bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Examination of Actor and Trainee Interviewer Behaviour during Joint Investigative Interviewing Training
Authors: Nicol Annabelle , Szojka Zsofia A. , Watkins Christopher D. , Gabbert Fiona , La Rooy David
Published: March 2023

This study is the first systematic examination of trainee interviewer and actor behaviour during Joint Investigative Interviewing Training (JIIT) simulations across two training sites in Scotland. As expected, interviewers were poor at adhering to best practice interview guidelines in the pre-substantive and closure phases of the interviews. Although invitations were used within the range of best practice, they were not used more often and did not elicit more allegation-related details than directive questions. Critically, actors’ responses to invitations were less informative than their responses to all other question types. Furthermore, large differences were observed between the two training sites in the number of questions asked and amount of information elicited by interviewers. Our results show that (1) trainee interviewers are not utilising simulations to practice all required interviewing skills, (2) adult actors are not reinforcing interviewers’ use of invitations as intended, and (3) trainee interviewers are not being afforded the same opportunities to practice their skills due to variation in resources across Scotland. We recommend improvements to the JIIT programme to address these concerns.
Chrysin Encapsulated Copper Nanoparticles with Low Dose of Gamma Radiation Elicit Tumor Cell Death Through p38 MAPK/NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Abdelhakm Lubna O. , Kandil Eman I. , Mansour Somaya Z. , El-Sonbaty Sawsan M.
Published: March 2023

Improving radiation effect on tumor cells using radiosensitizers is gaining traction for improving chemoradiotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using chrysin as radiosensitizer with γ-radiation on biochemical and histopathological approaches in mice bearing Ehrlich solid tumor. CuNPs were characterized with irregular round sharp shape with size range of 21.19–70.79 nm and plasmon absorption at 273 nm. In vitro study on MCF-7 cells detected cytotoxic effect of CuNPs with IC50of 57.2 ± 3.1 μg. In vivo study was performed on mice transplanted with Ehrlich solid tumor (EC). Mice were injected with CuNPs (0.67 mg/kg body weight) and/or exposed to low dose of gamma radiation (0.5 Gy). EC mice exposed to combined treatment of CuNPs and radiation showed a marked reduction in tumor volume, ALT and CAT, creatinine, calcium, and GSH, along with elevation in MDA, caspase-3 in parallel with inhibition of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and cyclin D1gene expression. Comparing histopathological findings of treatment groups ends that combined treatment was of higher efficacy, showing tumor tissue regression and increase in apoptotic cells. In conclusion, CuNPs with a low dose of gamma radiation showed more powerful ability for tumor suppression via promoting oxidative state, stimulating apoptosis, and inhibiting proliferation pathway through p38MAPK/NF-κB and cyclinD1.
RUNX2 promotes the suppression of osteoblast function and enhancement of osteoclast activity by multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Huang Beihui , Liu Huixin , Chan Szehoi , Liu Junru , Gu Jingli , Chen Meilan , Kuang Lifen , Li Xiaozhe , Zhang Xingding , Li Juan
Published: March 2023

RUNX2 is a transcription factor that participates in osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation and plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of cancers. With the deepening of research, evidence has indicated the correlation between RUNX2 and bone destruction in cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying its role in multiple myeloma remain unclear. By observing the induction effects of conditioned medium from myeloma cells on preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) and preosteoclasts (RAW264.7) and constructing myeloma-bearing mice, we found that RUNX2 promotes bone destruction in multiple myeloma. In vitro, conditioned medium from RUNX2-overexpressing myeloma cells reduced osteoblast activity and increased osteoclast activity. In vivo, RUNX2 expression was positively correlated with bone loss in myeloma-bearing mice. These results suggest that therapeutic inhibition of RUNX2 may protect against bone destruction by maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activity in multiple myeloma.
TR-FRET-Based Immunoassay to Measure Ataxin-2 as a Target Engagement Marker in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Bux Jessica , Sen Nesli Ece , Klink Isa-Maria , Hauser Stefan , Synofzik Matthis , Schöls Ludger , Auburger Georg , Riess Olaf , Hübener-Schmid Jeannette
Published: March 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease, which belongs to the trinucleotide repeat disease group with a CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the ATXN2 gene resulting in an ataxin-2 protein with an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ)-stretch. The disease is late manifesting leading to early death. Today, therapeutic interventions to cure the disease or even to decelerate disease progression are not available yet. Furthermore, primary readout parameter for disease progression and therapeutic intervention studies are limited. Thus, there is an urgent need for quantifiable molecular biomarkers such as ataxin-2 becoming even more important due to numerous potential protein-lowering therapeutic intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to establish a sensitive technique to measure the amount of soluble polyQ-expanded ataxin-2 in human biofluids to evaluate ataxin-2 protein levels as prognostic and/or therapeutic biomarker in SCA2. Time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) was used to establish a polyQ-expanded ataxin-2-specific immunoassay. Two different ataxin-2 antibodies and two different polyQ-binding antibodies were validated in three different concentrations and tested in cellular and animal tissue as well as in human cell lines, comparing different buffer conditions to evaluate the best assay conditions. We established a TR-FRET-based immunoassay for soluble polyQ-expanded ataxin-2 and validated measurements in human cell lines including iPSC-derived cortical neurons. Additionally, our immunoassay was sensitive enough to monitor small ataxin-2 expression changes by siRNA or starvation treatment. We successfully established the first sensitive ataxin-2 immunoassay to measure specifically soluble polyQ-expanded ataxin-2 in human biomaterials.
The professional bodies of VET teachers in the context of simulation-based training for vocational learning
Authors: Ahn Song-ee , Nyström Sofia
Published: March 2023

It is argued that the use of high-fidelity simulators is educationally effective, since students are able to work more independently and can better control their learning. Therefore, simulations can be used as a teaching method to facilitate and ease teachers’ work situations. This raises questions as to whether teachers’ professional bodies are a bounded physicality, or whether we can understand teachers’ professional bodies in practice in terms of enactments? This article analyses and discusses the enactment of VET teachers’ professional bodies in the context of vocational and simulation-based training. The empirical material is based on ethnographic observations in three classes in two different vocational education programmes at two upper secondary schools in Sweden. Three different cases are presented and analysed as examples of how VET teachers’ professional bodies are enacted. Guided by a practice theory perspective (Schatzki, T. R. Social practices: a Wittgensteinian approach to human activity and the social (1996), Schatzki, T. R. The site of the social: A philosophical account of the constitution of social life and change (2002), Schatzki, T. R. & Natter, W. Sociocultural bodies, bodies sociopolitical. In T. R.Schatzki & W. Natter (Eds.), The social and political body (1996), the study shows that VET teachers’ professional bodies are enacted in multiples, distributed, and delegated in an interplay between the teachers, the students, the simulator, and its material set-up. In these enactments of professional bodies, VET teachers embody both a teacher identity and a previous vocational identity, which they perform simultaneously depending on the educational situation.
Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Plasma and Eggs of Chelonia mydas Nesting in the Southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Rivas-Hernández Gerardo , Rodríguez-Fuentes Gabriela , Noreña-Barroso Elsa , Cobos-Gasca Víctor
Published: March 2023

The major nesting sites for the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) are in Campeche, Mexico: Carmen, Isla Aguada, and Sabancuy. Although they are in a natural reserve, these nesting sites are threatened by agricultural activities and oil extraction. This study aimed to determine the presence and concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in plasma and eggs and to assess the antioxidant response in plasma of nesting C. mydas from the southern Gulf of Mexico. Using censored statistics allowed us to do a realistic calculation incorporating the presence of non-detects in the analysis. A few contaminants (α+β+γ-HCH, trans-chlordane, 4,4′-DDE, 4,4′-DDT, methoxychlor, naphthalene, acenaphthylene, 2-Bromo naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene) were detected in plasma and their corresponding eggs, but correlations were not-significant. Spatial differences in concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among nesting sites may reflect differences in foraging areas. Approximately 30% of the POPs in plasma and 60% of the POPs in eggs correlated with the biomarkers of oxidative stress. Detection of POPs in C. mydas indicated that plasma and eggs are suitable matrices to assess POPs concentrations.
Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa): contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) characteristics—a case report and literature review
Authors: Matrood Sami , Görg Christian , Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Alhyari Amjad
Published: March 2023

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that arise from soft tissue of various organs such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs. We report a rare case of a primary PEComa of the liver and its characteristics on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in a 51-year-old female patient with an incidental finding of a hypoechoic liver lesion with peripheral hypervascularization on Doppler ultrasound. CEUS showed homogenous hypervascularity in the arterial phase that was consistent in the portal phase. In the late phase, a central washout phenomenon was evident. Histopathologic findings on sonographic biopsy of the lesion revealed a mesenchymal tumor with positivity for melanocytic markers Human Melanin Black-45 (HMB45) and Melan-A consistent with a PEComa. Despite the absence of high-risk features for malignancy, surgical resection was recommended due to the uncertain malignant potential of PEComas. The patient refused the operation and preferred sonographic follow-up; the lesion was stable over a period of 2 years. CEUS can provide valuable information regarding PEComa. After histological confirmation, the choice between resection and a watchful waiting must be made on individual basis.
A Systematic Literature Review of Decision-Making and Control Systems for Autonomous and Social Robots
Authors: Maroto-Gómez Marcos , Alonso-Martín Fernando , Malfaz María , Castro-González Álvaro , Castillo José Carlos , Salichs Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2023

In the last years, considerable research has been carried out to develop robots that can improve our quality of life during tedious and challenging tasks. In these contexts, robots operating without human supervision open many possibilities to assist people in their daily activities. When autonomous robots collaborate with humans, social skills are necessary for adequate communication and cooperation. Considering these facts, endowing autonomous and social robots with decision-making and control models is critical for appropriately fulfiling their initial goals. This manuscript presents a systematic review of the evolution of decision-making systems and control architectures for autonomous and social robots in the last three decades. These architectures have been incorporating new methods based on biologically inspired models and Machine Learning to enhance these systems’ possibilities to developed societies. The review explores the most novel advances in each application area, comparing their most essential features. Additionally, we describe the current challenges of software architecture devoted to action selection, an analysis not provided in similar reviews of behavioural models for autonomous and social robots. Finally, we present the future directions that these systems can take in the future.
Trends of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in China
Authors: Hong Ye , Ullah Rahim , Wang Jian-Bing , Fu Jun-Fen
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent decades have shown a rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children based on several national surveys. Restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak have worsened its epidemiology. This review updates the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents and analyzes the underlying reasons to provide evidence for better policy making.

Methods

Studies published in English and Chinese were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang.

Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing for decades and varies with age, sex and geography but is more pronounced in primary school students. The increase in obesity in boys appeared to be slower, whereas that in girls showed a declining trend. The northern areas of China have persistently maintained the highest levels of obesity with a stable trend in recent years. Meanwhile, the prevalence in eastern regions has dramatically increased. Notably, the overall prevalence of obesity in children has shown a stabilizing trend in recent years. However, the occurrence of obesity-related metabolic diseases increased. The effect of migrants floating into east-coast cities should not be neglected.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents persists but with varying patterns. Obesity-related metabolic diseases occur more frequently despite a stable trend of obesity. Multiple factors are responsible for the changing prevalence. Thus, comprehensive and flexible policies are needed to effectively manage and prevent the burden of obesity and its related complications.
Dickinsonia tenuis reported by Retallack et al. 2021 is not a fossil, instead an impression of an extant ‘fallen beehive’
Authors: Pandey S.K. , Ahmad Shamim , Sharma Mukund
Published: March 2023

Dickinsonia tenuis, an important Ediacaran element, reported from the Maihar Sandstone by Retallack et al. (2021) was reexamined in the field to ascertain the biogenicity of the purported fossils. Field observations, outcrop features, and laboratory analyses (XRD, Raman Spectroscopy) do not support the biogenicity and syngenecity of reported objects. Based on this discovery, the inferences drawn about the age of the Maihar Sandstone and the palaeogeographic position of India are therefore considered invalid. Indian Dickinsonia specimen described by Retallack et al. (2021) is a left-over impression of a fallen beehive which is further proved by the detailed Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses.
A Climatic Surprise – Slope Instability Triggered by Heavy Rain in Maldevta Region, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on 20 August, 2022
Authors: Sain Kalachand , Mehta Manish , Kumar Vinit , Gupta Vikram , Chauhan Pankaj
Published: March 2023

The Himalayan states are familiar with the adverse impact of extreme events like excessive precipitations, which lead to floods, flash floods, landslides, debris flow, avalanches, etc. hence the disasters. The Uttarakhand (UK) state in the Himalaya experiences a great loss of lives, livestock, properties, and natural wealth due to such calamities. On the night of 19 August 2022 (10:15 PM) and early morning of 20 August 2022 (02:15 AM), heavy rain together with a cloud burst triggered flash floods in the Maldevta area of the Dehradun district, which led to large-scale destruction of the area. A prolonged heavy downpouring on 20 August 2022 at Maldevta and surrounding areas damaged the channel and bank of the Song and Baldi rivers for a 15 km stretch between Sarkhet and Thano, and completely washed away Sarkhet (807 m asl), Kumalta (787 m asl) and lower portion of Maldevta town (723 m asl).
Petrochemistry, Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications of Mantle Plume Generated Dhanjori Volcanics, Singhbhum Craton (Eastern India)
Authors: Dwivedi S.K. , Tripathi Priyanka , Parthasarathy G. , Jafri S.H. , Satyanarayanan M. , Pandey O.P.
Published: March 2023

New geological and geochemical data have been presented in this paper to improve the understanding of the petrogenesis and regional geodynamic evolution of the 2.8-2.5 Ga Dhanjori volcanics. These volcanics exhibit porphyritic texture and classified as picritic basalt. The Dhanjori volcanics are MgO-rich (9.97 - 15.81 wt%) with moderate SiO2 (51.62 - 53.82 wt%), FeOT (9.97- 12.57 wt%) and TiO2 (0.73 -1.21 wt%) but relatively higher Ni (123.56 - 545.35 ppm) and Cr (241.87- 1158.41). The rare earth element (REE) patterns and their ratios indicate their derivation from the garnet to spinel stability field due to decompressive melting of a mantle plume head near the crust-mantle boundary, which is supported by the presence of high positive gravity anomaly over the Dhanjori lavas. The thermo-barometric studies indicate that the primary magma had an initial mantle potential temperature between 1350 and 1500oC in a pressure range of 1 to 1.8 GPa, thus conforming with the mantle origin, which is further endorsed by supplementary geophysical studies.
Role of Depleted-MORB Mantle in the Genesis of Basalts from the Neoarchean Eastern Felsic Volcanic Terrane of the Sandur Greenstone belt, Dharwar Craton, India
Authors: Harshitha Reddy G. , Manikyamba C. , Dhanakumar Singh Th.
Published: March 2023

The mafic volcanic rocks from the eastern felsic volcanic terrane (EFVT) of the Neoarchean Sandur greenstone belt of Western Dharwar Craton (WDC) are studied to evaluate their geochemical characteristics and tectonic implications. Characterised as sub-alkaline, tholeiitic basalts, they display moderate SiO2 (49.82-53.74 wt.%), Al2O3 (9.08-15.91 wt.%), TiO2 (0.25-0.66 wt.%) and total alkalies (Na2O+K2O= 0.60-3.97 wt.%) with Mg# ranging from 37-55 at low Cr (7-33 ppm), Ni (8-24 ppm) and V (252-612 ppm). Their rare earth and trace element patterns are coherent exhibiting moderate fractionation (La/Yb=0.16-1.09), slight negative Eu anomalies indicating limited plagioclase fractionation (Eu/Eu*= 0.69-0.96), negative Nb, Ta, Ti and Zr-Hf anomalies revealing their arc signatures. The Nb-Th and Zr-Y relationships of these basalts suggest their derivation from the partial melting of depleted mantle in an intra-oceanic arc setting. Trace element modelling of these basalts indicates their genesis by ~15% partial melting of depleted MORB-mantle and depletion of the source is attributed to previous melting events. These basalts are geochemically similar with the depleted arc and forearc basalts of the Phanerozoic Tonga and Izu-Bonin-Mariana arcs emphasising the operation of analogous tectonic processes during the Archean era.
Origin of Alteration Patterns in Accessory Chromites from the Kudada Metaperidotites, East Singhbhum District (Jharkhand, India)
Authors: Banerjee Ratul , Biswas Bijay K. , Mondal Sisir K.
Published: March 2023

The metamorphosed ultramafic-mafic bodies of the Kudada area are located close to the Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) in eastern India, where the major rock types are talc-magnesite schist and serpentinite with accessory chromite and magnetite veins. The ultramafic bodies and associated metavolcanic rocks are part of the northern extension of the Early Archean Gorumahisani greenstone belt and belong to the Iron Ore Group (IOG) supracrustal sequence. This study reveals intense compositional variability in accessory chromites of serpentinite with core composition of chromites are characterized by the variable Cr# [Cr/(Cr+Al)] = 0.53 - 0.82 and Mg# [Mg/(Mg+Fe2+)] = 0.01 - 0.17. Compositional variability on the scale of a single chromite grain occurs in the form of multi-stage zoning. To identify the patterns of compositional zoning, chromites of serpentinite are subdivided into four types depending on their grain size, reflectivity of different rims, intensity of fracture, and porosity, and supported by in-situ mineral chemistry. The type-I chromites are less fractured and non-porous variety showing the outermost chrome magnetite rim envelops the inner ferritchromit rim. Porosity is mainly developed in the type-II grains where the inner ferritchromit is formed surrounding the pore spaces. The type-III chromites are small clustered grains having ferritchromit core and chrome magnetite rim while the type-IV grains are completely altered to chrome magnetite. Textural relations and mineral chemistry indicate that metamorphism and activities of H2O and CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids during tectonic evolution of the Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) might have caused these zoning patterns and compositional variabilities in accessory chromites of the Kudada area. Cation exchange between chromite and silicate minerals along with intra-grain cation diffusion within different Cr-spinel zones further intensified these processes.
Efficacy of Landslide Susceptibility Maps Prepared Using Different Bivariate Methods: Case Study from Mussoorie Township, Garhwal Himalaya
Authors: Gupta Vikram , Ram Pratap , Tandon Ruchika S , Vishwakarma Neeraj
Published: March 2023

Four bivariate methods viz frequency ratio, weight of evidence, Yule’s coefficients and information value were utilized for the preparation of the landslide susceptibility map of the hilly township of Mussoorie. Two scenarios, one with partitioning landslide inventory prepared till 2019 with 70% landslides, and another with all the active landslides till 2019 were used for the preparation of landslide susceptibility maps. In order to understand the efficacy and the reliability of each of the bivariate approach used under both the scenarios, the maps thus obtained were overlaid with the landslides that occurred in the area during excessive rainfall of 2020. It has been noted that the landslide susceptibility maps prepared using four different bivariate methods exhibit more or less similar results, nevertheless of all the four methods used, information value method indicate that more than twice the area (~38%) fall in high and very high landslide susceptible zones in scenario-I. The scenario-II exhibits higher percentage of area falling in high and very high landslide susceptible zones for all the methods as compared to scenario-I, still the Information value indicate the highest percent of area ( ~31%) falling in the high and very high landslide susceptibility zones. The validation of the maps prepared using scenario-I exhibit 58-75% of the 2020 landslides occur in high and very high landslide susceptibility zones, whereas in scenario-II, 57-72% of the 2020 landslides falls in high and very high landslide susceptibility zones. Finally the weight of evidence method and information value method indicate the higher prediction accuracy under both the scenarios
Seismic Hazard Assessment and Landslide Vulnerability Mapping for Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir Using GIS Technique
Authors: Bhagyaraj U. , Sreevalsa Kolathayar
Published: March 2023

In the present study, earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility mapping of the two newly formed union territories of India namely Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir has been done based on Newmark’s methodology using GIS techniques. The vulnerability of the study area against induced seismic acceleration was estimated in terms of static safety factor (FSc). Terrain slope and Peak Horizontal acceleration (PHA) were taken as the major input for the study. Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA) was carried out by considering linear seismic source model to obtain PHA at the bedrock level using a MATLAB code developed by authors. The PHA was amplified to the ground surface using appropriate site correction factors considering the B-type site class. GIS technique was employed to get slope value from Digital Elevation Models (DEM). The two union territories were divided into 30m×30m grids and the static factor of safety values required to prevent the landslide for each grid were estimated. It is observed that both Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir are at risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, as many spots demand a critical safety factor (FSc) of greater than 1.0. It is apparent that the upper western sections of Jammu & Kashmir, which include Muzaffarabad district and parts of Punch district, are severely prone to landslides since they require FSc greater than 2.0. In comparison to other regions, the lower western region of Ladakh, near India’s political border, is demanding a high value of FSc. The map thus developed is an excellent guide to researchers for detailed study and to policymakers for taking remedial actions.
Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Surface Sediments from Southwestern Part of Bay of Bengal, India
Authors: Harikrishnan Sadanandan , Senthil Nathan Dharmalingam , Sridharan Mouttoucomarassamy , Nitin Agarwal , Anbuselvan Nagarajan
Published: March 2023

Twenty-nine shelf sediment samples have been collected from the Southwestern part of the Bay of Bengal in 5 transects lying offshore between the coasts of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India. Collected samples were analyzed for sediment texture, organic matter (OM), and trace metals (Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni). Sandy fractions were found to be abundant in all transects except transect 3, because of the existence of the Pichavaram estuary fed by river Vellar in the north and Coleroon in the south. Among all the trace metals, Fe is the most abundant in the sediment samples. And metals such as Co, Pb, Cr and Ni are higher than the average background values, suggesting adverse effects of human activities in polluting the marine environment. The pollution indices viz. Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Contamination Factor (CF) were calculated to assess trace metal pollution. The results imply that Cu, Co, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni in most of the sampling sites are highly contaminated in terms of Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). Pb, Zn and Cr are heavily contaminated, while Cu, Mn, Ni, and Co showed moderate contamination, as demonstrated by the CF values. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA), explain the combination of geogenic and anthropogenic sources contributing trace metals to the marine system.
Estimation of Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Model and GIS Tools: A Study of Chilika Lake, Odisha
Authors: Behera Dhiroj Kumar , Jamal Saleha , Wani Suhail Ahmad , Mohd Taqi , Kumar Rajiv
Published: March 2023

Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon on the eastern coast of India. The aerial extension of the lake fluctuates between 1165 km2 to 906 km2. The opening of new inlet into the lake has enriched its biodiversity but also has increased the rate of siltation, which inturn affected the lake’s water holding capacity, causing ecological repercussions and impacting its flora and fauna. The RUSLE model integrated with remote sensing and GIS techniques was used to assess the soil loss in watershed of Chilika Lake. The model takes into account various factor viz. Crop /cover management factor (C), Soil erodibility factor (K), slope length (L), Conservation support practice factor (P), Rainfall erosivity factor (R), and steepness factor (S) to estimate potential soil loss. The results of the study reveal that 486.92 km2 i.e., 73.16% area of the Chilika watershed falls under least risk category of soil erosion, 44.17 km2 (6.6%) under moderate category, while, about 11% is at high, 8.8% at very high, and 0.043 at severe risk of soil erosion. The analysis estimates the annual average soil loss rate in the catchment of Chilika Lake to be 32.41 ton/ha/yr. The raster layers developed to study spatial soil loss indicate that the catchment of the lake is under the grip of soil erosion and siltation problems. Therefore, the study recommends immediate action of conservation and management planning processes to save the lake from further degradation.
Impact of Altitude on Soil Physico-chemical Properties in a Topo-Sequence in Mid Himalayan Watershed: A Case Study from Dehradun District, Uttarakhand
Authors: Maurya Uma Kant , Roy Trisha , Bihari Bankey , Singh Madan , Bishnoi Rajesh , Kadam Darshan M. , Singh Lakhan , Shrimali S.S. , Muruganandam M. , Kumar Suresh , Sharma S.K. , Kumar Rakesh , Malik Anil , Verma Ramesh
Published: March 2023

Soil properties are an outcome of the interplay between different soil forming factors and processes of which topography or altitude plays an important role. A study was conducted in the mid-Himalayan region to verify the impact of altitude on different soil properties. Geo-referenced soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depth from the agricultural fields with an altitudinal variation of 760 m to 1170 m above mean sea level (amsl). Soils of the area were dominantly gravely sandy loam texture; moderately to highly acidic in reaction with low soluble salts and very high soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Soil fertility of the region was high in available phosphorous (P), relatively medium to high in available nitrogen (N), whereas, potassium (K) content was in medium range. Among the micronutrients, deficiencies were recorded for boron (B) and manganese (Mn), whereas, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) content were high. It was observed that altitude had little/variable control over pH, EC, P, Cu, Mn, S and Fe distribution, whereas increasing trend of SOC, Zn, B, K and N content with altitude could be attributed to management practices and the effect of soil erosion and deposition at different altitude. The study indicated that the chemical and physical properties of soils were selectively affected by the altitudinal variations and are an important base for initiating scientific management of soil resources in the area.
Assessment of Groundwater and Surface Soil using Multivariate Statistical Techniques and Contamination Indices: A Case Study of Gurugram Millennium City, Haryana, India
Authors: Panghal Vishal , Bhateria Rachna , Kumar Rohit , Arya Sunder Singh , Kumar Sunil
Published: March 2023

Pollution of various environmental components, such as air, water, and soil, is caused by industrialization and urbanization in urban agglomerates. This study provides information about groundwater quality and the levels of heavy metals in the surface soils of Gurugram city. The groundwater and soil samples were analyzed for various chemical parameters. Heavy metals in groundwater and soil were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Groundwater samples show higher electrical conductivity (EC), bicarbonates (HCO3-), and chlorides (Cl-). Water quality index (WQI) indicates that groundwater is not suitable for drinking purposes. Most of the groundwater samples surpassed the prescribed limits for heavy metals. While in the case of soil, Cd, Ni and Cr were found above the average background value for soils. Contamination factors (CF) and Pollution load index (PLI) for various heavy metals in soil were found to vary from 0.006 to 20.9 and 0.64 to 1.93, respectively. The 70% of samples found with PLI >1, indicate deterioration of soil quality. Three soil samples have a high ecological risk index (ERI) with values of more than 600. Average value of geo-accumulation index (Igeo) varies in the order Cd>Pb>Cu>Zn>Ni> Cr>Fe with average value 3.43, 1.73, 0.86, 0.029, -.23, -1.2 and - 7.14, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate statistical technique, shows that the first three principal components (PC) account for 84.99% of the variance in groundwater samples. In soil samples, the first two PCs account for 76.97% of the variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) shows three clusters for groundwater samples and two clusters for soil samples. The study area shows higher pollution levels and needs an improved environmental management plan.
Structure and crystallization behavior of binary silver tellurite glasses and glass ceramics
Authors: Al-Mohammedi Waleed , Sherbiny Mohamed , Abdelghany Amr Mohamed , El-Damrawi Gomaa
Published: March 2023

Using Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrographs (TEM-EDP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the local environment of Te atoms and the crystallization behavior of glasses in the system of chemical formula xAg2O. (100 − x)TeO2 (25 ≤ x ≤ 50 mol%) have been examined. Crystalline structure was evident in the XRD spectra of glasses containing 40 and 50 mol% TeO2. On the other hand, an amorphous structure has been observed in glasses with lower Ag2O concentrations (25, 30, and 35 mol%). Thermal heating could be used to crystallize the amorphous glasses’ structure. Using DSC measurements, the treatment's temperature was controlled. The species with good crystallinity include Ag2Te4O9 and Ag2Te2O5. The results of TEM and EDP, as well as both SEM and XRD, revealed that in glasses enriched with Ag2O, crystalline clustered species were formed. Raman data proved that the crystalline clustered is improved as a result of the formation of TeO3 units enriched with nonbridging oxygen bonds. In compositions containing less than 40 mol%, Ag2O plays the role of a glass modifier. At higher Ag2O concentrations, it plays the role of building crystalline clusters of the Ag2Te4O9 and Ag2Te2O5 types.
Body Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Persons
Authors: Muzi Laura , Nardelli Nicola , Naticchioni Gabriele , Mazzeschi Claudia , Baiocco Roberto , Lingiardi Vittorio
Published: March 2023

Introduction

While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI).

Methods

A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020.

Results

Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

Body image dimensions showed sexual identity–based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes.

Policy Implications

In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
Overstating the effects of anthropogenic climate change? A critical assessment of attribution methods in climate science
Authors: García-Portela Laura , Maraun Douglas
Published: March 2023

Climate scientists have proposed two methods to link extreme weather events and anthropogenic climate forcing: the probabilistic and the storyline approach. Proponents of the first approach have raised the criticism that the storyline approach could be overstating the role of anthropogenic climate change. This issue has important implications because, in certain contexts, decision-makers might seek to avoid information that overstates the effects of anthropogenic climate change. In this paper, we explore two research questions. First, whether and to what extent the storyline approach overstates the effects of anthropogenic climate change. Second, whether the objections offered against the storyline approach constitute good reasons to prefer the probabilistic approach. Concerning the first question, we show that the storyline approach does not necessarily overstate the effects of climate change, and particularly not for the reasons offered by proponents of the probabilistic approach. Concerning the second question, we show, independently, that the probabilistic approach faces the same or very similar objections to those raised against the storyline approach due to the lack of robustness of climate models and the way events are commonly defined when applying the probabilistic approach. These results suggest that these objections might not constitute good reasons to prefer the probabilistic approach over the storyline approach.
Transmission of parasitic mites (Riccardoella oudemansi) between limacid slug hosts: the role of parasite and host behaviour
Authors: Roper Mark J. , Arnold Ruth E. , Storer Kieran E. , Green Jonathan P.
Published: March 2023

Transmission between hosts is crucial to the growth, development and reproduction of many parasites. As a consequence, parasites are under selection to maximise transmission success and exhibit many behavioural and morphological adaptations that allow detection of, and movement between, hosts. However, transmission success is not determined by parasites alone, but is also shaped by host behaviours. Often, host behaviours function to minimise the risk of exposure to parasites; in some cases, however, host behaviours may be manipulated by parasites to increase transmission success. In this study, we investigated transmission of the parasitic miteRiccardoella oudemansibetween slug (Limacus maculatus) hosts, considering the role of both host and parasite behaviour in determining transmission success. Host-host transmission occurred when slugs were in physical contact, but mites were also capable of moving across the substrate to locate new hosts, a process facilitated by mucus trails. We found no strong evidence that slugs avoid parasitised conspecifics, or that mites manipulate slug behaviour to increase transmission. Finally, mites showed a preference for the mucus of parasitised slugs, but did not discriminate between mucus from their own host and another parasitised slug. A general preference for mucus from parasitised slugs is likely to be important in encouraging mites to remain in close contact with their host and may also facilitate host-switching and outbreeding. We encourage further study of parasitism byRiccardoellain limacid slugs, where cross-species variation in host social behaviour may drive differences in the rate and success of parasite transmission across slug species.
The effects of heading time on yield performance and HvGAMYB expression in spring barley subjected to drought
Authors: Ogrodowicz Piotr , Kuczyńska Anetta , Krajewski Paweł , Kempa Michał
Published: March 2023

In the lifetime of a plant, flowering is not only an essential part of the reproductive process but also a critical developmental stage that can be vulnerable to environmental stresses. To ensure survival during drought, plants accelerate the flowering process, and this response is known as “drought escape.”HvGAMYB—transcription factor associated, among others, with flowering process and anther development in barley—has also an important role in developmental modification and yield performance in plants subjected to stressed conditions. Due to the fact that information about the mechanisms associated both with the flowering acceleration and the anther or pollen disruption is limited, the exploration of the potentialHvGAMYBrole in flower development may shed light on pollen and spike morphology formations in plants grown under unfavorable water conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize differences in responses to drought among early- and late-heading barley genotypes. These two subgroups of plants—differentiated in terms of phenology—were analyzed, and traits linked to plant phenotype, physiology, and yield were investigated. In our study, the drought stress reactions of two barley subgroups showed a wide range of diversity in terms of yield performance, anther morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, and pollen viability. The studied plants exhibited different yield performances under control and drought conditions. Moreover, the random distribution of genotypes on the biplot showing variability of OJIP parameters in the second developmental point of our investigation revealed that prolonged drought stress caused that among early- and late-heading plants, the studied genotypes exhibited different responses to applied stress conditions. The results of this study also showed that theHvGAMYBexpression level was correlated positively with traits associated with lateral spike morphology in the second developmental point of this investigation, which showed that this association occurred only under prolonged drought and highlighted the drought stress duration effect on theHvGAMYBexpression level.
Ethanol production from non-detoxified hardwood spent sulfite liquor in submerged fed-batch culture using advanced yeasts
Authors: Bezuidenhout Niel , Rorke Daneal C. S. , van Rensburg Eugéne , Diedericks Danie , Görgens Johann F.
Published: March 2023

To improve process feasibility, it is essential to use hardwood spent sulfite liquor (HSSL) as the main feedstock for bioethanol production, without prior detoxification. In addition, operating at large-scale under cost-effective conditions such as a small inoculum size (< 1 g/L), pH 5, using industrially acceptable nutrients, and without sugar addition, will require the use of harsh, concentrated HSSL streams. The potential of non-detoxified HSSL as a feedstock for ethanol production using two recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, CelluX™4 and TFA7, was assessed. The inhibitory effect of non-detoxified HSSL was mitigated, and the ethanol titer increased from 4.1 to 7.9 g/L when pulse fed-batch was used instead of batch production, with CelluX™4 performing best. Both strains made use of the xylose isomerase (XI) pathway, with strain TFA7 engineered for increased tolerance against inhibitors. By administering concentrated HSSL in pulses to shake-flask cultures, the ethanol titer could be increased by approximately 50–90% when compared to simple batch cultures supplemented with 20%, 40%, and 60% (v/v) dilutions of HSSL. CelluX™4 was used in non-aerated, non-sterile 5-L bioreactor fermentations with a low cell concentration (< 1 g/L), pH 5, and 5 g/L corn steep liquor (CSL) as the nitrogen source. In comparison, undiluted HSSL was fed continuously to obtain a final 65% (v/v) HSSL supplementation, which corresponded to a total sugar concentration of 70.8–80.8 g/L. Despite the use of harsher, concentrated feedstock and inexpensive process conditions, the reactor fed-batch fermentations obtained ethanol yields of 0.35–0.43 g/g, which, based on a maximum theoretical ethanol yield of 0.51 g/g of hexoses or pentoses, corresponds to yield efficiencies of 68.6 and 84.3%. This illustrates an improvement on the highest titers reported in the literature for non-detoxified HSSL. The use of the advanced industrial S. cerevisiae strain, CelluX™4, combined with a fed-batch strategy, offers an inexpensive and straightforward process with real upscaling potential for industrial HSSL fermentations.
A human-centred design approach for the development and conducting of maritime cyber resilience training
Authors: Erstad Erlend , Hopcraft Rory , Vineetha Harish Avanthika , Tam Kimberly
Published: March 2023

Due to the increase in the digitalization on board ships, the potential consequences of a cyber-induced incident can threaten the safety of the ships. A known challenge in the maritime industry is communication between ship owner management onshore and the crew on board a ship, especially during incident handling. To mitigate this issue and enhance cooperation in the digital age, crew and ship owner management need to meet, train for, and discuss cyber risks and their challenges. One way to enhance cohesive teams and effective communication is through the application of a human-centred design (HCD) approach to holistic team training. This paper proposes how simulator instructors should utilise HCD for the development of maritime cyber resilience training, tailored to a variety of maritime stakeholders including ship’s crew and onshore support personnel. To do this, this paper will explore relevant learning theories and current maritime and cyber-related training methods. The paper will then demonstrate, through a practical application, the effectiveness of adopting HCD when designing maritime cyber resilience training. This application will argue that maritime simulators present an effective training solution for new cyber-related incidents. The authors demonstrate the application of HCD by showcasing a ballast water handling system cyber incident designed for the simulator. The development of such a training resource allows all participants to experience the consequences of a cyber-attack in a safe environment whilst enhancing their ability to respond (i.e. communicate with each other) effectively.
Patient characteristics in sepsis-related deaths: prevalence of advanced frailty, comorbidity, and age in a Norwegian hospital trust
Authors: Torvik Marianne Ask , Nymo Stig Haugset , Nymo Ståle Haugset , Bjørnsen Lars Petter , Kvarenes Hanne Winge , Ofstad Eirik Hugaas
Published: March 2023

Objective

To examine the prevalence of advanced frailty, comorbidity, and age among sepsis-related deaths in an adult hospital population.

Methods

Retrospective chart reviews of deceased adults within a Norwegian hospital trust, with a diagnosis of infection, over 2 years (2018–2019). The likelihood of sepsis-related death was evaluated by clinicians as sepsis-related, possibly sepsis-related, or not sepsis-related.

Results

Of 633 hospital deaths, 179 (28%) were sepsis-related, and 136 (21%) were possibly sepsis-related. Among these 315 patients whose deaths were sepsis-related or possibly sepsis-related, close to three in four patients (73%) were either 85 years or older, living with severe frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale, CFS, score of 7 or more), or an end-stage condition prior to the admission. Among the remaining 27%, 15% were either 80–84 years old, living with frailty corresponding to a CFS score of 6, or severe comorbidity, defined as 5 points or more on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The last 12% constituted the presumably healthiest cluster, but in this group as well, the majority died with limitations of care due to their premorbid functional status and/ or comorbidity. Findings remained stable if the population was limited to sepsis-related deaths on clinicians’ reviews or those fulfilling the Sepsis-3 criteria.

Conclusions

Advanced frailty, comorbidity, and age were predominant in hospital fatalities where infection contributed to death, with or without sepsis. This is of importance when considering sepsis-related mortality in similar populations, the applicability of study results to everyday clinical work, and future study designs.