bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of D128N Mutation on OsSERK2 in Xa21-Mediated Immune Complex: An In Silico Study
Authors: Alvy Raghib Ishraq , Mubassir M. H. M. , Abdul-Wahab Mohd Firdaus , Hamdan Salehhuddin
Published: November 2023

Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are plant proteins that form signaling circuits to transduce information through the plant cell membrane to the nucleus and activate processes that direct growth, development, stress response, and disease resistance. Upon sensing various environmental stress stimuli, RLKs interact with specific targets and recruit several other proteins to initiate the defense mechanism. Among many RLK subfamilies, leucine-rich repeat RLKs (LRR-RLKs) are the largest. Xa21, a member of LRR-RLK, is a vital receptor protein in rice plants that binds with bacterial RaxX21-sY, whereas OsSERK2 is a somatic embryogenic receptor kinase (SERK) that acts as a coreceptor in this process. This study focuses on the effect of a substitution mutation of aspartate128 with asparagine128 (D128N) in OsSERK2 on the interdependent binding pattern of the Xa21, RaxX21-sY, and OsSERK2 D128N proteins. The in silico results showed that the D128N mutation in OsSERK2 can significantly change the interaction pattern of the critical residues of the OsSERK2 and affects its receptor-ligand (Xa21-RaxX21-sY) interaction in the complex. These findings are expected to significantly contribute to the study of the structural basis of Xa21-mediated immunity and the first layer of plant defense mechanisms, thereby aiding further research on these structures and their phenotypic implications.
Investigating Pedestrian Crossing Patterns at Crossing Locations Based on Trajectory Data Collected by UAV
Authors: Fu Ting , Xie Shuke , Li Rubing , Wang Junhua , Zhang Lanfang , Sobhani Anae , Fang Shou’en
Published: November 2023

Previous studies on pedestrian crossing have mostly focused on pedestrian crossing decisions; while as an important behavioral aspect, the pedestrian crossing process, i.e., their motions during the entire crossing process, has been narrowly studied. Understanding how pedestrian moves across the street during their entire crossing process helps identify risky movements and reasons for such movements, which can further help in the implementation of effective countermeasures. Therefore, this paper proposed a new and easily applied approach for investigating and understanding the pattern of the pedestrian crossing process at crosswalks based on vision-based trajectory tracking technology and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) data. This study uses UAV for collecting video data which is timesaving and has a sufficient coverage area, compared to other methods. For trajectory extraction, the vision-based Deep-SORT-Yolov5 architecture is applied. An improved DBSCAN (density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) algorithm is introduced for clustering and identification of patterns of pedestrian crossing processes based on their trajectories. This approach is tested via a case study involving six marked crosswalks in Shanghai, China. By using the proposed method, different crossing patterns are extracted and compared. The results show reasonable outputs of trajectory patterns, which reasonably explain the potential instincts of the pedestrians and affecting factors on the behavior of the pedestrian crossing process. Suggestions are made based on the results. This paper contributes to a more comprehensive safety analysis of pedestrian crossings by considering the pedestrian crossing process. The model, along with the UAV-based trajectory observation method, provides an easily-applied and low-cost way of traffic data collection for the purpose of pedestrian safety evaluation.
Pathogenesis of Cluster 1 Duck Tembusu Virus in Ducks Reveals the Impact of Viral Genotype on Pathogenicity and Disease Severity
Authors: Tunterak Wikanda , Rungprasert Kanana , Wannaratana Suwarak , Yurayart Nichapat , Prakairungnamthip Duangduean , Ninvilai Patchareeporn , Limcharoen Benchaphorn , Nedumpun Teerawut , Hamel Rodolphe , Banlunara Wijit , Thontiravong Aunyaratana
Published: November 2023

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), an emerging avian pathogenic flavivirus, causes severe neurological disorders and acute egg drop syndrome in ducks. Currently, several clusters of DTMUV, including clusters 1, 2, and 3, have been identified and caused outbreaks in Asia. However, most of the DTMUV pathogenesis evaluation has mainly focused on cluster 2, while limited information is available on the pathogenesis of other DTMUV clusters, particularly cluster 1. In this study, the pathogenesis of a cluster 1 DTMUV was investigated in Cherry Valley ducks and compared to our previously reported cluster 2.1 DTMUV. Our results demonstrated that cluster 1 DTMUV was generally less pathogenic than cluster 2.1 DTMUV in ducks as evidenced by slower body weight loss, lower morbidity and mortality rates, and milder pathological changes. Concordantly, delayed viremia, reduced viral loads in blood and tissues, and shorter shedding period with lower viral loads were also observed in cluster 1 DTMUV inoculated ducks compared with those reported in cluster 2.1 DTMUV. In addition, we also found that cluster 1 DTMUV exhibited significant antigenic difference compared to cluster 2.1 DTMUV. Altogether, our findings suggest distinct pathogenicity and antigenicity between cluster 1 and 2.1 DTMUVs in ducks, highlighting the potential association between DTMUV genotype and pathogenicity/disease severity. This study enhances our understanding of DTMUV pathogenesis in ducks and provides useful information for the design and development of effective DTMUV vaccines.
Clinical Outcomes and Evolution of Clonal Hematopoiesis in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Mouhieddine Tarek H. , Nzerem Chidimma , Redd Robert , Dunford Andrew , Leventhal Matthew , Sklavenitis-Pistofidis Romanos , Tahri Sabrin , El-Khoury Habib , Steensma David P. , Ebert Benjamin L. , Soiffer Robert J. , Keats Jonathan J. , Mehr Shaadi , Auclair Daniel , Ghobrial Irene M. , Sperling Adam S. , Stewart Chip , Getz Gad
Published: November 2023

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) at time of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been shown to be associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with multiple myeloma not receiving immunomodulatory drugs (IMiD). However, the significance of CH in newly diagnosed patients, including transplant ineligible patients, and its effect on clonal evolution during multiple myeloma therapy in the era of novel agents, has not been well studied. Using our new algorithm to differentiate tumor and germline mutations from CH, we detected CH in approximately 10% of 986 patients with multiple myeloma from the Clinical Outcomes in MM to Personal Assessment of Genetic Profile (CoMMpass) cohort (40/529 transplanted and 59/457 non-transplanted patients). CH was associated with increased age, risk of recurrent bacterial infections and cardiovascular disease. CH at time of multiple myeloma diagnosis was not associated with inferior OS or PFS regardless of undergoing ASCT, and all patients benefited from IMiD-based therapies, irrespective of the presence of CH. Serial sampling of 52 patients revealed the emergence of CH over a median of 3 years of treatment, increasing its prevalence to 25%, mostly with DNMT3A mutations.

Significance:

Using our algorithm to differentiate tumor and germline mutations from CH mutations, we detected CH in approximately 10% of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma, including both transplant eligible and ineligible patients. Receiving IMiDs improved outcomes irrespective of CH status, but the prevalence of CH significantly rose throughout myeloma-directed therapy.
Optimizing Early-stage Clinical Pharmacology Evaluation to Accelerate Clinical Development of Giredestrant in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Malhi Vikram , Agarwal Priya , Gates Mary R. , Liu Lichuan , Wang Jianshuang , De Bruyn Tom , Lam Scott , Eng-Wong Jennifer , Perez-Moreno Pablo , Chen Ya-Chi , Yu Jiajie
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

We describe the clinical pharmacology characterization of giredestrant in a first-in-human study.

Experimental Design:

This phase Ia/Ib dose-escalation/-expansion study (NCT03332797) evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of giredestrant in estrogen receptor–positive HER2-negative locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer. The single-agent dose-escalation stage evaluated giredestrant 10, 30, 90, or 250 mg once daily. The dose-expansion stage evaluated single-agent giredestrant at 30, 100, and 250 mg once daily. Dose-escalation and -expansion phases also evaluated giredestrant 100 mg combined with palbociclib 125 mg.

Results:

Following single-dose oral administration, giredestrant was rapidly absorbed and generally showed a dose-proportional increase in exposure at doses ranging from 10 to 250 mg. At the 30 mg clinical dose, maximum plasma concentration was 266 ng/mL (50.1%) and area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 hours at steady state was 4,320 ng·hour/mL (59.4%). Minimal giredestrant concentrations were detected in urine, indicating that renal excretion is unlikely to be a major elimination route for giredestrant. Mean concentration of 4beta-hydroxycholesterol showed no apparent increase over time at both the clinical dose (30 mg) and a supratherapeutic dose (90 mg), suggesting that giredestrant may have low CYP3A induction potential in humans. No clinically relevant drug–drug interaction was observed between giredestrant and palbociclib. Giredestrant exposure was not affected by food and was generally consistent between White and Asian patients.

Conclusions:

This study illustrates how the integration of clinical pharmacology considerations into early-phase clinical trials can inform the design of pivotal studies and accelerate oncology drug development.

Significance:

This work illustrates how comprehensive clinical pharmacology characterization can be integrated into first-in-human studies in oncology. It also demonstrates the value of understanding clinical pharmacology attributes to inform eligibility, concomitant medications, and combination dosing and to directly influence late-stage trial design and accelerate development.
Metabolism Shapes Immune Responses to Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Arumugam Prabhakar , Kielian Tammy
Published: November 2023

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections that can result in various clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe disease. The bacterium utilizes different combinations of virulence factors and biofilm formation to establish a successful infection, and the emergence of methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant strains introduces additional challenges for infection management and treatment. Summary: Metabolic programming of immune cells regulates the balance of energy requirements for activation and dictates pro- versus anti-inflammatory function. Recent investigations into metabolic adaptations of leukocytes and S. aureus during infection indicate that metabolic crosstalk plays a crucial role in pathogenesis. Furthermore, S. aureus can modify its metabolic profile to fit an array of niches for commensal or invasive growth. Key Messages: Here we focus on the current understanding of immunometabolism during S. aureus infection and explore how metabolic crosstalk between the host and S. aureus influences disease outcome. We also discuss how key metabolic pathways influence leukocyte responses to other bacterial pathogens when information for S. aureus is not available. A better understanding of how S. aureus and leukocytes adapt their metabolic profiles in distinct tissue niches may reveal novel therapeutic targets to prevent or control invasive infections.
Sintomas depressivos e ideação suicida em profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia por coronavírus
Authors: Fratari Nathalia de Souza , Claro Heloísa Garcia
Published: November 2023

Objective: to analyze the predictors of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in health professionals exposed to the coronavirus in Brazil. Methodology: a quantitative and crosssectional study to analyze predictors of depression and suicidal ideation in health professionals exposed to the coronavirus, derived from the matrix study entitled “Mental health diagnoses of health professionals assisting suspected or confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) cases in Brazil: A longitudinal study”. Through a multiple regression model, we investigated variables such as race, gender, COVID-19 exposure and behavioral activation score seeking predictors of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with 482 health professionals who participated in the online questionnaire by means of email and social media outreach. Results: we found the following predictors for depressive symptoms: coronavirus protection and prevention, behavioral activation score, quality of life, and alcohol use. For suicidal ideation, we found no predictors with an effect on the statistical model, given the low variability of suicidal ideation (26 participants). There was prevalence of female participants, from the Nursing staff and with a mean age of 38 years old. Conclusion: we need to invest in quality of life, social support and support networks to strengthen health professionals and manage psychopathological symptoms.
Evidências de capacitações de prevenção ao uso de álcool e de outras drogas em territórios escolares: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Lavor Filho Tadeu Lucas de , Barbosa Vilkiane Natercia Malherme , Cavalcante Ana Jessica de Lima , Moura Junior James Ferreira , Pinto Alexandro Rodrigues , Köptcke Luciana Sepúlveda
Published: November 2023

Objective: to analyze the theoretical and methodological aspects of drug abuse prevention and health promotion training in school/educational territories based on scientific articles in Brazilian journals. Methodology: a systematic review was carried out in January 2021 in the CAPES Journals platform, for the period 2006-2020. Guided by the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis), and from the inclusion and exclusion criteria of variables, we performed a synthesis analysis with a final sample of 10 studies. Results: two axes of discussion of the analytical data were evidenced: a) Similarities and dissimilarities of the term drugs and adolescence; b) Cross-cutting reflections of the training of drugs in prevention and health promotion. The studies show a discussion of drugs in relation to: 1) adolescence, as a relationship of prone use arising from the maturational process, 2) fragility in family and social relationships, and, 3) recreational use. Conclusion: the evidence shows that trainings on the theme are incorporated into practices of knowledge acquisition and information transmission in drug addiction prevention. The trainings emphasis should prioritize breaking stigmatizing and prejudiced paradigms about drugs, fostering dialogical and emancipatory actions from the teaching work in schools’ daily life.
BİST Sürdürülebilirlik Endeksi ile Fosil Yakıt Fiyatları Arasındaki İlişkinin Analizi
Authors: KAYA Murat
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışmada, BİST Sürdürülebilirlik Endeksi ile fosil yakıt olarak kabul edilen ham petrol, Brent petrol, kalorifer yakıtı, doğalgaz ve kömür fiyatları arasındaki ilişki TVP-VAR yöntemi kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Gerçekleştirilen analizde 09/11/2014 – 14/05/2023 tarih aralığına ilişkin haftalık veriler kullanılmıştır. Analiz bulgularına göre, BİST Sürdürülebilirlik Endeks getirisinde meydana gelen değişimlerin %88.72’sinin kendisine ait geçmiş fiyat hareketlerinden kaynaklandığı belirlenmiştir. Fosil yakıt getirilerinin BİST Sürdürülebilirlik Endeks getirilerindeki değişimi açıklama gücü ise %11.28 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Analiz bulguları, BİST Sürdürülebilirlik Endeksinin fosil yakıt fiyatlarına esnekliğinin düşük olduğunu ifade etmekle birlikte petrol bazlı yakıt fiyatlarının doğal gaz ve kömüre oranla BİST Sürdürülebilirlik Endeksi üzerinde daha önemli etkiye sahip olduğunu göstermektedir.
“Kapımızdaki Çocuklar”: Dönme Dolap’tan Çocuk Coğrafyalarına Bakış
Authors: AĞCA-VAROĞLU F. Güzin , YILMAZ Sabanur
Published: November 2023

Dönme Dolap farklı coğrafyalardaki iki farklı çocukluk deneyimi üzerinden bir göç yolculuğunun yankılarını ele alan resimli bir kitaptır. Bu çalışmada Dönme Dolap göstergebilimsel analize tabi tutularak göçmenlere yönelik „Kapımızdaki Yabancılar“ tartışmasına atıfla çocuk coğrafyalarının eleştirel bir değerlendirilmesi yapılacaktır. Tülin Kozikoğlu’nun kaleme aldığı Hüseyin Sönmezay’ın resimlediği eser bu çalışmanın analiz nesnesidir. Gündelik hayatın mekânsal pratiği yerinden edilmiş çocuklar üzerine düşünme imkânı vermektedir. Çalışmada çocuk coğrafyaları tartışmasından hareketle zorunlu göçün yola çıkış, yol ve varış noktası olan genellenebilir üç aşamasıyla paralel üç farklı mekânsal görüngüsü tespit edilmiştir. Bunlar ev, kentsel mekân, karşılaşma mekânlarıdır. Çalışmanın alana çocuk edebiyatı ve çocuk coğrafyaları ilişkisini kurması ve göç olgusuna çocuk deneyimi üzerinden yaklaşması sebebiyle katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
Introduction to “Revolutionary Painting and the Palestinian Revolution,” by Mohammed Chabâa, and “Palestinian Artists and the Biennial,” from Toni Maraini's “Baghdad 1974: A Summary of the First Arab Biennial of Fine Arts” (Both 1974)
Authors: Amin Alessandra
Published: November 2023

In 1974, Moroccan cultural journal Intégral published a special edition on the first Arab biennial of visual arts, which had just taken place in Baghdad. The two documents translated here come from this special edition, and both of them deal with the Palestinian presence at the landmark exhibition. Moroccan artist Mohamad Chebaa and Italian-Moroccan art historian Toni Maraini each consider Palestine an ideal arena for the development of decolonial “combat art,” but express disappointment with its pavilion's emphasis on folk idioms over images of armed struggle. The introduction to these documents situates them in relation to Moroccan and Palestinian discourses surrounding heritage and colonialism, arguing that the Palestinian context erodes the distinction between “folk” and “combat” art in ways foreign to the Casablanca-based intellectuals.
Decriminalisation of Adultery in Taiwan
Authors: Huang David KC , Li Nigel NT
Published: November 2023

This article examines Taiwan’s decriminalisation of adultery in the landmark decision of Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 791 [2020]. The Justices affirmed the right to freedom of sexual behaviour, ruling that imposing a criminal limit on the right in the name of marriage protection or the public interest is a disproportionate means to protect marriage, because the law cannot protect marriage. Moreover, a proviso of the law of adultery was held to be incompatible with the principle of equality, as it allowed the faithful spouse to sue only the person who fornicated with the unfaithful spouse, which was a vestige of moral vengeance rooted in the Chinese culture of nulla poena sine ‘Li’ (Chu-Li-Ru-Xing).
Effects of single and multiple bouts of eccentric exercise on immune responses to HSV-gD1 DNA vaccination in mice
Authors: Molanouri Shamsi M. , Soudi S. , Afshounpour M.T. , Jamali A. , Soleimanjahi H. , Quinn L.S. , Gharakhanlou R. , Karimi H.
Published: November 2023

DNA vaccines comprise one modality of novel vaccination techniques. DNA vaccines employ intramuscular injection of DNA that codes for specific antigens from a pathogen. Prolonged eccentric endurance exercise can stimulate immune responses, possibly by increasing inflammatory mediators. This study aimed to determine the effects of one or three sessions of downhill running on the effectiveness of Herpes simplex virus type I glycoprotein D (HSV-gD1) DNA vaccination. Mice without or with one and three sessions of downhill running were vaccinated intramuscularly with the DNA vaccine or the empty vector. Cellular immune responses were assessed using an in vitro assay of lymphocyte proliferation in response to recall antigens. Also, a virus neutralisation test was used to determine the levels of neutralising antibodies in serum samples. In addition, Th1 and Th2 immune responses, and the ratio of the Th1/Th2 is considered an indicator of immune responses to infection in the current study. Multiple bouts of downhill running increased humoral immune responses after immunisation, also although Th2 immune responses decreased, lymphocyte proliferation and Th1/Th2 ratio immune responses increased following the viral challenge compared to the other groups. In addition, the timing of the 3-session exercise regimen plus DNA vaccination immediately following the last exercise session, as opposed to DNA vaccination 48 h before a single session of exercise, may account for the greater efficacy of DNA vaccination in the multiple bouts of the intensive exercise group. These findings indicate that short-term repeated bouts of eccentric endurance exercise have increased immune responses to intramuscular DNA-based vaccines.
Effect of cleaning, milling, and cooking on the reduction of deoxynivalenol in freshly harvested rice
Authors: Chen X.X. , Wu D.L. , Wu X.L. , Mokoena M.P. , Olaniran A.O. , Shi J.R. , Xu J.H. , Dong F.
Published: November 2023

Fusarium mycotoxins were frequently present in freshly harvested rice samples caused by Fusarium head blight in China recently. Due to the importance of rice and the risks associated with mycotoxins, the fate of Fusarium mycotoxins in rice was evaluated by physical methods. In the present study, a total of 157 freshly harvested rice samples were collected from fields in Jiangsu Province. Mycotoxin analysis showed that only Fusarium mycotoxins were found in these samples, with deoxynivalenol (DON) being the major mycotoxin. Twenty-three freshly harvested rice samples containing concentrations of DON higher than 200 μg/kg were selected for cleaning and milling. Compared with air or gravity separation, the combined air and gravity separation was the most effective cleaning method to decrease the content of DON. After milling, brown and white rice intended for human consumption presented lower level of DON than freshly harvested rice, husks, and bran. Three types of brown and white rice with different contents of DON were chosen for cooking. Compared with other treatments, preboiled was the most effective method to reduce DON in both brown and white rice. The results of this study improve our understanding of the transfer ratios of DON and the development of effective control measures during the postharvest stage.
An investigation of different antimycotoxin additives in swine intestinal explants challenged with aflatoxin and fumonisin: ex vivo and in vitro models
Authors: Alves Sarturi J. , Tonial Simões C. , Rosa da Silva C. , Fabris Laber I. , de Lima Schlösser L.M. , Sturza D.F. , Mallmann C.A.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to develop an ex vivo model to evaluate the efficacy of antimycotoxin additives (AMAs) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) using intestinal explants of growing pigs. Four assays of two treatments with 12 replicates each (24 jejunal explants used per assay) were performed using an Ussing Chamber (UC) system: two assays to evaluate two AMAs for AFB1 and two assays to evaluate two AMAs for FB1. The difference between the two assays for both AFB1 and FB1 was the composition of the additive used. The treatments for AFB1 assays were control [Buffer solution (BS) + 1 mg/l AFB1] and AMA (BS + 1 mg/l AFB1 + 0.5% AMA 1 or 2). The treatments for FB1 assays were control (BS + 50 mg/l FB1) and AMA (BS + 50 mg/l FB1 + 0.5% AMA 3 or 4). The efficacy of the four additives was also tested in vitro. The AFB1 concentrations in the explants from AMAs 1 and 2 were lower () than in the control. AMAs 1 and 2 reduced the jejunal absorption of AFB1 by 83.4 and 72.9%, respectively. Explants from AMAs 3 and 4 had lower FB1 () concentration when compared to the respective control treatment. AMAs 3 and 4 reduced the FB1 absorption by 31.9 and 17.6%, respectively. In the in vitro test, AMAs 1 and 2 provided 98.4 and 86.3% of AFB1 adsorption, respectively, while AMA 3 and 4 provided 91.2 and 80.5% FB1 adsorption, respectively. The ex vivo model can be a useful tool in evaluating the effectiveness of antimycotoxin additives for AFB1 and FB1 in swine. However, the low FB1 uptake in jejunal explants highlights the need for the development of additional information to improve the method.
Environmental conditions influencing growth and development of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (L.)) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Cammack J.A. , Tomberlin J.K.
Published: November 2023

While biotic conditions are recognised contributors to the growth and production of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), abiotic conditions are arguably of equal or greater relevance. Shifts in key environmental conditions can be the difference between optimal production of a black soldier colony, or its collapse. As with all insects, the impact of these criteria is highly dependent on development stage of the insect and scale of application (e.g. growth chamber in a laboratory versus an industrial rearing room). Through the analysis presented herein, the impact of three abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and photophase) on immature black soldier flies will be discussed as a means to serve as a model for investigating other abiotic factors contributing to the physiology of the species. By identifying the impact of these factors on black soldier fly development, the industry can optimise production, minimise financial investment, and enhance the economic and environmental returns of the system.
US consumer perceptions of insects as livestock feed: ethical considerations for insects
Authors: Fukuda E.P. , Carrasco M.N. , Perez A.J. , Fischer B. , Drewery M.L.
Published: November 2023

Insects have potential to be integrated into livestock production systems as feed. However, to be viable as feed, insects must be mass-reared in a ‘mini-livestock’ system. As these mass-rearing systems are relatively new, industry standards and welfare regulations are not yet in place, leaving insect welfare-related questions open. Given the importance of consumer attitudes to the social legitimacy of insect production, an analysis of consumers’ ethical perceptions of producing insects as livestock feed is warranted. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine if US consumers support or oppose using insects as livestock feed, (2) determine if perceptions regarding insect welfare or ethics are reasons for opposition, and (3) identify US consumers’ perceived risks and benefits of using insects as livestock feed. We developed a quantitative electronic questionnaire-based survey and established reliability and validity prior to distribution. Distribution was achieved through convenience sampling to adult US consumers (n = 361). When asked if insects should be used as livestock feed, 34% of respondents were supportive, 52% were neutral, and 15% were opposed. Of those who were opposed (n = 53), 58% cited ethical concerns as their reason for opposition. Of respondents who were supportive or neutral towards using insects as livestock feed (n = 308), 29% reported livestock welfare and 26% reported insect welfare as perceived risks. Perceived benefits emphasised environmental sustainability. From our entire sample, 74% of respondents thought insects could feel pain, 23% did not know, and 4% did not think insects could feel pain. Gender, age, household income, education level, and previous knowledge were significant determinants () of whether or not respondents thought insects could feel pain. Our data highlight potential areas of opposition to developing the insect rearing industry in the US and suggests that producers have reason to establish practices that are perceived as creating high-welfare conditions for their insects.
Effects of black soldier fly meal feeding on rainbow trout gut microbiota, immune-related gene expression, and Lactococcus petauri resistance
Authors: Sayramoğlu H. , Öztürk R.Ç. , Ustaoglu D. , Terzi Y. , Yandi I. , Kayis S. , Capkin E. , Altinok I.
Published: November 2023

Providing a sustainable and affordable food supply is one of the most significant challenges facing the global aquaculture industry. Black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, meal is a particularly promising alternative to animal-derived protein sources. Following a 90-day feeding experiment with four different diets containing BSF meal with increasing fish meal replacement levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, designated as B25, B50, B75, and B100, and a control diet (B0) without BSF meal, the gut microbiota, immune-related gene expression, and Lactococcus petauri resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were studied. Regardless of diet, rainbow trout intestinal microbiota were different from those in water. In the intestinal mucosa, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were among the most prevalent taxa. Rainbow trout fed with a BSF-containing diet had a higher bacterial diversity in their gastrointestinal tract than fish fed with a control diet. The abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria increased in tandem with the replacement rate of fish meal with BSF meal. The B75-fed fish were found to be the most resistant group to L. petauri, followed by the groups fed with B100, B50, and B25. Compared to the control group, the expression of cytokines (Tgf, Il-10, Il-1β, , and Il-8) and immune-related genes (IgM, IgT, Mhc-II, and Tlr-5) increased significantly () in all fish groups fed with a BSF-containing diet. Substituting fish meal with BSF meal beyond 50% enhanced the survival rates of fish infected with L. petauri. Furthermore, BSF-containing diets boosted the immune system and cytokine-related genes in fish. Due to improved survival and immunity, rainbow trout may be fed a 50% BSF meal substituted diet without removing chitin or pre-treating BSF meal.
Improving the quality of sterilised silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae fortified chicken bread spread using different binders
Authors: Tansakul Pavit , Petcharat Tanyamon , Quan Tran Hong , Chaijan Manat , Juemanee Arunothai , Kaewthong Pensiri
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to improve the quality of sterilised chicken bread spread (S-BS) fortified with silkworm pupae using binders (soy protein isolate (SP) and sodium caseinate (SC)). The characteristics of pasteurised chicken bread spread (P-BS) and S-BS were studied. S-BS was browner than P-BS, as indicated by the higher b* value. The higher total expressible fluid (TEF) in S-BS resulted in lower stickiness and spreadability values than those in P-BS, resulting in lower scores for appearance, taste, and overall preference for S-BS. Optimised types (SP and SC) and levels (0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) of binders for improving S-BS quality were evaluated. The TEF of S-BS significantly decreased with increased SP and SC levels (). SP showed a higher capacity to reduce TEF in S-BS than SC. Increased binder levels resulted in higher shear resistance during compression than the control sample, as indicated by the higher firmness, stickiness, and spreadability. The scores for appearance, colour, texture, and overall preference of S-BS with SC were higher than those of the sample with SP. The suitable binder level was 2% to improve the S-BS quality. The highest preference was shown for S-BS with 2% SC for all sensory attributes.
Taxonomic inventory of the edible insects of India, a review of the current situation and future perspectives
Authors: Ganguly A. , Pino J.M. , Nonaka K.
Published: November 2023

In this article we present a taxonomic analysis of edible insects from India. Twelve orders of insects are reported with the follow number of families registered: Ephemeroptera (2), Odonata (6), Orthoptera (5), Mantodea (1), Blattodea (4), Isoptera (2), Hemiptera-Heteroptera (18), Coleoptera (14), Lepidoptera (11), Diptera (3), Hymenoptera (3) and Plecoptera (2), comprises a total of 277 genera and 473 species. In relation to the number of genera, the best represented orders are Coleoptera (82), Orthoptera (53) and Hemiptera-Heteroptera (52). The orders with the highest number of species are: Coleoptera (143), Orthoptera (89) Hemiptera-Heteroptera (79) and Hymenoptera (62). The current status also of this line of research is discussed, with special note on the importance of them as a renewable natural resource for the various Indian ethnic groups that consume these insects.
Teacher Reflexivity When Using Pop Culture in the Classroom
Authors: Kelly Deirdre M. , Currie Dawn H.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the research was to explore what teacher reflexivity looks like when considering pop culture texts for classroom use or planning media education lessons. We build on Margaret Archer’s work, defining reflexivity as ongoing inner dialogue that precedes, attends, and reflects upon our actions. We theorize reflexive interrogation across five key dimensions: personal, emotional, analytical, political, and ethical. We discuss the types of questions teachers might ask themselves to hone their sensitivity in these areas and develop particular habits of thinking and acting. We then illustrate how these five domains of potential learning, in turn, can inform teaching strategies, using stories from our multiple case-study research into teaching media literacy for social justice.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Black History, the Media, and Fake News
Authors: King LaGarrett
Published: November 2023

Fake news has become an essential part of the national lexicon. I argue that fake news is not a new concept. In fact, Black people has been experiencing fake news for generations. I will explore fake news and use several theoretical concepts to expand the growing literature base of critical race media literacy. To do this, I will combine theoretical concepts such as the Afterlife of slavery, anti-Blackness, the racial contract, as well as critical media literacy, and Critical Race Theory to continue to push critical race media literacy as an intellectual concept. I will then present a case study on the media, Black Founders, a history centric show created in 2010 by conservative media personality Glenn Beck, to explore how these concepts work together. Here, I want to engage how history, particularly Black history, is used to spread fake news about Black people. I will then close with some theoretical ideas to consider sifting through media outlets’ racial grammar.
The G-IV Inner Circumnavigation: A Story of Successful Organic Interactions Between Research and Operations at NOAA
Authors: Sippel Jason A. , Ditchek Sarah D. , Ryan Kelly , Landsea Christopher W.
Published: November 2023

This study describes the research-to-operations process leading to a recent change in tropical cyclone (TC) reconnaissance sampling patterns as well as observing-system experiments that evaluated the impact of that change on numerical weather prediction model forecasts of TCs. A valuable part of this effort was having close, multipronged connections between the TC research and operational TC prediction communities at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Related to this work, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and National Hurricane Center (NHC) have a long history of close collaboration to improve TC reconnaissance. Similar connections between AOML and NOAA’s Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) also laid a foundation for the observing-system experiments conducted here. More specifically, AOML and NHC collaborated in 2018 to change how NHC uses NOAA’s Gulfstream-IV (G-IV) jet during TC synoptic surveillance missions. That change added a second circumnavigation at approximately 1.5° from TC centers, when possible. Preliminary experiments suggest that the change improved track forecasts, though the intensity results are more mixed. Despite the somewhat small sample size over a 3-yr period, the track improvement does agree with prior work. This effort has led to additional work to more fully examine G-IV sampling strategies.
Disentangling the Unprecedented Yangtze River Basin Extreme High Temperatures in Summer 2022: Combined Impacts of the Reintensified La Niña and Strong Positive NAO
Authors: Huang Hongjie , Zhu Zhiwei , Li Juan
Published: November 2023

During July and August of 2022, the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) experienced its most extreme high temperature (EHT) event since 1979, resulting in large numbers of human casualties and severe economic losses. This paper reveals the spatial and temporal features of the EHT over the YRB (YRB-EHT) in 2022 and disentangles its extreme nature from a historical perspective. Results showed the following: 1) The record-breaking YRB-EHT was directly caused by the adiabatic heating associated with an anomalous barotropic high pressure (or heat dome) and descending motion in the region. The intensified and westward-shifted western North Pacific subtropical high and eastward-extended South Asian high played critical roles in the formation of the heat dome and descending motion anomaly. 2) Convection anomalies over the tropical Atlantic and Pacific induced by the reintensified La Niña–like Pacific sea surface temperature anomaly pattern, along with the strong positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), were the key contributing factors to the formation of the barotropic high pressure anomaly and YRB-EHT. 3) A physics-based empirical simulation model constructed using the factors of the NAO and tropical convection successfully reproduced the historical year-to-year variation of YRB temperatures, as well as the extreme in 2022, implying that the unprecedented 2022 YRB-EHT had universal dynamic origins. This study highlights the importance of the combined impacts of tropical and extratropical forcings in the record-breaking YRB-EHT in 2022, and thus may provide useful clues for seasonal predictions of summer mean or extreme temperatures in the YRB.

Significance Statement

Extreme high temperatures hit the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) in summer 2022, causing large numbers of human casualties and severe economic losses. Here, from a historical perspective, we disentangle the dynamic origins of these high temperatures over the YRB. Based on evidence from both observations and model simulations, the present study highlights the importance of the combined impacts of tropical and extratropical routes of influence on these extremely high temperatures in the YRB, and thus may provide useful clues for seasonal predictions of YRB summer mean or extreme temperatures.
Verification of Quasi-Linear Convective Systems Predicted by the Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS)
Authors: Britt Kelsey C. , Skinner Patrick S. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Potvin Corey K. , Flora Montgomery L. , Matilla Brian , Knopfmeier Kent H. , Reinhart Anthony E.
Published: November 2023

Quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) can produce multiple hazards (e.g., straight-line winds, flash flooding, and mesovortex tornadoes) that pose a significant threat to life and property, and are often difficult to accurately forecast. The NSSL Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) is a convection-allowing ensemble system developed to provide short-term, probabilistic forecasting guidance for severe convective events. Examination of WoFS’s capability to predict QLCSs has yet to be systematically assessed across a large number of cases for 0–6-h forecast times. In this study, the quality of WoFS QLCS forecasts for 50 QLCS days occurring between 2017 and 2020 is evaluated using object-based verification techniques. First, a storm mode identification and classification algorithm is tuned to identify high-reflectivity, linear convective structures. The algorithm is used to identify convective line objects in WoFS forecasts and Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor system (MRMS) gridded observations. WoFS QLCS objects are matched with MRMS observed objects to generate bulk verification statistics. Results suggest WoFS’s QLCS forecasts are skillful with the 3- and 6-h forecasts having similar probability of detection and false alarm ratio values near 0.59 and 0.34, respectively. The WoFS objects are larger, more intense, and less eccentric than those in MRMS. A novel centerline analysis is performed to evaluate orientation, length, and tortuosity (i.e., curvature) differences, and spatial displacements between observed and predicted convective lines. While no systematic propagation biases are found, WoFS typically has centerlines that are more tortuous and displaced to the northwest of MRMS centerlines, suggesting WoFS may be overforecasting the intensity of the QLCS’s rear-inflow jet and northern bookend vortex.

Significance Statement

Quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs), also known as squall lines, can be very destructive to life and property as they produce multiple hazards such as hail, severe straight-line winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes that typically form quickly and may be difficult to observe on radar. These storms can occur year-round and have the propensity to develop overnight or into the early morning hours, potentially catching the public off-guard. An ensemble prediction system called the Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS), created by the National Severe Storms Laboratory, has shown promise in accurately forecasting a variety of severe weather events. This research evaluates the quality of the WoFS’s QLCS forecasts. Results show WoFS can accurately predict these systems for forecast times out to 6 h.
A diagnosis of society and Nordic sociology
Authors: Ahlstrand Rasmus , Sausdal David
Published: November 2023

Why are Nordic sociologists not providing diagnoses of society these days? What has happened to our desire to describe the wider sociocultural currents of the world we live in? Where indeed are the present-day Danish Sennett, the Finnish Rosa, or the Swedish Bauman? These questions resurface now and again, yet without gaining substantial traction. Even so, present-day Nordic sociology is in many ways flourishing through a growing specialization, mirroring how sociology should be the home of the many and manifold. This comment is therefore not about decrying what is currently being done in Nordic sociology. Rather, it is about – yet again – reminding us of the worth of a diagnosis of the times kind of sociology and to push for its reinstatement. More will be lost than gained if we don’t. To be sure, if we sociologists are not also interested in and capable of providing a broader-scale analysis of societal trends and tendencies, there is a risk of us curbing the wider scientific and societal relevance of sociology. Instead of being a discipline capable of the larger perspective, sociology may ‘simply’ become a less influential and fragmented smorgasbord of subdisciplines.
Does Orkish Sound Evil? Perception of Fantasy Languages and Their Phonetic and Phonological Characteristics
Authors: Mooshammer Christine , Bobeck Dominique , Hornecker Henrik , Meinhardt Kierán , Olina Olga , Walch Marie Christin , Xia Qiang
Published: November 2023

Constructed languages, frequently invented to support world-building in fantasy and science fiction genres, are often intended to sound similar to the characteristics of the people who speak them. The aims of this study are (1) to investigate whether some fictional languages, such as Orkish whose speakers are portrayed as villainous, are rated more negatively by listeners than, for example, the Elvish languages, even when they are all produced without emotional involvement in the voice; and (2) to investigate whether the rating results can be related to the sound structure of the languages under investigation. An online rating experiment with three 7-point semantic differential scales was conducted, in which three sentences from each of 12 fictional languages (Neo-Orkish, Quenya, Sindarin, Khuzdul, Adûnaic, Klingon, Vulcan, Atlantean, Dothraki, Na’vi, Kesh, ʕuiʕuid) were rated, spoken by a female and a male speaker. The results from 129 participants indicate that Klingon and Dothraki do indeed sound more unpleasant, evil, and aggressive than the Elvish languages Sindarin and Quenya. Furthermore, this difference in rating is predicted by certain characteristics of the sound structure, such as the percentage of non-German sounds and the percentage of voicing. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to theories of language attitude.
Evaluating Pregnancy Rates in Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Family Planning: Simulated Comparison of Correct Use to Avoid, Method-Related, and Total Pregnancy Rates
Authors: Stanford Joseph B. , Duane Marguerite , Simmons Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs), also known as natural family planning (NFP), enable couples to identify the days of the menstrual cycle when intercourse may result in pregnancy (“fertile days”), and to avoid intercourse on fertile days if they wish to avoid pregnancy. Thus, these methods are fully dependent on user behavior for effectiveness to avoid pregnancy. For couples and clinicians considering the use of an FABM, one important metric to consider is the highest expected effectiveness (lowest possible pregnancy rate) during the correct use of the method to avoid pregnancy. To assess this, most studies of FABMs have reported a method-related pregnancy rate (a cumulative proportion), which is calculated based on all cycles (or months) in the study. In contrast, the correct use to avoid pregnancy rate (also a cumulative proportion) has the denominator of cycles with the correct use of the FABM to avoid pregnancy. The relationship between these measures has not been evaluated quantitatively. We conducted a series of simulations demonstrating that the method-related pregnancy rate is artificially decreased in direct proportion to the proportion of cycles with intermediate use (any use other than correct use to avoid or targeted use to conceive), which also increases the total pregnancy rate. Thus, as the total pregnancy rate rises (related to intermediate use), the method-related pregnancy rate falls artificially while the correct use pregnancy rate remains constant. For practical application, we propose the core elements needed to assess correct use cycles in FABM studies.

Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) can be used by couples to avoid pregnancy, by avoiding intercourse on fertile days. Users want to know what the highest effectiveness (lowest pregnancy rate) would be if they use an FABM correctly and consistently to avoid pregnancy. In this simulation study, we compare two different measures: (1) the method-related pregnancy rate; and (2) the correct use pregnancy rate. We show that the method-related pregnancy rate is biased too low if some users in the study are not using the method consistently to avoid pregnancy, while the correct use pregnancy rate obtains an accurate estimate.

Short Summary

In FABM studies, the method-related pregnancy rate is biased too low, but the correct use pregnancy rate is unbiased.