bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Aptamer-Conjugated Chemical and Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy in MCF-7 Cancer Cells
Authors: Helal Mariam W. , Faried Mohanad M. , Salah Sohaila Mohammed , Ashraf Mazen , Nasser Nada , Shawky Yasser , Hamdy Sara , Amir Azza El , Nabil Wajeet , El-Husseini Dalia M.
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer remains a challenging health issue, demanding innovative treatment approaches that maximize efficacy while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Targeted therapy offers a promising strategy tailored to the unique characteristics of breast cancer tumors. Gold nanoparticles have been studied in the context of their therapeutic potential towards cancer treatment showing great success. Recently, aptamers were also investigated for their targeting efficiency towards specific receptors allowing their use in targeting delivery systems. In this study, computational analysis was used to confirm the strong binding between AS1411 aptamer and the nucleolin receptor extensively present on the surface of breast cancer cells, highlighting the aptamer’s potential for specific targeting. Furthermore, we investigated and compared the use of AS1411 aptamer-conjugated chemically synthesized (GNPs) and flaxseed-green-synthesized (Fs-GNPs) gold nanoparticles as targeting therapeutic systems for breast cancer cells. Our results showed successful conjugation of the AS1411 aptamer with both, the GNPs and Fs-GNPs. Characterization of the nanoparticles and their conjugates validates their size, charge, and morphology, affirming the success of the conjugation process. Cytotoxicity assessments using the MTT assay demonstrated the effectiveness of the conjugates against breast cancer cells, with the AS1411-Fs-GNPs conjugate exhibiting higher inhibitory efficacy, featuring an IC50 value of 11.13 µg/ml. In contrast, they showed minimal effect on normal cells, emphasizing the selectivity and potential safety of these therapies. To our knowledge, this is the first report of conjugating AS1411 aptamer to green-synthesized gold nanoparticles and its use as a targeting therapeutic system.
Psychological Resilience and Complex Movement Coordination Predict the Risk of Falls in Older Adults
Authors: Tóth Eliza E. , Vujić Aleksandar , Ihász Ferenc , Ruíz-Barquín Roberto , Szabo Attila
Published: November 2024

The prevalence of falls in older individuals worldwide is around 26.5%. There is an urgent need to identify factors antagonistic to advanced age-related falls regarding personal safety, family or nursing care time, and healthcare costs. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between functional fitness, mental health indicators, and the risk of falling (ROF) in older adults. Thirty-eight older adults (60–94 years; 66% female) were tested individually with the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) after completing five instruments gauging resilience, well-being, satisfaction with life, happiness, and perceived stress. We measured the ROF with the Berg Balance Test. All objective and subjective measures correlated significantly with the ROF. Bayesian linear regressions revealed that complex movement coordination accounted for 68.8%, while resilience accounted for 48.5% of the variance in the ROF. Moreover, resilience was also a mediator between complex movement coordination and ROF. These results suggest that complex movement coordination-developing and resilience-enhancing training strategies might be beneficial in reducing the ROF in older adults.
In-group binding moral values and reactive behavioral immune responses
Authors: Imada Hirotaka , Li Yang , Mifune Nobuhiro , Ohira Hideki
Published: November 2024

Previous studies on psychological adaptations to pathogen threats revealed the link between pathogen psychology and group behavior, especially in-group-oriented mindsets such as conformity, and the endorsement of group binding moral values. The relationship between behavioral immune responses and in-group attitudes has been mostly discussed in relation to the adaptive strategy to avoid pathogens. Yet, there is the other side of the behavioral immune system: reactive defense against pathogens (e.g., soliciting social support from others). By operationally defining in-group-oriented mindsets as the endorsement of group binding moral values, we explored how the tendencies to avoid diseases and minimize the negative influences of contracted diseases were each related to in-group-oriented mindsets in two countries (Study 1: the UK, N = 645; Study 2: Japan, N = 651). We found that the endorsement of group binding moral values was robustly associated with the latter but not with the former, suggesting that the reactive side of pathogen psychology may play an important role in shaping in-group-oriented mindsets.
Adjuvant chemotherapy in T1a/bN0 breast cancer with a high 21-gene recurrence score (> 25): a 10-year follow-up in a real-world cohort
Authors: Katz Daniela , Feldhamer Ilan , Wolff-Sagy Yael , Goldvaser Hadar , Hammerman Ariel , Goldstein Daniel A.
Published: November 2024

Background

In ER + /HER2- early breast cancer (BC), 21-Gene Recurrence Score (RS) > 25 indicates high-risk of distant-recurrence and predicts benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (aCT) regardless of tumor-size. However, T1a/b (≤ 1 cm) node-negative (N0) tumors, regarded as of low risk of recurrence, were under-represented in the RS trials. We therefore aimed to investigate the benefit of aCT in patients with T1a/bN0 BC, RS > 25, where clinical and genomic risk indicators are discordant.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study utilized Israel’s national Oncotest database to identify Clalit Health Services (CHS) members, diagnosed with T1a/bN0 HR + /HER2- BC, who underwent RS testing between February 2006, and December 2019. Patients with RS > 25 who received aCT were matched 1:1 by propensity-scoring to similar patients receiving no aCT. Invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) and distant recurrence were the study endpoints. Patient demographic and clinical data were obtained from CHS’s centralized database. Kaplan––Meier analysis with log-rank testing was used for comparing outcomes.

Results

During the study period, high-risk RS result (> 25) was identified in 156/9858 patients of the study cohort. aCT was administered to 74 (47.4%) and median follow-up was 121 months. Within the 148 matched-cases, eighteen iDFS-events occurred, nine (12.1%) in each group (χ2 = 0.72, p = 0.39). Four (5.4%) of the aCT treated and three (4.0%) of the untreated patients were diagnosed with distant recurrence (χ2 = 0.22, p = 0.64).

Conclusions

In this study cohort, patients with T1a/bN0 BC, RS > 25 that received aCT, did not have improved outcomes and the 21-Gene RS > 25 was not found to be predictive, possibly due to the low number of events observed.
Responsible but powerless: staff qualitative perspectives on cheating in higher education
Authors: Harper Rowena , Prentice Felicity
Published: November 2024

Teaching staff play a pivotal role in the prevention, detection and management of cheating in higher education. They enact curriculum and assessment design strategies, identify and substantiate suspected cases, and are positioned by many as being on the ‘front line’ of a battle that threatens to undermine the integrity of higher education. Against this backdrop, the experiences of teaching staff with contract cheating were investigated by a large-scale Australian survey across eight universities. This paper reports on the qualitative findings from the survey’s only open-text question: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us?”. Of the 1,147 survey respondents, 315 (27.5%) completed this item. Respondents most commonly described contract cheating as a systemic problem, symptomatic of an increasingly commercialised higher education sector. Staff narratives revealed their distancing from, and powerlessness within, their universities, yet clear feelings of responsibility for a problem they struggle to address. Responses did not echo much of the existing literature in reflecting the construct of integrity as a battle between staff and students, but instead framed cheating as an unfortunate, ancillary issue of transactional teaching and assessment practices. This data illustrates a need to re-centre the educative role of teachers when designing institutional strategies that address contract cheating.
Evaluating Somfit’s pulse arterial tonometry for detection of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: McMahon Marcus , Goldin Jeremy , Kealy Elizabeth Susan , Wicks Darrel Joseph , Zilberg Eugene , Freeman Warwick , Aliahmad Behzad
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of Somfit against polysomnography (PSG) for detecting obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Somfit is a wearable home-sleep monitoring device attached to the forehead, combining pulse arterial tonometry, oximetry, and actigraphy with sleep staging, arousals, and total sleep time (TST) derived from frontal neurological signals. Ninety-two participants suspected of having OSA were assessed using Somfit and simultaneous overnight PSG recordings at three Australian sites. Each PSG study was manually scored by three independent scorers. The reported statistics include standard measures of agreement between Somfit’s TST, Oxygen-Saturation Index (ODI), Apnoea–Hypopnea Index (AHI), and the average of those metrics from the three PSG scorers. The overall inter-scorer agreement was 76% (kappa = 0.772). TST, ODI, and AHI from Somfit were highly correlated with similar metrics from PSG (all r > 0.84, p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 90.5%, 75.0%, and 89.1% respectively, with a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 28.5 for AHI ≥ 5. For AHI ≥ 15, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 78.0%, 73.8%, and 76.1%, respectively, with a DOR of 9.99. For AHI ≥ 30, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and DOR were 72.4%, 90.5%, 84.8%, and 24.9, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) at different PSG AHI cut-offs ranged between 0.86 and 0.93. Coupled with oximetry and EEG-based derivation of TST, Somfit’s performance is comparable to PSG in detecting OSA severity.
Synthesis of Polygeneration Network Involving Integrated Renewable Energy Supply Chain and Interplant Heat and Mass Exchange Networks with Regeneration
Authors: Isafiade Adeniyi Jide
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a methodology for integrating a polygeneration network with an integrated renewable energy supply chain network and an interplant heat and mass exchange network using a centralized hub layout approach. The method involves developing a three-layered superstructure. The first layer consists of bio-based renewable energy sources connected to the second layer through various transport modes. The second layer, a centralized polygeneration hub, includes combined heat and power systems and resource subnetworks, featuring a boiler for generating high-pressure steam, turbines for power generation, process and utility heat exchangers, and a stripping column for regenerating solutes from mass separating agents. The third layer, connected to the second layer via pipelines, comprises co-located process plants where energy and resource demands are met through heat and mass exchanger network synthesis. The integrated superstructure, represented as a mixed-integer non-linear programming model, is applied to a hypothetical case study involving wood pulp, corn stover, and glycerine as renewable energy sources. It includes two turbines for generating a specified amount of power, hot and cold streams to be cooled and heated in three co-located plants, and gaseous streams from which ammonia is absorbed using mass separating agents in one of the plants. The solution, dominated by the cost of the supply chain, involves seven process heat exchangers (three of which are used for interplant heat exchange), six utility exchangers, and seven mass exchangers, including one stripping column. When the case study is compared to its equivalent non-integrated scenario, the proposed integrated model shows a 79% reduction in total annual cost for a case where the cost of fossil energy is $0.1/kg. Additionally, in terms of environmental impact, it releases 58% less carbon. The results demonstrate the benefits of adopting a centralized design approach using a polygeneration hub integrated with multiple resource networks.
Assessing the effects of 5-HT2A and 5-HT5A receptor antagonists on DOI-induced head-twitch response in male rats using marker-less deep learning algorithms
Authors: Cyrano Ewelina , Popik Piotr
Published: November 2024

Background

Serotonergic psychedelics, which display a high affinity and specificity for 5-HT2A receptors like 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI), reliably induce a head-twitch response in rodents characterized by paroxysmal, high-frequency head rotations. Traditionally, this behavior is manually counted by a trained observer. Although automation could simplify and facilitate data collection, current techniques require the surgical implantation of magnetic markers into the rodent’s skull or ear.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a marker-less workflow for detecting head-twitch responses using deep learning algorithms. High-speed videos were analyzed using the DeepLabCut neural network to track head movements, and the Simple Behavioral Analysis (SimBA) toolkit was employed to build models identifying specific head-twitch responses.

Results

In studying DOI (0.3125–2.5 mg/kg) effects, the deep learning algorithm workflow demonstrated a significant correlation with human observations. As expected, the preferential 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin (0.625 mg/kg) attenuated DOI (1.25 mg/kg)-induced head-twitch responses. In contrast, the 5-HT5A receptor antagonists SB 699,551 (3 and 10 mg/kg), and ASP 5736 (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg) failed to do so.

Conclusions

Previous drug discrimination studies demonstrated that the 5-HT5A receptor antagonists attenuated the interoceptive cue of a potent hallucinogen LSD, suggesting their anti-hallucinatory effects. Nonetheless, the present results were not surprising and support the head-twitch response as selective for 5-HT2A and not 5-HT5A receptor activation. We conclude that the DeepLabCut and SimBA toolkits offer a high level of objectivity and can accurately and efficiently identify compounds that induce or inhibit head-twitch responses, making them valuable tools for high-throughput research.
Use of IoT for structural health monitoring of civil engineering structures: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Bhatta Sanjeev , Dang Ji
Published: November 2024

The primary goal of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is to assess performance and determine the physical state of the structures. Technological improvements and the ubiquitous accessibility of Wi-Fi networks have enhanced real-time SHM based on the Internet of Things (IoT). Extensive structural health evaluation can be conducted using real-time test data collected from various IoT sensors on civil infrastructures. These sensors monitor multiple structural health parameters, and the data is accessible via cloud-based storage platforms. This paper presents an overview of IoT technologies and provides an extensive literature review of IoT applications for civil infrastructures, highlighting associated challenges.
Beckett and Derrida
Authors: Martell James
Published: November 2024

Uncannily similar projects, Beckett's and Derrida's oeuvres have been linked by literary and philosophy scholars since the 1990s. Taking into consideration their shared historical and personal contexts as writers whose main language of expression was 'adopted' or 'imposed', this Element proposes a systematic reading of their main points of connection. Focusing on their engagement with the intricacies of beginnings and origins, on genetic grounds or surfaces analogous to the Platonic khôra, and on their similar critiques of the aporias of sovereignty, it exposes the reasons why multiple readers, like Coetzee, consider Derridean deconstruction a philosophical mirror of Beckett's literary achievements.
Hydrogen cross-feeding among rumen biohydrogenation, propionogenesis and methanogenesis drives the milk fatty acid profile in dairy goats
Authors: Tan Jinlei , Wu Yuqi , Dong Huixin , Li Shuaishuai , Jiang Huai , Yin Qingyan , Yao Junhu , Li Zongjun
Published: November 2024

Rumen microbial biohydrogenation (RBH) is the major factor responsible for the bovine milk rich in saturated fatty acids (FAs). Here, we evaluated the effects of nutritional manipulation of ruminal propionogenesis and methanogenesis, two primary hydrogen sinks, on the RBH and milk FA profiles in vivo and in vitro using three propionogenesis enhancers (fumarate [FUM], biotin and monensin) and one methanogenesis inhibitor (N-[2-(nitrooxy)ethyl]-3-pyridinecarboxamide [NPD]). The in vivo results showed that inclusion of FUM in lactating dairy goat diet could protect dietary unsaturated FAs against RBH with increased proportions of C18:2n − 6 (by 33.5%), C18:3n − 3 (by 38.1%) and RBH intermediates (e.g. trans-10 C18:1 and trans-11 C18:1) in rumen contents. Additionally, FUM supplementation increased the milk Δ9 desaturase index (by 15.5%) with higher cis-9 monounsaturated FAs in the milk. As a result, FUM increased the proportions of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FAs in the milk with lower atherogenicity index (by −15.3%) and thrombogenicity index (by −19.5%). Conversely, supplementing NPD increased RBH completeness (by 7.4%) with higher milk atherogenicity index (by 10.5%) and thrombogenicity index (by 8.7%). The adverse effects of NPD on the milk FA profiles can be eliminated when supplemented in combination with FUM. The metagenomic analyses showed that neither FUM nor NPD affect the rumen microbial α- or β-diversity at the strain or gene level. The in vitro study showed that the conversion rate of FUM to propionate was increased from 54.7% to 80.6% when FUM supplemented in combination with biotin and monensin, resulting a higher anti-RBH potential. Accordingly, manipulation of ruminal methanogenesis and propionogenesis can redirect hydrogen toward or away from RBH and thereby influence the milk FA profiles. FUM is a promising feed additive in ruminant not only to reduce the methane emissions as previously proved but also to improve the nutritional desirability of the milk FA profiles for human health.
The PSR and the Nature of Explanation: An Underrated Response to Modal Fatalism
Authors: Blado Joseph Emmanuel Elevado
Published: November 2024

The principle of sufficient reason (PSR) says every fact has an explanation. But van Inwagen argues the PSR is false—otherwise all facts are necessary facts. Consider the conjunction of all contingent facts, which we can call the Big Contingent Conjunction. If every fact has an explanation, then presumably the Big Contingent Conjunction had better have an explanation too. But what fact could explain its truth—is the Big Contingent Conjunction explained by a necessary fact or a contingent one? Trouble ensues either way. If the Big Contingent Conjunction is explained by a necessary fact, then it is hard to see why it should be contingent. (After all, if something follows from what is necessary, it too would seem to be necessary.) On the other hand, if the Big Contingent Conjunction is explained by a contingent fact, then the explanation appears circular since the explanans itself is among the facts it explains in the Big Contingent Conjunction. This paper explores an assumption of this argument rarely subjected to scrutiny—namely, the distribution principle, which asserts that if a fact explains a conjunction, then it explains each of its conjuncts. Though superficially plausible, close consideration of this principle reveals some reasons to reject it, potentially saving the PSR from van Inwagen’s challenge.
Informing a sinusitis clinical trial protocol: A focus group study with clinicians and staff
Authors: Liu Ruey-Ying , Fencil Charles , Whitfield Tom , Merenstein Daniel , Barrett Bruce , Rabago David , Krist Alex H. , Tong Sebastian T. , Zgierska Aleksandra E. , Tarn Derjung M.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates practicing clinician and staff perspectives on potential protocol modifications for the “Nasal Irrigation, Oral Antibiotics, and Subgroup Targeting for Effective Management of Acute Sinusitis” (NOSES) study, a pragmatic randomized controlled trial aiming at improving acute rhinosinusitis management. Focus groups with clinicians and staff at the pretrial stage recommended expanding participant age inclusion criteria, incorporating patients with COVID-19, and shortening the supportive care phase. Participants also discussed patient engagement and recruitment strategies. These practical insights contribute to optimizing the NOSES trial design and underscore the value of qualitative inquiries and healthcare stakeholder engagement in informing clinical trial design.
Driving key partner engagement by integrating community-engaged principles into a stakeholder analysis: A qualitative study
Authors: Allen Casey , Frankel Emily , Watanabe-Galloway Shinobu , Keeler Heidi , Palm Dave , Fitzpatrick Brooke , Estabrooks Paul , King Keyonna M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

The stakeholder analysis approach has historically been top-down rather than collaborative with key partners. However, this approach poses challenges for key partner engagement and community-engaged research, which aims to incorporate key partners throughout the project. This study, conducted by the Community Engagement Network at a Midwest Academic Medical Center, seeks to examine the value of community-engaged research for diverse key partners to increase collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and enhance impact, ultimately driving key partner engagement.

Methods:

The study involved semi-structured interviews with 38 key partners from diverse groups, including community members, community organizations, Practice-Based Research Network members, researchers, research administration, university administration, and potential funders. The interview guide, informed by an extensive literature review, assessed perceived value, barriers, and improvement strategies for community-engaged research, supplemented by value proposition statements.

Results:

The analysis revealed three main themes: 1) Fostering Community Buy-In: Authentic representation and inclusive partnerships were essential for trust and commitment; 2) Enhancing Communication and Dissemination: Effective communication strategies were vital for maintaining engagement and sharing research outcomes; and 3) Building Capacity and Ensuring Sustainability: Continuous learning and long-term investments were crucial for sustaining community-engaged research efforts.

Discussion:

This study underscores the value of incorporating key partners into stakeholder analyses to enhance collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and improve the impact of community-engaged research. The findings offer valuable insight for institutional transformation and implementation of effective stakeholder analyses and engagement tools, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of research strategies and initiatives.
COVID-19 Infection Experience and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Medical Staff: The Mediating Role of Professional Burnout
Authors: Wang Bingqian , Liu Xiaohan , Han Bing , Li Xiaoguang , Zhang Jiawei , Fu Yaqun , Zhu Zheng , Nie Zhijie , Tan Yiyang , Guo Jing , Yang Li , Jiang Rongmeng
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the relationship between COVID-19 infection-related conditions and depressive symptoms among medical staff after easing the zero-COVID policy in China, and to further examine the mediating role of professional burnout.

Methods

A total of 1716 medical staff from all levels of health care institutions in 16 administrative districts of Beijing, China, were recruited to participate at the end of 2022 in this cross-sectional study. Several multiple linear regressions and mediating effects tests were performed to analyze the data.

Results

At the beginning of the end of the zero-COVID policy in China, 91.84% of respondents reported infection with COVID-19. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the severity of infection symptoms was significantly positively associated with high levels of depressive symptoms (β = 0.06, P < 0.001), and this association was partially mediated by professional burnout. Specifically, emotional exhaustion (95% CI, 0.131, 0.251) and depersonalization (95% CI, 0.009, 0.043) significantly mediated the association between the severity of infection symptoms and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The mental health of medical staff with more severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection should be closely monitored. Also, interventions aimed at reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization may effectively reduce their risk of developing depressive symptoms.
What the War on Terror leaves behind: An introduction
Authors: Toros Harmonie , Jarvis Lee , Jackson Richard
Published: November 2024

This article serves as the introduction to a Special Issue of the European Journal of International Security titled ‘What the War on Terror Leaves Behind’. In it, we seek to contextualise and summarise the diverse contributions of this collection, which is animated by four overarching questions: (i) More than 20 years after the attacks of 11 September 2001, is the War on Terror now, finally, over? (ii) What, if any, legacies remain from the post-9/11 way of thinking and doing counterterrorism? (iii) What is the significance of the War on Terror’s legacies or absence thereof? and, (iv) How do the War on Terror’s impacts and effects sit within other historical contexts and (dis)continuities? The article begins with a brief overview of some of the conceptual and political ambiguities of the War on Terror itself, before situating the issue in relation to issues of continuity and change anticipated by the four questions above. A second section then explores the urgency of these questions for academic debate, and in the ‘real world’ of international security as experienced by states, communities, and other subjects. A third section then summarises the argument and contributions of the articles in the issue –highlighting the lack of agreement on key issues within these debates.
Energetics of particle-size segregation
Authors: Trewhela Tomás , Ulloa Hugo N.
Published: November 2024

We introduce a continuum framework for the energetics of particle-size segregation in bidisperse granular flows. Building on continuum segregation equations and a recent segregation flux model, the proposed framework offers general analytical expressions to study the physics of granular flows from a mechanical energy perspective. We demonstrate the framework's applicability by examining the energetics of shear-driven granular flows. Numerical experiments with varying frictional coefficients and particle-size ratios reveal two distinct phases in the energetics, marked by the separate onset of particle segregation and diffusive remixing. Furthermore, our numerical simulations alongside previous experimental results show that the bulk Richardson number

$Ri$

, defined as the potential energy to kinetic energy ratio at steady state, follows the scaling relationship

$Ri\equiv \hat {E}^{(s)}_{gp} / \hat {E}^{(s)}_{k} \propto Pe^{-1/2}_{sr}$

for

$0.1 \leq Ri\leq ~10^{3}$

and

$10^{-4} \leq Pe_{sr} \leq ~300$

, the segregation–rheology Péclet number. Finally, we present a Péclet-number-dependent theoretical expression for the degree of mixing (or segregation), validated by the compiled numerical and experimental dataset. Our findings hint that the bulk segregation–mixing state can be predicted and controlled using the segregation Péclet number

$Pe$

and

$Pe_{sr}$

, both determined from known system parameters, providing an instrumental tool for engineering and geophysical applications.
Turbulent flow of non-Newtonian fluid in rough channels
Authors: Narayanan C. , Singh J.S. , Nauer S. , Belt R.J. , Palermo T. , Lakehal D.
Published: November 2024

Direct numerical simulations of the turbulence of a Herschel–Bulkley (HB) fluid in a rough channel are performed at a shear Reynolds number

$Re_{\tau } \approx 300$

and a Bingham number

${Bn} \approx 0.9$

. For the type of rough surface used in this study, the results indicate that Townsend's wall similarity hypothesis also holds for HB fluids. However, there are notable differences compared with the effect of roughness on Newtonian fluids. More specifically, the effect of roughness appears to be slightly stronger for HB fluids, in the sense that the bulk Reynolds number, based on the viscosity at the wall, is reduced further due to the increase in viscosity in the troughs of the roughness surface induced by the low shear. At the same time, for the simulated rough surface, the contribution of form drag to the total pressure drop is reduced from 1/4 to about 1/5 due to the persistence of viscous shear in the boundary layer, reducing its shielding effect. As for the friction factor, due to the nonlinearity of the HB constitutive relation, its use with the wall shear rate from the mean wall shear stress underpredicts the minimum viscosity at the wall by up to 18 %. This inevitably leads to uncertainties in the prediction of the friction factor. Finally, it is observed that the rough surface is unable to break the peculiar near-wall flow structure of HB fluids, which consists of long persistent low-speed streaks occupying the entire domain. This means that the small-scale energy is significantly reduced for HB fluids, even in rough channels, with the energy more concentrated in the lower wavenumber range, implying an increase in the slope of the power spectrum to

$-7/2$

in the inertial range, as shown by Mitishita et al. (J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., vol. 293, 2021, 104570).
On the role of eddy viscosity in resolvent analysis of turbulent jets
Authors: von Saldern Jakob G.R. , Schmidt Oliver T. , Jordan Peter , Oberleithner Kilian
Published: November 2024

This study presents an approach to investigate the role of eddy viscosity in linearized mean-field analysis of broadband turbulent flows. The procedure is based on spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD), resolvent analysis and the energy budget of coherent structures and is demonstrated using the example of a turbulent jet. The focus is on the coherent component of the Reynolds stresses, the nonlinear interaction term of the fluctuating velocity component in frequency space, which appears as an unknown in the derivation of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations and which is the quantity modelled by the Boussinesq approach. For the considered jet the coherent Reynolds stresses are found to have a mostly dissipative effect on the energy budget of the dominant coherent structures. Comparison of the energy budgets of SPOD and resolvent modes demonstrates that dissipation caused by nonlinear energy transfer must be explicitly considered within the linear operator to achieve satisfactory results with resolvent analysis. Non-modelled dissipation distorts the energy balance of the resolvent modes and is not, as often assumed, compensated for by the resolvent forcing vector. A comprehensive analysis, considering different predictive and data-driven eddy viscosities, demonstrates that the Boussinesq model is highly suitable for modelling the dissipation caused by nonlinear energy transfer for the considered flow. Suitable eddy viscosities are analysed with regard to their frequency, azimuthal wavenumber and spatial dependence. In conclusion, the energetic considerations reveal that the role of eddy viscosity is to ensure that the energy the structures receive from the mean-field is dissipated.
What Do Privileged Coordinates Tell Us About Structure?
Authors: Barrett Thomas William , Manchak JB
Published: November 2024

We examine whether the ‘privileged coordinates’ of a geometric space encode its ‘amount of structure.’ In doing so, we compare this coordinate approach to comparing amounts of structure to the more familiar auto-morphism approach. We first show that on a natural understanding of the former, it faces one of the same well known problems as the latter. We then capture a precise sense in which the two approaches are closely related to one another, and we conclude by discussing whether they might still prove useful in cases of philosophical interest, despite their shortcomings.
How Narratives Can Deidealize Models
Authors: Quack Alexandra
Published: November 2024

Tarja Knuuttila and Mary Morgan recently challenged the widespread understanding that deidealization is no more than a simple process of relaxing assumptions to build increasingly more realistic models. They submit that, in practice, processes of model deidealization are diverse and complex and thus warrant more explicit scrutiny. Drawing on a case from economics, I extend their proposal by showing how narratives, as additional representational forms, can assume a crucial role in deidealizing mathematical models. I thereby propose to consider that processes of model deidealization are not necessarily exhausted by processes in which one mathematical model is replaced with another one.
Construct Validity in Automated Counterterrorism Analysis
Authors: Yee Adrian K.
Published: November 2024

Governments and social scientists are increasingly developing machine learning methods to automate the process of identifying terrorists in real time and predict future attacks. However, current operationalizations of “terrorist”’ in artificial intelligence are difficult to justify given three issues that remain neglected: insufficient construct legitimacy, insufficient criterion validity, and insufficient construct validity. I conclude that machine learning methods should be at most used for the identification of singular individuals deemed terrorists and not for identifying possible terrorists from some more general class, nor to predict terrorist attacks more broadly, given intolerably high risks that result from such approaches.
Political Leaders and Gender Disparity: The Link between Economic Hardship and Female Ministerial Appointments
Authors: Han Kangwook , Han Sung Min
Published: November 2024

While previous studies have examined the factors contributing to the appointment of women in government cabinets, few have investigated the role of political leaders in promoting women's cabinet representation. Drawing on political socialization theory, we argue that political leaders from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are more inclined to appoint female members to ministerial positions than their wealthier counterparts. This propensity stems from leaders’ personal experiences of economic hardship, which foster their interest in improving political equality among social groups and reducing gender disparities by appointing more female ministers. Analyzing an original dataset encompassing leaders’ family backgrounds across 155 countries between 1966 and 2015, we find that leaders who have experienced economic hardship significantly increase the proportion of female ministers in executive cabinets. This finding holds across various model specifications and effectively addresses endogeneity concerns. Our research highlights the crucial role of political leaders in shaping gender politics based on their economic backgrounds.
Impact of crown architecture on light availability, gas exchange, flowering and fruiting in jamun (Syzygium cumini [L.] Skeels)
Authors: Trivedi Ajaya Kumar , Singh Anand Kumar , Mishra Krishna Kumar , Vishen Gaurav Singh
Published: November 2024

Experiments were conducted to assess the impact of crown architecture on light availability beneath the trees, flowering, fruiting, yield and quality of jamun (Syzygium cumini [L.] Skeels). Trees were maintained as control, palmette and open centre crown. Impact was evaluated for three consecutive years, i.e. 2017–2019. Diffuse light beneath the trees ranged from 69.7 ± 2.22 to 45.9 ± 1.45%, whereas direct light varied from 30.4 ± 0.97 to 54.1 ± 1.78%. At flowering and fruit development stage (June), photosynthesis rate (A) in control trees was 12.5 ± 0.43 μmol CO2/m2/s; however, at fruit maturity and dormancy (August), it was only 9.5 ± 0.35 μmol CO2/m2/s. Similarly, in palmette and open centre trees, photosynthesis rate at flowering and fruit development stage was 13.5 ± 0.46 and 15.7 ± 0.54 μmol CO2/m2/s, respectively; whereas at fruit maturity and dormancy, photosynthesis rate dropped to 10.5 ± 0.39 and 11.7 ± 0.43 μmol CO2/m2/s, respectively. Substantial variation in stomatal conductance (gs), vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and transpiration rate (E) was also found. Days to start flowering ranged from 92 ± 0.33 to 98 ± 0.33. Similarly, days to end flowering varied from 99 ± 0.07 to 107 ± 0.36, days to fruit set 132 ± 0.33 to 139 ± 0.33 and days to fruit maturity 176 ± 0.48 to 184 ± 0.63. Significant variation in fruit length, fruit width and fruit weight was also found. Total soluble solids in fruit pulp varied from 9.0 ± 0.15 to 12.2 ± 0.149°Brix and fruit yield 62.3 ± 1.5 to 86.7 ± 1.33 kg per tree. Noteworthy variation in fruit quality traits was also recorded. This study illustrates that crown architecture has considerable impact on gas exchange parameters, flowering, fruiting, yield and quality of jamun.
Enhancing lodging resistance in two Vicia species: unveiling the morphological and stem anatomy transformations induced by Moddus
Authors: Zorić Lana , Živanov Dalibor , Karagić Đura , Karanović Dunja , Luković Jadranka
Published: November 2024

To assess the potential for enhancing lodging resistance in legumes through the application of plant growth regulators (PGR) and changes in stem structure, the stem morphological and anatomical characteristics, as well as the chemical composition, of Vicia sativa and Vicia pannonica were analysed before and after treatment with different doses of PGR trinexapac-ethyl. The aim was to identify stem morpho-anatomical components that impact lodging resistance, quantify the dose-dependent effect of the chosen PGR on the Vicia stem and examine if stem lodging resistance could be improved through PGR application, as well as determine if some of the stem characteristics could be used as markers for lodging resistance prediction.

Although in both species lodging index increased (14–126%), suggesting improved resistance to lodging, and stem height decreased (12–38%) upon PGR application, the impact on V. sativa was more pronounced. The findings indicate that, apart from stem height, none of the examined morpho-anatomical characteristics showed a high and significant correlation with the lodging index. Therefore, none of these characteristics can be used as a marker for predicting lodging resistance. Increased proportion of cortex, cylinder parenchyma and collenchyma, along with reduced central cavity, might contribute to a greater lodging resistance in V. sativa. PGR decreased the amount of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. These results encourage the use of PGR for lodging resistance improvement in vetches, through the reduction of stem height, since this modification did not adversely affect the stem structure or grain yield.
Neighbourhood Walkability and Greenness Exhibit Different Associations with Social Participation in Older Males and Females: An Analysis of the CLSA
Authors: Klicnik Irmina , Putman Andrew , Rudoler David , Widener Michael J. , Dogra Shilpa
Published: November 2024

We explored the relationship between neighbourhood and social participation among older adults using a Living Environments and Active Aging Framework. This prospective cohort study used baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) with a 3-year follow-up. Three aspects of social participation were the outcomes; walkability and greenness at baseline were exposure variables. The sample consisted of 50.0% females (n=16,735, age 72.9± 5.6 years). In males, higher greenness was associated with lower loneliness and less variety in social activities. No significant associations between greenness and social participation were found in females. High walkability was related to a higher variety of social activity and higher loneliness in males but not females, and less desire for more social activity in both sexes. Greenness and walkability impact social participation among older adults. Future research should include sex and gender-based analyses.
Advance directives in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Appel Jacob M.
Published: November 2024

Balancing autonomy and beneficence remains an ongoing challenge in the ethical treatment of patients with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders of thought. Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) offer one mechanism through which individuals can guide their own care, but unlike medical advance directives, they are not widely utilized in the United States. They are also highly limited by state law in the scope of their legal authority. This article explores the evidentiary basis for PADs as well as the legal and ethical issues that arise in the use of PADs in individuals with schizophrenia, arguing that providers’ fears of complete opt-out from care by patients are likely unfounded and that PADs offer a powerful tool through which individuals with schizophrenia can ensure meaningful consideration of their own values and goals.
Off-track monetary policy and housing
Authors: Horvath Jaroslav , Jawadi Fredj , Rothman Philip
Published: November 2024

We find significant evidence of model misspecification, in the form of neglected serial correlation, in the econometric model of the U.S. housing market used by Taylor (2007) in his critique of monetary policy following the 2001 recession. When we account for that serial correlation, his model fails to replicate the historical paths of housing starts and house price inflation. Further modifications allow us to capture both the housing boom and the bust. Our results suggest that the counterfactual monetary policy proposed by Taylor (2007) would not have averted the pre-financial crisis collapse in the housing market. Additional analysis implies that the burst of house price inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic was not caused by the deviations from the Taylor rule that occurred during this period.
Trends in food and nutrition behaviours, knowledge and attitudes among youth in six countries: findings from the 2019–2021 International Food Policy Study Youth Surveys
Authors: Acton Rachel B , White Christine M , Hock Karen , Vanderlee Lana , Hammond David
Published: November 2024

Objective:

This commentary highlights the release of findings now available in the report International Food Policy Study Youth Surveys: Summary of Findings 2019–2021.

Design:

The survey data described in this commentary consist of repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted annually beginning in 2019.

Setting:

Online surveys were conducted in 2019 to 2021 among respondents living in Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Participants:

Survey respondents were youth aged 10–17 years in 2019 (n 12 031), 2020 (n 11 108) and 2021 (n 10 459).

Results:

The report described in this commentary summarises findings on food and nutrition behaviours, attitudes and knowledge among youth, including their diet sources and patterns, school nutrition environments, food security, diet intentions, weight perceptions and weight loss behaviours, sugary drink perceptions, awareness of public education and mass media campaigns, perceptions of food labels and exposure to food and beverage marketing.

Conclusion:

Results from the IFPS Youth surveys provide important insights into key policies of global interest, including front-of-package nutrition labelling, levies on sugary beverages and restrictions on marketing unhealthy food and beverages to children. As policymakers continue to seek effective strategies to improve adolescent health outcomes, ongoing cross-country monitoring of food and nutrition-related indicators, such as the data from the International Food Policy Study, will be critical in assessing dietary trends and evaluating upcoming policies.
Too Much Democracy? Exploring the Link between Majoritarian Institutions and Disparities in the American States
Authors: Pacheco Julianna , LaCombe Scott
Published: November 2024

In the field of American state politics, the tension between majoritarian institutions and equality has largely been ignored. Do state institutions that empower majority preferences exacerbate disparities in social outcomes? Under what conditions do majoritarian institutions exacerbate inequalities in the American states? Our argument is that equality is most likely to be threatened under majoritarian institutions when (1) there are systemic participatory biases and/or (2) there are widespread prejudices about particular groups in society. We find that more majoritarian institutions are associated with larger disparities between White and Black life expectancy and poverty rates across the American states, but not differences in educational attainment. We also find that this effect is moderated by racial context, with majoritarian institutions being associated with greater disparities for states with diverse racial contexts and smaller disparities in more homogenous states. These findings suggest that majoritarian institutions operate to the benefit of the White majority, while coming at the cost of minority population outcomes when a racial threat is perceived, and presumably, public opinion is biased.
Root‐Borne Microbial Necromass—An Overlooked Source of Grassland Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Zhang Xinying , Dai Guohua , Zhai Guoqing , Yi Wenxing , Ma Lixiao , Huang Zhenying , Ye Xuehua , Ma Wenhong , Wang Yonghui , Zhang Pujin , Feng Xiaojuan
Published: November 2024

Root‐borne microbial necromass carbon (MNC) is an under‐investigated contributor to soil organic carbon (SOC) in grasslands. Here we conduct a benchmark assessment of root‐borne MNC based on amino sugars in the fresh roots of 27 dominant species and mixed roots (including dead ones) of mixed species in Inner Mongolian grasslands. We find that mixed roots contain 9.1−62.4 mg g−1 MNC, which may contribute ∼10% of MNC in surface soils (0−10 cm) if all enters the soil without degradation. Root (and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; AMF) turnover rather than AMF biomass controls root‐borne MNC accumulation. Based on a microcosm decomposition experiment of mixed roots in model soils under optimal conditions (∼22°C; 60% of maximum water holding capacity), we further estimate that 43%−75% of root‐borne MNC remains after 2‐year decomposition, implying that root‐borne MNC is relatively stable. Hence, root‐borne MNC may be an overlooked potential source of soil MNC and SOC in grasslands.
Energy Transport and Conversion Above a Bright Discrete Auroral Arc
Authors: Chaston C. C.
Published: November 2024

Magnetically connected observations of particle distributions and luminosity from the Reimei spacecraft are used to examine energy transport and conversion occurring above a discrete auroral arc. By combining imaging and in situ measurements it is shown how transverse electromagnetic and kinetic energy fluxes measured along the spacecraft trajectory converge across geomagnetic field‐lines into the acceleration region. It is shown how cross‐field energy transport is facilitated by the formation of vortices along the length of the arc. From an integration over the vertical extent of the acceleration region it is shown that the transverse and field‐aligned flow of energy into the arc locally supports the dissipation needed to power the electron acceleration observed. Estimates of gradients in electromagnetic and kinetic energy flows show how field‐aligned electron energization in the acceleration region is supported by the divergence of Poynting flux along and across the background magnetic field.