bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic atomic modeling and optimization with fullrmc
Authors: Aoun Bachir
Published: October 2022

Understanding materials' atomic structure with a high level of confidence and certainty is often regarded as a very arduous and sometimes impossible task, especially for newer, emerging technology materials exhibiting limited long-range order. Nevertheless, information about atomic structural properties is very valuable for materials science and synthesis. For non-crystalline amorphous and nanoscale materials, using conventional structural determination methods is impossible. Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modeling is commonly used to derive models of materials from experimental diffraction data. Here, the latest developments in the fullrmc software package are discussed. Despite its name, fullrmc provides a very flexible modeling framework for solving atomic structures with many methods beyond RMC. The stochastic nature of fullrmc allows it to explore all possible dimensions and degrees of freedom for atomic modeling and create statistical solutions to match measurements. Differing versions of fullrmc are provided as open source or for cloud computing access. The latter includes a modern web-based graphical user interface that incorporates advanced computing and structure-building modules and machine-learning-based components. The main features of fullrmc are presented, including constraint types, boundary conditions, density shape functions and the two running modes: stochastic using a Monte Carlo algorithm and optimization using a genetic algorithm. Capabilities include tools for statistical, mesoscopic and nanoscopic approaches, atomic or coarse-grained models, and smart artificial-intelligence-ready loss functions.
Crystal structure of the capsular polysaccharide-synthesis enzyme CapG from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tien Ni , Ho Chien-Yi , Lai Shu-Jung , Lin Yu-Chuan , Yang Chia-Shin , Wang Yu-Chuan , Huang Wei-Chien , Chen Yeh , Chang Jui-Jen
Published: October 2022

Bacterial capsular polysaccharides provide protection against environmental stress and immune evasion from the host immune system, and are therefore considered to be attractive therapeutic targets for the development of anti-infectious reagents. Here, we focused on CapG, one of the key enzymes in the synthesis pathway of capsular polysaccharides type 5 (CP5) from the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. SaCapG catalyses the 2-epimerization of UDP-N-acetyl-D-talosamine (UDP-TalNAc) to UDP-N-acetyl-D-fucosamine (UDP-FucNAc), which is one of the nucleotide-activated precursors for the synthesis of the trisaccharide repeating units of CP5. Here, the cloning, expression and purification of recombinant SaCapG are reported. After extensive efforts, single crystals of SaCapG were successfully obtained which belonged to space group C2 and exhibited unit-cell parameters a = 302.91, b = 84.34, c = 145.09 Å, β = 110.65°. The structure was solved by molecular replacement and was refined to 3.2 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit revealed a homohexameric assembly of SaCapG, which was consistent with gel-filtration analysis. Structural comparison with UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 2-epimerase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii identified α2, the α2–α3 loop and α10 as a gate-regulated switch controlling substrate entry and/or product release.
Crystals of SctV from different species reveal variable symmetry for the cytosolic domain of the type III secretion system export gate
Authors: Gilzer Dominic , Baum Eileen , Lieske Nele , Kowal Julia L. , Niemann Hartmut H.
Published: October 2022

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are proteinaceous devices employed by Gram-negative bacteria to directly transport proteins into a host cell. Substrate recognition and secretion are strictly regulated by the export apparatus of the so-called injectisome. The export gate SctV engages chaperone-bound substrates of the T3SS in its nonameric cytoplasmic domain. Here, the purification and crystallization of the cytoplasmic domains of SctV from Photorhabdus luminescens (LscVC) and Aeromonas hydrophila (AscVC) are reported. Self-rotation functions revealed that LscVC forms oligomers with either eightfold or ninefold symmetry in two different crystal forms. Similarly, AscVC was found to exhibit tenfold rotational symmetry. These are the first instances of SctV proteins forming non-nonameric oligomers.
Ibuprofen: a weak inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase II
Authors: Combs Jacob , Andring Jacob , McKenna Robert
Published: October 2022

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are drug targets for a variety of diseases. While many clinically relevant CA inhibitors are sulfonamide-based, novel CA inhibitors are being developed that incorporate alternative zinc-binding groups, such as carboxylic acid moieties, to develop CA isoform-specific inhibitors. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of human CA II (hCA II) in complex with the carboxylic acid ibuprofen [2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid, a common over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug] is reported to 1.54 Å resolution. The binding of ibuprofen is overlaid with the structures of other carboxylic acids in complex with hCA II to compare their inhibition mechanisms by direct or indirect (via a water) binding to the active-site zinc. Additionally, enzyme-inhibition assays using ibuprofen, nicotinic acid and ferulic acid were performed with hCA II to determine their IC50 values and were compared with those of other carboxylic acid binders. This study discusses the potential development of CA inhibitors utilizing the carboxylic acid moiety.
Perceived quality of life in patients with heart failure: a cross-sectional study among adults in Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Ghuloom Amina Mohamed , Sanad Hala Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to assess the perceived quality of life of Bahraini patients with heart failure.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 250 patients aged 18 years and older was recruited using a cross-sectional design. Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire version three was employed to obtain data from participants on their socio-demographic characteristics and their perceived quality of life.

Findings

The mean age of patients was 69.0 ± 8.1 years and 78% were males. Almost half of the patients with third/fourth degree heart failure had difficulties in earning a living (48.4%) since they had long periods of hospital stays (49.2%). The quality of life is inversely proportional to the age of the patients with third/fourth degree heart failure (p < 0.001). Most of the patients had a poor quality of life (74.8%); about 21.6% had a moderate quality of life, while only few patients (3.6%) had a good quality of life.

Originality/value

The quality of life among Bahraini patients diagnosed with third/fourth degree heart failure is generally poor. Further, advanced age, low level of education, not currently married and low income were shown to be associated with poor quality of life. A need exists to include a quality of life assessment tool as part of the management of these patients.
A unified general framework for small and finite strain two-invariants elastoplasticity
Authors: Spiezia Nicolò , Salomoni Valentina Anna Lia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper proposes a unified original general framework, designed to theoretically develop and to extremely easily implement elastoplastic constitutive laws defined in the so called two-invariants space, both in small and finite strain regime.

Design/methodology/approach

A general return mapping algorithm is proposed, and particularly a standard procedure is developed to compute the two algorithmic tangent operators, required to solve the Newton–Raphson scheme at the local and global level and thus cast the elastoplastic algorithm within a FEM code.

Findings

This work demonstrates that the proposed procedure is fully general and can be applied whatever is the elastic law, the yield surface, the plastic potential function and the hardening law. Several numerical examples are reported, not only to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the algorithm, but also explain how to use this general algorithm also in other applications.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithm and its numerical implementation into a FEM code is new and original. The usefulness and the value of the algorithm is twofold: (1) it can be implemented in a small and finite strain simulation FEM code, in order to handle different types of constitutive laws in the same modular way, thus fully leveraging on modern object-oriented coding approach; (2) it can be used as a framework to develop (and then to implement) new constitutive models, since the researcher can simply define the relevant functions (and its main derivatives) and automatically get the numerical algorithm.
Opposing brand activism: triggers and strategies of consumers’ antibrand actions
Authors: Pöyry Essi , Laaksonen Salla-Maaria
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In brand activism, a brand promotes contested sociopolitical causes to highlight its values. Brand activism also alienates those consumers who disagree with the cause, who might, consequently, target the brand with critical, negative or even aggressive actions. This paper aims to study the triggers and strategies of consumers’ antibrand actions given in response to brand activism.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative content analysis and multiple correspondence analysis were used to study consumer responses directed at a chocolate brand’s campaign that advocated civilized online conversions and opposed hate speech, a politically heated topic. In total, 1,615 messages were collected from social media platforms.

Findings

Field infringement, political accusations and questioned impact of the campaign triggered consumers to turn against the campaign. Strategies to undermine it included boycotting, discrediting the brand and trapping. Trapping – creatively using technological affordances to create harm to the brand – was typically triggered by political associations.

Research limitations/implications

Findings relate to the critical responses regarding one campaign only.

Practical implications

By understanding the political discussion around the chosen cause, including the opponents’ typical triggers and strategies, brand activism can more credibly advocate for contested social causes and communicate brand values.

Originality/value

Political antibrand actions are distinct from the previously identified functional and ethical antibrand actions, and they are noninstrumental by nature. Practices that are native to social media are central to political antibrand actions, and social media platforms contribute to how such disappointment is articulated and acted upon.
Exploring the implementation dynamics of the Health Promoting School approach in Europe: a qualitative study among school health representatives
Authors: Driessen-Willems Marion , Severens Floor , Darlington Emily , Bartelink Nina , Kremers Stef , van Assema Patricia , Bessems Kathelijne
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Adapting the Health Promotion School (HPS) approach to context specifics is acknowledged as being essential for implementation and achieving optimal effectiveness. This study aims to explore implementation variations on seven HPS spectra (such as top-down to bottom-up involvement of stakeholders) on which implementation of the HPS approach can vary, and the factors that relate to navigation on these spectra.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2020, fourteen HPS researchers and professionals from ten European countries participated in semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Navigation variations on the HPS spectra occurred throughout most spectra. Further, a tendency was found towards spectrum extremes of addressing multiple core-components, implementing non-disruptive Health Promotion (HP) programmes, and evaluating the HPS approach through an action-oriented research approach. Important general factors were resources, staff capacity and time available to staff members for implementing the HPS approach. Some spectra required more specific factors like organisational skills, leadership or a certain level of democracy.

Practical implications

The implementation of the HPS approach should be supported by implementation strategies addressing the spectrum-specific factors, but more generic factors such as staff capacity, resources and the level of democracy should also be considered.

Originality/value

This study explores navigation variations throughout HPS spectra rather than the HPS approach in general. It also nuances implementation diversity across and within different European contexts.
Relationship of business students’ information-seeking anxiety with socio-academic variables in the digital environment
Authors: Khan Sana , Naveed Muhammad Asif , Anwar Mumtaz Ali
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship of information-seeking anxiety (ISA) with socio-academic variables of business students in the digital environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire, composed of 47 items of Information Seeking Anxiety Scale along with certain socio-academic variables, was administered personally among business students by visiting their classrooms at the Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan. The received 283 responses were analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, t-test and one-way analysis of variance.

Findings

The results revealed that a large majority of business students were less comfortable in information seeking and experienced anxiety from mild to moderate levels. There were only a few respondents who faced either low or severe levels of ISA. In relationship testing, the students’ socio-academic variables such as program type, gender, school background, geographical background, information communication technology skills and English language competence did not appear to be the predictors of their ISA.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study should carefully be used while making generalizations for all the business students in Pakistan and abroad as this research collected data from the business students of a single university in Pakistan.

Practical implications

These results have greater implications for the future directions of information literacy as creating awareness and building capacity for skills about the information search process will help in reducing ISA. These findings provided a pragmatic insight that can be used as a guide by information professionals, especially those engaged in information services, to develop a need-based curriculum of information literacy which would ultimately help in the alleviation of anxiety and combating its effects on students’ academic performance.

Originality/value

This study address specifically ISA of business students that would make a worthy contribution to the existing research on ISA as, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no such study has appeared so far.
Improving GPU performance in multimedia applications through FPGA based adaptive DMA controller
Authors: B. Santosh Kumar , E. Krishna Kumar
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Deep learning techniques are unavoidable in a variety of domains such as health care, computer vision, cyber-security and so on. These algorithms demand high data transfers but require bottlenecks in achieving the high speed and low latency synchronization while being implemented in the real hardware architectures. Though direct memory access controller (DMAC) has gained a brighter light of research for achieving bulk data transfers, existing direct memory access (DMA) systems continue to face the challenges of achieving high-speed communication. The purpose of this study is to develop an adaptive-configured DMA architecture for bulk data transfer with high throughput and less time-delayed computation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology consists of a heterogeneous computing system integrated with specialized hardware and software. For the hardware, the authors propose an field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based DMAC, which transfers the data to the graphics processing unit (GPU) using PCI-Express. The workload characterization technique is designed using Python software and is implementable for the advanced risk machine Cortex architecture with a suitable communication interface. This module offloads the input streams of data to the FPGA and initiates the FPGA for the control flow of data to the GPU that can achieve efficient processing.

Findings

This paper presents an evaluation of a configurable workload-based DMA controller for collecting the data from the input devices and concurrently applying it to the GPU architecture, bypassing the hardware and software extraneous copies and bottlenecks via PCI Express. It also investigates the usage of adaptive DMA memory buffer allocation and workload characterization techniques. The proposed DMA architecture is compared with the other existing DMA architectures in which the performance of the proposed DMAC outperforms traditional DMA by achieving 96% throughput and 50% less latency synchronization.

Originality/value

The proposed gated recurrent unit has produced 95.6% accuracy in characterization of the workloads into heavy, medium and normal. The proposed model has outperformed the other algorithms and proves its strength for workload characterization.
Bridging two tales of engagement: a meta-analytic review of employee engagement and customer engagement in service contexts
Authors: Michel Eric J. , Lindsey-Hall Kristina K. , Kepes Sven , Qi Ji (Miracle) , Leon Matthew R. , Weinzimmer Laurence G. , Wheeler Anthony R.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Employing a service-profit chain (S-PC) framework, this manuscript investigates the relationship between employee engagement (EE) and customer engagement (CE) within service contexts and explores how a mediating mechanism, service employee work performance (SEWP), links EE with CE.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analytic procedures ascertain the magnitude of the relationship between EE and SEWP (k = 102, ρ^ = 0.45) and between SEWP and three dimensions of CE: customer purchases (k = 42, ρ^ = 0.47), customer knowledge (k = 4, ρ^ = 0.33) and customer influence (k = 7, ρ^ = 0.42). The current meta-analysis reports an effect size for the EE-overall SEWP relationship nearly 1.50 times greater than related extant meta-analyses.

Findings

Results suggest SEWP, consisting of service employee task performance and contextual performance, serves as an important intervening mechanism between EE and CE by considering nine dimensions of SEWP. Such findings suggest that to maximize SEWP, service employees must go beyond simply being satisfied in their work roles; instead, service employees must feel energized, find fulfillment and meaning and be engrossed in their work to maximize the service they provide to customers.

Originality/value

This research extends previous meta-analytic efforts, bridges the multi-disciplinary gap between EE and CE research, provides an empirical link allowing for informed decision-making for managers and stakeholders, underscores the importance of service employees surpassing required job responsibilities to meet and exceed customer needs and suggests an agenda for future service research integrating EE and CE.
I trust friends before I trust companies: The mediation
of WOM and brand love on psychological contract fulfilment and repurchase
intention
Authors: Ismail Ismail Juma
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Consumer psychology research has established the importance of customer
satisfaction as a determinant of customer repurchasing intention.
Nonetheless, even satisfied customers switch brands. Also, even dissatisfied
customers have repurchasing intentions. This means that customer
repurchasing behaviour is extremely difficult to predict, necessitating
additional research to identify additional factors that can help
organizations better understand the methods to predict customer repurchasing
intention. To fill this knowledge gap, this study examined the mediating
effects of brand love (BL) and positive word of mouth (PWOM) on
psychological contract fulfilment (PCF) and customer repurchasing
intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional study. The study used structural equation modelling
(SEM) to analyse relationships from a sample size of 400 beauty salon
customers. Also, a process macro mediation test was used to analyse the
mediating effects of BL and PWOM on the relationship between PCF and
customer repurchase intentions.

Findings

The findings indicate that transactional and relational psychological
contracts have a positive and significant relationship with BL and PWOM. As
well, BL and PWOM positively and significantly influence customer repurchase
intentions. Finally, the findings indicate that BL and PWOM mediate the
relationship between psychological contract fulfilment and customer
repurchase intentions.

Research
limitations/implications

This survey sampled beauty salons solely. Given that each type of
organization may have a unique way of fulfilling psychological contracts,
future studies may include more categories such as restaurants and
craftsmanship to broaden the sample. Additionally, this study utilized
female beauty salons. Therefore, future research could include salons that
cater to women and men to boost the sample's generalizability.
Finally, this study concluded that BL and positive recommendations are the
most effective variables for resolving consumer satisfaction challenges.
However, additional factors can probably amplify this fact by focusing on
additional elements to broaden the arguments.

Originality/value

Past studies have extensively covered customer repurchasing intention in
relation to customer satisfaction. However, it was noted that even some
satisfied customers could switch to other brands, and those who were
dissatisfied could repurchase the brand. Given that little is known about
how other factors than customer satisfaction can affect repurchasing
intentions, this study examines the mediating effects of BL and PWOM on PCF
and customer repurchase intentions.
Cometabolic bacterial and fungal remediation as a promising strategy for recycled paper and cardboard mill wastewater treatment
Authors: Gholami Maryam , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Teimouri Fahimeh , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hassan , Jafari Nodoushan Abbasali , Jambarsang Sara , Ghaneian Mohammad Taghi
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the application of high-tolerance and flexible indigenous bacteria and fungi, along with the co-metabolism in recycled paper and cardboard mill (RPCM) wastewater treatment (WWT).

Design/methodology/approach

The molecular characterization of isolated indigenous bacteria and fungi was performed by 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. Glucose was used as a cometabolic substrate to enhance the bioremediation process.

Findings

The highest removal efficiency was achieved for both chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color [78% COD and 45% color removal by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RW-2 (MZ603673), as well as approximately 70% COD and 48% color removal by Geotrichum candidum RW-4 (ON024394)]. The corresponding percentages were higher in comparison with the efficiency obtained from the oxidation ditch unit in the full-scale RPCM WWT plant.

Originality/value

Indigenous P. aeruginosa RW-2 and G. candidum RW-4 demonstrated effective capability in RPCM WWT despite the highly toxic and low biodegradable nature, especially with the assistance of glucose.
Characterizing stewardship and stakeholder inclusion in data analytics efforts: the collaborative approach of Kansas City, Missouri
Authors: Cronemberger Felippe A. , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Local governments face increasingly complex challenges related to their internal operations as well as the provision of public services. However, research on how they embrace evidence-based approaches such as data analytics practices, which could help them face some of those challenges, is still scarce. This study aims to contribute to existing knowledge by examining the data analytics practices in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO), a city that has become prominent for engaging in data analytics use through the Bloomberg’s What Works Cities (WWC) initiative with the purpose of improving efficiency and enhancing response to local constituents.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted semistructured interviews with public servants who had data analytics experience at KCMO. Analysis looked for common and emerging patterns across transcripts. A conceptual framework based on related studies is built and used as the theoretical basis to assess the evidence observed in the case.

Findings

Findings suggest that data analytics practices are sponsored by organizational leadership, but fostered by data stewards who engage other stakeholders and incorporate data resources in their analytical initiatives as they tackle important questions. Those stewards collaborate to nurture inclusive networks that leverage knowledge from previous experiences to orient current analytical endeavors.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores the experience of a single city, so it does not account for successes and failures of similar local governments that were also part of Bloomberg's WWC. Furthermore, the fact that selected interviewees were involved in data analytics at least to some extent increases the likelihood that their experience with data analytics is relatively more positive than the experience of other local government employees.

Practical implications

Results suggest that data analytics benefits from leadership support and steering initiatives such as WWC, but also from leveraging stakeholder knowledge through collaborative networks to have access to data and organizational resources. The interplay of data analytics sponsored activities and organizational knowledge could be used as means of assessing local governments’ existing data analytics capability.

Originality/value

This study suggests that data analytics practices in local governments that are implementing a smart city agenda are knowledge-driven and developed incrementally through inclusive networks that leverage stakeholder knowledge and data resources. The incrementality identified suggests that data analytics initiatives should not be considered a “blank slate” practice, but an endeavor driven and sustained by data stewards who leverage stakeholder knowledge and data resources through collaborative networks.
Impacts and sensitivity analysis of imperviousness area and connectivity on surface runoff under a plot‐scale rainfall simulation experiment
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhang Xiang , Liu Yue , Liang Changmei , Xu Jing , Pan Guoyan
Published: October 2022

Urbanization has had a major impact on runoff process, which is not fully understood. In this study, a plot‐scale rainfall‐runoff simulation experiment was conducted in an experimental field to evaluate the effects of imperviousness and its connectivity on surface runoff. A total of 11 underlying surface scenarios with different impervious area and two imperviousness connectivity conditions were designed. For each scenario, two rainfall intensities and two initial soil moistures were applied. The results show that the relationship between the surface runoff coefficient and the impervious area under fixed imperviousness connectivity, rainfall intensity, and initial soil moisture represents a strong linear trend. With high antecedent soil moisture, imperviousness arranging in disconnected pattern can lead to initially lower but later higher outflow rate compared to imperviousness arranging in connected pattern. The sensitivity of the runoff coefficient to impervious area, which represents increased runoff coefficient per unit impervious area, is negatively related to the rainfall intensity as well as the initial soil moisture but positively related to the imperviousness connectivity. These results indicate that the impacts of the impervious surface on runoff are not only related to its connectivity, but also the original soil condition before sealing: the higher infiltration capacity of the original soil, the greater hydrological impacts caused by soil sealing.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 expression via Zeste Homolog 2 to promote human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synovial cell survival and metastasis
Authors: Liu Juan , Li Yongsheng , Jiang Zhen , Liu Yan , Wei Zhongcheng
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) were isolated from synovial tissues, cultured and transfected with plasmid vector or short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The morphology and surface markers of FLS were investigated by light microscopy and flow cytometry. The expression levels of PRMT1, Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cell viability was tested by MTT assay, cell proliferation was assessed by EdU assay, cell invasion was evaluated by Transwell invasion test, cell migration was detected by wound healing assay, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

The expression of PRMT1 was elevated in RA synovial tissues compared with control tissues. FLS from control tissues showed a lower level of PRMT1 than FLS from RA tissues, and FLS from RA tissues had a stronger ability of cell survival and metastasis than those from control tissues. When silencing PRMT1 expression, FLS from RA tissues showed a decreased ability of cell survival and metastasis. Additionally, FLS from RA tissues expressed a higher level of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. When silencing PRMT1 expression, the expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 of FLS was suppressed. Furthermore, the effect of PRMT1 on FLS was mediated by EZH2.

Conclusion

We found that PRMT1 had an overall effect on FLS via EZH2, which contributed to the development of RA. Hence, PRMT1 and EZH2 provide potential targets for RA treatment.
Application of active acoustic transducers in monitoring and assessment of terrestrial ecosystem health—A review
Authors: Rostami Bita , Nansen Christian
Published: October 2022

Urbanization, agricultural production, natural resource extractions and climate change are global drivers of terrestrial ecosystem degradation and decline in ecosystem health. Assessing vegetation structures provides valuable direct and indirect information on biodiversity and ecosystem health, since plant communities govern terrestrial ecosystem functions and overall biodiversity.

A growing body of literature supports the hypothesis that acoustic profiling and characterization of soundscapes may reveal natural patterns and ecosystem responses to environmental disturbances. Although assessments of ecosystem soundscapes are a promising tool for ecological monitoring, the influence of vegetation structure on acoustic indices remains largely unaddressed. An effective non‐invasive approach to monitoring ecosystem health includes use of active acoustic transducers, which convert mechanical/acoustic energy into electrical energy and visa‐versa.

This article reviews and discusses possible applications (and also constraints) of active acoustic transducers in monitoring and assessments of terrestrial ecosystem health. Specifically, this article includes a brief introduction to the basic principles of sound and types of active acoustic transducers. Moreover, we provide reviews of common uses of active acoustic transducers in assessing plant structures and plant functional traits.

We emphasize that active acoustic transducers can be used to analyse plant characteristics in a remote, scalable, non‐invasive and cost‐effective manner to characterize overall terrestrial ecosystem health. Suggestions and recommendations for future research and management directions that may facilitate applications of acoustic transducers to natural terrestrial landscapes are provided.
The optimum time for intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane in children premedicated with dexmedetomidine
Authors: Yarimoglu Rafet , Basaran Betul , Korkusuz Muhammet , Et Tayfun , Bilge Aysegul , Toprak Hatice , Kumru Nuh
Published: October 2022

Background

Inhalation anesthesia is a frequently used method for anesthesia induction, especially in young children. No information is available on the optimum time for safe intravenous cannulation after inhalational induction in children with dexmedetomidine premedication. The purpose of the present study was to determine the optimal time for intravenous cannulation after induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in children premedicated with intranasal dexmedetomidine.

Methods

This prospective and observational study was conducted by using the up–down sequential method. Children, who were aged 2–6 years with ASA physical status I, and who underwent inhalation induction for elective surgery were included in the study. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide after the premedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 mcg/kg). Intravenous cannulation was attempted on the dorsum of the hand by an experienced anesthesiologist 4 min after the loss of the eyelash reflex in the first patient. The procedure was considered successful in patients without any movement, cough, or laryngospasm. The waiting time for cannulation was increased by 15 s if the procedure was not successful in the previous patient, and on the contrary, it was reduced by 15 s if the procedure was successful in the previous patient. The probit test was used in the analysis of up–down sequences.

Results

In the present study in which a total of 40 patients were included, the effective cannulation time was found to be 14.40 s (95% confidence limits, 1.30–27.82 s) in 50% of the patients, and the effective cannulation time was found as 84.64 s (95% confidence limits, 69.61–218.26 s) in 95% of the patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we suggest that the appropriate time for cannulation is 85 s (1.45 min) after the loss of eyelash reflex in children sedated with dexmedetomidine and induction with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide‐oxygen mixture.
Military Culture and Institutional Trust: Evidence from Conscription Reforms in Europe
Authors: Bove Vincenzo , Di Leo Riccardo , Giani Marco
Published: October 2022

Does military conscription reduce the distance between the ordinary citizen and the state? Decades after its abolition, numerous European policy makers from across the political spectrum advocate the reintroduction of conscription to foster civic virtues, despite a lack of empirical evidence in this respect. Leveraging quasi‐random variation in conscription reforms across 15 European countries, we find that cohorts of men drafted just before its abolition display significantly and substantially lower institutional trust than cohorts of men who were just exempted. At the same time, ending conscription had no effect on institutional trust among women from comparable cohorts. Results are neither driven by more favorable attitudes toward the government, nor by educational choices. Instead, this civil–military gap unfolds through the formation of a homogeneous community with uniform values. We argue that reintroducing a compulsory military service may not produce the effects anticipated by its advocates.
Specific IgE against the house dust mite allergens Der p 5, 20 and 21 influences the phenotype and severity of atopic diseases
Authors: Walsemann Theresa , Böttger Marisa , Traidl Stephan , Schwager Christian , Gülsen Askin , Freimooser Sina , Roesner Lennart Matthias , Werfel Thomas , Jappe Uta
Published: October 2022

Background

House dust mites (HDM) are among the most important sources for airborne allergens with high relevance for atopic diseases. Routine tests contain only 4 of 32 registered allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Clinical relevance and pathomechanistic properties of many allergens are not well understood.

Objective

The association of several HDM allergens with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and atopic dermatitis was investigated to identify allergens with biomarker potential and to transfer them into diagnostics.

Methods

Eight out of nine D. pteronyssinus allergens (nDer p 1, rDer p 2, rDer p 5, rDer p 7, rDer p 10, rDer p 13, rDer p 20, rDer p 21, rDer p 23) were recombinantly expressed and purified. Sensitization patterns of 384 HDM‐allergic individuals exhibiting different clinical phenotypes were analyzed with a serum‐saving multiplex array.

Results

Sensitization to more than three mite allergens (sensitization count) was associated with allergic asthma and/or atopic dermatitis. Reactions to Der p 5 and Der p 21 were more frequent in allergic asthma compared to allergic rhinitis. Atopic dermatitis patients were more often sensitized to Der p 5, Der p 20, and Der p 21 among others. Der p 20‐IgE > 80 kU/L was associated with severe atopic dermatitis in 75% of patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the clinical importance of the sensitization count and of certain allergens (Der p 5, Der p 20, and Der p 21) not available for routine diagnostics yet. Implementing them as well as the sensitization count in diagnostic measures will improve diagnosis and risk assessment of HDM‐allergic patients.
Causal relationships between birth weight, childhood obesity and age at menarche: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Lianke , Xu Fei , Zhang Qiang , Chen Jiajun , Zhou Qianyu , Sun Changqing
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Observational studies suggest birth weight and childhood obesity are closely associated with age at menarche. However, the relationships between them are currently inconsistent and it remains elusive whether such associations are causal. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether there existed causal relationships between birth weight, childhood obesity and age at menarche.

Design, Patients and Measurements

A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. The standard inverse variance weighted MR analyses were adopted to evaluate the causal effects of birth weight (n = 143,677), childhood body mass index (BMI) (n = 39,620) on age at menarche (n = 182,416) with summary statistics from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies (GWASs). Meanwhile, we validated our MR results with some sensitivity analyses including maximum likelihood, weighted‐median and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier methods.

Results

The present study showed that each one standard deviation (1‐SD) lower birth weight was predicted to result in a 0.1479 years earlier of age at menarche (β = .1479, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0422–0.2535; p = 0.0061). We also found that genetically predicted 1‐SD increase in childhood BMI was causally associated with early age at menarche (β = −.3966, 95% CI = −0.5294 to −0.2639; p = 4.73E−09).

Conclusions

Our MR study suggests the causal effect of lower birth weight and higher childhood BMI on the increased risk of earlier menarche. It may be the opportune time to carry out weight control intervention in prenatal and early childhood development periods to prevent early menarche onset, thus decreasing the future adverse consequences.
The impact of cone beam computer tomography field of view on the precision of digital intra‐oral scan registration for static computer‐assisted implant surgery: A CBCT analysis
Authors: Hamilton Adam , Singh Ashi , Friedland Bernard , Jamjoom Faris Z. , Griseto Neil , Gallucci German O.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Registration of intra‐oral surface scans to cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) is critical in the digital workflow for static computer‐aided implant surgery (sCAIS). This study aimed to assess the impact of CBCT field of view (FoV) on the precision of digital intra‐oral scan registration.

Materials and Methods

Cone beam computer tomography data and intra‐oral scans from 20 patients were included. Small FoV CBCT's were created by digitally segmenting a large FoV into three sextants. Virtual implant planning was performed. Digital intra‐oral scans were repeatedly registered onto their corresponding large and small FoV CBCT datasets. The distances and angulations between the matching implant positions of each repeated registration were used to determine the precision of the registration process. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Paired Tests were used to compare the differences between large FoV and small FoV. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p = .05.

Results

Differences in 3D implant position based on the registration precision between small FoV and large FoV present at both the implant entry point (0.37 ± 0.25 mm vs 0.35 ± 0.23 mm, p = .482) and implant tip (0.49 ± 0.34 mm vs 0.37 ± 0.24 mm, p < .001). Differences in overall angular precision were observed between small FOV and large FoV (1.43 ± 1.36° vs 0.51 ± 0.38°, p < .001).

Conclusion

CBCT with a small FoV is accompanied by greater precision errors in intra‐oral scan registration. However, when sufficient well‐distributed teeth are visible in small FoV CBCT, the precision of digital intra‐oral scan registration appears to be within clinically acceptable limits for sCAIS.
Is the Mind Inherently Predicting? Exploring Forward and Backward Looking in Language Processing
Authors: Onnis Luca , Lim Alfred , Cheung Shirley , Huettig Falk
Published: October 2022

Prediction is one characteristic of the human mind. But what does it mean to say the mind is a “prediction machine” and inherently forward looking as is frequently claimed? In natural languages, many contexts are not easily predictable in a forward fashion. In English, for example, many frequent verbs do not carry unique meaning on their own but instead, rely on another word or words that follow them to become meaningful. Upon reading take a the processor often cannot easily predict walk as the next word. But the system can “look back” and integrate walk more easily when it follows take a (e.g., as opposed to *make|get|have a walk). In the present paper, we provide further evidence for the importance of both forward and backward‐looking in language processing. In two self‐paced reading tasks and an eye‐tracking reading task, we found evidence that adult English native speakers’ sensitivity to word forward and backward conditional probability significantly predicted reading times over and above psycholinguistic predictors of reading latencies. We conclude that both forward and backward‐looking (prediction and integration) appear to be important characteristics of language processing. Our results thus suggest that it makes just as much sense to call the mind an “integration machine” which is inherently backward ‘looking.’
Epileptic spasms: A South African overview of aetiologies, interventions, and outcomes
Authors: Raga Sharika V. , Essajee Farida , Solomons Regan , Van Toorn Ronald , Wilmshurst Jo M.
Published: October 2022

Aim

To better understand the aetiologies of epileptic spasms in infants, as well as the safety and efficacy of high dose corticosteroids in tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) endemic resource‐limited settings.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of infants with epileptic spasms managed at the tertiary referral centres in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Results

Of 175 children with epileptic spasms, the median age at onset was 6 months (interquartile range 4–8 months). Structural aetiologies were most common (115 out of 175 [66%]), with two‐thirds related to perinatal insults. A lead time to treatment (LTTT) of less than 1 month was more likely in the epileptic encephalopathy/developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) group: 58 out of 92 (63%), compared to 28 out of 76 (37%) of those with developmental encephalopathy (p = 0.001). Failure to recognize preceding developmental delay was common. Ninety‐nine children (57%) received first line hormonal therapy such as adrenocorticotropic hormone. A total of 111 out of 172 children (65%) from the developmental encephalopathy and epileptic encephalopathy/DEE groups had clinical and/or electroencephalogram resolution of spasms within 14 days. In our population, children in whom an aetiology could not be identified were statistically more likely to have moderate to profound developmental delay at 1 year of age: 33 out of 44 (p = 0.001). Based on reported incidence of epileptic spasms, 23 to 58 cases per annum would be expected but a far smaller proportion presented to our centres.

Interpretation

Whilst this is the largest cohort of infants with epileptic spasms from sub‐Saharan Africa, the study size is less than expected; this may reflect misdiagnosis and failure of referral pathways. Despite a reported shorter LTTT, infants with DEE had worse developmental outcomes compared to international studies. Hormonal therapy was safe and effective in our setting, despite exposure to high levels of tuberculosis and HIV.

What this paper adds

The number of unreferred cases of epileptic spasms in South Africa remains high.

Caregivers and health care workers in primary care facilities often fail to recognize developmental delay.

The burden of disease from hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy remains high in our resource‐limited setting.

Hormonal treatment (e.g. adrenocorticotropic hormone) was safe and effective despite the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis.
A Hybrid Approach for Mass Valuation of Residential Properties through Geographic Information Systems and Machine Learning Integration
Authors: Mete Muhammed Oguzhan , Yomralioglu Tahsin
Published: October 2022

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Machine Learning methods are now widely used in mass property valuation using the physical attributes of properties. However, locational criteria, such as as proximity to important places, sea or forest views, flat topography are just some of the spatial factors that affect property values and, to date, these have been insufficiently used as part of the valuation process. In this study, a hybrid approach is developed by integrating GIS and Machine Learning for mass valuation of residential properties. GIS‐based Nominal Valuation Method was applied to carry out proximity, terrain, and visibility analyses using Ordnance Survey and OpenStreetMap data, than land value map of Great Britain was produced. Spatial criteria scores obtained from the GIS analyses were included in the price prediction process in which global and spatially clustered local regression models are built for England and Wales using Price Paid Data and Energy Performance Certificates data. Results showed that adding locational factors to the property price data and applying a novel nominally weighted spatial clustering algorithm for creating a local regression increased the prediction accuracy by about 45%. It also demonstrated that Random Forest was the most accurate ensemble model.