bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘There's Nothing Wrong With You; You Just Need to Lose Weight’—A Qualitative Exploration of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Women With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Interaction in Seeking Pelvic Healthcare
Authors: Addington Christine , Bradshaw Andy , Hagen Suzanne , McClurg Doreen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Within 10 years of multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, nearly all women will have experienced symptoms associated with bladder, bowel and/or sexual health. Yet despite the impact these symptoms have on physical, psychological and social well‐being, it remains an underserved area within the UK healthcare system.

Study Aim

This research employs a participatory research approach framed within the principles of intersectional feminism to collaboratively investigate the lived experiences of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and healthcare interactions among UK‐based women with MS.

Setting and Participants

Women residing in the United Kingdom with MS were invited to participate in online interviews facilitated by the primary author.

Analysis

A thematic framework analysis offering a structured yet adaptable approach to data collection and interpretation.

Results

One focus group involving four women with MS and seven individual, one‐to‐one interviews with women with MS provided insights into the challenges associated with navigating both MS and PFD. Four main themes included: Navigating MS and PFD; Cycles of Control; Mind, Mobility and Bladder Embodiment; Silenced Voices: The Impact of Taboos/Stigma/Dismissal on Preventing Access and Resistance through Collective Community. Six subthemes were also identified. Taken together, these themes cumulatively reflect PFD as an unmet healthcare need.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore negative healthcare experiences, inadequate information provision and unmet needs related to PFD, emphasising the compounding effects of gender and disability biases.

Impact

We hope that these insights can lay the groundwork for developing tailored therapeutic interventions and improved PFD healthcare for women with MS. Potential solutions include using existing MS support communities.

Public Contributions

Women with MS were actively involved in co‐producing interview scripts for one‐to‐one interviews. The primary author shared study findings at an MS group event, engaging in discussions with over 30 individuals, including people with MS and their loved ones. MS advocates played a pivotal role in contextualising the study within the broader lived experience of MS.
Easing down foreign language listening anxiety: Metacognitive intervention and dialogic interaction
Authors: Bozorgian Hossein , Fallahpour Mohammad Reza , Taghizade Motahare
Published: July 2024

Listening comprehension (LC) occurs when listeners can reasonably interpret a speaker's intention; therefore, reducing foreign language listening anxiety (FLLA) among EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners significantly facilitates their comprehension. Accordingly, the present study was designed to determine the effect of metacognitive intervention (MI) and metacognitive intervention through dialogic interaction (MIDI) on EFL learners’ FLLA. A mixed methods approach was used to hire 90 all‐male, advanced undergraduate students majoring in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), ranging from 18 to 22 years of age, who participated in three groups. The first two groups (N = 60) were experimental groups that received 8 weeks of intervention programs within an 11‐session study focusing on MI and MIDI. Simultaneously, the control group (N = 30) listened to the same audio files the same number of times but without any attention paid to MI or MIDI, and there was no discussion of strategy use after each session. To fulfill the aim of the study, a validated questionnaire on the FLLA scale, IELTS listening recordings along with listening guide sheets and IELTS listening samples, and semi‐structured interviews to investigate learners’ attitudes toward intervention sessions’ effect on their LC and anxiety level were used. The results provided some empirical support that learners benefit from MI and specifically MIDI to reduce the level of their FLLA and further improve LC.
An audit for the inpatient management of patients with severe hypertension without acute end‐organ damage at the Northern Sydney Local Health District
Authors: Kolovos Peter , Esterman Dominic A. , Lynch Grace , Pearson Katheryn , Nanayakkara Upeka , Mather Amanda
Published: July 2024

Severe hypertension without acute end‐organ damage is commonly encountered in inpatients. Despite this, there is a lack of international guidelines to manage this disorder. We conducted an audit to investigate the local practices within our health district. Current practices favour the use of rapidly acting antihypertensive drugs, which have been associated with iatrogenic injury.
Effectiveness of Cognitive‐Based Interventions on Psychological Distress in Adolescents With Physical Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Jiaying , Li Yan , Mei Xiaoxiao , He Honggu , Yu Lu , Ho Grace Wing Ka , Chan Engle Angela
Published: July 2024

Adolescents with physical disabilities experience common psychological distress that interacts with impaired physical function. While cognitive‐based interventions have been implemented for adolescents with physical disabilities, their effects on enhancing psychological health remain uncertain. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the effects of cognitive‐based interventions on the psychological distress of this population and identify optimal components for evidence‐based interventions. Following the PRISMA guideline, nine databases were searched to identify eligible randomised controlled trials examining the effects of cognitive‐based interventions for adolescents with physical disabilities from inception to October 2023. Data syntheses were performed using the R software, employing random‐effects models. Twelve trials involving 1201 participants were identified. The pooled results revealed that cognitive‐based interventions did not yield noticeable effects in reducing anxiety (g = −0.43 for postintervention; −0.14 for medium term; −0.37 for long term), depression (g = −0.05 for postintervention; −0.02 for medium term; −0.15 for long term) and stress levels (g = −0.15) over time. The secondary outcome (physical function) improved significantly in the long term compared to the control groups (g = 0.31). Furthermore, this review identified variations in the effectiveness of CBIs among different recipients, durations and modes of delivery. Given the limited number and overall low quality of identified studies for each outcome, conducting high‐quality randomised controlled trials is recommended to validate the effectiveness of cognitive‐based interventions in reducing psychological distress among adolescents with physical disabilities.
Identifying Protective and Risk Factors for Non‐Suicidal Self‐Injury Among Young Adults in Korea: Insights From Problem Behaviour Theory
Authors: Oh Danbi , Na Hyunjoo
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to identify protective and risk factors related to non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) behaviour among young adults in their 20s in Korea, providing an integrated perspective based on the Problem Behaviour Theory (PBT). The subjects were 650 young people in their 20s recruited through the promotion of mental health welfare centres in Seoul, Gyeonggi‐do and Jeju‐si in Korea. A self‐report scale was used to measure NSSI and resilience, social support, self‐compassion, childhood adversity, depression, anxiety and anger. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS 27.0 program, and hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the protective and risk factors related to NSSI behaviour. As a result of this study, out of 650 participants, 107 (16.46%) were found to have experienced NSSI. The NSSI group was younger and had a higher proportion of females compared with the non‐NSSI group. In addition, self‐compassion was identified as a protective factor and childhood adversity and depression were identified as risk factors associated with NSSI behaviour. The lower the self‐compassion, the higher the childhood adversity and the higher the depression, the higher the likelihood of NSSI behaviour. Based on the results, mental health services should be provided to young people with childhood adversity and high levels of depression, and efforts should be made to respond appropriately to self‐injury crises. In addition, it is considered necessary to develop a program to increase the level of self‐compassion to protect against the NSSI behaviour of young people in their 20s in Korea.
Antibody Response to Symptomatic Infection With SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron Variant Viruses, December 2021–June 2022
Authors: Sandford Ryan , Yadav Ruchi , Noble Emma K. , Sumner Kelsey , Joshi Devyani , Tartof Sara Y. , Wernli Karen J. , Martin Emily T. , Gaglani Manjusha , Zimmerman Richard K. , Talbot H. Keipp , Grijalva Carlos G. , Belongia Edward A. , Carlson Christina , Coughlin Melissa , Flannery Brendan , Pearce Brad , Rogier Eric
Published: July 2024

We describe humoral immune responses in 105 ambulatory patients with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infection. In dried blood spot (DBS) collected within 5 days of illness onset and during convalescence, we measured binding antibody (bAb) against ancestral spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (N) protein using a commercial multiplex bead assay. Geometric mean bAb concentrations against RBD increased by a factor of 2.5 from 1258 to 3189 units/mL and by a factor of 47 against N protein from 5.5 to 259 units/mL between acute illness and convalescence; lower concentrations were associated with greater geometric mean ratios. Paired DBS specimens may be used to evaluate humoral response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
The importance of investigating the impact of simultaneous anthropogenic stressors: the effects of rising temperatures and anthropogenic noise on avian behaviour and cognition
Authors: Blackburn Grace , Soravia Camilla , Ridley Amanda R.
Published: July 2024

Rising temperatures and anthropogenic noise are two of the most pervasive and well researched anthropogenic stressors affecting avian species globally. Despite often triggering similar behavioural responses in birds, and frequently co‐occurring (particularly in urban areas), the impact of these stressors are primarily investigated in isolation. Here, we discuss and compare the most commonly researched effects of anthropogenic noise and rising temperatures on avian behaviour. We then outline recent findings on the impacts of these two stressors on cognition in birds, which underpins many behavioural adjustments. We find that both anthropogenic noise and high temperatures, when investigated in isolation, impact avian behaviours such as foraging, the antipredator response, and interactions with conspecifics. We also find that both these stressors can lead to cognitive impairment, but the occurrence and magnitude of impairment varies depending on the cognitive trait examined. Finally, we discuss the limited studies that have investigated these two anthropogenic stressors simultaneously and outline different scenarios in which additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects of these stressors may occur. We hope our review will stimulate researchers to investigate the simultaneous effects of these and other anthropogenic stressors on the behaviour and cognition of urban‐living wild birds.
miR‐485‐3p targets SIRT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells mediating the occurrence of aortic dissection
Authors: Xie Yuling , Xie Linfeng , Qiu Zhihuang , He Jian , Jiang Fei , Cai Meiling , Lin Yanjuan , Chen Liangwan
Published: July 2024

Studies have demonstrated a close correlation between MicroRNA and the occurrence of aortic dissection (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been fully elucidated and further exploration is still required. In this study, we found that miR‐485‐3p was significantly upregulated in human aortic dissection tissues. Meanwhile, we constructed in vitro AD models in HAVSMCs, HAECs and HAFs and found that the expression of miR‐485‐3p was increased only in HAVSMCs. Overexpression or knockdown of miR‐485‐3p in HAVSMCs could regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, TNF‐α, and NLRP3, as well as the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins BAX/BCL2 and Cleaved caspase3/Caspase3. In the in vivo AD model, we have observed that miR‐485‐3p regulates vascular inflammation and apoptosis, thereby participating in the modulation of AD development in mice. Based on target gene prediction, we have validated that SIRT1 is a downstream target gene of miR‐485‐3p. Furthermore, by administering SIRT1 agonists and inhibitors to mice, we observed that the activation of SIRT1 alleviates vascular inflammation and apoptosis, subsequently reducing the incidence of AD. Additionally, functional reversal experiments revealed that overexpression of SIRT1 in HAVSMCs could reverse the cell inflammation and apoptosis mediated by miR‐485‐3p. Therefore, our research suggests that miR‐485‐3p can aggravate inflammation and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells by suppressing the expression of SIRT1, thereby promoting the progression of aortic dissection.
Precision medicine and patient‐centered outcomes: Learning from APOE for prevention clinical trials in older adults
Authors: Pajewski Nicholas M.
Published: July 2024

This editorial comments on the article by Clocchiatti‐Tuozzo et al.
Transition to work: A qualitative exploration of Australian‐trained international dietetic graduates' career trajectories
Authors: Chow Ying Pik , Wong Cho Wan , Blair Merran , Choi Tammie
Published: July 2024

Background

Interest in the role of employability in student–dietitian transitions is increasing. However, little is known about the cross‐cultural transition‐to‐work experience of Australian‐trained dietetic graduates of international backgrounds, as well as strategies to optimise work‐readiness. The present study aimed to explore graduates’ career narratives and identify employability capitals that enabled successful transitions to work.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive approach was employed via a cultural lens. Eighteen participants from five Asian countries who had graduated from an Australian university within 3–15 years, with work experience in Australia or in their respective home countries, took part in in‐depth interviews. Thematic analysis was performed, guided by the graduate capitals based approach.

Results

Transition‐to‐work was dynamic and non‐linear; four themes and 12 subthemes identified: (1) upon graduation, participants felt ambivalent about their decision to either stay in Australia or return home, influenced by graduate visa restrictions, and individual perceptions of their ability to mobilise cultural strengths to gain employment; (2) to get a foot in the door, participants demonstrated resilience, embraced uncertainty and utilised social networks to increase employment opportunities in Australia and their home countries; (3) regardless of which country they worked, graduates reported struggling with their cross‐cultural identities in the workplace; and (4) eventually, these graduates appreciated their ethnic capital, thrived in their work and extended a helping hand to their junior cross‐cultural dietitians.

Conclusions

Initiatives facilitating connections to the host country and supporting cultural and ethnic capital development, along with ongoing research reviewing employability capital applications, will benefit cross‐cultural dietetic graduates and the communities they potentially will serve.
An efficient static solver for the lattice discrete particle model
Authors: Jia Dongge , Brigham John C. , Fascetti Alessandro
Published: July 2024

The lattice discrete particle model (LDPM) has been proven to be one of the most appealing computational tools to simulate fracture in quasi‐brittle materials. Despite tremendous advancements in the definition and implementation of the method, solution strategies are still limited to dynamic algorithms, resulting in prohibitive computational costs and challenges related to solution accuracy for quasi‐static conditions. This study presents a novel static solver for LDPM, introducing fundamental innovation: (1) LDPM constitutive laws are modified to provide continuous response through all possible strain/stress states; (2) an adaptive arc‐length method is proposed in combination with a criterion to select the sign of the iterative load factor; (3) an adaptive limit‐unloading–reloading path switch algorithm is proposed to restrict oscillations in the global stiffness matrix. Extensive validation of the proposed approach is presented. Numerical results demonstrate that the static solver exhibits satisfactory convergence rates, significantly outperforming available dynamic solutions in computational efficiency.
First record of ectoparasites (Phthiraptera and Acari) from the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Colombia
Authors: Llano Horwald A. B. , Robayo‐Sánchez Laura N. , Ramírez‐Hernández Alejandro , Cortés‐Vecino Jesús A. , Gómez‐Ruiz Daisy A. , Aguirre‐Ramírez Julio C.
Published: July 2024

Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the ‘Páramo del Almorzadero’ Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome‐C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host–parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds.
Phylotranscriptomics provides a treasure trove of flood‐tolerance mechanisms in the Cardamineae tribe
Authors: van Veen Hans , Müller Jana T. , Bartylla Malte M. , Akman Melis , Sasidharan Rashmi , Mustroph Angelika
Published: July 2024

Flooding events are highly detrimental to most terrestrial plant species. However, there is an impressive diversity of plant species that thrive in flood‐prone regions and represent a treasure trove of unexplored flood‐resilience mechanisms. Here we surveyed a panel of four species from the Cardamineae tribe representing a broad tolerance range. This included the flood‐tolerant Cardamine pratensis, Rorippa sylvestris and Rorippa palustris and the flood‐sensitive species Cardamine hirsuta. All four species displayed a quiescent strategy, evidenced by the repression of shoot growth underwater. Comparative transcriptomics analyses between the four species and the sensitive model species Arabidopsis thaliana were facilitated via de novo transcriptome assembly and identification of 16 902 universal orthogroups at a high resolution. Our results suggest that tolerance likely evolved separately in the Cardamine and Rorippa species. While the Rorippa response was marked by a strong downregulation of cell‐cycle genes, Cardamine minimized overall transcriptional regulation. However, a weak starvation response was a universal trait of tolerant species, potentially achieved in multiple ways. It could result from a strong decline in cell‐cycle activity, but is also intertwined with autophagy, senescence, day‐time photosynthesis and night‐time fermentation capacity. Our data set provides a rich source to study adaptational mechanisms of flooding tolerance.
Response of fruit fly (Drosophila pseudoobscura) to diet manipulation of nutrient density
Authors: Novak Taylor E. , Billings Kristin , Ellis Sara Grace , Smith Makenly F. , Wills Bill D. , Stevison Laurie S.
Published: July 2024

Caloric intake can greatly affect many aspects of an organism's life. A deficiency of calories can lead to stress resulting in decreased fecundity, insufficient calories to maintain tissues and increased lifespan. Conversely, increasing caloric density increases fecundity and decreases lifespan. Despite decades of work exploring food quality and quantity on physiology in the model species Drosophila melanogaster  Meigan 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and the melanogaster group in general, relatively little work explores the physiological responses to diet manipulation in other Drosophila species, like the obscura species group. Here, we looked at the effects of five different caloric densities (0.5×, 0.75×, 1.0×, 1.5× and 3.0×) on food intake, body weight, body fat, fecundity and longevity in D. pseudoobscura Frolova & Astaurov, 1929 (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Comparing longevity and fecundity across diets, we found that heavy caloric concentration (3.0×) decreases lifespan and that calorie restriction (0.5× and 0.75×) led to significant decreases in fecundity and body weight. However, calorie concentration did not significantly increase D. pseudoobscura body fat. By expanding our understanding of the physiological responses to diet stress to D. pseudoobscura, we establish the framework for comparative work across Drosophila species. With this information, we can then identify which physiological responses to diet manipulation might be most conserved and comparable across species.
Growth and population structure of Lodoicea maldivica in natural stands in Seychelles
Authors: Edwards P. J. , Fleischer‐Dogley F. , Kowalski P. , Morgan E. , Mougal J. , Accouche W. , Athanase V. , Jean‐Baptiste M. , Constance A. , Dine M. , Payet T. , Einfeldt N. , Reuleaux A. , Richards H. , Samedi U. , Kaiser‐Bunbury C. N.
Published: July 2024

We monitored leaf production in seedlings, trunkless juvenile, immature, and mature male and female plants of the dioecious palm, Lodoicea maldivica, and studied how internode length changed with trunk height. The fieldwork was conducted in closed forest on Praslin Island and degraded forest on Curieuse Island. Data on numbers of leaves produced and rates of leaf production were used to estimate plant age.

On Praslin, the interval between successive leaves increased from 0.47/0.52 years in male/female plants to 4.2 years in seedlings, and on Curieuse from 0.41/0.49 to 2.3 years. Estimated leaf lifespan was 6.4–6.8 years in mature palms and much longer in seedlings and juveniles. On Praslin, internode length increased from the base of the trunk to a mean of 14 cm at leaf 21, before declining to 2.75 cm above leaf 100. Mean internode length of the smaller palms on Curieuse was 1.9 cm and varied little with height.

Plants at the same development stage varied widely in age. On Praslin, median time to maturity was 77 (range: 32–209) and on Curieuse 83 (31–191) years. The tallest palms on Praslin (28.4 m trunk height) and Curieuse (8 m) were estimated at 442 and 232 years old, respectively.

The ageing method was used to interpret height data of different populations. All showed a marked decline in regeneration in the 19th or early 20th centuries, probably caused by fires. We conclude that slow growth makes this species very vulnerable to disturbance, especially from fire.
Effects of substrate availability and mitochondrial disruption on oxidative metabolism and sperm motility in fertile dogs
Authors: Foutouhi Azarene , Bulkely Evelyn , de la Fuente Alejandro , Gonzalez Kris , Meyers Stuart
Published: July 2024

In several mammalian species, the measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption (MITOX) under different metabolic conditions has demonstrated a positive correlation with sperm motility and may be a sensitive indicator of mitochondrial health. In general, the maintenance of sperm motility and many key sperm functions and fertilizing events are heavily energy‐dependent processes, and some species‐specific substrate preferences exist. Although canine sperm have been known to undergo capacitation and maintain motility with supplementation of a wide range of energy substrates, the relationship between mitochondrial function, and the maintenance of oxidative metabolism and sperm motility remain unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the metabolic flexibility of canine sperm, and to investigate the relationship between mitochondrial function, and maintenance of motility under differing nutrient conditions. We explored substrate preferences and the bioenergetics underlying maintenance of canine sperm motility by monitoring mitochondrial oxidative function and sperm kinematics in the presence of mitochondrial effector drug treatments: FCCP, antimycin (ANTI), and oligomycin (OLIGO). We hypothesized that canine sperm possess the ability to use compensatory pathways and utilize diverse nutrient sources in the maintenance of motility. Oxygen consumption (change in pO2, oxygen partial pressure) and sperm kinematics (CASA) were measured concurrently (t0–t30) to assess the relationship between oxidative metabolism and maintenance of sperm motility in dogs. Four media were tested: containing glucose, lactate, and pyruvate (GLP), containing glucose (G), fructose (F), or lactate and pyruvate (LP). In the absence of pharmacological inhibition of the electron transport chain, energetic substrate had no effect on sperm kinematics in fertile dogs. Following mitochondrial disruption by ANTI and OLIGO, mitochondrial oxygen consumption was negatively correlated with several sperm motility parameters in GLP, G, F, and LP media. In every media, FCCP treatment quickly induced significantly higher oxygen consumption than in untreated sperm, and spare respiratory capacity, the maximal inducible oxidative metabolism, was high. With respiratory control ratios RCR >1 there was no indication of bioenergetic dysfunction in any media type, indicating that sperm mitochondria of fertile dogs have a high capacity for substrate oxidation and ATP turnover regardless of substrate. Our results suggest MITOX assessment is a valuable tool for assessing mitochondrial functionality, and that canine sperm employ flexible energy management systems which may be exploited to improve sperm handling and storage.
Exploring the Role of Street Names in the Reproduction of Deinstitutionalised Regions
Authors: Šerý Miloslav , Daniel Jan , Frajer Jindřich
Published: July 2024

Looking theoretically at regions as historically contingent entities that have been evolving over time, this article aims to explore the relationship between the identities of old regions and their symbols through an innovative employment of street names. Methodologically, this study employed Geographic Information System tools, alongside a case study focusing on deinstitutionalised historical regions in the Czech Republic. In this context, street naming practices resulted in different spatial patterns in the symbolic representation of the old regions. It was discovered that regionally named streets perform a different function in terms of the internal and external identity of a region. Hence, our results suggest that the role of street names as actants involved in the reproduction of deinstitutionalised regions is ambiguous and in some ways contradictory. From this perspective, our results are consistent with previous findings that conceptualised deinstitutionalised regions and their boundaries as penumbral entities.
Open Archaeology, Open Source? Collaborative practices in an emerging community of archaeological software engineers
Authors: Batist Zachary ,   University of Toronto, Roe Joe ,   University of Bern
Published: July 2024

In this article, we investigate modes of collaboration in this emerging community of practice using 'open-archaeo ', a curated list of archaeological software, and data on the activity of associated GitHub repositories and users. We conduct an exploratory quantitative analysis to characterise the nature and intensity of these collaborations and map the collaborative networks that emerge from them. We document uneven adoption of open source collaborative practices beyond the basic use of git as a version control system and GitHub to host source code. Most projects do make use of collaborative features and, through shared contributions, we can trace a collaborative network that includes the majority of archaeologists active on GitHub. However, a majority of repositories have 1-3 contributors, with only a few projects distinguished by an active and diverse developer base. Direct collaboration on code or other repository content - as opposed to the more passive, social media-style interaction that GitHub supports – remains very limited. In other words, there is little evidence that archaeologists ' adoption of open-source tools (git and GitHub) has been accompanied by the decentralised, participatory forms of collaboration that characterise other open-source communities. On the contrary, our results indicate that research software engineering in archaeology remains largely embedded in conventional professional norms and organisational structures of academia.
Strategic Evaluation of Sustainable Practices for HVAC Systems in Small- and Medium-Sized U.S. Manufacturers
Authors: Peruchi Pacheco da Silva Ramon , Samadi Forooza , Losole Josh , Carpenter Joseph
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the often overlooked yet crucial role of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in advancing sustainable manufacturing practices in the United States. Through all outcomes of the energy assessments conducted by the Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) in various industrial settings, the current study focuses on the energy consumption of HVAC systems and assesses the impact of their energy-efficient measures on the overall industrial energy usage. In-depth analysis covers both technological and economic facets of resource management practices, utilizing case studies and data from energy assessments on 20,818 small- and medium-sized manufacturing facilities. The results reveal substantial potential for reducing energy consumption, estimated at 71.9 million MMBtu per year, along with annual energy cost savings of approximately $744 million per year and a noteworthy mitigation of 8.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year, all achievable through HVAC system improvements. These findings show the practical significance of taking sustainable practices in HVAC systems and their potential to improve energy efficiency and mitigate the environmental impact within the manufacturing sector.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential Through Clean Energy for Cement Production in India
Authors: Sahoo Niranjan , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2024

A preliminary approach has been made to assess the concentrated solar energy applications in cement production as well as greenhouse gas mitigation potential. The work starts with identification of processes that utilize thermal energy in cement production. Then, a cluster of cement plants located at different locations in the country has been made. Also, the availability of solar radiation and wind speed at each plant location have been identified. Subsequently, the solar industrial process heating systems have been developed for different locations in the country. Further, solar reactor output, number of heliostats, total land area and mirror surface have been estimated. All these estimations are done by considering three types of thermal losses in solar reactors, i.e., 15, 30 and 45%, respectively. Solar energy can provide a total of 738.11 PJ of thermal energy, which is needed to fulfill the process heating requirement of the calcination process for the manufacturing of cement in India. Solar industrial process heating systems for cement production in India can reduce yearly CO2 emissions by 2457–7648 thousand tons.
Thermal Properties of Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dodecahydrate–Coated Metal Foam/Sodium Acetate Trihydrate Composite as Phase Change Material
Authors: Stever Jonathan , Mohammadian Shahabeddin K. , Ma Hongbin
Published: July 2024

Salt hydrates, like the sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT), possess a remarkable ability to store copious amounts of thermal energy, thanks to their ingenious utilization of a high latent heat of fusion. This unique property makes them a compelling choice for various energy storage applications. In this study, aluminum and copper foams with pore sizes of 40, 80, and 110 pores per inch (PPI) coated with disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate were prepared, and their effects on the SAT solidification temperature, latent heat of fusion, and thermal conductivity were investigated. The samples' thermal conductivity was measured using the guarded heat flow method. Thermal properties, including latent heat of fusion and supercooling were measured using the T-History method. The results showed that the metal foam matrix is an effective method of enhancing the thermal conductivity of SAT while occupying a small volume of the composite. The copper foam with a PPI of 80 was able to increase the effective thermal conductivity to 2.62 W/(m⋅K), an increase of 388.15% compared to pure SAT while occupying approximately 6.5% of the composite volume. The T-History results showed a solidification temperature of 57.52 °C along with a super cooling of 3.28 °C for the same sample set. Furthermore, it was also found that copper samples significantly outperformed the aluminum ones, despite the higher porosity.
Air Foil Thrust and Journal Bearing Coatings: A Review
Authors: Morris Nick , Rahmani Ramin , Rahnejat Homer , Bhushan Bharat
Published: July 2024

Surfaces of air foil thrust and journal bearings in high-speed turbomachinery are coated to improve their operational integrity, particularly when the aerodynamic load-carrying capacity is reduced during instances of startup and shutdown. Surface coatings, as protective barriers in air foil bearings, can mitigate the adverse effects of direct surface interactions on such occasions. This article provides an in-depth review of the body of important research conducted for the study of coated air foil thrust and journal bearings, highlighting the state of the art in coating technology. The review features the role of composite coatings, designed to provide favorable thermal, mechanical, and frictional characteristics. This article also highlights the trends in the selection of coatings for air foil bearings, pertinent to desired thermo-mechanical performance.
Master Curves for Poroelastic Spherical Indentation With Step Displacement Loading
Authors: Liu Ming , Huang Haiying
Published: July 2024

Theoretical and numerical analyses are conducted to rigorously construct master curves that can be used for interpretation of displacement-controlled poroelastic spherical indentation test. A fully coupled poroelastic solution is first derived within the framework of Biot’s theory using the McNamee–Gibson displacement function method. The fully saturated porous medium is assumed to consist of slightly compressible solid and fluid phases and the surface is assumed to be impermeable over the contact area and permeable everywhere else. In contrast to the cases in our previous studies with an either fully permeable or impermeable surface, the mixed drainage condition yields two coupled sets of dual integral equations instead of one in the Laplace transform domain. The theoretical solutions show that for this class of poroelastic spherical indentation problems, relaxation of the normalized indentation force is affected by material properties through weak dependence on a single-derived material constant only. Finite element analysis is then performed in order to examine the differences between the theoretical solution, obtained by imposing the normal displacement over the contact area, and the numerical results where frictionless contact between a rigid sphere and the poroelastic medium is explicitly modeled. A four-parameter elementary function, an approximation of the theoretical solution with its validity supported by the numerical analysis, is proposed as the master curve that can be conveniently used to aid the interpretation of the poroelastic spherical indentation test. Application of the master curve for the ramp-hold loading scenario is also discussed.
On the sound field of an oscillating elliptical disk in free space with an open and closed back
Authors: Mellow Tim , Kärkkäinen Leo
Published: July 2024

An oscillating elliptical disk in free space has a uniform surface velocity distribution and is therefore a rigid sound radiator. The radiated sound also represents that scattered from a stationary disk in the presence of a normal plane wave. Using the Fourier (Hankel) Green's function in cylindrical coordinates, together with the monopole Kirchhoff-Helmholtz boundary integral, rigorous analytical formulas are derived for calculating the surface pressure distribution, radiation impedance, on-axis pressure, and, directivity pattern of an elliptical open-back disk in free space, and these are plotted over a range of normalized frequencies. The directivity is compared with that of a rigid circular disk in free space, and asymptotic low-frequency approximations are derived for the radiation impedance and on-axis pressure. Using the Gutin concept, the radiated sound is combined with that from a rigid elliptical disk in an infinite baffle to obtain the radiation impedance, on-axis pressure, and, directivity pattern of a closed-back elliptical disk in free space. The latter has a uniform velocity distribution on the front surface and zero velocity over the entire back surface.
Perception of reverberation length in rooms with reverberation enhancement systems
Authors: Błasiński Łukasz , Felcyn Jan , Kociński Jędrzej
Published: July 2024

This study examined the perception of reverberation length in rooms equipped with a reverberation enhancement system (RES). In the past, many acousticians have studied the correlation between subjective reverberation ratings and objective criteria in concert halls; the effect of RES on these ratings has not been thoroughly investigated. The decay of acoustic energy in rooms with RES has double-slope characteristics, which is different from most impulse responses recorded in rooms without such a system. The study showed a difference in the evaluation of perceived stop-chord and running reverberation length. The results also suggest that not only the initial part, but also the latter part of the impulse response should be considered when evaluating the perception of reverberation length. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between subjective perception and objective measures of reverberation length and provide insight into the perceptual evaluation of acoustic environments.
Echolocating bats show species-specific variation in susceptibility to acoustic forward masking
Authors: Capshaw Grace , Diebold Clarice A. , Sterbing Susanne J. , Lauer Amanda M. , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: July 2024

Echolocating bats rely on precise auditory temporal processing to detect echoes generated by calls that may be emitted at rates reaching 150–200 Hz. High call rates can introduce forward masking perceptual effects that interfere with echo detection; however, bats may have evolved specializations to prevent repetition suppression of auditory responses and facilitate detection of sounds separated by brief intervals. Recovery of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) was assessed in two species that differ in the temporal characteristics of their echolocation behaviors: Eptesicus fuscus, which uses high call rates to capture prey, and Carollia perspicillata, which uses lower call rates to avoid obstacles and forage for fruit. We observed significant species differences in the effects of forward masking on ABR wave 1, in which E. fuscus maintained comparable ABR wave 1 amplitudes when stimulated at intervals of <3 ms, whereas post-stimulus recovery in C. perspicillata required 12 ms. When the intensity of the second stimulus was reduced by 20–30 dB relative to the first, however, C. perspicillata showed greater recovery of wave 1 amplitudes. The results demonstrate that species differences in temporal resolution are established at early levels of the auditory pathway and that these differences reflect auditory processing requirements of species-specific echolocation behaviors.
Phase 1 study of the pharmacokinetics and clinical proof-of-concept activity of a biofilm-disrupting human monoclonal antibody in patients with chronic prosthetic joint infection of the knee or hip
Authors: Conway Janet , Delanois Ronald E. , Mont Michael A. , Stavrakis Alexandra , McPherson Edward , Stolarski Edward , Incavo Stephen , Oakes Daniel , Salvagno Ralph , Adams John S. , Kisch-Hancock Adriane , Tenorio Edgar , Leighton Anton , Ryser Stefan , Kauvar Lawrence M. , Bernthal Nicholas M.
Published: July 2024

We report the results of a first-in-human phase 1 clinical study to evaluate TRL1068, a native human monoclonal antibody that disrupts bacterial biofilms with broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. The study population consisted of patients with chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) of the knee or hip, including both monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections, that are highly resistant to antibiotics due to biofilm formation. TRL1068 was administered via a single pre-surgical intravenous infusion in three sequentially ascending dose groups (6, 15, and 30 mg/kg). Concomitant perioperative antibiotics were pathogen-targeted as prescribed by the treating physician. In this double-blinded study, 4 patients were randomized to receive placebo and 11 patients to receive TRL1068 on day 1, as well as targeted antibiotics for 7 days prior to the scheduled removal of the infected implant and placement of an antibiotic-eluting spacer as the first stage of the standard of care two-stage exchange arthroplasty. No adverse events attributable to TRL1068 were reported. TRL1068 serum half-life was 15–18 days. At day 8, the concentration in synovial fluid was approximately 60% of the blood level and thus at least 15-fold above the threshold for biofilm-disrupting activity
in vitro
. Explanted prostheses were sonicated to release adherent bacteria for culture, with elimination of the implant bacteria observed in 3 of the 11 patients who received TRL1068, which compares favorably to prior PJI treatments. None of the patients who received TRL1068 had a relapse of the original infection by the end of the study (day 169).

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study is registered with

ClinicalTrials.gov
as
NCT04763759

.
Biological characterization of the phage lysin AVPL and its efficiency against
Aerococcus viridans
-induced mastitis in a murine model
Authors: Xi Hengyu , Ji Yalu , Fu Yao , Chen Chong , Han Wenyu , Gu Jingmin
Published: July 2024

Aerococcus viridans
(
A. viridans
) is an important opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that poses a potential threat to the animal husbandry industry, such as cow mastitis, due to the widespread development of multidrug-resistant strains. Phage lysins have emerged as a promising alternative antibiotic treatment strategy. However, no lysins have been reported to treat
A. viridans
infections. In this study, the critical active domain and key active sites of the first
A. viridans
phage lysin AVPL were revealed. AVPL consists of an N-terminal N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase catalytic domain and a C-terminal binding domain comprising two conserved LysM. H40, N44, E52, W68, H147, T157, F60, F64, I77, N92, Q97, H159, V160, D161, and S42 were identified as key sites for maintaining the activity of the catalytic domain. The LysM motif plays a crucial role in binding AVPL to bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan. AVPL maintains stable activity in the temperature range of 4–45°C and pH range of 4–10, and its activity is independent of the presence of metal ions.
In vitro,
the bactericidal effect of AVPL showed efficient bactericidal activity in milk samples, with 2 µg/mL of AVPL reducing
A. viridans
by approximately 2 Log
10
in 1 h. Furthermore, a single dose (25 µg) of lysin AVPL significantly reduces bacterial load (approximately 2 Log
10)
in the mammary gland of mice, improves mastitis pathology, and reduces the concentration of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in mammary tissue. Overall, this work provides a novel alternative therapeutic drug for mastitis induced by multidrug-resistant
A. viridans
.

IMPORTANCE

A. viridans
is a zoonotic pathogen known to cause various diseases, including mastitis in dairy cows. In recent years, there has been an increase in antibiotic-resistant or multidrug-resistant strains of this pathogen. Phage lysins are an effective approach to treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains. This study revealed the biological properties and key active sites of the first
A. viridans
phage lysin named AVPL. AVPL can effectively kill multidrug-resistant
A. viridans
in pasteurized whole milk. Importantly, 25 μg AVPL significantly alleviates the symptoms of mouse mastitis induced by
A. viridans
. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of lysin AVPL as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of mastitis caused by
A. viridans
.