bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning outcomes of university chemistry teaching in laboratories: A systematic review of empirical literature
Authors: Agustian Hendra Y. , Finne Laura Teinholt , Jørgensen Jonas Tarp , Pedersen Maja Ingerslev , Christiansen Frederik Voetmann , Gammelgaard Bente , Nielsen Jan Alexis
Published: July 2022

Laboratory work has been a common element of science courses at university level for around two centuries, but its practice has been criticised by scholars in the field and related stakeholders. Mainly on a rationale of financial justification and educational efficacy, more evidence for learning has been called for. The aims of this systematic review were to characterise learning in the laboratory and substantiate learning outcomes associated with laboratory instructions in university chemistry. Analysis of 355 empirical studies revealed that students develop five clusters of laboratory‐related competences pertaining to experimental competences, disciplinary learning, higher‐order thinking and epistemic learning, transversal competences as well as affective domain. These competences were specified into related constructs measured in the studies. Synthesis of published studies led to a substantiated view on multidimensional learning in the laboratory and its implications for research, practice and theory are suggested. Representations of research areas that deserve appraisals and further investigations are also proposed. The video abstract for this article is available at https://video.ku.dk/secret/76185334/73665cb966315601404b793ffc234a77.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

To provide comprehensive evidence for learning outcomes associated with laboratory work.

Why the new findings matter

Our research synthesis substantiates a multidimensional view of laboratory learning. There is a large scope for empirical and theoretical development in this complex setting.

Implications for researchers and practitioners

Future research should be directed towards a more comprehensive and rigorous inquiry into student learning that considers a more holistic view. Focus on higher‐order competences is needed. Practice wise, laboratory curricula should better accommodate students' learning progression throughout their higher education. Assessment and feedback practices should be revisited.
Aprotic Lithium‐Carbon Dioxide Batteries: Reaction Mechanism and Catalyst Design
Authors: Xu Yunyun , Xia Yujiao , Xue Hairong , Gong Hao , Chang Kun , He Jianping , Wang Tao , Ma Renzhi
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the combustion of fossil fuels leads to the release of a large amount of CO2 gas, which induces the greenhouse effect and the energy crisis. To solve these problems, researchers have turned their focus to a novel Li‐CO2 battery (LCB). LCB has received much attention because of its high theoretical energy density and reversible CO2 reduction/evolution process. So far, the emerging LCB still faces many challenges derived from the slow reaction kinetics of discharge products. In this review, the latest status and progress of LCB, especially the influence of the structure design of cathode catalysts on the battery performance, are systematically elaborated. This review summarizes in detail the existing issues and possible solutions of LCB, which is of high research value for further promoting the development of Li‐Air battery.
A Review on the Prediction of Health State and Serving Life of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pang Xiaoxian , Zhong Shi , Wang Yali , Yang Wei , Zheng Wenzhi , Sun Gengzhi
Published: July 2022

The monitoring and prediction of the health status and the end of life of batteries during the actual operation plays a key role in the battery safety management. However, although many related studies have achieved exciting results, there are few systematic and comprehensive reviews on these prediction methods. In this paper, the current prediction models of remaining useful life of lithium‐ion batteries are divided into mechanism‐based models, semi‐empirical models and data‐driven models. Their advantages, technical obstacles, improvement methods and prediction performance are summarized, and the latest research results are shown by comparison. We highlight that the fusion models of convolution neural network, long short term memory network and so on, which have great practical application prospects because of their outstanding computing efficiency and strong modeling ability. Finally, we look forward to the future work in simplifying the model and improving its interpretability.
Genetic diversity of bovine populations raised in Senegal
Authors: Sambe Babacar Souleymane , Diouf Mame Nahé , Houaga Isidore , Ndiaye Bakary , Badji Marc Noël , Diop Mamadou , Sembene Mbacké
Published: July 2022

Background

The Gobra zebu and N'dama taurine cattle breeds are important genetic animal resources for Senegal. For several decades, genetic breeding programmes have been devoted to them at the Centre de Recherches Zootechniques de Dahra and Kolda. Since then, these animals have been subjected to mass selection, mainly in closed selection nuclei.

Objective

This study aims to assess the genetic diversity within these selection nuclei in order to orient future selection strategies.

Material and methods

The study was carried out on the Gobra zebu and N'dama taurine populations from selection nuclei of Dahra and Kolda respectively, which were compared to 5 other populations of the main cattle breeds in Senegal. One hundred eighty (180) animals were genotyped with 21 microsatellite markers recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Results

All populations were found to be polymorphic with a PIC of over 55%. However, animals from the CRZ‐Dahra (indigenous) and CRZ‐Kolda stations had the lowest mean heterozygosity (0.643 and 0.591 respectively). The other populations had an average heterozygosity between 0.650 and 0.737.

Conclusion

The cattle populations maintained at the different CRZs show a lower genetic diversity than the other populations described in our study. The main reasons for this are reproductive isolation and selection pressure on these populations.
Thermal aspect of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with distinct physical features: Keller Box simulations
Authors: Farooq Waseh , Abbasi Aamar , Al‐Khaled Kamel , Ghachem Kaouther , Khan Sami Ullah , Ahmad Imtiaz , Kolsi Lioua
Published: July 2022

The research on hybrid nanofluid has been focused by researchers widely in the current decade. Being the combination of two distinct nanoparticles, the researchers have predicted the thermal efficiencies of hybrid nanofluid model in view of distinct nanoparticles. However, the no attention is devoted by researchers towards the thermal mechanism of hybrid nanofluid with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with distinct impressive characteristics. This communication aims explore the thermal flow of BNNTs and MWCNTs confining the axisymmetric rotational stagnation point flow executing by a bi‐axial stretching surface. The numerical computations are performed the implementation of Keller Box numerical technique. The results verification is done via making the comparative analysis. The thermal aspect of hybrid nanofluid model is entertained. The physical inspection of the formulated problem with flow parameters is done in terms of distinct graphs. It is observed that increase in the solid volume fraction of BNNTs enhanced the velocity profile. The temperature profile declined with stretching parameter for MWCNTs and hybrid nanofluid. The Nusselt number increases for thermal Biot number and increasing change is more progressive for hybrid nanomaterials as compared to MWCNTs.
Migrants in the Plantation Economy in Côte d’Ivoire: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Traoré Nohoua , Torvikey Gertrude Dzifa
Published: July 2022

The chapter is a contribution to deepening knowledge on the historical trajectories of migration in Côte d’Ivoire. Based on a critical review of documents and literature, the chapter highlights the different waves of migration into Côte d’Ivoire. Both colonial and post-colonial coercive and attractive migration policies created the country as an important migration hub in West Africa. We situate the development of the cash crop economy in Côte d’Ivoire and its 20 years economic boom between 1960s and early 1980s, within the history of labour migrations into the country and the later crises that ensued as a result. While the development of the Ivorian economy was the driver for the policies during the period, the colonial era labour movements into the area hinged on repressive labour policies while the latter period was an attractive open door policy which included favourable land, citizenship and voting right grants to migrants. We reflected on how demographic growth and economic recession of the 1990s blurred this dynamic, thus leading to a change in the relationship between indigenes and migrants. The situation has led to a rigidity of Ivorian laws that cumulated in military, political and post electoral crises and civil strife thereby putting a brake on immigration. We reflected on the accentuation of migrant flows and transfers into the country in the recent Ivoirian migration and civic discourse and narratives which silences the contribution of migrants to the economic development of Côte d’Ivoire and the historical foundations of immigration and of a strong presence of foreign labour in the country. This we argue has ramifications for the management of migration in the country.
Climate-Induced Migration in West Africa
Authors: Teye Joseph Kofi , Nikoi Ebenezer G. A.
Published: July 2022

Although West Africa’s contribution to global climate change is very minimal, its geographical location and weak adaptive capacity makes it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and variability. The livelihoods of people in the dry regions of West Africa, in particular, are adversely affected by increased temperature and fluctuating rainfall patterns because they depend on rain-fed agriculture and ecosystem services. Flooding is also a common climate-induced hazard in some West African countries. However, only a few researchers have examined the nature of climate-induced migration in the sub-region. This chapter examines how migration is used as a strategy to deal with climate change and variability in West Africa. While it is difficult to separate climatic drivers from the socio-economic causes of migration, seasonal and permanent migration are increasingly used by households to deal with climate change and variability in some communities in West Africa. Floods have also caused population displacement in parts of West Africa. While human mobility occurs in response to changes in climatic variables, migration is not adequately incorporated into planned climate change adaptation strategies being implemented by governments in the sub-region. This chapter, therefore, recommends that migration should be incorporated into climate change adaptation and development policies and programs in the sub-region.
‘Hanging in the Air’: The Experiences of Liberian Refugees in Ghana
Authors: Crawley Heaven , Fynn Bruey Veronica
Published: July 2022

The civil wars that devastated Liberia between 1989 and 2003 displaced an estimated 800,000 people internally, with more than a million people travelling to neighbouring countries in West Africa in search of protection and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. More than 15 years after theAccra Comprehensive Peace Agreementwas signed, tens of thousands of Liberians continue to be displaced in Liberia, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Whilst some have been resettled – primarily to Canada, the US, Australia, and European countries – most have been left ‘hanging in the air’, living in extreme poverty, marginalised from mainstream development policies and planning, and unable to either contribute to, or benefit from, efforts to rebuild peace and security in their home country. Their needs, interests and aspirations have been largely ignored by academics and policymakers in the Global North whose focus, particularly over recent years, has been primarily on the drivers of migration from West Africa across the Mediterranean to Europe. At a regional level, there have been efforts by the Economic Committee of West African States (ECOWAS) to provide alternative models of integration, particularly since the United Nations High Commissioner Refugees (UNHCR) announced the cessation of refugee status for Liberian refugees in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in June 2012. However, significant barriers to both local integration and safe-third country resettlement remain. This chapter examines the experiences of Liberian refugees living in Ghana and their struggles to secure national and international protection in a context where returning to Liberia remains impossible for many.
Gaps in Protection for West African Migrants in Times of Crisis: The Role of a Multi-Stakeholder Platform Within a Partnership in Preparedness Model?
Authors: Kandilige Leander , Ampah Geraldine Asiwome
Published: July 2022

This quasi-theoretical chapter examines the peculiar protection vulnerabilities that face voluntary migrants in times of crises in destination countries. It argues that while protection regimes broadly exist for involuntary migrants (i.e. refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons) within the ambit of intergovernmental/international organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Red Cross Society or even the International Organisation for Migration, there is a yawning gap in national protection mechanisms for voluntary migrants in destination countries during episodes of crises situations. Using Ghana in the West African sub-Region as a case study, the chapter evaluates the potential of a national protection platform to safeguard the rights of predominantly West African migrants in Ghana during crises situations. The chapter conceptualises protection preparedness as a continuous cyclical phenomenon within the three main phases in disaster management – pre-disaster phase (prevention, mitigation), the disaster phase (response), and the post disaster phase (recovery). It draws on data from three national inter-ministerial workshops held in Accra, Ghana in 2018 towards establishing a multi-stakeholder protection platform for voluntary migrants. The chapter concludes that existing generic national disaster management agencies are inadequate in providing specific support for voluntary migrants during disasters. It recommends a public-private partnership in preparedness as it pertains to migrants in destination countries.
The Rise of Strategic Leadership
Authors: Tipurić Darko
Published: July 2022

This chapter is focused on the meaning, importance, and architecture of the strategic leadership phenomenon. The chapter positions strategic leadership as s distinct area of theory and research that connects the disciplines of strategic management and leadership and argues that strategic leadership shares the plurality of meanings of both underlying concepts. Strategic leadership is understood as a crucial instrument in an organization’s interaction with its surroundings; it integrates coordination efforts in an organization and sets the framework for the fulfillment of the mission and for outlining of a desirable future. The author argues that strategic leadership is enacted, or in other words, socially constructed (it emerges from organisational reality) as a response to the need for congruence between chosen guidelines for action and actual organisational action.
Configurations of Strategic Leadership
Authors: Tipurić Darko
Published: July 2022

This chapter focuses on the issue of unambiguously determining the phenomenon of strategic leadership. The configurations of strategic leadership depend on the situational characteristics or organizational characteristics. Further, the construct of egocentricity and egocentric strategic leadership is a configuration with an extremely asymmetrical structure of power and influence. This chapter provides insights on horizontally and vertically distributed egocentric strategic leadership. Apart from the distribution of strategic leadership with a formally established structure, leadership may also appear depending on the types of tasks and challenges that are defined or spontaneously emerge in the group or collective and that are not directly linked to hierarchy. Networks of strategic leaders commonly appear when organizations exhibit an organic structure, selective decentralization, high level of horizontal specialization of tasks, and strong reliance on experts and specialists.
Positive effects of fast growth on locomotor performance in pelagic fish juveniles
Authors: Nakamura Masahiro , Yoneda Michio , Morioka Taizo , Takasuka Akinori , Nishiumi Nozomi
Published: July 2022

Many laboratory experiments on aquatic vertebrates that inhabit closed water or coastal areas have highlighted negative effects of fast growth on swimming performance. Nonetheless, field studies on pelagic fishes have provided evidence of survival advantages of faster-growing individuals. To reconcile this contradiction, we examined the relationship between growth rate and swimming performance as a continuous function for juveniles of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) using 3D tracking analysis. For experiments, 20, 24, 27, and 30 days post-hatch individuals within the size range of 14.5–25.3 mm were used. We found that the growth–swimming (burst speed) relationship in chub mackerel was substantially positive and it was supported by morphological traits such as muscle area, which were also positively related with growth rate. This finding is consistent with field observations showing selective survival of fast-growing individuals of this species, reconciling the current contradiction between laboratory experiments and field observations. A dome-shaped quadratic curve described the relationship between growth rate and burst speed better than a linear or cubic function, suggesting that growth may trade-off with swimming performance, as reported in many previous studies, when it is extremely fast. These results, obtained from the rarely tested offshore species, strongly suggests the importance of experimental verification using animals that inhabit various types of habitats in understanding the principles underlying the evolution of growth–locomotor relationship.
Effect of obesity on fragility fractures, BMD and vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women. Influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: de Tejada-Romero M. J. Gómez , Saavedra-Santana P. , de la Rosa-Fernández F. , Suárez-Ramírez N. , Martín-Martínez A. , del Rosario F. Martín , Sosa-Henríquez M.
Published: July 2022

Aims

To see the effects of obesity on risk fracture, bone density (BMD), and vitamin D levels in a group of postmenopausal women, and consider how comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) modifies them.

Methods

679 postmenopausal women were grouped into obese and non-obese. Obese women were grouped into those with T2DM and those without. 25(OH)-vitamin D, PTH and BMD were measured, and prevalent fragility fractures were gathered.

Results

Obese women had higher prevalence of T2DM, than non-obese women. Levels of 25(OH)-vitamin D were lower and those of PTH higher in obese women, BMD values were higher in obese women. Diabetic-obese women had a higher prevalence of non-vertebral fractures than non-diabetic-obese. Multivariate logistic regression model showed association of fragility fractures with age, total hip BMD, BMI and T2DM. Obese women have higher BMD and lower 25(OH)-vitamin D values (and higher PTH) than non-obese, without diabetes.

Conclusions

T2DM confers an increased risk of non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal obese women.
Deep carious lesions and their management among Finnish adolescents: a retrospective radiographic study
Authors: Croft Katri , Kervanto-Seppälä Sari , Kerosuo Eero
Published: July 2022

Objective

The objective of this retrospective study was to find out (i) the prevalence of deep carious lesions, both untreated and previously treated, among 14- and 15-year olds and (ii) how deep carious lesions were managed in a Finnish public health care setting.

Materials and methods

A random sample of 278 patients was taken from 3990 patients at the oral health care of the City of Helsinki. Radiographic subsample consisted of patients with bitewing and periapical radiographs (n = 128, 46% of the total sample). Deep carious lesions (extending to at least the inner half of dentine), deep restorations, direct pulp cappings, root canal treatments, and extractions in permanent premolars and molars were recorded from the radiographs. Patients with untreated deep carious lesions were followed up for 24 months.

Results

In the total sample 12% had at least one untreated deep carious lesion, 10% at least one deep restoration, and 19% at least one untreated or previously treated deep carious lesion. The follow-up cohort included 48 deep carious lesions in 26 patients. Complete excavation was the most frequently chosen method (81% for lesions reaching the inner half of dentine and 56% the inner third or deeper), followed by stepwise excavation (19% and 37%, respectively).

Conclusions

One-fifth of 14–15-year-olds had at least one untreated or previously treated deep carious lesion. The choice for the carious tissue removal did not follow the current recommendations for less invasive methods.

Clinical relevance

Continuing education is needed to improve the diagnostics and management of deep carious lesions.
Determining recharge distribution in fractured carbonate aquifers in central Italy using environmental isotopes: snowpack cover as an indicator for future availability of groundwater resources
Authors: Petitta Marco , Banzato Francesca , Lorenzi Valeria , Matani Edoardo , Sbarbati Chiara
Published: July 2022

Environmental isotopes were used to determine the source and to understand the physical–chemical processes involved in groundwater movement along a flowpath. This study applies groundwater stable isotopes to assess snow-cover influence on the recharge processes of some regional carbonate aquifers of central Italy. Starting with extensively investigated aquifers, 17 springs were selected and sampled (June–October 2016) for isotope analyses. The δ18O–δD results follow the local meteoric water line; the low mismatch between the 2016 sampling surveys suggests that those springs are not influenced by seasonal variability. Nevertheless, the average elevations of recharge areas calculated using the vertical isotope gradient were higher compared to those obtained with hypsographic profiles. This means that the relevant contribution to recharge comes from higher elevation areas; hence, snowpack coverage and snowpack persistence over time on recharge areas were analysed using satellite images. Four different relationships between the snowpack characteristics and the elevation of recharge areas have been identified. These offer relevant information about the different degrees of dependence of the regional aquifers of central Italy on the recharge due to high-elevation subbasins where the snowpack cover is significant. A possible correlation emerges between computed isotope recharge elevation and mean snow cover elevation, revealing how snowmelt is a primary source for aquifer recharge. Consequently, to evaluate the risk of groundwater resource depletion in a climate-change scenario, there is discussion on how a potential snow-cover reduction would affect the recharge rate of mountainous aquifers.
Understanding compliance with voluntary sustainability standards: a machine learning approach
Authors: Garbely Anja , Steiner Elias
Published: July 2022

Voluntary sustainability standards are quickly gaining ground. Whether and how they work in the field, however, remains largely unclear. This is troubling for standards organizations since it hinders the improvement of their standards to achieve a higher impact. One reason why it is difficult to understand the mechanics of VSS is heterogeneity in compliance. We apply machine learning techniques to analyze compliance with one particular VSS: Rainforest Alliance-for which we have detailed audit data for all certified coffee and cocoa producers. In a first step, we deploy a k-modes algorithm to identify four clusters of producers with similar non-compliance patterns. In a second step, we match a large array of data to the producers to identify drivers of non-compliance. Our findings help VSS to implement targeted training or risk assessment using prediction. Further, they are a starting point for future causal analyses.
Analyzing the key performance indicators of circular supply chains by hybrid fuzzy cognitive mapping and Fuzzy DEMATEL: evidence from healthcare sector
Authors: Dolatabad Asana Hosseini , Mahdiraji Hannan Amoozad , Babgohari Ali Zamani , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Ai Ahad
Published: July 2022

This study presents a multi-layer fuzzy-based decision-making approach to enhance the hospital Circular Supply Chain (CSC) performance by focusing on intensive care units (ICU) via key performance indicators analysis. In this regard, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Institution Fuzzy Delphi (IFD) are employed to extract the relevant and prominent KPIs. After, a hybrid Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) and Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL) have been applied to illustrate a conceptual framework for the CSC performance management of the healthcare sector in the emerging economy of Iran. As a result, eight critical indicators emanated from the SLR-IFD approach. Furthermore, sixteen relationships amongst the performance indicators were identified via hybrid FCM-FDEMATEL. Inventory availability, information availability, innovation, and technology were selected as the most influential indicators. Besides, changing the information technology category, including information availability and Innovation and technology, had the most impact on the performance of the entire CSC. This study attempts to evaluate hospitals’ circular supply chain performance, by designing the circular evaluation framework. Hospital managers can use the results of this research to improve their internal circular supply chain performances in the intensive care units by understanding the different scenarios.
Retrospective analysis of OCT parameters after intravitreal anti-VEGF inhibitors in neovascular AMD patients in a real-world setting
Authors: Lüke Jan Niklas , Alquoqa Hamdi , Alsamman Ahmad , Aljabary Bayan , Schaub F. , Heindl L. M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), total macular volume (TMV), intraocular pressure (IOP) and central retinal thickness (CRT) after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, bevacizumab and aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in a clinical real world setting.

Methods

In a retrospective clinical study design, 120 patients (80 women and 40 men) were analyzed after being diagnosed with nAMD within 8 years (2010–2018). Every patient received at least 6 anti-VEGF injections in a Pro-Re-Nata or Treat-and-Extend regimen. OCT parameters (RNFL, TMV, CRT) and visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed at first diagnosis, at treatment day and during the course.

Results

Intraretinal fluid was reduced significantly in a magnitude of 88–64 µm (CRT) and 0.75–0.55 mm3 (TMV). Apart from a significant reduction immediately after the therapy start (post-3 injections) with ranibizumab (− 1.4 µm, p = 0.03), RNFL thickness remained constant. A slight improvement in visual acuity of 0.06 logMAR could initially be observed. If further injections were required, only stabilization was achieved compared to baseline visual acuity.

Conclusion

The changes of OCT parameters CRT, TMV, and RNFL as well as the stabilization of functional results (BCVA) as illustrated in this study comparing effects of different anti-VEGF-agents provide evidence for the transferability of former results to a clinical real-world setting.
User attention and behaviour in virtual reality art encounter
Authors: Mu Mu , Dohan Murtada , Goodyear Alison , Hill Gary , Johns Cleyon , Mauthe Andreas
Published: July 2022

With the proliferation of consumer virtual reality (VR) headsets and creative tools, content creators are experimenting with new forms of interactive audience experience using immersive media. Understanding user attention and behaviours in virtual environment can greatly inform the creative processes in VR. We developed an abstract VR painting and an experimentation system to study audience art encounters through eye gaze and movement tracking. The data from a user experiment with 35 participants reveal a range of user activity patterns in art exploration. Deep learning models are used to study the connections between the behavioural data and the audience’s background. The work also introduced new integrated methods to visualise user attention for content creators.
Sphingosine 1-Phoshpate Receptors are Located in Synapses and Control Spontaneous Activity of Mouse Neurons in Culture
Authors: Skoug Cecilia , Martinsson Isak , Gouras Gunnar K. , Meissner Anja , Duarte João M. N.
Published: July 2022

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is best known for its roles as vascular and immune regulator. Besides, it is also present in the central nervous system (CNS) where it can act as neuromodulator via five S1P receptors (S1PRs), and thus control neurotransmitter release. The distribution of S1PRs in the active zone and postsynaptic density of CNS synapses remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the localization of S1PR1-5 in synapses of the mouse cortex. Cortical nerve terminals purified in a sucrose gradient were endowed with all five S1PRs. Further subcellular fractionation of cortical nerve terminals revealed S1PR2 and S1PR4 immunoreactivity in the active zone of presynaptic nerve terminals. Interestingly, only S1PR2 and S1PR3 immunoreactivity was found in the postsynaptic density. All receptors were present outside the active zone of nerve terminals. Neurons in the mouse cortex and primary neurons in culture showed immunoreactivity against all five S1PRs, and Ca2+ imaging revealed that S1P inhibits spontaneous neuronal activity in a dose-dependent fashion. When testing selective agonists for each of the receptors, we found that only S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR4 control spontaneous neuronal activity. We conclude that S1PR2 and S1PR4 are located in the active zone of nerve terminals and inhibit neuronal activity. Future studies need to test whether these receptors modulate stimulation-induced neurotransmitter release.
Development of micro-zymography: Visualization of enzymatic activity at the microscopic scale for aggregates collected from the rhizosphere
Authors: Ghaderi Negar , Schmidt Hannes , Schlüter Steffen , Banfield Callum , Blagodatskaya Evgenia
Published: July 2022

Aims

Visualization of enzymatic activity links microbial functioning to localization in heterogeneous soil habitats. To assess enzymatic reactions in soil thin layer at the microscopic level, we developed a micro-zymography approach and tested it by visualization of the potential activity of phosphomonoesterase for aggregates collected from the rhizosphere of Zea mays L.

Methods

We evaluated micro-zymography by applying fluorogenically-labeled substrate i) on individual soil aggregates freshly sampled from the rhizosphere, ii) on thin layers of aggregates (≈ 500 µm) saturated with substrate to assess the dynamics of phosphomonoesterase activity, and iii) on maize roots under laser scanning microscope upon the identified hotspots by membrane-based zymography.

Results

We found super transparent silicon as the most appropriate fixative to prevent sample drying. We optimized microscope settings to eliminate the soil auto-fluorescence. The fluorescent signal shifted from the free liquid phase towards the aggregate boundaries within 30 min after substrate addition and was finally detectable at the surface of a few aggregates. This was probably due to higher microbial abundance and enzymatic activity on the soil aggregates compared to the liquid phase. The enzymatic activity appeared patchy at the aggregate and root surfaces indicating heterogeneous distribution of hotspots.

Conclusions

The methodology including calibration, sample preparation, fixation, and monitoring was developed. The novel membrane-free micro-zymography approach is a promising tool to identify functional specificity and niche differentiation on roots and soil aggregates. This approach revealed unexplained complexity of competing processes (biochemical, hydrolytic, and physical) due to differently charged reaction products and enzyme-clay complexes.
Reproducibility of COVID-19 pre-prints
Authors: Collins Annie , Alexander Rohan
Published: July 2022

To examine the reproducibility of COVID-19 research, we create a dataset of pre-prints posted to arXiv, bioRxiv, and medRxiv between 28 January 2020 and 30 June 2021 that are related to COVID-19. We extract the text from these pre-prints and parse them looking for keyword markers signaling the availability of the data and code underpinning the pre-print. For the pre-prints that are in our sample, we are unable to find markers of either open data or open code for 75% of those on arXiv, 67% of those on bioRxiv, and 79% of those on medRxiv.
Scrutinizing the collaboration criterion in research: how do policy ambitions play out in proposals and assessments?
Authors: Jonsson Oskar , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: July 2022

Based on a commission by one of the Swedish Research Council, which has high ambitions to strengthen the collaboration between academia and society, this study aimed to reveal how researchers describe the collaboration with partners outside the university in research proposals. Globally, collaboration is advocated to bridge research-practice gaps and address complex societal challenges. This study scrutinizes how the collaboration criterion was operationalized in all research proposals submitted to The Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare in 2016. A content analysis of 381 proposals and related assessments was used to identify patterns and categories. Preliminary results were subjected to discussion in a workshop with 34 researchers representing granted proposals in the material, followed by further analysis. Comparisons were made between granted and rejected proposals. The applicants had made diverse interpretations of the collaboration criterion specified in the calls under which the proposals were submitted. The few that described theoretical underpinnings for collaborative approaches used a diversity of concepts but none of them frequently. Collaboration overlapped with other sections in the proposals. There is a need to develop theoretical awareness and conceptual clarity regarding collaboration and embed collaboration in research. In the context studied, collaboration with actors outside the university does not appear to be crucial for funding.
Filtration with Multiple Species of Particles
Authors: Sun Yixuan , Kondic Lou , Cummings Linda J.
Published: July 2022

Membrane filtration of feed containing multiple species of particles is a common process in the industrial setting. In this work, we propose a model for filtration of a suspension containing multiple particle species (concrete examples of our model are shown in two and three species), each with different affinities for the material of the porous filter membrane. Using the pore shape within the membrane as a design objective, we formulate a number of optimization problems pertaining to effective separation of desired and undesired particles in the special case of two-particle species and we present results showing how properties such as feed composition affect the optimal filter design. In addition, we propose a novel multi-stage filtration strategy, which provides a significant mass yield improvement for the desired particles, and, surprisingly, higher purity of the product as well.
Mastozytose
Authors: Jäger K. , Kinaciyan T.
Published: July 2022

Mastozytosen sind seltene, sporadisch auftretende Erkrankungen, bei denen es zu einer klonalen Vermehrung von Mastzellen in verschiedenen Geweben kommt. Zu den betroffenen Organen gehören am häufigsten die Haut und/oder das Knochenmark, aber auch Gastrointestinaltrakt, Leber, Milz, Lunge und Lymphknoten. Die Einteilung erfolgt in kutane und systemische Formen. Während die rein kutane Form eine gute Prognose hat, gibt es bei den systemischen Varianten schwere Formen wie die aggressive Mastozytose, die Mastzellleukämie und das sehr seltene Mastzellsarkom, die eine zytostatische Therapie erforderlich machen und die mit einer schlechten Prognose einhergehen. Kinder sind häufiger betroffen als Erwachsene und haben im Gegensatz zu den Erwachsenen meist eine rein kutane Form, die zur spontanen Remission neigt.

Die Symptomatik im Bereich der Haut reicht von einzelnen bis zu diffus verteilten juckenden gelblich-bräunlichen Hauterscheinungen die fleckig, knotig und bei Säuglingen und Kleinkindern auch blasig sein können. Zu den systemischen Symptomen kommt es durch Freisetzung von großen Mengen an Mastzellmediatoren oder durch die Schädigung von Gewebe in Organen durch die Vermehrung von Mastzellen. Dementsprechend vielgestaltig sind die Symptome, unter denen sich Pruritus, Flush, Kopfschmerzen, Diarrhoe, Bauchkrämpfe, Palpitationen und schwere Anaphylaxien, v. a. auch nach Stichen durch Hautflügler wie Bienen oder Wespen, finden.
Local martingale solutions and pathwise uniqueness for the three-dimensional stochastic inviscid primitive equations
Authors: Hu Ruimeng , Lin Quyuan
Published: July 2022

We study the stochastic effect on the three-dimensional inviscid primitive equations (PEs, also called the hydrostatic Euler equations). Specifically, we consider a larger class of noises than multiplicative noises, and work in the analytic function space due to the ill-posedness in Sobolev spaces of PEs without horizontal viscosity. Under proper conditions, we prove the local existence of martingale solutions and pathwise uniqueness. By adding vertical viscosity, i.e., considering the hydrostatic Navier-Stokes equations, we can relax the restriction on initial conditions to be only analytic in the horizontal variables with Sobolev regularity in the vertical variable, and allow the transport noise in the vertical direction. We establish the local existence of martingale solutions and pathwise uniqueness, and show that the solutions become analytic in the vertical variable instantaneously as $$t>0$$

t
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and the vertical analytic radius increases as long as the solutions exist.
Attentional processing of body images in women with overweight and obesity
Authors: Baur Julia , Krohmer Kerstin , Naumann Eva , Svaldi Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Despite the claim to integrate body image interventions in obesity treatment, little is known about the mechanisms involved in maintaining body dissatisfaction in persons with overweight and obesity. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate attentional processing of body stimuli in women with overweight and obesity (OW).

Methods

Women with OW (n = 82) and normal weight controls (NW; n = 44) conducted two eye-tracking paradigms. In the first paradigm, fixation duration on the subjectively most beautiful and ugliest body part of one’s own and a weight-matched control body were analyzed. In the second paradigm, picture pairs including the own and a control body or object were presented and initial fixation orientation was measured. Automatic and intentional processing of the body pictures was manipulated by either indicating on which side which stimuli would appear or not.

Results

Women with OW displayed a bias towards the ugliest as opposed to the most beautiful body part, whereas women with NW showed a balanced viewing pattern. Furthermore, both groups showed a preference for bodies relative to the object. However, only women with OW preferred their own relative to the control body during intentional processing.

Conclusion

Taken together, results point towards a self-focused and deficit-oriented gaze pattern in women with overweight and obesity. Targeting these processes might help to improve obesity treatment outcomes.

Level of evidence

Level I, experimental study.
Synthesis of N-doped carbon quantum dots as lubricant additive to enhance the tribological behavior of MoS2 nanofluid
Authors: He Jiaqi , Sun Jianlin , Choi Junho , Wang Chenglong , Su Daoxin
Published: July 2022

In this study, a novel lubricant additive nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dot (N-CQD) nanoparticle was prepared by the solvothermal method. The synthesized spherical N-CQD nanoparticles in the diameter of about 10 nm had a graphene oxide (GO)-like structure with various oxygen (O)- and nitrogen (N)-containing functional groups. Then N-CQDs were added to MoS2 nanofluid, and the tribological properties for steel/steel friction pairs were evaluated using a pin-on-disk tribometer. Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations for the friction system with MoS2 or MoS2 + N-CQD nanoparticles were also conducted. The results showed that friction processes with MoS2 + N-CQD nanofluids were under the mixed lubrication regime. And MoS2 nanofluid containing 0.4 wt% N-CQDs could achieve 30.4% and 31.0% reduction in the friction coefficient and wear rate, respectively, compared to those without N-CQDs. By analyzing the worn surface topography and chemical compositions, the excellent lubrication performance resulted from the formation of tribochemistry-induced tribofilm. The average thickness of tribofilm was about 13.9 nm, and it was composed of amorphous substances, ultrafine crystalline nanoparticles, and self-lubricating FeSO4/Fe2(SO4)3. NEMD simulation results indicated the interaction between S atoms in MoS2 as well as these O- and N-containing functional groups in N-CQDs with steel surfaces enhanced the stability and strength of tribofilm. Thereby the metal surface was further protected from friction and wear.
Maternal body mass index and placental weight: a role for fetal insulin, maternal insulin and leptin
Authors: Kristiansen O. , Roland M. C. , Zucknick M. , Reine T. M. , Kolset S. O. , Henriksen T. , Lekva T. , Michelsen T.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Placental weight (PW) has been found to mediate the main effect of maternal BMI on fetal size. Still, the BMI–PW association is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to explore potential explanatory variables, including gestational weight gain (GWG), early- and late-pregnancy circulating levels of maternal glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C, and fetal insulin.

Methods

We included two studies of pregnant women from Oslo University Hospital, Norway: the prospective STORK (n = 263) and the cross-sectional 4-vessel method study (4-vessel; n = 165). We used multiple linear regression for data analyses. A non-linear BMI-PW association was observed, which leveled off from BMI25. Therefore, BMI <25 and ≥25 were analyzed separately (n = 170/122 and 93/43 for STORK/4-vessel). Confounding variables included maternal age, parity, and gestational age.

Results

PW increased significantly per kg m−2 only among BMI <25 (univariate model’s std.β[p] = 0.233 [0.002] vs. 0.074[0.48]/0.296[0.001] vs. −0.030[0.85] for BMI <25 vs. ≥25 in STORK/4-vessel). Maternal early- but not late-pregnancy insulin and term fetal insulin were associated with PW. The estimated effect of early pregnancy insulin was similar between the BMI groups but statistically significant only among BMI <25 (std.β[p] = 0.182[0.016] vs. 0.203[0.07] for BMI <25 vs. ≥25). Late pregnancy leptin was inversely associated with PW with a 1.3/1.7-fold greater effect among BMI ≥25 than BMI <25 in the STORK/4-vessel.

Conclusions

The BMI–PW association was non-linear: an association was observed for BMI <25 but not for BMI ≥25. Leptin may be involved in the non-linear association through a placental–adipose tissue interplay. Maternal early pregnancy insulin and fetal insulin at term were associated with PW.
Child, adolescent, and parent mental health in general population during a year of COVID-19 pandemic in belgium: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wauters Amélyne , Tiete Julien , Reis Joana , Lambotte Isabelle , Marchini Simone , Delvenne Véronique
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aims to evaluate the mental health status of children, adolescents and their parents during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium.

Method

Analysis compared results before and during the second national lockdown, which started on November 2nd 2020. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May 2020 and April 2021.

Results

Two hundred and eighteen adults and 273 children fully completed the survey. Almost one in five children (17.9%) presented moderate-to-severe scores of depression. Adolescents presented a higher level of depression than children (p = 0.007). The rate of moderate-to-severe depression scores (10.8% to 21%, p = 0.007) and internalized symptoms increased during the second lockdown (p < 0.001). Parents' depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.027) levels also increased during the second lockdown. Logistic regression showed that the use of psychotropic medication in parents and parents’ depression scores were risk factors for children to have worse depression scores.

Conclusion

The second lockdown appears to worsen the effects of the pandemic on children’s and parents’ mental health. There is a need to implement specific interventions targeting both children/adolescents and their parents to support them during lockdown periods and improve mental health outcomes.
Body image and association with BMI, and purgative behaviours for weight control in adolescents aged 11–14 years
Authors: Rossi Camila Elizandra , da Silva Karina Peixoto , Feio Costa Larissa da Cunha , Barboza Bernardo Paz , de Vasconcelos Francisco de Assis Guedes
Published: July 2022

We aimed to evaluate the association of overweight/obesity based in BMI and purgative behaviours with body image (BI). Methods: Cross-sectional study, with probabilistic sample of 976 adolescents, aged 11–14 years, from the city of Florianópolis, Brazil. Multivariate analyses were performed. Overweight (including obesity) and four variables related to purgative methods for body weight control or eating behaviour were evaluated as outcomes, while BI satisfaction was the primary independent variable in each model. Models were controlled for age, sex, type of school (public or private), intake of fruit and vegetables, number of daily meals, and physical activity scores levels. A total of 31·4 % of adolescents wanted to enlarge their silhouette and 45·6 % wanted to reduce it. Among overweight/obese adolescents, 9·6 % were satisfied with their bodies, while 89·8 % wanted to reduce it, while among the not overweight/obese adolescents, 45·4 % wanted to enlarge their silhouette (P < 0·001). Multivariate analysis showed that the odds for overweight/obesity is higher among adolescents who wanted to reduce their silhouette (OR = 11·20; 95 % CI = 5·55, 22·58). Adolescents who want to reduce their silhouette are more likely to use diuretics (OR = 3·08; CI = 1·78, 5·32) and to use laxatives (OR = 2·10; CI = 1·20, 3·68). A significant association was also found between dissatisfaction with BI and overeating (among those who want to enlarge their silhouette: OR = 1·78; CI = 1·12, 2·85 and among those who want to reduce their silhouette: OR = 1·81; CI = 1·03, 3·19). Conclusion: BI dissatisfaction was associated with overweight/obesity, as well with overeating, and the use of purgative methods.
Classification of singularities of cluster algebras of finite type: the case of trivial coefficients
Authors: Benito Angelica , Faber Eleonore , Mourtada Hussein , Schober Bernd
Published: July 2022

We provide a complete classification of the singularities of cluster algebras of finite type with trivial coefficients. Alongside, we develop a constructive desingularization of these singularities via blowups in regular centers over fields of arbitrary characteristic. Furthermore, from the same perspective, we study a family of cluster algebras which are not of finite type and which arise from a star shaped quiver.