bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of TPU/GO/Mg‐Al LDHs Hybrid Material With Enhancing Flame Retardancy and Smoke Suppression Performance
Authors: Li Shaoquan , Yang Bo , Lin Tingjian , Yao Qi
Published: November 2022

Flammability of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) limits its application in automotive, wires and cables, sports and textile coatings. Endowing TPU with simultaneously improved flame retardancy and smoke‐suppressant will be highly beneficial. Herein, a novel green and efficient condensed phase GO/Mg−Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) flame retardant for TPU was synthesized by the co‐precipitation of Mg2+ and Al3+ and assembled with graphene oxide (GO) by electrostatic interaction. The unique two‐dimensional layered structure of GO/LDHs has a large specific surface area, which can form a dense and uniform char layer during the combustion process, thus hindering mass and heat transfer between gaseous and condensed phases. The XRD, TEM, SEM and EDS results showed that Mg−Al LDHs and GO/LDHs were successfully synthesized. The thermal, flame retarding and smoke suppression properties of TPU/GO/Mg−Al LDHs were determinated by UL‐94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter (CCT) and smoke density (SDT). UL‐94 testing results showed that all the TPU/GO/Mg−Al LDHs samples had a vertical combustion rating of V‐0. Compared with pure TPU (19.1±0.2 %), the LOI value of all TPU/GO/Mg−Al LDHs composites are above 27 %. CCT results showed TGAL3 sample displayed the lowest peaks of heat release rate (pHRR) value of 142.9±9.3 Kw m−2. The total heat release (THR) value of TGAL5 is almost 70 % lower than that of pure TPU. In addition, compared to pure TPU, GO/Mg−Al LDHs materials has excellent performance in smoke suppression. The digital photos and Raman spectra of char residue demonstrated that TPU/GO/Mg−Al LDHs materials has a denser carbon layer after combustion. Apart from flame retarding and smoke suppression, the mechanical properties of TPU/GO/Mg−Al LDHs can maintain more than 80 % of the original TPU after addition of GO/LDHs. These results indicates that GO/LDHs composites is a kind of two‐dimensional layered material with unique structure and excellent flame retardant and smoke suppression.
A Switchable Protocol for Selective Synthesis of gem‐Dibromo Compounds and Amides from Ketoximes using TsNBr2
Authors: Mishra Debashish , Loukrakpam Dineshwori Chanu , Neog Smriti Rekha , Hazarika Debojit , Phukan Prodeep
Published: November 2022

A base controlled metal‐free method for selective synthesis of N‐substituted amide and α,α–dibromoketones have been developed by treating ketoximes with N,N‐dibromo‐p‐toluenesulfonamide (TsNBr2) within a very short reaction time. Interesting feature of the process is that the product selectivity can be switched just by addition or exclusion of the base under the identical reaction condition. It was found that addition of a base in the reaction mixture drives the reaction towards a pathway which is completely different from that without having the additive in the medium. Additionally, another novel strategy has also been developed for synthesis of 1‐(dibromomethyl)benzenes directly from aldehyde using TsNHNH2 and TsNBr2 under metal‐free condition.
Antimicrobial Nanostructured Assemblies with Extremely Low Toxicity and Potent Activity to Eradicate Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilms
Authors: Sun Jing , Ma Xutao , Li Rongye , Lin Min , Shu Lilei , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2022

Self‐assembled cationic polymeric nanostructures have been receiving increasing attention for efficient antibacterial agents. In this work, a new type of antibacterial agents is developed by preparing pH‐dependent nanostructured assemblies from cationic copolypeptoid poly(N‐allylglycine)‐b‐poly(N‐octylglycine) (PNAG‐b‐PNOG) modified with cysteamine hydrochloride ((PNAG‐g‐NH2)‐b‐PNOG) driven by crystallization and hydrophobicity of the PNOG blocks. Due to the presence of confined domains arising from crystalline PNOG, persistent spheres and fiber‐like assemblies are obtained from the same polymer upon a heating‐cooling cycle. This allows for direct comparison of antimicrobial efficiency of nanostructured assemblies with various morphologies that are otherwise similar. Both nanostructured assemblies exhibit extremely low toxicity to human red blood cells, irrespective of the presence of the hydrophobic block. Enhanced antimicrobial performance of the fiber‐like micelles compared to the spheres, which result in high selectivity of the fibers, is shown. Notably, the fiber‐like micelles show great efficacy in inhibition of the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm formations and eradication of the mature biofilms, superior to vancomycin. The micelles also show potent in vivo antimicrobial efficacy in a S. aureus infection mouse skin model. With a systematic study, it is demonstrated that both micelles kill the bacteria through a membrane disruption mechanism. These results imply great potential of polypeptoid assemblies as promising excellent candidates for antibacterial treatment and open up new possibilities for the preparation of a new generation of nanostructured antimicrobials.
Topical photodynamic therapy for genital warts: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Zhi , Wang Peiru , Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Linglin , Zhang Guolong , Wang Xiuli
Published: November 2022

High recurrence rate and adverse effects were common shortcomings in treatments for genital warts, but a number of clinical studies have found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) had some unique superiority compared to other treatments. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PDT for genital warts in comparison to alternative treatments. Seven databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched and seven randomized controlled trials were finally included. There was no significant difference in clearance rate of urethral lesions between the PDT group and the CO2 laser therapy (CO2‐LT group) (Odds ratio [OR] 0.676, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.071–6.426, P = 0.734), but the overall clearance rate of all genital warts was slightly lower for PDT (OR 0.574, CI 0.335–0.985, P = 0.044). The recurrence rate after PDT was significantly lower than after CO2‐LT (OR 0.318, CI 0.220–0.460, P < 0.001), and adverse effects were also slighter after PDT (OR 0.015, CI 0.003–0.074, P < 0.001). In addition, a modification of parameters of light irradiation provides the potential to alleviate pain. This study shows that PDT is an effective treatment for genital warts with good tolerability and safety, especially for cavitary lesions. Some modified protocols probably have the potential to reduce adverse effects, but still need further investigation.
Biopolymer derived superabsorbent for environmental sustainability: A review
Authors: Sinha Sweta
Published: November 2022

Increased environmental degradation and solid waste production has resulted in a higher demand for biodegradable materials based on biopolymers. Superabsorbent are three‐dimensional cross linked polymeric material that allow huge amounts of liquid to absorb. Synthetic superabsorbents (SABs) are extensively used as an absorbent of aqueous solutions for various applications, mainly as adult incontinence, feminine hygiene products etc. The major components of synthetic superabsorbents are acrylic/methacrylic acid. According to the report of US Environmental Protection Agency, the acrylamide used in the production of synthetic superabsorbent is extremely carcinogenic when exposed to people. On the other hand, A large number of synthetic Superabsorbent polymers are quite resistant to the environmental degradation process, and thus responsible for the accumulation of solid waste material. However, the presence of hazardous and undegraded content in the synthetic superabsorbents leads the designing of biopolymer based superabsorbents. These developed hybrid materials of superabsorbents are a combination of renewable raw materials and synthetic polymers. Biopolymer‐based superabsorbent has a lot of potential due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non‐lethal qualities. This review paper discusses the general perspective, characterization, and synthesis strategies for the production of hybrid superabsorbents. In addition, the methodologies for illustrating these superabsorbent hydrogels, as well as their prospective uses, are discussed.
Molecular docking analysis on antifungal properties of acid condensate produced from palm kernel shell
Authors: Azman Wan Nur Dinie Hidayah Wan , Hamzah Mohd Amir Asyraf Mohd , Yahayu Maizatulakmal , Zakaria Zainul Akmar
Published: November 2022

The rise in the number of fungi that resisted antifungal action is of serious concern nowadays. In this study, the potential of acid condensate (AC) produced from microwave‐assisted pyrolysis of palm kernel shell (PKS) was investigated for its antifungal properties through molecular docking evaluation. The phenolic‐rich AC was determined for its chemical compositions using the GC–MS analysis where compounds with the highest phenolics content were further evaluated (using the Autodock Tools 1.5.7) for its potential enzymes/protein binding properties. From the GC–MS analysis, catechol, guaiacol and syringol were present at highest percentages. This directly correlates with results obtained from the molecular docking works where all these ligands managed to bind (indicated by H‐bond, π‐stacking, hydrophobic interaction) with some of the amino acid at the active sites which indicate its potential to inhibit substrate binding of this enzyme. As a conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential use of AC from agricultural biomass such as PKS as a natural‐based antifungal agent that can reduce environmental and health impacts.
Neonatal and long‐term outcomes of infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection and negative amniocentesis: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chatzakis C. , Sotiriadis A. , Dinas K. , Ville Y.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA is detectable in the amniotic fluid collected by amniocentesis in cases in which the fetus has been infected. However, cases of congenital neonatal CMV infection with a negative amniocentesis result have also been reported in the literature. The aim of the present study was to compare pregnancies with a negative amniocentesis result to those with a positive amniocentesis result in terms of incidence of fetal insult and long‐term sequelae.

Methods

Observational studies that included pregnant women with CMV infection who underwent amniocentesis and that reported their results together with neonatal and/or long‐term outcomes of the offspring were included. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The rate of severe symptoms at birth, defined as neurological symptoms or multiorgan involvement at birth, and the rate of severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and/or neurodevelopmental impairment at follow‐up were the main outcomes of the study. The secondary outcome was the rate of pregnancy termination due to the presence of CMV‐associated central nervous system (CNS) findings or multiorgan involvement on ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Seven studies were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. The pooled false‐negative rate of amniocentesis was 8.0% (95% CI, 5.0–13.0%). The pooled rate of severe symptoms at birth was 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–1.0%; I2 = 0%) in fetuses with a negative amniocentesis result and 22.0% (95% CI, 11.0–38.0%; I2 = 75%) in those with a positive amniocentesis result. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01–0.10; I2 = 0%). The pooled rate of severe SNHL and/or neurodevelopmental impairment at follow‐up in fetuses with a negative amniocentesis result was 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–1.0%; I2 = 0%) and, in those with a positive amniocentesis result, it was 14.0% (95% CI, 7.0–26.0%; I2 = 64%). The pooled OR was 0.04 (95% CI, 0.01–0.14; I2 = 0%). The pooled rate of pregnancy termination due to the presence of CMV‐associated CNS findings or multiorgan involvement on ultrasound/MRI was 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–2.0%; I2 = 0%) in fetuses with a negative amniocentesis result and 20.0% (95% CI, 10.0–36.0%; I2 = 82%) in those with a positive amniocentesis result. The pooled OR was 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01–0.08; I2 = 0%). A subgroup analysis including only pregnancies with primary CMV infection and a sensitivity analysis including only prospective studies were carried out, showing very similar results to those of the main analysis.

Conclusion

A negative amniocentesis result in pregnant women with CMV infection ensures lack of fetal insult and long‐term sequelae to the child, even if transmission has occurred. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Ruffed grouse do not exhibit high potential for reservoir competency of common tick‐borne pathogens
Authors: Munn Douglas T. , Robbin Lindsay L. , Dibernardo Antonia , Nocera Joseph J.
Published: November 2022

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are ground‐dwelling forest birds found throughout New Brunswick, and likely act as an alternative host for blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), which are vectors for Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Other Galliformes are parasitized by Ixodes spp. and some are competent reservoirs of tick‐borne pathogens. Thus, we sought to identify ruffed grouse as an alternative host of blacklegged ticks by testing for active and previous infections of tick‐borne pathogens. We tested 215 ruffed grouse hearts for active infection of B. burgdorferi and tested 20 blood samples for antibodies associated with previous B. burgdorferi infections. We failed to detect active, or evidence of previous, B. burgdorferi infections in either sample type. We suggest that our results were limited by the methods of pathogen testing and thus, alternative methods should be investigated.
An evaluation of translocation as a tool to reduce burrowing owl collisions at airports
Authors: Santos Eduardo G. , Wiederhecker Helga C. , Machado Ricardo B.
Published: November 2022

Bird strikes at airports pose a human‐wildlife conflict (HWC) present in the world's major cities. Conflict mitigation frequently encompasses translocation, but its effectiveness in resolving HWCs is unclear. Here, we used the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) as a model species to test the effectiveness of translocation in reducing the number of bird strikes, the primary HWC at airports. We explored the translocation process, focusing on 3 aspects: 1) the influence of landscape structure on the persistence time of translocated animals at the released sites, 2) the influence of the release distance from the source on the return of translocated animals, and 3) the strike rate involving the species at the capture site at Brasília International Airport (BSB). Our results did not support burrowing owl translocation as a management option for solving the HWC at the BSB. We also found that the landscape composition did not guarantee individual persistence since the animals did not remain at release sites, regardless of the spatial configuration. Release distance did not explain the frequency of return of translocated animals to the capture site. Finally, we registered a higher number of collisions during translocation management. Thus, we believe that wildlife management programs must monitor translocated animals assessing if translocations are suited for the context.
Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Wüthrich Mario V. , Merz Michael
Published: November 2022

This chapter considers recurrent neural (RN) networks. These are special network architectures that are useful for time-series modeling, e.g., applied to time-series forecasting. We study the most popular RN networks which are the long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and the gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks. We apply these networks to mortality forecasting.
Cross-Linguistic Influence: Bilingual EMI Lecturers’ English and Chinese Entwined
Authors: Han Jinghe
Published: November 2022

In the previous two Chapters, the pedagogical ideology of the participating lecturers and the subsequent reality of their ‘instruction’ and ‘engagement’ was examined. From a psycholinguistic perception this Chapter focuses on the Chinese lecturers’ L1-influenced English in their teaching. The data indicates that cross-linguistic influence was the cognitive reality for the EMI lecturers and provided a scaffolding role in their teaching. This research suggests that although the EMI lecturers’ L1 and L2 are two genetically distant languages, they were interdependent and formed a stable construct that served as a powerful language resource in their teaching. Theoretically, this Chapter moves beyond a structuralist view of judging language transfer as right or wrong, correct or incorrect, perfect or deficit. It has implemented a post-structuralist interpretation of this phenomenon by proposing ‘explicit’ and ‘implicit’ transfer and acknowledging L1-influenced EMI lecturers’ English as a temporary form of languaging within the translaguaging process.
Pragmatic Transfer: Reflecting on the Use of EMI Lecturers’ Pragmatic Markers
Authors: Han Jinghe
Published: November 2022

Acknowledging the critical nature of EMI lecturers as bi- or multilinguals, this Chapter continues the investigation into cross-linguistic influence now turning attention to its pragmatic features. It focuses on the Chinese lecturers’ metalinguistic skills, particularly the L1 (Chinese) to L2 (English) transfer in their use of pragmatic markers (PMs). The investigation is informed by current studies arguing that highly proficient L2 language users do not necessarily make the most effective teachers, and the capacity to employ pragmatic strategies is essential to engage students’ learning; and that from amongst all the competencies in which lecturers should be proficient, one of the most essential is pragmatic competence. This Chapter provides an analysis of the participating EMI lecturers’ verbal characteristics of the PMs they implemented in their teaching. Whilst acknowledging individual differences, the trend of PM use and the degree of pragmatic transfer revealed in this group’s EMI teaching can be explained in terms of their pedagogical ideologies and subsequent practice, culturally influenced teacher-student relationships, the EMI discipline and its relevant subject matter and the lecturers’ language cognition as L2 users.
When Structuralism and Post-structuralism Collide: EMI Lecturers’ Monolingual Ideology and Translanguaging Practice
Authors: Han Jinghe
Published: November 2022

This Chapter activated a post-structuralist translanguaging perspective to investigate the Chinese EMI lecturers’ position and practice as bilingual educators. Data reveal that there was an observed distinction between the Chinese EMI lecturers’ ideology of language and pedagogical practices. In the mainstream the lecturers were not confident with their English capabilities and presented as monolingual advocates evident in their support for English imperialism. Evidence of actioning their translanguaging resources indicated a survival strategy to counter the delays in their cognitive thinking to control the language flow during their lectures. Translanguaging conflicted with their aspirations to be EMI lecturers with ‘native like’ English. The EMI lecturers viewed their own translanguaging behavior as exemplifying deficiencies and inaccuracies. A small group of the lecturers who were fluent in English were open and receptive to translanguaging practices. This group of lecturers, whilst in the minority, drew positively on translanguaging in their EMI teaching to enhance students’ learning and engagement. They confirmed their comfort and confidence integrating both languages in EMI teaching, demonstrating a positive bilingual translanguaging identity. The argument proposed is that translanguaging as a theoretically advanced and politically correct concept is yet to be positively accepted and extensively practiced in EMI programs.
Motivation and Emotions in a Health Literacy Game: Insights from Co-occurrence Network Analysis
Authors: Kiili Kristian , Siuko Juho , Cloude Elizabeth , Dindar Muhterem
Published: November 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that game-based learning is emotionally charged. However, little is known about the nature of emotions in game-based learning. We extended previous game-based learning research by examining epistemic emotions and their relations to flow experience and situational interest. Sixty-eight 15–18-year-old students played the Antidote COVID-19 game for 25 min. Epistemic emotions, flow, and situational interest were measured after the playing session. These measures indicated that the game engaged students. Students reported significantly higher intensity levels of positive epistemic emotions (excitement, surprise, and curiosity) than negative epistemic emotions (boredom, anxiety, frustration, and confusion). The co-occurrence network analyses provided insights into the relationship between flow and situational interest. We found an asymmetrical pattern of the “situational interest-flow” co-occurrence. When situational interest occurred, the flow was always co-occurring. This co-occurrence suggests that situational interest could be a prerequisite or a potential trigger for flow experience but not an adequate state ensuring a high flow experience. Further, flow and situational interest co-occurred mainly with positive epistemic emotions. The findings imply that flow and situational interest are similar constructs and share several characteristics. The study also demonstrated that epistemic emotions, flow, and situational interest can be used as proxies of engagement. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Nicht nur Doktorspiele – (rechts)medizinische Aspekte von Sexualdelikten an Kindern durch Kinder
Authors: Kolbe Verena , Bingert Rebecca , Uhlmann Marie , Büttner Andreas
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

Sexualisierte Handlungen zwischen gleichaltrigen Kindern sind in der Regel Ausdruck eines normalen, altersgerechten Verhaltens. Doch auch zwischen Minderjährigen gibt es sexualisierte Gewalt, die über das altersentsprechende Interesse hinausgeht und in der medizinischen Literatur bislang wenig Beachtung fand.

Methode

Es wurde eine selektive Literaturrecherche in der Datenbank PubMed sowie mithilfe des Suchdienstes Google Scholar durchgeführt. Außerdem wurde eine retrospektive Analyse eigener Fälle durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die erfassten Studien ergaben Prävalenzen von 6 bis 50,7 % für unerwünschte sexuelle Kontakte. SchülerIn an einer Highschool und weiblich zu sein oder einen Migrationshintergrund zu haben, wurde als Risikofaktor für sexuelle Übergriffe identifiziert. Mehr als die Hälfte (54 %) der Täterinnen und bis zu 16 % der Täter waren zuvor selber von Missbrauch und/oder Vernachlässigung betroffen. In der eigenen Erhebung gaben 37 % der Mädchen an, penovaginal penetriert worden zu sein, während 60 % der Jungen eine penoanale Penetration angaben. In keinem Fall konnten objektivierbare Verletzungen festgestellt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Auch wenn bei der medizinischen Untersuchung von minderjährigen Geschädigten nach Sexualdelikten nur äußerst selten eindeutige Befunde festzustellen sind, sollte jede/jeder MedizinerIn Kenntnis über die Wertigkeit und Bedeutung von kindlichen Genitalbefunden haben. Weiterhin gilt es, den fließenden Übergang von „Doktorspielen“ zu sexualisierter Gewalt zwischen Minderjährigen korrekt zu erkennen.
Single-cell RNA-seq methods to interrogate virus-host interactions
Authors: Ratnasiri Kalani , Wilk Aaron J. , Lee Madeline J. , Khatri Purvesh , Blish Catherine A.
Published: November 2022

The twenty-first century has seen the emergence of many epidemic and pandemic viruses, with the most recent being the SARS-CoV-2-driven COVID-19 pandemic. As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses rely on host cells to replicate and produce progeny, resulting in complex virus and host dynamics during an infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), by enabling broad and simultaneous profiling of both host and virus transcripts, represents a powerful technology to unravel the delicate balance between host and virus. In this review, we summarize technological and methodological advances in scRNA-seq and their applications to antiviral immunity. We highlight key scRNA-seq applications that have enabled the understanding of viral genomic and host response heterogeneity, differential responses of infected versus bystander cells, and intercellular communication networks. We expect further development of scRNA-seq technologies and analytical methods, combined with measurements of additional multi-omic modalities and increased availability of publicly accessible scRNA-seq datasets, to enable a better understanding of viral pathogenesis and enhance the development of antiviral therapeutics strategies.
Use of remote monitoring and integrated platform for the evaluation of sleep quality in adult-onset idiopathic cervical dystonia
Authors: Bailey Grace A. , Matthews Clare , Szewczyk-krolikowski Konrad , Moore Peter , Komarzynski Sandra , Davies Elin Haf , Peall Kathryn J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Up to 70% of individuals diagnosed with adult-onset idiopathic focal cervical dystonia (AOIFCD) report difficulties with sleep. Larger cohort studies using wrist-worn accelerometer devices have emerged as an alternative to smaller polysomnography studies, in order to evaluate sleep architecture.

Methods

To measure activity during the sleep/wake cycle, individuals wore a consumer-grade wrist device (Garmin vivosmart 4) continuously over 7 days on their non-dominant wrist, while completing a daily sleep diary and standardised sleep and non-motor questionnaires via a dedicated app. Sleep measures were derived from the captured raw triaxial acceleration and heart rate values using previously published validated algorithms.

Results

Data were collected from 50 individuals diagnosed with AOIFCD and 47 age- and sex-matched controls. Those with AOIFCD self-reported significantly higher levels of excessive daytime sleepiness (p = 0.04) and impaired sleep quality (p = 0.03), while accelerometer measurements found the AOIFCD cohort to have significantly longer total sleep times (p = 0.004) and time spent in NREM sleep (p = 0.009), compared to controls. Overall, there was limited agreement between wearable-derived sleep parameters, and self-reported sleep diary and visual analogue scale records.

Discussion

This study shows the potential feasibility of using consumer-grade wearable devices in estimating sleep measures at scale in dystonia cohorts. Those diagnosed with AOIFCD were observed to have altered sleep architecture, notably longer total sleep time and NREM sleep, compared to controls. These findings suggest that previously reported disruptions to brainstem circuitry and serotonin neurotransmission may contribute to both motor and sleep pathophysiology.
Statistical framework to assess long-term spatio-temporal climate changes: East River mountainous watershed case study
Authors: Faybishenko B. , Arora B. , Dwivedi D. , Brodie E.
Published: November 2022

Evaluation of long-term temporal and spatial climatic change in mountainous regions is a critical challenge because of the interactive effects of multiple land and climatic factors and processes. Here we present the application of the statistical framework to the assessment of changes of climatic conditions, using data from 17 meteorological stations across the East River watershed near Crested Butte, Colorado, USA, and spanning the period from 1966 to 2021. The framework is developed based on (1) a time-series analysis of daily, monthly, and yearly averaged meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed, etc.), (2) evaluation and time series analysis of potential evapotranspiration (ETo), actual evapotranspiration (ET), aridity index (AI), standard precipitation index (SPI) and standard precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI), and (3) a temporal-spatial climatic zonation of the studied area based on the hierarchical clustering and PCA analysis of the SPEI, because the SPEI can be considered an integrative characteristic of the changes of climatic conditions. The Budyko model, with the application of the Penman–Monteith equation for the estimation of ETo, was used to determine the ET. The time series analysis of the AI is used to identify the periods with energy limited and water limited conditions. Hierarchical clustering of site locations for the three temporal segments of the SPEI showed a significant temporal-spatial shifts, indicating that dynamic climatic processes drive zonation patterns. Therefore, the watershed climatic zonation requires periodic re-evaluation based on the structural time series analysis of meteorological and water balance data.
The importance of microbiota and terrestrial inflows in controlling seston C:N:P:O:Si:Ca:Mn:Mg:Fe:K:Na:Cl:S:Cu:Zn stoichiometry of a deep coastal fjord
Authors: Erga Svein Rune , Heldal Mikal , Prestegard Siv , Norland Svein , Tsagaraki Tatiana , Storesund Julia E.
Published: November 2022

Comprehensive fjord-systems represent major extensions of the coastline and are therefore important transfer zones of materials from land to ocean. Despite increased terrestrial inflows to fjords due to climate changes, we know little about the effects on the ecosystem, especially biogeochemical cycling. We present novel data on spatiotemporal variations of seston multielement stoichiometry in the Sognefjord, the second longest (204 km) and deepest (1308 m) fjord in the world, relative to environmental conditions and microbiota. Concentration of major elements was highest in the upper brackish layer whereas trace metals and minor elements were highest close to the bottom. Seasonally varying microbiota was an important part of the seston in surface waters. None of the seston C:N:P (molar) annual means at specific depths corresponded to the Redfield ratio (106:16:1). At 5 m, annual means of N/P and C/N were 8.4 and 6.5, respectively, while at depth (50–1220 m) N/P were on scale 3 times higher (21–31) and C/N 3 times lower (1.6–2.6), suggesting alternative N-sequestration mechanisms. Overall, correlations between C-Ca and C-S indicate a strong influence from calcite (CaCO3) and organosulfur producing microorganisms, while correlations between particulate Si and Mg–K–Ca–O at depth are consistent with clay and sinking diatom frustules. Mn concentrations increased strongly towards the bottom, likely from resuspension of MnO2 rich sediments and clay particles. Based on seston concentrations, we arrived at the following stoichiometric relationship: C55N16P1Si3.6Ca3.4O16Fe0.74Mn0.51Zn0.33S0.21Cu0.08Cl1.7Na0.68Mg0.71K0.37, although rarely measured, such information is a prerequisite for evaluating environmental impact on coastal ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling, pollution risk analysis and monitoring guidelines.
Effects of choice of baseline on the uncertainty of population and biodiversity indices
Authors: Knape Jonas
Published: November 2022

Many monitoring programs provide annual indices of relative change over time in some quantitative measure of ecological status, such as population abundance or species richness. These indices are usually scaled relative to a reference year so that they represent change in ecological status compared to this particular year. An issue with this approach is that uncertainty about ecological status in the reference year can propagate into large uncertainty in all other index values. Taking instead the mean of the ecological status over several years as the reference—a reference period—may reduce uncertainty in indices. At present, this approach is not commonly used in practice. I quantitatively evaluate how the choice of reference period affects the uncertainty of two variants of population indices, either estimated independently each year or smoothed over several years, for 100 bird species using monitoring data. Short reference periods containing years early in the series lead to reduced uncertainty in independently estimated index values, but not in smoothed indices, compared to when using a single reference year. When a long reference period was used, uncertainty was substantially reduced for independently estimated annual indices in particular, but also for smoothed indices. An exception to the reduction in uncertainty with the length of the reference period was found when indices are constrained to be log-linear. Given an appropriate model and indices that are not strictly log-linear, using smoothing and/or reference the periods can be useful ways of reducing irrelevant uncertainty in the presentation of indices.
Skewness expectations and portfolio choice
Authors: Drerup Tilman H. , Wibral Matthias , Zimpelmann Christian
Published: November 2022

Many models of investor behavior predict that investors prefer assets that they believe to have positively skewed return distributions. We elicit detailed return expectations for a broad index fund and a single stock in a representative sample of the Dutch population. The data show substantial heterogeneity in individuals’ skewness expectations of which only very little is captured by sociodemographics. Across assets, most respondents expect a higher variance and skewness for the individual stock compared to the index fund. Portfolio allocations increase with the skewness of respondents’ return expectations for the respective asset, controlling for other moments of a respondent’s expectations.
Historical Approach and Scale Reconstruction of Two Medieval Mechanisms from “The Book of Secrets”
Authors: Medina-Sánchez G. , Moreno-Buesa J. , Dorado-Vicente R. , López-García R.
Published: November 2022

“The Book of Secrets in the Results of Ideas”, usually called “The Book of Secrets” is a codex containing drawings and descriptions of thirty-one artifacts attributed to the engineer Alī Ibn Khalaf al-Murādī, who lived in Andalusia in southern Spain at the beginning of the 11th century. This manuscript is one of the first written testimonies that describe medieval mechanisms with complex precision. The aim of this work is to reconstruct and study from a historical and technological point of view two of the ancient artifacts contained in the “Book of Secrets”, the “Fortress Demolisher” and the “Magic Well”. The “Fortress Demolisher” is a war machine designed to demolish the upper part of the walls or towers and consists of a battering ram mounted on a platform that can be raised several meters above the ground using a scissor mechanism. The “Magic Well” is a mechanism with several pulleys whose purpose is to raise water several meters from the bottom of a well by collecting a small portion of rope. To reconstruct the two artifacts, a digital model and a detailed study of the geometry and operation of the mechanisms, were first carried out. 3D printing, using the Fused Deposition Modelling technology, made the physical reproduction. The digitization and physical reproduction by 3D printing of the mechanisms represent an update of the traditional ways of transmitting knowledge. The use of these new technologies makes the knowledge more accessible, understandable and attractive.
Hydrometeorological Extreme Events in West Africa: Droughts
Authors: Dibi-Anoh Pauline A. , Koné Moussa , Gerdener Helena , Kusche Jürgen , N’Da Christophe K.
Published: November 2022

West African rainfall is an important part of the global climate system that influences the Atlantic thermohaline circulation, hurricane activities, and dust transport. The water cycle is linked to the monsoon and its interannual to decadal variations. Over the past decades, West Africa has seen major climate variability with extended droughts that had negative effects during the 1970s and 1980s. Indeed, when it is too scarce, rain causes shortages, reduces agricultural yields, and leads to migrations. On the other hand, when it is too abundant, it causes catastrophic floods and poses threats to populations, water resources as well as natural and farmlands. In this paper, drought is considered as part of climate-related hazards and one of the main hydrometeorological extreme events occurring in West Africa. The exposure to drought has made the region more vulnerable. Thus, two sites, namely the Niger river basin and the Bandama watershed (Côte d’Ivoire), are studied in this paper to review and analyze the weather and climate extreme events that affect vast areas of West Africa. Grounded in remote sensing, statistical, and socio-anthropological approaches, this work first reviews drought as observed from space; then assesses rainfall and evapotranspiration between 1970 and 2013 as indicators of risks of water resources scarcity in the hydro-system of the Bandama river in Côte d'Ivoire. The results reveal that the West African region is highly vulnerable to this hydrometeorological extreme event with heavy impacts on people and the economy due to a large dependency on rainfed agriculture. Thus, planning and management of drought require a change of paradigm. In addition, more comprehensive studies on hydrometeorological extreme events are necessary and policies must be better designed to significantly improve the tackling of droughts with better mitigation strategies.
Risk factors for the development of premature ventricular complex-induced cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Lavallaz Jeanne du Fay , Mézier Julien , Mertz Lara , Mannhart Diego , Serban Teodor , Knecht Sven , Abid Qurrat-ul-ain , Nguyen Tai Tri , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian , Huang Henry , Gold Michael R. , Badertscher Patrick
Published: November 2022

Background

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are a potentially reversible cause of heart failure. However, the characteristics of patients most likely to develop impaired left ventricular function are unclear. Hence, the objective of this study is to systematically assess risk factors for the development of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.

Methods

We performed a structured database search of the scientific literature for studies investigating risk factors for the development of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (PVC-CM). We investigated the reporting of PVC-CM risk factors (RF) and assessed the comparative association of the different RF using random-effect meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 26 studies (9 prospective and 17 retrospective studies) involving 16,764,641 patients were analyzed (mean age 55 years, 58% women, mean PVC burden 17%). Eleven RF were suitable for quantitative analysis (≥ 3 occurrences in multivariable model assessing a binary change in left ventricular (LV) function). Among these, age (OR 1.02 per increase in the year of age, 95% CI [1.01, 1.02]), the presence of symptoms (OR 0.18, 95% CI [0.05, 0.64]), non-sustained ventricular tachycardias (VT) (OR 3.01, 95% CI [1.39, 6.50]), LV origin (OR 2.20, 95% CI [1.14, 4.23]), epicardial origin (OR 4.72, 95% CI [1.81, 12.34]), the presence of interpolation (OR 4.93, 95% CI [1.66, 14.69]), PVC duration (OR 1.05 per ms increase in QRS-PVC duration [1.004; 1.096]), and PVC burden (OR 1.06, 95% CI [1.04, 1.08]) were all significantly associated with PVC-CM.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, the most consistent risk factors for PVC-CM were age, non-sustained VT, LV, epicardial origin, interpolation, and PVC burden, whereas the presence of symptoms significantly reduced the risk. These findings help tailor stringent follow-up of patients presenting with frequent PVCs and normal LV function.
Self-Compassion as a Means to Improve Job-Related Well-Being in Academia
Authors: Dreisoerner Aljoscha , Klaic Anamarija , van Dick Rolf , Junker Nina M.
Published: November 2022

Working in academia entails many challenges including rejections by journals, competition for funding or jobs, and uncertain job outlooks (for non-tenure staff), which can result in poor mental health and well-being. Previous studies have suggested self-compassion as a resource for mental health and well-being, but to date no study has been published that has tested interventions targeting self-compassion in academia. In this weekly diary study, 317 academics from Germany, Switzerland, and the US were asked to recall a negative event and were then randomly assigned to either a self-compassionate writing intervention, a three good things intervention, or an active control intervention, respectively. They also completed two surveys on four consecutive Thursdays measuring state positive and negative affect and job-related well-being (i.e., job satisfaction and work engagement). Using multi-level regression modelling, results showed that participants in the self-compassion condition reported more job satisfaction and work engagement due to experiencing less negative affect. Academics in the three good things condition showed no such effects. Results indicated that self-compassion in academia is a resource that enables emotion-oriented coping during difficult times or in challenging situations that may benefit academics’ job-related well-being. The study highlights both the importance of discussing well-being in academia and ways to strengthen it.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of Mexican spotted owl habitat in the southwestern US
Authors: Jones Gavin M. , Shirk Andrew J. , Yang Zhiqiang , Davis Raymond J. , Ganey Joseph L. , Gutiérrez R. J. , Healey Sean P. , Hedwall Shaula J. , Hoagland Serra J. , Maes Ron , Malcolm Karl , McKelvey Kevin S. , Sanderlin Jamie S. , Schwartz Michael K. , Seamans Mark E. , Wan Ho Yi , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: November 2022

Context

Understanding habitat dynamics is essential for effective conservation as landscapes rapidly change. In a companion paper in this issue, Shirk et al. (2023) introduced an automated habitat monitoring system using Google Earth Engine and applied this framework to develop a dynamic model of Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) habitat across the southwestern US from 1986 to 2020.

Objectives

We explored the application of this dynamic model of Mexican spotted owl habitat in the context of the species’ ecology.

Methods

We evaluated environmental correlates of Mexican spotted owl habitat, assessed potential spatial non-stationarity in habitat selection, estimated long-term trends in habitat by quantifying changes in habitat amount and quality between 1986 and 2020, and evaluated the extent to which habitat changes over the past 35 years have been driven by wildfire.

Results

Topography and climate appeared to outweigh reflectance-based (vegetation) metrics in describing Mexican spotted owl habitat and habitat selection was non-stationary across modeling sub-regions. Total habitat area for Mexican spotted owls declined by ~ 21% since 1986 (0.6% annually), but trends varied spatially and some even reversed over the past decade. Wildfire was responsible for between 8 and 35% of total habitat loss, depending on the sub-region considered.

Conclusions

The automated habitat monitoring system allowed trend estimation and accurate assessment of current habitat status for Mexican spotted owls; maps were accurate, spatially detailed, and current. The ability to continually produce accurate maps for large land areas for threatened species such as the Mexican spotted owl facilitates science-based land management on public lands in the southwestern US.
Course characteristics influencing students’ oral participation in higher education
Authors: Mundt Elisabeth , Hänze Martin
Published: November 2022

Many teachers strive for lively student participation in class. This field study examined aspects of learning environments in higher education with regard to their connection with students’ oral engagement. Overall, six factors that might increase or decrease oral participation were investigated: the number of teacher questions, course atmosphere, level of demand, student preparation (e.g., through homework), class size, and subject discipline. The sample consisted of 80 courses of diverse disciplines at a public university in Germany; variables were measured by trained observers as well as by the attending students. Student oral participation was indicated by the number of student questions, the number of student contributions, and an engagement rate denoting the breadth of participation in a course. Three multiple regression analyses revealed a differentiated pattern of results: Whereas the number of student questions increased with the level of demand and a positive course atmosphere, the number of contributions and the breadth of participation were both closely linked to the number of teacher questions posed, but were also influenced by student preparation, level of demand, and the teaching culture of the subject discipline. Class size did not have a significant effect on any of the three participation measures. With respect to empirical research on student participation, the study shows the necessity for a differential approach and the consideration of teachers’ interactive behaviour. Regarding the design of learning environments and the manner of teaching, three implications for practitioners are to ask questions, to be friendly, and to assign homework.
Temperatures in the Upper Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere from O2 Atmospheric Band Emission Observed by ICON/MIGHTI
Authors: Stevens M. H. , Englert C. R. , Harlander J. M. , Marr K. D. , Harding B. J. , Triplett C. C. , Mlynczak M. G. , Yuan T. , Evans J. S. , Mende S. B. , Immel Thomas J.
Published: November 2022

The Michelson Interferometer for Global High-resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) was launched aboard NASA’s Ionospheric Connection (ICON) Explorer satellite in October 2019 to measure winds and temperatures on the limb in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). Temperatures are observed using the molecular oxygen atmospheric band near 763 nm from 90–127 km altitude in the daytime and 90–108 km in the nighttime. Here we describe the measurement approach and methodology of the temperature retrieval, including unique on-orbit operations that allow for a better understanding of the instrument response. The MIGHTI measurement approach for temperatures is distinguished by concurrent observations from two different sensors, allowing for two self-consistent temperature products. We compare the MIGHTI temperatures against existing MLT space-borne and ground-based observations. The MIGHTI temperatures are within 7 K of these observations on average from 90–95 km throughout the day and night. In the daytime on average from 99–105 km, MIGHTI temperatures are higher than coincident observations by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on NASA’s TIMED satellite by 18 K. Because the difference between the MIGHTI and SABER observations is predominantly a constant bias at a given altitude, conclusions of scientific analyses that are based on temperature variations are largely unaffected.