bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpaved road verges are attractive habitats for dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in a plantation forestry-grassland mosaic
Authors: Deacon Charl , Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Roads have direct and indirect impacts on biodiversity, although the impacts on insects are not yet fully understood. In a plantation forestry-dominated landscape in South Africa, where natural grasslands make up ecological networks of conservation corridors among plantation compartments, we investigated the impact of maintained unpaved roads and unmanaged tracks on dung beetles. We show that these two types of roads have little impact on dung beetle species richness and assemblage structure, indicating that road verges are attractive habitats for dung beetles. Yet, nocturnal dung beetle abundance increased with distance away from roads, suggesting that areas farther away from roads are important to maintain their population sizes. Vegetation characteristics, especially total cover by grasses and overall vegetation height, were important drivers of dung beetles, yet substrate characteristics were unimportant. With vegetation characteristics being related to road maintenance, roads in the landscape have an indirect impact on dung beetle species richness, abundance, and assemblage composition, rather than a direct impact. Road construction in production landscapes is unavoidable, and their edges are attractive to dung beetles. This means that road users should avoid unnecessary road killings by strictly keeping to the road tracks. Habitat heterogeneity across the overall landscape should be encouraged to minimize current and future impacts of roads on dung beetles. The expansion of road networks, or the maintenance of existing road networks, should be done cautiously so as to promote habitat heterogeneity which is important for maintaining regional dung beetle diversity patterns.
Methodical tuning of NH3 gas sensing in WO3 thin films by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Anusha  , Kumari Priyanka , Ani Aninamol , Poornesh P , Chattopadhyay Saikat , Petwal Vikash Chandra , Verma Vijay Pal , Dwivedi Jishnu
Published: February 2024

The present work focuses on the structure, morphology, optical and sensing analysis of Electron Beam Irradiation (EBI) treated WO3 films synthesized by the spray pyrolysis technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a slight shift in the 2θ position, indicating stress generated due to EBI process. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphographs presented well-defined grains at higher irradiation dosages. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) studies showed increased oxygen vacancy defects for the 5 kGy treated sample compared to unirradiated WO3. Sensing analysis of unirradiated and EBI-treated films was conducted towards ammonia (NH3) at an optimum operating temperature of 200 °C. Sensor response of 5 kGy treated film increased by − 4.5 fold compared to unirradiated film at 5 ppm NH3 concentration. The current study demonstrates the importance of EBI in tailoring the NH3 sensing properties of WO3 films.
Determining the Spiritual Care Needs of Patients with Indwelling Urinary Catheterization: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study in Turkey
Authors: ORDU Yadigar , YILMAZ Sakine
Published: February 2024

This study was undertaken to ascertain the spiritual care requirements of patients undergoing indwelling urinary catheterization. Identifying the spiritual care needs of patients with indwelling urinary catheterization is crucial for fortifying their resilience and fostering positive health behaviors. Furthermore, it proves pivotal in devising customized nursing interventions. A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 122 participants (50 female, 72 male) undergoing indwelling urinary catheterization within the inpatient clinics of a state hospital in Turkey was conducted. Data were meticulously gathered through a participant information form and the Spiritual Care Needs Scale. The subsequent analysis employed the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, facilitated by the SPSS 22.0 program. This study adhered to the STROBE recommendations in reporting. The findings indicated that individuals with indwelling urinary catheters exhibit spiritual care needs exceeding the norm, with heightened scores in subdimensions such as meaning and hope, caring, and respect. A statistically significant positive association was identified, revealing a difference in spiritual care needs between women and men. Similarly, a positive association, statistically significant, was observed in the spiritual care needs of patients aged 72–98 compared to those aged 41–71. Furthermore, a positive and statistically significant difference surfaced in the spiritual care needs of patients with long-term indwelling urinary catheters as opposed to those with medium and short-term urinary catheters. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the spiritual care needs of patients undergoing indwelling urinary catheterization.
Is woody plant encroachment bad? Benefits of woody plant encroachment—A review
Authors: Aweto Albert Orodena
Published: February 2024

Context

Woody plant encroachment has remarkably altered the structure and functioning of savanna and grassland ecosystems and has become a major ecological concern globally. The majority of the studies/reviews on woody plant encroachment have overwhelmingly concentrated on the negative impacts of the phenomenon and have ignored its benefits to humans.

Objectives

The current paper addresses the question whether woody plant encroachment is bad and goes further to discuss its benefits.

Methods

This review is based primarily on published papers that were procured from the Google Scholar database, utilizing keywords that relate to woody plant encroachment and its impacts.

Results

Woody plant encroachment usually reduces grass cover and results in substantial accumulation of carbon and nutrients in the soil and vegetation as grasslands/savannas become more densely wooded. It appears to have a more drastic impact on commercial farmers in North and South America than small-scale farmers and pastoralists in Africa, South America and Asia, who derive benefits such as increased supplies of fuelwood, medicine, food and browse for livestock from the phenomenon.

Conclusion

Woody plant encroachment should not be regarded as patently unwholesome because of its overarching benefit of carbon sequestration in soil and woody plants in grasslands/savannas that help to mitigate climate change and global warming. Shade-loving grasses that provide fodder for livestock could be planted in rangeland to ameliorate the effect of reduced herbage production.
TLC-XML: Transformer with Label Correlation for Extreme Multi-label Text Classification
Authors: Zhao Fei , Ai Qing , Li Xiangna , Wang Wenhui , Gao Qingyun , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2024

Extreme multi-label text classification (XMTC) annotates related labels for unknown text from large-scale label sets. Transformer-based methods have become the dominant approach for solving the XMTC task due to their effective text representation capabilities. However, the existing Transformer-based methods fail to effectively exploit the correlation between labels in the XMTC task. To address this shortcoming, we propose a novel model called TLC-XML, i.e., a Transformer with label correlation for extreme multi-label text classification. TLC-XML comprises three modules: Partition, Matcher and Ranker. In the Partition module, we exploit the semantic and co-occurrence information of labels to construct the label correlation graph, and further partition the strongly correlated labels into the same cluster. In the Matcher module, we propose cluster correlation learning, which uses the graph convolutional network (GCN) to extract the correlation between clusters. We then introduce these valuable correlations into the classifier to match related clusters. In the Ranker module, we propose label interaction learning, which aggregates the raw label prediction with the information of the neighboring labels. The experimental results on benchmark datasets show that TLC-XML significantly outperforms state-of-the-art XMTC methods.
A Comprehensive Survey on Feature Selection with Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Alirezapour Hanie , Mansouri Najme , Mohammad Hasani Zade Behnam
Published: February 2024

Recent growth in data dimensions presents challenges to data mining and machine learning. A high-dimensional dataset consists of several features. Data may include irrelevant or additional features. By removing these redundant and unwanted features, the dimensions of the data can be reduced. The feature selection process eliminates a small set of relevant and important features from a large data set, reducing the size of the dataset. Multiple optimization problems can be solved using metaheuristic algorithms. Recently, the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) has attracted the attention of researchers as a swarm intelligence algorithm based on metaheuristics. An extensive review of papers on GOA-based feature selection algorithms in the years 2018–2023 is presented based on extensive research in the area of feature selection and GOA. A comparison of GOA-based feature selection methods is presented, along with evaluation strategies and simulation environments in this paper. Furthermore, this study summarizes and classifies GOA in several areas. Although many researchers have introduced their novelty in the feature selection problem, many open challenges and enhancements remain. The survey concludes with a discussion about some open research challenges and problems that require further attention.
ADMM-TGV image restoration for scientific applications with unbiased parameter choice
Authors: Zietlow Christian , Lindner Jörg K. N.
Published: February 2024

Image restoration via alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) has gained large interest within the last decade. Solving standard problems of Gaussian and Poisson noise, the set of “Total Variation” (TV)-based regularizers proved to be efficient and versatile. In the last few years, the “Total Generalized Variation” (TGV) approach combined TV regularizers of different orders adaptively to better suit local regions in the image. This improved the technique significantly. The approach solved the staircase problem inherent of the first-order TV while keeping the beneficial edge preservation. The iterative minimization for the augmented Lagrangian of TGV problems requires four important parameters: two penalty parameters $${\rho }$$
ρ
and $${\eta }$$
η
and two regularization parameters $${\lambda _{0}}$$

λ
0

and $${\lambda _{1}}$$

λ
1

. The choice of penalty parameters decides on the convergence speed, and the regularization parameters decide on the impact of the respective regularizer and are determined by the noise level in the image. For scientific applications of such algorithms, an automated and thus objective method to determine these parameters is essential to receive unbiased results independent of the user. Obviously, both sets of parameters are to be well chosen to achieve optimal results, too. In this paper, a method is proposed to adaptively choose optimal $${\rho }$$
ρ
and $${\eta }$$
η
values for the iteration to converge faster, based on the primal and dual residuals arising from the optimality conditions of the augmented Lagrangian. Further, we show how to choose $${\lambda _{0}}$$

λ
0

and $${\lambda _{1}}$$

λ
1

based on the inherent noise in the image.
Lie symmetry analysis, multiple exp-function method and conservation laws for the (2+1)-dimensional Boussinesq equation
Authors: Mbusi S. O. , Adem A. R. , Muatjetjeja B.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we take into account the (2 + 1)-dimensional Boussinesq equation, a nonlinear evolution partial differential equation that describes how gravity waves move across the surface of the ocean. The symmetry reductions and group invariant precise solutions are systematically determined using the Lie symmetry analysis. We derive the precise multiple wave solutions using the multiple exp-function method, and then, using the multiplier method, we give the conservation laws. The dynamics of complicated waves and their interplay are faithfully recreated by the findings.
Estimates of N accumulated below-ground by grain legumes derived using leaf or stem 15N-feeding: in search of a practical method for potential use at remote field locations
Authors: McNeill Ann M. , Unkovich Murray J.
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

Below-ground (BG) N of N2 fixing grain legumes is an important N input to farming systems, likely underestimated as N solely in coarse roots. 15N methodology can improve measures of BG N accumulation. Our objective was to identify a 15N method for potential use at remote field sites. We hypothesised that method and frequency of 15N feeding may result in different estimates of BG N.

Methods

Glasshouse-grown grain legumes, leaf or stem fed 15N once or twice, were sampled three weeks after feed and at physiological maturity. Three BG fractions were isolated using 2 mm sieving; recovered cleaned roots>2 mm, unrecovered roots >2 mm remaining on sieve with adhering soil, and bulk soil that passed through sieve along with fine roots <2 mm. Fractions were measured for N/15N to estimate BGN. Inorganic, total soluble organic and microbial N/15N were also assessed for bulk soil.

Results

Estimates of BG N were not influenced by method or frequency of 15N feeding. Recovered root N was 33–55% of estimated plant BG N at physiological maturity. Low amounts of fed 15N detected as inorganic or soluble organic N (0.1–0.7%) and microbial biomass N (0.2–2.5%) were attributed to rhizodeposition. A large proportion of fed 15N in bulk soil (51–67%) was present as ‘insoluble’ N attributed to fine roots.

Conclusions

A single 15N stem-feeding at remote field sites should suffice to provide a measure of BG N larger than that N measured in recovered roots on a 2 mm sieve. Little evidence for direct leakage into soil labile N pools of highly labelled 15N post-feed.
Investigating demand models with more flexible elasticity functions: empirical insights from rail demand analysis
Authors: Wardman Mark
Published: February 2024

Models of rail travel demand take one of three generic functional forms: the generalised cost (GC) function where price and the various time variables are combined into a composite term through the use of appropriate values of time; the generalised journey time and fare (GJT-Fare) approach, where the time-related variables are combined into a single term and fare remains separate; and the specification of separate elasticities for all terms, termed the separate components (SC) approach. This research extends that reported by Wardman and Toner (Transportation 47:75–108, 10.1007/s11116-017-9850-7, 2020) in exploring more flexible functional forms where appropriate parameterisation of the standard GC, GJT and SC models allows them to have more general elasticity properties. Whilst the aforementioned study discounted the standard GC approach on the grounds of inferior fit and undesirable elasticity properties, the analysis reported here, based on large datasets, finds best-fitting more flexible models to have elasticity properties that resemble those of the GC approach. Indeed, the preferred functions can deliver elasticities that are somewhat different from those of the GJT-Fare approach that has long provided the basis of official rail demand forecasts in Great Britain. In addition, the study adds to the existing evidence base by providing credible and precise elasticities for GJT and fare, and importantly for the rarely estimated GC and SC elasticities, reaffirms the need of GC models to directly estimate demand consistent values of time, and indicates that the weights currently attached to headway and interchange in formulating GJT are in need of significant amendment. Although the context is rail in Great Britain, the results have relevance to demand analysis of other modes and in other countries as well as to other transport modelling approaches.
The effects of foreign language anxiety on English word reading among Chinese students at risk of English learning difficulties
Authors: Chan Kevin , Yeung Pui-sze , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa
Published: February 2024

Foreign language anxiety has influenced reading achievement in English as a second language learning (ESL). However, less is known about how foreign language anxiety affects Chinese students learning English as L2 and the interplay between foreign language anxiety and cognitive-linguistic factors on L2 reading performance. This longitudinal study examined the impact of foreign language anxiety on English word reading and the mediating effect of cognitive-linguistic skills between foreign language anxiety and English word reading in a sample of 177 grades 2 to 3 ESL Chinese students at risk of English learning difficulties. Foreign language anxiety was assessed using parent-rated and child-rated questionnaires at T1. Students were assessed on English word reading at T1 and T2 and cognitive-linguistic skills: phonological awareness, expressive vocabulary knowledge, and working memory at T1. Path analysis showed that parent-rated foreign language anxiety significantly predicted T1 English word reading after controlling for working memory. However, child-rated foreign language anxiety did not significantly predict English word reading. Moreover, mediation analysis showed that parent-rated foreign language anxiety significantly predicted T2 English word reading through T1 English word reading and expressive vocabulary knowledge. Findings highlight the impact of foreign language anxiety on L2 word reading and suggest that mothers’ involvement in children’s ESL is essential.
Planned Geological Investigations of the Europa Clipper Mission
Authors: Daubar I. J. , Hayes A. G. , Collins G. C. , Craft K. L. , Rathbun J. A. , Spencer J. R. , Wyrick D. Y. , Bland M. T. , Davies A. G. , Ernst C. M. , Howell S. M. , Leonard E. J. , McEwen A. S. , Moore J. M. , Phillips C. B. , Prockter L. M. , Quick L. C. , Scully J. E. C. , Soderblom J. M. , Brooks S. M. , Cable M. , Cameron M. E. , Chan K. , Chivers C. J. , Choukroun M. , Cochrane C. J. , Diniega S. , Dombard A. J. , Elder C. M. , Gerekos C. , Glein C. , Greathouse T. K. , Grima C. , Gudipati M. S. , Hand K. P. , Hansen C. , Hayne P. , Hedman M. , Hughson K. , Jia X. , Lawrence J. , Meyer H. M. , Miller K. , Parekh R. , Patterson G. W. , Persaud D. M. , Piqueux S. , Retherford K. D. , Scanlan K. M. , Schenk P. , Schmidt B. , Schroeder D. , Steinbrügge G. , Stern A. , Tobie G. , Withers P. , Young D. A. , Buratti B. , Korth H. , Senske D. , Pappalardo R.
Published: February 2024

Geological investigations planned for the Europa Clipper mission will examine the formation, evolution, and expression of geomorphic structures found on the surface. Understanding geologic features, their formation, and any recent activity are key inputs in constraining Europa’s potential for habitability. In addition to providing information about the moon’s habitability, the geologic study of Europa is compelling in and of itself. Here we provide a high-level, cross-instrument, and cross-discipline overview of the geologic investigations planned within the Europa Clipper mission. Europa’s fascinating collection of ice-focused geology provides an unparalleled opportunity to investigate the dynamics of icy shells, ice-ocean exchange processes, and global-scale tectonic and tidal stresses. We present an overview of what is currently known about the geology of Europa, from global to local scales, highlighting outstanding issues and open questions, and detailing how the Europa Clipper mission will address them. We describe the mission’s strategy for searching for and characterizing current activity in the form of possible active plumes, thermal anomalies, evidence for surface changes, and extremely fresh surface exposures. The complementary and synergistic nature of the data sets from the various instruments and their integration will be key to significantly advancing our understanding of Europa’s geology.
Shapes, Rotations, Photometric and Internal Properties of Jupiter Trojans
Authors: Mottola Stefano , Britt Daniel T. , Brown Michael E. , Buie Marc W. , Noll Keith S. , Pätzold Martin
Published: February 2024

The Jupiter Trojans, being trapped around the stable L4 and L5 Jupiter Lagrangian points, are thought to be more primitive than the Main Belt asteroids. They are believed to have originated from a range of heliocentric distances in the trans-Neptunian region, to have subsequently been scattered inwards, and finally captured in their current location during the phase of Giant Planet migration. As a consequence, their bulk composition is expected to reflect that of the protoplanetary disk at the time and location of their formation. The photometric properties of Trojans appear to have a bi-modal distribution. A few Trojans have been discovered to be binary systems, suspected contact binaries, or to possess moonlets, which has revealed consistently low bulk densities (around$1\times 10^{3}$1×103kg$\mathrm {m}^{-3}$m−3) for those systems. Those estimates, together with the presence of a spin barrier between 4 and 4.8 h rotation period, suggest that low densities are a general property of the population, similar to that of cometary nuclei.

Current Trojan physical properties provide clues that relate to their formation that can, in turn, be traced back to the origin of the solar system. We review here our current knowledge on the physical properties of Trojans and the methods used for their determinations. Most of these methods are based on Earth-bound observations, and are limited by the large distance to these objects. The next breakthrough will be made possible by the Lucy mission, which, by visiting several Trojans during a tour through both clouds, will address many open questions and probably raise new ones. The combination of the ground truth for select objects provided by Lucy with the context view given by the Earth-bound observations will result in powerful synergy.
Ironic Practices as Pedagogical Tools for Accomplishing Italo Calvino’s Lightness
Authors: Thoilliez Bianca
Published: February 2024

This essay begins with the premise that Italo Calvino’s Memos serve as a fundamentally educational proposition. Each of his lectures can be regarded as a substantive proposal, encouraging a revaluation of our contemporary world through unconventional forms of knowledge, especially considering the challenges posed by the new millennium. The essay’s central objective is to further the intellectual movement initiated by Calvino, but with a specific focus on theorizing education. It aims not to simply apply Calvino’s principles and insights to education or provide a pedagogical analysis but rather to actively engage with them, fostering educational-philosophical reflections centred around the concept of “lightness”, as identified by the Italian writer. Key questions emerge from this exploration: How can “lightness” be considered an educational quality? Can it serve as a valuable guide for navigating the complexities of contemporary education? Can the notion of “lightness” inspire the creation of new pedagogical languages that resist the instrumentalizing tendencies in education? The essay proceeds to elucidate Calvino’s primary theses on “lightness” while also examining the potential for a productive dialogue between Calvino and Richard Rorty’s ideas on irony, both in public and private dimensions. It illustrates how ironic practices, such as sarcasm, satire, and wit, conveyed through artistic expressions, can embody the essence of “lightness” that Calvino encourages. Ultimately, the essay concludes by reflecting on the pedagogical implications of embracing “lightness” in education, particularly in the affirmative/post-critical and Arendtian sense, as a means of bequeathing a world that genuinely belongs to future generations.
COMBSS: best subset selection via continuous optimization
Authors: Moka Sarat , Liquet Benoit , Zhu Houying , Muller Samuel
Published: February 2024

The problem of best subset selection in linear regression is considered with the aim to find a fixed size subset of features that best fits the response. This is particularly challenging when the total available number of features is very large compared to the number of data samples. Existing optimal methods for solving this problem tend to be slow while fast methods tend to have low accuracy. Ideally, new methods perform best subset selection faster than existing optimal methods but with comparable accuracy, or, being more accurate than methods of comparable computational speed. Here, we propose a novel continuous optimization method that identifies a subset solution path, a small set of models of varying size, that consists of candidates for the single best subset of features, that is optimal in a specific sense in linear regression. Our method turns out to be fast, making the best subset selection possible when the number of features is well in excess of thousands. Because of the outstanding overall performance, framing the best subset selection challenge as a continuous optimization problem opens new research directions for feature extraction for a large variety of regression models.
Is social capital bridging or bonding? Evidence from a field experiment with association members
Authors: Degli Antoni Giacomo , Grimalda Gianluca
Published: February 2024

Social capital theorists posit that association members are key agents for propagating norms of trust and trustworthiness from within associations toward the society as a whole. Nevertheless, others claim that social capital is primarily bonding, that is, it helps ingroup members better achieve internal goals, but little benefits or even costs carry over to the rest of society. We deploy experimental methods to probe into whether social capital in associations has a predominantly bridging or bonding nature. We compare members’ behavior in anonymous Trust Games with behavior by a demographically comparable sample of non-members. We find that (a) Members are significantly more trusting and trustworthy than the general population both when interacting with fellow members and with people from the general population; (b) Members trust and repay trust from people from the general public nearly at the same level as they do with fellow members. Therefore, most of social capital existing within associations “bridges” over to the rest of society. We quantify 83% of additional trust, and 71% of additional trustworthiness existing in associations vis-à-vis society at large to be bridging and the remainder to be bonding. (c) Association members are no more optimistic or less accurate in predicting others’ behavior than people from the general public. (d) Increased involvement in association activities is not correlated with increased pro-sociality.
Discovering the Perception Differences of Stakeholders on the Sustainable and Innovative Stormwater Management Practices
Authors: Ekmekcioğlu Ömer
Published: February 2024

The overarching aim of the present work is to explore the perception differences of stakeholders, i.e., municipalities (MN), water administrations (WS), non-governmental organizations (NGO), and universities (UN), playing vital roles in the decision mechanisms regarding one of the sustainable flood mitigation techniques, i.e., low impact development (LID) practices. As being rewarding alternative to conventional drainage techniques, four different LID strategies, i.e., green roof (GR), bioretention cells (BC), permeable pavement (PP), and infiltration trench (IT), and three of their combinations were adopted to the densely urbanized Ayamama River basin, Istanbul, Turkey. The performances of the LIDs were comprehensively evaluated based on three pillars of sustainability (i.e., social, economic, and environmental) using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework containing the implementation of fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) and the VIKOR (VIse KriterijumsaOptimiz acija I Kompromisno Resenje) for finding the weights of constraining criteria and prioritizing the LID scenarios, respectively. The major outcomes of this research showed that experts from MN, WS, and UN put forward the environmental dimension of sustainability, whereas respondents from NGO concentrated on the social aspect. Furthermore, MN and WS highlighted initial investment cost as the most determining criterion in optimal LID selection. On the other hand, criteria weights regarding the judgments of the experts attended from NGO revealed the significance of community resistance in specifying the optimal LID practices, while aesthetic appearance was the major concern of the academia. Hence, the present study, as an initial attempt, enabled critical standpoints for discovering perceptions of stakeholders.
Circadian rhythm in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus): daily variation of blood metabolites in recirculating aquaculture systems
Authors: Petereit J. , Lannig G. , Baßmann B. , Bock C. , Buck B. H.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Animal welfare in aquaculture is becoming increasingly important, and detailed knowledge of the species concerned is essential for further optimization on farms. Every organism is controlled by an internal clock, the circadian rhythm, which is crucial for metabolic processes and is partially influenced by abiotic factors, making it important for aquaculture practices.

Objective

In order to determine the circadian rhythm of adult turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), blood samples were collected over a 24-h period and plasma metabolite profiles were analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Methods

The fish were habituated to feeding times at 9 am and 3 pm and with the NMR spectroscopy 46 metabolites could be identified, eight of which appeared to shift throughout the day.

Results

We noted exceptionally high values around 3 pm for the amino acids isoleucine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, lysine, and the stress indicator lactate. These metabolic peaks were interpreted as either habituation to the usual feeding time or as natural peak levels in turbot in a 24-h circle because other indicators for stress (glucose, cortisol and lysozymes) showed a stable baseline, indicating that the animals had no or very little stress during the experimental period.

Conclusion

This study provides initial insights into the diurnal variation of metabolites in adult turbot; however, further studies are needed to confirm present findings of possible fluctuations in amino acids and sugars. Implementing optimized feeding times (with high levels of sugars and low levels of stress metabolites) could lead to less stress, fewer disease outbreaks and overall improved fish welfare in aquaculture facilities.
Exploration of differential responses to FODMAPs and gluten in people with irritable bowel syndrome- a double-blind randomized cross-over challenge study
Authors: Nordin Elise , Landberg Rikard , Hellström Per M. , Brunius Carl
Published: February 2024

Introduction

There is large variation in response to diet in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and determinants for differential response are poorly understood.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate differential clinical and molecular responses to provocation with fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) and gluten in individuals with IBS.

Methods

Data were used from a crossover study with week-long interventions with either FODMAPs, gluten or placebo. The study also included a rapid provocation test. Molecular data consisted of fecal microbiota, short chain fatty acids, and untargeted plasma metabolomics. IBS symptoms were evaluated with the IBS severity scoring system. IBS symptoms were modelled against molecular and baseline questionnaire data, using Random Forest (RF; regression and clustering), Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC), and univariate methods.

Results

Regression and classification RF models were in general of low predictive power (Q2 ≤ 0.22, classification rate < 0.73). Out of 864 clustering models, only 2 had significant associations to clusters (0.69 < CR < 0.73, p < 0.05), but with no associations to baseline clinical measures. Similarly, PARAFAC revealed no clear association between metabolome data and IBS symptoms.

Conclusion

Differential IBS responses to FODMAPs or gluten exposures could not be explained from clinical and molecular data despite extensive exploration with different data analytical approaches. The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03653689 31/08/2018.
Initial observations of the impacts of infauna on portable free fall penetrometer measurements in sandy parts of Mobile Bay
Authors: Stark Nina , Dorgan Kelly M. , Brilli Nicola C. , Frey Madeline R. , Cox Chesna , Calantoni Joseph
Published: February 2024

The seabed surface provides habitat for abundant and diverse fauna, whose burrowing activities have been shown to modify geotechnical properties of surface sediments. Whether these impacts affect geotechnical properties on larger scales of traditional measurements has not been well studied. This study represents an initial attempt to assess whether infaunal activity affects seabed properties on a scale relevant for, and therefore, detectable in portable free fall penetrometer measurements. Specifically, we examine sediment strength profiles of the upper 10–70 cm of sandy (poorly graded sand and muddy sand) seabed sediments in Mobile Bay, Alabama, USA, hypothesizing that infauna create heterogeneity in sediment structure that would lead to variability in PFFP vertical profiles as well as among replicate measurements at a site. Sediments were composed predominantly of sands, with only 17% of the sites featuring sand contents < 97% and median grain sizes ranging from 0.0987 to 0.3457 mm. Sediment strength generally decreased with a decreasing sand content, but variability was not explained by sand content alone. PFFP impacts in sandier sites (> 97% sand) were limited to the surface few cm, but considerable vertical and spatial variability in muddy sands and lower strength at sites with abundant burrowing infauna suggest that infaunal activities may affect PFFP measurements in these sediments.
Optimal Control with RdCVFL for Degenerating Photoreceptors
Authors: Wifvat Kathryn , Camacho Erika T. , Kawski Matthias , Léveillard Thierry , Wirkus Stephen
Published: February 2024

Both the rod and cone photoreceptors, along with the retinal pigment epithelium have been experimentally and mathematically shown to work interdependently to maintain vision. Further, the theoredoxin-like rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) and its long form (RdCVFL) have proven to increase photoreceptor survival in experimental results. Aerobic glycolysis is the primary source of energy production for photoreceptors and RdCVF accelerates the intake of glucose into the cones. RdCVFL helps mitigate the negative effects of reactive oxidative species and has shown promise in slowing the death of cones in mouse studies. However, this potential treatment and its effects have never been studied in mathematical models. In this work, we examine an optimal control with the treatment of RdCVFL. We mathematically illustrate the potential this treatment might have for treating degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, as well as compare this to the results of an updated control model with RdCVF.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of a Solid Shroud in Multi-arc Plasma Spraying
Authors: Bobzin K. , Heinemann H. , Dokhanchi A.
Published: February 2024

Plasma spraying is characterized by high flexibility, but has challenges of high energy consumption and oxidation of the metallic spray particles. Modified plasma spraying processes using a gas or solid shroud have been developed to address these challenges, which aim to reduce the introduction of ambient air into the plasma jet and improve the process efficiency. Prior research mainly focused on single-cathode plasma generators, and the use of a shroud in multi-arc plasma spraying systems has not been thoroughly explored. The primary goal of this study is to analyze the effects of a solid shroud as a nozzle extension on the plasma jet of a three-cathode plasma generator numerically and experimentally. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate a solid shroud, and the resulting design is constructed for experimental analysis. The experimental setup includes a nozzle extension with a transparent window for diagnostic measurements by a high-speed camera. To isolate the effects of the solid shroud from fluctuations in the power input, current, and voltage measurements are carried out synchronized with the high-speed recordings. Particle diagnostics are also conducted to analyze the properties of the in-flight particles without and with the solid shroud. The developed numerical model can be further used to optimize the shroud geometry for different process parameters.
COP-22 Alleviates d-Galactose–Induced Brain Aging by Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Mice
Authors: Ma Yazhong , Wang Xiaotong , Li Xin , Chen Xi , Teng Zhifeng , Wang Xuekun , Yang Jie , Liu Guoyun
Published: February 2024

Aging is a natural and inevitable process of organisms. With the intensification of population aging, research on aging has become a hot topic of global attention. The most obvious manifestation of human aging is the aging of brain function, which has been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, COP-22, a mono-carbonyl curcumin derivative, was evaluated for its anti-aging ability, especially its ability to resist brain aging induced by D-galactose (D-gal) in mice. For brain protection, COP-22 could resist D-gal–induced oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidative defense enzymes and enhancing antioxidant capacity in the brain tissue; COP-22 could improve the dysfunction of the cholinergic system by decreasing the increased activity of acetylcholinesterase and increasing the reduced content of acetylcholine induced by D-gal; and COP-22 could protect nerve cells of the brain. Further, western blot was used to determine related proteins of the brain. We found that COP-22 could effectively protect against brain injury (SIRT1, p53, p21, and p16) by inhibiting oxidative stress (Nrf2 and HO-1), inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α), and apoptosis (Bax and caspase-3) in D-gal–induced aging mice. Additionally, COP-22 demonstrated the ability to reduce oxidative stress in serum and liver caused by D-gal, as well as relieve the damages in the liver and kidney induced by D-gal. These results indicated that COP-22 had potential anti-aging activity and could be used in the therapy of aging and aging-associated diseases like Alzheimer disease.
Bedingungslose ambulante Erziehungshilfen
Authors: Freres Katharina , Schrödter Mark
Published: February 2024

„Bedingungslose Jugendhilfe“ ist die Bezeichnung für ein offenes politisches Reform- und sozialpädagogisches Forschungsprogramm, das sich gegen die Stigmatisierung von Nutzer_innen erzieherischer Hilfen stellt. In dem Programm wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob es erstrebenswert und praktisch umsetzbar wäre, wenn die Hilfen zur Erziehung unabhängig vom Vorliegen eines erzieherischen Bedarfs als universale Unterstützungsleistungen für alle Kinder, Jugendlichen und ihre Eltern attraktiv und zugänglich wären. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die These entwickelt, dass ambulante erzieherische Hilfen nur dann im sozialpädagogischen Sinne als „bedingungslos“ gelten können, wenn (mindestens) drei Kriterien erfüllt sind: (1) die Hilfen müssen niedrigschwellig hinsichtlich der Anspruchsvoraussetzungen und (2) ohne Bedarfsprüfung durch das Jugendamt erhältlich sein. Vorausgesetzt ist (3) ein Jugendhilfesystem, das die Selbstachtung der Eltern dadurch respektiert, dass es keinen Grund mehr gibt für die Befürchtung, ihnen könnte ihr Kind „weggenommen“ werden, da im Fall einer Fremdplatzierung plausibel bestreitbar wäre, dass es aufgrund eines Erziehungsdefizits nicht mehr zu Hause wohnt (plausible deniability). Es wird die These vertreten, dass das erste Kriterium bereits als erfüllt gelten kann und das zweite Kriterium ähnlich wie für die Erziehungsberatung umsetzbar wäre (Selbstbeschaffung). In diesem Sinne sind ambulante erzieherische Hilfen de facto bereits auf einem guten Weg zur bedingungslosen Familienbildung.
The Effect of Being Vaccinated and National Vaccination Rates on Individuals’ Cognitions, Emotions, and Economic Expectations: Evidence from Israel
Authors: Lahav Eyal , Shahrabani Shosh , Rosenboim Mosi , Tsutsui Yoshiro
Published: February 2024

Background

Israel was the first nation to establish a vaccination program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, its citizens could look to no other country to help them judge its influence. People’s predictions of their safety should depend on whether they were vaccinated, whereas their predictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic should be based on the degree of progress of the vaccination program. We expected people to understand that the program would improve their safety by reducing the number of infected people around them.

Method

An original panel survey was conducted covering the pandemic’s first year. Respondents reported their vaccination status, emotions, evaluations of their safety, and predictions about the spread of COVID-19 and the Israeli gross domestic product.

Results

Estimates of fixed-effects models using the survey data suggest that being vaccinated affected people’s cognitions about their own safety and their emotions but not their expectations regarding the situation in Israel as a whole. In contrast, the vaccination rate in Israel affected only the respondents’ expectations about the spread of COVID-19, their own income, and Israel’s gross domestic product.

Conclusions

Being vaccinated is important for people’s personal emotional and cognitive relief during a pandemic. A high vaccination rate improves people’s economic expectations, which is important to the recovery of economic activity.
Effects of artificial light on the arrival time, duration of stay, and departure time of nocturnal flying insects
Authors: Kasai Masaki , Hironaka Mantaro
Published: February 2024

Insects with positive phototaxis fly to artificial light sources at night, stay there for a certain amount of time, and then fly away. Although many studies have been conducted on the arrival time of flying insects at artificial light sources, little is known about the time at which they fly away (departure time), duration of stay, and staying time zone. This information is important to protect phototactic insects from the fatal attraction to light that is known as a serious ecological light pollution. In this study, we aimed to identify the duration of stay and staying time zone for various insect species by marking them with light traps. Among the 63 species belonging to 11 orders observed at the study site, cluster analysis focused on 27 species for which 5 or more data points were obtained, highlighting three predominant stay patterns. Type 1 species arrived approximately 1.3 h and flew away approximately 4.1 h after sunset and stayed for a short period of approximately 2.6 h. Type 2 species arrived at approximately 1.2 h and flew away for approximately 9.6 h, with an 8.4 h stay. Type 3 species arrived later than Types 1 and 2, were attracted for 5.4 h, and flew away approximately 13.5 h with an 8.2 h stay. These results suggest that conservation biological countermeasures against light-attracted flying insects need to consider the stay patterns of insects that remain under outdoor lighting.
Association of organ damage with predicted fat mass in a community-dwelling elderly: the Northern Shanghai study
Authors: Xu Chong , Yu Shikai , Zhao Song , Chi Chen , Fan Ximin , Teliewubai Jiadela , Xiong Jing , Tang Jiamin , Zhao Yifan , Xu Yawei , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Body fat mass (FM) is associated with multiple organ damage. However, data regarding the relationship between various organ damage and FM are rare in the elderly. Therefore, we aim to perform an analysis on the relationship between organ damage and FM in a geriatric cohort.

Methods

3331 participants were included in this analysis. Based on age, body height, body weight, waist circumference, and race, we calculated FM with the established formula. Organ damage, including arterial stiffening, lower extremity atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), micro-albuminuria, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), were measured and calculated with standard methods.

Results

All organ damage parameters were significantly related to FM (all p < 0.001). In univariate logistics regression, the highest quartile of FM was tied to the increased risk of arterial stiffening, lower extremity atherosclerosis, LVH, micro-albuminuria, and CKD (all p < 0.05). After adjustment, participants with higher quantiles of FM had a significantly increased odd ratio (OR) for arterial stiffening [OR = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.99, p = 0.002] and LVH (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.48–2.67, p < 0.001). Moreover, FM was linearly associated with arterial stiffening and LVH in total population and gender subgroups. Independent of confounders, FM was significantly correlated with arterial stiffening, lower extremity atherosclerosis, LVH and CKD in female, while was only related to LVH in male.

Conclusions

Among various organ damage, elevated FM is significantly and independently associated with arterial stiffening and LVH in the elderly. Compared with men, women with increased FM are more likely to have multiple organ damage.
Interventions to improve social network in older people with sensory impairment: a systematic review
Authors: Kuang Li , Hu Hanyu , Dai Halina , Ma Huiying , Jia Yuling , Sheng Yu
Published: February 2024

Background

Sensory impairment significantly reduces speech discrimination and perception ability, presenting a challenge to effective communication. It can lead to social withdrawal and a reduced social network which can lead to cognitive impairment, seriously affecting the quality of life of older people. However, it is unclear which intervention components are effective to improving social network in older people with sensory impairment.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize interventions designed to improve social network in older people with sensory impairment.

Methods

We searched seven databases from inception to December 1, 2023. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies of interventions for older people with sensory impairment aimed at improving social networks. Two reviewers searched databases, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies independently.

Results

Nine studies including five RCTs and four quasi-experimental studies were selected, enrolling 721 older people with sensory impairment. Methodological quality of the studies was modest. Eight studies demonstrated a positive impact of the interventions used in older people with sensory impairment. The detailed effective intervention components may include communication strategies, resources for older people and their significant others, exercise or tech-back of communication, sensory device fitting, and use and maintenance of sensory devices.

Conclusion

There are few interventions available for improving social network in older people with sensory impairment. Most interventions mainly focus on communication education and care, and sensory device fitting and education. To improve the social network in older people with sensory impairment, it is necessary to develop more effective, multidisciplinary collaborative effective interventions and conduct more high-quality original studies.