Danish: “Tryghed og tillid”). With a focus on boundary construction, we present a multimodal visual analysis of 1120 images posted by the party from 2012 to 2020. The data shows how the party constructs an imaginary of Danishness through an exclusionary impermeable boundary construction of a trusted in‐group's values and traditions in opposition to culturally distinct “others.”
“I got so much on my plate”: Understanding care discontinuity for HIV and HCV among formerly incarcerated persons
Authors: Porter Lauren C. , Testa Alexander , Kozerra Meghan , Philippon Cassandra , Remrey Lizabeth , Bijole Phyllis , Kattakuzhy Sarah , Alexander Carla S. , Rosenthal Elana
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore barriers to care continuity among formerly incarcerated persons with HIV and/or hepatitis C.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We draw on data from semi‐structured interviews conducted in 2018–2019 with 30 formerly incarcerated persons and 10 care providers. Data were collected across two clinics in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Study Design

We recruited participants using a combination of nonprobability sampling techniques. Participants completed closed‐ended questionnaires and took part in semi‐structured interviews related to treatment barriers and incentives.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Interviews were transcribed using Express Scribe software and transcriptions were open coded using NVivo 12 software. An iterative process was used to relate and build upon emergent themes in interviews.

Principal Findings

Our study illuminates both internal and external barriers to care continuity. The most common external barriers were system navigation and housing instability. Internal barriers consisted of overlapping issues related to mental health, substance use, and feelings of shame and/or denial.

Conclusion

An overarching theme is that formerly incarcerated persons with HIV and/or HCV are grappling with numerous challenges that can threaten their health and health care. These barriers are cumulative, intersecting, and reciprocal.
CladeDate: Calibration information generator for divergence time estimation
Authors: Claramunt Santiago
Published: September 2022

Time‐scaled phylogenetic trees are essential tools in modern biology and node‐based calibrations have been the main approach to time‐tree estimation. But methods for generating the required calibration information are scarce and difficult to parameterize.

Here, I present CladeDate, an R package for the generation of empirical calibration information from the fossil record. CladeDate uses simple mathematical models to estimate the age of a clade and its uncertainty based on fossil times. Using a Monte Carlo approach, CladeDate generates empirical densities representing the uncertainty associated with the age of the clade and fits standard probability density functions that can be used in time‐tree inference software such as BEAST2, MrBayes and MCMCtree.

I show with simulations that the calibration information generated with CladeDate produces accurate time‐trees and compares favourably with more complex methods. I demonstrate the use CladeDate for the generation of calibration information, including point estimates, upper bounds and calibration densities, for passerine birds.

CladeDate is particularly suited for groups with limited fossil information or when assumptions of more complex methods are not met, and provides a general and practical solution to the problem of generating calibration information for divergence time estimation.
Trajectory of plasma syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate during major surgery: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Weinberg Laurence , Yanase Fumitaka , Tosif Shervin , Riedel Bernhard , Bellomo Rinaldo , Hahn Robert G.
Published: September 2022

Background

Surgical trauma‐induced inflammation during major surgery may disrupt endothelial integrity and affect plasma concentrations of glycocalyx constituents, such as syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate. To date, no studies have focused on their perioperative temporal changes.

Methods

As part of a trial, we obtained plasma and urine specimens sampled during the perioperative period in 72 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. The plasma concentration of syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate was measured on five occasions, from baseline to the second postoperative day. Plasma and urinary creatinine and urinary syndecan‐1 concentrations were measured before surgery and on the first postoperative morning.

Results

We observed three different temporal patterns of plasma syndecan‐1 concentration. Group 1 ‘low’ (64% of patients) showed only minor changes from baseline despite a median heparan sulphate increase of 67% (p < .005). Group 2 ‘increase’ (21% of patients) showed a marked increase in median plasma syndecan‐1 from 27 μg/L to 118 μg/L during the first postoperative day (p < .001) with a substantial (+670%; p < .005) increase in median plasma heparan sulphate from 279 to 2196 μg/L. Group 3 ‘high’ (14% of patients) showed a constant elevation of plasma syndecan‐1 to >100 μg/L, but low heparan sulphate levels. The plasma C‐reactive protein concentration did not differ across the three groups and 90% of colon surgeries occurred in Group 1. Treatment with dexamethasone was similar across the three groups. Surgical blood loss, duration of surgery and liver resection were greatest in Group 2.

Conclusion

Changes in syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate after surgery appear to show three different patterns, with the greatest increases in those patients with greater blood loss, more liver surgery and longer operations. These observations suggest that increases in syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate reflect the degree of surgical injury.
MicroRNA‐150‐5p is upregulated in the brain microvasculature during prenatal alcohol exposure and inhibits the angiogenic factor Vezf1
Authors: Perales Gabriela , Westenskow Marissa , Gutierrez Roxana , Caldwell Kevin K. , Allan Andrea M. , Gardiner Amy S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) occur in children who were exposed to alcohol in utero and are manifested in a wide range of neurocognitive deficits. These deficits could be caused by alterations to the cortical microvasculature that are controlled by post‐transcriptional regulators such as microRNAs.

Methods

Using an established mouse model of moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), we isolated cortices (CTX) and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) at embryonic day 18 (E18) and examined the expression of miR‐150‐5p and potential downstream targets. Cellular transfections and intrauterine injections with LNA™ mimics or inhibitors were used to test miR‐150‐5p regulation of novel target vascular endothelial zinc finger 1 (Vezf1). Dual‐luciferase assays were used to assess the direct binding of miR‐150‐5p to the Vezf1 3′UTR. The effects of miR‐150‐5p and Vezf1 on endothelial cell function were determined by in vitro migration and tube formation assays.

Results

We found that miR‐150‐5p was upregulated and Vezf1 was downregulated during PAE in the E18 CTX and BMVECs. Transfection with miR‐150‐5p mimics resulted in decreased Vezf1 expression in BMVECs, while miR‐150‐5p inhibition did the opposite. Dual‐luciferase assays revealed direct binding of miR‐150‐5p with the Vezf1 3′UTR. Intrauterine injections showed that miR‐150‐5p regulates the expression of Vezf1 in vivo during PAE. miR‐150‐5p overexpression decreased BMVEC migration and tube formation, while miR‐150‐5p inhibition enhanced migration and tube formation. Vezf1 overexpression rescued the effects of the miR‐150‐5p mimic. Alcohol treatment of BMVECs increased miR‐150‐5p expression and inhibited migration and tube formation. Finally, miR‐150‐5p inhibition and Vezf1 overexpression rescued the negative effects of alcohol on migration and tube formation.

Conclusions

miR‐150‐5p regulation of Vezf1 results in altered endothelial cell function during alcohol exposure. Further, miR‐150‐5p inhibition of Vezf1 may adversely alter the development of the cortical microvasculature during PAE and contribute to deficits seen in patients with FASD.
Associations between nicotine vaping uptake and cigarette smoking cessation vary by smokers' plans to quit: longitudinal findings from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys
Authors: Kasza Karin A. , Hammond David , Gravely Shannon , O'Connor Richard J. , Meng Gang , East Katherine , Borland Ron , Cummings K. Michael , Fong Geoffrey T. , Hyland Andrew
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Most population studies that evaluate the relationship between nicotine vaping and cigarette cessation focus on limited segments of the smoker population. We evaluated vaping uptake and smoking cessation considering differences in smokers' plans to quit.

Design

Longitudinal International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys were conducted in 2016, 2018 and 2020.

Setting

This study was conducted in the United States, Canada, England and Australia.

Participants

Participants of this study were adult daily cigarette smokers who had not vaped in the past 6 months at baseline and had participated in two or more consecutive waves of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys (n = 2815).

Measurements

Plans to quit cigarette smoking was assessed at baseline (within 6 months, beyond 6 months, not planning to quit) and at follow‐up (within 6 months vs not within 6 months), cigarette smoking cessation was assessed at follow‐up (smoking less than monthly [including complete cessation] vs daily/weekly/monthly smoking) and inter‐wave vaping uptake was assesed between baseline and follow‐up (none, only non‐daily vaping and any daily vaping). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate whether inter‐wave vaping uptake was associated with smoking cessation at follow‐up and with planning to quit at follow‐up, each stratified by plans to quit smoking at baseline.

Findings

Overall, 12.7% of smokers quit smoking. Smokers not initially planning to quit within 6 months experienced higher odds of smoking cessation when they took up daily vaping (32.4%) versus no vaping (6.8%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 8.58; 95% CI, 5.06–14.54). Among smokers planning to quit, smoking cessation rates were similar between those who did and did not take up daily vaping (25.1% vs 16.8%; AOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 0.91–4.00), although we could not account for potential use of cessation aids. Daily vaping uptake was associated with planning to quit smoking at follow‐up among those initially not planning to quit (AOR,6.32; 95% CI, 4.17–9.59).

Conclusions

Uptake of nicotine vaping appears to be strongly associated with cigarette smoking cessation among smokers with no initial plans to quit smoking. Excluding smokers not planning to quit from studies on vaping and smoking cessation may underestimate potential benefit of daily vaping for daily smokers.
Incentivizing and nudging farmers to spread information: Experimental evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Balew Solomon , Bulte Erwin , Abro Zewdu , Kassie Menale
Published: September 2022

Information does not flow freely through social networks. We use an experiment to study knowledge diffusion about an innovation (integrated pest management, IPM) in farmer groups in Ethiopia. Group leaders are incentivized to share knowledge with members through the conditional provision of material or social prestige rewards. We combine incentives with loss‐framed messaging to leverage loss aversion. Incentives increase diffusion effort, and combining incentives with loss‐framed messaging increases effort further. However, the treatments failed to induce follower farmers to experiment with IPM. We also document that reclaiming material rewards is difficult after a long delay, attenuating the effectiveness of the loss frame.
Are historic districts a backdoor for segregation? Yes and no
Authors: Bologna Pavlik Jamie , Zhou Yang
Published: September 2022

We study how historic district programs impact residential segregation in Denver. We find that homebuyers are more likely to be White within historic districts, but official historic designation has no effect on this probability. More specifically, we calculate that the predicted probability of having a White homebuyer increases from 77 to over 80 percent when the home is located within a historic district. Similarly, we find that most transactions flow from White sellers to White buyers, regardless of official designation. Thus, while historic districts tend to be more segregated, official designation does not seem to amplify this existing problem.
A scoping review of the physical health and psychological well‐being of individuals in interracial romantic relationships
Authors: Calderon Patricia S. Pittman , Wong Jen D. , Hodgdon Barbara T.
Published: September 2022

Objective

A scoping review was conducted to document the literature of the impacts of being in a romantic partnership and better physical health and psychological well‐being for individuals who are in an interracial romantic relationship.

Background

In the 50 years since Loving v. Virginia (1967) overturned the ban on interracial romantic relationships, the rates of interracial marriages have quintupled. Although being in a romantic relationship has been associated with better physical health and psychological well‐being outcomes, the population of individuals in interracial romantic relationships has been overlooked.

Method

Informed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005), the study's objectives, inclusion criteria, and methods of analysis for this review were specified in advance and documented. Fourteen studies met the scoping review's inclusion criteria.

Results

The articles were similar in five key areas: use of theory, methods, physical health outcomes, psychological well‐being outcomes, and intimate partner violence. The findings across the studies suggest that individuals in interracial romantic relationships experience poorer physical health and psychological well‐being compared with individuals who partner within their own race.

Conclusion

The theorized benefits of being in a romantic relationship do not seem to apply equally across individuals, particularly among those in interracial romantic relationships.

Implications

Providing support for interracial relationships is critical because the rates of these relationships are expected to increase, and individuals in these relationships are faring worse, despite being more than 50 years removed from anti‐miscegenation laws.
Arid community responses to nitrogen and carbon addition depend on dominant species traits and are decoupled between above‐ and below‐ground biomass
Authors: Campana Sofía , Reyes María Fernanda , Aguiar Martín R.
Published: September 2022

Questions

Arid communities are strongly limited by soil resources including water and nitrogen (N). Plants compete for N with other plants and microorganisms, which are also limited by carbon (C). We propose that above‐ and below‐ground plant responses to soil resources are modulated by community structure (species relative abundances, “mass ratio hypothesis”) and species traits (relative growth rates — RGRs). We evaluated the single and combined effects of soil N and C addition on the above‐ and below‐ground biomass accumulation of perennial grass patches in an arid community, and the mechanisms involved in their responses.

Location

Patagonian steppe, Argentina.

Methods

We added N (2 g N m−2; NH4NO3) and C (330 g C m−2; sucrose) to 1‐m2 field plots in a factorial design. After two years, we harvested above‐ground (n = 5 plots) and below‐ground biomass (n = 10 soil cores) and sorted it by species. We measured potential soil respiration as a proxy of microbial activity.

Results

Total above‐ground biomass increased by 55% as a result of N and decreased by 45% as a result of C addition, in relation to controls. C addition reduced total below‐ground biomass by 42%. The above‐ground differences were associated with changes in the biomass of dominant species according to their RGRs. Poa ligularis (dominant, high RGR) increased by 92% as a result of N addition while Pappostipa speciosa (dominant, low RGR) decreased by 55% as a result of C addition. Intermediate and subordinate grasses did not modify their biomass, independently of their RGR. Potential soil respiration was three times higher in plots with C addition than in control plots.

Conclusions

Community biomass was explained by a combination of mass ratio hypothesis and specific RGR, as dominant grasses controlled above‐ground community responses to N (high‐RGR species) and C addition (low‐RGR species). Our findings highlight the independence between the above‐ and below‐ground processes and the importance of considering community equitability and species characteristics to predict plant community responses to changes in soil resources.
Optimal factors for egg hatchability and larvae development of Barbus altianalis under captivity
Authors: Aruho Cassius , Kimera Bridget , Ddungu Richard , Basiita Rose Komugisha , Bugenyi Fred , Rutaisire Justus
Published: September 2022

Five experiments were conducted to identify optimal temperature, light, water depth, and hatching facility suitable for the hatchability of Barbus altianalis embryos and larval growth. In experiment I, eggs were incubated at 24, 27, and 30°C with and without aeration. In experiment II, eggs were incubated in conical jars, re‐circulating and glass tanks at 27°C. In experiment III, eggs were incubated at lux values of 54.2 ± 5.5 and 10,701.8 ± 2224.3 SD. In experiment IV, eggs on trays were placed at the bottom of glass tank (60 cm depth) and others at the surface. In experiment V, six old day larvae were treated at 24, 27, 30, and 31°C. Results indicated that optimal embryo hatchability ranged from 92.9 ± 2.0% to 94.1 ± 2.9% (no aeration) at 24°C and 89.3 ± 1.0% to 91.8 ± 0.8% SE at 27°C (aeration) in two trials. Re‐circulating (84.3%) and glass tanks (80.3%) were more suitable for hatching than conical jars (37.2%). Optimal larvae growth and survival were attained at 30°C (207.4 ± 16.3 mg SE; 78.9 ± 2.0% SD). No differences were observed in egg hatchability with light and water depth treatments (p > 0.05). These results will guide farmers to produce sufficient and quality B. altianalis seeds for farming.
Strain measurement based on cooperative operation with different smartphones
Authors: Xie Botao , Zhang Lixiao , Ding Mingwei , Li Weijie , Zhao Xuefeng
Published: September 2022

Strain measurement is one of the critical procedures in detecting failures and health monitoring for various structures in the field of civil engineering. This article demonstrates a smartphone‐based cooperative strain measurement method called micro image strain sensing (MISS) for widespread and low‐cost structural strain monitoring. The method relies on smartphones, the piston‐type sensor with a microscope fitted on it, and the Android platform with cloud computing. The detailed principle of the MISS method and fabrication of the MISS sensor and the comparison of measurement accuracy with fiber Bragg grating sensor are presented. The results show that the error is within 10 με., which satisfies the engineering requirement, and the sensor exhibits high flexibility, high reliability, and high linearity. The work highlights the potential of widespread usage and public participation in smartphone‐based strain measurement for the structural health monitoring of the next generation.
Effects of Simo decoction on gastric motility of diabetic rats
Authors: Yan Caihua , Dai Chibing , Liu Na , Qian Wei , Yang Pengchun , Hou Xiaohua
Published: September 2022

Background

To investigate the effects of simo decoction (SMD) on the gastric motility of diabetic rats.

Methods

Diabetic rats were gavaged with various doses of SMD (0.15, 1.5, and 3.0 ml/kg/d) or saline, and their blood glucose levels and body weight were monitored. Gastric emptying and antral motility were assessed by phenol red retention and contractions of antral strips, respectively. The levels of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and neurogenic nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the gastric antrum were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

Results

Gastric emptying was delayed in diabetic rats (p < 0.01 vs. non‐diabetic controls) but accelerated after SMD administration (p < 0.01). The contractions of antral strips were reduced in diabetic rats (p < 0.01 vs. non‐diabetic controls) but improved after SMD intervention (p < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of SP, VIP, and nNOS in diabetic rats were downregulated compared with non‐diabetic controls (all p < 0.01). Simo decoction treatment did not affect the expression of these factors in diabetic rats. The protein levels of SP, VIP, and nNOS in diabetic rats were decreased (p < 0.01), increased (p < 0.01), and comparable (p > 0.05), respectively, in comparison with non‐diabetic controls. Simo decoction administration increased SP protein expression (p < 0.01) and decreased the levels of VIP (p < 0.01) and nNOS (p < 0.01) in diabetic rats.

Conclusions

Simo decoction improved gastric dysmotility of diabetic rats possibly by upregulating SP and downregulating VIP and nNOS.
The impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the epidemiology of male‐killing bacteria
Authors: Fisher Adam M. , Knell Robert J. , Price Tom A. R. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: September 2022

Many arthropod species are vulnerable to infection by bacteria that kill the male offspring of their female hosts. These male‐killing bacteria (MKB) can greatly impact the ecology and evolution of their hosts, particularly when MKB prevalence is high and persistent through time. However, we still do not have a holistic understanding of the key determinants of MKB ecological epidemiology, particularly regarding the interplay between host‐MKB traits and environmental conditions. Here, we derived a mathematical model to analyse the role that several intrinsic and extrinsic factors play in determining MKB epidemiology, and how these factors interact with one another. We found that the invasion threshold and prevalence of MKB is determined by transmission rate and the rate at which female hosts recover from MKB infections. The invasion and prevalence of MKB is also highly sensitive to the extent that MKB can reduce intra‐brood competition by killing male offspring. Environmentally‐induced periodic changes to the epidemiological characteristics of MKB caused a sharp decline and a slow recovery of MKB prevalence and, in some cases, environmental disturbance can drive MKB extinct. Furthermore, the magnitude of the impact that environmental disturbance had on the dynamics of MKB prevalence was heavily modulated by intrinsic factors, particularly intra‐brood competition. This is the first study to explore how both intrinsic and extrinsic factors interact to influence the dynamics of MKB infections over large timescales; our findings are central to predicting the current and future impacts of MKB on host populations.
Low‐value care in musculoskeletal health care: Is there a way forward?
Authors: Hartvigsen Jan , Kamper Steven J. , French Simon D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Low‐value care that wastes resources and harms patients is prevalent in health systems everywhere.

Methods

As part of an invited keynote presentation at the Pain in Motion IV conference held in Maastricht, Holland, in May 2022, we reviewed evidence for low‐value care in musculoskeletal conditions and discussed possible solutions.

Results

Drivers of low‐value care are diverse and affect patients, clinicians, and health systems everywhere. We show that low‐value care for back pian, neck pain, and osteoarthritis is prevalent in all professional groups involved in caring for people who seek care for these conditions. Implementation efforts that aim to reverse low‐value care seem to work better if designed using established conceptual and theoretical frameworks.

Conclusion

Low‐value care is prevalent in the care of people with musculoskeletal conditions. Reducing low‐value care requires behaviour change among patients and clinicians as well as in health systems. There is evidence that behaviour change can be facilitated through good conceptual and theoretical frameworks but not convincing evidence that it changes patient outcomes.
The Glycolysis‐derived α‐Dicarbonyl Metabolite Methylglyoxal is a UVA‐photosensitizer Causing the Photooxidative Elimination of HaCaT Keratinocytes with Induction of Oxidative and Proteotoxic Stress Response Gene Expression†
Authors: de Faria Lopes Lohanna , Jandova Jana , Justiniano Rebecca , Perer Jessica , Baptista Maurício S. , Wondrak Georg T.
Published: September 2022

Cellular oxidative stress contributes to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation‐induced skin photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Light‐driven electron and energy transfer reactions involving non‐DNA chromophores are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin, and the molecular identity of numerous endogenous chromophores acting as UV‐photosensitizers has been explored. Methylglyoxal (MG), a glycolytic byproduct bearing a UV‐active α‐dicarbonyl‐chromophore, is generated under metabolic conditions of increased glycolytic flux, associated with posttranslational protein adduction in human tissue. Here, we undertook a photophysical and photochemical characterization of MG substantiating its fluorescence properties (Stokes shift), phosphorescence lifetime, and quantum yield of singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. Strikingly, upon UV‐excitation (290 nm), a clear emission (around 490 nm) was observed (phosphorescence‐lifetime: 224.2 milliseconds). At micromolar concentrations, MG acts as a UVA‐photosensitizer targeting human HaCaT‐keratinocytes inducing photooxidative stress and caspase‐dependent cell death substantiated by zVADfmk‐rescue and Alexa‐488 caspase‐3 flow cytometry. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that MG (photoexcited by noncytotoxic doses of UVA) elicits expression changes not observable upon isolated MG‐ or UVA‐treatment, with upregulation of the proteotoxic (CRYAB, HSPA6) and oxidative (HMOX1) stress response. Given the metabolic origin of MG and its role in human pathology, future investigations should address the potential involvement of MG‐photosensitizer activity in human skin photodamage.
Risk assessment for handling hazardous substances within the European industry: Available methodologies and research streams
Authors: Peron Mirco , Arena Simone , Paltrinieri Nicola , Sgarbossa Fabio , Boustras Georgios
Published: September 2022

After the Seveso disaster occurred more than 40 years ago, there has been an increasing awareness of the potential impacts that similar accident events can occur in a wide range of process establishments, where the handling and production of hazardous substances pose a real threat to society and the environment. In these industrial sites denominated “Seveso sites,” the urgent need for an effective strategy emerged markedly to handle hazardous activities and to ensure safe conditions. Since then, the main challenging research issues have focused on how to prevent such accident events and how to mitigate their consequences leading to the development of many risk assessment methodologies. In recent years, researchers and practitioners have tried to provide useful overviews of the existing risk assessment methodologies proposing several reviews. However, these reviews are not exhaustive because they are either dated or focus only on one specific topic (e.g., liquefied natural gas, domino effect, etc.). This work aims to overcome the limitations of the current reviews by providing an up‐to‐date and comprehensive overview of the risk assessment methodologies for handling hazardous substances within the European industry. In particular, we have focused on the current techniques for hazards and accident scenarios identification, as well as probability and consequence analyses for both onshore and offshore installations. Thus, we have identified the research streams that have characterized the activities of researchers and practitioners over the years, and we have then presented and discussed the different risk assessment methodologies available concerning the research stream that they belong to.
Contourite channels – Facies model and channel evolution
Authors: de Weger Wouter , Hernandez‐Molina F. Javier , Sierro Francisco Javier , Chiarella Domenico , Llave Estefania , Fedele Juan J. , Rodrigues‐Tovar Francisco Javier , Miguez‐Salas Olmo , Manar Mohamed Amine
Published: September 2022

Despite the rise in published evidence of deep‐marine bottom current processes and associated deposits there are still very few documented outcrop examples. Herein are reported results of a contourite channel system related to the late Miocene palaeo‐Mediterranean Outflow Water in the Rifian Corridor, Morocco. This work aims to unravel the sedimentary evolution and facies distribution based on the study of large morphological features related to contourite channels and their subsequent sandstone dominated infill sequences. It was found that the channel evolution and facies distribution are related to spatiotemporal changes in flow characteristics of the palaeo‐Mediterranean Outflow Water. The recognized channel facies distribution correlates well with previously established bedform stability diagrams. Erosion and upper‐stage flow regime bedforms are associated with the most vigorous bottom currents, generally related to its core. Laterally, following the decrease in flow velocity towards the adjacent drift, bedforms comprise dunes, lower‐stage plane bedforms and more heterolithic facies. Similar facies changes are also observed down‐channel, related to a decrease in flow velocities resulting from turbulent mixing of water masses, associated decreases in density gradients and the subsequent deceleration due to gravity. Results of this work have been used to propose a three‐dimensional facies model for channelized sandy contourites. This study contributes to understanding contourite systems, thus benefitting oceanographic and climatic reconstructions as well as aiding the predictability of contourite channel systems for industry geoscience applications.