bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underutilised Indigenous Vegetables’ (UIVs) Business in Southwestern Nigeria: Climate Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Tanimonure V. A.
Published: March 2021

The impact of climate change, especially on agricultural sector, calls for a global and more localized strategies such as cultivation of underutilized indigenous vegetables (UIVs) which adapt better to local climate change. This chapter, therefore, examines the perception of UIVs farmers to climate change, their experiences of UIVs’ responses to climate change, adaptation strategies employed, and the determinants of the decision to adopt them in Southwest Nigeria. The study uses quantitative and qualitative primary household data from 191 UIVs farmers, 8 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and secondary climate data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Descriptive and econometric analyses are employed in the data analyses. The results show that farmers’ perceptions of climate change are high temperature and a high variability in rainfall pattern that has affected the yield, increased insects, pests, and diseases infestations, and reduced soil fertility. The results further show that the responses of UIVs to these resultant effects differ as such, and adaptation strategies farmers adopt are UIVs-specific. The adaptation strategies mostly employed by the UIVs farmers are cultivating UIVs along the river bank and the least is agroforestry and perennial plantation. The determinants of the decision to adopt adaptation strategies include UIVs revenue, age, years of experience, access to climate information, climate change awareness, agro ecological zone, and access to credit. Thus, promotion of UIVs business is advocated and provision of information on climate change essential and will encourage farmers to adopt appropriate climate change adaptation strategies to boost UIVs business.
Afterword: Novel Knowledge, or Cleansing Dirty Data: Toward Open-Source Histories of the Novel
Authors: Friedman Emily C.
Published: March 2021

This afterword discusses the most important, most under-rewarded, and most unsexy aspect of data visualization: the production and use of reliable underlying data. Starting from the premise that visualizations are only as good as their underlying evidentiary base, Freidman addresses the contributions of digital projects that have laid the foundation for such practices, including massive multi-institution projects likeOrlando, mid-sized projects likeThe Early Novels Database(END), and the author’s own small-scale project,Manuscript Fiction in the Age of Print(MFAP). Following this assessment, the author proposes a set of guidelines for best practices in creating new data so that amendable, transformable visualizations can be produced, built on collective knowledge.
Biology of Chromatin
Authors: Paro Renato , Grossniklaus Ueli , Santoro Raffaella , Wutz Anton
Published: March 2021

This chapter provides an introduction to chromatin. We will examine the organization of the genome into a nucleosomal structure. DNA is wrapped around a globular complex of 8 core histone proteins, two of each histone H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. This nucleosomal arrangement is the context in which information can be established along the sequence of the DNA for regulating different aspects of the chromosome, including transcription, DNA replication and repair processes, recombination, kinetochore function, and telomere function. Posttranslational modifications of histone proteins and modifications of DNA bases underlie chromatin-based epigenetic regulation. Enzymes that catalyze histone modifications are considered writers. Conceptually, erasers remove these modifications, and readers are proteins binding these modifications and can target specific functions. On a larger scale, the 3-dimensional (3D) organization of chromatin in the nucleus also contributes to gene regulation. Whereas chromosomes are condensed during mitosis and segregated during cell division, they occupy discrete volumes called chromosome territories during interphase. Looping or folding of DNA can bring regulatory elements including enhancers close to gene promoters. Recent techniques facilitate understanding of 3D contacts at high resolution. Lastly, chromatin is dynamic and changes in histone occupancy, histone modifications, and accessibility of DNA contribute to epigenetic regulation.
Chromatin Dynamics
Authors: Paro Renato , Grossniklaus Ueli , Santoro Raffaella , Wutz Anton
Published: March 2021

The nucleus of a eukaryotic cell is a very busy place. Not only during replication of the DNA, but at any time in the cell cycle specific enzymes need access to genetic information to process reactions such as transcription and DNA repair. Yet, the nucleosomal structure of chromatin is primarily inhibitory to these processes and needs to be resolved in a highly orchestrated manner to allow developmental, organismal, and cell type-specific nuclear activities. This chapter explains how nucleosomes organize and structure the genome by interacting with specific DNA sequences. Variants of canonical histones can change the stability of the nucleosomal structure and also provide additional epigenetic layers of information. Chromatin remodeling complexes work locally to alter the regular beads-on-a-string organization and provide access to transcription and other DNA processing factors. Conversely, factors like histone chaperones and highly precise templating and copying mechanisms are required for the reassembly of nucleosomes and reestablishment of the epigenetic landscape after passage of activities processing DNA sequence information. A very intricate molecular machinery ensures a highly dynamic yet heritable chromatin template.
RNA-Based Mechanisms of Gene Silencing
Authors: Paro Renato , Grossniklaus Ueli , Santoro Raffaella , Wutz Anton
Published: March 2021

Although epigenetic states are typically associated with DNA-methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, RNAs often play an important role in their regulation. Specific examples have already been discussed in the context of dosage compensation (see book ► Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-68670-3_4 of Wutz) and genomic imprinting (see book ► Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-68670-3_5 of Grossniklaus). In this Chapter, we will take a closer look at a particular class of RNAs implicated in gene silencing. Although the focus will lie on RNA-based silencing mechanisms in plants, many of its components, such as RNase III-related DICERLIKE endonucleases or small RNA-binding ARGONAUTE proteins, are conserved in animals, plants, and fungi. On the one hand, small RNAs are involved in post-transcriptional silencing by targeting mRNAs for degradation or inhibiting their translation, a feature that has been exploited for large-scale genetic screens. On the other hand, they also play a central role in transcriptional gene silencing, for instance in the repression of transposable elements across a wide variety of organisms. In plants, this involves a complex system whereby small RNAs derived from transposons and repeats direct DNA-methylation and repressive histone modifications in a sequence-specific manner. Recent results link this so-called RNA-dependent DNA-methylation to paramutation, a classical epigenetic phenomenon where one allele directs a heritable epigenetic change in another.
Continuous solutions to two iterative functional equations
Authors: Baron Karol
Published: March 2021

Based on iteration of random-valued functions we study the problem of solvability in the class of continuous and Hölder continuous functions $$\varphi $$
φ
of the equations $$\begin{aligned} \varphi (x)=F(x)-\int _{\Omega }\varphi \big (f(x,\omega )\big )P(d\omega ),\\ \varphi (x)=F(x)+\int _{\Omega }\varphi \big (f(x,\omega )\big )P(d\omega ), \end{aligned}$$

φ

(
x
)

=
F

(
x
)

-

∫
Ω

φ

(

f

(
x
,
ω
)

)

P

(
d
ω
)

,

φ

(
x
)

=
F

(
x
)

+

∫
Ω

φ

(

f

(
x
,
ω
)

)

P

(
d
ω
)

,

where P is a probability measure on a $$\sigma $$
σ
-algebra of subsets of $$\Omega $$
Ω
.
From generic partition refinement to weighted tree automata minimization
Authors: Wißmann Thorsten , Deifel Hans-Peter , Milius Stefan , Schröder Lutz
Published: March 2021

Partition refinement is a method for minimizing automata and transition systems of various types. Recently,
we have developed a partition refinement algorithm that is generic in the transition type of the given system
and matches the run time of the best known algorithms for many concrete types of systems, e.g. deterministic
automata as well as ordinary, weighted, and probabilistic (labelled) transition systems. Genericity is achieved by
modelling transition types as functors on sets, and systems as coalgebras. In the present work, we refine the run
time analysis of our algorithm to cover additional instances, notably weighted automata and, more generally,
weighted tree automata. For weights in a cancellative monoid we match, and for non-cancellative monoids such
as (the additive monoid of) the tropical semiring even substantially improve, the asymptotic run time of the best
known algorithms. We have implemented our algorithm in a generic tool that is easily instantiated to concrete
system types by implementing a simple refinement interface. Moreover, the algorithm and the tool are modular,
and partition refiners for new types of systems are obtained easily by composing pre-implemented basic functors.
Experiments show that even for complex system types, the tool is able to handle systems with millions of
transitions.
Post-operative septic arthritis after arthroscopy: modern diagnostic and therapeutic concepts
Authors: Voss Andreas , Pfeifer Christian G. , Kerschbaum Maximilian , Rupp Markus , Angele Peter , Alt Volker
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Septic arthritis is a significant complication following arthroscopic surgery, with an estimated overall incidence of less than 1%. Despite the low incidence, an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic pathway is required to avoid serious long-term consequences, eradicate the infection, and ensure good treatment outcomes. The aim of this current review article is to summarize evidence-based literature regarding diagnostic and therapeutic options of post-operative septic arthritis after arthroscopy.

Methods

Through a literature review, up-to-date treatment algorithms and therapies have been identified. Additionally, a supportive new algorithm is proposed for diagnosis and treatment of suspected septic arthritis following arthroscopic intervention.

Results

A major challenge in diagnostics is the differentiation of the post-operative status between a non-infected hyperinflammatory joint versus septic arthritis, due to clinical symptoms, (e.g., rubor, calor, or tumor) can appear identical. Therefore, joint puncture for microbiological evaluation, especially for fast leukocyte cell-count diagnostics, is advocated. A cell count of more than 20.000 leukocyte/µl with more than 70% of polymorphonuclear cells is the generally accepted threshold for septic arthritis.

Conclusion

The therapy is based on arthroscopic or open surgical debridement for synovectomy and irrigation of the joint, in combination with an adequate antibiotic therapy for 6–12 weeks. Removal of indwelling hardware, such as interference screws for ACL repair or anchors for rotator cuff repair, is recommended in chronic cases.

Level of evidence

IV.
Uniform Asymptotics of Toeplitz Determinants with Fisher–Hartwig Singularities
Authors: Fahs B.
Published: March 2021

We obtain an asymptotic formula for $$n\times n$$

n
×
n

Toeplitz determinants as $$n\rightarrow \infty $$

n
→
∞

, for non-negative symbols with any fixed number of Fisher–Hartwig singularities, which is uniform with respect to the location of the singularities. As an application, we prove a conjecture by Fyodorov and Keating (Philos Trans R Soc A 372: 20120503, 2014) regarding moments of averages of the characteristic polynomial of the Circular Unitary Ensemble. In addition, we obtain an asymptotic formula regarding the momentum of impenetrable bosons in one dimension with periodic boundary conditions.
Bat echolocation plasticity in allopatry: a call for caution in acoustic identification of Pipistrellus sp.
Authors: Montauban Cecilia , Mas Maria , Tuneu-Corral Carme , Wangensteen Owen S. , Budinski Ivana , Martí-Carreras Joan , Flaquer Carles , Puig-Montserrat Xavier , López-Baucells Adrià
Published: March 2021

Animals modify their behaviours and interactions in response to changing environments. In bats, environmental adaptations are reflected in echolocation signalling that is used for navigation, foraging and communication. However, the extent and drivers of echolocation plasticity are not fully understood, hindering our identification of bat species with ultrasonic detectors, particularly for cryptic species with similar echolocation calls. We used a combination of DNA barcoding, intensive trapping, roost and emergence surveys and acoustic recording to study a widespread European cryptic species complex (Pipistrellus pipistrellusandPipistrellus pygmaeus) to investigate whether sibling bat species could exhibit extreme echolocation plasticity in response to certain environmental conditions or behaviours. We found thatP. pygmaeusoccupied the acoustic niche of their absent congeneric species, producing calls withP. pipistrellus’ characteristic structure and peak frequencies and resulting in false positive acoustic records of that species. Echolocation frequency was significantly affected by the density of bats and by maternity rearing stage, with lower frequency calls emitted when there was a high density of flying bats, and by mothers while juveniles were non-volant. During roost emergence, 29% of calls had peak frequencies typical ofP. pipistrellus, with calls as low as 44 kHz, lower than ever documented. We show that automatic and manual call classifiers fail to account for echolocation plasticity, misidentifyingP. pygmaeusasP. pipistrellus. Our study raises a vital limitation of using only acoustic sampling in areas with high densities of a single species of a cryptic species pair, with important implications for bat monitoring.

Significance statement

Ultrasonic acoustic detectors are widely used in bat research to establish species inventories and monitor species activity through identification of echolocation calls, enabling new methods to study and understand this elusive understudied group of nocturnal mammals. However, echolocation call signalling in bats is intrinsically different to that of other taxa, serving a main function of navigation and foraging. This study demonstrates an extreme level of plasticity, showing large variation in call frequency and structure in different situations. We showcase the difficulty and limitation in using acoustic sampling alone for bat monitoring and the complications of setting parameters for species identification for manual and automatic call classifiers. Our observations of call frequency variation correlated with density and absence of congenerics provide novel insights of behavioural echolocation plasticity in bats.
Patient‐Reported Quality of Life Following Laparotomy in a Resource‐Limited Setting
Authors: Purcell Laura N. , Reiss Rachel , Mtalimanja Mercy , Kuyenda Patricia , Msosa Vanessa , Westmoreland Katherine D. , Charles Anthony
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The burden of surgical diseases is high in sub‐Saharan Africa. Despite limitations to surgical care access, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) data following surgical intervention are scarce.

Methods

We performed a 3‐month prospective observational study of adult patients undergoing an abdominal operation. We administered the Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS)‐25 and Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living questionnaire preoperatively (to postoperative day [POD] #1), POD#7, and POD#30. PROMIS‐25 HRQoL domains were measured and converted to standardized T‐scores (median 50, minimal important clinical difference 3).

Results

Of the 117 laparotomy patients who were enrolled, 89 (76.1%) were male with a median age of 39 years (IQR 27–54). Operations were primarily for intestinal volvulus (n = 30, 28.3%) and intestinal perforation (n = 29, 27.4%). We completed a total of 80 (68.4%), 95 (81.2%), and 77 (65.8%) surveys preoperatively, at POD#7, and POD#30, respectively. Preoperatively patients showed high median levels of anxiety (56), depression (60), fatigue (63), and pain interference (62), which all improved postoperatively. Mobility was poor preoperatively (31) and showed improvement during recovery but remained poor [POD#7: 32, POD#30: 39]. Pain intensity was high (10/10) preoperatively and improved to 3/10 by POD#30. Patients with complications compared to those without had clinically significant worse HRQoL in all domains measured by POD#30.

Discussion

Abdominal surgery patients in a resource‐limited setting present with poor HRQoL, which improves postoperatively. Mobility remained poor throughout follow‐up despite improved pain scores. Our findings highlight the need for improved HRQoL and pain control among surgical patients.
Non‐operative Management of Small Bowel Obstruction in Patients with No Previous Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Bayat Zubair , Guttman Matthew P. , Shiroky Jonah , Karanicolas Paul J.
Published: March 2021

While the contemporary management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) often includes a trial of non‐operative management (NOM), surgical dogma dictates urgent operative exploration in patients without previous abdominal surgery. This dogma has been challenged by recent evidence suggesting most obstructions in this population are adhesive in nature. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the feasibility of NOM in patients with SBO and no history of previous abdominal surgery, to examine the etiologies of SBO in this population, and to explore the rate of adverse events seen following NOM. Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to September 24, 2019. Articles reporting on NOM for SBO in patients without previous abdominal surgery and without clinical or radiographic features necessitating an emergent operation were included. Data were combined to obtain a pooled proportion of patients discharged without operation following a trial of NOM. 6 studies reporting on a total of 272 patients were included. The pooled proportion of patients discharged following NOM was 49.5% (95% CI 23.7–75.3%). Adhesions were found to be the predominant cause of obstruction. NOM did not appear to increase short‐term complications. Most SBOs in patients without previous abdominal surgery are adhesive in nature and many patients can be discharged from hospital without surgery. While the short‐term outcomes of NOM are acceptable, future studies are needed to address the long‐term outcomes and safety of NOM as a treatment strategy for SBO in patients without previous abdominal surgery.
How to improve image quality of DWI of the prostate—enema or catheter preparation?
Authors: Reischauer Carolin , Cancelli Timmy , Malekzadeh Sonaz , Froehlich Johannes M. , Thoeny Harriet C.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To compare the impact of laxative enema preparation versus air/gas suction through a small catheter on image quality of prostate DWI.

Methods

In this single-center study, 200 consecutive patients (100 in each arm) with either enema or catheter preparation were retrospectively included. Two blinded readers independently assessed aspects of image quality on 5-point Likert scales. Scores were compared between groups and the influence of confounding factors evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Prostate diameters were compared on DWI and T2-weighted imaging using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

Image quality was significantly higher in the enema group regarding the severity of susceptibility-related artifacts (reader 1: 0.34 ± 0.77 vs. 1.73 ± 1.34, reader 2: 0.38 ± 0.86 vs. 1.76 ± 1.39), the differentiability of the anatomy (reader 1: 3.36 ± 1.05 vs. 2.08 ± 1.31, reader 2: 3.37 ± 1.05 vs. 2.09 ± 1.35), and the overall image quality (reader 1: 3.66 ± 0.77 vs. 2.26 ± 1.33, Reader 2: 3.59 ± 0.87 vs. 2.23 ± 1.38) with almost perfect inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.92–0.95). In the enema group, rectal distention was significantly lower and strongly correlated with the severity of artifacts (reader 1: ρ = 0.79, reader 2: ρ = 0.73). Furthermore, there were significantly fewer substantial image distortions, with odds ratios of 0.051 and 0.084 for the two readers which coincided with a higher agreement of the prostate diameters in the phase-encoding direction (0.96 vs. 0.89).

Conclusions

Enema preparation is superior to catheter preparation and yields substantial improvements in image quality.

Key Points

• Enema preparation is superior to decompression of the rectum using air/gas suction through a small catheter.

• Enema preparation markedly improves the image quality of prostate DWI regarding the severity of susceptibility-related artifacts, the differentiability of the anatomy, and the overall image quality and considerably reduces substantial artifacts that may impair a reliable diagnosis.
Does the choice of the reference model affect the results of 3D-3D superimposition procedure? A comparison of different protocols for personal identification
Authors: Palamenghi Andrea , De Angelis Danilo , Cellina Michaela , Sforza Chiarella , Cattaneo Cristina , Gibelli Daniele
Published: March 2021

In literature, 3D-3D superimposition has been widely recognized as a valid method for personal identification. However, very little information is available about possible variability due to differences in protocols of registration of 3D models and calculation of RMS (root mean square) point-to-point distance. Frontal sinuses from 50 CT scans were segmented twice through the ITK-SNAP software and grouped in two samples (1 and 2). Maximum breadth, height and volume were measured. 3D models belonging to the same subject were then superimposed one on each other in 50 matches. In addition, superimposition of 50 random mismatches was performed. For each superimposition, the procedure was repeated four times choosing different reference models both for registration and calculation of RMS. Differences in RMS value among protocols of registration and RMS calculation were assessed through paired Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Possible correlations between differences in RMS among groups and differences in frontal sinus size between the superimposed models were analysed through calculation of Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). Results showed that RMS calculation did not yield significant differences according to which 3D model is used as reference; on the other hand, RMS values from registration procedure significantly differ according to which model is chosen as reference, but only in the mismatch group (p < 0.001). Differences in RMS value according to RMS calculation are dependent upon all the three measurements, whereas differences according to registration protocols were significantly related only with the breadth of frontal sinuses but only in mismatches (p < 0.001). In no case, superimpositions of RMS values were found between matches and mismatches. This article for the first time proves that the protocol of registration and calculation of RMS significantly influences the results of 3D-3D superimposition only in case of mismatches.
Frameless x-ray-based lead re-implantation after partial hardware removal of deep brain stimulation system with preservation of intracerebral trajectories
Authors: Malinova Vesna , Jaskólski Dariusz J. , Wójcik Rafal , Mielke Dorothee , Rohde Veit
Published: March 2021

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for patients with medical refractory movement disorders with continuously increasing use also in other neurological and psychiatric diseases. Early and late complications can lead to revision surgeries with partial or complete DBS-system removal. In this study, we aimed to report on our experience with a frameless x-ray-based lead re-implantation technique after partial hardware removal or dysfunction of DBS-system, allowing the preservation of intracerebral trajectories.

Methods

We describe a surgical procedure with complete implant removal due to infection except for the intracranial part of the electrode and with non-stereotactic electrode re-implantation. A retrospective analysis of a patient series treated using this technique was performed and the surgical outcome was evaluated including radiological and clinical parameters.

Results

A total of 8 DBS-patients with lead re-implantation using the frameless x-ray-based method were enrolled in the study. A revision of 14 leads was performed, whereof a successful lead re-implantation could be achieved without any problems in 10 leads (71%). In two patients (one patient with dystonia and one patient with tremor), the procedure was not successful, so we placed both leads frame-based stereotactically.

Conclusions

The described x-ray-based technique allows a reliable frameless electrode re-implantation after infection and electrode dysfunction and might represent an efficient alternative to frame-based procedures for lead revision making the preservation of intracerebral trajectories possible.
Offshore telemedicine emergency service: a 1-year experience
Authors: Mastella Giulio , Darstein Lars , Raufhake Carsten , Schneider Vera , Corletto Anna , Buiatti Alessandra , Müller Alexander , Schuessler-Hahn Franziska , Gondert Markus , Gerdes Heiko , Martens Eimo
Published: March 2021

Aim

Offshore wind energy is a fast growing market. Accordingly, a correspondingly large number of employees are working at the wind farms. Owing to the harsh operating conditions, accidents and medical emergencies occur there. The care of these patients poses special challenges. The aim of the investigation was to determine whether telemedical emergency care is technically possible on the North Sea, far away from any medical care.

Subject and methods

We were able to establish a raw data supported telemedical integration with a rescue service monitor for transmission of ECG, blood pressure, saturation and other vital parameters to a telemedicine centre. As a first step, a satellite connection was set up on a supply ship for the transmission, which was then made available for data transfer via WLAN.

Results

In this project, we were able to show in tests as well as in actual patient care that telemedical support of rescue service personnel on site using raw data transmission is also possible offshore on a supply ship. In this project, defined areas with WLAN coverage were necessary in which the transmission worked in 100% of cases.

Conclusion

The care of emergencies in the area of offshore wind farms is an increasing problem, which can be sensibly treated with telemedical support. Technical possibilities can also be created on site in the North Sea. The further expansion of a communication network, for example, with LTE or 5G, is necessary to enable telemedical care independent of supply ships.
Seasonal variability, long-term distribution (2001–2014), and risk assessment of polar organic micropollutants in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Fisch Kathrin , Brockmeyer Berit , Gerwinski Wolfgang , Schulz-Bull Detlef E. , Theobald Norbert
Published: March 2021

From 2001 to 2014, 13 surveys were conducted in the Baltic Sea, to determine its pollution of 50 micropollutants. The investigations focused mostly on the German western Baltic Sea; in 2008, one survey covered the entire Baltic Sea. Various groups of herbicides (such as triazines, phenoxyacetic acid, phenylurea), perfluoroalkyl substances, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products were analyzed during these surveys. The highest concentrations (median 1 to 4 ng/L) were observed for atrazine, simazine, chloridazone, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, benzotriazole, primidone, and carbamazepine. Most micropollutants exhibited a relatively homogenous spatial distribution, though some herbicides show elevated concentrations in certain regions (e.g., Odra estuary), indicating a riverine input. The data set was analyzed, both for seasonal influences and long-time trends. Some herbicides exhibited higher concentrations during summertime. Both upward- and downward-directed time trends could be identified for some herbicides and perfluorinated compounds. For most of the detected compounds, a low-risk quotient was calculated. Only the occurrence of carbendazim could potentially pose a higher risk to the Baltic Sea.
The effect of time pressure on metacognitive control: developmental changes in self-regulation and efficiency during learning
Authors: Gönül Gökhan , Tsalas Nike , Paulus Markus
Published: March 2021

The effect of time pressure on metacognitive control is of theoretical and empirical relevance and is likely to allow us to tap into developmental differences in performances which do not become apparent otherwise, as previous studies suggest. In the present study, we investigated the effect of time pressure on metacognitive control in three age groups (10-year-olds, 14-year-olds, and adults, n = 183). Using an established study time allocation paradigm, participants had to study two different sets of picture pairs, in an untimed and a timed condition. The results showed that metacognitive self-regulation of study time (monitor-based study time allocation) differed between age groups when studying under time pressure. Even though metacognitive control is firmly coupled at 10 years of age, the overall level of self-regulation of adults was higher than that of children and adolescents across both study time conditions. This suggests that adults might have been more sensitive to experiential metacognitive cues such as JoL for the control of study time. Moreover, the timed condition was found to be more effective than the untimed, with regard to study time allocation. Also, there was an age effect, with adults being more efficient than 10- and 14-year-olds.
Health outcomes in COPD smokers using heated tobacco products: a 3-year follow-up
Authors: Polosa Riccardo , Morjaria Jaymin B. , Prosperini Umberto , Busà Barbara , Pennisi Alfio , Gussoni Gualberto , Rust Sonja , Maglia Marilena , Caponnetto Pasquale
Published: March 2021

Given that many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) smoke despite their symptoms, it is important to understand the long-term health impact of cigarette substitution with heated tobacco products (HTPs). We monitored health parameters for 3 years in COPD patients who substantially attenuated or ceased cigarette consumption after switching to HTPs. Changes in daily cigarette smoking, annualized disease exacerbations, lung function indices, patient-reported outcomes (CAT scores) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) from baseline were measured in COPD patients using HTPs at 12, 24 and 36 months. These were compared to a group of age- and sex-matched COPD patients who continued smoking. Complete data sets were available for 38 patients (19 in each group). Subjects using HTPs had a substantial decrease in annualized COPD exacerbations within the group mean (± SD) from 2.1 (± 0.9) at baseline to 1.4 (± 0.8), 1.2 (± 0.8) and 1.3 (± 0.8) at 12-, 24- and 36-month follow-up (p < 0.05 for all visits). In addition, substantial and clinically significant improvements in CAT scores and 6MWD were identified at all three time points in the HTP cohort. No significant changes were observed in COPD patients who continued smoking. This study is the first to describe the long-term health effects of HTP use in COPD patients. Consistent improvements in respiratory symptoms, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and rate of disease exacerbations were observed in patients with COPD who abstained from smoking or substantially reduced their cigarette consumption by switching to HTP use.
From Witness to Web Sleuth: Does Citizen Enquiry on Social Media Affect Formal Eyewitness Identification Procedures?
Authors: Havard C. , Strathie A. , Pike G. , Walkington Z. , Ness H. , Harrison V.
Published: March 2021

Eyewitnesses to crimes may seek the perpetrator on social media prior to participating in a formal identification procedure, but the effect of this citizen enquiry on the accuracy of eyewitness identification is unclear. The current study used a between-participants design to address this question. Participants viewed a crime video, and after a 1–2-day delay were either exposed to social media including the perpetrator, exposed to social media that substituted an innocent suspect for the perpetrator, or not exposed to social media. Seven days after viewing the crime video, all participants made an identification from a video lineup. It was predicted that exposure to social media that did not contain the guilty suspect would reduce the accuracy of subsequent identifications. Analysis revealed no association between social media exposure and lineup response for target present lineups. For target absent lineups, there was a significant association between social media exposure and lineup response, but this was driven by a higher number of correct rejections for participants who saw the guilty suspect on social media. The results suggest that at least in some circumstances, witnesses searching social media do not have a negative effect on formal ID procedures.
A brief scale of pathological worry that everyone already has
Authors: Verkuil Bart , Brownlow Briana N. , Vasey Michael W. , Brosschot Jos F. , Thayer Julian F.
Published: March 2021

Worry is a central process in a wide range of psychopathological and somatic conditions. Three studies (N = 856) were used to test whether a subscale composed of five items of the most commonly used trait anxiety questionnaire, Spielberger’s State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait version (STAI-T), is appropriate to measure worry. Results showed that the subscale, named the Brief Worry Scale (BWS), had excellent internal consistency and temporal stability. Convergent and divergent validity were supported by correlation analyses using worry questionnaires and measures of anxious arousal and depression. The BWS was a particularly good predictor of the pathogenic aspects of worry, including worry perseveration in daily life (study 1), measures of clinical worry (study 2) and the uncontrollability of experimentally induced worry (study 3). Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the BWS might be a valuable scale for pathological worry, for which many researchers already have data.
Cyanobakterien als Biokatalysatoren
Authors: Nowaczyk Marc M. , Grimm Hanna C. , Assil-Companioni Leen , Kourist Robert
Published: March 2021

The highly optimized natural process of oxygenic photosynthesis leads to the formation of redox equivalents, such as NADPH, that can be used to fuel heterologous biotransformations in phototrophic microorganisms. We investigated the reduction of 2-methylmaleimide by the ene-reductase YqjM in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and doubled the productivity of the cells by inactivating flavodiironproteins (FDPs) as competing electron sink under self-shading conditions, reaching 18.3 mmol h−1 L−1.
Metabolic Engineering von Cyanobakterien für nachhaltiges Bioplastik
Authors: Koch Moritz , Forchhammer Karl
Published: March 2021

Global crises like climate change require the transformation of our industry towards more sustainability. Applying metabolic engineering to cyanobacteria promises to use these phototrophic bacteria for the biosynthesis of carbon-neutral products. As one example, we present how recent advances in basic research have now led to the ability to produce high quantities of bioplastics in cyanobacteria.
Vasopressin-vermittelte Wasserrückresorption im Sammelrohr der Niere
Authors: Baltzer Sandrine , Klussmann Enno
Published: March 2021

Vasopressin-mediated water reabsorption from primary urine in the renal collecting duct is essential for regulating body water homeostasis and depends on the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2).

Dysregulation of the process can cause water balance disorders. Here, we present cell-based high-throughput screenings to identify proteins and small molecules as tools to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying the AQP2 control and as potential starting points for the development of water balance disorder drugs.
Trans-agierende Attenuator-RNA und Leaderpeptid in Bakterien
Authors: Melior Hendrik , Evguenieva-Hackenberg Elena
Published: March 2021

Bacterial transcription attenuators are a source of small RNAs (sRNAs) and leader peptides, for which no own functions were known. However, the attenuator sRNA of the tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis operon regulates gene expression in trans according to the Trp-availability. Moreover, the cognate leader peptide adopted Trp-independent functions. It builds antibiotic-dependent ribonucleoprotein complexes (ARNPs) for sRNA reprogramming and regulation of ribosomal and multiresistance genes.
Regulation von ABC-Transportern durch FKBPs
Authors: Geisler Markus
Published: March 2021

The plant hormone auxin is distributed in the plant by a sophisticated network of importers and exporters, including members of the ABCB subclass of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABCB-mediated auxin transport is controlled by Twisted Dwarf1, a member of the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family. Here, we summarize current knowledge on ABC transporter regulation by FKBPs, which seems to be conserved over kingdoms and ABC subfamilies arguing for conserved mechanism of plant and mammalian post-translational transporter regulation.
Wie Designer-Rekombinasen Erbkrankheiten heilen könnten
Authors: Lansing Felix , Hoersten Jenna , Buchholz Frank
Published: March 2021

Recent advances in nuclease-based genome editing allow for the correction of many point-mutations causing diseases. However, correcting genetic alterations caused by larger chromosomal rearrangements remain challenging with this approach. Designer-recombinases promise to fill this gap as demonstrated by the development of a heterodimeric Cre-based site-specific recombinase system. This system can functionally correct a large gene inversion frequently found in patients with severe Hemophilia A.
Humane neuromuskuläre Organoide — Anwendung und Perspektive
Authors: Martins Jorge Miguel Faustino , Nguyen Lan Vi Ngoc , Gouti Mina
Published: March 2021

Organoids are miniature, organ-like structures derived from stem cells. While techniques for developing organoids for different tissues have advanced in the past decade, it has remained a challenge to simultaneously grow two different tissues into a single functional organoid. We have recently developed a 3D neuromuscular organoid that allows the simultaneous generation of spinal neurons and skeletal muscles. Here we discuss their future applications in modeling neuromuscular disorders.
Neue Parameter für die Wirkstofftestung gegen Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Fesser Anna , Kaiser Marcel , Mäser Pascal
Published: March 2021

Chagas disease is a zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomine bugs. Autochthonous to Latin America, Chagas disease has spread globally through travel and migration. New drugs are needed urgently, in particular drugs that cure the chronic stage. This is where high-content imaging makes a key contribution: assays with fluorescent parasites in cell culture allow to determine pharmacodynamic parameters and to better assess the antichagasic potential of new molecules.
Hydro-chemical and microbial assessments of water resources around cassava mills in a sedimentary formation of Ilaro, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Akintayo O. , Ogunyinka Opeyemi O. , Daramola Oluwatoyin O. , Olaoye Felix A.
Published: March 2021

The use of water resources from hand-dug wells, boreholes and streams around cassava processing mills within Ilaro metropolis, Ogun State Nigeria for domestic and industrial activities had led to the assessments of water resources in the vicinities of Ekueme, Olorungbogo, Double Crown, Olalandu and Akewe cassava mills. Eleven water samples were collected and taken to the laboratories for physiochemical, heavy metals and microbial analyses. The values obtained were compared with the WHO standards for drinking water. The pH (4.68–7.41) revealed acidic water with relatively low temperatures (24.7–29.2 ℃). The EC (79.80–221.00 mS/cm) indicated very high level of dissolved ionic salts, TU (0.200–0.684 mg/L) revealed the presence of particulate matters, and TH (15.10–22.70 mg/L) showed moderate water hardness. The anions NO3−, PO43− and Cl− concentrations indicated contaminations ranging from 65.42–110.80, 7.210–8.310 and 195.25–427.00 mg/L, respectively. Cations Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ had relatively low concentrations ranging from 14.49–20.96, 4.30–11.29 and 10.50–11.50 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cd and Pb were high and ranged from 3.87–5.10, 1.27–2.82, 0.07–2.69 and 0.03–0.96 mg/L, respectively. The microbial counts in for total bacteria, fungi, E. coli and total coliform were also high ranging from 1.0–93.0, 0.1–1.3, 0.1–9.2 and 0.1–9.3 (106 CFU/ml), respectively. All these parameters indicated statistically significant difference between their concentrations at p = 0.000 and between the physiochemical and microbial results at p = 0.006. The qualities of the water resources around the study areas had been highly compromised and are not suitable for domestic activities.
What determines the success and failure of environmental crowdfunding?
Authors: Kubo Takahiro , Veríssimo Diogo , Uryu Shinya , Mieno Taro , MacMillan Douglas
Published: March 2021

Online crowdfunding can help address the perennial financial shortfalls in environmental conservation and management. Although many online crowdfunding campaigns fail to collect any funds due to not achieving their targets, little is known about what drives success. To address this knowledge gap, we applied a mixed-methods approach to data from 473 successful and failed campaigns hosted on the online crowdfunding platform Readyfor. We found that fundraising performance varied by topic, with campaigns on pet animal management outperforming those focussed on landscape management and sustainable use. We also found that marketing strategies associated with online findability and increased reach through social networks, increased fundraising success. However, the existence of other environmental campaigns running simultaneously, reduced the chance of success, which implies that the selecting popular topics does not always increase the likelihood of success due to increased competition. Wider applications of marketing could enhance the ability of environmental crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds.
Can public awareness, knowledge and engagement improve climate change adaptation policies?
Authors: Khatibi Farzaneh Shaikh , Dedekorkut-Howes Aysin , Howes Michael , Torabi Elnaz
Published: March 2021

Communities that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change need to adapt to increase their resilience. Effective government policies and plans are a key component of this transition, but they are not sufficient in themselves. The community needs to be made aware of the risks, acquire knowledge about the options that are available for a response, and be empowered to take their own actions. Effective public engagement is therefore key to success in planning for climate change. This paper focuses on the importance of public engagement in climate change adaptation policy. It undertakes a systematic quantitative review of the literature dealing with the core themes of climate change awareness, knowledge, and engagement in policy-making. The findings reveal a gap in the existing academic literature on public engagement, its impacts on different types of knowledge, and the integration of both into climate change adaptation policy. In addition, findings show a strong link between public knowledge and engagement that can be used to encourage and motivate the public by using behavioural economics as a policy instrument. The paper also makes a useful contribution by identifying more effective strategies to improve climate change resilience and sustainability.
Role of gender participation in urban household energy technology for sustainability: a case of Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha Bindu , Tiwari Sudarshan , Bajracharya Sushil , keitsch Martina
Published: March 2021

Sustainability has endured as a global topic in terms of quality of life and energy-saving for an equalized system. Households represent one of the most energy-consuming sectors globally and are expected to increase tremendously in the future. Women have higher responsibility in the household energy use in most societies. However, their participation and impacts have been less prioritized in the sustainability concept regarding energy perspective. In contrast, most development studies reveal that women's participation in managing resources can positively impact women and policy management. However, women's active participation and influences on social, economic, and environmental contexts are mostly ignored in energy-related decisions, disregarding women's productive activities. Thus, this study evaluates the gender role in urban household energy in three contexts of economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability pillars. This study is exploratory research based on questionnaire survey, interviews, observation, and air quality tests to apprehend appropriate data. The study revealed that the lower-income group uses a larger share of their monthly income for household energy with unclean cooking fuel. It has an impact on low-willingness to participate in new energy technology purchases. The use of electrical appliances and income has a moderate correlation (r = .48). However, Kathmandu urban households are eager to use electric cooking, but urban women have insufficient knowledge, information, and less affordability for new technology. The city's sustainability level is still low (47 scores) from a gender perspective, and it suggests the city needs a long way on the sustainability route. The study concluded that innovative technical interventions and women's financial power are essential, including the subsidy policy to reduce inequality between low and high energy household share variation and elevate gender participation. The gender mainstreaming approach in energy policy can increase women's participation in energy technology to get a clean environment and reduce the nation's financial burden of importing fuel.
Will face recognition revolutionise the shopping experience?
Authors: Elloumi Wael , Cauchois Cyril , Pasqual Charlotte
Published: March 2021

Today, facial recognition is a prevalent though controversial technology. It has become established as the most natural means of biometric identification, as it doesn’t require any contact or physical interaction by the end user – a feature that has become even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. Facial recognition is also one of the most adopted biometric modalities that's now being used for many and varied use-cases, such as in payments or loyalty experiences.
Looking to the future of the cyber security landscape
Authors: Ali Rashid
Published: March 2021

Last year marked a turning point in the industry as organisations accelerated their digital transformation efforts. The move towards more cloud-based tools and remote working has been dominating the conversation over recent years, but in 2020 this need was kicked into overdrive for many organisations – it was a case of innovate or be left behind.

The move towards more cloud-based tools and remote working has dominated the conversation in recent years. But in 2020 this need was kicked into overdrive.

The acceleration of digital transformation has reinforced the importance of cyber security and brought into focus the need to manage and secure against remote devices and threats. Rashid Ali of Wallix explains how businesses need to ensure they have complete control and visibility of all company data, while supporting employee productivity.