bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Environmental Odour Nuisance Measurement Instrument Utilizing the Panel Method
Authors: Putri Camelia Yuliani , Yuwono Arief Sabdo , Nisa Khairun
Published: December 2024

Environmental odour is a significant element of air nuisance that can disrupt human well-being by irritating the nasal passages and negatively impacting their quality of life. The objective of the project is to develop an environmental odour nuisance measuring instrument utilizing the panel method. The measurement of environmental odour level was conducted using a survey or panel approach as well as by utilizing a smart sensor gas monitor to assess the NH3 and H2S gas concentrations. The odour nuisance measuring equipment was designed to facilitate the panelists in obtaining accurate odour impressions. The wind speed variations on the tool were categorized into three repetitions, i.e. the first repetition had a wind speed of 0 m/sec, the second repetition had a wind speed of 1 m/sec, whereas the third repetition had a wind speed of 2 m/sec. The panelists were categorized based on two factors, i.e. gender and age. A series of odour level measurements were conducted over a span of 5 consecutive days, using 5 distinct types of odour sources. The odour impression scores, ranked from the lowest to highest, are as follows: adult age category with an average score of - 2.6, female gender category with an average score of -2.4, school age children category with an average score of -2.3, and male gender category with an average score of -2.2. The highest NH3 and H2S gas concentrations detected by smart sensor gas monitor were 15 and 25.5 ppm in the third repetitions. The odor impression assessment of the four categories of panelists had no significant difference with a P-value > 0.05. The hedonism scale and odor gas concentration had a high correlation with R2 > 0.8.
Management of the Yeh Luwi Estuary Area as a Disaster Mitigation Strategy for Climate Change
Authors: Eryani I Gusti Agung Putu , Jayantari Made Widya
Published: December 2024

The Yeh Luwi Estuary in Tibubeneng, Bali, faces escalating environmental threats exacerbated by climate change. Rising sea levels intensified precipitation patterns, and increased erosion and abrasion risks pose significant challenges to this critical ecological and socio-economic area. Climate-induced impacts endanger local cultural sites like Perancak Temple and vital infrastructure such as Berawa Beach. Addressing these challenges requires urgent implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Sustainable land-use practices, including preserving natural buffers and integrating cultural and ecological tourism development, are essential to enhancing coastal resilience. Effective management strategies, informed by SWOT analysis and climate data from sources like NASA POWER, are crucial for mitigating flood and erosion risks and safeguarding the estuarine ecosystem and community livelihoods. Collaborative efforts involving stakeholders and leveraging local cultural strengths are pivotal in building resilience and ensuring the sustainable future of the Yeh Luwi Estuary amidst ongoing climate change impacts.
The characteristic of andesite waste powder (AWP) as a replacement for fly ash geopolymer paste
Authors: Agustini Ni Komang Ayu , Sinarta I Nengah , Aryastana Putu , Tejadinata I Gusti Ngurah Agung Eka Arya , Dewi Ni Putu Wintya Tresna
Published: December 2024

Large-scale production of andesite has created much waste. Andesite waste material has SiO2 (Si) as a main component and causes pozzolanic activity. During the mining, processing, and polishing steps, almost 70% of this waste is thrown away. This research studied the potential of andesite waste material (AWP) as a substitution for fly ash. Six compositions of geopolymer paste with AWP were mixed to determine the ability of andesite waste powder (AWP) to be a silica source material in geopolymer paste. AWP ranged from 0%, 10%,20%,30%,40% and 50% from the unit weight of fly ash. 10 Molar of NaOH and Na2SiO3 were used as an alkaline activator. The ratio between Na2SiO3 and NaOH was constant at 2. The water-to-solid ratio was kept constant at 35%. Flow test and compressive strength of geopolymer were tested according to ASTM C1437 and ASTM C109, respectively. The result showed that the AWP affected the workability of the geopolymer paste. The geopolymer unit weight increases at 10% of AWP and decreases gradually when the AWP content rises. The geopolymer achieves a maximum compressive strength of 41.55 MPa over 28 days when 30% AWP is used. As a silica source, AWP can be used to replace fly ash geopolymer, based on the study’s results.
Evaluation of thermal and beam-thermal p-11B fusion reactions in the EHL-2 spherical torus
Authors: LI 李 Zhi 直 , SUN 孙 Tiantian 恬恬 , LIU 刘 Bing 兵 , WANG 王 Feng 丰 , WU 吴 Xiangfeng 相凤 , PENG 彭 Y-K Martin 元凯 , XIAO 肖 Xiao 骁 , (赵冠超) Guanchao ZHAO , (马连良) Lianliang MA , LI 李 Yingying 颖颖 , LIN 林 Zhanhong 展宏 , KONG 孔 Haozhe 浩喆 , LIANG 梁 Yunfeng 云峰 , XIE 谢 Huasheng 华生 , DONG 董 Jiaqi 家齐 , SHI 石 Yuejiang 跃江 , LUO 罗 Di 迪 , JIANG 姜 Xinchen 欣辰 , WANG 王 Yumin 嵎民 , GU 顾 Xiang 翔 , WANG 王 Xueyun 雪韵 , TAN 谭 Muzhi 沐芝 , HUANG 黄 Hairong 海荣 , YANG 杨 Danke 丹可 , (蔡剑青) Jianqing CAI , (董力立) Lili DONG , WANG 王 Quanyun 泉云 , LIU 刘 Minsheng 敏胜 , Team the EHL-2
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the first comprehensive simulation study of p-11B fusion reactions in a spherical torus. We developed relevant program modules for fusion reactions based on energetic particle simulation frameworks and analyzed the two main fusion channels: thermal and beam-thermal. Using EHL-2 design parameters with

and a hydrogen beam at 200 keV and 1 MW, our simulation indicates that p-11B reactions produce approximately

α particles per second (~ 0.7 kW) from the thermal channel, and

(~ 0.25 kW) from the beam-thermal channel. We conducted parameter scans to establish a solid physics foundation for the high ion temperature conditions (

designed for EHL-2. This work also laid the groundwork for studying various operation modes to explore different reaction channels. The simulation results suggest that the conditions in EHL-2 could be sufficient for investigating p-11B thermonuclear reactions. In addition, we found that EHL-2 offered good confinement for energetic particles, allowing us to research the interactions between these ions and plasmas. This research enhances our understanding of burning plasma physics.
Zelda is dispensable for Drosophila melanogaster histone gene regulation
Authors: O'Haren Tommy , Aoki Tsutomu , Rieder Leila E.
Published: December 2024

To ensure that the embryo can package exponentially increasing amounts of DNA, replication-dependent histones are some of the earliest transcribed genes from the zygotic genome. However, how the histone genes are identified is not known. The Drosophila melanogaster pioneer factor CLAMP regulates the embryonic histone genes and helps establish the histone locus body, a suite of factors that controls histone mRNA biosynthesis, but CLAMP is not unique to the histone genes. Zelda collaborates with CLAMP across the genome to regulate zygotic genome activation and target early activated genes. We hypothesized that Zelda helps identify histone genes for early embryonic expression. We found that Zelda targets the histone gene locus early during embryogenesis, prior to histone gene expression. However, depletion of zelda in the early embryo does not affect histone mRNA levels or prevent the recruitment of other factors. These results suggest the earliest events responsible for specifying the zygotic histone genes remain undiscovered.
Cryo-electron tomography of eel sperm flagella reveals a molecular “minimum system” for motile cilia
Authors: Schrad Jason R. , Fu Gang , Hable Whitney E. , Tayar Alexandra M. , Oliveira Kenneth , Nicastro Daniela
Published: December 2024

Cilia and flagella play a crucial role in the development and function of eukaryotes. The activity of thousands of dyneins is precisely regulated to generate flagellar motility. The complex proteome (600+ proteins) and architecture of the structural core of flagella, the axoneme, have made it challenging to dissect the functions of the different complexes, like the regulatory machinery. Previous reports suggested that the flagellum of American eel sperm lacks many of the canonical axonemal complexes yet is still motile. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography for molecular characterization of this proposed “minimal” motile flagellum. We observed different diameters for the eel sperm flagellum: narrow at the base and wider toward the flagellar tip. Subtomogram averaging revealed the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the eel sperm flagellum. As expected, major complexes were missing, for example, outer dynein arms, radial spokes, and the central pair complex, but we found molecular remnants of most complexes. We also identified bend direction–specific patterns in the inter-DMT distance in actively beating eel sperm flagella and we propose a model for the regulation of dynein activity during their motility. Together, our results shed light on the structure and function of the eel sperm flagellum and provide insight into the minimum requirements for ciliary beating.
The Oxford Movement and the People of God
Authors: King Benjamin J
Published: December 2024

This book is about the role that ‘Tractarian’ theologians considered the lay people should have in the Church, which is to say it is a book about theology. But it is also about the role certain lay people did play in the Church of England, at home and overseas during the nineteenth century, and is therefore a history book, too. ‘Tractarians’ is a label which includes not only the writers of the Tracts for the Times—the leaders of what became known as the Oxford Movement—but also their readers and followers. The first chapter introduces these lesser-known laymen and laywomen, while estimating overall numbers of lay Tractarians. The next five chapters explore theological topics that determine the laity’s normative role (Providence, ecclesiology, consensus fidelium, episcopacy, and spirituality) in the view of Keble, Newman, Pusey, and other theologians. New here is the way each topic is paired with a historical theme (colonial slavery, Church Establishment, synods, the British Empire, and the American Civil War) to show the theological motivations for what the lay Tractarians were doing.
Introduction
Authors: King Benjamin J
Published: December 2024

The Oxford Movement’s leaders Newman, Keble, and Pusey did not speak with one voice, but they did share a vision of the Established Church in England, Ireland, and Wales that was rooted in catholic order and teaching. Even though opponents at the time and scholars since considered the movement to focus on clergy at the expense of the laity, this is to overlook the leaders’ view that the laity played an important part in upholding order and teaching. Thus, the Introduction will discuss, first, the Tractarians’ theological anthropology orientated towards divinization and, secondly, the consensus fidelium (‘common mind of the faithful’) as a bolster to Church teaching. Relatedly, two themes will be outlined: first, educating the laity, and, secondly, the conservative role the leaders saw the baptized and catechized laity playing in Church and society. The Introduction summarizes the chapters, explaining that each one (except Chapter 1) connects a theological topic with a historical theme, to see how theological ideas motivated actions in the history of the Church, State, and Empire until 1880.
Spirituality and the American Civil War
Authors: King Benjamin J
Published: December 2024

During the American Civil War, the reasons many English Tractarians supported the Southern Confederacy included their (1) political affiliation, (2) admiration for military prowess, (3) kinship with Anglo-Saxons, (4) fellow-feeling among sometime enslavers, (5) new scientific racism, and (6) Tractarian spirituality. The reasons some Tractarians supported the North will also be discussed. Turning to expressly theological arguments, the anti-abolitionism of Chapter 2 led to sympathy for the South, complemented by a ‘love patriarchal’ hermeneutic of Scripture and by ecclesial arguments justifying Bishop Leonidas Polk’s taking of arms to uphold slavery. Against Southern slavery, however, the equality of all who receive the sacraments regardless of race, also seen in Chapter 2, was now complemented by a ‘love egalitarian’ hermeneutic of Scripture, expressed by Thomas Ramsay, and by J. M. Neale’s ecclesial arguments critical of an ‘Erastian’ Confederacy. Where the latter set of egalitarian arguments led to is seen in the young Edward Talbot, who became the first warden of Keble College and a leader of the Liberal Catholics.
Conclusion
Authors: King Benjamin J
Published: December 2024

Reviewing the argument of each chapter, it is clear that the Oxford Movement’s theology consistently expected the faithful to act as a brake on change whether in ecclesiastical or secular matters. The Conclusion discusses the successors of the Tractarian leaders’ opposition to the forces of modernization, theological liberalism, and democracy over the century which followed. Among their successors, the leaders of Liberal Catholicism, who were open to aspects of modernity, divided from conservatives such as T. S. Eliot, who were not, along lines comparable to those described in Chapter 6 as ‘love egalitarianism’ versus ‘love patriarchalism’. When the dominant group within the Church confesses membership of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, it can be to the exclusion of marginal groups; alternatively, marginal groups can use this confession to demand their full inclusion, as in the case of black Episcopalians in the USA, and white laymen and laywomen in the Church of England. These two aspects of Tractarian theology—the confession of catholicity and the demand for its enactment—are used to explain the Tractarian’s conflicted legacy concerning the laity to the present day.
The Choreography of Environments
Authors: Ross Janice
Published: December 2024

The Choreography of Environments: How the Home of Anna and Lawrence Halprin Transformed Contemporary Dance and Urban Design opens with an odd premise: objects and the domestic spaces dancers occupy seep into their aesthetic consciousness, shaping their approach to movement invention and choreography. If these objects and spaces happen to have been designed by a leading modernist architect and landscape designer working with the dancer, then the aesthetic imprint is amplified. Dance innovation becomes pressed into dialogue with spatial, environmental, and urban agendas. The Choreography of Environments is the first monograph to use ordinary objects from a private residence as lenses into viewing innovations in dance and urban design. This book posits the Halprins’ 1950s iconic mid-century modern home and expansive outdoor dance deck in Northern California as a hidden archive. It explores four objects from their house and gardens (a staircase, a deck, a chair, and a window) to trace how, despite the conservative postwar climate, this intimate domestic space became a template reshaping postmodern dance invention and civic, social, and environmental engagement. Through environmental workshops, improvisatory explorations, and collective problem-solving on her outdoor studio designed by Lawrence Halprin, Anna collapsed boundaries between work and home, parenting and performing, and retreating into nature and advancing toward civic participation. The Halprin home became a force for politicizing the daily performances of urban spaces for both Halprins, linking idealism and activism in the public body.
Transprogramming in the primary-level programming lessons: reconceptualizing translanguaging in the era of artificial intelligence
Authors: Tai Kevin W H
Published: December 2024

In the current era of artificial intelligence, programming and coding have become crucial skills for students to navigate the constantly changing technological landscape. As technology increasingly influences various aspects of our lives, the ability to comprehend and interact with programming languages gains greater importance. However, there is limited research that examines the role of teachers’ and students’ linguistic and multimodal repertoires in facilitating programming education. This paper aims to investigate how a primary-level information technology teacher utilizes various linguistic, semiotic, and technological resources to teach programming to students. The study’s data is collected from a focussed observation in a primary information technology classroom in Hong Kong. Multimodal conversation analysis was employed to analyse the classroom data, which is triangulated with the analysis of video-stimulated-recall-interviews using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings illustrate that when engaging in programming tasks, teachers can employ a diverse range of multilingual, multimodal, and programming resources to enhance students’ programming skills. This article introduces the concept of ‘transprogramming’, which expands upon the idea of translanguaging as a theory of language. This concept of transprogramming acknowledges that programming languages and computational representations are not separate entities but are instead components of a larger linguistic and semiotic environment. The findings emphasize the importance of teachers incorporating diverse funds of knowledge in the classroom to enhance students’ capabilities in constructing and comprehending representations of programming codes during their engagement in programming activities.
Moonlight function of antioxidants
Authors: Itakura Masanori , Yamaguchi Kosuke , Uchida Koji
Published: December 2024

We take a wide variety of antioxidants, including polyphenols, daily from our diet. They are generally considered to be beneficial for our health. However, the intrinsic function of antioxidants in biological systems remain unknown. On the other hand, antioxidants in general are sensitive to oxidation, generating their oxidized intermediates. Intriguingly, these intermediates are highly reactive to proteins. Although the specific cellular targets and response mechanism remain unclear, protein modification by oxidized antioxidants may represent the intrinsic “moonlight” function of antioxidants by taking on a secondary role beyond their traditional activity. This minireview summarizes recent findings on antioxidants, with a particular focus on the interactions of antioxidant-modified proteins with histones.
Genetic mechanisms underlying diverse panicle architecture in rice
Authors: Agata Ayumi
Published: December 2024

Rice panicle architecture exhibits remarkable diversity and is crucial in determining grain production. Recent advances in the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying panicle morphogenesis offer promising avenues for improving rice productivity. Here, I reviewed recent studies on the developmental regulatory genes responsible for panicle architecture and explored how these findings can be applied to crop breeding. I also discuss the potential of using wild Oryza genetic resources, highlighting their value not only for scientific exploration but also for breeding innovation. Isolating novel genes related to panicle development and understanding their function are essential for designing diverse panicle architectures by quantitative trait locus pyramiding or genome editing technology. The use of these genetic resources offers a sustainable means to improve rice plant architecture and their resilience to climate change.
Integrating artificial intelligence into skin cancer pathways: the opportunities and obstacles
Authors: Beresford-Wylie Buket , Ashcroft Samuel , Gaglani Bindi , Green Alice , Smillie Robert W , Tucker Katie , Bakhai Ameet , Esdaile Ben , Palamaras Ioulios
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a possible paradigm shift in our ability to provide dermatology services. Our article endeavours to outline the opportunities and obstacles faced by our specialty with integrating AI into our departments.
Measuring outcomes experienced by users of community services—The development of the community services outcomes tree and the associated survey template
Authors: Wilson Erin , Campain Robert , Brown Chris
Published: December 2024

There continues to be growing pressure from human service organizations, funders, and beneficiaries to demonstrate a service’s actions are having a demonstrable benefit. This article reports on the method of development and the results of the initial piloting in Australia of an outcomes framework and form of measurement for the human services sector, taking a ‘whole of life approach’ in recognizing the ways in which life domains interrelate. The design was based on a review of outcomes-related literature, while also using an action research method involving service staff and a consumer advisory body. The result was the Community Services Outcomes Tree (CSOT) and a lean measurement tool in the form of a customizable survey template. We argue the CSOT has passed an initial grounded test in providing meaningful data for each service involved in piloting it and has value in guiding practice and providing a way of measuring and informing outcomes of services.
From acute lung injury to cerebral ischemia: a unified concept involving intercellular communication through extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs released by macrophages/microglia
Authors: Wang Xianbin , Wang Ting , Zhu Dong , Wang Jing , Han Weijie
Published: December 2024

Ischemic stroke and acute lung injury are prevalent life-threatening conditions marked by intricate molecular mechanisms and elevated mortality rates. Despite evident pathophysiological distinctions, a notable similarity exists in the gene responses to tissue injury observed in both pathologies. This similarity extends to both protein-encoding RNAs and non-coding RNAs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-scale vesicles derived through cell secretion, possessing unique advantages such as high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, intrinsic cell targeting, and facile chemical and genetic manipulation. Importantly, miRNAs, the most prevalent non-coding RNAs, are selectively concentrated within EVs. Macrophages/microglia serve as immune defense and homeostatic cells, deriving from progenitor cells in the bone marrow. They can be classified into two contrasting types: classical proinflammatory M1 phenotype or alternative anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. However, there exists a continuum of various intermediate phenotypes between M1 and M2, and macrophages/microglia can transition from one phenotype to another. This review will investigate recent discoveries concerning the impact of EVs derived from macrophages/microglia under various states on the progression of ischemic stroke and acute lung injury. The focus will be on the involvement of miRNAs within these vesicles. The concluding remarks of this review will underscore the clinical possibilities linked to EV-miRNAs, accentuating their potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Sustainable waste tofu-derived graphene oxide–doped porous carbon for high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Liu Fangjie , Li Saisai , Liu Shengjun , Chen Xudong
Published: December 2024

The redevelopment of waste food is in line with the concept of green environmental protection and recycling of resources. The discarded tofu is used as a porous carbon electrode material prepared by carbon precursor doping with graphene oxide WTPC800 showing excellent specific capacitance reaching 210 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, and an extremely excellent specific surface area of 2,480 ㎡ g−1 and its capacitance retention rate reach 94.6% after 5,000 cycles.
The Frequency and Incidence of QT Prolongation With Extended Use of Bedaquiline or Delamanid in a Large, Multi-Country MDR/RR-TB Cohort
Authors: Khan Uzma , Rich Michael , Franke Molly F , Lachenal Nathalie , Ahmed Saman , Bekele Amsalu , Isani Afshan K , Hewison Catherine , Sari Cut Yulia Indah , Tan Cecilio L , Varaine Francis , Flores Edwin Herrera , Putri Fauziah Asnely , Faqirzai Jamil , Beauchamp Jude , Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Siddiqui Muhammad Rafi , Seung Kwonjune , Bastard Mathieu , Nkunkanyirazo Patrick , Kiria Nana , Khan Munira , Algozhin Yerkebulan , Melikyan Nara , Saki Nazis Arefin , Vilbrun Stalz C , Fatima Razia , Naing Ye Yint , Islam Shirajul , Mamsa Shahid , Mitnick Carole D , Huerga Helena , Khan Palwasha Y
Published: December 2024

Background

The 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) recommend 6 months of bedaquiline (Bdq) in the all-oral 9-month shorter regimen and 6 months or longer for Bdq and delamanid (Dlm) in the 18–20-month longer regimen. However, lack of evidence on extended treatment using Bdq or Dlm has limited their use to 6 months. We examine the frequency and incidence of QT prolongation based on duration of Bdq and/or Dlm use in longer regimens.

Methods

We analyzed a prospective cohort of MDR/RR-TB patients from 16 countries who initiated treatment with Bdq and/or Dlm containing regimens from 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2018. Data were systematically collected using a shared protocol. The outcome of interest was the first clinically relevant prolonged QT interval (grade 3 or above) or a serious adverse event (SAE) involving prolonged QT of any grade.

Results

Among 2553 patients, 59% received >6 months of Bdq and/or Dlm. Of these, 579 (20.9%) patients experienced a prolonged QT event, the majority (95.5%) being grade 1 or 2. Sixty-four (2.5%) patients experienced the outcome of interest with only 12 (0.5%) having ≥1 QT prolonging drugs permanently suspended. The incidence rate of the first prolonged QT event was highest in the first six months of treatment and lower in subsequent 6-month periods.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that Bdq and/or Dlm use beyond 6 months is safe in longer MDR/RR-TB regimens with most clinically relevant QT prolongation events occurring in the first 6 months. Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring for early identification of QT prolongating events is possible in programmatic conditions.
The Marshall–Fetter controversy over the ‘old rent concept’
Authors: McCaffrey Matthew
Published: December 2024

Alfred Marshall’s theory of rent was a watershed moment in economics, and his ideas on the subject continue to (positively and negatively) influence economists and social scientists well into the twenty-first century. Far less well known is the scathing critique of Marshall’s theory published by Frank A. Fetter in the Quarterly Journal of Economics in 1901. Fetter identified several concepts of rent in Marshall’s work that he attacked as contradictory, arguing that Marshall embraced classical errors while still attempting to emancipate himself from them. Marshall responded by adding a critical note on Fetter to the 5th edition of his Principles (1907), but otherwise showed little public interest in a reply. However, archival evidence reveals that both Marshall and Fetter took this dispute seriously and personally, and that they continued to debate each other at a distance for several decades. This paper brings to light previously unknown archival sources—including unpublished notes, correspondence and manuscripts—to tell the full story of their controversy. Doing so sheds new light on the work of both men and adds in several ways to our understanding of the early history of neoclassical economics, of the development of the theory of rent and of theoretical paths not taken.
An evaluation of novaluron on Southern green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs and sublethal effects on fecundity in adults
Authors: Douglas Thomas J , Jacobson Alana L , Brown Steve , Kesheimer Katelyn A , Graham Scott H
Published: December 2024

Stink bug species emerged as major insect pests of cotton in the mid-southern United States following the eradication of the boll weevil and the introduction of genetically modified Bt cotton for lepidopteran pests. Considering the limited number of chemical classes available for insect control, further insights into other chemistries are necessary to inform management strategies with the overall goal of establishing and maintaining the most cost efficient and efficacious control programs for stink bugs in Alabama. The insect growth regulator, novaluron, has shown control of tarnished plant bugs, but little research has been done on its effect in stink bugs. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effects of novaluron, in a laboratory setting, on adult fecundity, nymphal mortality, and yield and damage in the field. We hypothesized that novaluron would have a direct effect on mortality in nymphs and could decrease fecundity in adult stink bugs. Although the effect on fecundity was counter to our hypothesis, this study shows effective control of nymphs in our model insect, the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Future evaluation of proper timing of novaluron applications could make this a valuable tool for residual control of stink bugs in cotton.
Gender representation in cardiothoracic surgical academia: a call to support women across the globe
Authors: Pompili Cecilia , Costa Rita , Cangut Busra , Opitz Isabelle , Ugalde Figueroa Paula , Molena Daniela , Backhus Leah , Blackmon Shanda , Fiedler Amy , Kluin Jolanda , Cleuziou Julie , Melfi Franca , Fuller Stephanie , Wood Douglas E , Antonoff Mara B
Published: December 2024

Central Message

Underrepresentation of women in surgical specialties persists, especially in academic leadership roles. Efforts to better understand disparities and support women cardiothoracic surgeons are ongoing.
Impact of COVID-19 and related measures on the professional life of school staff based in Switzerland: challenges, strategies, and benefits
Authors: Fadda Marta , Bernegger Guenda , Bezani Kleona , Falvo Ilaria , Suggs L Suzanne , Caiata-Zufferey Maria
Published: December 2024

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, schools closed and moved to remote learning in many countries and municipalities. At the time of this study, Switzerland maintained the position that schools should be prioritized to remain open. The state of knowledge regarding the challenges that school staff encountered during the pandemic was limited. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of COVID-19 and related measures in Switzerland on the professional life of school staff in terms of challenges, strategies, and benefits. Data were collected between November 2021 and March 2022. We conducted interviews with 47 participants working in nurseries, kindergartens, primary, middle, special, and after-schools across Switzerland. The majority were women and part of the teaching staff. Most had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants reported various challenges such as isolation, loneliness, and ‘dryness’ of work, pedagogical alienation and deontological distress, privacy loss, and confusion regarding health measures. They also cited different strategies, namely resuming simple activities, finding the right degree of transgression, recreating normality with children, and continuous adaptation. Finally, they identified some benefits, i.e. improvements in education regarding hygiene standards, greater acceptance of illness and death as a normal part of life, recognition of the privilege of being able to attend school in-person, and valorization of cultural diversity. We highlight the importance of listening to staff’s concerns, enacted strategies, and perceived benefits and taking them into account when developing appropriate and effective public health and communication efforts.
Selective advantage of redirected helping in a viscous population
Authors: Flatrès Alan , Wild Geoff
Published: December 2024

When a brood fails, the failed parent can help a neighbor rear its offspring. This behavior is known as redirected helping and occurs in various species. The advantage of redirected helping may seem obvious, provided the individual whose brood fails helps a related neighbor: The helper at least gains indirect fitness by redirecting its parental effort. However, complications arise when considering a viscous population, where individuals remain on or close to their natal site. In such a population, individuals compete with relatives, which dilutes the advantage of helping and may counteract it altogether. This raises a question: when can we expect redirected helping to evolve in a viscous population? We address this question with inclusive fitness models. We find that redirected helping can always be favored in a viscous population, provided the cost is sufficiently low. We also identify life-history features—like survival, dispersal, and brood-failure rate—that promote redirected helping. The effect of these life-history features, in general, depends on which component of fitness (survival or fecundity) benefits from help and how brood failure varies among demes. Unlike previous authors, we find that helping can be more strongly promoted when it provides survival rather than fecundity benefits.
Red, gold, and green: comparative genomics of polymorphic leopards from South Africa
Authors: Lagcher Elina , Lensing Kim , Bosse Mirte , Fischer Klaus , Camacho Gerrie , McManus Jeannine , Tensen Laura
Published: December 2024

An important goal of comparative and functional genomics is to connect genetic polymorphisms to phenotypic variation. Leopards (Panthera pardus) from northern South Africa are particularly diverse, as here a unique color morph occurs, as well as two deeply diverged southern (SA) and central African (CA) mitochondrial clades, stemming from Pleistocene refugia. Here, we present the first whole genomes of a red leopard and a black (captive) leopard, and wildtypes belonging to the CA and SA mitochondrial clades, to evaluate genome-wide diversity, divergence, and high-impact mutations that may relate to their phenotype. In the black leopard, we found long runs of homozygosity (ROHs), low nucleotide diversity across the genome, and a large number of homozygous structural variants, likely resulting from inbreeding to maintain this color morph in captivity. In red leopards, runs of homozygosity were slightly longer compared to wildtype leopards, with potential deleterious mutations relating to its phenotype, including impaired vision. When assessing population structure, we found no divergence between CA and SA leopards and the rest of Africa, whether comparing single nucleotide or structural variants. This illustrates the homogenizing effect of introgression, and highlights that although leopards in northern South Africa may be phenotypically unique, they are not genetically different.
Perspectives of general practitioners and practice nurses on nurse-led patient consultations and dose changes of permanent medications—results of a focus group study
Authors: Weise Solveig , Steybe Tatjana , Thiel Carolin , Frese Thomas
Published: December 2024

Background

Shifting tasks from General practitioners (GPs) to practice nurses (PNs) could help address the shortage of GPs in Europe. Internationally, PN-led care (PNLC) is feasible and offers similar health outcomes to usual care. However, PN-led consultations (PN-cons) or as PN-led dosage changes for permanent medication (PN-DCPM) are uncommon in German general practice offices (GPO).

Objective

To explore GPs’ and PNs’ views on the feasibility and acceptability of PN-cons and PN-DCPM in GPOs.

Methods

In this exploratory, qualitative online focus group study, we recruited GPs, GP trainees, PNs and specialized PNs (APN) currently working in German GPO using a qualitative sampling plan. We used a semi-structured self-developed interview guide. Separate focus groups (FGs) were performed for each profession, with audio and video recordings, and the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Two FGs comprising 15 GPs and three FGs with 26 PNs revealed four major themes: (i) Attitudes towards PN-cons and PN-DCPM, revealing that participants were generally open towards a PN-cons, but were more reserved towards PN-DCPM. (ii) Acceptable reasons for encounters for PN-cons, e.g. diabetes or hypertension, and acceptable medications for PN-DCPM, e.g. antidiabetics, antihypertensive drugs. (iii) Conditions mentioned for implementing PN-led care were e.g. adequate qualification and supervision concepts. (iv) Perceived chances were e.g. time savings and increased quality of care and perceived risks were e.g. fear of treatment errors

Conclusion

Participants showed openness towards PN-cons and were more reserved towards PN-DCPM in German GPO. Further quantitative studies should assess how acceptance and rejection of PN-led care are distributed among patients, GPs, and PNs.
Two H3K23 histone methyltransferases, SET-32 and SET-21, function synergistically to promote nuclear RNAi-mediated transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhebrun Anna , Ni Julie Z , Corveleyn Laura , Ghosh Roy Siddharth , Sidoli Simone , Gu Sam G
Published: December 2024

Nuclear RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans induces a set of transgenerationally heritable marks of H3K9me3, H3K23me3, and H3K27me3 at the target genes. The function of H3K23me3 in the nuclear RNAi pathway is largely unknown due to the limited knowledge of H3K23 histone methyltransferase (HMT). In this study we identified SET-21 as a novel H3K23 HMT. By taking combined genetic, biochemical, imaging, and genomic approaches, we found that SET-21 functions synergistically with a previously reported H3K23 HMT SET-32 to deposit H3K23me3 at the native targets of germline nuclear RNAi. We identified a subset of native nuclear RNAi targets that are transcriptionally activated in the set-21;set-32 double mutant. SET-21 and SET-32 are also required for robust transgenerational gene silencing induced by exogenous dsRNA. The set-21;set-32 double mutant strain exhibits an enhanced temperature-sensitive mortal germline phenotype compared to the set-32 single mutant, while the set-21 single mutant animals are fertile. We also found that HRDE-1 and SET-32 are required for cosuppression, a transgene-induced gene silencing phenomenon, in C. elegans germline. Together, these results support a model in which H3K23 HMTs SET-21 and SET-32 function cooperatively as germline nuclear RNAi factors and promote the germline immortality under the heat stress.
Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Mortality Risk in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Pooled Analysis in the Seniors-ENRICA Cohorts
Authors: Duarte Junior Miguel Angelo , Pintos-Carrillo Salud , Hernández-Martínez Alba , López-Gil José Francisco , Graciani Auxiliadora , Banegas José Ramón , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Cabanas-Sánchez Verónica , Martinez-Gomez David
Published: December 2024

Background

We assessed the association of adherence to the guidelines and subsequent changes over time in adherence with all-cause mortality.

Methods

We used data from 3 518 and 3 273 older adults, aged 60–96 years at baseline, from Seniors-ENRICA 1 and 2 cohorts, respectively. Adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines was defined as ≥150 min/wk of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB) ≤8 h/d (including ≤3 h/d of recreational screen time), and 7–9 h/d of sleep if aged 18–64 years or 7–8 h/d if aged ≥65 years. All-cause mortality was ascertained up to January 31, 2024. Analyses were performed using Cox regression adjusted for the main confounders.

Results

Of the 6 613 participants with complete data, 1 353 died during a mean follow-up of 10.1 (standard deviation [SD] = 4.0) years. Meeting MVPA (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.82), SB (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.80–0.99), and sleep (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.80–0.99) recommendations were associated with lower mortality. Also, we noticed a reduction in mortality in meeting MVPA combined with both SB (34%) and sleep (12%), sleep and SB combined (23%), and meeting all 24-hour movement guidelines (40%). Changes in meeting 24-hour movement guidelines occurred between a mean follow-up of 2.8 (0.6) years. Meeting 24-hour movement guidelines at baseline and follow-up is associated with lower mortality (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.47–0.99), compared to not meet them at both examinations.

Conclusions

This prospective cohort study underscores the critical impact of adhering to and maintaining adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines in reducing mortality risk among older adults.
Aging alone (while Black): Living alone, loneliness, and health among older Black women
Authors: Versey H Shellae , Gibbons Joseph
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Increasingly, Black women are aging alone. Yet information about health correlates and the residential context where older Black women are aging-in-place is lacking. The current study examines one aspect of Aging While Black that impacts Black women – living alone without close family or kin in the household among a sample of older Black women (N = 890).

Research Design and Methods

Using hierarchical linear models and data from the 2014/2015 and 2019 waves of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey, living alone status (e.g., Level 1) and area-level indicators of residential segregation and social capital (e.g., Level 2) are examined as correlates of self-rated health and loneliness.

Results

Our findings indicate that while Black women live in primarily segregated areas, living alone is associated with lower odds of loneliness and has no relation to self-rated health. Additionally, area-level social capital is correlated with a lower likelihood of reported loneliness.

Discussion and Implications

These results are somewhat contrary to current aging-in-place literature that claims that living alone always contributes to social isolation, loneliness, and poorer health. For older Black women in urban settings, living alone may reflect independence rather than loneliness. Efforts to increase community supports and opportunities for maintaining social connectedness should be considered for future research and policy aiming to support aging-in-place.
Identification of C-mannosylation in a receptor tyrosine kinase AXL
Authors: Mori Kento , Suzuki Takehiro , Waki Urara , Hayashi Soichiro , Kadono Shigehito , Kawahara Ryota , Takeuchi Minae , Mizuta Hayato , Dohmae Naoshi , Katayama Ryohei , Simizu Siro
Published: December 2024

C-mannosylation is a unique type of glycosylation in which a mannose is added to tryptophan in a protein. However, the biological function of C-mannosylation is still largely unknown. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase, and its overexpression contributes to tumor malignancy. The role of AXL in cancer cells is broad, including invasion, drug resistance, and vasculogenic mimicry formation. Although Trp320 of AXL was predicted to be C-mannosylated, it has not been confirmed. Here, we demonstrated that Trp320 of AXL is C-mannosylated, measured by mass spectrometry of recombinant AXL purified from various cancer cells. Furthermore, re-expression of C-mannosylation-deficient AXL in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells lacking AXL by the CRISPR/Cas9 system resulted in reduction of vasculogenic mimicry formation. Interestingly, phosphorylation levels of AKT in C-mannosylation-deficient AXL re-expressing cells were comparable to those of parental and wild-type AXL re-expressing cells. These results represent the first discovery of C-mannosylation in a receptor tyrosine kinase and the possibility that C-mannosylation may affect AXL function, distinct from its downstream signaling in cancer cells.
Implementation science research priorities for Universal Health Coverage: methodological lessons from the design and implementation of a multicountry modified Delphi study
Authors: Wodnik Breanna K , Namyalo Prossy Kiddu , Michaelides Ophelia , Essue Beverley M , Kane Sumit , Di Ruggiero Erica
Published: December 2024

Delphi studies are rapidly gaining prominence in global health research. However, researchers’ modifications to the Delphi method are often not well-described or justified, limiting opportunities to systematically learn from these studies when the methods are applied to other topics and settings. This paper aims to describe an approach to implementing a modified Delphi study and reflect on the research process in the context of a multicountry study of implementation science research priorities to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC). We review trends in the use of the modified Delphi method in global health research, outline our three-phased modified Delphi approach, and share reflections on five decision points for implementing the study: (I) identifying and recruiting participants for the expert panel, (II) addressing participant attrition between rounds, (III) justifying the most appropriate cutoff points, (IV) incorporating new items raised by participants in open-ended survey sections, and (V) ensuring maximum variation in perspective in the panel of experts. Insights from this work foster greater understanding of the underlying assumptions for, and interpretation of, ‘modified’ in modified Delphi studies. This study will encourage critical dialogue about points of methodological contention in Delphi methodology and thus are relevant for scaling the use of modified Delphi studies in public health, including global health research.
Rising states and the liberal world order: the case of China
Authors: Chan Steve , Hu Weixing
Published: December 2024

Many international relations analysts see rising states as a source of threat to international peace and order. Yet they often fail to provide an explicit logic for their argument or to submit their claim to rigorous empirical verification. As a consequence, existing studies on this topic tend to be based more on rhetorical assertions than careful analyses. We argue that there is a need for greater conceptual clarity, transparent logic and systematic evidence to substantiate the claim that a rising China poses a threat to international peace and stability. This topic is clearly important for verifying theories of war and peace. It also has obvious policy relevance, as an armed clash between China and the United States would be an enormous tragedy not only for the people of those countries but also for the rest of humanity. For these reasons, we discuss the case of China; we place it in the context of prevailing discourse on the sources of war and order, and caution against sweeping generalizations and dogmatic assertions. We offer caveats both for colleagues studying International Relations and those in the policy community. We aspire to encourage greater empathy and introspection in contemplating the issue of rising states and world order.