bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed analysis of Türkiye's agricultural biomass-based energy potential with machine learning algorithms based on environmental and climatic conditions
Authors: Pence I. , Kumas K. , Siseci Cesmeli M. , Akyüz A.
Published: March 2024

In the study, the biomass and energy potential of each province of Türkiye was calculated for the years 2010–2021, using data from 15 different fields and 16 different horticultural crops. The total theoretical energy potential obtained from field and garden products was calculated as 222,620 Terajoule (TJ) and 61,737 TJ for 2010 and 308,888 TJ and 77,002 TJ for 2021, respectively. The agricultural biomass potential for 2021 was estimated using machine learning algorithms, depending on the environmental and climate data covering 2010–2020, which has not been studied in the literature. In this study, agricultural biomass potential for Türkiye was tried to be modeled by using Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting Regressor (XGBR) from machine learning methods. Agricultural biomass potential was tested in a tenfold cross-validation analysis and prediction for 2021 using only climatic and agricultural area data. In addition, by applying feature selection, it has been tried to reduce the features to be used and increase the success rate. Accordingly, when the results of the Random Forest algorithm were generalized, it achieved an R2 value of 0.9328 using all features for the tenfold cross-validation analysis. At the same time, it reached an R2 value of 0.9434 using four features in the prediction of 2021 and was found to be successful. Considering only the 2021 forecast, the KNN algorithm reached the highest result with an R2 value of 0.9560 using only four features. Also, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test result at p = 0.05 shows no significant difference between the predictions and the actual values.

Graphical abstract
Volatile biomarkers of Gram-positive bacteria of clinical relevance as a tool for infection diagnosis
Authors: Rubio-Sánchez Ricardo , Lepe-Balsalobre Esperanza , Ubeda Cristina , Lepe-Jiménez José Antonio
Published: March 2024

Aim

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are being studied as potential biomarkers in many infections. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the volatile profile of three Gram-positive bacteria of clinical relevance to identify potential volatile biomarkers that allow their differentiation.

Methods and results

L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and E. faecalis clinical isolates were inoculated in a thioglycollate medium until grown. Then, VOCs were extracted by solid-phase microextraction, and the data obtained were subjected to multivariate analysis. According to our results, there was a high production of aldehydes in E. faecalis. In the case of alcohols, they only increased in L. monocytogenes, while ketones were produced significantly in all three bacteria, mainly due to acetoin. Acids were produced significantly in E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes.

Conclusions

Potential biomarkers of L. monocytogenes could be 1-butanol and 2-methylbutanoic acid. In the case of E. faecalis, the VOC most related to its presence was nonanal. Lastly, potential biomarkers of S. aureus could be isoamyl butanoate and methionol, although some pyrazines have also been associated with this bacterium.

Significance and impact of the study

The identification of potential biomarkers of these clinically relevant bacteria could open the way for the diagnosis of these infections through the analysis of volatile compounds.
The roles and dynamics of transition intermediaries in enabling sustainable public food procurement: insights from Spain
Authors: Gaitán-Cremaschi Daniel , Valbuena Diego , Klerkx Laurens
Published: March 2024

Sustainable Public Food Procurement (SPFP) is gaining recognition for its potential to improve the sustainability of food systems and promote healthier diets. However, SPFP faces various challenges, including coordination issues, actor dynamics, infrastructure limitations, unsustainable habits, and institutional resistance, among others. Drawing upon insights from the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) on socio-technical transitions and the X-curve model on transition dynamics, this study investigates the role of transition intermediaries in facilitating SPFP-induced transformations in food systems. Focusing on four case studies in Spain, we identify common barriers encountered in SPFP and analyse how distinct types of transition intermediaries contribute individually and collectively to address these challenges. Additionally, we explore how intermediary networks evolve throughout different phases of the transition process. Our findings reveal that SPFP barriers are systemic and interconnected, emphasizing the necessity of collective intermediation to overcome these obstacles. Furthermore, our results reveal how collective intermediation is orchestrated by pivotal intermediaries who mobilize diverse transition intermediaries, shaping multiple transition pathways. These intermediaries operate at both food system regimes and niches, challenging the conventional notion that transformative change can only originate from niche efforts. Lastly, we highlight the dynamic and flexible nature of intermediation in SPFP transitions, underscoring the importance of adaptability in strategies as these transitions evolve over time. Practical implications include the need for context-specific, adaptive approaches and strategies that leverage intermediary diversity. This research offers insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars into SPFP and broader transitions towards food systems transformation, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of these transition processes.
Testing the Factor Structure and Construct Validity of the German Version of Gray et al.’s (2003) Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire
Authors: Lehmann Robert J. B. , Schäfer Thomas , Bartels Ross , Sabic Sabina , Schache Catrin
Published: March 2024

Gray et al.’s (2003) Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ) is becoming an increasingly used self-report measure of sexual fantasy use. The current study analyzed the factorial structure and construct validity of the behavioral items of the SFQ using a nomological network of other sexuality-related measures in a large German-speaking sample (N = 846). Participants’ (27.7% females) mean age was 30.8 years (SD = 11.0). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 65-item scale comprising five-factors, which were termed: normophilic sexual fantasies, sexualized aggression, sexualized submission, submissive courtship, and bodily functions. This German version of the SFQ was found to have high construct validity indicated by its association with other related constructs. Based on these results, we argue that the SFQ is a valid self-report measure that can be used in both research and clinical practice (foremost the factors sexualized aggression and sexualized submission). Suggestions for future research are discussed in light of the results and the study’s limitations.
Neuroprotective effects of rutin against cuprizone-induced multiple sclerosis in mice
Authors: Nicola Mariam A. , Attaai Abdelraheim H. , Abdel-Raheem Mahmoud H. , Mohammed Anber F. , Abu-Elhassan Yasmin F.
Published: March 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that injures the myelin sheath, provoking progressive axonal degeneration and functional impairments. No efficient therapy is available at present to combat such insults, and hence, novel safe and effective alternatives for MS therapy are extremely required. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in several brain injuries. The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effects of two doses of RUT in a model of pattern-III lesion of MS, in comparison to the conventional standard drug; dimethyl fumarate (DMF). Demyelination was induced in in male adult C57BL/6 mice by dietary 0.2% (w/w) cuprizone (CPZ) feeding for 6 consecutive weeks. Treated groups received either oral RUT (50 or 100 mg/kg) or DMF (15 mg/kg), along with CPZ feeding, for 6 consecutive weeks. Mice were then tested for behavioral changes, followed by biochemical analyses and histological examinations of the corpus callosum (CC). Results revealed that CPZ caused motor dysfunction, demyelination, and glial activation in demyelinated lesions, as well as significant oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine elevation. Six weeks of RUT treatment significantly improved locomotor activity and motor coordination. Moreover, RUT considerably improved remyelination in the CC of CPZ + RUT-treated mice, as revealed by luxol fast blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. Rutin also significantly attenuated CPZ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the CC of tested animals. The effect of RUT100 was obviously more marked than either that of DMF, regarding most of the tested parameters, or even its smaller tested dose. In silico docking revealed that RUT binds tightly within NF-κB at the binding site of the protein-DNA complex, with a good negative score of −6.79 kcal/mol. Also, RUT-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) model clarifies the possible inhibition of Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interaction. Findings of the current study provide evidence for the protective effect of RUT in CPZ-induced demyelination and behavioral dysfunction in mice, possibly by modulating NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. The present study may be one of the first to indicate a pro-remyelinating effect for RUT, which might represent a potential additive benefit in treating MS.

Graphical Abstract
Assessing the Efficacy of a Novel Massive Open Online Soft Skills Course for South Asian Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Mahadevan Aditya , Rivera Ronald , Najhawan Mahan , Saadat Soheil , Strehlow Matthew , Rao G. V. Ramana , Youm Julie
Published: March 2024

In healthcare professions, soft skills contribute to critical thinking, decision-making, and patient-centered care. While important to the delivery of high-quality medical care, soft skills are often underemphasized during healthcare training in low-and-middle-income countries. Despite South Asia’s large population, the efficacy and viability of a digital soft skills curriculum for South Asian healthcare practitioners has not been studied to date. We hypothesized that a web-based, multilingual, soft skills course could aid the understanding and application of soft skills to improve healthcare practitioner knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and intent-to-change clinical practice.In September 2019 a needs assessment observing soft skills practices was conducted in several Indian states. We developed a communication-focused soft skills curriculum that comprised seven 10-minute video lectures, recorded in spoken English and Hindi. Participants consisted of any practicing healthcare professionals and trainees in select South Asian countries age 18 and over. Participant knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and intent-to-change clinical practice were evaluated using pre- and post-course tests and surveys. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA and SPSS.From July 26, 2021 to September 26, 2021, 5750 registered and attempted the course, 2628 unique participants completed the pre-test, and 1566 unique participants completed the post-test. Participants demonstrated small but statistically significant gains in confidence (𝑝<0.001), attitudes toward course topics relevance (𝑝<0.001), and intent-to-change clinical practice (𝑝<0.001). There was no statistically significant gain in knowledge. A digital soft-skills massive open online course for healthcare practitioners in South Asia could serve as a viable approach to improve the quality of soft skills training in low-to-middle income countries.
DDT: A Reinforcement Learning Approach to Dynamic Flow Timeout Assignment in Software Defined Networks
Authors: Harris Nathan , Khorsandroo Sajad
Published: March 2024

OpenFlow-compliant commodity switches face challenges in efficiently managing flow rules due to the limited capacity of expensive high-speed memories used to store them. The accumulation of inactive flows can disrupt ongoing communication, necessitating an optimized approach to flow rule timeouts. This paper proposes Delayed Dynamic Timeout (DDT), a Reinforcement Learning-based approach to dynamically adjust flow rule timeouts and enhance the utilization of a switch’s flow table(s) for improved efficiency. Despite the dynamic nature of network traffic, our DDT algorithm leverages advancements in Reinforcement Learning algorithms to adapt and achieve flow-specific optimization objectives. The evaluation results demonstrate that DDT outperforms static timeout values in terms of both flow rule match rate and flow rule activity. By continuously adapting to changing network conditions, DDT showcases the potential of Reinforcement Learning algorithms to effectively optimize flow rule management. This research contributes to the advancement of flow rule optimization techniques and highlights the feasibility of applying Reinforcement Learning in the context of SDN.
Relational Egalitarianism and Intergenerational Justice: Reply to Sommers
Authors: Inoue Akira
Published: March 2024

It is often argued that relational egalitarianism has a fundamental problem with intergenerational justice when compared to other theories of justice such as utilitarianism, prioritarianism, and luck egalitarianism. Recently, Timothy Sommers argued that there is no such comparative disadvantage for relational egalitarianism. His argument is quite modest: it merely aims to reject the claim that there could be no way to extend relational egalitarianism to intergenerational justice. This may be called the ‘No Comparative Disadvantage Thesis’. The present article challenges Sommers’s argument in two ways. First, I show that Sommers fails to provide a reasonable constraint on causal efficacy, which is crucial to his argument for our relation (not relationship) to future generations. Second, I show that the chain-relatedness problem casts a shadow over Sommers’s argument for the No Comparative Disadvantage Thesis. More specifically, compared to the other theories of justice, relational egalitarianism (as it stands) can less easily justify that present persons have duties to future others. This is because relational egalitarianism cannot appeal to a specific principle in regard to the duties in question, because its principle is sensitive to current context and practice. I conclude that the No Comparative Disadvantage Thesis does not hold much promise.
False Conscience: Sustainability and Smart Evolution—Between Law and Power
Authors: Mattei Ugo
Published: March 2024

The contribution describes the legal phenomenon as a playing field characterized by a progressive regression of the law, understood as a sovereign will from top to bottom, both in the vision of formalist legal positivisms in continental Europe and in realist terms, in the United States. Soft law represents the main strategy to subordinate the law to the interests of the economy, elasticizing environmental law, making it favorable to the market, reducing ecology to the simplistic metric of CO2 emissions. The consequence is a retreat of the statist vertical normativity of law which is not replaced by a de facto power granted to those who control the technology, built by design to close spaces for pluralism and democratic action, in the interest of surveillance and concentrated power in private and government oligopolies. The author concludes by advocating the urgency for genuinely innovative categories, particularly in the legal education, such as the commons, capable of including sustainability into a “new ecological jurisprudence committed to inclusion and solidarity rather than exclusion and struggle”.
Resampling-based confidence intervals and bands for the average treatment effect in observational studies with competing risks
Authors: Rühl Jasmin , Friedrich Sarah
Published: March 2024

The g-formula can be used to estimate the treatment effect while accounting for confounding bias in observational studies. With regard to time-to-event endpoints, possibly subject to competing risks, the construction of valid pointwise confidence intervals and time-simultaneous confidence bands for the causal risk difference is complicated, however. A convenient solution is to approximate the asymptotic distribution of the corresponding stochastic process by means of resampling approaches. In this paper, we consider three different resampling methods, namely the classical nonparametric bootstrap, the influence function equipped with a resampling approach as well as a martingale-based bootstrap version, the so-called wild bootstrap. For the latter, three sub-versions based on differing distributions of the underlying random multipliers are examined. We set up a simulation study to compare the accuracy of the different techniques, which reveals that the wild bootstrap should in general be preferred if the sample size is moderate and sufficient data on the event of interest have been accrued. For illustration, the resampling methods are further applied to data on the long-term survival in patients with early-stage Hodgkin’s disease.
Effect of exotic species management on the recovery of relict forests through citizen participation
Authors: Flores-Galicia Nihaib , Gutiérrez Erick , Trejo Irma
Published: March 2024

In the cities, remnants of the vegetation that originally occupied these areas can be found. Exotic species have established in these relicts, and therefore these spaces require management aimed at recovering native vegetation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the removing exotic species on the floristic composition of the remnants of an oak forest. We compared the abundance/cover and composition of exotic plants in a forest that has been managed through citizen participation with that of reference forests (both with remnants, but the former without protection and the latter with protection). We established 48 sampling sites to characterize the vegetation in three strata (upper, middle, and low) and monitored changes in composition in managed forest sites for a period of 3 years. The results indicate that the managed forest hosts different species than those found in the reference forests, with lower abundance and cover of exotic plants in the upper and lower strata. Regarding temporal changes, we observed shifts in floristic composition before and after management activities, and a reduction in the cover of exotic species before and after management, with consistently low cover three years later. This underscores the effectiveness of citizen-led management activities, offering a viable alternative for restoring native vegetation in urban environments.
Age-related effects on a hierarchical structure of canine cognition
Authors: Bognár Zsófia , Turcsán Borbála , Faragó Tamás , Szabó Dóra , Iotchev Ivaylo Borislavov , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: March 2024

The current study investigates whether there are statistically independent age-related influences on the canine cognitive structure and how individual factors moderate cognitive aging on both cross-sectional and longitudinal samples. A battery of seven tasks was administered to 129 pet dogs, on which exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to unveil the correlational structure underlying individual differences in cognitive performance. The best-fitting model featured a hierarchical structure with two first-order cognitive domains (individual problem solving, learning) and a second-order common factor. These higher order factors exhibited consistency over a period of at least 2.5 years. External validation linked the common factor positively to discrimination and reversal learning performance, exploration, neophilia, activity/excitability, and training level while negatively to cognitive dysfunction symptoms, suggesting that it is a good candidate for a general cognitive factor (canine g). Structural equation models identified three distinct age-related influences, operating on associative learning, on memory, and on canine g. Health status moderated the negative age-canine g relationship, with a stronger association observed in dogs with poorer health status, and no relationship for dogs in good health. On a longitudinal sample (N = 99), we showed that the direction and magnitude of change in canine g over up to 3 years is affected by various interactions between the dogs’ age, communication score, baseline performance, and time elapsed since the baseline measurement. These findings underscore the presence of a general cognitive factor in dogs and reveal intriguing parallels between human and canine aging, affirming the translational value of dogs in cognition and aging research.
Histology profiling of lung tumors: tru-cut versus full-core system for CT-guided biopsies
Authors: Tipaldi Marcello Andrea , Ronconi Edoardo , Ubaldi Nicolò , Bozzi Fernando , Siciliano Francesco , Zolovkins Aleksejs , Orgera Gianluigi , Krokidis Miltiadis , Quarta Colosso Giulio , Rossi Michele
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We aimed to compare the diagnostic yield and procedure-related complications of two different types of systems for percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy.

Material and methods

All patients with a lung lesion who underwent a CT-guided lung biopsy at our institution, between January 2019 and 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were: (a) Procedures performed using either a fully automated tru-cut or a semi-automated full-core biopsy needle, (b) CT images demonstrating the position of the needles within the lesion, (c) histopathological result of the biopsy and (d) clinical follow-up for at least 12 months and\or surgical histopathological results. A total of 400 biopsy fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and enrolled in the study.

Results

Overall technical success was 100% and diagnostic accuracy was 84%. Tru-cut needles showed a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy when compared to full-core needles (91% vs. 77%, p = 0.0004) and a lower rate of pneumothorax (31% vs. 41%, p = 0.047). Due to the statistically significant different of nodules size between the two groups, we reiterated the statistical analysis splitting our population around the 20 mm cut-off for nodule size. We still observed a significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between tru-cut and full-core needles favoring the former for both smaller and larger lesions (81% vs. 71%, p = 0.025; and 92% vs. 81%; p = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the use of automated tru-cut needles is associated with higher histopathological diagnostic accuracy compared to semi-automated full-core needles for CTLB.
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in the evaluation of liver steatosis: data reliability in different respiratory phases and body positions
Authors: Rocca Aldo , Komici Klara , Brunese Maria Chiara , Pacella Giulia , Avella Pasquale , Di Benedetto Chiara , Caiazzo Corrado , Zappia Marcello , Brunese Luca , Vallone Gianfranco
Published: March 2024

Liver steatosis is the most common chronic liver disease and affects 10–24% of the general population. As the grade of disease can range from fat infiltration to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, an early diagnosis is needed to set the most appropriate therapy. Innovative noninvasive radiological techniques have been developed through MRI and US. MRI-PDFF is the reference standard, but it is not so widely diffused due to its cost. For this reason, ultrasound tools have been validated to study liver parenchyma. The qualitative assessment of the brightness of liver parenchyma has now been supported by quantitative values of attenuation and scattering to make the analysis objective and reproducible. We aim to demonstrate the reliability of quantitative ultrasound in assessing liver fat and to confirm the inter-operator reliability in different respiratory phases. We enrolled 45 patients examined during normal breathing at rest, peak inspiration, peak expiration, and semi-sitting position. The highest inter-operator agreement in both attenuation and scattering parameters was achieved at peak inspiration and peak expiration, followed by semi-sitting position. In conclusion, this technology also allows to monitor uncompliant patients, as it grants high reliability and reproducibility in different body position and respiratory phases.
The ecor as global special purpose money: towards a green international monetary system to finance sustainable and just transformation
Authors: Aguila Nicolás , Haufe Paula , Wullweber Joscha
Published: March 2024

Countries from the Global South face significant challenges to finance sustainable and just transformation. These challenges primarily stem from the hierarchical character of the current international monetary system, which requires Global South countries to obtain US dollars to finance imports of green goods, services, and technologies that they cannot (yet) produce, but require for the sustainable transformation. To overcome this hurdle, we propose the foundation of a green international monetary system with a Green World Central Bank (GWCB) at its centre. The GWCB would be allowed to create its own unit of account, which in our model we refer to as the “ecor”. The ecor would be a global special purpose money similar to Keynes’ ‘bancor’. Ecors would be created by the GWCB in the act of lending, and credited to the GWCB accounts of countries to finance imports needed to combat the climate crisis and advance the process of sustainable and just transformation in their societies and economies. Ecors transferred by deficit countries to surplus countries would only be able to be used within the system, leading to an expansionary adjustment of international imbalances. In this way, the amount of ecors would adjust elastically to the real demands for sustainable change and would not be limited by reserves or by funding conditions from private finance. This would create an international monetary system capable of responding appropriately and flexibly to ease the financing needs of countries around the world, thus enabling them, to effectively address the climate crisis on a globally just basis.
Barriers and facilitators to self-management in people living with a lower-grade glioma
Authors: Rimmer Ben , Balla Michelle , Dutton Lizzie , Williams Sophie , Araújo-Soares Vera , Gallagher Pamela , Finch Tracy , Lewis Joanne , Burns Richéal , Menger Fiona , Sharp Linda ,   on behalf of the Ways Ahead study team
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Self-management can have clinical and quality-of-life benefits. However, people with lower-grade gliomas (LGG) may face chronic tumour- and/or treatment-related symptoms and impairments (e.g. cognitive deficits, seizures), which could influence their ability to self-manage. Our study aimed to identify and understand the barriers and facilitators to self-management in people with LGG.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 people with LGG across the United Kingdom, who had completed primary treatment. Sixteen participants were male, mean age was 50.4 years, and mean time since diagnosis was 8.7 years. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Following inductive open coding, we deductively mapped codes to Schulman-Green et al.’s framework of factors influencing self-management, developed in chronic illness.

Results

Data suggested extensive support for all five framework categories (‘Personal/lifestyle characteristics’, ‘Health status’, ‘Resources’, ‘Environmental characteristics’, ‘Healthcare system’), encompassing all 18 factors influencing self-management. How people with LGG experience many of these factors appears somewhat distinct from other cancers; participants described multiple, often co-occurring, challenges, primarily with knowledge and acceptance of their incurable condition, the impact of seizures and cognitive deficits, transport difficulties, and access to (in)formal support. Several factors were on a continuum, for example, sufficient knowledge was a facilitator, whereas lack thereof, was a barrier to self-management.

Conclusions

People with LGG described distinctive experiences with wide-ranging factors influencing their ability to self-manage.

Implications for cancer survivors

These findings will improve awareness of the potential challenges faced by people with LGG around self-management and inform development of self-management interventions for this population.
Web-Based Initiatives to Prevent Sexual Offense Perpetration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hillert Jana , Haubrock Lina Sophie , Dekker Arne , Briken Peer
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Web-based programs to prevent sexual offense perpetration could provide an opportunity that avoids many of the barriers associated with in-person treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to give an overview of the literature on web-based initiatives aimed at sexual offense perpetration prevention published during the last 10 years (2013–2023) and to report data on the efficacy as well as issues of the discussed initiatives.

Recent Findings

We included 18 empirical studies discussing web-based perpetration prevention initiatives, of which six are randomized controlled trials. Among the articles, four cover programs focusing on prevention of sexual reoffending and 14 discuss programs aimed at preventing initial sexual offenses.

Evaluations and observations of web-based initiatives aimed at preventing sexual offense perpetration show overall promising results and are well-appreciated. However, evaluation studies are scarce and more randomized controlled trials replicating this effect are warranted.
Search for Operating Conditions in the Thermal Pistachio Splitting in Fountain Confined Conical Spouted Beds
Authors: Sukunza Xabier , Bolaños Maider , Tellabide Mikel , Estiati Idoia , Freire Fábio Bentes , Aguado Roberto , Olazar Martin
Published: March 2024

The worldwide consumption of pistachio nuts has been increasing over the last decades due to their high nutritional value. Given that only split nuts are commercialised, the closed-shell nuts, which account for most of the harvested ones, must be split by mechanical or thermal processes. However, there is hardly any information about the splitting mechanism based on thermal treatments. Accordingly, the thermal splitting of pistachio nuts in conical spouted beds has been approached, and the effect of the air inlet temperature, the draft tube aperture ratio and the air inlet diameter on the splitting mechanism has been analysed. Batch drying tests have been carried out in the proposed technology at an air inlet temperature range of 40–120 $${}^{\circ }\text {C}$$

∘

C

using configurations with and without draft tube. The operating temperature and dryer configuration that allows attaining up to 60% of split pistachios and preserving their quality are 80 $${}^{\circ }\text {C}$$

∘

C

, an inlet diameter of 0.05 m and an open-sided draft tube with an aperture ratio of 80%.
Sharing the secret: The effects of sharing mothers’ breast cancer on Arab children’s emotional and behavioral status
Authors: Hen Meirav , Khalaily Nour , Mirochnik Izabella , Keren Miri
Published: March 2024

A diagnosis of breast cancer implies an emotional burden on the patient’s personal and family functioning, especially in traditional societies. Along with the physical and emotional difficulties that are inherent to cancer, there is also a tendency in Arab society to keep the disease a secret. The present study examined the impact of sharing information about the mother’s illness on the emotional and educational scholastic functioning of children of Arab Israeli women with breast cancer. The sample included 39 Arab women with breast cancer, their school aged children and their children’s teachers, who answered self-report questionnaires. Findings indicated that mothers and children who shared information related to the illness reported more perceived social support, children’s higher academic achievements, fewer emotional and behavioral problems, and higher pro-social behaviors than children and mothers who did not share information regarding the illness. This study underscores the role of sharing information about breast-cancer illness among Arab mothers, on the emotional and scholastic functioning of their children. Further research is needed to provide a way to facilitate the information-sharing process in the community, and to prevent the negative ‘ripple effect’ of concealing the mother’s illness in Arab society.
Sportverbände als Meta-Organisationen
Authors: Thieme Lutz
Published: March 2024

Sportverbände fanden bislang in der Organisationssoziologie und in der Sportwissenschaft weniger Aufmerksamkeit als Sportvereine. Bisherige Beiträge liefern lediglich ein Desiderat zur Erklärung organisationalen Handelns von Sportverbänden. Das Konzept der Meta-Organisation weist auf grundlegende Differenzen im organisationalen Handeln zwischen Organisation hin, die keine Personen, sondern Organisationen als Mitglieder haben. Diese betreffen in erster Linie die Ressourcenausstattung, die Ressourcenverfügbarkeit, die Dynamik organisationalen Handelns, die Entscheidungsfindung und den Umgang mit Konflikten. Daher wird das Konzept der Meta-Organisationen zur Beschreibung von Sportverbänden genutzt und ein Modell entwickelt, welches Personen‑, Struktur- und Finanzdynamiken modelliert und dabei die Differenzen zwischen mittleren Meta-Organisationen und Sportverbänden, wie z. B. deren Monopolstellung, einbindet. Die empirische Bewährung des vorgelegten Modells steht noch aus.
From Nutritional Capability to Food Capability: Measurement of Multidimensional Food Poverty in Japan
Authors: Ueda Haruka
Published: March 2024

Amartya Sen’s work has contributed to shifting our focus from food availability to food access and utilisation, together called ‘nutritional capability’. Existing food insecurity instruments have been informed partially by the capability approach, but remain focused on material deprivation and its economic sub-dimensions. This narrow focus has become problematic, particularly in high-income countries, where material deprivation is largely overcome and food poverty manifests itself differently from that in low-income countries. Food poverty in high-income countries should thus be approached from a ‘food capability’ perspective that fully recognises the multidimensionality of eating lives and the multiple factors that affect their dietary standards. To demonstrate the usefulness of this perspective, the Alkire-Foster method for multidimensional food poverty was utilised to analyse food poverty in Japan. The Alkire-Foster measure has a dual cut-off approach and its adapted method can produce a multidimensional food poverty index by setting reasonable food deprivation and poverty thresholds. The national data used for empirical demonstration was obtained from a web-based questionnaire conducted in Japan, to which 973 participants (aged 20–60 years) responded. The measurement identified a 20.6% food-poor population and inequalities in food capabilities among subgroups. Although economic deprivation was tightly linked to food poverty, the results suggested that gender- and age-based inequalities were larger than socioeconomic status-based ones, which reflected much wider societal problems in Japan than growing economic poverty, such as gender inequality and population ageing. The proposed measurement is effective for monitoring food policy impacts and complementing existing food insecurity assessment tools. The results will be useful for promoting social debate about what the minimal dietary standard should be in high-income societies.
Signatures of convection in the atmospheres of cool evolved stars
Authors: Chiavassa Andrea , Kravchenko Kateryna , Goldberg Jared A.
Published: March 2024

Evolved cool stars of various masses are major cosmic engines, delivering substantial mechanical and radiative feedback to the interstellar medium through strong stellar winds and supernova ejecta. These stars play a pivotal role in enriching the interstellar medium with vital chemical elements that constitute the essential building blocks for the formation of subsequent generations of stars, planets, and potentially even life. Within the complex tapestry of processes occurring in the atmospheres of these cool and luminous stars, convection takes center stage. Convection is a non-local, complex phenomenon marked by non-linear interactions across diverse length scales within a multi-dimensional framework. For these particular stars, characterized by their considerable luminosities and extensive scale heights, convection transitions to a global scale. This transition is facilitated by the transmission of radiative energy through the non-uniform outer layers of their atmospheres. To have a full understanding of this phenomenon, the application of global comprehensive 3D radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of stellar convection is of paramount importance. We present two state-of-the-art numerical codes: CO5BOLD and Athena++. Furthermore, we provide a view on their applications as: pivotal roles in enabling a comprehensive investigation into the dynamic processes linked to convection; and critical tools for accurately modeling the emissions produced during shock breakouts in Type II-P supernovae.
Effect of the Flow Passage Area Ratio on a Double Slit-Type Pintle Injector
Authors: Lee Ingyu , Shim Daewoong , Kim Inho , Yoon Youngbin
Published: March 2024

Due to the structural characteristics of the pintle injector, a recirculation zone is generated under the pintle, so the pintle tip is directly exposed to a high-temperature environment. Therefore, the cooling technique and protective coating on the pintle tip are essential for improving the reusability and durability of the pintle injector. Although various cooling methods are known, this study applied a forced flow passage cooling method by adding internal structures called inserts to the pintle injector. The characteristics of the insert were analyzed experimentally and numerically based on change of its area ratio. When the internal flow changes, the spray angle, droplet size, and cooling performance also change in accordance with an increase in the insert’s central area. When the insert structure is installed in the pintle post, upward flow may occur, which can worsen the spray angle and droplet distribution characteristics. Nevertheless, owing to the insert structure, the surface temperature of the pintle post is reduced dramatically as intended. Thus, an optimal design technique for cooling by changing the area ratio of the first- and second-row slits of the pintle post can be suggested to overcome the limitations of the insert structure. The results of this study will be helpful in understanding the spray characteristics of the insert structure and optimize the design of cooling channels for reusable pintle injectors in the future.
Revealing the specific regulations of nitric oxide on the postharvest ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Li Ling , Ma Lili , Fernie Alisdair R. , Fu Anzhen , Bai Chunmei , Sang Zhaoze , Guo Susu , Zhang Fan , Wang Qing , Zheng Yanyan , Zuo Jinhua
Published: March 2024

Bitter melon fruit is susceptible to yellowing, softening, and rotting under room-temperature storage conditions, resulting in reduced commercial value. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule and plays a crucial role in regulating the fruit postharvest quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of NO treatment on changes in sensory and firmness of bitter melon fruit during postharvest storage. Moreover, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses were performed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms through which NO treatment delays the ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit. Our results show that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in fruit texture (CSLE, β-Gal, and PME), plant hormone signal transduction (ACS, JAR4, and AUX28), and fruit flavor and aroma (SUS2, LOX, and GDH2). In addition, proteins differentially abundant were associated with fruit texture (PLY, PME, and PGA) and plant hormone signal transduction (PBL15, JAR1, and PYL9). Moreover, NO significantly increased the abundance of key enzymes involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, thus enhancing the disease resistance and alleviating softening of bitter melon fruit. Finally, differential metabolites mainly included phenolic acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the physiological changes associated with postharvest ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit.
To Learn but Not Live Together? The Early History of the University of British Columbia’s International House
Authors: McCartney Dale M. , Metcalfe Amy Scott , Blanco Gerardo L. , Kumari Roshni
Published: March 2024

The University of British Columbia (UBC) opened Canada’s first International House (I-House) in 1959 after a decade of activism from students and faculty. Students had demanded an I-House to help them find housing, and to ensure that “brotherhood may prevail,” as the I-House motto promised. The I-House campaign received support from community groups that raised the funds to build the UBC I-House. UBC’s administration wanted I-House as a social center that could coordinate fledgling international student services and resisted the residential I-House model. Ultimately, UBC’s administrators won out and the residential component was never built. This paper examines the conflict about building a residence to house international and domestic students together, chronicling the competing visions of international student policy and services that were circulating at one of Canada’s largest universities in the early days of the Cold War.
Androcentrism in Biological Typing
Authors: Watkins Aja
Published: March 2024

Biological types, including holotypes and reference genomes, are particular biological entities that represent an entire class of biological entities. This paper presents a feminist analysis of biological typing by asking whether we have reason to criticize the practices of selecting holotypes and reference genomes for being androcentric. I offer three distinct reasons why androcentrism can be objectionable: androcentric practices may inadequately account for traits or experiences of women/females, reinforce male/female dichotomies, or overgeneralize from particulars. I then evaluate whether the practices of selecting holotypes and genomes are objectionably androcentric in these three ways. These typing practices, especially as applied to the case of humans, are objectionably androcentric in some ways but not others. Whether a typing practice problematically ignores the traits or experiences of women depends on whether the typing practice involves non-accidentally taking the traits or experiences of male humans as typical, which, I argue, is true both in the case of holotypes and genomes. Neither holotypes nor genomes reinforce male/female dichotomies, although some features of these practices may appear to do so. Finally, both holotypes and genomes are criticizable for overgeneralizing from particulars, although this criticism does not depend on these practices being androcentric.
Childhood adversities characterize the heterogeneity in the brain pattern of individuals during neurodevelopment
Authors: Kashyap Rajan , Holla Bharath , Bhattacharjee Sagarika , Sharma Eesha , Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Vaidya Nilakshi , Bharath Rose Dawn , Murthy Pratima , Basu Debashish , Nanjayya Subodh Bhagyalakshmi , Singh Rajkumar Lenin , Lourembam Roshan , Chakrabarti Amit , Kartik Kamakshi , Kalyanram Kartik , Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Krishnaveni Ghattu , Krishna Murali , Kuriyan Rebecca , Kurpad Sunita Simon , Desrivieres Sylvane , Purushottam Meera , Barker Gareth , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Hickman Matthew , Heron Jon , Toledano Mireille , Schumann Gunter , Benegal Vivek ,   for the Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalizing Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA)
Published: March 2024

Background

Several factors shape the neurodevelopmental trajectory. A key area of focus in neurodevelopmental research is to estimate the factors that have maximal influence on the brain and can tip the balance from typical to atypical development.

Methods

Utilizing a dissimilarity maximization algorithm on the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) of the resting state functional MRI data, we classified subjects from the cVEDA neurodevelopmental cohort (n = 987, aged 6–23 years) into homogeneously patterned DMD (representing typical development in 809 subjects) and heterogeneously patterned DMD (indicative of atypical development in 178 subjects).

Results

Significant DMD differences were primarily identified in the default mode network (DMN) regions across these groups (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). While the groups were comparable in cognitive performance, the atypical group had more frequent exposure to adversities and faced higher abuses (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). Upon evaluating brain-behavior correlations, we found that correlation patterns between adversity and DMN dynamic modes exhibited age-dependent variations for atypical subjects, hinting at differential utilization of the DMN due to chronic adversities.

Conclusion

Adversities (particularly abuse) maximally influence the DMN during neurodevelopment and lead to the failure in the development of a coherent DMN system. While DMN's integrity is preserved in typical development, the age-dependent variability in atypically developing individuals is contrasting. The flexibility of DMN might be a compensatory mechanism to protect an individual in an abusive environment. However, such adaptability might deprive the neural system of the faculties of normal functioning and may incur long-term effects on the psyche.
Sense-aware connective-based indices of cohesion and their relationship to cohesion ratings of English language learners’ written production
Authors: Lu Xiaofei , Hu Renfen
Published: March 2024

The use of connectives has been considered important for assessing the cohesion of written texts (Crossley et al., 2019). However, existing connective-based indices have not systematically addressed two issues of ambiguity, namely, that between discourse and non-discourse use of polysemous word forms and that in terms of the specific discourse relations marked by polysemous discourse connectives (Pitler & Nenkova, 2009). This study proposes 34 sense-aware connective-based indices of cohesion that account for these issues and assesses their predictive power for cohesion ratings in comparison to 25 existing indices. Results from the analysis of 3,911 argumentative essays from the English Language Learner Insight, Proficiency and Skills Evaluation Corpus show that 23 sense-aware indices but only three existing indices correlated significantly and meaningfully with cohesion ratings. The sense-aware indices also exhibited greater predictive power for cohesion ratings than existing indices. The implications of our findings for future cohesion research are discussed.