bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are population cycles recovering?
Authors: YAKUSHOV Vasily D. , SHEFTEL Boris I.
Published: October 2023

The dynamics of populations of small mammals of Central Siberia was analyzed. The studies were carried out at the Yenisei ecological station “Mirnoye” of the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences. The time series analysis was performed by the wavelet transform using the statistical data processing language R. In the 20th century, the dynamics of the population of the community and some of its constituent species (Sorex araneus; S. caecutiens; S. isodon; S. tundrensis; S. minutus; Craseomys rufocanus; Clethrionomys rutilus; Microtus oeconomus; M. agrestis) were characterized by a 4‐year periodicity. The type of dynamics changed to noncyclic by the nineties, but by 2022, four species (S. araneus, S. isodon, C. rutilus, and M. oeconomus) and the community as a whole showed a tendency toward recovery of population cycles. The remaining species were characterized by consistently low numbers with irregular low amplitude fluctuations.
A molecular phylogeny for all 21 families within Chiroptera (bats)
Authors: HAO Xiangyu , LU Qin , ZHAO Huabin
Published: October 2023

Bats, members of the Chiroptera order, rank as the second most diverse group among mammals. Recent molecular systematic studies on bats have successfully classified 21 families within two suborders: Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera. Nevertheless, the phylogeny within these 21 families has remained a subject of controversy. In this study, we have employed a balanced approach to establish a robust family‐level phylogenetic hypothesis for bats, utilizing a more comprehensive molecular dataset. This dataset includes representative species from all 21 bat families, resulting in a reduced level of missing genetic information. The resulting phylogenetic tree comprises 21 lineages that are strongly supported, each corresponding to one of the bat families. Our findings support to place the Emballonuroidea superfamily as the basal lineage of Yangochiroptera, and that Myzopodidae should be situated as a basal lineage of Emballonuroidea, forming a sister relationship with the clade consisting of Nycteridae and Emballonuridae. Finally, we have conducted dating analyses on this newly resolved phylogenetic tree, providing divergence times for each bat family. Collectively, our study has employed a relatively comprehensive molecular dataset to establish a more robust phylogeny encompassing all 21 bat families. This improved phylogenetic framework will significantly contribute to our understanding of evolutionary processes, ecological roles, disease dynamics, and biodiversity conservation in the realm of bats.
Identifying global conservation priorities for terrestrial vertebrates based on multiple dimensions of biodiversity
Authors: Cui Yu , Carmona Carlos Pérez , Wang Zhiheng
Published: October 2023

The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity calls for an expansion of the current protected areas (PAs) to cover at least 30% of global land and water areas by 2030 (i.e., the 30×30 target). Efficient spatial planning for PA expansion is an urgent need for global conservation practice. A spatial prioritization framework considering multiple dimensions of biodiversity is critical for improving the efficiency of the spatial planning of PAs, yet it remains a challenge. We developed an index for the identification of priority areas based on functionally rare, evolutionarily distinct, and globally endangered species (FREDGE) and applied it to 21,536 terrestrial vertebrates. We determined species distributions, conservation status (global endangerment), molecular phylogenies (evolutionary distinctiveness), and life‐history traits (functional rarity). Madagascar, Central America, and the Andes were of high priority for the conservation of multiple dimensions of terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity. However, 68.8% of grid cells in these priority areas had <17% of their area covered by PAs, and these priority areas were under intense anthropogenic and climate change threats. These results highlight the difficulties of conserving multiple dimensions of biodiversity. Our global analyses of the geographical patterns of multiple dimensions of terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity demonstrate the insufficiency of the conservation of different biodiversity dimensions, and our index, based on multiple dimensions of biodiversity, provides a useful tool for guiding future spatial prioritization of PA expansion to achieve the 30×30 target under serious pressures.
1068. Amorphophallus ongsakulii Hett. & A.Galloway: Araceae
Authors: Dodsworth Steven , Phillips Charlotte , Lambkin Deborah
Published: October 2023

Amorphophallus ongsakulii Hett. & A.Galloway is illustrated from plants cultivated by the authors. Its ecology, distribution, and systematics are described, along with notes on cultivation.
Unsound and Informally Fallacious Preterist Arguments for Mark 13:24‐27
Authors: Hollon Elton L.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The following article evaluates two common arguments for preterist interpretations of Mark 13:24‐27, collectively dubbed the ‘time‐text’ argument. These two arguments support symbolic and/or historicised interpretations. Our thesis is that the first argument is unsound and the second commits the informal fallacy of false dilemma. Owing to these problems, the arguments and preterist interpretations should be rejected in favour of more plausible futurist interpretations.
ESTIMATION OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES WITH OUTPUT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Atkinson Scott E. , Luo Rong
Published: October 2023

Coal‐fired power plants minimize costs subject to output and emission constraints. We model the plants' choice of coal quality and emission abatement to minimize costs under these constraints, allowing for heterogeneous unobserved generation productivity and abatement efficiency. We derive and estimate the plants' cost functions to recover the production technologies. Our data set is a balanced panel of 76 U.S. coal‐fired power plants from 1995 to 2005, when the emission permit trading system was viable. We find a dramatic growth in abatement efficiency, a major goal of the Acid Rain Program. By contrast, the growth in generation productivity is positive but small.
Relationship Between Poison Information Centers and Suicide Prevention Centers
Authors: Furth Mary S.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The common roles of poison control centers and suicide prevention centers are indicated, and the need for merging the functions and services of these two kinds of centers is emphasized.
Religiosity and Self‐Destructive Crises in the Institutionalized Elderly
Authors: Nelson Franklyn L.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The relationship of religiosity to self‐destructive behavior has largely been considered in terms of the impact of religious affiliation, or church membership, on rates of suicide for various geographical populations. This study departs from that approach and focuses instead on the relationship of intensity of religious commitment to the use of indirect life‐threatening behavior (ILTB) among elderly, chronically ill hospital patients. A rating scale to measure the occurrence of ILTB was developed and administered to a sample of 58 patients in a Veterans Administration hospital. Findings for this sample indicate that intensity of religious commitment is a potentially more meaningful measure of religiosity than is formal church membership, that intensity of religious commitment tends to vary inversely with the extent of ILTB observed for the patient, and that “stigma avoidance” may play a role in the tendency for certain religious affiliates to make more extensive use of ILTB.
Symbiosis, Empathy, Suicidal Behavior, and the Family
Authors: Richman Joseph
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the theoretical concept of symbiosis, as described by Mahler and her co‐workers, and its clinical applications in suicidal situations. Symbiosis is defined as both a developmental phase characterized by a lack of differentiation between self and others and a relationship which is contingent upon the family and social network. A disturbed symbiosis is a major component in a suicide attempt. The destructive aspects of symbiosis are traced together with its relationship to empathy and the efforts to both restore and resolve a symbiotic conflict through suicidal behavior. In family therapy a repetition of older symbiotic relationships is frequently observed. These are repeated from one generation to the next in order to keep the old relationship alive. Finally, the practical implications of the concept of symbiosis for assessment and treatment are discussed.
Psychiatric Hospital Treatment of Suicidal Children
Authors: Pfeffer Cynthia R.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Three phases of psychiatric hospital treatment of children, ages 6 to 12 years, admitted to the hospital because of suicidal threats or suicidal attempts are described. Suicidal behavior in young children must always be taken seriously. Although suicidal behavior usually ceases upon hospitalization, suicidal ideas may continue to be expressed in play and fantasy. In addition to individual and milieu therapy, treatment must also include concomitant assistance of the parents. The treatment procedures are illustrated by suicidal case examples of a depressed girl, an acting‐out boy, and a psychotic boy.
Durkheim Revisited: “Why Do Women Kill Themselves?”
Authors: Johnson Kathryn K.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Durkheim divided suicide into four social types; egoistic, anomic, fatalistic, and altruistic assigning the first two to modern, western society while relegating the last two to pre‐industrial social orders. However, contemporary studies of female suicidal behavior and depression show that such women exhibit personality characteristics of low self‐esteem, passivity, dependence and living vicariously for others which correspond to the behavioral indices of impersonalism, submissiveness, passivity, and obedience, that produce the lack of individuation characteristic of Durkheim's altruistic/fatalistic suicide categories. On this basis, the author suggests that altruistic/fatalistic suicide may even in the modern world be relevant to the explanation of female suicidal behavior, a hypothesis which, if true, would support the contention that “men and women inhabit different social worlds.”
Religiosity, Fear of Death and Suicide Acceptability
Authors: Hoelter Jon W.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT:The present research was an attempt to test two hypotheses derived from a recently proposed social psychological model of suicide: The acceptability of suicide is a decreasing function of religiosity and fear of death. Questionnaire data were collected for 205 undergraduates at a midwestern university in 1978. The questionnaire included several measures of religiosity, a factor analytic multidimensional fear of death scale, and a suicide acceptability scale. Results, showing that all of the religiosity measures and certain types of fear of death were significantly related to the acceptability of suicide, supported the hypotheses under examination.
New Approaches to Crisis Intervention
Authors: Motto Jerome A.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Constant efforts to improve crisis services have led to many innovative programs. Some have proven their feasibility and become established procedures. Others are now in a developing stage and still others represent new approaches. A survey of 50 suicide prevention and crisis services around the world provides evidence of a trend toward a broadening range of services, a more active case‐finding approach, greater visibility, increased integration into the community care system, and creative leadership by newer and smaller centers as well as the well‐established ones. This is being accomplished without relinquishing the traditional respect for anonymity, ever‐present availability, and a nonjudgmental regard for each person's need.
Experience of rehabilitation specialist nurses in providing bowel care for stroke patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Ma Sumin , Zheng Xutong , Gu Jiayi , Yang Yongkang , Li Chengjuan , Li Yuan , Fan Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

Aims

This study aims to explore the experiences of rehabilitation specialist nurses in providing bowel care to stroke patients and to identify the factors that either facilitate or hinder their practice.

Design

This was a descriptive qualitative design study.

Methods

Between May 2022 and October 2022, we conducted in‐depth and semi‐structured interviews with 12 rehabilitation specialist nurses from two tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interview transcripts.

Findings

Three key themes were revealed from our analysis: (1) acceptance of bowel care as a process, (2) high level of recognition improves the experience and (3) challenges stemming from limited knowledge and rights. Acceptance of bowel care as a dynamic process, coupled with a high level of recognition, enabled nurses to prioritize the health and safety of patients over personal feelings and achieve professional accomplishments. However, they encountered challenges in terms of professional development and restricted prescribing rights for bowel care.

Conclusion

The experiences of rehabilitation specialist nurses in providing bowel care are dynamic. These findings have important implications for healthcare improvement, including the need for collaboration with healthcare professionals and nurturing nurses' self‐identity, comprehensive training plans, innovative programs and expanding the scope of rehabilitation specialist nurses' rights.

Impact

This study enhances our understanding of the challenges faced by rehabilitation specialist nurses caring for stroke patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction. The findings provide insights into how to enhance bowel care experience and develop further in this field.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the EQUATOR guideline and utilized the COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contributions

This study involved participants who were registered nurses, and there were no contributions from patients or public.
Artificial intelligence education for young children: A case study of technology‐enhanced embodied learning
Authors: Yang Weipeng , Hu Xinyun , Yeter Ibrahim H. , Su Jiahong , Yang Yuqin , Lee John Chi‐Kin
Published: October 2023

Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy is a crucial part of digital literacy that all individuals should possess in today's technologically advanced world. Despite the potential benefits that AI education offers, little research has been done on how to teach AI literacy to children.

Objectives

This study aimed to fill that gap by investigating how children were engaged in AI literacy activities that are supported by intelligent agents. These activities were implemented in a Hong Kong kindergarten with a class of six 5‐year‐olds (Mage = 62.83 months, SD = 2.91) over a 6‐week period.

Methods

The study gathered data from multiple sources, including classroom observations, teacher interviews, and documents/artefacts.

Results and Conclusions

The results showed that children could learn about AI through interaction with intelligent agents in embodied learning contexts. The findings of this study have implications for the broader field of digital technology education, particularly in the context of early childhood education.
ChatGPT on guidelines: Providing contextual knowledge to GPT allows it to provide advice on appropriate colonoscopy intervals
Authors: Lim Daniel Yan Zheng , Tan Yu Bin , Koh Jonathan Tian En , Tung Joshua Yi Min , Sng Gerald Gui Ren , Tan Damien Meng Yew , Tan Chee‐Kiat
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Colonoscopy is commonly used in screening and surveillance for colorectal cancer. Multiple different guidelines provide recommendations on the interval between colonoscopies. This can be challenging for non‐specialist healthcare providers to navigate. Large language models like ChatGPT are a potential tool for parsing patient histories and providing advice. However, the standard GPT model is not designed for medical use and can hallucinate. One way to overcome these challenges is to provide contextual information with medical guidelines to help the model respond accurately to queries.

Our study compares the standard GPT4 against a contextualized model provided with relevant screening guidelines. We evaluated whether the models could provide correct advice for screening and surveillance intervals for colonoscopy.

Methods

Relevant guidelines pertaining to colorectal cancer screening and surveillance were formulated into a knowledge base for GPT. We tested 62 example case scenarios (three times each) on standard GPT4 and on a contextualized model with the knowledge base.

Results

The contextualized GPT4 model outperformed the standard GPT4 in all domains. No high‐risk features were missed, and only two cases had hallucination of additional high‐risk features. A correct interval to colonoscopy was provided in the majority of cases. Guidelines were appropriately cited in almost all cases.

Conclusions

A contextualized GPT4 model could identify high‐risk features and quote appropriate guidelines without significant hallucination. It gave a correct interval to the next colonoscopy in the majority of cases. This provides proof of concept that ChatGPT with appropriate refinement can serve as an accurate physician assistant.
Variations in Physical Activity and Screentime According to School Format During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Guseman Emily H. , Jurewicz Laura , Whipps Jonathon
Published: October 2023

Background

Early studies indicate children's physical activity (PA) decreased during the pandemic but may vary by school format and season. We longitudinally assessed changes in PA and screentime (ST) behaviors throughout 1 year of the COVID‐19 pandemic and according to changes in school format.

Methods

Parents of children (5‐18 years) completed a survey about school format, home characteristics, PA, and ST. Initial data were collected in November 2020 with follow‐up in February, May, and August 2021. Physical activity and ST were compared by season and school format using a 4 (format) × 4 (season) repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Children were active for at least 60 minutes/day less often in winter (2.4 ± 0.3 days; p < .001; n = 176) than in other seasons. Longitudinal analysis (n = 61) showed that PA was highest among students attending school fully in‐person and lowest among students attending remotely, though school format differences were not significant. Non‐school ST did not differ by season or school format.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

These results suggest that changes in school format influence students' lifestyle behaviors.

Conclusions

The impact on children's lifestyle behaviors should be considered in planning for safe, in‐person operation of schools in the event of future pandemics or natural disasters.
An automated machine learning approach for classifying infrastructure cost data
Authors: Dopazo Daniel Adanza , Mahdjoubi Lamine , Gething Bill , Mahamadu Abdul‐Majeed
Published: October 2023

Data on infrastructure project costs are often unstructured and lack consistency. To enable costs to be compared within and between organizations, large amounts of data must be classified to a common standard, typically a manual process. This is time‐consuming, error‐prone, inconsistent, and subjective, as it is based on human judgment. This paper describes a novel approach for automating the process by harnessing natural language processing identifying the relevant keywords in the text descriptions and implementing machine learning classifiers to emulate the expert's knowledge. The task was to identify “extra over” cost items, conversion factors, and to recognize the correct work breakdown structure (WBS) category. The results show that 94% of the “extra over” cases were correctly classified, and 90% of cases that needed conversion, correctly predicting an associated conversion factor with 87% accuracy. Finally, the WBS categories were identified with 72% accuracy. The approach has the potential to provide a step change in the speed and accuracy of structuring and classifying infrastructure cost data for benchmarking.
Induction of plant disease resistance by mixed oligosaccharide elicitors prepared from plant cell wall and crustacean shells
Authors: Pring Sreynich , Kato Hiroaki , Imano Sayaka , Camagna Maurizio , Tanaka Aiko , Kimoto Hisashi , Chen Pengru , Shrotri Abhijit , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Fukuoka Atsushi , Saito Makoto , Suzuki Takamasa , Terauchi Ryohei , Sato Ikuo , Chiba Sotaro , Takemoto Daigo
Published: October 2023

Basal plant immune responses are activated by the recognition of conserved microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), or breakdown molecules released from the plants after damage by pathogen penetration, so‐called damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). While chitin‐oligosaccharide (CHOS), a primary component of fungal cell walls, is most known as MAMP, plant cell wall‐derived oligosaccharides, cello‐oligosaccharides (COS) from cellulose, and xylo‐oligosaccharide (XOS) from hemicellulose are representative DAMPs. In this study, elicitor activities of COS prepared from cotton linters, XOS prepared from corn cobs, and chitin‐oligosaccharide (CHOS) from crustacean shells were comparatively investigated. In Arabidopsis, COS, XOS, or CHOS treatment triggered typical defense responses such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phosphorylation of MAP kinases, callose deposition, and activation of the defense‐related transcription factor WRKY33 promoter. When COS, XOS, and CHOS were used at concentrations with similar activity in inducing ROS production and callose depositions, CHOS was particularly potent in activating the MAPK kinases and WRKY33 promoters. Among the COS and XOS with different degrees of polymerization, cellotriose and xylotetraose showed the highest activity for the activation of WRKY33 promoter. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of RNAseq data revealed that simultaneous treatment of COS, XOS, and CHOS (oligo‐mix) effectively activates plant disease resistance. In practice, treatment with the oligo‐mix enhanced the resistance of tomato to powdery mildew, but plant growth was not inhibited but rather tended to be promoted, providing evidence that treatment with the oligo‐mix has beneficial effects on improving disease resistance in plants, making them a promising class of compounds for practical application.
A Framework to Spatially Cluster Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Peninsular Malaysia using the Hybrid Clustering Method
Authors: Azizan Nurul Alia , Othman Ahmad Syibli , Meramat Asheila AK , Muhammad  Amin Siti Noor Syuhada , Azid Azman
Published: October 2023

Multiple variables must be analyzed in order to assess air quality trends. It turns into a multidimensional issue that calls for dynamic methods. In order to provide an improved spatial cluster distribution with distinct validation, this study set out to illustrate the hybrid cluster method in air quality monitoring stations in Peninsular Malaysia. The Department of Environment, Malaysia (DOE), provided the data set, which covered the two-year period from 2018 to 2019. This study included six air quality pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate technique, was used to condense the information found in enormous data tables in order to better comprehend the variables (to reduce dimensionality) prior to grouping the data. The PCA factor scores were then used to produce the AHC. The clusters were validated using discriminant analysis (DA). 36 of 47 stations required additional analysis using AHC, according to the PCA factor scores. Low Polluted Region (LPR = seven stations), Moderate Polluted Region (MPR = 20 stations), and High Polluted Region (HPR = nine stations) were created from AHC and share the same characteristics. The DA results showed 84 % correct classification rate for the clusters. With regard to identifying and categorizing stations according to air quality characteristics, the framework presented here offers an improved method. This illustrates that the hybrid cluster method utilized in this work can produce a new method of pollutant distributions that is helpful in air pollution investigations.
UVB Induced Skin Cancer Development in Experimental Mouse Model: A Review
Authors: Abdul Aziz Muhammad Wahizul Haswan , Basri Dayang Fredalina , Masre Siti Fathiah , Ghazali Ahmad Rohi
Published: October 2023

Skin cancer is a widespread global issue, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation being a significant risk factor. Researchers often use the mouse skin cancer model to develop novel therapeutic chemoprevention strategies. This model involves exposing mice to UVB radiation to induce skin carcinogenesis. In this short communication, we found that 69.57% of studies used female SKH-1 hairless mice, 17.39% used BALB/c mice, 8.69% used Swiss albino mice, and 4.35% used HRS/J hairless mice. All studies used mice aged 5-8 weeks. Different models of mice were exposed to varying doses of UVB radiation. SKH-1 hairless mice received UVB radiation twice a week for 10-18 weeks, while Swiss albino mice were exposed to UVB radiation three times a week for 30 weeks. HRS/J hairless mice received UVB radiation five times a week for 15 weeks. BALB/c mice were treated with DMBA and exposed to UVB radiation for 10-16 weeks to induce skin tumors. However, using SKH-1 hairless mice is costly. In conclusion, we can suggest BALB/c mice treated with DMBA and exposed to UVB radiation three times a week for 16 weeks for UVB-induced skin cancer model, as it is more cost-effective than other hairless mouse models.
Development and Validation of an HPLC-DAD Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Flandez Lloyd Earl L. , Castillo-Israel Katherine Ann T. , Rivadeneira Joel P. , Tuaño Arvin Paul P. , Hizon-Fradejas Amelia B
Published: October 2023

Phenolic compounds are natural substances that exhibit different functional bioactivities and provide health-protective actions against chronic illnesses. The vast potential of these compounds in health and other sectors demands the establishment of analytical procedures for their immediate and simultaneous analysis. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin hydrate, caffeic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, myricetin, resveratrol, and quercetin. The chromatographic separation of the selected polyphenols was carried out in a reversed-phase Inertsil ODS-3 column (250mm x 4.5mm x 5µm) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, injection volume of 20 µL, and column temperature of 30°C. The detection and quantification of phenolic compounds were done at specific wavelengths (254, 275, 305, and 325 nm) using gradient elution for 40 minutes, with acidified water and acetonitrile solution as mobile phase. Validation of the established analytical procedure showed that the coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.99), limit of detection (0.01 to 0.35 µg/mL), limit of quantitation (0.03 to 1.07 µg/mL), recovery values (98.33 to 101.12%), and repeatability (RSD < 5%) respectively indicated a linear, sensitive, accurate, and precise analytical method for the simultaneous chromatographic analysis of the 12 phenolic compounds. Overall, the developed HPLC-DAD procedure can offer adequate confidence for the identification and quantification of specific polyphenols and can be modified or updated for future analysis of phenolic compounds in different plant extracts.
Preparation and Characterization of Gellan Gum Hydrogel as Therapeutic Protein Delivery for Wound Healing
Authors: Radzali Ahmad Rasul , Cheng Chen Hui , Radzi Rozanaliza , Cheng Michelle Fong Wai , Jaafar Adila Mohamad , Tsai Pei-Shue Jason , Ajat Mokrish
Published: October 2023

Therapeutic proteins like platelet-rich plasma have been used as adjunct therapies for wound healing. The delivery of these proteins may require a special carrier as a controlled release to prolong and optimize the healing effects on the affected tissues. The present study focuses on preparing and characterizing a hydrogel made from gellan gum to act as a scaffold to carry therapeutic proteins intended for wound healing. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) was used as a representative for therapeutic proteins due to its ability to stimulate cell proliferation in vitro. FBS, gellan gum (GG) hydrogel, and FBS-loaded gellan gum hydrogel (GF) were prepared and characterized by the detection of its functional groups through FTIR and elemental analysis through CHNS analyzer, confirming the entrapment of biomolecules of FBS into GG. The protein release study showed a burst release of protein from all GF variants with subsequent gradual slow release over 72 hours period. Cell viability (MTT) assay showed an increasing trend of cell viability percentage with the increasing concentration of FBS loaded into GG hydrogel. The results of this study support the potential use of GG hydrogel as a carrier of therapeutic proteins for wound regeneration.
The Effects of Varying Predator Dispersal Strength on Prey-Predator Dynamics with Refuge Process
Authors: Abdul Manaf Zati Iwani , Mohd Mohd Hafiz
Published: October 2023

The combined effects of (symmetric or asymmetric) dispersal and refuge mechanisms can have a significant impact on prey-predator dynamics. However, there remains a knowledge gap in concerning the incorporation of asymmetrical dispersal in the presence of prey refuges. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the influence of varying levels of asymmetrical (i.e., predator) dispersal on the interactions between prey and predators, as well as the role of prey refuges in facilitating species coexistence. The investigation begins by introducing an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model for the prey-predator system, which is subsequently extended to a partial differential equation (PDE) model. By conducting one-parameter bifurcation analysis on both models, the presence of transcritical and Hopf bifurcation points is established. Furthermore, the research delves into the spatio-temporal dynamics of the PDE model, capturing the intricate interactions between a specialized prey species and its predator. The focus is on examining the effects of different strengths of predator dispersal on the dynamics of the prey-predator system. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how predator dispersal influences the stability and persistence of the system, and to investigate the ecological implications of these dynamics in terms of prey-predator coexistence. Hence, the main findings of the research suggest that the increased levels of predator dispersal led to a wider range of prey refuges, supporting species coexistence. In conclusion, this study emphasises the critical importance of predator and prey dispersal dynamics in determining the key mechanisms that can promote species coexistence
Thermal Sensation After the 10-km Open-Water Swimming in Cool Water Depends on the Skin’s Thermal Sensitivity Rather Than Core Temperature
Authors: Fujimoto Tomomi , Matsuura Yuiko , Baba Yasuhiro , Hara Reira
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To assess the core temperature fluctuations during 10-km open-water swimming (OWS) in cool water and the relationship between thermal sensation (TS) after 10-km OWS, core temperature, and local skin thermal sensitivity. Methods: Nine highly trained OWS swimmers (4 female; age 22 [3] y) completed a single 10-km trial in cool water (22.3 °C) wearing swimsuits for OWS. During the trial, core temperature was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors, and TS after trial was also measured. Then, local skin warm/cool sensitivity was measured in the forearm. Results: All swimmers completed the 10-km OWS. Mean swimming speed for males and females were 1.39 (1.37–1.42 m/s) and 1.33 m/s (1.29–1.38 m/s), respectively. Core temperature increased in 8 out of 9 swimmers during 10-km OWS (P = .047), with an average increase of 0.8 °C. TS after 10-km OWS varied among swimmers. There were no correlations between post-OWS TS and post-OWS core temperature (P = .9333), whereas there was a negative correlation between post-OWS TS and local skin cool sensitivity (P = .0056). Conclusion: These results suggest that core temperature in elite swimmers might not decrease during 10-km OWS in the cool water temperature of official OWS. In addition, individual differences in TS after 10-km OWS may be related to skin cool sensitivity rather than core temperature.
Agriculture and hot temperatures interactively erode the nest success of habitat generalist birds across the United States
Authors: Lauck Katherine S. , Ke Alison , Olimpi Elissa M. , Paredes Daniel , Hood Kees , Phillips Thomas , Anderegg William R. L. , Karp Daniel S.
Published: October 2023

Habitat conversion and climate change are fundamental drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide but are often analyzed in isolation. We used a continental-scale, decades-long database of more than 150,000 bird nesting attempts to explore how extreme heat affects avian reproduction in forests, grasslands, and agricultural and developed areas across the US. We found that in forests, extreme heat increased nest success, but birds nesting in agricultural settings were less likely to successfully fledge young when temperatures reached anomalously high levels. Species that build exposed cup nests and species of higher conservation concern were particularly vulnerable to maximum temperature anomalies in agricultural settings. Finally, future projections suggested that ongoing climate change may exacerbate the negative effects of habitat conversion on avian nesting success, thereby compromising conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
Building an alliance to map global supply networks
Authors: Pichler Anton , Diem Christian , Brintrup Alexandra , Lafond François , Magerman Glenn , Buiten Gert , Choi Thomas Y. , Carvalho Vasco M. , Farmer J. Doyne , Thurner Stefan
Published: October 2023

New firm-level data can inform policy-making
AI computing reaches for the edge
Authors: Iyer Subramanian S. , Roychowdhury Vwani
Published: October 2023

A chip design integrates computation and memory to efficiently process data at low energy cost
On the virome’s hidden diversity: lessons from RHDV
Authors: Lopes Ana M. , Abrantes Joana
Published: October 2023

Emerging infectious diseases are a major challenge to human and animal health. While predicting the emergence of pathogens is complex, the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has allowed the rapid identification of unknown microbiology diversity within organisms. Here, we discuss an example of a metatranscriptomics output to decipher viral evolution.
Twenty-five metagenome-assembled genomes recovered from the gut microbiome of the domestic ferret,
Mustela putorius
Authors: Amundson Kaela K. , Wolfe Barbara A. , Wilkins Michael J.
Published: October 2023

With the advent of metagenomics has come an increased appreciation for the gut microbiome’s role in overall health of mammalian organisms. Even so, studies characterizing taxonomic and functional diversity of the ferret gut microbiome remain limited. Here, we present 25 metagenome-assembled genomes recovered from the gut microbiome of domestic ferrets.
Climate-Related Transition Risk and Corporate Debt Financing: Evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: ESTRADA GEMMA , OLIVARES RESI ONG , PARK DONGHYUN , TIAN SHU
Published: October 2023

The Paris Agreement signals increased climate awareness and potential changes in the business environment as an economy decarbonizes. Ratification of the Paris Agreement could heighten climate-related transition risks, especially for companies in high-emitting industries. This research analyzes the impact of Paris Agreement ratification on the debt financing decisions of publicly listed companies in Southeast Asian economies. Our empirical evidence shows that, after announcement of Paris Agreement ratification, firms in high-emitting industries have leverage and financial leverage that are an average of 1.8% and 4.2% lower, respectively, than firms in low-emitting industries. Firms in the region also witnessed higher risks 2 years after ratification, and these risks do not differ significantly between high- and low-emitting industries. This finding implies that firms become riskier under heightened transition risks, and this influences their financial decisions. Governments might thus consider introducing policies that facilitate their response to a low-carbon transition.
The Role of Foreign Direct Investment and Trade in Urbanization in Developing Asia: Structural Changes after the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: SINHA MADHABENDRA , TIRTOSUHARTO DARIUS
Published: October 2023

A dynamic between foreign direct investment (FDI) and international trade, and the level of urbanization, has been observed in many developing countries. This study seeks to fill a literature gap on the extent that FDI and international trade impact developing Asian economies through urbanization. The study explores the relationship between FDI, international trade, and urbanization in 31 developing Asian economies from 1991 to 2019, utilizing the dynamic panel model. Empirical results imply the significant effect of FDI inflows and trade openness on urbanization in developing Asia. The impact is clearly observed following the global financial crisis despite increased deglobalization. This finding supports the existence of structural changes and the transformation of economies in the region, which, among other factors, are driven by stronger global supply chains and improved logistics infrastructure in developing Asia.
Which Way to Go Now? Financing Economic Growth in the Sustainable Development Era
Authors: BASU SUDIP RANJAN , DAS MONICA
Published: October 2023

Our paper uses a novel methodology to reexamine the relationship between financial development and economic growth in the era of sustainable development. Our empirical procedure deals with both functional-form misspecification bias as well as bias from endogenous regressors. It also provides an estimate of the growth-finance relationship for every country-year observation, allowing us to examine the relationship of interest for various country groups, using a global sample of 133 countries during 1960–2015. Our results indicate that countries with weak institutions and a smaller-than-average banking sector will reap more benefits from bank-based financial systems. The impact of financial development on economic performance has enormous policy implications for international institutions that provide policy support to countries in their pursuit of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Impact of Rural Credit on Household Welfare: Evidence from a Long-Term Panel in Bangladesh
Authors: HOSSAIN MD. ALAMGIR , MALEK MOHAMMAD ABDUL , YU ZHENGFEI
Published: October 2023

Using 791 consistent households in the balanced panel, comprising 3,985 households in the unbalanced panel–from a nationally representative, multipurpose, five-round (1988, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2014) Mahabub Hossain Panel Data in Bangladesh—we provide evidence for the long-term impact of different rural credit sources—which include formal banks, quasiformal microfinance institutes, and informal channels—on household welfare indicators. We find that the long-term impact of access to rural credit on a few welfare indicators is statistically insignificant and sometimes negative. This finding mostly holds when we investigate the impact of different rural credit sources separately. Our results raise a question on the progressive lending of some credit sources, especially microfinance institutes, and have implications for the introduction of nationwide credit bureaus in Bangladesh.
Analysis of sound transmission loss in an infinite duct with three different finite linings
Authors: Tiryakioglu Burhan
Published: October 2023

The study rigorously investigates the propagation of sound waves from an infinite duct lined with three different finite acoustically absorbing materials. Due to multiple discontinuity points, the mode matching method effectively solved the problem. The mathematical equations involved are highly complex due to three distinct and finite linings. To overcome this, a numerical solution is obtained, and the effects of the geometry’s parameters on the transmission loss are thoroughly examined. As the length of the finite acoustic absorbing lining increases, the transmission loss decreases. In addition, the graphs clearly illustrate the substantial influence that the choice of absorbing lining can have on transmission loss. These findings hold great relevance for absorber systems, highlighting the importance of careful selection in order to achieve optimal performance. The obtained results are compared with another study, and complete agreement is observed, indicating the study’s accuracy and reliability.
Starch-Grafted Sodium Alginate-Modified Clay Composites as Environmentally Controlled-Release Materials for NPK Fertilizer
Authors: Jindor Nobert J. , Agorku Eric S. , Adimado Anthony A.
Published: October 2023

In an effort to mitigate the harm caused by the irregular use of agrochemicals, a safer release system using biopolymers is promising due to their availability, biodegradability, and eco-friendliness. Herein, controlled-release materials for NPK fertilizer were formulated using clay-based graft biopolymer composites. The clay soil sample was collected and classified through Skempton’s laboratory tests for soils and used as filler in starch-grafted sodium alginate (ST-g-SAG) with different percentages of clay. The clay-based graft biopolymer composites were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. The biopolymer composites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and EDS. The materials were loaded with NPK fertilizer, and a leaching test was conducted via a conductometric method to ascertain their release capacities. Biodegradation studies and the effect of humidity on the release of the NPK fertilizer were studied. Results of classification studies of the clay show Ca-montmorillonite (Ca-MMT) type. The average percent graft yield of starch-grafted sodium alginate/Ca-MMT (ST-g-SAG/Ca-MMT) was 83%. The results from FTIR and EDS showed that OH-, COO-, and CONH2 were responsible for the absorption of water. The release profile of the active NPK in the biocomposites ranged from 1% to 103%. Biodegradation results also showed a significant breakdown in biopolymer structure and mass loss. The release of active NPK from the material was humidity-responsive.
Effect of Processing Methods on Antinutritional Factors (Oxalate, Phytate, and Tannin) and Their Interaction with Minerals (Calcium, Iron, and Zinc) in Red, White, and Black Kidney Beans
Authors: Abera Serkalem , Yohannes Weldegebriel , Chandravanshi Bhagwan Singh
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess how different processing techniques affected mineral compositions, antinutritional factors, and their interactions in red, white, and black kidney beans consumed in Ethiopia. Mineral contents were found to be 41–44, 58–78, and 112–126 mg Ca/100 g in the raw, soaked, and cooked samples, respectively. Iron content in the raw, soaked and cooked samples were found to be 2.77–2.97, 1.94–2.20 and 2.87–3.28 mg Fe/100 g, respectively, showing 26–30% loss on soaking followed by 33–48% increase on cooking. While Zn content in the raw, soaked and cooked samples were found to be 2.47–3.26, 3.34–4.68 and 2.83–3.31 mg Zn/100 g, respectively, showing 35–43% increase on soaking followed by 15–29% decrease on cooking. In the case of antinutrients, both treatments showed incredible decrements. Phytate in the raw samples was 178-179 mg/100 g and showed a 12–16% decrement on soaking and a 37-38% decrement up on cooking, oxalate was 1.5–1.8 mg/100 g in the raw samples and showed a 4.4–13% decrement during treatments, and tannin in the raw samples was 102–160 mg/100 g and showed a 23–30% decrement on soaking, followed by 21–41% during cooking. Phytate : Ca and oxalate : Ca molar ratios in soaked and cooked samples were within the critical values in the raw samples. In contrast, phytate : Zn and Ca × phytate : Zn in all treatments were found to be within the critical value, confirming the good bioavailability of zinc in all the samples, while phytate : Fe was found over the critical value, showing its poor availability.
TABLE 4 from Predicting Mammogram Screening Follow Through with Electronic Health Record and Geographically Linked Data
Authors: Davis Matthew , Simpson Kit , Lenert Leslie A. , Diaz Vanessa , Alekseyenko Alexander V.
Published: October 2023

Cross-validated model training results on test fold showing logistic regression as the best performer by AUC, and SVM by F1 score
Circulating Tumor Cells as Diagnostic Markers of Early Gastric Cancer and Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Cheng Rui , Peng Yang , Sun Xiujing , Zhang Shutian , Li Peng
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may be potential diagnostic biomarkers of various malignancies including gastric cancer. This study aimed to evaluate whether CTCs could be used to facilitate the diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) or precancerous gastric lesions. Methods: The diagnostic study included consecutive patients with EGC, gastric precancerous lesions, or fundic gland polyps admitted to the Gastroenterology Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (National Center for Digestive Diseases) between October 2016 and January 2018. Results: A total of 92 patients were enrolled, including 57 patients with EGC, 14 patients with gastric precancerous lesions, and 21 patients with fundic gland polyps (control group). CTCs were detected in 47.89% (34/71) of patients with EGC/gastric precancerous lesions and 4.76% (1/21) of patients with fundic gland polyps (p < 0.001). CTC detection distinguished EGC/precancerous lesions from fundic gland polyps with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.740 (95% confidence interval, 0.640–0.840; p = 0.001), a sensitivity of 49.10%, a specificity of 95.00%, a positive predictive value of 97.00%, and a negative predictive value of 64.90%. Conclusions: Peripheral blood CTCs are more common in patients with EGC or gastric precancerous lesions than in patients with fundic gland polyps. Measurement of CTCs may be a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis of EGC and precancerous lesions.
Tetrahydrocannabinol in Pediatrics: Room for Improvement?
Authors: De Gier Charlotte , Scharinger Christian , Stark Rosa H. , Steurer Philipp , Klier Claudia M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The use of medical cannabis in pediatrics is not common in clinical practice, and there is a lack of prospective studies, especially in pediatric subpopulations. This study aimed to provide data on the off-label administration of tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) in a pediatric tertiary center in Austria. Methods: A retrospective data analysis was performed to assess the use of ∆9-THC at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Comprehensive Center of Pediatrics (Medical University Vienna) from 2016 to 2018. The use of ∆9-THC in the Pediatric Department at the Medical University Vienna between 2016 and 2018 was analyzed using a retrospective design. Results: The most common diagnoses of patients receiving ∆9-THC were brain cancer and genetic diseases, including inborn metabolic disorders. The 32 patients who had received ∆9-THC had an arithmetic mean of 9.42 diagnoses and were treated with an arithmetic mean of 13.52 other drugs. Eleven of the 32 patients died by the end of the study period, indicating palliative use. Conclusion: The data shows that only severely ill patients were treated with ∆9-THC. A lack of information on the drug’s indications, duration, and dosage was noticed in the files, which could represent problems for patient safety.