bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Permissible Sin: Perceptions of Smoking Among Haredi Men in Israel
Authors: Guzmen-Carmeli Shlomo , Weizman Rotem , Friedman Tammar
Published: March 2024

This essay deals with perceptions of smoking among Haredi men in Israel. Though trends in smoking within the Haredi society have been quantitively examined, no qualitative research has ever focused on the motivations and mindsets stimulating individuals’ choices to take health risks despite religious precepts to the contrary. Israeli Haredi men sometimes start smoking in their early childhood and are unmotivated to quit, and such circumstances should be examined. We interviewed 20 Israeli Haredi male smokers and overviewed the Haredi daily press and rabbinical attitudes toward smoking. Our findings indicate that Haredi men typically consider smoking as either permissible or, at worst, a minor sin. From childhood they view smoking as an expression of maturity, and moreover one which is associated with Jewish holidays and particular religious practices. Such perception relies on the Haredi establishment's normative exclusion of smoking from the Halachic commandments that aim to protect health. Finally, we illustrate key points to consider in paths leading to an intervention process to change these norms and practices.
Thermal study of APTES-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles with citric acid and polyacrylic acid for advanced forward osmosis systems
Authors: Kristl Matjaž , Ostroško Urška , Ban Irena , Petrinić Irena , Stergar Janja
Published: March 2024

Iron-based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted considerable attention as promising draw solutes in forward osmosis processes due to various advantages. In the present study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) with diameters in the range of 12 ± 2 nm were synthesized by applying the coprecipitation method and stabilized using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). The amino groups of APTES were further functionalized with various amounts of citric acid (CA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) to achieve higher osmotic pressure. The as-prepared and functionalized nanoparticles were characterized using different methods: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the binding of APTES and CA/PAA on the surface of the MNPs, while the size of the particles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction. The isoelectric point, zeta potential, and the particle size in suspension were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS)/zeta potential measuring system. The amount of free –COOH groups was determined by conductometric titrations. The amount of organic matter (APTES, CA, and PAA) bound on the surface was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), giving results between 7.6% for samples stabilized with APTES only and 17.5% for samples functionalized with APTES + PAA. TG provides a simple and efficient method for determining the amount of organic compounds bound to the surface of MNPs. The osmotic pressure measurements of double-layer coated MNPs provided encouraging results of up to 28 bar, enabling using the samples as draw solutions in an experimental forward osmosis system.
Implementation of medication reviews in community pharmacy: reaching consensus on stakeholders’ recommendations for mechanisms of change using the nominal group technique
Authors: Michel Dorothee E. , Tonna Antonella P. , Dartsch Dorothee C. , Weidmann Anita E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Since 2022, patients with five or more medicines are eligible for a medication review (MR) in a community pharmacy remunerated by the German health system. However, implementation has been slow, with few pharmacies providing MRs. Stakeholders’ input is necessary to detail how implementation strategies can be executed effectively on a national level. Prior research identified “external facilitation” and “altering incentives” as crucial strategies to achieve implementation outcomes.

Aim

To gather stakeholders’ recommendations for, and obtain consensus on, mechanisms of change that allow implementation strategies to work in practice.

Method

The consensus method used was the nominal group technique (NGT) with NGT-discussions held separately with pharmacy owners and pharmacy chambers employees. Votes were summed and the relative importance (rI) calculated, defined as (score achieved for a mechanism)/(maximum possible score) × 100. Content analysis provided context for the highest ranked mechanisms and allowed linking to implementation outcomes.

Results

Four NGT-discussions were held in 2023 (n = 2 owners; n = 2 chamber employees) with a total of 17 participants. The overall highest ranked mechanisms were fit-for-purpose software (rI = 154.7) detailed process support (rI = 104.9) and an expert support line (rI = 77.7). These together with financial viability (rI = 40.0) were prioritised by both participant groups. Three mechanisms were favoured for both implementation strategies, namely software, process support and materials (rI = 34.3).

Conclusion

This study identified stakeholders’ priorities for mechanisms of change to implement MRs in community pharmacies. Focusing efforts on the prioritised mechanisms is likely to significantly advance a national implementation plan for countries which are at an early implementation stage.
Towards understanding the crystallization of photosystem II: influence of poly(ethylene glycol) of various molecular sizes on the micelle formation of alkyl maltosides
Authors: Müh Frank , Bothe Adrian , Zouni Athina
Published: March 2024

The influence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers H–(O–CH2–CH2)p–OH with different average molecular sizes $$p$$
p
on the micelle formation of n-alkyl-β-D-maltoside detergents with the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain ranging from $$10$$

10

to $$12$$

12

is investigated with the aim to learn more about the detergent behavior under conditions suitable for the crystallization of the photosynthetic pigment–protein complex photosystem II. PEG is shown to increase the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of all three detergents in the crystallization buffer in a way that the free energy of micelle formation increases linearly with the concentration of oxyethylene units (O–CH2–CH2) irrespective of the actual molecular weight of the polymer. The CMC shift is modeled by assuming for simplicity that it is dominated by the interaction between PEG and detergent monomers and is interpreted in terms of an increase of the transfer free energy of a methylene group of the alkyl chain by 0.2 kJ mol−1 per 1 mol L−1 increase of the concentration of oxyethylene units at 298 K. Implications of this effect for the solubilization and crystallization of protein–detergent complexes as well as detergent extraction from crystals are discussed.
Mathematical modeling and problem solving: from fundamentals to applications
Authors: Ohue Masahito , Sasayama Kotoyu , Takata Masami
Published: March 2024

The rapidly advancing fields of machine learning and mathematical modeling, greatly enhanced by the recent growth in artificial intelligence, are the focus of this special issue. This issue compiles extensively revised and improved versions of the top papers from the workshop on Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving at PDPTA'23, the 29th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Processing Techniques and Applications. Covering fundamental research in matrix operations and heuristic searches to real-world applications in computer vision and drug discovery, the issue underscores the crucial role of supercomputing and parallel and distributed computing infrastructure in research. Featuring nine key studies, this issue pushes forward computational technologies in mathematical modeling, refines techniques for analyzing images and time-series data, and introduces new methods in pharmaceutical and materials science, making significant contributions to these areas.
Appraisal of Chitosan-Coated Lipid Nano-Combination with Miltefosine and Albendazole in the Treatment of Murine Trichinellosis: Experimental Study with Evaluation of Immunological and Immunohistochemical Parameters
Authors: Ibrahim Asmaa F. , Selim Sahar M. , Shafey Dalia A. , Sweed Dina M. , Farag Shaimaa A. , Gouda Marwa A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Resistance and adverse consequences of albendazole (ABZ) in treating trichinellosis urged demand for secure and effective new drugs. The current study aimed to assess the effect of chitosan-coated lipid nano-combination with albendazole and miltefosine (MFS) in treating experimental murine trichinellosis and evaluating pathological and immunological changes of trichinellosis.

Materials and Methods

One hundred twenty Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups. Each group was subdivided into a and b subgroups based on the scarification time, which was 7- and 40-days post-infection (PI), respectively. The treatment efficacy was evaluated using parasitological, histopathological, serological (interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 serum levels), immunohistochemical (GATA3, glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) and caspase-3), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods.

Results

The most effective drug was nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with ABZ (G5), which showed the most significant reduction in adults and larval count (100% and 92.39%, respectively). The greatest amelioration in histopathological changes was reported in G4 treated with MFS. GATA3 and caspase-3 were significantly reduced in all treated groups. GPX1 was significantly increased in G6 treated with MFS + NLCs. The highest degenerative effects on adults and larvae by SEM were documented in G6.

Conclusion

Loading ABZ or MFS on chitosan-coated NLCs enhanced their efficacy against trichinellosis. Although ABZ was better than MFS, their combination should be considered as MFS caused a significant reduction in the intensity of infection. Furthermore, MFS showed anti-inflammatory (↓GATA3) and antiapoptotic effects (↓caspase-3), especially in the muscular phase. Also, when loaded with NLCS, it showed an antioxidant effect (↑GPX1).

Graphical abstract
Build Plate Roughness Study on Part Bonding for the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process
Authors: Ruiz-Huerta Leopoldo , Correa-Gómez Erasmo , Castro-Espinosa Homero , Caballero-Ruiz Alberto
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes have emerged as valuable partners in conventional manufacturing, facilitating the production of low-batch components with complex geometries across diverse industries. However, despite ongoing advancements in various AM technologies, consistently achieving reliable and defect-free components remains a challenge. In powder metal AM, the use of substrates or build plates to support the entire build plays a crucial role in ensuring build stability. Build plate preparation typically involves surface grinding followed by finishing sanding, leading to variations in surface roughness between different manufacturing runs. This study aimed to elucidate the bonding characteristics at the build plate-part interface by investigating the porosity and build plate-part strength at different substrate surface roughness. To this end, a multi-roughness build plate was designed and fabricated for tensile testing via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processing of upright specimens. The specimens were subjected to computed tomography (CT) scans for porosity assessment, followed by tensile tests to evaluate the mechanical performance at the build plate-part interface (bp-p). CT inspection revealed no porosity at the interface for any roughness level. Furthermore, analysis of the tensile behavior in relation to substrate roughness (Ra values of 0.8 μm, 1.4 μm, 3.5 μm, and 4.4 μm) did not reveal statistically significant differences.
Research on curriculum resources in mathematics education: a survey of the field
Authors: Rezat Sebastian
Published: March 2024

This survey describes the structure of the field of research on curriculum resources in mathematics education in the period from 2018 till 2023. Based on the procedures of a systematic review relevant literature was identified using Web of Science as a database. The included literature was analyzed and categorized according to the type of curriculum resource and the area of study. Seven areas of studies were identified: studies on the role of curriculum resources, content analysis, user studies, studies on the effects of curriculum resources, studies on curriculum resource design, curriculum resources as data, and reviews. The areas were further subdivided into different subcategories based on the research questions of the included papers. The findings show that research on mathematics textbooks is still predominant in the field. The most popular areas of research are content analysis, user studies, studies on design, and studies on effects. Emerging areas are research on students’ use of curriculum resources and the employment of user data from digital curriculum resources as data basis in mathematics education research.
Corpse or not? Two peculiar cases of misidentification
Authors: Plenzig S. , Helmus J. , Weber M. , Verhoff M. A. , Hachmann V.
Published: March 2024

Irrespective of whether they are intended for collectors or for the fetish market, dolls are being produced to look more and more realistic with such a degree of life-like detail that they can be mistaken for a real person. This paper reports two cases of misidentification due to this increasing similarity: In the first case, a sex doll was mistaken for a corpse; in the second case, a corpse was mistaken for a doll. While in the latter case, only medical laypersons were at the discovery site, in the first case, an emergency doctor had issued a medical certificate of death for the purported corpse. The medicolegal examiner who was subsequently called to the scene could still rectify the misconception on-site. Mistakes of this nature are likely rare phenomena. It, however, remains to be seen if the increasingly life-like appearance of dolls on the one hand, and the increasingly doll-like appearance of some people, e.g., through cosmetic surgery, will lead to a rise in such cases. To avoid misidentification as in the first reported case, it is essential to prepare medical students well for the task of performing a primary external postmortem examination; it is equally important that fully-trained doctors regularly refresh their expertise in this respect.
Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the thirst distress scale-heart failure
Authors: Yakar Hatice Karabuga , Oguz Sıdıka , Waldreus Nana
Published: March 2024

Objective: Patients with heart failure may experience thirst distress. There is, however, no measurement tool to define patients’ thirst distress in Turkey. The study aimed to determine psychometric properties of the translated Turkish version of the Thirst Distress Scale-Heart Failure (TDS-HF) in a sample of heart failure patients. Design: This methodologically planned study was conducted in two different training and research hospitals in Istanbul. Content validity, confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity were used in the validity analysis following the language validity analysis. Reliability coefficients were analysed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega and test-retest reliability coefficients. Validity and reliability analysis involved 116 patients, and test-retest analysis was carried out among 36 patients who volunteered to participate in the study. Results: The patients had a mean age of 55.2 ± 14.9. The factor structure and the examined fit indices of the one-dimensional eight-item scale indicated that the Turkish version of the scale was consistent with the original model. Item-total correlations were between 0.84 and 0.93, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.90, the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.97 and the McDonald’s omega coefficient was 0.93, demonstrating that the scale is highly reliable. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Thirst Distress Scale-Heart Failure was found to be valid and reliable.
Simple and Rapid Characterization of Sarawak Stingless Bee Honey Using Melissopalynological and ATR-FTIR Analysis
Authors: Bong Zhang Ru , Shah Rohan Mahendra , Chee Xavier Wezen , Hwang Siaw San , Ginjom Irine Runnie Henry
Published: March 2024

Stingless bee honey (SBH) is gaining popularity for its unique flavour and potential nutritional and health benefits. Due to its low yield, SBH is usually more expensive than common honey. Moreover, SBH is also commonly sold as raw honey with higher moisture content, which could jeopardize its shelf life, quality, and safety if not stored properly. Therefore, a rapid method is required to characterize stingless bee honey for authentication and quality assurance. This study aimed to categorize SBH samples from Sarawak using two simple and rapid methods, namely the pollen or melissopalynological analysis and attenuated-total-reflectance Fourier-transform-infrared (ATR-FTIR). The melissopalynological analysis showed that all honey samples analyzed are multifloral honey. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the ATR-FTIR spectra clearly illustrated a clear separation between normal honey and SBH; and between raw SBH and processed SBH. Overall, this study provides important insights into the characterization of SBH from Sarawak using two simple and rapid methods. Further research could expand on these findings and contribute to the development of the SBH industry in Malaysia.
Ancient diversity within Diporodrilus (Crassiclitellata, Annelida) clarify the historical biogeography of Corso-Sardinian earthworms
Authors: Marchán Daniel F. , Navarro Alejandro Martínez , Gérard Sylvain , Decaëns Thibaud , Novo Marta
Published: March 2024

Corsica and Sardinia are amongst the largest islands of the Western Mediterranean. Their complex geological history included belonging to the European–Iberian continental margin (close to current-day Catalonia and Provence) and varying degrees of isolation for the last 30 million years, leading to peculiar, highly endemic faunas and floras. This is especially true for their earthworm faunas, which include endemic species of several Lumbricoidea genera and the endemic family (or subfamily) Diporodrilidae. Only three species have been described for the morphologically unique Diporodrilus, but there exists evidence for wide morphological variability within them and the existence of several species-level genetic lineages within Corsica. This work aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between the genetic lineages of Diporodrilus from Corsica and Sardinia (based on the sequences of 5 mito-nuclear markers), to perform an integrative systematics revision combining species delimitation techniques and morphological data, and to obtain a time-calibrated phylogeny of Diporodrilus and other Corso-Sardinian Lumbricoidea. Within 15 populations of the morphospecies Diporodrilus omodeoi and Diporodrilus pilosus across Corsica and Sardinia, 10 species-level genetic lineages were detected. Phylogenetic independence, high genetic divergence and morphological differences provided the support for the description of five new pseudocryptic species: Diporodrilus rotundus sp. nov., Di. jorgei sp. nov., Di. minor sp. nov., Di. meridionalis sp. nov. and Di. telti sp. nov. Time-calibrated phylogenetic inference estimated the age for genus Diporodrilus at 65.9 Mya; even if other Corso-Sardinian genera were significantly younger, all of them presented deep divergences predating the break-off of the microplate from the continent. The almost threefold increase in the known diversity of Diporodrilus stresses the need for comprehensive earthworm diversity inventories in both Sardinia and Corsica, and for studies on their ecological role and conservation status. The close correspondence between some geological and cladogenetic events suggest that the distribution of Corso-Sardinian earthworms could be used to inform standing geological controversies.
Spatial Indexicals
Authors: Stokke Andreas
Published: March 2024

This paper offers a theory of spatial indexicals like here and there on which such expressions are variables associated with presuppositional constraints on their values. I show how this view handles both referential and bound uses of these indexicals, and I propose an account of what counts as the location of the context on a given occasion. The latter is seen to explain a wide range of facts about what the spatial indexicals can refer to.
COVID-19 outbreak among employees of a German hospital: risk factor analysis based on a follow-up questionnaire and seroprevalence
Authors: Kosenkow Jennifer , Ankert Juliane , Baier Michael , Kesselmeier Miriam , Pletz Mathias W.
Published: March 2024

Background

The Co-FriSero study describes a COVID-19 outbreak at the Friedrichroda hospital in Thuringia, Germany, with 185 beds and 404 employees, at the onset of the pandemic between March 30th, 2020, and April 13th, 2020. This study aimed to analyze potential sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission amongst hospital employees.

Methods

After the outbreak, a comprehensive follow-up was conducted through a questionnaire and a seroprevalence study using two different immunoassays for IgG detection and a third for discordant results.

Results

PCR screenings confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in 25 of 229 employees, with an additional 7 detected through serology. Statistical analysis indicated that direct patient contact, exposure to high flow ventilation in non-isolated rooms, direct contact with colleagues, shared use of recreational rooms, and carpooling were associated with an increased infection risk. Conversely, contact with family and friends, public transportation, public events, and use of locker rooms were not associated with infection. Male gender showed a lower infection likelihood, independent of age and other risk factors.

Conclusion

This study highlights the role of direct patient care and internal staff interactions in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital setting. It suggests that non-traditional transmission routes like carpooling require consideration in pandemic preparedness.
Improving Equipment Effectiveness through Visual Stream Mapping: Some Exploratory Research Findings in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) Sector
Authors: Aziz Alberuni , Talapatra Subrata , Belal H. M.
Published: March 2024

Improving equipment effectiveness is crucial for flexible manufacturing, ensuring that machines and tools perform their functions efficiently and consistently. Our study aimed to enhance the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) manufacturing system. We used the DMADV methodology incorporating Visual Stream Mapping (VSM) and OEE. By utilising VSM, we identified issues, eliminated them in the design phase, and evaluated performance in the verification phase. We automated the material handling system to reduce handling time, and the result was a significantly improved OEE in the automated manufacturing system compared to the manual one. This study has numerous benefits in flexible manufacturing and operations management, from immediate efficiency improvements to long-lasting organisational cultural transformations. Thus, it’s a noteworthy topic for practical applications and research. Enhancing Equipment Effectiveness through Visual Stream Mapping 4.0 has broad-reaching implications, including improved productivity, reduced waste, increased efficiency, better resource utilisation, and a more agile and responsive manufacturing environment. Although OEE and VSM are frequently used separately in different manufacturing systems, this study’s novelty lies in their combined application within garment manufacturing.
New approach for satellite DEM accuracy enhancement by combing machine learning, fuzzy majority voting, and weighted interpolation techniques
Authors: Kandil Walaa Metwaly , Zarzoura Fawzi H. , Salah Mahmoud , El-Mewafi Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

The digital elevation model (DEM) is crucial in many global and regional scientific studies in civilian and military applications. The aim of this research is to develop and test a new DEM approach for correcting the various errors in the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model. Firstly, the DEMs with the feature attributes from Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery are generated. Secondly, SRTM DEM with one band and attributes of a sentinel-2 image with eight bands are used as input data in supervised max-like hood, an artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM) classification models. Thirdly, ANN, supervised max-like hood, and SVM classification models, which have various properties, are fused by fuzzy majority voting (probability fusion). Finally, the fused probability is assigned for each pixel of the image, which has 12 fixed ground control points (GCPs), which is considered new input data for the inverse probability weighted interpolation (IPWI) approach to create the corrected SRTM elevations. The results were contrasted with a reference DEM (RD) created by image matching with Worldview-1 stereo satellite images, which had a 1-m vertical accuracy. The results of this study demonstrated that the RMSE of the original SRTM DEM was 5.95. On the other hand, the RMSE of the estimated elevations by the IPWI approach has been improved to 1.98 compared with that of the MLR method (3.01). The study shows a series of significant improvements in the SRTM when assessed with the reference DEM, with an RMSE reduction of (66.72%) when compared to the widely utilized multiple linear regression (MLR) method. It can be concluded that the elevation error of the original SRTM DEM is clearly reduced by the suggested approach.
Theoretical Boundaries of Annual Flood Risk for Single-Family Homes Within the 100-Year Floodplain
Authors: Al Assi Ayat , Mostafiz Rubayet Bin , Friedland Carol J. , Rohli Robert V.
Published: March 2024

Special flood hazard areas (SFHAs), defined as having an annual probability of occurrence of 1 percent or above, are used by U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to demarcate areas within which flood insurance purchase is required to secure a mortgage. However, quantifying flood risk within SFHAs can be challenging due to the lack of modeled flood depth data for all return periods. To address this issue, this research quantifies flood risk indicated by average annual loss (AAL) within the A Zone—the subset of the SFHA where wave heights can potentially range from 0 to 3 feet. The methodology resolves the Gumbel quantile function for four distinct flooding cases (i.e., locations flooded at return periods exceeding 1.58-, 10-, 25-, and 50-year return period events) and generates synthetic flood hazard parameters for these cases within the 100-year floodplain, as well as with additional elevation above the base flood elevation (BFE), known as freeboard, for single-family homes with different attributes. The results indicate that for single-family homes in the A Zone, with the lowest floor elevated to the BFE, the AAL ranges from 0.3 to 1 percent of the building replacement cost value. Adding one foot of freeboard reduces flood risk by over 90% if the annual flood risk is between the minimum and 25th percentiles and the 100-year flood depth is less than two feet. The demonstrated approach helps enhance flood resilience in the A Zone, demonstrating the feasibility of proactive measures to protect communities.
Enhancing flame and electrical surface discharge resistance in silicone rubber composite insulation through aluminium hydroxide, clay, and glass fibre additives
Authors: Nazir M. Tariq , Khalid Arslan , Wang Cheng , Kabir Imrana , Yeoh Guan H. , Phung B. Toan
Published: March 2024

Silicone rubber (SR) is a leading polymer used in electrical outdoor insulation applications due to its superior hydrophobic characteristics. However, the low flame and electrical surface discharge resistance of SR limit its broad viability and challenge its integrity in severe outdoor working conditions. This work attempts to explore the flame retardancy and surface discharge characteristics of SR co-filled with aluminium hydroxide (ATH), nanoclay montmorillonite (MMT), and chopped glass fibre (GF). Results indicate that the incorporation of ATH/MMT/GF could assist in improving the fire and surface discharge resistance of the SR material. It is noted that the maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE) and total smoke production (TSP) are measured at 24.93 kW/m2 and 0.48 m2 in SRE, relative to 61.29 kW/m2 and 6.02 m2 in SRB. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the maximum electric field strength is computed at 4.66 × 106 V/m in the air gap coupled with a high-voltage (HV) plate and sample. SRE exhibits a higher partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) value of 2.32 kVrms than its counterparts, while the maximum discharge magnitude (Qmax) is computed at 7095 pC, relative to 7746 pC in SRB. SRE emerges as a preferable SR composite to be used in electrical insulation applications with excellent flame and surface discharge resistance characteristics.
Secondary metabolite gene clusters from the phytopathogenic fungus Gaeumannomyces tritici
Authors: Geremia Felipe , Paim Igor , da Silva Camargo Matheus , Schrank Augusto , Sbaraini Nicolau
Published: March 2024

The take-all disease is one of the most important maladies in cereals and grasses, being caused by the fungus Gaeumannomyces tritici. Secondary metabolites are known to perform critical functions during the infection process of various phytopathogens. However, the current understanding of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in G. tritici is limited. Similarly, comprehensive analyses of the expression, conservation, and evolution of these biosynthesis-related genes are crucial for enhancing our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that drive the development of the take-all disease. Here we have performed a deep survey and description of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters in G. tritici, analyzed a previously published RNA-seq of a mimicked infection condition, and assessed the conservation among 10 different Magnaporthales order members. Notably, the majority of the 35 putative gene clusters identified were conserved among these species, with GtPKS1, GtPKS3, and GtTERP4 uniquely identified in G. tritici. In the mimicked infection condition, seven gene clusters, including the GtPKS1 cluster, exhibited upregulated expression. Through comparative genomic analysis, GtPKS1 was associated with the production of dichlorodiaporthin, a metabolite with cytotoxic and antifungal activity. In addition, GtPKS10 and GtPKSNRPS3 showed similarities to already characterized biosynthetic pathways involved in the synthesis of ACR-toxin (phytotoxic) and trichosetin (phytotoxic and antibiotic), respectively. These three gene clusters were further scrutinized through phylogenetic inference, which revealed the distribution of orthologous sequences across various plant-associated fungi. Finally, the detailed identification of several genes enrolled in secondary metabolite biosynthesis provides the foundation for future in-depth research, supporting the potential impact of several small molecules on G. tritici lifecycle and host interactions.
Assessing the impact of missing data on water quality index estimation: a machine learning approach
Authors: Sierra-Porta David
Published: March 2024

Despite the regulations and controls implemented worldwide by governments and institutions to ensure the availability and quality of water resources, many water sources remain susceptible to contamination. This contamination poses significant risks to human health and can lead to substantial economic losses. One of the challenges in this context is the presence of missing or incomplete data, which can arise from various factors such as the methodology used or the expertise of personnel involved in sample collection and analysis. The existence of such data gaps hampers the accurate analysis that can be conducted. To address this issue and estimate a water quality index from the available samples, it is crucial to handle missing information appropriately to avoid biased calculations. This study focuses on the application of machine learning methods for imputing missing data in water samples. Furthermore, it quantifies the performance of different models based on the distribution of the obtained data. By applying 10 distinct methods to a sample of water quality data, the most effective approaches, namely Bayesian Ridge, Gradient Boosting, Ridge, Support Vector Machine, and Theil-Sen regressors, were identified. The selection of these models was based on the evaluation of two estimation error metrics: average percent bias (PBIAS) and Kling-Gupta Efficiency statistic (KGEss). The respective metric values for the aforementioned methods are as follows: $$\langle \hbox {PBIAS}\rangle _{0.5}=14.665, 19.555, 14.300, 15.380, 15.920$$

⟨
PBIAS
⟩

0.5

=
14.665
,
19.555
,
14.300
,
15.380
,
15.920

and $$\langle \hbox {KGEss}\rangle _{0.5}=0.670, 0.585, 0.655, 0.620, 0.595$$

⟨
KGEss
⟩

0.5

=
0.670
,
0.585
,
0.655
,
0.620
,
0.595

. The results obtained from these models have been utilized to establish unbiased relationships among physical, chemical, and biological parameters based on the information retrieved through the applied imputation methods.
A residential property appreciation and bank financing feasibility for acquisition in Hermosillo, Sonora
Authors: Ramirez-Uribe Gerardo , Imam Ayman , de la Cruz Arturo Ojeda , Corella Marco Ramos , Pacheco Jesus Quintana
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the Capital Gain of residential housing and its feasibility through bank financing in Hermosillo, Sonora. The purpose is to analyze the evolution of capital gain in the residential market and assess its possibility of acquisition through bank financing in the region. The main methodology includes a historical analysis of housing prices and a comprehensive evaluation of the current financing conditions provided by local banks. Key findings highlight a sustained increase in the capital gain of residential properties in Hermosillo. Economic and developmental factors have contributed to this constant growth. Furthermore, it has been proven that bank financing is a viable alternative for those interested in acquiring homes in this area. The capital gain in Hermosillo presents a promising outlook for both investors and buyers alike. The upward trend in housing prices, supported by favorable conditions in the local economy and urban development, highlights the potential for investment in the region. The availability of bank financing further facilitates access to the acquisition of residential properties, making it appealing for those seeking to invest in real estate in Hermosillo. In conclusion, this study underscores the viability of acquiring residential properties through bank financing and emphasizes the importance of considering capital gain as a valuable indicator in real estate decision-making in Hermosillo, Sonora.
Asymptotic expansions relating to the distribution of the length of longest increasing subsequences
Authors: Bornemann Folkmar
Published: March 2024

We study the distribution of the length of longest increasing subsequences in random permutations ofnintegers asngrows large and establish an asymptotic expansion in powers of$n^{-1/3}$. Whilst the limit law was already shown by Baik, Deift and Johansson to be the GUE Tracy–Widom distributionF, we find explicit analytic expressions of the first few finite-size correction terms as linear combinations of higher order derivatives ofFwith rational polynomial coefficients. Our proof replaces Johansson’s de-Poissonization, which is based on monotonicity as a Tauberian condition, by analytic de-Poissonization of Jacquet and Szpankowski, which is based on growth conditions in the complex plane; it is subject to a tameness hypothesis concerning complex zeros of the analytically continued Poissonized length distribution. In a preparatory step an expansion of the hard-to-soft edge transition law of LUE is studied, which is lifted to an expansion of the Poissonized length distribution for large intensities. Finally, expansions of Stirling-type approximations and of the expected value and variance of the length distribution are given.
Changing sustainable diet behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: inequitable outcomes across a sociodemographically diverse sample of adults
Authors: Ludwig-Borycz Elizabeth , Baylin Ana , Jones Andrew D. , Webster Allison , Stratton Anne Elise , Bauer Katherine W.
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to describe changes in sustainable dietary behaviours (those that support environmental, economic, and physical health) among a sample of US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine differences in changes by individuals’ race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Therefore, a cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in April 2021 (N = 1,488, mean age = 42.7 (SD = 12.6)) receiving outpatient care from Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan health system. Enrolment quotas were established to ensure a diverse sample—one-third of participants identified as African American/Black, one-third Hispanic/Latino, one-third White, and one-third low-income. Participants reported engaging in more behaviours that are supportive of a sustainable diet one year into the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. This is particularly true regarding ecologically and economically sustaining behaviours such as taking fewer trips to the grocery store, increased use of home grocery delivery, increased cooking at home, and greater consumption of healthy foods. Not all behaviour changes promoted sustainable food systems; namely, the use of farmer’s markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) declined. White and high-income participants were more likely than African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, and low-income individuals to engage in ecologically and economically sustainable dietary behaviours during the pandemic. Meanwhile, African American/Black participants reported large increases in physical health sustainable dietary behaviours. To support the continuation of greater engagement with sustainable diets, policies that increase access to public transportation, limit the frequency with which consumers have groceries delivered, increase work-from-home options, and improve access for low-income populations should be prioritised.
Instant memories of the Russian war against Ukraine – mapping the virtual Meta History: Museum of War
Authors: Graf Sebastian
Published: March 2024

This paper explores how Ukrainian virtual museums of war are embedded in today's connective environment of humans, codes and algorithms. In particular, I examine the ways virtuality as a mode of memory-making is deployed by the Meta History: Museum of War to shape the mediation and remembering of the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine as it unfolds. Using digital methods and digital ethnography, this study maps the emerging assemblage of the Meta History: Museum of War to grasp how the museum is contributing to efforts to repel the Russian invasion through its artistic and material engagement with the war. By exploring the network of exhibitions and the museum's virtual infrastructure, the study illustrates how the museum generates affective instant memories in order to wield influence over events that will in turn be exhibited in the future. Consequently, it adds valuable insights into the production of virtual engagement with war.
Ethics Within the Divine Order – Why Oliveira’s Symmetry Challenge Fails
Authors: Luke Sean
Published: March 2024

Recently, Luis R. G. Oliveira has developed the ‘symmetry challenge’ as follows:

(1)

If God exists, then for all actual instances of evil e, God has justifying moral reasons for allowing e (the ‘reasons’ thesis).

(2)

If God has justifying moral reasons for allowing e, then we have justifying moral reasons for allowing e as well (symmetry thesis).

(3)

So, if God exists, then for all actual instances of e, we have justifying moral reasons for allowing e (Oliveira, 2023).

Thus, per Oliveira, given God’s sovereignty over evil, there is no ethical asymmetry which would compel a moral agent to prevent rather than permit a preventable evil. In this paper, I will defend the asymmetry claim and argue that Oliveira’s argument ultimately fails. First, I will sketch Oliveira’s argument. Then, I will briefly articulate a broadly Reformed-Thomistic model of providence which I will deploy in this article. Third, I will argue that this model of providence and the ethical aim of the Christian life generate two distinct yet inter-related reasons to hold to the asymmetry claim. Finally, I will canvas several theodicies my model rules out and anticipate several objections.
Transnational Activism through the Prism of Anarchism, and Vice Versa
Authors: Bantman Constance
Published: March 2024

Chapter Four of Daniel Laqua's Activism across Borders, on “Class, Revolution and Social Justice”, opens stimulating avenues for reflection with its cross-partisan approach, over an ambitious chronological span – from the post-1848 wave of revolutionary exile to the contemporary global justice movement. From the perspective of a historian of pre-1914 transnational anarchism, this brief review essay considers three prominent aspects of this chapter: historiographic perspectives on socialist activisms; the modalities of transnational activism; and borders and boundaries.
Mean-field transport equations and energy theorem for plasma edge turbulent transport
Authors: Coosemans Reinart , Dekeyser Wouter , Baelmans Martine
Published: March 2024

This paper establishes a mean-field equation set and an energy theorem to provide a theoretical basis in view of the development of self-consistent, physics-based turbulent transport models for mean-field transport codes. A rigorous averaging procedure identifies the exact form of the perpendicular turbulent fluxes which are modelled by ad hoc diffusive terms in mean-field transport codes, next to other closure terms which are not commonly considered. Earlier work suggested that the turbulent

$E\times B$

particle and heat fluxes, which are thus identified to be important closure terms, can be modelled to reasonable accuracy using the kinetic energy in the

$E\times B$

velocity fluctuations (

$k_{E}$

). The related enstrophy led to further modelling improvements in an initial study, although further analysis is required. To support this modelling approach, transport equations are derived analytically for both quantities. In particular, an energy theorem is established in which the various source and sink terms of

$k_{E}$

are shown to couple to mean-field and turbulent parallel kinetic energy, kinetic energy in the other perpendicular velocity components, the thermal energy and the magnetic energy. This provides expressions for the interchange, drift-wave and Reynolds stress terms amongst others. Note that most terms in these energy equations are in turn closure terms. It is suggested to evaluate these terms using reference data from detailed turbulence code simulations in future work.
Dark Futures: Toward a Philosophical Archaeology of Hope
Authors: Taylor Paul C.
Published: March 2024

Early in World War I, Virginia Woolf wrote these words: ‘The future is dark, which is on the whole, the best thing the future can be […]’. It is tempting to assume that darkness simply hides the unknown and the threatening. It is more challenging to think of it as Woolf did: rich with possibility in even the most desperate times.

We live in what many would readily describe as dark times. These times have brought (among much else) a once-in-a-century public health crisis, the continued redemption of toxic white supremacy, declining trust in and support for public institutions, and growing evidence of impending climate devastation. ‘Dark Futures’ will consider some of the scenes of this devastation and mine them for insights into our predicaments and our prospects.
Assessment of trophic segregation amongst gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) individuals in Antarctica using a non-invasive methodology
Authors: Rabinovich-Larrechea Lucía , Naya Daniel E. , Cosse Mariana , Bou Nadia , Franco-Trecu Valentina
Published: March 2024

Individual trophic specialization (ITS) refers to the trophic diversification amongst individuals within a population. The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is considered a trophic generalist at the population level, but little is known about its individual trophic differentiation. We assessed the degree of ITS at one of its main breeding colonies: Ardley Island, South Shetland Islands. We used skin from 19 dead individuals to determine species and sex by molecular methods and a nail for stable isotope analysis of δ15N and δ13C. Isotopic niche metrics and ITS were estimated for the population and for each sex. We found a moderately high degree of ITS associated with the trophic position of the resources consumed (δ15N) for the population and both sexes, as well as a moderate degree of ITS in the foraging habitat (δ13C) for the population and females. Females showed a higher exclusive niche area, suggesting that they use resources and foraging areas that males do not, probably related to reproductive energy demands. Given the high population density of this species, ITS could function as a mechanism to decrease intraspecific competition. This combination of genetic and isotopic tools allowed us to provide relevant information on the trophic ecology of the gentoo penguin without manipulating animals or using invasive methods.
Tangible Radio: Deaf studies and sound studies coalitions
Authors: Papachristou Dana
Published: March 2024

As a medium for information, entertainment and communication, radio had taken precedence over television for decades, at least in terms of its accessibility in all households. Television and later the internet never completely annulled its aural condition, while its form altered to keep up with developments in terms of asynchrony or subject areas. Today it is considered the predominantly ‘cool medium’. Recent developments in television and the internet’s ways of operating render it a more detached medium than the alternative, given that a medium can change ‘temperature’ over time depending on the use (Levinson 2001: 108). But what about its accessibility to d/Deaf and Hard-of-hearing groups? Are these communities excluded by default from radio programmes and artistic creation through radiophonic media? In this article I analyse a case study, ‘Tangible Radio – Class on Air’ workshop, as part of B-AIR Creative Europe programme, as well as the convergences of sound art and the deaf experience in terms of co-creation, participation and educational processes. I will argue that radio as a medium can very successfully include the d/Deaf and Hard-of-hearing communities if relevant methodologies and technologies are encompassed to its processes.
A topic which I want to know more about – preposition placement in finite WH-relative clauses in World Englishes
Authors: MUẞEMANN VICTORIA
Published: March 2024

The present article analyzes the use of preposition stranding (the world which we live in) and pied-piping (the world in which we live) in finite WH-relative clauses in twelve varieties of English. In the light of previous studies, it assumes that the strength of processing constraints and formality effects that drive speakers’ constructional choices should correlate with Dynamic Model stages (Schneider 2007). However, drawing on data from the International Corpus of English (ICE) and using mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, the study shows that processing factors affect speakers of all Dynamic Model stages in a very similar way. At the same time, clear differences between variety stages are observed with respect to formality and topic, which strongly affect Phases IV and V but not Phase III. These results are interpreted from a Usage-based Construction Grammar perspective.