bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Health Benefits of Nature Prescriptions on Employee Health and Wellness
Authors: Beller Stryer Stacy , May Sadie , Christiana Richard W.
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a nature prescription program on mental, physical, and social health offered to Salt Lake County employees. The program was conducted in two separate phases during 2020 and 2021 by a wellness program for Salt Lake County employees. Participants received a nature prescription and bi-weekly newsletters, and were offered additional wellness benefits for completing weekly prescriptions. Data were collected by a post-survey that assessed participants’ time spent outdoors, perceived health benefits (physical, mental, and social), and perceived benefit of the nature prescription program. Due to the post only study design, descriptive statistics were calculated and analyzed. About two-thirds of participants were female. Of the 285 participants who completed the 2020 post-survey, the majority reported improved mood, decreased stress and sedentary behavior, improved anxiety and relationships with others, and increased energy. In addition, almost half reported improved cognition and an increased connection with their community. Of the 143 first-time participants who completed the 2021 post-survey, similar results were found where the majority reported improved mood and relationships with others, decreased stress and sedentary behavior, and increased energy. The cost of the 2020 program, aside from employee salary, was US$1.52 per completed participant. The success of this program provides evidence to suggest that incorporating nature prescriptions into employee wellness programs is both beneficial and cost effective.
Cartography, Conversation, and Critical Cultural Justice Inquiry: Participatory Mapping and the Reimagining of Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, Norfolk Island
Authors: Cantillon Zelmarie , Baker Sarah , Evans Chelsea
Published: September 2024

Informed by critical cultural justice inquiry, this article reflects on participatory mapping activities undertaken on Norfolk Island that were aimed at capturing practices, routes, and emotions associated with Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. We discuss how participants understood the parameters of mapping tasks; adapted and individualized activities; engaged in collaborative practice; and exercised reflexivity. The article finds that participatory mapping captures variances in how participants relate to and engage with Kingston. The article emphasizes the importance of recording conversations during participatory mapping to offer greater nuance and insight into visual data recorded on the maps.
Gamified Practice Improves Paretic Arm Motor Behavior in Individuals With Stroke
Authors: Rubino Cristina , Lakhani Bimal , Larssen Beverley C. , Kraeutner Sarah N. , Andrushko Justin W. , Borich Michael R. , Boyd Lara A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Stroke is a heterogeneous condition, making choice of treatment, and determination of how to structure rehabilitation outcomes diﬃcult. Individualized goal-directed and repetitive physical practice is an important determinant of motor learning. Yet, many investigations of motor learning after stroke deliver task practice without consideration of individual capability of the learner.

Objective

We developed a gamified arm rehabilitation task for people with stroke that is personalized to individual capacity for paretic arm movement, provides a high dose of practice, progresses through increasingly difficulty levels that are dependent on the performance of the individual, and is practiced in an engaging environment. The objectives of the current study were to determine if 10 days of gamified, object intercept training using the paretic arm would improve arm movement speed and clinical outcome measures of impairment or function.

Methods

Individuals with chronic stroke and age-matched controls engaged in 10 days of gamified, skilled motor practice of a semi-immersive virtual reality-based intercept and release task. The paretic arm was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (motor impairment) and Wolf Motor Function Test (motor function) before and after training.

Results

Both groups showed faster arm movement speed with practice; individuals with stroke demonstrated reduced paretic arm motor impairment and increased function after the intervention. Age and sex (for both groups), and time post-stroke were not related to changes in movement speed.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that gamified motor training positively affects paretic arm motor behavior in individuals with mild to severe chronic stroke.
Low cycle fatigue analysis of welded joints considering material cycling behavior
Authors: Shi Shaocong , Qiu Guangyu , Chen Zhaoyue , Liang Guangyuan , Li Xiangwei
Published: September 2024

In order to describe the local cyclic behavior of welds during low cycle fatigue of welded structures, so as to effectively assess the low cycle fatigue of structures, a structural strain numerical method is proposed. Based on the plate and shell theory and elastic-plastic theory, the numerical method of equivalent structural strain parameter is derived, and the UMAT subroutine of ABAQUS software is used to solve the structural strain parameters directly. The fatigue life of the welded specimens of different materials was evaluated, and the predicted life was basically the same as the test life, among which the maximum error of the predicted life of structural steel was 12%, the maximum error of the predicted life of aluminum alloy was 15.7%, and the maximum error of the predicted life of titanium alloy was 7.3%. The fatigue data of different materials were analyzed by using the master E-N curve, and the results showed that all the evaluated fatigue data were distributed in the same narrow band of the master E-N curve, which proved the effectiveness of the equivalent structural strain range for the evaluation of low cycle fatigue of welded specimens.
Parameter optimisation of the ventilation system for an underground power space using a hybrid model
Authors: Su Kang , Huang Shaoda , Li Zhi , Zhao Junhong , Liu Jian , Wu Yang , Li Jingyi
Published: September 2024

The ventilation system is one of the essential safety systems in underground power spaces. Over the years, active ventilation has been widely employed for heat dissipation in underground power spaces. In operation, high-power equipment generates significant heat, necessitating sufficient heat dissipation for smooth and efficient functioning. The effectiveness of the ventilation system is influenced by airflow, making aerodynamics a crucial aspect of studying underground power spaces. This study establishes a comprehensive hybrid model (a combination of physical and data-driven models) representing underground power spaces. Ansys Fluent and MATLAB are used to simulate and calculate temperature fields for various structures. The physical model employs model order reduction to achieve efficient computation without compromising accuracy. For the data-driven model, a genetic neural network is developed for multifactor nonlinear optimisation to evaluate and analyse thermal behaviour within the space. The integrated hybrid model enables efficient and high-precision calculations for the underground power space’s ventilation system. The research outcomes provide a theoretical foundation for practical construction and design schemes of underground power spaces, contributing significantly to ensuring their safety and optimal functionality in real-world applications.
Effect of Hit-Sport-Game Exercise Training on Self-Control and Regulation in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Salleg-Cabarcas Mariano Jairo , Robledo-Castro Carolina , Monsalve-Vertel Claudia Patricia
Published: September 2024

Objective. To determine the effect of a physical exercise training program, “HitSportGame” (HSG), on self-regulation of children with ADHD. Subjects and methods. The participants (N = 44) were children with ADHD aged 8 to 12 years (Mean 10.5 SD 1.4) without comorbidity with other neurodevelopmental disorders. Children were randomized to an experimental group and a wait-list control group. The experimental group participated in the Hit-Sport-Game (HSG) training program thrice a week for 12 weeks. The self-control skills of the participants in both groups were evaluated with the CACIA (Child and Adolescent Self-Control Questionnaire) 1 week before and 1 week after completing the entire intervention. Results. The results showed significant improvements with effect sizes from moderate to large in the scales of personal feedback ( P = .003; η2p = 0.183), criteria self-control ( P = .029; η2p = 0.112), and procedural self-control ( P = .015; η2p = 0.131) after the intervention in the experimental group compared to the control group, which showed no difference on any of these scales. The reward delay scale did not show significant changes associated with the intervention ( P = .104; η2p = 0.059). Conclusions. HitSportGame physical exercise training demonstrated favorable effects on some self-control skills such as personal feedback, criterial self-control and procedural self-control of children with ADHD. However, it did not show any effect on the ability to delay rewards in this population.
Association of Race With Referral Disparities for Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers at an Institution Serving Rural and Urban Populations
Authors: Khaleel Mubinah , Garlapaty Ashwin , Hawkins Sam , Cook James L. , Schweser Kyle , Rucinski Kylee
Published: September 2024

Background:

Racial minorities are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and experience associated microvascular complications. Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics initially present with more severe diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), with an associated 10-fold increase in risk for lower extremity amputation within the first year after diagnosis. This study was designed to determine if race is associated with a failure to refer to specialists for DFU treatment, and the severity of DFU at the time of initial presentation.

Methods:

Patients were identified from the medical record based on a diagnosis related to diabetic foot complications between January 1, 2018, and June 1, 2023, in the family medicine, endocrinology, orthopaedic, or emergency clinics at a Midwest Academic Hospital serving rural and urban populations. Patients self-reported race, demographics, severity of ulcer based on Wagner ulcer scale at time of referral, eventual amputation status, and measures of social determinants of health including the national Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes were manually extracted and analyzed for correlations with referral status.

Results:

A total of 597 patients were eligible for inclusion. Race was not associated with lower referral rates ( P > .99) or source of referral ( P = .58) to specialty clinic and ulcer severity at initial examination ( P = .34). Patients who initially presented to the emergency department had more severe ulcers ( P = .016), and higher severity was significantly associated with lower limb amputation vs mild ulcers (odds ratio = 38.8, P = .02). No significant differences in referral source or severity of ulcer at presentation were seen for sex, age, marital status, insurance type, rural status, ADI, time from referral to appointment, or eventual amputation.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that patient race was not associated with severity of DFU at presentation or subsequent referral to a Midwest academic specialty orthopaedic clinic for care. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective review.
Unfair Racial Treatment in Healthcare, Healthcare Utilization, and Health Status Among Black, Indigenous, Women of Color
Authors: Yang Joyce P. , Gaska Karie A. , Do Quyen A. , Tung Elizabeth L. , Scott Shelby B.
Published: September 2024

Black, Indigenous, Women of Color (BIWOC) face well-documented health disparities in the United States. However, the extent to which recent experiences of unfair racial treatment in medical settings contribute to health disparities is not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine associations of experiencing unfair racial treatment by a provider during the most recent medical encounter with healthcare utilization and health status in BIWOC. We utilized multivariate logistic regression models to examine data from the Association of American Medical Colleges’ biannual Survey of Healthcare Access collected between 2012 and 2019. Data were extracted for 5,549 participants who identified both as a woman and a Black, Indigenous, Person of Color to generate our BIWOC sample of interest. Among BIWOC, experiencing unfair racial treatment during their most recent healthcare visit in the past year was associated with higher odds of delaying healthcare ( OR = 3.50, p < .001) and using the emergency department as their usual source of care ( OR = 1.54, p < .001). Experiencing unfair racial treatment was also associated with having chronic physical conditions ( OR = 1.31, p = .002), chronic depression ( OR = 1.56, p < .001), and activity limitations due to both emotional ( OR = 2.98, p < .001) and physical ( OR = 2.47, p < .001) impairment. Recent experience of racial discrimination by a healthcare provider was associated with lower healthcare utilization and poorer health status in a national sample of BIWOC. Reducing unfair treatment in healthcare settings is critical for improving BIWOC health.
Balance Sparse Decomposition Method with Nonconvex Regularization for Gearbox Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Huang Weiguo , Wang Jun , Du Guifu , Wu Shuyou , Zhu Zhongkui
Published: September 2024

As an important part of rotating machinery, gearboxes often fail due to their complex working conditions and harsh working environment. Therefore, it is very necessary to effectively extract the fault features of the gearboxes. Gearbox fault signals usually contain multiple characteristic components and are accompanied by strong noise interference. Traditional sparse modeling methods are based on synthesis models, and there are few studies on analysis and balance models. In this paper, a balance nonconvex regularized sparse decomposition method is proposed, which based on a balance model and an arctangent nonconvex penalty function. The sparse dictionary is constructed by using Tunable Q-Factor Wavelet Transform (TQWT) that satisfies the tight frame condition, which can achieve efficient and fast solution. It is optimized and solved by alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm, and the non-convex regularized sparse decomposition algorithm of synthetic and analytical models are given. Through simulation experiments, the determination methods of regularization parameters and balance parameters are given, and compared with the L1 norm regularization sparse decomposition method under the three models. Simulation analysis and engineering experimental signal analysis verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Transmission and Dissipation of Vibration in a Dynamic Vibration Absorber-Roller System Based on Particle Damping Technology
Authors: He Dongping , Xu Huidong , Wang Ming , Wang Tao
Published: September 2024

The research of rolling mill vibration theory has always been a scientific problem in the field of rolling forming, which is very important to the quality of sheet metal and the stable operation of equipment. The essence of rolling mill vibration is the transfer of energy, which is generated from inside and outside. Based on particle damping technology, a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) is proposed to control the vertical vibration of roll in the rolling process from the point of energy transfer and dissipation. A nonlinear vibration equation for the DVA-roller system is solved by the incremental harmonic balance method. Based on the obtained solutions, the effects of the basic parameters of the DVA on the properties of vibration transmission are investigated by using the power flow method, which provides theoretical guidance for the selection of the basic parameters of the DVA. Furthermore, the influence of the parameters of the particles on the overall dissipation of energy of the particle group is analyzed in a more systematic way, which provides a reference for the selection of the material and diameter and other parameters of the particles in the practical application of the DVA. The effect of particle parameters on roll amplitude inhibition is studied by experiments. The experimental results agree with the theoretical analysis, which proves the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the particle damping absorber. This research proposes a particle damping absorber to absorb and dissipate the energy transfer in rolling process, which provides a new idea for nonlinear dynamic analysis and stability control of rolling mills, and has important guiding significance for practical production.
Optimizing model selection across global countries for managing pesticide emission and surface freshwater quality: a hierarchical screening approach
Authors: Huang Yabi , Li Zijian
Published: September 2024

Pesticides in surface freshwater primarily originate from their emissions in agricultural lands, potentially leading to violations of surface freshwater quality standards. To aid global regulatory agencies in effectively managing surface freshwater quality by estimating and controlling pesticide emission rates, this study proposes a hierarchical screening approach for countries and regions worldwide to select appropriate modeling tools. Hierarchical indicators are introduced to classify countries globally, considering their spatial distribution areas, pesticide emission conditions, and legislative systems. Consequently, different categories of countries are matched with suitable model groups, such as the standard model group for regulatory scenarios, the general model group for continental scenarios, and the advanced model group with high spatial resolution. Results indicated that a total of 193 countries worldwide were categorized into six country groups, of which 153, 34, and 6 countries were found to fit the standard, general, and advanced model groups, respectively, based on the model assignments for these country groups. Furthermore, 12 commonly used pesticides were selected to demonstrate the back-calculation process, which estimates the pesticide emission rate (input) by pesticide surface freshwater quality standards (output) by standard and general model groups. The Advanced model group was not applied in this process due to its intensive computation. An approximate approach was developed to simplify the calculation of the emission rate factor of pesticides using the PWC and TOXSWA selected in the standard model group as well as SWAT in the general model group, serving as a demonstration. This approach can be applied to control pesticide emission rates from surface freshwater quality standards across countries that fit in the standard and general model groups. The results highlight that pesticide fate models selected through the hierarchical screening approach, can assist global countries in establishing a quantitative relationship between pesticide emission rates and surface freshwater quality standards, which can help global agencies manage pesticide emissions and freshwater quality from a legal perspective. There is a need to update and simplify suitable advanced model for calculation demonstration in future studies to aid in pesticide management. Further research is needed to thoroughly investigate pesticide emissions and freshwater residue concentrations under varying conditions.
Testing microbial pest control products in bees, a comparative study on different bee species and their interaction with two representative microorganisms
Authors: Wueppenhorst Karoline , Nack Kevin , Erler Silvio , Pistorius Jens , Alkassab Abdulrahim T.
Published: September 2024

Background

The evaluation of the impact of pesticides on non-target species, like bees, is a crucial factor in registration procedures. Therefore, standardized test procedures have been developed on OECD level assessing the effects of chemicals on honey bees or bumble bees. Unfortunately, these protocols cannot directly be adapted for testing products that contain microorganisms. Interest in the use of microorganisms has increased in recent years due to their specificity to target species while not harming non-target organisms. This study aimed to evaluate optimal conditions to assess the effects of microbial plant protection products on bee species according to currently available test protocols. Some of the most commonly used microorganisms for plant protection, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies aizawai (B. t. a. ABTS 1857) and Beauveria bassiana (B. b. ATCC 74040) were tested on Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris, and Osmia bicornis at different temperatures (18, 26, 33 °C) under laboratory conditions.

Results

Exposure to the product containing B. t. a. ABTS 1857 resulted in higher mortality compared to B. b. ATCC 74040 in all tested bee species. A temperature-dependent effect towards higher mortality at higher temperatures of 26 °C or 33 °C was observed in O. bicornis exposed to both microorganisms. A. mellifera showed variable responses, but for B. terrestris there was mostly no effect of temperature when exposed to microorganisms in high concentrations. However, temperature affected longevity of bee species in the non-exposed control group. A. mellifera mortality increased with decreasing temperatures, while B. terrestris and O. bicornis mortality increased with increasing temperatures. A test duration of 15 or 20 days was found to be suitable for testing these microorganisms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 26 °C should be considered the worst-case scenario for testing B. bassiana on all tested bee species. For testing B. thuringiensis, a temperature of 33 °C is recommended for A. mellifera, whereas B. terrestris and O. bicornis should be tested at 26 °C.
Interfering antibodies may contribute to elevated d-dimer: a case report
Authors: Zilstorff Dorte B. , Hermann Thomas Steffen , Rasmussen Christine , Husum Dorte , Nielsen Jørn Dalsgaard , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Plasma levels of d-dimer are elevated in patients with thromboembolisms. Here we investigated the existence of interfering antibodies as a potential cause for elevated d-dimer levels.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old white Caucasian woman with a prior history of pulmonary embolism during her first pregnancy (treated with heparin therapy for 6 weeks postnatally) and hypothyroidism had a persistent elevated d-dimer without any clinical or ultrasound-based signs of thromboembolic conditions during her second pregnancy. We obtained informed consent and plasma was obtained from the patient. d-dimer levels were measured using two different assays. We also tested for the presence of rheumatoid factor, performed dilution series, and finally used an antibody depletion strategy. The two d-dimer assays performed similarly. Using our antibody depletion technique, we observed that ~ 1/3 of the increased plasma levels of d-dimer may be attributed to interfering antibodies.

Conclusions

Our results identify interfering antibodies as a potential contributor to an increased d-dimer in this patient. Our case highlights the potential of heterophilic interference for increased d-dimer and provides a procedure to determine this analytically.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of irrigated cropland water use efficiency and driving factors in northwest China’s Hexi Corridor
Authors: Du Dandan , Dong Bo , Zhang Rui , Cui Shiai , Chen Guangrong , Du Fengfeng
Published: September 2024

Background

Agricultural irrigation is an important practice to safeguard crops against drought and enhance grain yield in arid regions. The Hexi Corridor, known as a classic arid region, faces significant pressure on agricultural production and food security due to the scarcity of water resources. There is an urgent need to investigate agricultural water use of the irrigated regions. Water use efficiency (WUE), defined as the ratio of gross primary productivity (GPP) to actual evapotranspiration (ET), serves as a valuable indicator linking carbon assimilation and water loss. It enables the quantification of areas where water can be utilized more effectively. However, the long-term spatiotemporal dynamics of WUE and driving mechanism in the irrigated areas of the Hexi Corridor remain unclear.

Results

This study used GPP calculated by a light use efficiency model (EF-LUE), ET estimated by an ETMonitor model and irrigated cropland maps across China (IrriMap_CN) to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of irrigated cropland WUE and its controlling factors in the Hexi Corridor from 2001 to 2018. The results are as following: (1) The average annual WUE was approximately 1.34 ± 0.38 g C kg−1 H2O yr−1, with an increasing trend of 0.012 g C kg−1 H2O yr−1, and faster growth observed during 2011–2018 compared to 2001–2010. (2) The contribution of GPP to WUE trends and WUE interannual variability (IAV) was greater than that of ET. (3) The dominant climatic factors of WUE IAV in the Hexi Corridor were SPEI, precipitation, and soil moisture. (4) The standardized Structural Equation Model (SEM), incorporating the relationship between WUE and factors such as water, energy, NDVI, and water-saving irrigation, explained 81% of the variation in irrigated cropland WUE. Here, biological factors (GPP and NDVI) were the primary factors influencing WUE variability, and water-saving irrigation had a stronger indirect effect than climate factors (water and energy) on variation in WUE.

Conclusions

Our findings offer valuable theoretical insights into the mechanisms governing the interaction between the carbon and water of irrigated cropland, guiding the management of water resources and land in agricultural practices within the Hexi Corridor.
Normalizing fentanyl: interpreting the perceived ‘risk’ of correctional officer work
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Johnston Matthew S. , Foley Gillian
Published: September 2024

Background

Scholarship on how fentanyl affects the complexities of correctional settings is limited in Canada, as scholars have focused on the prevalence of opioid use and overdose in prisons, as well as community treatment and access following release. Fentanyl constitutes a continuing challenge both in prisons and broader society.

Results

The current qualitative, interview-based empirical study examines how fentanyl is interpreted by correctional officers (COs, n = 99) across federal prisons in Canada, some of whom have worked in institutions with a high presence of fentanyl, while others have less exposure to the drug. We found that while many COs had responded to an overdose during their first or second year on the job, most COs who had did not perceive the event to be psychologically traumatic nor were concerned about the presence and availability fentanyl in their work environment, or they were indifferent. Yet this finding competes with the 41.4% of officers who did express concern about the presence of fentanyl – suggesting both a “normalization” of fentanyl as a workplace hazard as well as an underpinning social concern.

Conclusions

We discuss the implications of these complicated findings in relation to reducing workplace stressors and countering misinformation that, in addition to other potential occupational factors, may be responsible for the concerns of COs tied to the presence of fentanyl.
Evaluation of an automated far ultraviolet-C light technology for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viruses in bathrooms
Authors: Kaple Claire E. , Memic Samir , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Aerosols generated during toilet flushing are a potential source for transmission of viral and bacterial pathogens in bathrooms. However, manual decontamination of bathrooms after each use is not feasible.

Methods

We tested the efficacy of a wall-mounted far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light technology that only delivers far UV-C when people are not present for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viral particles in an unoccupied hospital bathroom. A quantitative disk carrier test method was used to test efficacy against organisms on steel disk carriers placed in 9 sites in the bathroom with an exposure time of 45 min and 2 h; Clostridioides difficile spores were also exposed for 24 h. Efficacy against aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 was tested with a 45-minute exposure.

Results

The far UV-C technology reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Candida auris, and bacteriophage MS2 on steel disk carriers by ≥ 1.2 log10 (range, 1.2 to 4.2 log10) at all test sites after 2 h of exposure. The technology reduced C. difficile spores by < 1 log10 after 2 h exposure, but 4 of 9 test locations had ≥ 2 log10 reductions after 24 h exposure. Aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 was reduced by 4 log10 plaque-forming units in 45 min.

Conclusions

The far UV-C light technology could potentially be useful for automated decontamination of air and surfaces in bathrooms in healthcare and community settings.
Effectiveness of facial anthropomorphism design for improving multimedia learning outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kaifeng Liu , Pengbo Su
Published: September 2024

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine the effectiveness of facial anthropomorphism of learning material design in improving learning and other relevant outcomes. We searched Web of Science, PsycInfo, and PsycArticle for studies published before February 2023. Learning outcomes included transfer, retention, and comprehension. Other relevant outcomes included affective-motivational, effort, and experience outcomes. Outcomes that were reported in at least five independent experiments were meta-analyzed; otherwise, a narrative synthesis was performed. Subgroup analysis by participants’ age and material type was employed for learning outcomes. A total of 33 independent experiments from 13 research articles were identified and analyzed. For learning outcomes, facial anthropomorphism yielded significant improvements in transfer (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.40, p < 0.001), retention (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.48, p < 0.001), and comprehension (SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.64, p < 0.001). Anthropomorphism yielded stronger effect in retention among juvenile students and for static learning materials. Additionally, anthropomorphism design achieved significantly positive effects in positive affect, intrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation change, perceived difficulty, intrinsic cognitive load, germane cognitive load, perceived learning outcome, aesthetics, and enjoyment. Nineteen outcomes were narratively analyzed and mixed results were found. Facial anthropomorphism design of multimedia learning materials can induce positive emotions in learners and improve their intrinsic motivation that in turn facilitates learners’ transfer, retention, and comprehension performance. The study provides valuable insights that can guide educators and multimedia designers in applying facial anthropomorphism with learning materials to facilitate learning outcomes.
Cellular localization of a variant RAPGEF5 protein associated with idiopathic epilepsy risk in the Belgian shepherd
Authors: Cayabyab Dawn D. , Belanger Janelle M. , Xu Claudia , Maga Elizabeth A. , Oberbauer Anita M.
Published: September 2024

The Wnt signaling pathway is critical for normal embryonic development. Disruptions in the Wnt signaling pathway have been linked to neurological disorders. The RAPGEF5 protein is a partner in Wnt signaling and a RAPGEF5 3-bp insertion is associated with increased risk for idiopathic epilepsy in the Belgian shepherd dog. The 3-bp insertion risk variant introduces an alanine residue predicted to disrupt the protein. Wildtype and the risk variant RAPGEF5 cDNAs were cloned into green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression vectors and transfected into canine kidney cells. The cellular localization of each GFP-labeled RAPGEF5 protein was assessed. Variant RAPGEF5 protein was altered in its localization from that of the wildtype protein and rather than localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm as seen for the wildtype, it was predominantly found in the cytoplasm. Belgian shepherds with the risk variant for RAPGEF5 may have altered Wnt signaling due to modified intracellular localization which in turn could thereby contribute to the expression of idiopathic epilepsy.
Not trench-parallel but trench-normal source fault of the 1994 Hokkaido Toho-oki earthquake as revealed by the aftershock relocation using HypoDD
Authors: Katsumata Kei
Published: September 2024

In the southwestern area of the Kurile Islands subduction zone, three large earthquakes including the Mw8.2 1969 and the Mw8.3 1994 Hokkaido Toho-oki earthquakes and the Mw7.8 1975 tsunami earthquake occurred in almost the same location. The three main shocks and their aftershocks were re-determined simultaneously using a double-difference earthquake location method, HypoDD. As a result, the 1969 and the 1975 main shocks and their aftershocks were concentrated near the upper surface of the subducting Pacific plate, indicating that both events were plate boundary megathrust earthquakes as shown by previous studies. On the other hand, the 1994 main shock and its aftershocks were distributed within the Pacific plate indicating that the 1994 event was an intraslab event as reported by previous studies. The result that interplate earthquakes and intraslab earthquakes could be appropriately distinguished is strong evidence that the accuracy of hypocenter determination is sufficiently high. The centroid moment tensor solution of the 1994 main shock has two nodal planes which are parallel or normal to the Kurile Trench. According to the high-resolution hypocenter distribution obtained in the present study, the aftershocks appear to locate on the nodal plane normal to the trench, suggesting that the source fault ruptured by the 1994 main shock was not parallel but normal to the Kurile Trench. Moreover, we found that the Coulomb failure stress change (ΔCFS) produced by the trench-normal fault plane is more likely to trigger the largest aftershock than ΔCFS produced by the trench-parallel fault plane.

Graphical abstract
Analysis of a secondary 16-day planetary wave generation through nonlinear interactions in the atmosphere
Authors: Didenko Kseniia A. , Koval Andrey V. , Ermakova Tatiana S. , Sokolov Arsenii V. , Toptunova Olga N.
Published: September 2024

Using a nonlinear model of the general circulation of the middle and upper atmosphere (MUAM), spatio-temporal structures of planetary waves (PWs) during boreal winter were studied. Modeling of global atmospheric circulation was performed for January–February. Despite the tropospheric PW sources shaped in the model, the phenomenon of 16-day PW excitation arise out of internal atmospheric sources in the southern lower thermosphere was discovered. To explain the observed phenomenon, a number of numerical experiments were carried out according to different scenarios with a selective turning (on/off) tropospheric sources of PW individual modes (having periods of 4–16 days) in the model. Also, the evolution of perturbed potential enstrophy for a 16-day PW, as well as the contribution of nonlinear interactions between individual PW to it, was studied. This made it possible for the first time to demonstrate explicitly the process of generation a secondary 16-day PW as a result of the nonlinear interconnection of 4-day and 5-day PWs.

Graphical Abstract
Linking the spatiotemporal distribution of static stress drops to source faults in a fluid-driven earthquake swarm, northeastern Noto Peninsula, central Japan
Authors: Fukuoka Mitsuteru , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Yamada Takuji
Published: September 2024

We investigated stress drops during an earthquake swarm in northeastern Noto Peninsula, central Japan, which is characterized by ongoing seismic activity in four clusters. We focused on the spatiotemporal distribution of the static stress drop and its relationship with the source faults of the earthquake swarm. Employing the empirical Green’s function method, we estimated static stress drops for 90 earthquakes of MJMA 3.0–5.4. We obtained logarithmic mean stress drops of 13 MPa and 19 MPa from P-wave and S-wave analyses, respectively, which were typical values for crustal earthquakes. We comprehensively analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of static stress drops in the northern cluster due to the abundance of available data and clarity of fault structures there. We observed larger static stress drops for earthquakes along shallow portions of the source faults, as defined by the hypocentral distribution during a given period. Conversely, we observed smaller static stress drops for earthquakes at medial parts along the faults. These results suggest higher fault strength at shallower parts along the faults and reduced fault strength at medial parts. We attribute the high fault strength at shallow parts to low pore fluid pressure after only limited fluid diffusion near the fault terminus. In contrast, we attribute the reduction in fault strength at medial parts to high pore fluid pressure within the fault following penetration by migrating fluids.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of single housing on behavior, corticosterone level and body weight in male and female mice
Authors: Smolensky Ilya , Zajac-Bakri Kilian , Mallien Anne Stephanie , Gass Peter , Guzman Raphael , Inta Dragos
Published: September 2024

Background

Experimental mice are often single-housed either for an individual analysis (feeding behavior, imaging, calorimetry) or as a stress paradigm (social isolation) in translational biomedical research. Reports of the influence of single housing in rodents are conflicting and may depend on age and duration of isolation. Sex is often not included as a factor. In this study we investigated the effects of 4-week single housing in male and female mice on behavior, body weight, and serum corticosterone levels.

Results

Behavioral tests showed no effect on anhedonia and stress coping, anxiety and motor exploration. Social avoidance occurred in both males and females. Regarding physiological effects, single housing did not induce changes in serum corticosterone levels, but reduced body weight gain.

Conclusions

While some mouse studies of chronic social isolation reported depression-related disturbances, our data suggest that single housing might be not necessarily be too stressful. This is important for animal welfare regulations and experiments in life science research.
Establishing NIH Community Implementation Programs to improve maternal health
Authors: Plevock Haase Karen M. , Price Candice A. , Wei Gina S. , Goldberg Ilana G. , Ampey Bryan C. , Huff Erynn A. , Durkin Kimberly R. , Blair Ashley E. , Fabiyi Camille A. , Highsmith Keisher S. , Wong Melissa S. , Clark David , Mensah George A.
Published: September 2024

The United States has seen increasing trends of maternal mortality in recent years. Within this health crisis there are large disparities whereby underserved and minoritized populations are bearing a larger burden of maternal morbidity and mortality. While new interventions to improve maternal health are being developed, there are opportunities for greater integration of existing evidence-based interventions into routine practice, especially for underserved populations, including those residing in maternity care deserts. In fact, over 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable with currently available interventions. To spur equitable implementation of existing interventions, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute launched the Maternal-Health Community Implementation Program (MH-CIP) in 2021. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health’s Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) initiative partnered with the NHLBI to launch the IMPROVE Community Implementation Program (IMPROVE-CIP). By design, CIPs engage disproportionately impacted communities and partner with academic researchers to conduct implementation research. This commentary overviews the impetus for creating these programs, program goals, structure, and offers a high-level overview of the research currently supported. Lastly, the potential outcomes of these programs are contextualized within the landscape of maternal health initiatives in the United States.
Characterization and potential application of microspheres from sodium alginate cross-linked with pectin from Citrus depressa Hayata’s peels
Authors: Wei-Jyun Chien , Dinesh Chandra Agrawal , Saprini Hamdiani , Saroj Adhikari , Saputri Dinar Suksmayu
Published: September 2024

Background

Pectin from Taiwan Citrus depressa Hayata’s peels (CDH pectin) and sodium alginate (Na alginate) were mixed in neutral acidity to produce microhydrogel beads or microspheres. The potential use of the microspheres such as encapsulation materials for quercetin and nobiletin, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, toxic elements absorption ability, and thermal characteristics were explored.

Results

Different ratios of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced microspheres of varying sizes and shapes. The highest yield (47.59%) with the broadest diameter was obtained at a Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 2:1, while the smallest yield was obtained from Na alginate—CDH pectin ratio of 1:3 (24.13%). Increasing the amount of Na alginate resulted in more spherical microspheres, higher heavy metals (cobalt and nickel) removal rates, yet a lower swelling ratio. A high pectin concentration also increased the encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and nobiletin, reaching 91.5% and 86.74%, respectively. Quercetin and nobiletin release analysis (in vitro) showed a slow release of drugs from the microspheres. Less than 20% quercetin and nobiletin were released from the microspheres in SGF (simulated gastric fluid) pH 1.2 solution after 2 h and more than 40% of the encapsulated drug was released in SIF (simulated intestinal fluid) pH 6.8 after 4 h. The strong DPPH scavenging activity of quercetin (99%) was not hindered by encapsulation materials. ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry) analysis demonstrated that the biopolymer can absorb cobalt and nickel from water. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result showed that the combination of CDH pectin and Na alginate produced a biopolymer that exhibited a weight loss of only 1.86–4.33% at 100 °C.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that microspheres produced from CDH pectin cross-linked with sodium alginate had potential in nobiletin and quercetin encapsulation. Moreover, the polymer could absorb heavy metals and exhibit an important characteristic for hot food and beverage packaging applications.
An evaluation of a Browse-aid at the doorsteps of (agro)pastoralists to improve consumption of in situ browses and shrubs and prevent animal deaths during droughts
Authors: Makkar Harinder , Bekele Abay , Mulugeta Yosef Seyoum , Adamu Andinet , Asfaw Redwan Getachew , Bekele Wesinew Adugna , Warfa Abdinur Ali , Wayessa Degefa , Belay Merkeb , Regassa Genene
Published: September 2024

Background

Thousands of animals die in Ethiopia during droughts due to unavailability of feed. Large amounts of browses are available during droughts, which animals do not consume because of the presence of tannins. The hypothesis of the study was that the provision of small amounts of Browse-aid (polyethylene glycol-4000) to animals at farmers’ doorsteps would increase browse consumption and body weight gain, and prevent deaths during droughts.

Methods

A field study was conducted at two sites in Ethiopia to assess the dietary inclusion of the Browse-aid (daily 5 g and 10 g for shoats; and 15 g and 30 g for cattle) to farmers’ sheep, goats and cattle in areas devoid of grasses during a very dry spell.

Results

Inclusion of the Browse-aid to sheep and goats significantly increased the percent body weight gain, and improved the body condition score, skin coat appearance and shine in eyes when compared with those of animals not given the Browse-aid. Similar results were observed in cattle. The foraging frequency of the animals also increased. Nutrient availability to the animals from the increased consumption of browses also increased. Furthermore, the body condition scores of the animals given the Browse-aid were greater than those of the animals that did not participate in the trial but were grazing in the same area.

Conclusion

Browse-aid made a positive impact on the production of animals during periods of severe feed scarcity. This strategy of providing the Browse-aid (daily 5 g for sheep and goats, and 15 g for cattle) to animals during droughts is highly cost effective; additionally, compared with currently used feeding strategies, the cost in late 2023 was 60% and 90% lower for sheep and goats, and cattle respectively to prevent animals from dying during droughts. A large number of animals can be prevented from dying during droughts, at a much-reduced cost by the dietary inclusion of a small amount of the Browse-aid. The implications of the study are not restricted to Ethiopia but extend to countries in the Horn of Africa. This is the first study that has investigated the effect of the Browse-aid at the farmers’ doorsteps in the field.
Analysis of wheat traits that determine female farmers’ preferences for wheat varieties: Gender insight from southern tigray, ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Sinkie Alemu , Tariku Getasew Daru
Published: September 2024

Background

Wheat productivity has been constrained by changing agroecological and socio-economic conditions, coupled with a lower uptake of new farm technologies. Gender difference is one major social category that needs systematic estimation to distinguish the adoption of technology and the preference between male and female farmers. Hence, this study analyzes wheat traits that determine female farmers’ preferences for wheat varieties in southern Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods

The primary data was collected by using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews from 169 female farmers who were selected by using a two-stage sampling procedure. This study used descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit model to estimate the wheat traits that determine the wheat variety preference of female farmers.

Result

The result obtained from descriptive statistics shows the existence of heterogeneity in trait preference of female farmers among bread wheat, durum wheat, and local wheat variety types. The result indicates that risk-averting traits were the most frequently selected traits for both wheat types. Furthermore, the result of multinomial logit model indicates that wheat variety traits such as yield difference, marketability, resistance to drought, and resistance to frost and disease significantly influenced female farmers’ choice of wheat variety to grow.

Conclusion

This study aims to fill the current knowledge gaps and tackle the significant issues faced by wheat-growing female farmers by examining the wheat traits that influence the wheat variety choice of these farmers. The finding scrutinized that even though the female farmers’ choices of wheat variety traits were heterogeneous, the majority of their decisions on the choice of wheat variety were primarily guided by risk-averting and yield traits. This evidence provides significant insight for developing gender-sensitive variety traits in crop breeding programs. Moreover, the findings significantly help policymakers, input suppliers, breeding programs, and extension workers to become more gender-responsive, to increase the productivity of wheat-growing female farmers.