bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil saprophages as an emerging global source of micronutrients
Authors: Gongalsky K.B. , Korobushkin D.I. , Baratova L.A. , Bastrakov A.I. , Degtyarev M.I. , Gorbunova A.Yu. , Ksenofontov A.L. , Lapa S.A. , Lebedev I.M. , Zaitsev A.S.
Published: November 2023

‘Hidden hunger’ occurs in humans and livestock and stems from deficiencies in microelements, essential amino acids, and vitamins. Triggered by insufficient intake of micronutrients in food and feed, even when macronutrients are abundant, hidden hunger can result in the development of serious diseases and pathological conditions. Finding sufficient micronutrients is often challenging because they are either obtained from limited external natural sources or synthesised de novo. Soil-dwelling saprophages comprise one of the largest proportions of zoomasses on Earth but remain surprisingly overlooked as a potential micronutrient source. To assess their nutritional content concerning micronutrients, we selected 31 invertebrate species obtained from natural ecosystems of European Russia or widely cultivated species originating mainly from tropical regions. They belong to major soil saprophage taxa: cockroaches (Blattodea), beetle (Coleoptera) larvae and imagoes, springtails (Collembola), millipedes (Diplopoda), fly (Diptera) larvae, earthworms (Haplotaxida), woodlice (Isopoda), crickets (Orthoptera). We assessed their proteinogenic amino acid, microelement, and vitamin composition. Taxonomic differences in the composition and ratio of micronutrients were determined and we identified specific taxa naturally enriched with micronutrients for future consideration as potential candidates for incorporation into food and feed supplements to alleviate hidden hunger in livestock and humans.
Standardising black soldier fly larvae feeding experiments: an initial protocol and variability estimates
Authors: Deruytter D. , Gasco L. , Yakti W. , Katz H. , Coudron C.L. , Gligorescu A. , Frooninckx L. , Noyens I. , Meneguz M. , Grosso F. , Bellezza Oddon S. , Biasato I. , Mielenz M. , Veldkamp T. , Van Loon J.J.A. , Spranghers T. , Vandenberg G.W. , Oonincx D.G.A.B. , Bosch G.
Published: November 2023

There is a growing interest in the ability of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) to convert low-value organic residues into high-value products. This leads to more publications with conversion data for various organic resources. However, these results are rarely comparable between laboratories due to differences in study protocols. This hinders comparisons among studies, the use of results in practice, and overall advancement in BSFL conversion research. Therefore, a standardised research protocol was developed for nursing, rearing and harvesting of BSFL for feed assessment. The utility of this protocol, was assessed via an international ring test with 9 partners. One batch of Gainesville diet (wheat bran (50%), alfa-alfa (30%) and maize (20%)) was produced and distributed among the partners to avoid dietary variations. Five-day-old BSFL larvae were used for the growth trial with six replicates per partner. Average larval weight was assessed after 3 days, 7 days, and harvest (>10% prepupae). Total yield and frass were recorded, and samples were chemically analysed to allow the quantification of the conversion efficiency. The results were used to calculate the within and between partner variability of the protocol. The results indicate that for the biological parameters (average weight, yield and density) the within partner variability was 24% and the between partner variability was 60%. For the assessed chemical parameters (N, fat, ash, P, K, pH), both the within and between variability was lower (respectively 9 and 28%). The results of this study give a first indication of the variability that can be expected within and between BSFL feeding experiments for different parameters and can therefore serve as guideline when developing a new experimental designs, assess standard operating procedures and other applications. The protocol can be used as first basis for future feed experiments, improving the comparability of results.
The COLOSS BEEBOOK – an example of standard methods in insect research
Authors: Facchini E. , Dietemann V. , Ellis J.D. , Evans J.D. , Neumann P. , Carreck N.L.
Published: November 2023

Honey bees play an essential role in modern agriculture as farm animals and crop pollinators, and they contribute to one third of our diet. Over the last few decades, managed honey bees have faced large-scale losses worldwide. Various causes include the spread of pathogens and parasites, habitat loss and loss of forage, pesticide use, and climate change. Many scientists investigated these issues worldwide separately and independently, often using different methodologies, and this approach might lead to conflicting and sometimes erroneous findings. To provide global and sustainable solutions, a group of bee scientists established COLOSS, a non-profit association for the prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes. Its mission is to investigate the causes of declining bee health and find effective means to improve the well-being of bees. COLOSS comprises various Core Projects and Task Forces focusing on specific topics identified by the association to receive priority attention. Among the core projects, the COLOSS BEEBOOK is a unique venture aiming to provide a standardised methods manual for studying the honey bee. The project’s goal has been to create a comprehensive collection of established methods and techniques for honey bee research, with the aim of making studies conducted by different groups across the world more comparable. The resulting practical manual contains over 2,000 standardized methods across all fields of honey bee research. It is definitive, but evolving, research manual. There is a strong need for standardisation in the fast-growing field of edible insect farming and research. The COLOSS BEEBOOK stands as a testament to the achievements that can be made when researchers collaborate towards a common goal, and it can serve as an inspiration for the establishment of standardized methods for the mass rearing of edible insects.
In vitro nutrient digestibility values of black soldier fly as a swine feed ingredient can be estimated by nitrogen concentrations
Authors: Kim H. , Ji S.Y. , Kim B.G.
Published: November 2023

The objectives were to determine effects of growth stages (experiment 1) of black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) and processing methods (experiment 2) on in vitro nutrient digestibility of BSF for pigs and to develop prediction equations for estimating in vitro nutrient utilization in BSF. In experiment 1, in vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) and in vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of dry matter (DM) and nitrogen in BSF larva (15 d of age), BSF prepupa (d 17), and BSF adults (d 34) were determined. The IVID of DM and nitrogen in BSF larva was higher () than that in BSF prepupa and BSF adults. The IVTTD of DM in BSF larva and BSF prepupa was higher () than that in BSF adults. In experiment 2, the BSF larva employed in experiment 1 was processed using 4 different methods to obtain dried larva press liquid, dried larva press cake, partially defatted larvae meal (PDLM), and fully defatted larvae meal. The IVID of DM and nitrogen in PDLM was higher () than that in other 3 ingredients. The IVTTD of DM in dried larva press liquid and PDLM was higher () than that in dried larva press cake or fully defatted larvae meal. Based on the feed ingredients employed in experiments 1 and 2, quadratic and linear prediction equations were developed for IVID of DM (; ) and IVTTD of DM (; ), respectively, in BSF-derived ingredients using nitrogen as an independent variable. Overall, the nutrients in BSF larva at 15 d of age were better utilized compared with older growth stages, and the nutrients in PDLM were better utilized compared with other processing methods. Equations for IVID and IVTTD of DM were developed using nitrogen concentrations as an independent variable in BSF-derived ingredients for pigs.
Nursery diet exclusion during the development of Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in restaurant food waste
Authors: dos Santos S.M. , da Silva F.G. , Bavosa H.R. , Martins I.P. , Nascimento J.C.S. , Lemes P.G. , Nogueira W.C.L. , da Costa D.V.
Published: November 2023

The black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is a valuable commercial insect for its nutritional and productive aspects, ability to cycle organic waste, and use as protein in animal feed. Its rearing is done in two steps, the ‘nursery diet’, and the ‘rearing’ diet, but the nursery diet may increase costs and labour. The effect of the nursery diet time on larval performance, substrate reduction, and larval nutritional composition were evaluated to determine whether it is possible to remove this step from the BSF production process. Chicken feed was used as nursery diet and restaurant food waste for the rearing diet. The performance and chemical composition of BSF larvae with eggs inoculated directly into the restaurant food waste and incubated in the nursery diet were evaluated for six, eight, ten, and 12 days. Substrate reduction was higher for larvae raised without nursery diet. The final weight, growth rate, and number of live larvae were the same for larvae reared with or without nursery diet. Larvae reared without nursery diet had higher crude protein, lower dry matter, and ash content than larvae on nursery diet. The nursery diet did not improve most of the characteristics analysed, and the nutritional levels of the larvae. This may suggest that this step could be ignored when rearing BSF larvae on restaurant waste.
Effects of dietary defatted Periplaneta americana meal on the growth, antioxidant status, immunity, hepatic and intestinal health of Nile tilapia
Authors: Li Y.C. , Yang H.C. , Zhang J.M. , Wang G.J. , Gong W.B. , Tian J.J. , Li H.Y. , Zhang K. , Xia Y. , Li Z.F. , Xie J. , Yu E.M.
Published: November 2023

This study estimated the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with defatted Periplaneta americana meal (PAM) on the growth, antioxidant status, immunity, and hepatic and intestinal health of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Five diets were formulated by replacing 0% (PAM0), 25% (PAM25), 50% (PAM50), 75% (PAM75), and 100% (PAM100) of FM, and then fed to triplicate groups of 15 fish (10.58 ± 0.73 g) for 60 days. The results indicated that growth and feed utilisation were increased in the PAM25 group while decreased in the PAM100 group (). The PAM diets positively influenced serum biochemical parameters. Furthermore, the PAM25 diet enhanced the intestinal protease activity compared to the PAM0 diet (), ameliorating the hepatic and intestinal morphology. In terms of gene expression, PAM25 diet increased the expression levels of growth hormone and growth hormone receptor () compared to the PAM0 diet. The expression of antioxidant genes was enhanced in the liver and intestine in fish fed PAM25, PAM50, and/or PAM75 diets. The intestinal caspase-3 expression was downregulated (PAM25), while the caspase-9 expression was upregulated in the liver and intestine (PAM75 and PAM100) (). The PAM diets also decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factor genes, including () (PAM25 and PAM50) in the liver and (PAM25) and interleukin-8 (PAM50) in the head kidney, and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory factor genes such as tumor necrosis factor-α (PAM25) in the liver and head kidney and interleukin-10 () (PAM25 and PAM50) in the head kidney (). Overall, these results demonstrated that about 31% replacement of FM (31.58% and 31.93%) with PAM resulted in the best growth performance; However, the FM replacement above 50% declined growth, antioxidant capability, immunity, and hepatic and intestinal health of Nile tilapia.
Heat stress has immediate and persistent effects on immunity and development of Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Herren P. , Hesketh H. , Dunn A.M. , Meyling N.V.
Published: November 2023

The yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is a promising insect species for mass-rearing for the production of feed and food. In mass-production systems, insects may be exposed to abiotic stressors such as heat stress as well as potentially lethal pathogens. To ensure mass-reared T. molitor populations are healthy and productive there is a need to understand both the risks, and potential benefits of heat stress, on the fitness of insects and their susceptibility to pathogens. In this study, we investigated the effects of a short (2 h) or a long (14 h) heat stress (38 °C) exposure on the susceptibility and the immune responses of T. molitor larvae exposed to a fungal pathogen (Metarhizium brunneum). Larvae were exposed to the pathogen either immediately or five days after the heat stress treatments. The development of heat stressed larvae and their offspring was also assessed. A short heat stress immediately before exposure to M. brunneum increased the survival probability of T. molitor larvae, which correlated with increased antibacterial activity in the hemolymph. The exposure of larvae to short, or long heat stresses five days before pathogen exposure did not affect their survival, despite a temporary lowered body mass gain of heat stressed larvae. However, heat stressed larvae showed decreased hemocyte concentrations when exposed to M. brunneum. We also found an increased body weight in larval offspring of females that had been exposed to a short heat stress as larvae themselves. These findings demonstrate the importance of understanding the effects of heat stress in the long-term. The beneficial effects of heat stress on pathogen susceptibility in T. molitor and the negative effects on body mass gain are only transient, whereas negative effects on immune response (hemocyte concentrations) persist over an extended period.
Changes in nutrient composition and gene expression in growing mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)
Authors: Lopez-Viso C. , Castellanos-Uribe M. , May T. , Brameld J. , Salter A. , Parr T.
Published: November 2023

Insects are of high interest as a sustainable source of nutrients to be included in the food production system. The larvae of Tenebrio molitor, commonly known as yellow mealworms (MW), have a high protein content, which means potential applications in the animal feed and human food sectors. However, previous reports have shown considerable variability in the nutrient composition of mealworms, which may in part, be due to harvesting at different developmental stages. A better understanding of the regulation of composition during development would potentially facilitate future attempts to manipulate nutrient content, perhaps through gene editing, to maximize commercial value. In the present study, mealworms were harvested at various time points within a 24 day period leading up to the start of pupation. At the earliest time points (between days −24 and −17), a 44% increase in fat content was seen, which was maintained throughout the rest of development. By day −12, protein content fell by 12%, a change that was also maintained. Throughout development there was a change in fatty acid composition, with a shift from oleic acid being the major fatty acid at day −24, to linoleic acid being predominant at later time points. In an attempt to better understand the genetic basis of these changes, an analysis of the transcriptome was undertaken. In the absence of a specific annotated genome for the mealworm, an Affymetrix GeneChip microarray for Drosophila was utilized. The hybridisation of RNA extracted from five developmental stages (larvae and pupae) showed differential gene expression; and some potential orthologs were identified which may be involved in regulating nutrient composition during development. However, we were unable to identify a significant proportion of the most highly regulated genes, highlighting the need for a fully annotated mealworm genome.
Bioactivity of the edible part of Chicatana ant (Atta mexicana, Smith 1858) and its protein concentrate
Authors: Piña-Dominguez I.A. , Ruiz-May E. , Hernández-Rodriguez D. , Zepeda R.C. , Melgar-Lalanne G.
Published: November 2023

Chicatana is the reproductive ant (male and female) of Atta mexicana specie (Smith, 1958). The abdomen is separated from the whole animal and traditionally used as food and medicinal remedy in the Estate of Veracruz (Mexico). It is rich in proteins and chitin. The insect protein concentrates (PCO) may be a way to valorise the edible insects. This research aimed to analyse the antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and antimicrobial activity in their edible form and as a protein concentrate. The results showed a protein concentrate with 56.18 ± 14.20 g protein/100 g. The chitin content of the edible abdomen was 16.05 g/100 g of dry matter. The edible part of the ant and the protein concentrate resulted in high antioxidant activity and some hypoglycemic activity. However, no antimicrobial activity could be found in either sample. Thus, the abdomen of Chicatana ants consumed in Veracruz may be a functional protein-rich food with antioxidant activity.
A new species from the eastern Amazon rainforest with lectotype designations and key for Brazilian Oxarthrius Reitter, 1883 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)
Authors: GOUVEA BRUNO , VALENTE ROBERTA M. , ASENJO ANGÉLICO
Published: November 2023

Oxarthrius spiculatus sp. nov. from the Brazilian Amazon is described. Major diagnostic features of male and female genitalia are illustrated. Female genitalia is described for the genus for the first time. The specimens of the new species were collected from bauxite mining area in the State of Pará, Brazil where they seem to live in leaf litter. The distribution of the genus is covered and a key to the known Brazilian species is given. Additionally, the lectotype is designated for the Brazilian species Oxarthrius anthicoides (L.W.Schaufuss) and Oxarthrius bispinosus (Reitter).
The first cave-dwelling species of Whiteheadiana Perrault, 1994 (Carabidae: Clivinini) from Brazil
Authors: BENJUMEA DANIELA HOYOS , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES , VIEIRA LETÍCIA
Published: November 2023

The new species Whiteheadiana thaisae sp. nov., is described and illustrated. This is the first species of the genus known for Toca do Gonçalo cave, located in Campo Formoso municipality, Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. The new species differs from the other species of the genus by presenting frontal lateral projections two times longer than eyes; frons with two parallel carinae deeply notched near the clypeus, shallow toward the gena, and it is a restricted eventual cave-restricted. Ecological notes about habitat and conservation issues are provided.
Surface Air Temperature Variation over the Eastern Tibetan Plateau from 1979 to 2018: The Role of AMO and PDO
Authors: Deng Zhongren , Zhou Shunwu , Wu Ping , Sun Yang
Published: November 2023

Using the observational and reanalysis datasets during the period of 1979–2018, this study examines the modulation effects of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on the interdecadal change in summer surface air temperature (SAT) over the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP). The results show that the eastern TP has experienced a remarkable warming in boreal summer since 1997. In addition, the warming is associated with simultaneously enhanced westward water vapor transport and the northward shift of the subtropical westerly jet (SWJ) over the northeast of the TP. Further research indicates that both water vapor transport and the SWJ are modulated by the PDO and AMO on interdecadal time scales. Since the late 1990s, the PDO has changed from the positive to negative phase, while the AMO has changed from the negative to positive phase. The change in the out-of-phase combination of the PDO and AMO has resulted in a northward shift of the SWJ at 200 hPa near the northeast of the TP through the Rossby wave train originating from the northwestern Atlantic. In addition, the PDO and AMO could both affect the Rossby wave train. From the northwestern Atlantic to Eurasia, the wave train may be dominated by the PDO, while the wave train near the TP is dominated by the AMO. The anomalous anticyclone over the northeastern TP is part of the Rossby wave train, causing the northward shift of the SWJ, favoring the intrusion of the water vapor from the eastern China into the eastern TP, thus leading to the TP warming.

Significance Statement

It is understood that the Tibetan Plateau (TP) may be among the most sensitive regions to the global climate change. In addition, this region has warmed very rapidly in the latter half of the twentieth century. Based on the statistical analysis and dynamic diagnostics, the influences of interdecadal variations of atmospheric circulations on summer surface air temperature (SAT) over the eastern TP were analyzed for the years 1979 to 2018. We found that the eastern TP experienced an increase in summer SAT. In addition, the interdecadal change in SAT over the eastern TP is strongly affected by the water vapor transport and the subtropical westerly jet. Further analyses show that the PDO and AMO were the key factors influencing summer SAT over the eastern TP on the interdecadal time scales. The PDO and AMO could both affect the Rossby wave train. From the northwest Atlantic to Eurasia, the wave train may be dominated by the PDO, while the wave train near the TP is dominated by the AMO. In addition, the northwest Atlantic SSTs, which are dominated by the AMO, could also affect the SAT over the eastern TP by the Rossby wave train.
Perspectives toward Stochastic and Learned-by-Data Turbulence in Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Shapkalijevski Metodija M.
Published: November 2023

The increased social need for more precise and reliable weather forecasts, especially when focusing on extreme weather events, pushes forward research and development in meteorology toward novel numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems that can provide simulations that resolve atmospheric processes on hectometric scales on demand. Such high-resolution NWP systems require a more detailed representation of the nonresolved processes, i.e., usage of scale-aware schemes for convection and three-dimensional turbulence (and radiation), which would additionally increase the computation needs. Therefore, developing and applying comprehensive, reliable, and computationally acceptable parameterizations in NWP systems is of urgent importance. All operationally used NWP systems are based on averaged Navier–Stokes equations, and thus require an approximation for the small-scale turbulent fluxes of momentum, energy, and matter in the system. The availability of high-fidelity data from turbulence experiments and direct numerical simulations has helped scientists in the past to construct and calibrate a range of turbulence closure approximations (from the relatively simple to more complex), some of which have been adopted and are in use in the current operational NWP systems. The significant development of learned-by-data (LBD) algorithms over the past decade (e.g., artificial intelligence) motivates engineers and researchers in fluid dynamics to explore alternatives for modeling turbulence by directly using turbulence data to quantify and reduce model uncertainties systematically. This review elaborates on the LBD approaches and their use in NWP currently, and also searches for novel data-informed turbulence models that can potentially be used and applied in NWP. Based on this literature analysis, the challenges and perspectives to do so are discussed.
The Development and Accuracy Assessment of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Forecasts
Authors: Clark Jordan , Konrad Charles E. , Grundstein Andrew
Published: November 2023

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the United States. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a heat stress index commonly used among active populations for activity modification, such as outdoor workers and athletes. Despite widespread use globally, WBGT forecasts have been uncommon in the United States until recent years. This research assesses the accuracy of WBGT forecasts developed by NOAA’s Southeast Regional Climate Center (SERCC) and the Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments (CISA). It also details efforts to refine the forecast by accounting for the impact of surface roughness on wind using satellite imagery. Comparisons are made between the SERCC/CISA WBGT forecast and a WBGT forecast modeled after NWS methods. Additionally, both of these forecasts are compared with in situ WBGT measurements (during the summers of 2019–21) and estimates from weather stations to assess forecast accuracy. The SERCC/CISA WBGT forecast was within 0.6°C of observations on average and showed less bias than the forecast based on NWS methods across North Carolina. Importantly, the SERCC/CISA WBGT forecast was more accurate for the most dangerous conditions (WBGT > 31°C), although this resulted in higher false alarms for these extreme conditions compared to the NWS method. In particular, this work improved the forecast for sites more sheltered from wind by better accounting for the influences of land cover on 2-m wind speed. Accurate forecasts are more challenging for sites with complex microclimates. Thus, appropriate caution is necessary when interpreting forecasts and onsite, real-time WBGT measurements remain critical.

Significance Statement

This research assesses the accuracy of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) forecasts. WBGT is a heat stress index that accounts for impacts of air temperature, humidity, wind, and radiation. It is widely used in occupational, athletic, and military settings for heat stress assessment, yet WBGT forecasting in the United States is a relatively new development. These forecasts can be used by decision-makers to better plan activities. We found that WBGT forecasts by NOAA’s Southeast Regional Climate Center and Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments were within 0.6°C of observations overall in North Carolina and less biased than forecasts based on methods used by the U.S. National Weather Service, which had larger, colder biases that present potential safety issues in planning.
Should We Defund “Bad Police” or Reform “Bad Policing”? Examining Person-Centered and Act-Based Moral Evaluations of Police and Policing Policy Preferences
Authors: Silver Jason R. , Moule Richard K.
Published: November 2023

Despite widespread calls to defund or reform police, little research has explored the factors shaping public support for these proposals. We draw from person-centered morality theory to argue that person-centered moral evaluations of police (moral character beliefs) drive support for defunding police, while act-based moral evaluations of police (procedural justice) drive support for reforming police. Using data from a national survey ( N = 1,225), exploratory factor analyses showed that these moral evaluations of police were empirically distinct. OLS regression results indicated that perceptions of “bad police” (negative person-centered evaluations) more strongly predicted support for defunding policies (abolition and reduced funding of police), while perceptions of “bad policing” (negative act-based evaluations) more strongly predicted support for due process and racial justice reforms.
Cognitive, Psychophysiological, and Perceptual Responses to a Repeated Military-Specific Load Carriage Treadmill Simulation
Authors: Vine Christopher A. J. , Runswick Oliver R. , Blacker Sam D. , Coakley Sarah L. , Siddall Andrew G. , Myers Stephen D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Dismounted military operations require soldiers to complete cognitive tasks whilst undertaking demanding and repeated physical taskings.

Objective

To assess the effects of repeated fast load carriage bouts on cognitive performance, perceptual responses, and psychophysiological markers.

Methods

Twelve civilian males (age, 28 ± 8 y; stature, 186 ± 6 cm; body mass 84.3 ± 11.1 kg; V̇O2max, 51.5 ± 6.4 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed three ∼65-min bouts of a Fast Load Carriage Protocol (FLCP), each interspersed with a 65-min recovery period, carrying a representative combat load of 25 kg. During each FLCP, cognitive function was assessed using a Shoot/Don’t-Shoot Task (SDST) and a Military-Specific Auditory N-Back Task (MSANT), along with subjective ratings. Additional psychophysiological markers (heart rate variability, salivary cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate concentrations) were also measured.

Results

A main effect of bout on MSANT combined score metric ( p < .001, Kendall’s W = 69.084) and for time on the accuracy-speed trade-off parameter of the SDST ( p = .025, Ѡ2 = .024) was evident. These likely changes in cognitive performance were coupled with subjective data indicating that participants perceived that they increased their mental effort to maintain cognitive performance (bout: p < .001, Ѡ2 = .045; time: p < .001, Ѡ2 = .232). Changes in HRV and salivary markers were also evident, likely tracking increased stress.

Conclusion

Despite the increase in physiological and psychological stress, cognitive performance was largely maintained; purportedly a result of increased mental effort.

Application

Given the likely increase in dual-task interference in the field environment compared with the laboratory, military commanders should seek approaches to manage cognitive load where possible, to maintain soldier performance.
Vaccine Mandates: Weighing the Common Good vs Personal Conscience and Autonomy
Authors: Jones-Nosacek Cynthia
Published: November 2023

COVID-19 is a serious illness with significant morbidity and mortality. Vaccines to immunize against it were developed in record time. Mandates followed. The question to be considered is when mandates are ethical. Mandates can be used to prevent spread of an infection, prevent overwhelming the healthcare system, or protect public safety, thereby protecting the vulnerable and allowing for full flourishing of the common good. At the same time, one must be careful about respecting autonomy by allowing those who consciences do not allow them to be vaccinated to refuse. Because COVID-19 knowledge is rapidly changing as more information is known and the virus mutates, the conditions under which mandates are ethical change as well. At present, since vaccines prevent severe infection and death in high-risk individuals with added benefit for those who are vaccinated and have a history of infection, mandates can be imposed on those individuals. With an estimated 95% of the US population believed to have been infected and prior history of infection shown to be as effective as vaccination, with immunity lasting at least 500 days, and ability to prevent spread unknown at present but limited at best in the past, the vaccines therefore cannot be ethically mandated for those who are low risk for the versions released September 2023 based on information as of October 2023.
The Detection of Resilience in Families Grieving Over a Suicide
Authors: Gallardo-Flores Ana , Morán-Carrillo José-María , García-Carmona Maximiliano
Published: November 2023

The study, conducted in 2021, describes the relationship between resilience development factors and dimensions and the grief processes of persons affected by the suicide of a family member. The objective was to analyze whether the loved ones of suicide victims had developed resilient behaviors and how these were manifested during the mourning process. To achieve this, two instruments were used: the Brief Resilience Coping Scale (BRCS), and in-depth interviews, in both cases applied to a sample of 21 individuals from whom narratives of their experiences were obtained as elements for analysis. These narratives were operationalized, coded and analyzed according to the theoretical framework advanced by the authors Edith Grotberg and Cecily Knight. The behaviors detected took the form, among others, of artistic expression and/or the provisioning of support services to people affected by suicide, generally through participation in associations and self-help groups dedicated to the care and facilitation of emotional expression resulting from the traumatic event.
Youth engagement in livestock production and marketing in East Africa
Authors: Bullock Renee Marie , Auma Joseph Onam , Baltenweck Isabelle , Dione Michel , Mwai Ally , Ndiwa Nicholas , Omore Amos , Ouma Emily , Yami Mastewal
Published: November 2023

There is limited empirical evidence about how youth engage in livestock production in East Africa. The primary objective of this article is to better understand youth engagement in the livestock sector, namely commercialization and marketing. We compare youth to non-youth in four areas: livestock asset ownership, access to and use of services and improved practices and lastly, market participation. Our framework draws upon agricultural transformation concepts to suggest a tentative pathway through which livestock can support youth in transitions. We draw upon quantitative data and analyze and compare youth to nonyouth in intensive and extensive livestock systems in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania and investigate four livestock systems, dairy, extensive ruminants, pig, and chicken systems. The results showed that there were no systematic youth-specific trends across the asset ownership, levels of commercialization or market participation. Also, low asset ownership did not generate observable youth specific differences in market participation. Rather, education and improved practices correlate with higher levels of market participation. Exploring how livestock are acquired and implications upon asset-based approaches is recommended to better understand the potential of livestock as a source of income during youth transitions in different livestock systems. More evidence is needed to inform and tailor policy approaches to support equitable opportunities in the livestock sector better. Research into understanding how social factors, including gender, shape youth opportunities and constraints, is needed.
Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of a Chinese Version of the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ) with University Sport Athletes
Authors: Luo Yan , Mellano Kathleen T. , Mullin Elizabeth M. , Zhong Juan , Zhou Yi , Sha Yanru , Zhang Yingqiu , Luo Shenyue , Guo Nan
Published: November 2023

Our aim in this study was to translate and psychometrically evaluate a Chinese version of the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ). Participants were Chinese collegiate athletes ( N = 361) who were competitive in their respective sports. We examined the construct validity of the Chinese BRSQ using alternative structural equation models and evaluated convergent validity, factor score reliability, and measurement invariance of the optimal model. Due to insufficient score reliability for some subscales, our initial Chinese BRSQ was deemed problematic. A modified version of the questionnaire with a four-factor structure (amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, and autonomous motivation) demonstrated excellent construct validity, convergent validity, and score reliability. There was measurement invariance across athlete level and sex. This tool provides a valuable resource for practitioners and sport psychology researchers for assessing sport motivation among competitive university athletes in China.
An ontological turn in the sociology of personal life: Tracing facet methodology’s connective ontology
Authors: Fletcher James Rupert
Published: November 2023

The sociology of personal life (SPL) has been largely untouched by sociology’s ontological turn. A few scholars have attempted to retrofit SPL and new-materialist ideas, but these limited attempts have overlooked the potential for SPL to furnish its own definitive ontological contributions in dialogue with the wider turn. In response, I offer an SPL-centred ontology: the ‘connective ontology’ of facet methodology. Introduced in 2011, facet methodology was originally supported by ‘connective ontology’, briefly outlined in a preliminary text, but as facet methodology has gained popularity, connective ontology has not been explicitly discussed. I argue that, while never mentioned outright, Jennifer Mason’s 2018 Affinities is about connective ontology and therefore offers an extensive, albeit tantalisingly implicit, ontological thesis, which I attempt to develop. In my interpretation, the world is made up of fluctuating layerings of vitally animated connection units. This connective ontology resonates with contemporary new-materialist sensibilities, but is from and of SPL. It also speaks to broader theoretical traditions, offering provocations for ontologically-minded, live, post-humanist, vitalist and biosocial sociologies, especially regarding longstanding critiques of apoliticism.
Suicide as slow death: Towards a haunted sociology of suicide
Authors: Chandler Amy , Wright Sarah
Published: November 2023

Sociological research on suicide has tended to favour functionalist approaches, and quantitative methods. This article argues for an alternative engagement – drawing on interpretive paradigms, and inspired by ‘live’ methodologies, we make an argument for a haunted sociology of suicide. This approach, informed by Avery Gordon’s haunted sociological imagination and Lauren Berlant’s concept of slow death, works between the structural realities of inequalities in suicide rates and the more (in)tangible affects of suicide as they are lived. These theoretical engagements are illustrated through an empirical study which used collaborative, arts-based discussion groups about suicide. The groups were held with 14 people, all affected in different ways by suicide, and attending a community-based mental health centre in a semi-rural location in Scotland, UK. A narrative-informed analysis of data generated through these groups shows the creative potential of both arts-based methodologies, and interpretive sociologies, in deepening understanding of how inequalities in rates of suicide may be experienced and made sense of. We illustrate this via two related metaphors (‘the point’ and ‘the edge’) which recurred in the data. Our analysis underlines the vital relevance of sociology to suicide studies – and the urgent need for diverse sociological engagement and action on this topic.
The Indefectibility of the Apostolic See: Was the Idea of a Heretical Pope Formally Excluded at the First Vatican Council?
Authors: O’Regan Emmett
Published: November 2023

During the prelude to the First Vatican Council, the idea of a heretical pope was used as the primary argument against the solemn definition of papal infallibility. The medieval canonists and conciliarists had allowed for the notion of papal heresy by making a strict distinction between the apostolic seat itself and the individual occupants of the throne of Peter. However, when we examine the text of Pastor Aeternus in light of the contents of the official Relatio, which was drawn up at the council to explain the meaning of this document, we find that the above distinction used by the conciliarists was formally proscribed with an anathema. This article will argue that in doing so, the Council Fathers definitively excluded the possibility of a heretical pope.
Truth in a Wintry Season
Authors: Griffith Colleen M.
Published: November 2023

Directing attention to what has become an arctic winter for truth, this article explores a distinctly Christian understanding of truth, utilizing biblical accounts, the Christian mystical tradition, and theological anthropology. Considering truth as existential, as something that emerges within life commitment to Christ, the article presents a group of strategies from theological and secular realms that prove practically suggestive for contemporary discipleship in an increasingly post-truth era.
Figures and Charts and Tables, Oh My!: A Content Analysis of Textbook Data Visualizations
Authors: Medley-Rath Stephanie , Gillespie Michael D. , Novosel Nicholas , Combs Sydnye , Fearnow Drew
Published: November 2023

Textbooks offer instructors an opportunity to promote data visualization and statistical literacy throughout the sociology curriculum. In this study, we examined 463 data visualizations from 27 textbooks for Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, and intermediate elective courses to illuminate the range of data visualizations and their use of statistical data and numerical variables. We find that textbooks rely on a narrow range of data visualizations (e.g., bar/column charts and tables), statistical data (e.g., percentages), and numerical variables (e.g., age). Introduction to Sociology textbooks used more data visualizations, and Social Problems textbooks incorporated more types of statistics. In contrast, intermediate-level textbooks presented more measures of central tendency. Overall, our results suggest textbooks could better integrate a broader range of figures, statistical data, and numerical variables. We conclude with resources for integrating data visualization in instruction.
Engineering for Human Rights: The Theory and Practice of a Human Rights–based Approach to Engineering
Authors: Chacon-Hurtado Davis , Kazerounian Kazem , Hertel Shareen , Mellor Jonathan , Barry Jack J. , Ravindran Tulasi
Published: November 2023

The welfare of society and the relationship between people and the natural environment are all directly impacted by engineering work, and codes of ethics are central to the profession. Yet many engineers struggle to incorporate these principles into their daily work because such codes typically emphasize professional conduct without reflecting on the role of engineering within such complex social and environmental systems. In this paper, we propose a human rights–based approach to engineering anchored in five core principles of distributive justice, broad participation, explicit consideration of duty-bearers, accountability for all actors involved, and indivisibility of rights. This is a new paradigm that draws on universal principles to shape individual ethical obligations and the norms of the profession to prevent risk, enhance access to the benefits of technology, and redress social and environmental harms resulting from engineered products or processes. This paradigm could transform both university education and professional practice by harmonizing existing engineering ethics with core human rights obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
Individual English Proficiency, Community Language Resources, and Immigrants’ Employment in Western New York: Evidence from the American Community Survey
Authors: Nam Yunju , Richards-Desai Sarah , Abraha Absolom
Published: November 2023

This study examines associations between the ability to speak English, community language resources, and employment among immigrants in Western New York, United States. Building on existing literature that demonstrates the importance of individual human capital (English proficiency), social networks, and ethnic community resources in immigrants’ labor market outcomes, we introduce the concept of community-level language resources as a facilitator of immigrants’ economic integration. Using data from the American Community Survey and a measure of community language resources (the percentage of bilinguals among people speaking the same language in a community), we find that greater community language resources are associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of being employed for immigrant men with limited English proficiency. Regression analyses also show that neither individual English proficiency nor community language resources are significantly associated with immigrant women's probability of being employed. This study calls for attention to community language resources and individual human capital when designing research on and developing policies for immigrant populations. Findings also show the need for a gender-aware approach to research and practice with immigrant communities.
Comparing two formats of data-driven rating scales for classroom assessment of pragmatic performance with roleplays
Authors: Su Yunwen , Shin Sun-Young
Published: November 2023

Rating scales that language testers design should be tailored to the specific test purpose and score use as well as reflect the target construct. Researchers have long argued for the value of data-driven scales for classroom performance assessment, because they are specific to pedagogical tasks and objectives, have rich descriptors to offer useful diagnostic information, and exhibit robust content representativeness and stable measurement properties. This sequential mixed methods study compares two data-driven rating scales with multiple criteria that use different formats for pragmatic performance. They were developed using roleplays performed by 43 second-language learners of Mandarin—the hierarchical-binary (HB) scale, developed through close analysis of performance data, and the multi-trait (MT) scale derived from the HB, which has the same criteria but takes the format of an analytic scale. Results revealed the influence of format, albeit to a limited extent: MT showed a marginal advantage over HB in terms of overall reliability, practicality, and discriminatory power, though measurement properties of the two scales were largely comparable. All raters were positive about the pedagogical value of both scales. This study reveals that rater perceptions of the ease of use and effectiveness of both scales provide further insights into scale functioning.
Semantic constraints to represent common sense required in household actions for multimodal learning-from-observation robot
Authors: Ikeuchi Katsushi , Wake Naoki , Sasabuchi Kazuhiro , Takamatsu Jun
Published: November 2023

The learning-from-observation (LfO) paradigm allows a robot to learn how to perform actions by observing human actions. Previous research in top-down learning-from-observation has mainly focused on the industrial domain, which consists only of the real physical constraints between a manipulated tool and the robot’s working environment. To extend this paradigm to the household domain, which consists of imaginary constraints derived from human common sense, we introduce the idea of semantic constraints, which are represented similarly to the physical constraints by defining an imaginary contact with an imaginary environment. By studying the transitions between contact states under physical and semantic constraints, we derive a necessary and sufficient set of task representations that provides the upper bound of the possible task set. We then apply the task representations to analyze various actions in top-rated household YouTube videos and real home cooking recordings, classify frequently occurring constraint patterns into physical, semantic, and multi-step task groups, and determine a subset that covers standard household actions. Finally, we design and implement task models, corresponding to these task representations in the subset, with the necessary daemon functions to collect the necessary parameters to perform the corresponding household actions. Our results provide promising directions for incorporating common sense into the robot teaching literature.
Frances Burney (Re)reads The Winter's Tale: Women's ‘Nature’ and Sociability in Evelina and The Woman-Hater
Authors: Paluchowska-Messing Anna
Published: November 2023

The article examines two works by Frances Burney: her debut novel Evelina (1778) and one of her later plays The Woman-Hater (1800–1802) as appropriations of and returns to the tropes present in William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale (1623). The investigations explore Burney's particular interest in the roles allotted to women within familial sociability at the turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries while the adaptive strategies employed by her are scrutinised to highlight their potential of questioning the existing social paradigms and power structures. The conclusions show that the literary dialogue into which Burney entered with earlier authors both reflected and prompted social change occurring at the time of the production of the novel and the play.