bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite-element modeling of partially prestressed concrete beams with unbonded tendon under monotonic loadings
Authors: Pandimani  , Ponnada Markandeya Raju , Geddada Yesuratnam
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The partially prestressed concrete beam with unbonded tendon is still an active field of research because of the difficulty in analyzing and understanding its behavior. The finite-element (FE) simulation of such beams using numerical software is very scarce in the literature and therefore this study is taken to demonstrate the modeling aspects of unbonded partially prestressed concrete (UPPSC) beams. This study aims to present the three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear FE simulations of UPPSC beams subjected to monotonic static loadings using the numerical analysis package ANSYS.

Design/methodology/approach

The sensitivity study is carried out with three different mesh densities to obtain the optimum elements that reflect on the load–deflection behavior of numerical models, and the model with optimum element density is used further to model all the UPPSC beams in this study. Three half-symmetry FE model is constructed in ANSYS parametric design language domain with proper boundary conditions at the symmetry plane and support to achieve the same response as that of the full-scale experimental beam available in the literature. The linear and nonlinear material behavior of prestressing tendon and conventional steel reinforcements, concrete and anchorage and loading plates are modeled using link180, solid65 and solid185 elements, respectively. The Newton–Raphson iteration method is used to solve the nonlinear solution of the FE models.

Findings

The evolution of concrete cracking at critical loadings, yielding of nonprestressed steel reinforcements, stress increment in the prestressing tendon, stresses in concrete elements and the complete load–deflection behavior of the UPPSC beams are well predicted by the proposed FE model. The maximum discrepancy of ultimate moments and deflections of the validated FE models exhibit 13% and −5%, respectively, in comparison with the experimental results.

Practical implications

The FE analysis of UPPSC beams is done using ANSYS software, which is a versatile tool in contrast to the experimental testing to study the stress increments in the unbonded tendons and assess the complete nonlinear response of partially prestressed concrete beams. The validated numerical model and the techniques presented in this study can be readily used to explore the parametric analysis of UPPSC beams.

Originality/value

The developed model is capable of predicting the strength and nonlinear behavior of UPPSC beams with reasonable accuracy. The load–deflection plot captured by the FE model is corroborated with the experimental data existing in the literature and the FE results exhibit good agreement against the experimentally tested beams, which expresses the practicability of using FE analysis for the nonlinear response of UPPSC beams using ANSYS software.
Supply chain capital and firm performance: the role of complementary capabilities
Authors: Wang Chunhsien , Chin Tachia , Ting Chung-Te
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Drawing on social capital theory, we extend the concept of supply chain capital to examine whether structural and relational capital can strengthen the complementary capabilities of suppliers and enhance their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was conducted on 161 precision mold equipment suppliers. To evaluate the mediated moderation model of supply chain capital, we applied multiple linear regression to test our hypotheses.

Findings

We found that both structural and relational capital positively affect the complementary capabilities of suppliers and that these capabilities mediate the relationship between supply chain capital and supplier performance. Furthermore, structural capital positively and significantly moderates the mediating effect on the relationship between complementary capabilities and supplier performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides suggestions for suppliers that are equipped with sufficient structural and relational capital to effectively enhance their complementary capabilities. By considering the interaction between structural capital and complementary capabilities, suppliers can effectively improve their performance.

Originality/value

This novel research develops a theoretical model to examine the antecedents and consequences of supplier complementary capabilities. We contribute to a new line of research on supply chain capital, which aims to explore how it affects the complementary capabilities of suppliers by examining a practical supply chain activity setting.
Lessons from the COVID epicenter: how teacher candidates of color and the academy adapted to remote instruction
Authors: Magaldi Danielle , Fayne Harriet
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Given the challenges of remote learning and the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on communities of color, this paper aims to present the voices of teacher candidates of color working on the frontlines of remote learning in communities of color hard-hit by the pandemic and to understand changes made in the shift to remote instruction for teacher education at the university level.

Design/methodology/approach

Two teacher candidate narratives are presented as case studies along with findings from a self-study on the changes necessitated by remote instruction in two teacher preparation courses at the university level.

Findings

Findings underscore teacher candidates’ fortitude amidst compound stress. Emergent themes included flexibility, adapting, reaching out for help, problem-solving and drawing on their own experiences. Themes also included struggle, fatigue and feelings of incompetence. At the university level, teacher education preparation required flexibility and opening up space for collaborative problem-solving.

Originality

In urban communities of color, pre-pandemic disparities in under-resourced public schools not only persisted but were intensified by the pandemic’s unequal impact on people of color. This study foregrounds the voices and experiences of teacher candidates of color teaching remotely, providing contributions to the field derived from their lived experiences. Their voices are essential data, bringing much needed attention to obstacles of remote teaching in communities of color and to the resourcefulness teacher candidates demonstrated in service of multicultural education.
Corporate social responsibility and systematic risk: international evidence
Authors: Dorfleitner Gregor , Grebler Johannes
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to close gaps in the current literature according to whether there are differences regarding the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and systematic risk when diverse regions of the world are considered, and what the respective drivers for this relationship are. Furthermore, it tests the robustness to alternative measures for CSP and systematic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on the impact of corporate social responsibility on systematic firm risk in an international sample. The authors measure CSP emerging from a company's social responsibility efforts by utilizing a CSP rating framework that covers a variety of dimensions. The instrumental variable approach is applied to mitigate endogeneity and identify causal relationships.

Findings

The impact of overall CSP on systematic risk is most distinct for North American firms and, in descending order, weaker in Europe, Asia–Pacific and Japan. Risk mitigation applies across all four regions. However, the magnitude of impact differs. While the most critical drivers in North America and Japan include product responsibility, Europe is affected most by the employees category and Asia–Pacific by environmental innovation.

Practical implications

The findings help firms to control their cost of equity and investors may identify low-risk stocks by considering certain aspects of CSP.

Originality/value

This study distinguishes itself from previous literature addressing the connection between systematic risk and CSP by focusing on regional differences in an international sample, using the very transparent CSP measures of Asset4, identifying underlying impact drivers, and testing for robustness to alternative measures of systematic risk.
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased risk of hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy: A national retrospective cohort study of women in England
Authors: Demakakos Panayotes , Steptoe Andrew , Mishra Gita D.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To examine the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and the risk of hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy in a national sample of women in England.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A stratified random sample of households across England.

Population

2648 women aged ≥55 years in 2007 from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were included in the bilateral oophorectomy analyses and 2622 in the hysterectomy analyses.

Methods

Logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses of the associations between categories of the ACE summary score (0, 1, 2, ≥3 ACE), eight individual ACE, and hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy.

Results

615 women had undergone hysterectomy and 259 women bilateral oophorectomy. We found graded associations between the summary ACE score and risk of hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. In the fully adjusted model, compared with women with no ACE, those with ≥3 ACE had double the odds of hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–3.11) and more than double the odds of bilateral oophorectomy (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.54–4.42). The exclusion of women with cancer history made the associations stronger, especially in women who underwent hysterectomy at age <40 years or bilateral oophorectomy at age ≤44 years. Several individual ACE were positively associated with both outcomes.

Conclusions

ACE are associated with increased risk of hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. Individual‐level covariates did not explain these associations. Our findings highlight the importance of a life course approach to understanding surgical menopause and add to our knowledge of the societal and public health impact of ACE.

Tweetable abstract

Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased risk of hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy in a national sample of women in England.
Lethal giant larvae gene is required for normal nymphal development and midgut morphogenesis in Locusta migratoria
Authors: Shi Xuekai , Liu Xiaojian , Silver Kristopher , Zhu Kun Yan , Zhang Jianzhen
Published: January 2022

Disruption of morphogenesis, an essential process in organismal development, can lead to disruption of biological processes, reduction in fitness, or even death of an organism. The roles of lethal giant larvae (Lgl) protein in maintaining tissue organization have been studied extensively in mammals, but little is known about this gene's roles in promoting correct tissue morphogenesis in insects. In this study, we identified an Lgl ortholog in Locusta migratoria. RT‐qPCR results revealed that LmLgl was constitutively expressed during third, fourth, and fifth instar nymphs. Furthermore, LmLgl showed highest expression in the ovary followed by wing pads, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, and foregut of the third‐instar nymphs. To examine the role of LmLgl in L. migratoria development, RNA interference was performed during nymphal stages. Silencing of LmLgl increased body size but decreased bodyweight by 9.0%. Histological sections of the midgut revealed abnormal large masses of disordered epithelial cells in dsLmLgl‐injected nymphs. In addition, downregulation of LmLgl transcript levels significantly altered the morphological structure in midgut, resulting in the formation of tumor‐like structures. Our results indicated that LmLgl may act as a tumor‐suppressor gene, which plays an essential role in maintaining a normal morphological structure in the midgut of L. migratoria. Our results also suggest that LmLgl may be explored as a potential target for developing dsRNA‐based biological pesticides for managing insect pests.
Early experience of COVID‐19 vaccine‐related adverse events among adolescents and young adults with rheumatic diseases: A single‐center study
Authors: Haslak Fatih , Gunalp Aybuke , Cebi Memnune Nur , Yildiz Mehmet , Adrovic Amra , Sahin Sezgin , Barut Kenan , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: January 2022

Objective

Considering the concerns regarding the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine safety among pediatric patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) due to a lack of data, an urgent need for studies evaluating safety profiles of vaccines emerged.

Methods

Among participants vaccinated by CoronaVac inactive SARS‐CoV‐2 or BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID‐19 (Pfizer‐BioNTech) vaccine, healthy children under 18 and patients under 21 with an at least 1‐year follow‐up period in our department for a childhood‐onset rheumatic disease were included into this cross‐sectional study.

Results

Overall, 246 subjects (141 [57.3%] females) (biologic group: 43, non‐biologic group: 180, healthy control group: 23) were eligible for the study. The median age was 15.34 (12.02‐20.92) years. The most common adverse events were fatigue (n = 68, 27.6%), headache (n = 44, 17.9%), myalgia (n = 38, 15.4%), arthralgia (n = 38, 15.4%), and fever (n = 35, 14.2%). Only 3 subjects (2 patients with familial Mediterranean fever, and one healthy child) were considered to experienced serious adverse events, since they required hospitalization. Local reactions were seen in 20 (8.13%), and 27 patients (12.1%) had disease flares within 1 month after the vaccines. Although it was significantly higher in those who received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (P < .001), there was no significant relationship between adverse event frequency and age, gender, the existing diseases, ongoing treatment regimens and pre‐vaccination COVID‐19 histories.

Conclusion

Although immunogenicity studies for efficacy of the vaccines and long‐term follow‐up studies for adverse events monitoring are required, our study indicates an acceptable safety profile of COVID‐19 vaccines and encourages children with IRD to be vaccinated.
Early detection of HVAD pump thrombosis based on technical analysis and power consumption measurements
Authors: Krysiński Mateusz , Gawlikowski Maciej , Biełka Agnieszka , Krysińska Małgorzata , Małyszek‐Tumidajewicz Justyna , Copik Izabela , Pacholewicz Jerzy , Zembala Marian , Zembala Michał
Published: January 2022

Background

Continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been extensively used in a strategy of bridge to orthotopic heart transplant and destination therapy. The usage of LVAD, however, is not free from limitations such as device‐related adverse events, including pump thrombosis (PT). We aimed to develop an algorithm of early PT detection based on the maintenance parameters monitored by the implanted device.

Methods

We analyzed log files of 101 patients implanted with HeartWare pump (HVAD) with 18 PT events among them. For signal processing, we used the open‐high‐low‐close format transformation and typical price (TP) technical analysis indicator. Model parameters were tuned with 5‐fold cross‐validation, and the final performance was measured on a separate group of patients.

Results

Our algorithm achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity of indications. In the final evaluation, alarms preceded the clinical acknowledgement of events by 2 days and 20 h on average. In the worst‐case scenario, an alarm was raised 1 day and 8 h prior to the event.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm could be installed to work directly with the device controller and provide clinicians with automatic readings analysis, raising an alarm when there is a high probability of thromboembolism. Early event detection could enable better thrombosis management and improve prognosis in patients implanted with HVAD.
Europeans of the Peruvian Andes: A Family History, 1860s–1940s
Authors: Wilson Fiona
Published: January 2022

Liberal elites in nineteenth‐century Peru were eager to attract European immigrants to help modernise their country. The majority arrived independently bringing commercial skills, while a minority, contracted as colonists, settled in the tropical lowlands. This article focuses on two European communities established in the central Andean region, where immigrants from northern Italy excelled as merchants and families from the Austrian Tyrol became smallholders. Through a reconstruction of one family's history, which draws on personal letters and a photograph, the article explores the experiences, character and socio‐economic transformation of these communities and the significance given to European‐ness and whiteness.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation contributes to high‐fat diet‐induced vascular dysfunction
Authors: da Silva Josiane Fernandes , Bolsoni Juliana A. , da Costa Rafael M. , Alves Juliano V. , Bressan Alecsander F. M. , Silva Luiz Eduardo V. , Costa Tiago J. , Oliveira Antonio E. R. , Manzato Carla P. , Aguiar Carlos A. , Fazan Rubens , Cunha Fernando Q. , Nakaya Helder I. , Carneiro Fernando S. , Tostes Rita C.
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

Metabolic and vascular dysfunction are common features of obesity. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates lipid metabolism and vascular homeostasis, but whether vascular AhR are activated in obesity or have a protective and/or harmful effects on vascular function in obesity are unknown. Our study addresses whether AhR activation contributes to obesity‐associated vascular dysfunction and the mechanisms involved in these AhR effects.

Experimental Approach

Male AhR KO (Ahr−/−) and WT mice were fed either control or a HF (high‐fat) diet for 10 weeks. Metabolic and inflammatory parameters were measured in serum and adipose tissue. Vascular reactivity (isometric force) was evaluated using a myography. Endothelial NOS (eNOS) and AhR protein expression was determined by western blot, Cyp1A1 and Nos3 gene expression by RT‐PCR and.NO production was quantified by DAF fluorescence.

Key Results

HF diet increased total serum HDL and LDL, as well as vascular AhR protein expression and proinflammatory cytokines in the adipose tissue. HF diet decreased endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. AhR deletion protected mice from HF diet‐induced dyslipidaemia, weight gain and inflammatory processes. HF diet‐induced endothelial dysfunction was attenuated in Ahr−/− mice. Vessels from Ahr−/− mice exhibited a greater NO reserve. In cultured endothelial cells, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) a major component of LDL and oxidized LDL [oxLDL]) reduced Nos3 gene expression and NO production. Antagonism of the AhR inhibited LPC effects on endothelial cells and induced decreased endothelium‐dependent vasodilation.

Conclusion and Implications

AhR deletion attenuates HF diet‐induced dyslipidaemia and vascular dysfunction by improving eNOS/NO signalling. Targeting AhRs may prevent obesity‐associated vascular dysfunction.
Provenance and maximum depositional ages of Upper Triassic and Jurassic sandstone, north‐eastern Mexico
Authors: Martin Aaron J. , Domènech Mireia , Stockli Daniel F. , Gómez‐Gras David
Published: January 2022

Upper Triassic to lowest Upper Jurassic strata in north‐eastern Mexico record surface processes during the early rifting that led to the opening of the Gulf of Mexico. Exposed near Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas and northwest to Galeana, Nuevo Leon, these continental deposits are called the Huizachal Group. Several key questions about these strata hamper their integration into a regional understanding of Late Triassic and Jurassic sediment routing and deposition. First, the depositional age of the stratigraphically lowest unit, the El Alamar Formation, is less well established than the depositional ages of the stratigraphically higher parts of the succession, leading to questions about the timinig of the onset of tectonic context, and regional correlation of these strata. Second, better knowledge of provenance and sediment routing, including fluvial transport distance, can help determine whether and when the depositional basin was split into subbasins versus connected by a throughgoing river system. This study uses sandstone detrital zircon U‐Pb isotopic ages and clast compositions to constrain depositional ages and reconstruct tectonic setting and provenance. Detrital zircon U‐Pb ages yielded a maximum depositional age of 210 Ma for the part of the El Alamar Formation exposed near Galeana, younger than previously determined. Although long‐distance (>100 km) sediment transport cannot be ruled out, the sources for Huizachal Group sandstone framework grains and detrital zircon could have been entirely local, within about 100 km. Alluvial deposits and pyroclastic and lava flows likewise indicate transport of no more than 100 km. We therefore infer deposition in partitioned rift basins receiving sediment from local sources. These data and interpretations contribute to understanding surface processes during the initial rifting that eventually led to opening of the Gulf of Mexico.
Does new bone formation vary in different sites within the same maxillary sinus after lateral augmentation? A prospective histomorphometric study
Authors: Stacchi Claudio , Rapani Antonio , Lombardi Teresa , Bernardello Fabio , Nicolin Vanessa , Berton Federico
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate histomorphometric outcomes of lateral maxillary sinus augmentation in different areas of the same cavity and to correlate results to bucco‐palatal sinus width (SW) and residual bone height (RBH).

Material and Methods

Patients needing maxillary sinus floor elevation (RBH <5 mm) to insert two nonadjacent implants were treated with lateral augmentation using a composite graft. Six months later, two bone‐core biopsies (mesial/distal) were retrieved in implant insertion sites. SW and RBH were measured on cone beam computed tomography, and correlations between histomorphometric and anatomical parameters were evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

Twenty patients underwent sinus augmentation, and eighteen were included in the final analysis (two dropouts for membrane perforation). Mean newly formed mineralized tissue percentage (%NFMT) after 6 months in mesial and distal sites was 17.5 ± 4.7 and 11.6 ± 4.7, respectively (p = .0004). Multivariate linear regression showed a strong negative correlation between SW and %NFMT (β coefficient=−.774, p < .0001) and no correlation between RBH and %NFMT (β coefficient =−.038, p = .825).

Conclusions

The present study confirms that %NFMT after lateral sinus augmentation occurs at different rates in different anatomical areas of the same maxillary sinus, showing a strong negative correlation with SW, whereas no influence of RBH was observed. Clinicians should regard SW as a guide for graft selection and to decide duration of the healing period. Researchers should consider SW as a predictor variable, when comparing regenerative outcomes of different biomaterials by using maxillary sinus as an experimental model.
Labor supply response to overpayment notifications: Evidence from Social Security Disability Insurance
Authors: Anand Priyanka , Hoffman Denise , Jones John T. , Lukashanets Siarhei
Published: January 2022

We use administrative data to provide evidence that notification of work‐related overpayment debt reduces subsequent work activity by Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries. We exploit randomness in the timing of the overpayment debt notification by comparing beneficiary work activity before and after notification. Our results show that the share of overpaid beneficiaries engaging in substantial work activity declined by 8% over the 2‐month period following an overpayment notification, which reduced to 4% after accounting for the ongoing declining trend in work activity. This evidence that overpayment debt notification discourages work highlights the need for policies to curtail overpayments.
Handgrip exercise induces sex‐specific mean arterial pressure and oxygenation responses but similar performance fatigability
Authors: Keller Joshua L. , Kennedy Katie G. , Hill Ethan C. , Fleming Sydnie R. , Colquhoun Ryan J. , Schwarz Neil A.
Published: January 2022

Women exhibit an attenuated exercise pressor reflex (EPR) when compared to men. The influence of sex‐specific mechanisms related to the EPR and performance fatigability remain to be fully elucidated. The purpose was to determine the impact of oxygenation and metabolic efficiency on sex‐specific performance fatigability and increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) resulting from a fatiguing isometric handgrip (IHG). Twenty‐four adults volunteered to perform an IHG at 25% at maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). Pre‐ and posttest MVICs were conducted to quantify performance fatigability. MAP was collected at 3 timepoints. A near‐infrared spectroscopy device was attached to the forearm to derive the following signals: oxy[haem], deoxy[haem], total[haem], and diff[haem]. These values were normalized and examined across time in 5% segments of time‐to‐task‐failure. Metabolic efficiency was defined as the ratio force:deoxy[haem]. During the IHG, there was a decline in oxy[haem] for the men (b = −0.075), whereas the women demonstrated an increase (b = 0.117). For the men, the diff[haem] tracked the mean oxy[haem] response, but there was no change for the women. The men exhibited greater declines in metabolic efficiency, yet there were no sex differences in PF (46.6 ± 9.7% vs. 45.5 ± 14.2%). For relative MAP, the men (24.5 ± 15.1%) exhibited a greater (p = .03) increase than the women (11.0 ± 17.6%). These results indicated the EPR was more prominent for the men, perhaps due to differences in mechanical stimuli and a lack of ability to maintain metabolic efficiency. However, these physiological differences did not induce a sex difference in performance fatigability.
Responsiveness to left‐prefrontal tDCS varies according to arousal levels
Authors: Esposito Marco , Ferrari Clarissa , Fracassi Claudia , Miniussi Carlo , Brignani Debora
Published: January 2022

Over the past two decades, the postulated modulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the human brain have been extensively investigated. However, recent concerns on reliability of tDCS effects have been raised, principally due to reduced replicability and to interindividual variability in response to tDCS. These inconsistencies are likely due to the interplay between the level of induced cortical excitability and unaccounted structural and state‐dependent functional factors. On these grounds, we aimed at verifying whether the behavioural effects induced by a common tDCS montage (F3‐rSOA) were influenced by the participants' arousal levels, as part of a broader mechanism of state‐dependency. Pupillary dynamics were recorded during an auditory oddball task while applying either a sham or real tDCS. The tDCS effects were evaluated as a function of subjective and physiological arousal predictors (STAI‐Y State scores and pre‐stimulus pupil size, respectively). We showed that prefrontal tDCS hindered task learning effects on response speed such that performance improvement occurred during sham, but not real stimulation. Moreover, both subjective and physiological arousal predictors significantly explained performance during real tDCS, with interaction effects showing performance improvement only with moderate arousal levels; likewise, pupil response was affected by real tDCS according to the ongoing levels of arousal, with reduced dilation during higher arousal trials. These findings highlight the potential role of arousal in shaping the neuromodulatory outcome, thus emphasizing a more careful interpretation of null or negative results while also encouraging more individually tailored tDCS applications based on arousal levels, especially in clinical populations.
Human movements do not look the same in a tilted world: Gravitational constraints influence the perception of biological motion
Authors: Pavlidou Anastasia , Lange Joachim , Ferrè Elisa Raffaella
Published: January 2022

We investigated whether gravitational constraints influence the interaction of visual, proprioceptive and vestibular cues for Biological Motion Perception (BMP). Participants were asked to distinguish between plausible and random point‐light movements, while passively placed in either an upright or a tilted body orientation. Manipulating the body orientation with respect to gravity leads to different gravitational signals transmitted by the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. Participants were overall faster in distinguishing plausible point‐light movements than random movements. Critically, response times for biologically plausible point‐light movements — but not for random movements — were significantly prolonged in the tilted body orientation. Our results suggest that BMP depends not only on the spatial–temporal cues embedded in point‐light movements but also rely on the congruency between current gravitational signals detected by the sensory systems and our previous knowledge of terrestrial gravity.

Statement of Relevance

As humankind is preparing for a new space age, understanding how gravity influences behaviour and cognition has never been more pressing. All living organisms have evolved to survive in a terrestrial gravitational field. Although we cannot consciously feel gravity, it has an impact in our life: it affects how we move and interact with the external environment. The sensory signals from the vestibular system are continuously combined with visual and proprioceptive cues to help us in maintaining a stable representation of the world. Here we placed participants in a tilted body orientation and were able to determine that a conflict between prior gravitational knowledge and what was actively sensed about gravity affected human Biological Movement Perception. Humans suffer changes in perception under non‐terrestrial gravity conditions that may potentially compromise performance during space exploration.
Pricing and inventory carryover strategy considering cost learning effect and strategic consumers
Authors: Wei Qian , Zhang Jianxiong , Zhu Guowei
Published: January 2022

Anticipating the markdown in the future price due to the cost reduction of the firm, more and more consumers tend to delay their purchasing to the later period. Incorporating the strategic behavior of consumers, this paper establishes a two‐period production and selling model under dynamic pricing strategy and price commitment strategy respectively, with considering stochastic learning effect in which the firm may or may not have the inventory carryover option. The results show that the firm may hold inventory under dynamic pricing while no inventory is kept under price commitment. Additionally, consumers' patience level enhances the benefit of inventory carryover. Furthermore, for the firm with relatively high farsighted level and low inventory holding cost, the dynamic pricing equipped with inventory carryover outperforms the price commitment strategy. Finally, numerical examples are conducted to analyze the impacts of important parameters on the firm's choice of pricing strategies.
Online 3D gamification for teaching a human resource development course
Authors: Chung Chih‐Hung , Lin You Yin
Published: January 2022

Background

Most students have exhibited low motivation to engage in traditional learning methods. Additionally, students have difficulty concentrating on the course content, being easily distracted by their smartphones.

Objectives

Therefore, we adopted an online 3D gamification problem‐based learning (PBL) model to motivate students and improve their learning satisfaction and achievement on a human resource development course.

Methods

We followed the ADDIE instructional design model and used four essential topics to formulate our teaching activities in the three‐dimensional sandbox game, Creativerse. Moreover, this paper conducted an explorative study by using ANCOVA and partial least squares structural equation modelling to test student learning achievement and analyse the relationships between components such as performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC).

Results and conclusions

Our online 3D gamification PBL model enhanced learning achievement on the courses; moreover, FC is the most critical factor influencing learning satisfaction. This study provided suggestions for operating an online 3D gamification PBL teaching approach.

Implications

The current paper also explained how students' learning satisfaction relates to these significant factors. Moreover, this study's findings will help instructional designers and instructors to develop online 3D gamification learning environments.
A dermocosmetic formulation containing Vichy volcanic mineralizing water,Vitreoscilla filiformisextract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E regenerates and repairs acutely stressed skin
Authors: Gueniche A. , Valois A. , Salomao Calixto L. , Sanchez Hevia O. , Labatut F. , Kerob D. , Nielsen M.
Published: January 2022

The exposome has an impact on skin from life‐long exposure. Acute short‐term exposure to exposome stressors can also alter skin functions such as skin physical barrier and immune defenses, leading to skin dryness, sensitivity, flares of inflammatory skin conditions, or viral reactivations. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. An extract produced by lysingVitreoscilla filiformis(VfeV) cultured in Vichy volcanic mineralizing water (VVMW) has properties of probiotic fractions. In this review, we presentin vivoandex vivostudies with a dermocosmetic formulation containing 80% VVMW, 5% VfeV, 4% niacinamide (vitamin B3), 0.4% hyaluronic acid, and 0.2% vitamin E (M89PF) to evaluate the clinical efficacy in preventing and repairing stressed skin. Skin barrier benefits of M89PF were shown in studies after the skin was exposed to sudden thermal changes, after skin irritation by tape stripping, and in sleep‐deprived women. M89PF significantly accelerated skin renewal compared to untreated skin. Skin antioxidant defense activity of M89PF was shown after exposure to stress from UVA plus cigarette smoke aggression. Skin microbiome recovery after acute stress from a harsh cleanser was significantly better in M89PF‐treated skin compared to bare skin. Clinical benefits of M89PF on correcting clinical signs of stressed skin were shown in both Caucasian and Asian women exposed to a stressful lifestyle and various external (pollution, tobacco smoking, solar radiation) and internal (poor sleep, stressful work, unbalanced diet, and alcohol consumption) exposome factors. M89PF also showed depigmenting properties on dark spots in Asian women. Further clinical studies are now warranted to evaluate the efficacy of M89PF as adjuvant care to prevent and repair skin barrier disruption and reinforce skin defenses in skin exposed to acute stresses.
Differences in colour preference among pollen beetle species (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: Vuts József , Szarukán István , Marczali Zsolt , Csonka Éva Bálintné , Szilágyi Arnold , Imrei Zoltán , Nagy Antal , Tóth Miklós
Published: January 2022

Pollen beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) are major pests of oilseed rape and other crucifers. Efficient and timely management of these pests can greatly be improved by effective monitoring of their spatial and temporal distribution. In field trials in Hungary, we have discovered striking differences in colour responsiveness among pollen beetle species: Brassicogethes aeneus F. 1775 (earlier Meligethes aeneus) and B. viridescens F. 1775 responded most strongly to fluorescent yellow traps, whereas B. coracinus Sturm 1845, Fabogethes nigrescens Sturm 1845 and Meligethes atratus Olivier 1790 were most attracted to blue or white traps. Differences in the spring flight period were also recorded, with B. aeneus and B. viridescens flying ca. 1 month earlier than the other three species. Further tests established that funnel traps having both fluorescent yellow and blue colour cues are the most efficient in attracting a wide range of pollen beetle species. On the other hand, fluorescent yellow traps can be used to detect and monitor B. aeneus specifically.
Inactivation of vegetative cells, germinated spores, and dormant spores of Bacillus atrophaeus by pulsed electric field with fixed energy input
Authors: Wu Wen Jie , Chang Jinhui
Published: January 2022

Increasing the electric energy input during pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment is a straightforward technique to boost the efficiency of microbial inactivation. However, drawbacks such as electrode corrosion, arc formation, and high cost are also involved. This study aims to investigate the impact of medium conductivity (), electric field strength (), and the number of pulses () on the inactivation of vegetative cells, germinated spores, and dormant spores of Bacillus atrophaeus with fixed energy input. Our results indicated that (1) vegetative cells were susceptible to PEF treatment, and the relative importance of , , and was ; (2) germinated spores were more resistant to PEF treatment than vegetative cells, and the relative importance of , , and was ; and (3) similar to the thermal resistance property, dormant spores were also highly resistant to PEF treatment and were not significantly inactivated in our experiment setting. It is concluded that the degree of PEF resistance of cell at different physiological states may be related to its structure and size. This study added to the body of knowledge on selecting PEF treatment settings and gave insight into the scaling up of PEF applications in the food processing industry.

Practical Applications

In the food processing industry, eliminating contaminants such as bacterial spores is essential, and PEF processing is a common nonthermal technique. While the traditional method of increasing the electric energy input to increase microbial inactivation efficiency is beneficial, it is not cost‐effective. The results of this investigation demonstrated that decreasing spore resistance through germination followed by parameter‐optimized PEF treatments is a practical method for improving pasteurization efficiency. This novel technique might be used in the food sector.
In vitro assays for the functional characterization of (psychedelic) substances at the serotonin receptor 5‐HT2AR
Authors: Pottie Eline , Stove Christophe P.
Published: January 2022

Serotonergic psychedelics are substances that induce alterations in mood, perception, and thought, and have the activation of serotonin (5‐HT) 2A receptors (5‐HT2ARs) as a main pharmacological mechanism. Besides their appearance on the (illicit) drug market, e.g. as new psychoactive substances, their potential therapeutic application is increasingly explored. This group of substances demonstrates a broad structural variety, leading to insufficiently described structure‐activity relationships, hence illustrating the need for better functional characterization. This review therefore elaborates on the in vitro molecular techniques that have been used the most abundantly for the characterization of (psychedelic) 5‐HT2AR agonists. More specifically, this review covers assays to monitor the canonical G protein signaling pathway (e.g. measuring G protein recruitment/activation, inositol phosphate accumulation, or Ca2+ mobilization), assays to monitor non‐canonical G protein signaling (such as arachidonic acid release), assays to monitor β‐arrestin recruitment or signaling, and assays to monitor receptor conformational changes. In particular, focus lies on the mechanism behind the techniques, and the specific advantages and challenges that are associated with these. Additionally, several variables are discussed that one should consider when attempting to compare functional outcomes from different studies, both linked to the specific assay mechanism and linked to its specific execution, as these may heavily impact the assay outcome.

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What matters is the underlying experience: Similar motor responses during processing observed hand actions and hand‐related verbs
Authors: Garofalo Gioacchino , Magliocco Fabio , Silipo Francesco , Riggio Lucia , Buccino Giovanni
Published: January 2022

It is well‐accepted that processing observed actions involves at some extent the same neural mechanisms responsible for action execution. More recently, it has been forwarded that also the processing of verbs expressing a specific motor content is subserved by the neural mechanisms allowing individuals to perform the content expressed by that linguistic material. This view is also known as embodiment and contrasts with a more classical approach to language processing that considers it as amodal. In the present study, we used a go/no‐go paradigm, in which participants were requested to respond to real words and pictures and refrain from responding when presented stimuli were pseudowords and scrambled images. Real stimuli included pictures depicting hand‐ and foot‐related actions and verbs expressing hand‐ and foot‐related actions. We, therefore, directly compared the modulation of hand motor responses during the observation of actions and the presentation of verbs, expressing actions in the same category. The results have shown that participants gave slower hand motor responses during the observation of hand actions and the processing of hand‐related verbs as than observed foot actions and related verbs. These findings support embodiment showing that whatever the modality of presentation (observed action or verb), the modulation of hand motor responses was similar, thus suggesting that processing seen actions and related verbs shares common mechanisms most likely involving the motor system and the underlying motor experience.
The altered osteocytic expression of connexin 43 and sclerostin in human cadaveric donors with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: Potential treatment targets
Authors: Jadzic Jelena , Milovanovic Petar D. , Cvetkovic Danica , Zivkovic Vladimir , Nikolic Slobodan , Tomanovic Nada , Djuric Marija P. , Djonic Danijela
Published: January 2022

Previous studies suggested that osteocyte lacunar network disruption could play a role in the complex pathophysiology of bone changes in aging and disease. Considering that particular research interest is lacking, we aimed to assess alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC)–induced changes in osteocyte lacunar network and bone marrow adiposity. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess changes in the micro‐morphology of osteocyte lacunar network and bone marrow adiposity, and expression of connexin 43 and sclerostin in vertebral and femoral samples collected from 40 cadaveric men (age range between 44 and 70 years) divided into ALC group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Furthermore, the assessment of the potential association between bone changes and the severity of the hepatic disorder (given by Knodell's pathohistologic scoring) was conducted. Our data revealed fewer connexin 43‐positive osteocytes per vertebral and femoral bone area (p < 0.01), suggesting defective signal transduction among osteocytes in ALC individuals. Moreover, we found an ALC‐induced increase in the number of adipocytes in the vertebral bone marrow (p = 0.038). Considering significant associations between the severity of liver tissue disturbances and impaired functionality of osteocyte lacunar network (Pearson's correlation analyses, p < 0.05), we may assume that timely treatment of the liver disease may delay bone impairment. ALC induced an increase in osteocytic sclerostin expression (p < 0.001), suggesting its role in mediating low bone formation among ALC individuals. Hence, medicaments targeting low bone formation may be beneficial to attenuate the bone changes among ALC patients. However, future clinical studies are required to verify the therapeutic utility of these findings.
Piperine, an active ingredient of white pepper, suppresses the growth of multidrug-resistant toxigenic Vibrio cholerae and other pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Manjunath G.B. , Awasthi S.P. , Zahid M.S.H. , Hatanaka N. , Hinenoya A. , Iwaoka E. , Aoki S. , Ramamurthy T. , Yamasaki S.
Published: January 2022

Emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including Vibrio cholerae are a global public health issue. Much attention has been paid to natural compounds, such as spices and herbs to find novel antimicrobial compounds as they are considered to be cheaper alternatives to develop as a drug. Here, we show that methanol extract of white pepper could inhibit the growth of V. cholerae O1 El Tor variant, responsible for the recent outbreaks/epidemics. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that piperine, the major component of white pepper, showed a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on V. cholerae growth irrespective of their biotypes and serogroups in the presence of 200 and 300 µg ml−1 of piperine, respectively. Piperine also inhibited the growth of MDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli isolated from poultry and enterohemorrhagic/enteroaggregative E. coli O104 in the presence of 200 µg ml−1. Interestingly, we did not observe any significant inhibitory effect of piperine on E. coli strains isolated from healthy person even up to 200 µg ml−1. Our data suggest that piperine could be a novel antimicrobial agent in therapeutic and preventive applications against infections caused by pathogenic bacteria including MDR strains.
Co‐designing for success: Fostering psychological safety with learners to optimise learning, collaboration and performance
Authors: Johnson Christina E. , Leech Michelle
Published: January 2022

The authors discuss how co‐designing programs with students may foster psychological safety and encourage students to seek help and respond productively when faced with challenges.
Calcium supplementation during pregnancy and long‐term offspring outcome: a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Korhonen Päivi , Tihtonen Kati , Isojärvi Jaana , Ojala Riitta , Ashorn Ulla , Ashorn Per , Tammela Outi
Published: January 2022

The World Health Organization currently recommends calcium supplementation for pregnant women, especially those with low calcium intakes, to reduce the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia. We aimed to evaluate the effect of this intervention on selected offspring outcomes. A systematic search was conducted in 11 databases for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of maternal calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D during pregnancy on selected offspring cardiovascular, growth, and metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Screening of titles and abstracts of 3555 records and full texts of 31 records yielded six RCTs (nine reports, n = 1616). Forest plot analyses were performed if at least two studies presented comparable data on the same outcome. In one study (n = 591), high‐dose calcium supplementation during pregnancy was associated with a decreased risk of offspring high systolic blood pressure at 5–7 years of age (risk ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.90). The effects of the intervention on offspring growth, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental outcomes remain unknown because of conflicting or insufficient data. High risk of attrition bias decreased the quality of the evidence. Limited available data from RCTs do not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that prenatal calcium supplementation influences offspring health outcomes beyond the newborn period.