bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Community Center: Using Long-life Material for Low Maintenance and Serviceability.
Authors: Wijaksono S , Wibowo GS
Published: May 2023

A community center is a building that unites various functions and is adapted to the character of the area and the needs of its residents. If it is related to the Sustainable Development Goals, then one of the targets can be met by providing public spaces that are safe, inclusive, and easily accessible to everyone. Specific space requirements and capacities of different users are a problem in community center so a movable partition system could be one solution. In addition, space configuration can also be arranged so that it is not monotonous by utilizing existing partitions. The problem in this research is how to choose a durable movable partition material for use in a community center. In addition, this study aims to determine durable movable partition materials so that the community center can not only meet the needs of its residents but also have flexible spaces and support sustainable architecture. The method used in this study is a comparative method by analyzing the durability of several materials commonly used as partition materials. Based on the results of the analysis and discussion of research data, the movable partition material that can be used is a PVC board. This is because PVC boards are resistant to water and termites and are not harmful to the environment.
Self-Energy Harvesting through Architectural Design: Harnessing embodied energy in the Human Environment.
Authors: Wizaka W , Suharjanto G
Published: May 2023

This research is conducted in searching for the energy related to Architectural design that is generated from human activities as well as cultural or human life patterns. So the paper provides a review of the current self-energy harvesting literature including the discussion about the research of energy that is potentially related to the architectural design that can produce energy through the self-energy harvester concept including the widely used methodologies, new materials and technologies, and human daily activities in the building that related the potential energy harvesting.

The contributions of this work to the study of architectural design are as follows. First, this study presents a clear description of the current self-energy harvester research situation and its development. Second, this research gives more and clearer opportunities in the future to generate energy through Architectural design. Third, this study clarifies the topics and problems in self-energy harvesting that need further studies based on a comprehensive review on existed pieces of literature and human behaviour analysis that can be used as energy sources. Though today’s Architectural Design seems to be a bit far in self-energy harvesting, the energy is potentially harvested by Architectural Design.

This research is expected to find out the intersection between Architectural design and self-energy harvesting engineering in a building concept and how it has been researched or applicated so far.
Housing Satisfaction and Preferences Towards Indoor Quality Related to the Environmental Factors in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sakina B , Setiawan D
Published: May 2023

Covid-19 had changed the way we perceived our living environment. As people now spent more time inside, indoor quality especially in terms of environmental factors is considered important in future housing. It is not just one of the indicators for healthy housing, but also green housing. The purpose of this study is to investigate Indonesian’s housing satisfaction and preferences towards indoor quality in terms of environmental factors in the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The environmental factors indicators used in this study were daylight, air, acoustic, view, and green space quality. This quantitative study used an online questionnaire to collect data. The data analysis compared mean values and gap differences of values for each indicator. The results showed residents were satisfied enough with almost all of the indicators in their current living environment during the pandemic. As for residents’ preferences, daylight quality, air quality, and green space are the top priorities needed to be considered for their dream houses. As for gap differences, it was found that green space, air quality, and acoustic quality needed to be improved, as respondents’ expectations are higher. Understanding housing satisfaction and preferences from the residents’ perspectives in the context of Covid-19 pandemic is considered important, as their demand can motivate developers and other stakeholders to adopt healthy and green building practices. It is hoped that the results of this research can support the studies on future healthy and green housing, especially in terms of environmental factors quality.
Interior design of bakery shops and cafes using sustainable materials in Malang city
Authors: Jeadi E P , Primadani T I W , Kurniawan B K , Putra W W , Nisrina B R N
Published: May 2023

The primary purpose of a bakery shop design is the convenience of visitors, but the design sustainability aspect is also something that must be considered. In the interior design of bakery shops and cafes, using environmentally friendly materials will be the topic of discussion in this study. The problem is using sustainable materials to create interior designs for bakery shops and cafes following the company’s image. The case study in this research is a bakery shop and café with a modern vintage style in Malang City. This study uses qualitative methods and design exploration. Data was collected through literature studies, field surveys, and interviews with café owners and users. The results of this study are the application of sustainable materials applied to the interior elements of this bakery shop and café design. The material is applied as a backdrop for walls, ceilings, and furniture. The results of this study are expected to be able to become a problem solution for textile waste generated due to the continuous development of technology and people’s lifestyles. This effort is to harmonize the technology development and maintain the environmental quality for human life in the future.
Factors in Designing Secondary Skins for Residential Houses in The Tropics
Authors: Firdausa R R , Djimantoro M I
Published: May 2023

The tropics are areas that get sunlight every year, besides that, the tropics also have high humidity. Buildings in the tropics require designing the skin or facade to suit the climate; protection from heat and rain, as well as high humidity which will affect the comfortable temperature in the room. One common design response in tropical countries is to use a secondary skin. There are 4 factors that influence the use and design of secondary skins which are aesthetics, materials, functions / needs, and technology. This study focuses on the use of secondary skin in residential houses in Indonesia with tropical countries outside Indonesia which aims to compare the factors that influence the design and use of the secondary skin. The results show that most of the use of secondary skin in residential houses is influenced by thermal aspects, but many other factors influence the design, such as privacy, security, and aesthetic value. As well as there is also a combination of the use of materials with philosophy and aesthetics.
Proximate and fatty acid analysis of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Loho L , Lo D
Published: May 2023

High food demand in the world is not easy to accomplish as the number of world population keeps expanding; meanwhile the number accessible lands for food production keeps decreasing and livestock activities continues to contribute environment pollution. Moreover, the level of food waste currently is relatively high and is expected to increase over time. The use of BSF (black soldier fly) as an alternative nutrient source, is expected to be one of the solutions to minimalize the negative impact on the environment from animal husbandry activities in general, while also contributing to the decomposition of food waste. In this study, the proximate content and fatty acid profile of BSF larvae will be determined, to acknowledge the nutritional content of BSF larvae. The BSF larvae observed in this study was fed and reared by using fruits and vegetables waste for three weeks. The water content, ash content, and fat content in proximate analysis of BSF larvae will be determined using gravimetric method, whereas protein content and carbohydrate content in proximate analysis of BSF larvae will be determined by using titrimetric method and by difference method respectively. The fatty acids profile analysis of BSF larvae will be determined by using gas chromatography method. Based on the result, BSF larvae has protein content, fat content, and mineral content of 31.70 ± 0.43%, 35.90 ± 0.26%, and 18.06 ± 0.08% respectively. BSF larvae has four types of essential fatty acids and 18 non-essential fatty acids. High protein content and fat content of BSF larvae promotes the incorporation of BSF larvae in feed and food processing and production.
Health impact of carrageenan and its application in food industry: a review
Authors: Anggraini J , Lo D
Published: May 2023

Carrageenan is used widely in food products especially for gelling, thickening, emulsifying agents, and to stabilize the food properties which is extracted from red and purple seaweeds that contain the mixture of polysaccharides. Based on the sulfate content, carrageenan is divided as kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, and lambda carrageenan. Even though it is used widely in the food industry, there is controversy about the health effects of using carrageenan in the food products such as may cause inflammation, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, gastrointestinal ulcerations, and could damage the digestive system. According to this condition it is suggested to limit the usage of carrageenan in the food industry. The objective of this paper is to discuss the impact to health and application of carrageenan in the food industry.
Integrating the Kano model and quality function deployment for the development of ready-to-eat smoothie bowl
Authors: Liunardi V , Hendrawan T , Romulo A
Published: May 2023

Smoothie bowl is a smoothie product made from fruit and vegetables and packed into a bowl. This study aims to determine the attributes desired by consumers and applied in product development using the Kano model and the quality function deployment method. Kano model was applied to determine the important attributes that could influence consumer preferences. The important attributes were then further analyzed using the quality function deployment method. Based on the results of the integration of the Kano and QFD models, there are five technical responses that can meet consumer desires, namely formulation, storage techniques, selection of raw materials, designing the design and type of packaging, as well as processing techniques. For the smoothie bowl formulation, the fifth formulation of 25% bananas and 75% mangoes with a topping composition of 40% bananas, 50% mangoes, and 10% cereals was a formulation that gave the highest average value of aroma and taste preferences and was significantly different from other formulations.
Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of shirataki noodles prepared from porang and tapioca flours
Authors: Jang H N , Kumayas T R , Romulo A
Published: May 2023

Shirataki noodles are gluten-free noodles that gained popularity as a healthy food. To produce this product, the formulation becomes the main factors that must be considered carefully. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical, physical and organoleptic characteristics of shirataki noodles. The formulations used in this study was porang and tapioca flours with different ratio (100:0, 80:20, and 70:30). The results of the data obtained showed that the reduction of porang flour in shirataki noodles could decrease the elasticity and rehydration properties. The best formulation of shirataki noodle was made from 70% of porang flour. with a value of 11.98% water content, 2.26%, ash content, 0.02% fat content, 0.23% protein content, 85.50% carbohydrate content, 22.44% L* value, 72.22% rehydration power and 15.94% for elasticity.
Effect of emulsifiers addition in sponge cake premix on the physical and sensory of sponge cake
Authors: Gunadi K , Pamungkaningtyas F H
Published: May 2023

Baked products such as bread, biscuits, and cakes are among the most popular food categories because of their convenience. Sponge cake has a porous structure like a sponge and is lightweight and soft. The single-stage mixing method has been developed and widely applied in the large-scale production of sponge cakes. The sponge cake formulations generally use an additional emulsifying agent to form better aeration. The effect of adding emulsifiers in the formulation of sponge cake premix on the cake expansion and stability, appearance, softness, and moistness of the sponge cake was investigated. The emulsifiers contain several functional molecules, including acid esters of vegetable oils, naturally occurring partial glycerides, and proteins. Different concentrations of emulsifiers significantly affect the physical of sponge cake. The addition of 3% emulsifiers resulted in the highest cake expansion and the highest score of the overall sensory attribute. According to De Garmo’s effectiveness index analysis, an addition of 3% resulted in the most optimum physical and sensorial attributes.
Biosynthesis of nisin, antimicrobial mechanism and its applications as a food preservation: A review
Authors: Setiarto R H B , Anshory L , Wardana A A
Published: May 2023

This review examines the biosynthesis of nisin, its antimicrobial mechanism, and its applications in food preservation. Nisin is synthesized withinside the ribosome as a pre-peptide which undergoes amendment withinside the post-translational level as a number one metabolite from lactic acid bacteria. Nisin secretion occurs in the exponential phase and is maximally produced at the end of the exponential phase or the beginning of the stationary phase. As an antibiotic in the form of a peptide molecule, nisin is characterized by the presence of lanthionine-type thioester bonds. Nisin has been reported to have the ability to inhibit bacteria, especially Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Clostridium botulinum, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. Nevertheless, nisin is less effective against Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and molds. Based on its ability to inhibit bacteria plus the non-toxic nature of nisin, Nisin can be used as bio preservation in food products. Besides being non-toxic, several other factors that can be considered for nisin as bio preservation are that nisin is readily biodegradable. It is a protein compound that does not harm the intestinal flora as it is easily digested by enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and does not cause bacterial resistance as therapeutic antibiotics are safe for humans.
Stochastic analysis for vector-valued generalized grey Brownian motion
Authors: Bock Wolfgang , Grothaus Martin , Orge Karlo
Published: May 2023

In this article, we show that the standard vector-valued generalization of a generalized grey Brownian motion (ggBm) has independent components if and only if it is a fractional Brownian motion. In order to extend ggBm with independent components, we introduce a vector-valued generalized grey Brownian motion (vggBm). The characteristic function of the corresponding measure is introduced as the product of the characteristic functions of the one-dimensional case. We show that for this measure, the Appell system and a calculus of generalized functions or distributions are accessible. We characterize these distributions with suitable transformations and give a

d
d

-dimensional Donsker’s delta function as an example for such distributions. From there, we show the existence of local times and self-intersection local times of vggBm as distributions under some constraints, and compute their corresponding generalized expectations. At the end, we solve a system of linear SDEs driven by a vggBm noise in

d
d

dimensions.
Gaussian Volterra processes: Asymptotic growth and statistical estimation
Authors: Mishura Yuliya , Ralchenko Kostiantyn , Shklyar Sergiy
Published: May 2023

The paper is devoted to three-parametric self-similar Gaussian Volterra processes that generalize fractional Brownian motion. We study the asymptotic growth of such processes and the properties of long- and short-range dependence. Then we consider the problem of the drift parameter estimation for Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process driven by Gaussian Volterra process under consideration. We construct a strongly consistent estimator and investigate its asymptotic properties. Namely, we prove that it has the Cauchy asymptotic distribution.
Lifting the Anterior Midcheek and Nasolabial Fold: Introduction to the Melo Fat Pad Anatomy and Its Role in Longevity and Recurrence
Authors: Minelli Lennert , Brown Cameron P , Warren Richard J , van der Lei Berend , Mendelson Bryan C , Little J William
Published: May 2023

Background

A limitation of current facelift techniques is the early postoperative reappearance of anterior midcheek laxity associated with recurrence of the nasolabial fold (NLF).

Objectives

This study was undertaken to examine the regional anatomy of the anterior midcheek and NLF with a focus on explaining the early recurrence phenomenon and to explore the possibility of alternative surgical methods that prolong NLF correction.

Methods

Fifty cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 34 fresh; mean age, 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macrosectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography. Mechanical testing of the melo fat pad (MFP) and skin was performed to gain insight on which structure is responsible for transmission of the lifting tension in a composite facelift procedure.

Results

Anatomic dissections, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography demonstrated the 3-dimensional architecture and borders of the MFP. Histology of a lifted midcheek demonstrated that a composite MFP lift causes a change in connective tissue organization from a hanging-down pattern into a pulled-upward pattern, suggesting traction on the skin. Mechanical testing confirmed that, in a composite lift, despite the sutures being placed directly into the deep aspect of the MFP, the lifting tension distal to the suture is transmitted through the skin and not through the MFP.

Conclusions

The usual method of performing a composite midcheek lift results in the skin, and not the MFP itself, bearing the load of the nondissected tissues distal to the lifting suture. For this reason, early recurrence of the NLF occurs following skin relaxation in the postoperative period. Accordingly, specific surgical procedures for remodeling the MFP should be explored, possibly in combination with volume restoration of the fat and bone, for more lasting improvement of the NLF.
2023 Update on European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Statement on Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: new treatments and clinical guidance
Authors: Cuchel Marina , Raal Frederick J , Hegele Robert A , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Arca Marcello , Averna Maurizio , Bruckert Eric , Freiberger Tomas , Gaudet Daniel , Harada-Shiba Mariko , Hudgins Lisa C , Kayikcioglu Meral , Masana Luis , Parhofer Klaus G , Roeters van Lennep Jeanine E , Santos Raul D , Stroes Erik S G , Watts Gerald F , Wiegman Albert , Stock Jane K , Tokgözoğlu Lale S , Catapano Alberico L , Ray Kausik K
Published: May 2023

This 2023 statement updates clinical guidance for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH), explains the genetic complexity, and provides pragmatic recommendations to address inequities in HoFH care worldwide. Key strengths include updated criteria for the clinical diagnosis of HoFH and the recommendation to prioritize phenotypic features over genotype. Thus, a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >10 mmol/L (>400 mg/dL) is suggestive of HoFH and warrants further evaluation. The statement also provides state-of-the art discussion and guidance to clinicians for interpreting the results of genetic testing and for family planning and pregnancy. Therapeutic decisions are based on the LDL-C level. Combination LDL-C-lowering therapy—both pharmacologic intervention and lipoprotein apheresis (LA)—is foundational. Addition of novel, efficacious therapies (i.e. inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, followed by evinacumab and/or lomitapide) offers potential to attain LDL-C goal or reduce the need for LA. To improve HoFH care around the world, the statement recommends the creation of national screening programmes, education to improve awareness, and management guidelines that account for the local realities of care, including access to specialist centres, treatments, and cost. This updated statement provides guidance that is crucial to early diagnosis, better care, and improved cardiovascular health for patients with HoFH worldwide.
Effectiveness of nurse-led interventions versus usual care to manage hypertension and lifestyle behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bulto Lemma N , Roseleur Jacqueline , Noonan Sara , Pinero de Plaza Maria Alejandra , Champion Stephanie , Dafny Hila Ariela , Pearson Vincent , Nesbitt Katie , Gebremichael Lemlem G , Beleigoli Alline , Gulyani Aarti , Schultz Timothy , Hines Sonia , Clark Robyn A , Hendriks Jeroen M
Published: May 2023

Aims

This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions vs. usual care on hypertension management, lifestyle behaviour, and patients’ knowledge of hypertension and associated risk factors.

Methods

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. MEDLINE (Ovid), EmCare (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane library, and ProQuest (Ovid) were searched from inception to 15 February 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of nurse-led interventions on hypertension management were identified. Title and abstract, full text screening, assessment of methodological quality, and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers using JBI tools. A statistical meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 17.0.

Results

A total of 37 RCTs and 9731 participants were included. The overall pooled data demonstrated that nurse-led interventions may reduce systolic blood pressure (mean difference −4.66; 95% CI −6.69, −2.64; I2 = 83.32; 31 RCTs; low certainty evidence) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference −1.91; 95% CI −3.06, −0.76; I2 = 79.35; 29 RCTs; low certainty evidence) compared with usual care. The duration of interventions contributed to the magnitude of blood pressure reduction. Nurse-led interventions had a positive impact on lifestyle behaviour and effectively modified diet and physical activity, but the effect on smoking and alcohol consumption was inconsistent.

Conclusion

This review revealed the beneficial effects of nurse-led interventions in hypertension management compared with usual care. Integration of nurse-led interventions in routine hypertension treatment and prevention services could play an important role in alleviating the rising global burden of hypertension.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD42021274900
How much wood can we expect from European forests in the near future?
Authors: Lerink Bas J W , Schelhaas Mart-Jan , Schreiber Roland , Aurenhammer Peter , Kies Uwe , Vuillermoz Morgan , Ruch Philippe , Pupin Cyrille , Kitching Andrew , Kerr Gary , Sing Louise , Calvert Amanda , Ní Dhubháin Áine , Nieuwenhuis Maarten , Vayreda Jordi , Reumerman Patrick , Gustavsonn Göran , Jakobsson Rikard , Little Daragh , Thivolle-Cazat Alain , Orazio Christophe , Nabuurs Gert-Jan
Published: May 2023

The demand for wood in Europe is expected to increase in the coming decades. However, any theoretical maximum supply will be affected by sustainability constraints, the motivations of forest owners and regional factors, such as incentives, species and assortments. However, the influence of these factors on supply is changeable. In this study, we quantify what might be realistically available as additional wood supply from currently existing European forests, based on a combination of results of the forest resource model EFISCEN-Space and a literature review of national supply projections. Wood mobilization scenarios for 10 representative Model Regions in Europe that assume forest owners and managers in the simulated regions will adapt their behaviour to alternative behaviour as recorded from other regions were projected with the EFISCEN-Space model. The realistic additional potential based on the literature review is 90 million m3 yr−1. This potential should be attainable within 10–20 years. However, the simulations in the Model Regions found potentials to be lower in 7 out of 10 cases as compared with the country they are located in. On average, the model regions reached less than half of the potential as compared with the literature review. This suggests that the realistic additional potential at the European scale may well be lower if all mobilization barriers are taken into account in more detail, but also highlights the uncertainty surrounding these estimates. We conclude from the analyses that although there are large differences in potential between regions and the analysis method employed, there are no ‘hotspots’ where a large pool of accessible wood can be quickly mobilized using existing infrastructure for nearby industries. An increase in harvest would therefore only be possible with a large effort that spans the whole chain, from forest owners’ behaviour to capacity building, financial incentives and matching resources to harvesting capacity. The additionally available wood can most likely only be mobilized against higher marginal costs and will thus only become available in times of higher stumpage prices. The largest potential lies in privately owned forests which often have a fragmented ownership but will most likely be able to supply more wood, though mostly from deciduous species. In the long term (more than 20 years), additional wood, compared with the amounts we found for short term, can only be made available through investments in afforestation, forest restoration, improved forest management and more efficient use of raw material and recycled material.
LncRNA109897-JrCCR4-JrTLP1b forms a positive feedback loop to regulate walnut resistance against anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Zhou Rui , Dong Yuhui , Wang Changxi , Liu Jianning , Liang Qiang , Meng Xiaoye , Lang Xinya , Xu Shengyi , Liu Wenjun , Zhang Shuhui , Wang Nan , Yang Ke Qiang , Fang Hongcheng
Published: May 2023

Walnut anthracnose induced by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a disastrous disease that severely restricts the development of the walnut industry in China. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in adaptive responses to disease, but their roles in the regulation of walnut anthracnose resistance response are not well defined. In this study, transcriptome analysis demonstrated that a C. gloeosporioides-induced lncRNA, lncRNA109897, located upstream from the target gene JrCCR4, upregulated the expression of JrCCR4. JrCCR4 interacted with JrTLP1b and promoted its transcriptional activity. In turn, JrTLP1b induced the transcription of lncRNA109897 to promote its expression. Meanwhile, transient expression in walnut leaves and stable transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana further proved that lncRNA, JrCCR4, and JrTLP1b improve the resistance of C. gloeosporioides. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the mechanism by which the lncRNA109897-JrCCR4-JrTLP1b transcriptional cascade regulates the resistance of walnut to anthracnose.
Genomewide selection for fruit quality traits in apple: breeding insights gained from prediction and postdiction
Authors: Kostick Sarah A , Bernardo Rex , Luby James J
Published: May 2023

Many fruit quality traits in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) are controlled by multiple small-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Genomewide selection (genomic selection) might be an effective breeding approach for highly quantitative traits in woody perennial crops with long generation times like apple. The goal of this study was to determine if genomewide prediction is an effective breeding approach for fruit quality traits in an apple scion breeding program. Representative apple scion breeding germplasm (nindividuals = 955), high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data (nSNPs = 977), and breeding program fruit quality trait data at harvest were analyzed. Breeding parents `Honeycrisp' and `Minneiska' were highly represented. Moderate to high predictive abilities were observed for most fruit quality traits at harvest. For example, when 25% random subsets of the germplasm set were used as training sets, mean predictive abilities ranged from 0.35 to 0.54 across traits. Trait, training and test sets, family size for within family prediction, and number of SNPs per chromosome affected model predictive ability. Inclusion of large-effect QTLs as fixed effects resulted in higher predictive abilities for some traits (e.g. percent red overcolor). Postdiction (i.e. retrospective) analyses demonstrated the impact of culling threshold on selection decisions. The results of this study demonstrate that genomewide selection is a useful breeding approach for certain fruit quality traits in apple.
Stability and Inactivation of Monkeypox Virus on Inanimate Surfaces
Authors: Meister Toni Luise , Brüggemann Yannick , Todt Daniel , Tao Ronny , Müller Lisa , Steinmann Jochen , Steinmann Joerg , Timm Joerg , Drexler Ingo , Steinmann Eike
Published: May 2023

The spread of nonzoonotic monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections necessitates the reevaluation of hygiene measures. To date, only limited data are available on MPXV surface stability. Here, we evaluate the stability of infectious MPXV on stainless steel stored at different temperatures, while using different interfering substances to mimic environmental contamination. MPXV persistence increased with decreasing temperature. Additionally, we were able to show that MPXV could efficiently be inactivated by alcohol- and aldehyde-based surface disinfectants. These findings underline the stability of MPXV on inanimate surfaces and support the recommendations to use alcohol-based disinfectants as prevention measures or in outbreak situations.
Cross-Period Impatience: Subjective Financial Periods Explain Time-Inconsistent Choices
Authors: Jang Minkwang , Urminsky Oleg
Published: May 2023

Inconsistency in consumer time preferences has been well established and used to explain seemingly short-sighted behaviors (e.g., failures of self-control). However, prior research has conflated time-inconsistent preferences (discount rates that vary over time) with present bias (greater discounting when outcomes are delayed specifically from the present, as opposed to from a future time). This research shows that time-inconsistent preferences are reliably observed only when choices are substantially delayed (e.g., months into the future), which cannot be explained by present bias. This seeming puzzle is explained by a novel cross-period discounting framework, which predicts that consumers are more impatient when choosing between options occurring in different subjective financial periods. As a result, they display inconsistent time preferences and are less willing to wait for an equally delayed outcome specifically when a common delay to both options moves the larger-later option into a subsequent financial period. Six studies and multiple supplementary studies demonstrate that sensitivity to subjective financial periods accounts for time-inconsistent consumer preferences better than current models of time discounting based on present bias.
A Human Right to What Kind of Medicine?
Authors: Muyskens Kathryn
Published: May 2023

The human right to health, insofar as it is widely recognized, is typically thought to include the right to fair access to adequate healthcare, but the operating conception of healthcare in this context has been under-defined. This lack of conceptual clarity has often led in practice to largely Western cultural assumptions about what validly constitutes “healthcare” and “medicine.” Ethnocentric and parochial assumptions ought to be avoided, lest they give justification to the accusation that universal human rights are mere tools for Western imperial agendas. At the same time, a right to healthcare that is not also explicitly the right to effective healthcare rapidly loses meaning. This paper strives to provide an account of medicine with the flexibility to accommodate cultural difference in forms of practice, while also aiding in the articulation of a minimum for medical systems to meet the standards set out in a human right.
The implicit epistemology ofWhite Fragility
Authors: Sokal Alan
Published: May 2023

I extract, and then analyse critically, the epistemological ideas that are implicit in Robin DiAngelo's best-selling book White Fragility and her other writings. On what grounds, according to DiAngelo, can people know what they claim to know? And on what grounds does DiAngelo know what she claims to know?
Impact, healthcare utilization and costs of travel-associated mosquito-borne diseases in international travellers: a prospective study
Authors: Tozan Yesim , Headley Tyler Y , Javelle Emilie , Gautret Philippe , Grobusch Martin , de Pijper Cornelis , Asgeirsson Hilmir , Chen Lin H , Bourque Daniel L , Menéndez Marta D , Moro Lucia , Gobbi Federico , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Connor Bradley A , Matteelli Alberto , Crosato Verena , Huits Ralph , Libman Michael , Hamer Davidson H
Published: May 2023

Background

International travellers frequently acquire infectious diseases whilst travelling, yet relatively little is known about the impact and economic burden of these illnesses on travellers. We conducted a prospective exploratory costing study on adult returning travellers with falciparum malaria, dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus.

Methods

Patients were recruited in eight Travel and Tropical Medicine clinics between June 2016 and March 2020 upon travellers’ first contact with the health system in their country of residence. The patients were presented with a structured 52-question self-administered questionnaire after full recovery to collect information on patients’ healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket costs both in the destination and home country, and about income and other financial losses due to the illness.

Results

A total of 134 patients participated in the study (malaria, 66; dengue, 51; chikungunya, 8; Zika virus, 9; all fully recovered; median age 40; range 18–72 years). Prior to travelling, 42% of patients reported procuring medical evacuation insurance. Across the four illnesses, only 7% of patients were hospitalized abroad compared with 61% at home. Similarly, 15% sought ambulatory services whilst abroad compared with 61% at home. The average direct out-of-pocket hospitalization cost in the destination country (USD $2236; range: $108–$5160) was higher than the direct out-of-pocket ambulatory cost in the destination country (USD $327; range: $0–$1560), the direct out-of-pocket hospitalization cost at home (USD $35; range: $0–$120) and the direct out-of-pocket ambulatory costs at home (US$45; range: $0–$192). Respondents with dengue or malaria lost a median of USD $570 (Interquartile range [IQR] 240–1140) and USD $240 (IQR 0–600), respectively, due to their illness, whilst those with chikungunya and Zika virus lost a median of USD $2400 (IQR 1200–3600) and USD $1500 (IQR 510–2625), respectively.

Conclusion

Travellers often incur significant costs due to travel-acquired diseases. Further research into the economic impact of these diseases on travellers should be conducted.
MeerKAT view of the dancing ghosts – peculiar galaxy pair PKS 2130−538 in Abell 3785
Authors: Velović Velibor , Cotton William D , Filipović Miroslav D , Norris Ray P , Barnes Luke A , Condon James J
Published: May 2023

We present MeerKAT L-band (886–1682 MHz) observations of the extended radio structure of the peculiar galaxy pair PKS 2130−538 known as the ‘Dancing Ghosts’. The complex of bending and possibly interacting jets and lobes originate from two active galactic nuclei hosts in the Abell 3785 galaxy cluster, one of which is the brightest cluster galaxy. The radio properties of the PKS 2130−538 – flux density, spectral index, and polarization – are typical for large, bent-tail galaxies. We also investigate a number of thin extended low surface brightness filaments originating from the lobes. South-east from the Dancing Ghosts, we detect a region of low surface brightness emission that has no clear origin. While it could originate from the Abell 3785 radio halo, we investigate the possibility that it is associated with the two PKS 2130−538 hosts. We find no evidence of interaction between the two PKS 2130−538 hosts.
Shift work characteristics and burnout among nurses: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dall’Ora C , Ejebu O-Z , Ball J , Griffiths P
Published: May 2023

Background

Nurses working long shifts (≥12 h) experience higher levels of burnout. Yet other shift characteristics, including fixed versus rotating night work, weekly hours and breaks have not been considered. Choice over shift length may moderate the relationship; however, this has not been tested.

Aims

To examine the association between shift work characteristics and burnout and exhaustion, and whether choice over shift length influences burnout and exhaustion.

Methods

Cross-sectional online survey of nursing staff working in the UK and Ireland. We recruited two large National Health Service Trusts, through trade union membership, online/print nursing magazines and social media. We assessed associations using both univariable and multivariable generalized linear models.

Results

We had 873 valid responses. Reports of inadequate staffing levels (odds ratio [OR] = 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08–3.90) and less choice over shift length (OR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.06–0.54) were associated with higher burnout in multivariable models. Similar associations were found for exhaustion, where rarely or never taking breaks was also a predictor (OR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.05–2.52). Nurses who worked long shifts had less choice than those working shifts of 8 h or less (66% of 12-h shift nurses versus 44% 8-h shift nurses reporting having no choice), but choice did not moderate the relationship between shift length and burnout and exhaustion.

Conclusions

The relationship between long shifts and increased burnout reported previously might have arisen from a lack of choice for those staff working long shifts. Whether limited choice for staff is intrinsically linked to long shifts is unclear.
Safety and Effectiveness of Miltefosine in Post–Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis: An Observational Study
Authors: Sundar Shyam , Singh Jitendra , Dinkar Anju , Agrawal Neha
Published: May 2023

Background

Post–kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermal complication of visceral leishmaniasis. Oral miltefosine (MF) is the first-line treatment for PKDL patients in South Asia. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of MF therapy after 12 months of follow-up to explore more precise data.

Methods

In this observational study, 300 confirmed PKDL patients were enrolled. MF with the usual dose was administered to all patients for 12 weeks and followed up for 1 year. Clinical evolution was recorded systematically by photographs at screening and at 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment onset. Definitive cure consisted of disappearance of skin lesions with a negative PCR at 12 weeks or with >70% of lesions, disappearing or fading at 12-month follow-up. Patients with reappearing clinical features and any positive diagnostics of PKDL during the follow-up were considered as nonresponsive.

Results

Among 300 patients, 286 (95.3%) completed 12 weeks of treatment. The per-protocol cure rate at 12 months was 97%, but 7 patients relapsed and 51 (17%) were lost to 12-month follow-up, resulting in a final cure rate of only 76%. Eye-related adverse events were noted in 11 (3.7%) patients and resolved in most (72.7%) within 12 months. Unfortunately, 3 patients had persistent partial vision loss. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects were seen in 28% patients.

Conclusions

Moderate effectiveness of MF was observed in the present study. A significant number of patients developed ocular complications, and thus MF for treatment for PKDL should be suspended and replaced with a safer alternative regimen.
Assembling India’s Constitution: Towards a New History
Authors: De Rohit , Shani Ornit
Published: May 2023

The framing of India’s constitution was a critical event in the global history of both constitution-making and democracy. Conventionally it has been analysed as a founding moment. Its success against multiple odds has been explained as resulting from a vision and consensus among the elite over what would become a pedagogical text for an ‘ignorant’ and undemocratic public. This focus among academics on political elites, and an underlying assumption that constitutional details were beyond the public’s imagination, limited the scope of investigations largely to the Constituent Assembly debates. By directing the inquiry away from these debates towards hitherto unstudied documents, this article offers a paradigm shift in the method of research and understanding of India’s constitution-making. It explores the constitution as it emerged from beyond the Constituent Assembly through engagement with its making among diverse publics. In doing so, it shows that the Indian constitution was not simply founded and granted from above, but came about through many smaller acts of assembly away from the Constitution Hall. It was the public who set normative expectations and tried to educate the members of the Constituent Assembly, and this was critical for the constitution’s future reception and endurance.
Sucrose Signaling Contributes to the Maintenance of Vascular Cambium by Inhibiting Cell Differentiation
Authors: Narutaki Aoi , Kahar Prihardi , Shimadzu Shunji , Maeda Shota , Furuya Tomoyuki , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Fukaki Hidehiro , Ogino Chiaki , Kondo Yuki
Published: May 2023

Plants produce sugars by photosynthesis and use them for growth and development. Sugars are transported from source-to-sink organs via the phloem in the vasculature. It is well known that vascular development is precisely controlled by plant hormones and peptide hormones. However, the role of sugars in the regulation of vascular development is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of sugars on vascular cell differentiation using a vascular cell induction system named ‘Vascular Cell Induction Culture System Using Arabidopsis Leaves’ (VISUAL). We found that sucrose has the strongest inhibitory effect on xylem differentiation, among several types of sugars. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sucrose suppresses xylem and phloem differentiation in cambial cells. Physiological and genetic analyses suggested that sucrose might function through the BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR1 transcription factor, which is the central regulator of vascular cell differentiation. Conditional overexpression of cytosolic invertase led to a decrease in the number of cambium layers due to an imbalance between cell division and differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that sucrose potentially acts as a signal that integrates environmental conditions with the developmental program.
Vaccinium as a comparative system for understanding of complex flavonoid accumulation profiles and regulation in fruit
Authors: Albert Nick W , Iorizzo Massimo , Mengist Molla F , Montanari Sara , Zalapa Juan , Maule Andrew , Edger Patrick P , Yocca Alan E , Platts Adrian E , Pucker Boas , Espley Richard V
Published: May 2023

The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) contains premium berryfruit crops, including blueberry, cranberry, bilberry, and lingonberry. Consumption of Vaccinium berries is strongly associated with various potential health benefits, many of which are attributed to the relatively high concentrations of flavonoids, including the anthocyanins that provide the attractive red and blue berry colors. Because these phytochemicals are increasingly appealing to consumers, they have become a crop breeding target. There has been substantial recent progress in Vaccinium genomics and genetics together with new functional data on the transcriptional regulation of flavonoids. This is helping to unravel the developmental control of flavonoids and identify genetic regions and genes that can be selected for to further improve Vaccinium crops and advance our understanding of flavonoid regulation and biosynthesis across a broader range of fruit crops. In this update we consider the recent progress in understanding flavonoid regulation in fruit crops, using Vaccinium as an example and highlighting the significant gains in both genomic tools and functional analysis.
Dimension reduction of dynamics on modular and heterogeneous directed networks
Authors: Vegué Marina , Thibeault Vincent , Desrosiers Patrick , Allard Antoine
Published: May 2023

Dimension reduction is a common strategy to study nonlinear dynamical systems composed by a large number of variables. The goal is to find a smaller version of the system whose time evolution is easier to predict while preserving some of the key dynamical features of the original system. Finding such a reduced representation for complex systems is, however, a difficult task. We address this problem for dynamics on weighted directed networks, with special emphasis on modular and heterogeneous networks. We propose a two-step dimension-reduction method that takes into account the properties of the adjacency matrix. First, units are partitioned into groups of similar connectivity profiles. Each group is associated to an observable that is a weighted average of the nodes’ activities within the group. Second, we derive a set of equations that must be fulfilled for these observables to properly represent the original system’s behavior, together with a method for approximately solving them. The result is a reduced adjacency matrix and an approximate system of ODEs for the observables’ evolution. We show that the reduced system can be used to predict some characteristic features of the complete dynamics for different types of connectivity structures, both synthetic and derived from real data, including neuronal, ecological, and social networks. Our formalism opens a way to a systematic comparison of the effect of various structural properties on the overall network dynamics. It can thus help to identify the main structural driving forces guiding the evolution of dynamical processes on networks.