bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating opportunities for patient participation in managing medications across transitions of care through formal and informal modes of communication
Authors: Ozavci Guncag , Bucknall Tracey , Woodward‐Kron Robyn , Hughes Carmel , Jorm Christine , Manias Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Background

Communicating about medications across transitions of care is important in older patients who frequently move between health care settings. While there is increasing interest in understanding patient communication across transitions of care, little is known about older patients' involvement in formal and informal modes of communication regarding managing medications.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to explore how older patients participated in managing their medications across transitions of care through formal and informal modes of communication.

Methods

The study was conducted across two metropolitan hospitals: an acute hospital and a geriatric rehabilitation hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. A focused ethnographic design was used involving semi‐structured interviews (n = 50), observations (203 h) and individual interviews or focus groups (n = 25). Following thematic analysis, data were analysed using Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis.

Results

Data analysis revealed two major discursive practices, which comprised of an interplay between formal and informal communication and environmental influences on formal and informal communication. Self‐created patient notes were used by older patients to initiate informal discussion with health professionals about medication decisions, which challenged traditional unequal power relations between health professionals and patients. Formal prompts on electronic medication administration records facilitated the continuous information discourse about patients' medications across transitions of care and encouraged health professionals to seek out older patients' preferences through informal bedside interactions. Environmental influences on communication comprised health professionals' physical movements across private and public spaces in the ward, their distance from older patients at the bedside and utilization of the computer systems during patient encounters.

Conclusion

Older patients' self‐created medication notes enabled them to take on a more active role in formal and informal medication communication across transitions of care. Older patients and family members did not have continuous access to information about medication changes during their hospital stay and systems often failed to address older patients' key concerns about their medications, which hindered their active involvement in formal and informal communication.

Patient or Public Contribution

Older adults, family members and health professionals volunteered to be interviewed and observed.
Identification of the cuticle protein AccCPR2 gene in Apis cerana cerana and its response to environmental stress
Authors: Tan Shuai , Li Guilin , Guo Hengjun , Li Han , Tian Ming , Liu Qingxin , Wang Ying , Xu Baohua , Guo Xingqi
Published: May 2022

Cuticular proteins (CPs) are known to play important roles in insect development and defence responses. The loss of CP genes can lead to changes in insect morphology and sensitivity to the external environment. In this study, we identified the AccCPR2 gene, which belongs to the CPR family (including the R&R consensus motif) of CPs, and explored its function in the response of Apis cerana cerana to adverse external stresses. Our results demonstrated that AccCPR2 was highly expressed in the late pupal stage and epidermis, and the expression of AccCPR2 may be induced or inhibited under different stressors. RNA interference experiments showed that knockdown of AccCPR2 reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, led to the accumulation of oxidative damage and suppressed the expression of several antioxidant genes. In addition, knockdown of AccCPR2 also reduced the pesticide resistance of A. cerana cerana. The overexpression of AccCPR2 in a prokaryotic system further confirmed its role in resistance to various stresses. In summary, AccCPR2 may play pivotal roles in the normal development and environmental stress response of A. cerana cerana. This study also enriched the theoretical knowledge of the resistance biology of bees.
Sintering and thermal expansion behaviors of glass and glass–YSZ composites as self‐repairable seals for SOFC
Authors: Rao Padmanapan , Singh Raj N.
Published: May 2022

Glass and glass–ceramics are used as sealants in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) because their thermophysical properties can be tailored to meet the stringent requirements of the SOFC stack. The processing, sintering, and thermal expansion behaviors of self‐healing and non‐crystallizing glass and glass containing 10%–30 wt.% non‐reacting yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) are studied. The addition of inert YSZ to glass significantly retarded the sintering behavior. Thermal expansion behaviors of glass and glass–YSZ are also measured to study the role of YSZ addition on the glass transition, softening point, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). It is shown that the densification is controlled by the viscous sintering mechanism, in which the addition of YSZ increased the effective viscosity of the glass–YSZ as evident from higher glass transition and softening temperatures and decreased CTE. These results demonstrated that the addition of YSZ to glass is promising for achieving optimum thermophysical properties useful as seals for SOFC.
Nanocarriers for combating biofilms: Advantages and challenges
Authors: Zhang Yuning , Lin Shiyu , Fu Jingyuan , Zhang Wei , Shu Gang , Lin Juchun , Li Haohuan , Xu Funeng , Tang Huaqiao , Peng Guangneng , Zhao Ling , Chen Shiqi , Fu Hualin
Published: May 2022

Bacterial biofilms are highly resistant to antibiotics and pose a great threat to human and animal health. The control and removal of bacterial biofilms have become an important topic in the field of bacterial infectious diseases. Nanocarriers show great anti-biofilm potential because of their small particle size and strong permeability. In this review, the advantages of nanocarriers for combating biofilms are analysed. Nanocarriers can act on all stages of bacterial biofilm formation and diffusion. They can improve the scavenging effect of biofilm by targeting biofilm, destroying extracellular polymeric substances and enhancing the biofilm permeability of antimicrobial substances. Nanocarriers can also improve the antibacterial ability of antimicrobial drugs against bacteria in biofilm by protecting the loaded drugs and controlling the release of antimicrobial substances. Additionally, we emphasize the challenges faced in using nanocarrier formulations and translating them from a preclinical level to a clinical setting.
Glycaemic control and its associated factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐ma'aitah Odai Hamed , Demant Daniel , Jakimowicz Samantha , Perry Lin
Published: May 2022

Aims

To examine the patient‐related factors that have been linked to glycaemic control in people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Middle Eastern countries.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

A computerized search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE (via PubMed and Ovid), EMBASE, Scopus and CINAHL to identify peer‐reviewed articles published in English between 1 January 2010 and 21 May 2020. On 28 June 2021, the search was updated with the same keywords and databases; however, no further relevant studies were identified.

Review Methods

Extracted data were analysed using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

The final sample consisted of 54 articles with a total of 41,079 participants. Pooled data showed an increased risk of inadequate glycaemic control in smokers [OR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.52; p = .010], obese patients (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.54; p = .002), patients with elevated waist to hip ratio (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.26; p = .004) and longer disease duration (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.64, 2.48; p < .001). A lower risk of inadequate control was associated with physical activity (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.67; p < .001) and self‐management (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.82; p = .006).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the opportunity to address factors to improve glycaemic control. Further longitudinal studies are required to better understand these variations, to assess all predictors of glycaemic control in participants with type 2 diabetes, and to provide a strong basis for future measures to optimize glycaemic control.
Building a community‐academic partnership to improve screening for intimate partner violence: Integrating advocates in healthcare clinic settings
Authors: Schubert Erin C. , Galambos Colleen M. , Jerofke‐Owen Teresa , Arrington Erica , Jordan Greer C. , Lodh Nilanjan , Paquette Heidi , Chelimsky Gisela , Piacentine Linda B.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To develop an innovative community‐academic partnership to advance, test and promote intimate partner violence screening and referral protocols by comparing the effect of integrating intimate partner violence advocates versus enhancing medical training in medical clinic settings serving women from vulnerable populations. Detecting intimate partner violence in healthcare settings allows for survivors to connect to safety and referral resources prior to violence escalating. Screening for intimate partner violence and connecting patients to referral resources requires creating a safe and trusting relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Developing screening and referral protocols responsive to survivors' needs requires involvement of clinic staff, survivors and community agencies that support survivors.

Design

Three phases of the project include Discovery, Implementation and Dissemination. Mixed‐methodology will help in understanding current practices and effects of interventions.

Methods

Actions included in each phase: Discovery: 1) nurse‐led focus groups of clinic staff, providers and survivors to understand current clinic practices; 2) retrospective chart review of the number of screens performed, positive screens detected and interventions performed. Implementation: 1) randomization of patients to be interviewed by a trained advocate or by healthcare provider with enhanced training; and 2) assess the number of screenings and referrals performed in each arm and 3) evaluate outcomes of intervention. Dissemination through: presentations, manuscripts and policy recommendations at the institutional and regional level. This IRB‐approved proposal was funded in July 2021 by an Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin grant.

Discussion

The partnership has improved channels of communication and understanding between diverse clinical care providers, survivors and community agency staff as they navigate the complex challenges to the development and integration of screening and referral protocols.

Impact

This project will provide evidence of the most effective intimate partner violence screening and referral methodology that can be utilized in a wide variety of medical settings.
Pandemic perspectives from the frontline—The nursing stories
Authors: Polinard Elizabeth L. , Ricks Tiffany N. , Duke Ellen Stoetzner , Lewis Kimberly A.
Published: May 2022

Aim

To describe the experiences of registered nurses working in a US healthcare system during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

This qualitative thematic analysis study is a secondary analysis of stories submitted by nurses to a repository established by the parent study.

Methods

Registered nurses working in various roles in a healthcare system submitted stories (N = 45) to open‐ended prompts via an online repository between June 2020 and February 2021. A team of three nurse scientists coded the stories using Dedoose software. Initial codes were then reviewed by the team to synthesize initial coding into themes. The COREQ checklist was used to ensure research reporting guidelines were met.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed three themes in a global theme of COVID‐19 pandemic‐related personal and professional evolution: (1) The art and science of pandemic nursing, (2) Persisting despite challenges; and (3) Learning as we went. Each of the three organizing themes were supported by basic themes.

Conclusions

Identified themes affirm some of nursing's long‐standing core values, such as the central role of human connectedness in restoring health, but findings also reflect new evolutionary processes of moral identity formation that occurred among nurses and the nursing profession during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Impact

Findings from this study describe the processes by which nurses' moral identity evolved during a segment of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Collectively, these evolutions represent important shifts in the nursing profession. Using findings from this study, nurse educators, nurse managers and healthcare administrators will be able to implement effective, sustainable policies and processes that meet the needs of both the community and the workforce.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study was designed to capture the experiences of nurses employed by one healthcare organization. However, it was not conducted using input or suggestions from the public or the patient population served by the organization.
Ultrastructural characterisation of young and aged dental enamel by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Leiva‐Sabadini Camila , Schuh Christina MAP , Barrera Nelson P. , Aguayo Sebastian
Published: May 2022

Recent advances in atomic force microscopy (AFM) have allowed the characterisation of dental‐associated biomaterials and biological surfaces with high resolution. In this context, the topography of dental enamel – the hardest mineralised tissue in the body – has been explored with AFM‐based approaches at the microscale. With age, teeth are known to suffer changes that can impact their structural stability and function; however, changes in enamel structure because of ageing have not yet been explored with nanoscale resolution. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory work was to optimise an approach to characterise the ultrastructure of dental enamel and determine potential differences in topography, hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal size, and surface roughness at the nanoscale associated to ageing. For this, a total of six teeth were collected from human donors from which enamel specimens were prepared. By employing intermittent contact (AC mode) imaging, HA crystals were characterised in both transversal and longitudinal orientation (respect to surface plane) with high resolution in environmental conditions. The external enamel surface displayed the presence of a pellicle‐like coating on its surface that was not observable on cleaned specimens. Acid‐etching exposed crystals that were imaged and morphologically characterised in high resolution at the nanoscale in both the external and internal regions of enamel in older and younger specimens. Our results demonstrated important individual variations in HA crystal width and roughness parameters across the analysed specimens; however, an increase in surface roughness and decrease in HA width was observed for the pooled older external enamel group compared to younger specimens. Overall, high‐resolution AFM was an effective approach for the qualitative and quantitative characterisation of human dental enamel ultrastructure. Future work should focus on exploring the ageing of dental enamel with increased sample sizes to compensate for individual differences as well as other potential confounding factors such as behavioural habits and mechanical forces.
Pregnant and Postpartum Women's Perceptions of Barriers to and Enablers of Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: McKeough Regan , Blanchard Christopher , Piccinini‐Vallis Helena
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Physical activity throughout pregnancy has been shown to have health benefits for the pregnant person, including reductions in the risk of preeclampsia and gestational weight gain and improvements in blood pressure regulation. Despite the benefits, many pregnant women do not meet the guidelines for physical activity throughout pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to determine what influences women's activity levels during pregnancy. This systematic review of the qualitative literature aimed to determine pregnant and postpartum women's perceptions of barriers to and enablers of physical activity, specifically during pregnancy.

Methods

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase were searched systematically to identify qualitative studies investigating pregnant or postpartum women's perceptions of barriers to and enablers of physical activity during pregnancy. Included studies were limited to populations of pregnant or postpartum women, the majority of whom were aged 18 to 40 years, and studies published from 1985 onward. Data quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Studies Checklist. Data were extracted using NVivo software and subsequently mapped on the COM‐B framework.

Results

Twenty‐five qualitative studies were included in this systematic review. Sixteen themes were identified that mapped onto 6 components of the COM‐B framework. Commonly reported barriers to physical activity during pregnancy included pregnancy symptoms, lack of knowledge of what constitutes safe activity, and the opinions of women's social circles. Commonly reported enablers of physical activity during pregnancy were social support and the experienced benefits, including physiologic, psychological, and social benefits.

Discussion

The results of this systematic review have clinical implications for perinatal care providers, as the overall benefits of physical activity during pregnancy have been well documented in previous studies. The authors recommend clinicians aim to explore pregnant women's perspectives on physical activity during pregnancy in order to be able to address their perceived barriers to and enablers of physical activity during pregnancy.
Up‐regulation of cell division cycle 20 expression alters the morphology of neuronal dendritic spines in the nucleus accumbens by promoting FMRP ubiquitination
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Fei , Zhu Jun , Feng Dayun , Shi Yingwu , Qu Liang , Li Yang , Guo Kang , Zhang Yue , Wang Qiang , Wang Naigeng , Wang Xuelian , Ge Shunnan
Published: May 2022

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is the key area of the reward circuit, but its heterogeneity has been poorly studied. Using single‐cell RNA sequencing, we revealed a subcluster of GABAergic neurons characterized by cell division cycle 20 (Cdc20) mRNA expression in the NAc of adult rats. We studied the coexpression of Cdc20 and Gad1 mRNA in the NAc neurons of adult rats and assessed Cdc20 protein expression in the NAc during rat development. Moreover, we microinjected AAV2/9‐hSyn‐Cdc20 with or without the dual‐AAV system into the bilateral NAc for sparse labeling to observe changes in the synaptic morphology of mature neurons and assessed rat behaviors in open field and elevated plus maze tests. Furthermore, we performed the experiments with a Cdc20 inhibitor, Cdc20 over‐expression AAV vector, and Cdc20 conditional knockout primary striatal neurons to understand the ubiquitination‐dependent degradation of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in vitro and in vivo. We confirmed the mRNA expression of Cdc20 in the NAc GABAergic neurons of adult rats, and its protein level was decreased significantly 3 weeks post‐birth. Up‐regulated Cdc20 expression in the bilateral NAc decreased the dendritic spine density in mature neurons and induced anxiety‐like behavior in rats. Cdc20‐APC triggered FMRP degradation through K48‐linked polyubiquitination in Neuro‐2a cells and primary striatal neurons and down‐regulated FMRP expression in the NAc of adult rats. These data revealed that up‐regulation of Cdc20 in the bilateral NAc reduced dendritic spine density and led to anxiety‐like behaviors, possibly by enhancing FMRP degradation via K48‐linked polyubiquitination.

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Impact of defensins‐containing body cream on skin composition
Authors: Eggerstedt Michael , Torres‐Maldonado Solymar , Danielian Arman , Hwang Song Hon Josh , Echanique Kristen A.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Defensins are peptides capable of reactivating latent LGR6 stem cells in the basal layer. When applied topically, these peptides can reduce signs of skin aging and increase dermal thickness. This study investigates the effects of a topical defensin formulation on extremity skin composition.

Methods

An open label, single arm clinical trial was conducted on participants with dry, photoaged, or dull skin. A defensin‐containing hand and body cream was applied twice daily for 6 weeks to the hands, forearms, elbows, and knees. Photographs and objective measurements of skin hydration, viscoelasticity (VE), retraction time (RT), thickness, density/transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as well as self‐evaluation of skin quality and characteristics were obtained pre‐ and post‐ intervention.

Results

After the study period, RT decreased by 56% across all body sites (p < 0.001) and VE improved at the elbow (125%, p = 0.009) and knee (110%, p < 0.001). Skin density also increased in all 4 body sites (40%, p < 0.001), while skin thickness increased at the elbow (29%, p = 0.03) and knee (17%, p = 0.04). Skin hydration increased at the elbow, knee, and forearm by 99%, 28%, and 16%, respectively (p < 0.05), while TEWL improved at the elbow only (−39%, p = 0.02). Patients' self‐evaluations showed improvements in overall skin quality and in the domains of dryness, ashiness, wrinkling, pigmentation, redness, roughness, and discomfort (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Following 6‐week use of a defensin‐containing cream, subjects reported significant improvement across many subjective skin domains. Similarly, objective measurements demonstrated significant improvement in skin architecture at select sites.
Getting married in a highly individualized context: Commitment and gender equality matter
Authors: Ohlsson‐Wijk Sofi , Brandén Maria , Duvander Ann‐Zofie
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study examines the roles of commitment and gender equality for marriage formation in a highly individualized and gender‐egalitarian context.

Background

Marriage is commonly perceived as a more committed form of union than cohabitation. Individualization perspectives propose that this discourages marriage formation, whereas gender perspectives suggest that this is only the case for couples living inegalitarian lives.

Method

The roles of marriage attitudes and gender equality for marriage formation are studied among 1085 cohabiting men and women born in Sweden in 1968–1980 using the 2003 wave of the Young Adult Panel Study, which is based on a stratified random sample. The authors examine how cohabitants perceive: (1) the level of commitment in cohabitation versus marriage and (2) the division of housework in their current relationship, and link these factors to population register data showing the individuals' likelihood of marrying in 2004–2007.

Results

Cohabitants are more likely to marry if they believe that marriage indicates relationship seriousness, but less likely if they see a marriage as more difficult to leave than cohabitation. Gender equality, measured as satisfaction with the division of housework, appears to be positively related to marriage formation. Whether perceiving marriage as a particularly committed form of union is more positive for marriage formation among gender‐equal couples remains unclear, as the direction of the findings varies and statistical power is low.

Conclusion

Even in a highly individualized context, cohabitants seek certain forms of commitment through marriage. Gender equality plays a role, but needs further investigation.
Oral hypofunction and association with need for daily assistance among older adults in long‐term care
Authors: Oura Riki , Mäntylä Päivi , Saarela Riitta , Hiltunen Kaija
Published: May 2022

Background

Oral hypofunction (OHF) is related to occlusal status and bite force. It has specific symptoms and varying degrees of severity.

Objectives

OHF was determined with five signs. The relationships between OHF and need for assistance in oral hygiene, moving, eating and occlusal status in older adults living in long‐term care (LTC) were examined.

Methods

A comprehensive clinical oral examination was conducted on 393 residents who lived in LTC in Helsinki, Finland. The five signs to determine OHF were mouth dryness, visible food residue on oral or denture surfaces, ability to keep the mouth open during examination, clearness of speech, and diet of pureed or soft food. Score points of 0–2 were given for each sign, and the sum was categorised as mild, moderate or severe OHF. Participants were divided into three groups accordingly, and occlusal status was determined based on contact units. In addition, nurses collected background information on number of medications and level of cognition. Need for assistance was based on oral hygiene, moving and eating.

Results

Of participants (n = 319), 21% showed severe and 41% moderate OHF. Occlusal status differences between the OHF groups were significant. OHF severity associated linearly with increased severity of cognitive impairment and increased need for assistance in oral hygiene, eating and moving.

Conclusions

OHF score based on the five signs can be used to determine OHF severity. OHF was common and associated with occlusal status, cognitive impairment and need for assistance in oral hygiene, moving and eating in older adults living in LTC.
The Taciturn Exemplar
Authors: Hsu Nai‐Yi
Published: May 2022

Early Confucian thinkers have an intense interest in the external aspects of moral exemplars. This article explores this interest by unpacking a complicated relation between silence, speech, and moral cultivation in theAnalects. Situating Confucius’s desire to be silent in a pedagogical context, this article points out a tension between speaking of moral knowledge and personalizing it. It argues that silence is considered a desirable pedagogical practice because it fosters a more intimate relation between people and the moral knowledge they receive. This article then offers a detailed analysis of several difficult pedagogical moments between Confucius and two of his most eloquent students, Zigong and Zai Wo. Their problematic ways of speaking provide cases in point that flesh out the arguments sketched above. This article concludes by reflecting on how silence can also be alienating in moral cultivation, and on how people’s styles of speech may shape who they are.
Eudaimonism and the Ground of Normative Reasons
Authors: Jung Kevin
Published: May 2022

This essay develops an argument against eudaimonism in support of John Hare's earlier critique of eudaimonism. In contrast to Hare, who mounts a Kantian‐Scotist objection to what he calls a single‐source view of motivation in eudaimonism, my critique of eudaimonism focuses on the ground of normative reasons in eudaimonism while also taking a page from Scotus's ethics. I argue that the main issue with eudaimonism is with the ultimate end and manner of our willing, which fails to correspond to the right ordering of love based on the nature of goodness in the object.
Physical Activity in Mexican High Schools
Authors: Díaz‐Muñoz Irving , Lozada‐Tequeanes Ana L. , Campos‐Nonato Ismael , Franco‐Lares Bianca S. , Bonvecchio Anabelle
Published: May 2022

Background

We evaluated the association between availability of specific physical activity (PA) spaces and PA practices among adolescents within Mexican high schools (HS).

Methods

Data were collected through an online survey applied to principals or person in charge of 4023 Mexican HS during the 2015‐2016 school year. Adequate PA was defined as moderate to vigorous intensity PA for ≥60 minutes/day, ≥5 days/week, whereas PA‐specific spaces were considered those that were available and specifically designed/used for PA. HS demographic factors were explored as covariates. Associations were estimated using a logistic regression model.

Results

From total participating HS, 83.10% had at least 1 PA‐specific space and 31.07% had adequate PA practices. A higher number of PA‐specific spaces was associated with greater adequate PA practices (33% to 61%). Possibilities for adequate PA increased when: physical education (PE) classes were led by a designated PE teacher (OR 2.39; 95%CI: 2.03‐2.83); the number of enrolled students was higher (OR 1.78; 95%CI, 1.43‐2.22 and OR 2.23; 95% CI, 1.71‐2.89, second and third tertile, respectively); HS financing sources were autonomous or private (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.19‐2.60); and HS were located in northern Mexico (OR 1.27; 95%CI, 1.02‐1.57).

Conclusion

PA‐specific spaces, designated PE teachers, and financing sources are important factors in achieving adequate PA within Mexican high schools.
Egg microbiota is the starting point of hatchling gut microbiota in the endangered yellow‐spotted Amazon river turtle
Authors: Carranco Ana Sofia , Romo David , de Lourdes Torres Maria , Wilhelm Kerstin , Sommer Simone , Gillingham Mark A. F.
Published: May 2022

Establishment and development of gut microbiota during vertebrates' early life are likely to be important predictors of health and fitness. Host‐parental and host‐environment interactions are essential to these processes. In oviparous reptiles whose nests represent a source of the parent's microbial inocula, the relative role of host‐selection and stochastic environmental factors during gut microbial assemblage remains unknown. We sampled eggs incubated in artificial nests as well as hatchlings and juveniles (up to 30 days old) of the yellow‐spotted Amazon river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) developing in tubs filled with river water. We examined the relative role of the internal egg microbiota and the abiotic environment on hatchling and juvenile turtle's cloacal microbiota assemblages during the first 30 days of development. A mean of 71% of ASVs in hatched eggs could be traced to the nest environmental microbiota and in turn a mean of 77% of hatchlings' cloacal ASVs were traced to hatched eggs. Between day 5 and 20 of juvenile turtle's development, the river water environment plays a key role in the establishment of the gut microbiota (accounting for a mean of 13%–34.6% of cloacal ASVs) and strongly influences shifts in microbial diversity and abundance. After day 20, shifts in gut microbiota composition were mainly driven by host‐selection processes. Therefore, colonization by environmental microbiota is key in the initial stages of establishing the host's gut microbiota which is subsequently shaped by host‐selection processes. Our study provides a novel quantitative understanding of the host‐environment interactions during gut microbial assemblage of oviparous reptiles.
Are machines radically contextualist?
Authors: Nefdt Ryan M.
Published: May 2022

In this article, I describe a novel position on the semantics of artificial intelligence. I present a problem for the current artificial neural networks used in machine learning, specifically with relation to natural language tasks. I then propose that from a metasemantic level, meaning in machines can best be interpreted as radically contextualist. Finally, I consider what this might mean for human‐level semantic competence from a comparative perspective.
The role of ephrinB2‐EphB4 signalling in bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Jiang Yukun , Tao Guiyu , Guan Yuzhe , Chen Sirui , He Yuying , Li Tiancheng , Zou Shujuan , Li Yuyu
Published: May 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ephrinB2‐EphB4 signalling in alveolar bone remodelling on the tension side during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Materials and Methods

An OTM model was established on sixty 8‐week‐old male Wistar rats. They were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. The animals in the experimental group were administrated with subcutaneous injection of EphB4 inhibitor NVP‐BHG712 every other day, whereas the control group received only the vehicle. Samples containing the maxillary first molar and the surrounding bone were collected after 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days of tooth movement.

Results

EphrinB2‐EphB4 signalling was actively expressed on the tension side during tooth movement. Micro‐CT analysis showed the distance of tooth movement in the experimental group was significantly greater than that of the control group (P < .05) with significantly increased trabecular separation (Tb. Sp) and decreased trabecular number (Tb. N) from day 14 to day 21. The number of osteoclasts significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group after 3 and 7 days of tooth movement (P < .05). The expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteopontin (OPN) were significantly reduced by inhibition of EphB4 (P < .05).

Conclusion

The inhibition of EphB4 suppressed bone formation and enhanced bone resorption activities on the tension side of tooth movement. The ephrinB2‐EphB4 signalling might play an important role in alveolar bone remodelling during OTM.
Modeling the dynamics of oil and agricultural commodity price nexus in linear and nonlinear frameworks: A case of emerging economy
Authors: Khan Waseem , Sharma Vishal , Ansari Saghir Ahmad
Published: May 2022

This paper aims at modeling the dynamics of oil and agricultural commodity price nexus in linear and nonlinear frameworks in the Indian context. Monthly prices of agricultural commodities from 1982:M04 to 2021:M05 for 37 agricultural commodities under 12 clusters have been considered in the study. For the symmetric and asymmetric impacts of oil prices on agricultural commodity prices, advanced econometric approaches, autoregressive distributed lag and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag, have been applied, respectively. The results reveal that in the case of aggregate analysis, oil prices have an asymmetric impact on 10 clusters of agricultural commodities in the long run, while disaggregate analysis suggests that oil prices have a long‐run positive elasticity with 29 of 37 agricultural commodity prices. Further, the asymmetric causality approach indicates that positive and negative shocks in oil prices Granger cause the prices of 34 agricultural commodities in the short run. The study has significant implications for policymakers, individual and institutional investors, wholesale producers, and primary producers (farmers).
Resilience and post‐traumatic growth in the transition to motherhood during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Thomson Gill , Cook Julie , Nowland Rebecca , Donnellan Warren James , Topalidou Anastasia , Jackson Leanne , Fallon Vicky
Published: May 2022

Most perinatal research relating to COVID‐19 focuses on its negative impact on maternal and parental mental health. Currently, there are limited data on how to optimise positive health during the pandemic. We aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by exploring how women have adapted to becoming a new parent during the pandemic and to identify elements of resilience and growth within their narratives. Mothers of infants under the age of 4 months were recruited as part of a wider UK mixed‐methods study. Semi‐structured interviews with 20 mothers elicited data about how COVID‐19 had influenced their transition to parent a new infant, and if and how they adapted during the pandemic, what strategies they used, and if and how these had been effective. Directed qualitative content analysis was undertaken, and pre‐existing theoretical frameworks of resilience and post‐traumatic growth (PTG) were used to analyse and interpret the data set. The findings show evidence of a range of resilience and PTG concepts experienced during the pandemic in this cohort. Salient resilience themes included personal (active coping, reflective functioning, and meaning‐making), relational (social support, partner relationships, and family relationships), and contextual (health and social connectedness) factors. There was also evidence of PTG in terms of the potential for new work‐related and leisure opportunities, and women developing wider and more meaningful connections with others. Although further research is needed, and with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, these findings emphasise the significance of social support and connectivity as vital to positive mental health. Opportunities to increase digital innovations to connect and support new parents should be maximised to buffer the negative impacts of further social distancing and crisis situations.
Row Allocation Negotiation for a Fleet of Strawberry Harvesting Robots
Authors: Mapes Madeline , Xu Yunjun
Published: May 2022

Cooperative small harvesting robots, mimicking a group of human pickers, have the potential to significantly reduce labor dependence in strawberry production. A tri-layered algorithm is investigated to effectively assign rows to robots with each robot incentivized to maximize its total number of picked strawberries within the fleet’s harvesting time. The proposed algorithm consists of a decentralized local auction and negotiation strategy as the primary phase with a centralized fallback algorithm that guarantees an assignment. The salient features of the algorithm are reduced communication time, scalability, constant time complexity in the decentralized phase, and ease of implementation. The proposed algorithm is evaluated in a Monte Carlo simulation and the superior performance (e.g., significantly reduced computational time) is observed when compared with a centralized approach. It is expected that this row negotiation algorithm can address an important gap in strawberry harvesting via cooperative, small harvesting robots.
Analytical Study on the Pullout Resistance of Suction Caisson in Clay
Authors: Zhuang Daokun , Guo Wei , Ren Yuxiao , Wang Jixuan
Published: May 2022

The pullout resistance is a design consideration for suction caisson-supported offshore structures, such as offshore platforms and wind turbines. An analytical method is proposed in this paper to calculate the pullout resistance of a single caisson foundation embedded in clay. Comparisons with laboratory model tests were also made to verify the accuracy of the proposed analytical method. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effects of key factors on the pullout resistance of caisson. This study found the pullout force nonlinearly increases with the increase of caisson diameter squared but linearly increases with the increase of caisson–soil frictions. For caisson wall thickness over height ratio ranging from 0.00125 to 0.00325 and caisson diameter over height ratio ranging from 0.25 to 0.75, the normal stress decreases nonlinearly along with the depth of the caisson skirt wall and is heavily influenced by the skirt wall thickness but slightly influenced by caisson diameter.
New Tools to Generate Realistic Ice Floe Fields for Computational Models
Authors: Huang Luofeng , Igrec Bojan , Thomas Giles
Published: May 2022

Global warming has extensively transformed Arctic sea ice from continuous level-ice coverage to unconsolidated ice floe fields. Whilst the ice floes have a mixture of different sizes and their locations are randomly distributed, contemporary computational models lack effective methods to generate floe fields with such a natural pattern. This work introduces two original tools that can generate realistic ice floe fields for computational models. They are a sequential generator that sequentially handles ice floes one by one, and a genetic generator based upon a genetic algorithm. Demonstration of the tools is given, presenting samples of generating various shapes of floes and arbitrary mixtures of different shapes. Furthermore, an example is provided that combines the generated floe field with computational work modeling a ship transiting in ice floes. In addition, the source code of the tools is sharable to the public.
Impact of an Earth-Air Heat Exchanger Combined With Nighttime Ventilation on Indoor Thermal Comfort of a Residential Building in Hot Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Mahach Hassan , Lafqir Fatima-Ezzahra , Benhamou Brahim , Bennouna Amin , Schmidt Christoph , Groß Bodo , Altgeld Horst
Published: May 2022

This work aims at investigating the impact of an Earth-Air Heat eXchanger (EAHX) on the thermal comfort when it is added to a natural nighttime ventilation for a house located in Marrakech (Morocco), which is characterized by a hot semi-arid climate. The thermal behavior of the house associated with this cooling combination was assessed using dynamic simulations. Two transient models are used, the well-validated Type 460 model of trnsys software (Transient System Simulation) for the EAHX and a separate trnsys-based model for the building, recently validated using an onsite long-term monitoring of the house under study in the present work. Many configurations of the house ranging from the building without any passive technique to the building with envelope thermal insulation connected with the EAHX combined with natural nighttime ventilation strategy have been investigated. The results showed that the nighttime ventilation strategy alone keeps the operative temperature lower than the convenient 28 °C for 92% of the time during the cooling period. On the other hand, when the EAHX alone is used, the operative temperature is lower than 28 °C during 57% of the time during the hot season. Hence, it was concluded that the passive nighttime ventilation alone leads already to a great thermal comfort improvement; however, its combination with an additional EAHX system results in convenient temperatures lower than 28 °C for 99% of time during the complete cooling period. It is found also that by applying nighttime ventilation, the air blowing flowrate can be reduced by up to three air change per hour while keeping the same EAHX’ parameters.
Enhancing TEM00-Mode Solar Laser With Beam Merging and Ring-Array Concentrator
Authors: Tibúrcio B. D. , Liang D. , Almeida J. , Garcia D. , Catela M. , Costa H. , Vistas C. R.
Published: May 2022

It is reported here a large improvement in numerically calculated TEM00-mode side-pumped solar laser efficiency, and brightness figure-of-merit by pumping two thin Nd:YAG laser rods simultaneously with a ring-array solar energy primary concentrator. Two side-pumping configurations were investigated. A single-rod configuration was used to pump a typical single thick laser rod with the full collection area of the ring-array concentrator, and a dual-rod to pump two thin laser rods simultaneously. A three-folding-mirror laser beam merging technique was used, enabling the emission of only one laser beam from the two rods. For the dual-rod single laser beam configuration, 27.50 W continuous-wave TEM00-mode solar laser output power was numerically achieved, corresponding to 16.10 W/m2 TEM00-mode solar laser collection efficiency, 1.70% solar-to-laser power conversion efficiency, 25.00 W brightness figure-of-merit, and 1.54% brightness conversion efficiency, being 1.46, 1.30, 1.75, and 1.40 times, respectively, higher than the previous numerical records, and also 2.04, 1.60, 3.87, and 2.03 times, respectively, more than the previous state-of-the-art experimental records.
Analysis of Fouling on Nanocomposite Surfaces in Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Liyao , Wang Qiugang , Ding Zhikou , Zhao Limin , Sherif S. A.
Published: May 2022

In the application of plate heat exchangers (PHEs), fouling has always been an intractable problem that results in decreasing the heat transfer efficiency and increasing the associated pressure drop. Plate heat exchangers are employed in solar energy systems to transfer the solar heat to a working fluid that can be used for heating or power generation applications depending on the amount of heat collected per unit surface area. The work upon which this article partially reports presents analyses of the factors influencing the antifouling performance of two types of nanocomposite surfaces, namely, Ni-P-PTFE and Ni-P-TiO2. In this work, the flow and thermal fields in PHEs are numerically analyzed. Then, experiments are conducted to verify the numerical results. The influencing factors of fouling are theoretically analyzed employing the Kern–Seaton fouling model and the von Kármán analogy. Results of the work performed here show that the friction factor f, the mass transfer coefficient Km, and the shear stress τs of the Ni-P-TiO2 and Ni-P-PTFE nanocomposite surfaces all decrease compared with an uncoated surface. Results also indicate that the deposit bond strength ζ of the Ni-P-TiO2 and Ni-P-PTFE coatings decrease by 42.1% and 30.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the Ni-P-TiO2 coating was found to increase the probability P of sticking to the surface by 24.9%, while the Ni-P-PTFE coating decreased the sticking probability P by 2.7%.
Solvation CoMFA-QSTR and CoMSIA-QSTR Models for Predicting the Antiwear Properties of Lubricant Additives
Authors: Huang Chengrui , Lv Sichao , Gao Xinlei , Wang Tingting , Chen Hao , Wu Li
Published: May 2022

The relationship between the molecular structures of lubricant additives and their antiwear properties was assessed using 36 nitrogen-containing heterocyclic organic compounds to generate quantitative structure tribo-ability relationship (QSTR) models. In the modeling process, the molecular structure of the base oil was employed as the solvation factor, employing n-octadecane as a substitute for the liquid paraffin used to generate the original experimental data. Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA)-QSTR and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA)-QSTR models incorporating solvation by n-octadecane were established and compared with QSTR models that did not involve solvation. The solvation CoMFA-QSTR and CoMSIA-QSTR models exhibited excellent fitting abilities and were highly robust when predicting lubricant performance. These models were superior to nonsolvation models in this regard. These models also generated useful information regarding potential changes to molecular structure to improve antiwear properties. Electrostatic fields were found to be very important factors in antiwear models. Because the original experiments used a nonpolar base oil, the solvation factor had no obvious effect on the antiwear characteristics of the polar additives and so the predictive abilities of the solvation and nonsolvation models were similar.
Perspectives on UV and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Southworth Stephen H. , Manson Steven T.
Published: May 2022

Atomic photoionization using electron spectroscopy was one of the scientific topics in which Professor David A. Shirley excelled and established a research legacy. We discuss selected highlights of atomic photoionization research done by the Shirley group beginning in the 1970s. Our main topics are electron correlation satellites, photoelectron angular distributions with tunable synchrotron radiation, and developments of theory. We also discuss examples of more recent research that extends the earlier work, including double K-shell photoionization, nondipole interactions, and the pervasive role of interchannel coupling. We conclude with examples of current experimental and theoretical research.