bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable pollination service in a generalist high Arctic community despite the warming climate
Authors: Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Kaartinen Riikka , Rasmussen Claus , Redr Deanne , Wirta Helena , Olesen Jens M. , Tiusanen Mikko , Ballantyne Gavin , Cunnold Helen , Stone Graham N. , Schmidt Niels Martin , Roslin Tomas
Published: August 2022

Insects provide key pollination services in most terrestrial biomes, but this service depends on a multistep interaction between insect and plant. An insect needs to visit a flower, receive pollen from the anthers, move to another conspecific flower, and finally deposit the pollen on a receptive stigma. Each of these steps may be affected by climate change, and focusing on only one of them (e.g., flower visitation) may miss important signals of change in service provision. In this study, we combine data on visitation, pollen transport, and single‐visit pollen deposition to estimate functional outcomes in the high Arctic plant‐pollinator network of Zackenberg, Northeast Greenland, a model system for global warming–associated impacts in pollination services. Over two decades of rapid climate warming, we sampled the network repeatedly: in 1996, 1997, 2010, 2011, and 2016. Although the flowering plant and insect communities and their interactions varied substantially between years, as expected based on highly variable Arctic weather, there was no detectable directional change in either the structure of flower‐visitor networks or estimated pollen deposition. For flower‐visitor networks compiled over a single week, species phenologies caused major within‐year variation in network structure despite consistency across years. Weekly networks for the middle of the flowering season emerged as especially important because most pollination service can be expected to be provided by these large, highly nested networks. Our findings suggest that pollination ecosystem service in the high Arctic is remarkably resilient. This resilience may reflect the plasticity of Arctic biota as an adaptation to extreme and unpredictable weather. However, most pollination service was contributed by relatively few fly taxa (Diptera: Spilogona sanctipauli and Drymeia segnis [Muscidae] and species of Rhamphomyia [Empididae]). If these key pollinators are negatively affected by climate change, network structure and the pollination service that depends on it would be seriously compromised.
Rapid evaluation and optimization of carbon dioxide‐enhanced oil recovery using reduced‐physics proxy models
Authors: Al‐Mudhafar Watheq J. , Rao Dandina N. , Srinivasan Sanjay , Vo Thanh Hung , Al Lawe Erfan M.
Published: August 2022

The carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in oil reservoirs is a promising enhanced oil recovery method to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The CO2 injection simulation and optimization require a large computation time, especially in real large‐scale oil reservoirs. This paper integrates experimental design and machine learning to construct a reduced‐physics surrogate model alternative to the complex reservoir simulator. This surrogate model was used to evaluate and optimize the CO2‐assisted gravity drainage (CO2‐GAGD) process, applied to a clastic reservoir in the Rumaila oil field. In the GAGD process optimization, five operational decision parameters controlling the production and injection activities were manipulated to attain optimal future oil production. Hundreds of simulation runs were created by Latin Hypercube Sampling to build a proxy‐based optimization. The optimal scenario increased the cumulative oil production by 416 MMSTB at the end of 10‐year prediction period. Finally, four machine learning (ML) algorithms were built as proxy surrogates alternative to the complex compositional reservoir simulations: Quadratic Equation (QM), FUzzy logic‐GEnetic algorithm (FUzzy‐GEnetic), Multivariate Additive Regression Splines (MARS), and Generalized Boosted Modeling (GBM). To show how robust using the ML approaches for the fast CO2‐GAGD process optimization, the random subsampling cross‐validation was adopted to conclude the optimum proxy metamodel that provides the lowest mismatch between the proxy‐ and simulator‐based cumulative oil production. The GBM algorithm achieved the highest adjusted‐R2 (0.9973) and lowest root mean square prediction error to produce the most accurate metamodel. The resulting accurate GBM proxy metamodel can be used for fast optimization of the CO2‐GAGD process. Specifically, GBM‐metamodel should lead to achieving higher optimal reservoir flow responses, especially with running a large number of simulation runs. Consequently, this proposed trained GBM‐ML proxy metamodel could be used for gas injection optimization and uncertainty assessment with far‐less computational effort than with the conventional approaches, which use a complex flow simulator.
Quality of life and sexual function in patients aged 35 years or younger undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zimmermann Julia S. M. , Sima Romina‐Marina , Radosa Marc P. , Radosa Christoph G. , Ples Liana , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Solomayer Erich‐Franz , Radosa Julia C.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To evaluate how hysterectomy performed for benign gynecologic pathologies affects the quality of life and sexual function of patients aged 35 years or younger, and if outcomes differ according to the surgical technique.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy (SLH), or vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign uterine disorders between April 2014 and June 2020 at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany, were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Quality of life and sexual function were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using standardized validated questionnaires: the European Quality of Life Five‐Dimension Scale (EQ‐5D) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results

Thirty‐three (45%) patients underwent TLH, 25 (34%) underwent SLH, and 15 (21%) patients underwent VH. The median preoperative EQ‐5D score, FSFI score, and EQ‐5D visual analog scale were 0.9 (range 0.62–1), 19.25 (range 2.4–27.4), and 50 (range 0–100); postoperative scores were 1 (range 0.61–1), 24.15 (range 3.9–29.3), and 90 (range 30–100), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Postoperative scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores, with no significant difference according to the surgical technique.

Conclusion

Hysterectomy for benign indication in women aged 35 years or less significantly improved the patients' quality of life and sexual function with no differences regarding the surgical technique.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered in the German trial registry (no. DRKS00005622).
The Raman spectra of freshly cleaved pyrrhotites: The effect of atmospheric weathering and laser‐induced oxidation
Authors: Urashima Shu‐hei , Narahara Keisuke , Yui Hiroharu
Published: August 2022

Pyrrhotite is a common iron sulfide mineral described as a non‐stoichiometric formula Fe1‐xS (0 < x < 0.125), permitting a lot of superstructures based on the hexagonal NiAs crystal subcell. Due to its abundance as well as its characteristic magnetic properties, many aspects of the research have been carried out both in geochemistry and material sciences. However, surprisingly, Raman spectra reported as “pyrrhotite” are remarkably different literature‐by‐literature. The reason for the differences is probably due to its reactive surface allowing the accelerated surface oxidation by laser‐induced heating in air and atmospheric weathering by long‐time exposure. However, to consider its crystal and/or surface structure, standard Raman spectra from fresh surfaces, that is, free from oxidation, are inevitable for the assignments of geological samples and for studying the chemical reaction that occurred on the surfaces. Here, we measured the Raman spectra of freshly cleaved surfaces of pyrrhotites sampled from different mines with changing the measurement conditions. As a result, only a very weak and broadened peak at around 130 cm−1was observed from the fresh surfaces. It is suggested that the Raman measurements in air rapidly proceed the surface oxidation. In addition, the atmospheric weathering is also found to give new intense Raman bands, which have been sometimes assigned to the original peaks of pyrrhotite crystal. The Raman spectra of pyrrhotites both in lower‐wavenumber and in anti‐Stokes region were also measured for the first time, confirming the spectroscopic features of pyrrhotite above.
Seasonal transmission dynamics and optimal control strategies for tuberculosis in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Xue Ling , Ren Xue , Sun Wei , Zheng Xiaoming , Peng Zhihang , Singh Bismark
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis was ranked No. 3 among 29 types of infectious diseases in January 2022 of Jiangsu Province, in the southeast of China, and it has strong seasonality whose incidence rate has been high in springs and low in winters. This comprehensive study extends the spreading dynamics to the control strategies of TB in Jiangsu Province with time‐varying transmission rate, which is the first one in this type. The periodic transmission rate is incorporated to the classic SEIR model with susceptible, latent, infectious, and recovered compartments. The analysis shows that when the basic reproduction number
is less than one, the epidemic will eventually disappear but, if
is larger than one, the disease may persist with a periodic solution. The
value of Jiangsu TB is calculated as 1.297. In addition, the model predicts that the epidemic will not disappear over time and there will be a major outbreak after certain years. To eradicate TB, this work introduces three control strategies on susceptible, latent, and infectious populations. It turns out that the optimal control solutions can reduce the incidence rate in 2035 by 90% from 2015, the goal of World Health Organization. Simultaneously, we find that the optimal controls have the same seasonality as the transmission rate. This indicates that Jiangsu Province needs to invest more control efforts in springs than in winters. In addition, the cost of control strategies is analyzed in terms of the unit cost, total cost, and incremental cost‐effectiveness. Summarizing all results, we recommend targeting the latent patients, or both latent and infectious individuals, with the transmission rate‐synchronized control strength as the most effective control strategy, to mitigate or even eradicate TB disease in Jiangsu Province.
Investigating Gen Z attitudes to charitable giving and donation behaviour: Social media, peers and authenticity
Authors: Konstantinou Iro , Jones Kate
Published: August 2022

Even though there are studies which look at the motivations and trends of charitable giving and donations among Millennials, there is little empirical evidence which discusses how Gen Z perceive charitable donations and philanthropic work. As this generation moves into full employment, it is worth considering what influences they perceive as important for them to invest money, time and effort in when it comes to charitable giving, especially at the aftermath of COVID‐19 which has shaped perceptions of community, charity and donation behaviour. Our paper draws from focus groups with participants in the age range of 21–24, all based in the southeast of the UK. We explore the influences of peers, social media and personal interests in how Gen Z chooses which charitable causes to support during and after COVID‐19, a formative time in young people's lives. Our study shows that Gen Z are a generation who want to feel personally connected to the charities and causes they support. Social media and its influences are also a major driver in what Gen Z perceive to be pivotal in their expressions of charitable giving. Peer influences are important since recommendations by friends are likely to be authentic and genuine, something which is essential for Gen Z who do not want to be perceived as jumping on the bandwagon when they support causes but want to see long‐lasting impact. Our findings show that Gen Z prefer to be approached online rather than in person and feel empowered in their choices. We conclude by recommendations to marketers and those who are looking to engage Gen Z in their charitable endeavours and make them espouse their goals, especially in a (post) COVID‐19 world in a UK context.
Causal discoveries for high dimensional mixed data
Authors: Cai Zhanrui , Xi Dong , Zhu Xuan , Li Runze
Published: August 2022

Causal relationships are of crucial importance for biological and medical research. Algorithms have been proposed for causal structure learning with graphical visualizations. While much of the literature focuses on biological studies where data often follow the same distribution, for example, the normal distribution for all variables, challenges emerge from epidemiological and clinical studies where data are often mixed with continuous, binary, and ordinal variables. We propose to use a mixed latent Gaussian copula model to estimate the underlying correlation structure via the rank correlation for mixed data. This correlation structure is then incorporated into a popular causal discovery algorithm, the PC algorithm, to identify causal structures. The proposed algorithm, called the latent‐PC algorithm, is able to discover the true causal structure consistently under mild conditions in high dimensional settings. From simulation studies, the latent‐PC algorithm delivers a competitive performance in terms of a similar or higher true positive rate and a similar or lower false positive rate, compared with other variants of the PC algorithm. In the high dimensional settings where the number of variables is more than the number of observations, the causal graphs identified by the latent‐PC algorithm are closer to the true causal structures, compared to other competing algorithms. Further, we demonstrate the utility of the latent‐PC algorithm in a real dataset for hepatocellular carcinoma. Causal structures for patient survival are visualized and connected with clinical interpretations in the literature.
Key enzymes involved in anammox‐based processes for wastewater treatment: An applied overview
Authors: Venturin Bruno , Rodrigues Heloisa Campeão , Bonassa Gabriela , Hollas Camila Ester , Bolsan Alice Chiapetti , Antes Fabiane Goldschmidt , De Prá Marina Celant , Fongaro Gislaine , Treichel Helen , Kunz Airton
Published: August 2022

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process has attracted significant attention as an economic, robustness, and sustainable method for the treatment of nitrogen (N)‐rich wastewater. Anammox bacteria (AnAOB) coexist with other microorganisms, and particularly with ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and/or heterotrophic bacteria (HB), in symbiosis in favor of the substrate requirement (ammonium and nitrite) of the AnAOB being supplied by these other organisms. The dynamics of these microbial communities have a significant effect on the N‐removal performance, but the corresponding metabolic pathways are still not fully understood. These processes involve many common metabolites that may act as key factors to control the symbiotic interactions between these organisms, to maximize N‐removal efficiency from wastewater. Therefore, this work overviews the current state of knowledge about the metabolism of these microorganisms including key enzymes and intermediate metabolites and summarizes already reported experiences based on the employment of certain metabolites for the improvement of N‐removal using anammox‐based processes.

Practitioner Points

Approaches knowledge about the biochemistry and metabolic pathways involved in anammox‐based processes.

Some molecular tools can be used to determine enzymatic activity, serving as an optimization in nitrogen removal processes.

Enzymatic evaluation allied to the physical–chemical and biomolecular analysis of the nitrogen removal processes expands the application in different effluents.
The emerging roles of CFIm25 (NUDT21/CPSF5) in human biology and disease
Authors: Masamha Chioniso Patience
Published: August 2022

The mammalian cleavage factor I subunit CFIm25 (NUDT21) binds to the UGUA sequences of precursor RNAs. Traditionally, CFIm25 is known to facilitate 3′ end formation of pre‐mRNAs resulting in the formation of polyadenylated transcripts. Recent studies suggest that CFIm25 may be involved in the cyclization and hence generation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) that contain UGUA motifs. These circRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that disrupt the ceRNA–miRNA–mRNA axis. Other emerging roles of CFIm25 include regulating both alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation (APA). APA generates different sized transcripts that may code for different proteins, or more commonly transcripts that code for the same protein but differ in the length and sequence content of their 3′ UTRs (3′ UTR‐APA). CFIm25 mediated global changes in 3′ UTR‐APA affect human physiology including spermatogenesis and the determination of cell fate. Deregulation of CFIm25 and changes in 3′ UTR‐APA have been implicated in several human diseases including cancer. In many cancers, CFIm25 acts as a tumor suppressor. However, there are some cancers where CFIm25 has the opposite effect. Alterations in CFIm25‐driven 3′ UTR‐APA may also play a role in neural dysfunction and fibrosis. CFIm25 mediated 3′ UTR‐APA changes can be used to generate specific signatures that can be used as potential biomarkers in development and disease. Due to the emerging role of CFIm25 as a regulator of the aforementioned RNA processing events, modulation of CFIm25 levels may be a novel viable therapeutic approach.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
The reaction of NH4Cl with SO3: Two modifications of (NH4)[SO3Cl]
Authors: Zimmermann Vanessa , Schindler Lisa V. , van Gerven David , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: August 2022

The reaction of NH4Cl with SO3 leads to the chlorosulfate (NH4)[SO3Cl]. Depending on the reaction temperature two different modifications are obtained. At 80 °C the orthorhombic modification (NH4)[SO3Cl]‐I is obtained (Pbca, Z=16, a=1078.03(4), b=911.55(3), c=1915.32(6), Vm=70.85 cm3/mol), at 120 °C monoclinic (NH4)[SO3Cl]‐II forms (P21/c, Z=8, a=846.19(3), b=590.30(2), c=852.29(7) pm, β=100.516(10)°, Vm=68.48 cm3/mol). The observed bonds in the chlorosulfate anion are compared to the few know compounds of this type and to theoretical values based on DFT calculations.
Between Home and the City: Receiving and Controlling Strangers in Altona, 1740–1765
Authors: Ljungberg Johannes
Published: August 2022

This article investigates shifting expectations of hospitality and security in the eighteenth-century free town Altona. Although the Danish authorities preferred to keep the city relatively unregulated, the instruction for the burgher captains from 1748 introduced a more organized evening patrol, and the new police instructions from 1754 demanded detailed records of lodging guests to be reported to the police director on a daily basis. This order was motivated further in the city’s police director Johann Peter Willebrand’s book on the ideal police practice,Abrégé de la Police(1765). In this book, the importance of politeness and hospitality towards strangers and guests in the city was emphasized with clarifying examples from his experiences, ambitions, and seemingly utopian ideals, which the burgher captains were expected to support by performing their everyday duties. On the basis of Willebrand’s writings, police records, administrative correspondence, and travel accounts, as well as the burgher captains’ complaints about the hardship of their work, this article shows how the reforms of public security in eighteenth-century Altona strengthened colliding expectations of private and public responsibilities, and resulted in requests from the burgher captains for a more clear-cut division between home and city.
German Merchants in Novgorod: Hospitality and Hostility, Twelfth–Fifteenth Centuries
Authors: Lukin Pavel V.
Published: August 2022

Relationship between Novgorodians and Hanseatic merchants in the twelfth–fifteenth centuries present a striking example of long-term and ongoing interaction between communities differing in ethnicity, culture and Christian denominations in Northern Europe. There is a unique corpus of sources allowing to study contacts between them—numerous documents dating mostly from the fourteenth to fifteenth centuries, written in Middle Low German, related to the activities of the Hanseatic Kontor in Novgorod. Some very important evidence can also be found in Novgorodian sources: chronicles, hagiographical texts, laws and charters. The following issues are addressed in the chapter: the infra-structure of hospitality in Novgorod (first of all, history of the main residences of the Hanseatic merchants in Novgorod—the so-called “trading yards”); legal aspects and rhetoric of hospitality and hostility towards the guests and securitization of both hosts and guests; everyday practices of hospitality and hostility in Novgorod towards German merchants. The author comes to the conclusion that the “Black Legend” widespread in the mainstream scholarship in the nineteenth and in the first half of the twentieth centuries which assumed that relations between Novgorodians and German merchants had been almost exclusively hostile and based upon mutual distrust has to be revised. Novgorod was able to shape a variety of notions and practices, which allowed, despite conflicts, to efficiently keep contact with the numerous German merchant community for centuries.
Guests or Strangers? The Reception of Visiting Merchants in the Towns of the Baltic Rim, 1515–1559
Authors: Olsson Lovisa
Published: August 2022

Long-distance trade brought merchants, skippers, and other visiting traders to the early modern towns of the Baltic rim. This chapter explores how they were received in the visited towns through the court protocols from the towns of Lübeck, Malmö, Stockholm, and Reval covering the period 1515–1559. A spatial perspective on the reception of merchants and traders shows that the level of hospitality granted to visitors depended on their perceived trustworthiness and social standing. The view on visiting traders was conflicted, as they simultaneously offered possibilities for lucrative trade and posed a perceived threat to the social order of the early modern towns.
Ritualized Hospitality: The Negotiations of the Riga Capitulation and the Adventus of Boris Sheremetev in July 1710
Authors: Goetze Dorothée
Published: August 2022

The inseparable connection between hospitality and hostility is a central characteristic of hospitality. This article takes up this aspect and examines it using the example of Riga’s surrender in July 1710. Within barely two weeks, the city and its inhabitants changed their legal status twice: from a besieged to an occupied city and from occupied to Russian subjects. These transformations were embedded in forms of ritualized hospitality in which attackers and besieged, occupied and new rulers met. While the provision of hostages in the course of the negotiations on the surrender of the city enabled non-hostile communication and were intended to ensure the success of the negotiations, the entry of the Russian General Field Marshal Sheremetev into the city of Riga ten days later transformed Riga into a Russian city and its inhabitants into Russian subjects. It thus served to display Russian rule and secure it.
Untangling the taxonomy of dahlia mosaic virus
Authors: Geering Andrew D. W. , McTaggart Alistair R. , Teycheney Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2022

In this brief note, we review the taxonomic history of dahlia mosaic virus (DMV) and related viruses. DMV is the only officially recognized caulimovirus known to infect dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) plants, although this virus appears to be relatively rare as a pathogen compared to a more recently described but unclassified caulimovirus called dahlia common mosaic virus (DCMV). We have undertaken a new set of analyses to test the hypothesis that DCMV represents a new caulimovirus species whose members infect dahlia, but we ultimately reject this hypothesis. A probable sequencing error was identified in the reference genome sequence of DMV, and consequently, we recommend that an alternative virus isolate be nominated as the exemplar for this species. In accordance with the new binomial nomenclatural system, it is proposed that the virus species be called “Caulimovirus dahliae”.
Is there a common reaction pathway for chromium sulfides as anodes in sodium-ion batteries? A case study about sodium storage properties of MCr2S4 (M = Cr, Ti, Fe)
Authors: Hartmann Felix , Liers Lina , Etter Martin , Terraschke Huayna , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

We present new insights into the electrochemical properties of three metal sulfides MCr2S4 (M = Cr, Ti, Fe) probed as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries for the first time. The electrodes deliver decent reversible capacities and good long-term cycle stability, e.g., 470, 375, and 524 mAh g−1 are obtained after 200 cycles applying 0.5 A g−1 for M = Cr, Ti, and Fe, respectively. The reaction mechanisms are investigated via synchrotron-based X-ray powder diffraction and pair distribution function analyses. The highly crystalline educts are decomposed into Na2S nanoparticles and ultra-small metal particles during initial discharge without formation of intermediate NaCrS2 domains as previously reported for CuCrS2 and NiCr2S4. After a full cycle, the structural integrity of MCr2S4 (M = Cr, Ti, Fe) is not recovered. Thus, the Na storage properties are attributed to redox reactions between nanoscopic to X-ray amorphous conversion products with only local atomic correlations M···S/S···S in the charged and M···M/Na···S in the discharged state.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of digital technologies upon teaching and learning in higher education in Latin America: an outlook on the reach, barriers, and bottlenecks
Authors: Okoye Kingsley , Hussein Haruna , Arrona-Palacios Arturo , Quintero Héctor Nahún , Ortega Luis Omar Peña , Sanchez Angela Lopez , Ortiz Elena Arias , Escamilla Jose , Hosseini Samira
Published: August 2022

Digital technology and literacy can heighten the transformation of teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs). This study uncovers the extent to which digital technologies have been used to advance the teaching and learning process in HEIs, and the barriers and bottlenecks to why it may not have been effectively implemented across the HEIs. The study used nine selected countries in Latin America (LATAM) based on the main focus of the educators, commercial, and financial investors; to show the level of impact/implications of computer technologies on the teaching and learning processes. We applied a two-step (mixed) methodology (through a quantitative and qualitative lens) for the research investigation, using data collected from survey we administered to faculty members in HEIs across the different countries in LATAM. In turn, we implemented a Text Mining technique (sentiment and emotional valence analysis) to analyze opinions (textual data) given by the participants to help determine challenges and obstacles to using the digital technologies for teaching and learning in the region. Quantitatively, we applied a Kruskal–Wallis H-test to analyze the collected multiple choice and ranked items in the questionnaire in order to identify prominent factors that consummately influence the reach, barriers, and bottlenecks, and where the differences may lie across the different LATAM countries. The results show that the users upheld the emphasis on lack of training, infrastructures and resources, access to internet and digital platforms, as the main challenges to the teaching–learning process. The study also empirically discussed and shed light on critical factors the HEIs, particularly in LATAM, should resolve and adopt in support of the decision-making strategies, operational policies and governance, financial investments, and policymaking, at a time when “digital technologies” have become an inevitable and indispensable part of education and learning.
Entrepreneurial metacognition: a study on nascent entrepreneurs
Authors: Bastian Bob , Zucchella Antonella
Published: August 2022

This paper contributes to uncovering the role of metacognition in the decision-making process of entrepreneurs. Specifically, we analyze nascent entrepreneurs in their process of start-up development while relying on metacognitive processes. The experiences of a sample of new venture initiatives are explored in two distinct phases, a start-up competition and the subsequent launch of their venture. Following the Gioia protocol, the study contextualizes the process in which social capital reinforces metacognitive processes. This process stimulates nascent entrepreneurs to consider alternatives, such as extending expertise outside the start-up. Moreover, we find that these processes support entrepreneurs and their teams in improving their decision-making processes. The findings support that nascent entrepreneurs rely heavily on the input of others in their start-up creation process, and contribute to new empirical insights about entrepreneurial metacognition. A dynamic model in which these relationships emerge is developed. The study’s results contribute to a better understanding of the antecedents and consequences of metacognitive processes in nascent entrepreneurship.
Laminar flow in channels with porous walls: advancing the existence, uniqueness and approximation of solutions via fixed point approaches
Authors: Almuthaybiri Saleh S. , Tisdell Christopher C.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this work is to develop a more complete theory regarding solutions to the problem of laminar flow in channels with porous walls. We establish new knowledge regarding the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions to a fourth order boundary value problem under consideration. In contrast to the previous literature, our strategy involves establishing new a priori bounds on solutions and draws on contractive mapping principles. This enables a deeper understanding of the problem by strategically addressing the questions of existence, uniqueness and approximation of solutions under one integrated framework, rather than applying somewhat disjointed approaches. Through this strategy, we advance current knowledge by extending the range of values of the Reynolds number under which the problem will admit a unique solution; and we furnish a sequence of functions whose limit converges to this solution, enabling an iterative approximation to any theoretical degree of accuracy.
Imaging of groin pain in athletes: patterns of injury at MRI and gender differences therein
Authors: Hynes John P. , O’Flaherty Meadhbh , Glynn David , Eustace Sarah , Kavanagh Eoin C.
Published: August 2022

Aim

The purpose of our study was to review a large cohort of athletes of all levels presenting with groin pain who underwent investigation with MRI and to determine what the commonest patterns of injury were. We aimed to explore whether particular findings were commonly found in association and whether measurable gender differences exist in the incidence of specific injuries.

Materials and methods

Imaging records were reviewed to identify MRI studies of the pelvis performed for the investigation of groin pain in patients who were active in sports/athletic pursuits. Findings were classified and recorded as follows: injury to the common rectus abdominis/adductor longus origin, injury to the short adductor muscles, pubic bone oedema, pubic symphysis degenerative changes, hip joint injury and ‘other’. The prevalence of specific injuries in female athletes compared to males was analysed using relative risk ratios.

Results

A total of 470 athletes underwent MRI for the investigation of groin pain during the study period. Forty-six were female, and 424 were male. Female athletes were significantly less likely to have rectus abdominis-adductor longus (RR = 0.31, p = .017), short adductor (RR = 0.14, p = .005) or hip (RR = 0.41, p = .003) injuries. Pubic bone degenerative changes were much more common in female athletes (RR = 7.37, p = .002).

Conclusion

Significant gender differences exist in the frequency with which specific injuries are observed. Female athletes are also significantly underrepresented; this is likely a multifactorial phenomenon; however, the possibility of unconscious referrer bias must be considered.
Açai Berry Mitigates Parkinson’s Disease Progression Showing Dopaminergic Neuroprotection via Nrf2-HO1 Pathways
Authors: D’Amico Ramona , Impellizzeri Daniela , Genovese Tiziana , Fusco Roberta , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Crupi Rosalia , Interdonato Livia , Franco Gianluca , Marino Ylenia , Arangia Alessia , Gugliandolo Enrico , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna , Siracusa Rosalba , Cordaro Marika
Published: August 2022

The current pharmacological treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is focused on symptom alleviation rather than disease prevention. In this study, we look at a new strategy to neuroprotection that focuses on nutrition, by a supplementation with Açai berry in an experimental models of PD. Daily orally supplementation with Açai berry dissolved in saline at the dose of 500 mg/kg considerably reduced motor and non-motor symptom and neuronal cell death of the dopaminergic tract induced by 4 injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, Açai berry administration reduced α-synuclein aggregation in neurons, enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter activities, and avoided dopamine depletion. Moreover, Açai berry administration was able to reduce astrogliosis and microgliosis as well as neuronal death. Its beneficial effects could be due to its bioactive phytochemical components that are able to stimulate nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) by counteracting the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that are the basis of this neurodegenerative disease.
Beyond Acts and Omissions — Distinguishing Positive and Negative Duties at the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Wibye Johan Vorland
Published: August 2022

The article examines methods of distinguishing positive and negative duties within the provisions of the European Convention of Human Rights as applied by the European Court of Human Rights. It highlights problems with tying positive duties to acts and negative duties to omissions, and sets out a supplemental delineation method when those problems lead to systematic classification errors: duties sort as positive if they have the capacity for multiple fulfilment options and negative if they only allow one fulfilment option. These delineation criteria allow for a more consistent reconstruction of case law and point to a causal mechanism for alleged asymmetries in proportionality review and margins of appreciation. Lastly, there are revisionary implications for human rights scholarship. Judgments have been sorted as positive rights cases because they feature a requirement that states commit to legislative amendment, yet performative acts of amendment may be continuous with underlying negative duties.
Sulfate removal from chemical industries' wastewater using ettringite precipitation process with recovery of Al(OH)3
Authors: Zahedi Roya , Mirmohammadi Seyed Javad
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate a simple and less expensive process for the removal of sulfate from Iranian Chemical Industries Investment Company' wastewater using the ettringite (a calcium aluminum sulfate (Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12.26H2O)) precipitation process. The optimum experimental conditions for sulfate removal and Al(OH)3 recovery were determined using batch experiments. Using Ca(OH)2 allowed to achieve optimum pH (pH = 12–12.5) for ettringite precipitation. The final residual sulfate concentration is dependent upon the aging time and reagent dosage. Sulfate ions were entirely removed in the ettringite precipitation step using fresh (after heating aluminum hydroxide for 10 h at 350 °C) and recovered Al(OH)3 with a aging time of 61 and 46 h, respectively. The initial concentration of calcium ions in the wastewater sample was also reduced to less than 20.04 mg/l after the carbonation step with 95% removal efficiency. This method with the recovery of Al(OH)3 through the decomposition of precipitated ettringite under low pH conditions is highly feasible and cost-effective for sulfate removal from sulfate-containing industries' wastewater.
Genetic diversity in Kashubs: the regional increase in the frequency of several disease-causing variants
Authors: Jankowski Maciej , Daca-Roszak Patrycja , Obracht-Prondzyński Cezary , Płoski Rafał , Lipska-Ziętkiewicz Beata S. , Ziętkiewicz Ewa
Published: August 2022

Differential distribution of genetic variants’ frequency among human populations is caused by the genetic drift in isolated populations, historical migrations, and demography. Some of these variants are identical by descent and represent founder mutations, which — if pathogenic in nature — lead to the increased frequency of otherwise rare diseases. The detection of the increased regional prevalence of pathogenic variants may shed light on the historical processes that affected studied populations and can help to develop effective screening and diagnostic strategies as a part of personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the specific genetic diversity in Kashubs, the minority group living in northern Poland, reflected in the biased distribution of some of the repetitively found disease-causing variants. These include the following: (1) c.662A > G (p.Asp221Gly) in LDLR, causing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia; (2) c.3700_3704del in BRCA1, associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome; (3) c.1528G > C (p.Glu510Gln) in HADHA, seen in long-chain 3-hydroxy acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency, and (4) c.1032delT in NPHS2, associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.
Pairwise classification using quantum support vector machine with Kronecker kernel
Authors: Nohara Taisei , Oyama Satoshi , Noda Itsuki
Published: August 2022

We investigated the potential application of quantum computing using the Kronecker kernel to pairwise classification and have devised a way to apply the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL)-based quantum support vector machine algorithm. Pairwise classification can be used to predict relationships among data and is used for problems such as link prediction and chemical interaction prediction. However, in pairwise classification using a Kronecker kernel, it is very costly to calculate the Kronecker product of the kernel matrices when there is a large amount of data. We found that the Kronecker product of kernel matrices can be represented more efficiently in time and space in quantum computing than that in classical computing. We also found that a pairwise classifier can be effectively trained by applying the HHL-based quantum support vector machine algorithm to the Kronecker kernel matrix. In an experiment comparing a classical algorithm with a quantum support vector machine with a Kronecker kernel run on a quantum computing simulator, the misclassification rate of the latter was almost the same as that of the former for the same pairwise classification problem in some cases. This indicates that a quantum support vector machine with a Kronecker kernel algorithm can achieve accuracy equivalent to that of the classical algorithm more efficiently and scalably. This finding paves the way for applying quantum machine learning to predicting relationships in large-scale data.
Generalized uncertainty relations for multiple measurements
Authors: Wu Lin , Song Xue-Ke , Ye Liu , Wang Dong
Published: August 2022

The uncertainty relation is regarded as a remarkable feature of quantum mechanics differing from the classical counterpart, and it plays a backbone role in the region of quantum information theory. In principle, the uncertainty relation offers a nontrivial limit to predict the outcome of arbitrarily incompatible observed variables. Therefore, to pursue a more general uncertainty relations ought to be considerably important for obtaining accurate predictions of multi-observable measurement results in genuine multipartite systems. In this article, we derive a generalized entropic uncertainty relation (EUR) for multi-measurement in a multipartite framework. It is proved that the bound we proposed is stronger than the one derived from Renes et al. in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103,020402(2009) ] for the arbitrary multipartite case. As an illustration, we take several typical scenarios that confirm that our proposed bound outperforms that presented by Renes et al. Hence, we believe our findings provide generalized uncertainty relations with regard to multi-measurement setting, and facilitate the EUR’s applications on quantum precision measurement regarding genuine multipartite systems.
New insights into pathogen-mediated modulation of host RNA splicing
Authors: Gao Chuyun , Dong Suomeng
Published: August 2022

Alternative splicing (AS) regulation of pre-mRNA has been proven to be one of the fundamental layers of plant immune system. How pathogens disrupt plant AS process to suppress plant immunity by secreted effectors remain poorly understood. In the recent study, Gui et al. revealed that a previously identified effector PSR1 of Phytophthora interferes with host RNA splicing machinery to modulate small RNA biogenesis, leading to compromised plant immunity. The study provided a novel insight into the importance of AS process during pathogen-host interactions.
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within clinical and translational science training programs: A qualitative content analysis of the training breakout session at the national CTSA program meeting
Authors: Shay L. Aubree , Schmidt Susanne , Thurston Addison J. , Campbell Jennifer A. , Dawson Aprill Z. , Egede Leonard E. , Ozieh Mukoso N. , Phillips Shane A. , Walker Rebekah J. , Williams Joni S. , Tsevat Joel
Published: August 2022

Background:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in clinical and translational science (CTS) are paramount to driving innovation and increasing health equity. One important area for improving diversity is among trainees in CTS programs. This paper reports on findings from a special session at the November 2020 Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) national program meeting that focused on advancing diversity and inclusion within CTS training programs.

Methods:

Using qualitative content analysis, we identified approaches brought forth to increase DEI in KL2 career development and other training programs aimed at early-stage CTS investigators, beyond the six strategies put forth to guide the breakout session (prioritizing representation, building partnerships, making it personal, designing program structure, improving through feedback, and winning endorsement). We used an inductive qualitative content analysis approach to identify themes from a transcript of the panel of KL2 program leaders centered on DEI in training programs.

Results:

We identified four themes for advancing DEI within CTS training programs: 1) institutional buy-in; 2) proactive recruitment efforts; 3) an equitable application process; and 4) high-quality, diverse mentorship.

Conclusion:

Implementing these strategies in CTS and other training programs will be an important step for advancing DEI. However, processes need to be established to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of these strategies through continuous quality improvement, a key component of the CTSA program. Training programs within the CTSA are well-positioned to be leaders in this critical effort to increase the diversity of the scientific workforce.
Autism spectrum disorders: current issues and future directions
Authors: Gallagher L. , McGrath J.
Published: August 2022

This edition of Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine is a Special Themed Issue on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Mental health services are not currently meeting the needs of autistic people across the lifespan. We have limited evidence based treatments for core symptoms and comorbidities and there is lack of awareness and under-recognition of ASD, particularly in adults and certain groups of individuals. The key themes in this edition focus on challenges with recognition and diagnosis and address these from both clinical and research perspectives. Co-occurring conditions also feature, which are also under-recognised and can contribute to less optimal outcomes. New and existing research developments in stratification for clinical trials and neuroimaging are also discussed. We hope this Issue highlights relevant current issues in ASD, and provides insights which can help address the challenges in providing evidence based pathways to better meet the needs of autistic people into the future.
Developing the Patient Falls Risk Report: A Mixed-Methods Study on Sharing Falls-Related Clinical Information from Home Care with Primary Care Providers
Authors: Nova Amanda A. , Heckman George , Giangregorio Lora M. , Alarakhia Mohamed
Published: August 2022

If interRAI home care information were shared with primary care providers, care provision and integration could be enhanced. The objective of this study was to co-develop an interRAI-based clinical information sharing tool (i.e., the Patient Falls Risk Report) with a sample of primary care providers. This mixed-methods study employed semi-structured interviews to inform the development of the Patient Falls Risk Report and online surveys based on the System Usability Scale instrument to test its usability. Most of the interview sample (n = 9) believed that the report could support patient care by sharing relevant and actionable falls-related information. However, criticisms were identified, including insufficient detail, clarity, and support for shared care planning. After incorporating suggestions for improvement, the survey sample (n = 27) determined that the report had excellent usability with an overall usability score of 83.4 (95% CI = 78.7–88.2). By prioritizing the needs of end-users, sustainable interRAI interventions can be developed to support primary care.
Migration response to drought in Mali. An analysis using panel data on Malian localities over the 1987-2009 period
Authors: Defrance Dimitri , Delesalle Esther , Gubert Flore
Published: August 2022

This paper combines population and climate data to estimate the volume of migration induced by the drought events that have hit Mali since the late 1980s. The results show that droughts have had the effect of decreasing net migration rates in the affected localities. This is true for both men and women, regardless of their age. The effect of drought episodes, however, is found to differ according to localities and households’ capacity to adapt to climatic constraints: it fades in localities characterized by more diversified crops and in areas that receive more rainfall on average. Climate shocks also had an impact on international mobility: over the 2004–2009 period, around 2300 additional departures per year can be attributed to the droughts that hit Mali during the 2000s. We forecast that, under different climate scenarios and population growth projections, mobility induced by drought events will substantially grow in the next decades.