bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological basis of pest control on pasture flies: as a case study from Uzbekistan
Authors: Vakhidova D , Donaev Kh
Published: March 2023

In this article, we aimed at studying the biology of pasture insects using the example of M. Tempestiva, developmental biology, ethology, timing of generations and life expectancy of females and males, changes in the genital organs during the maturation of egg follicles, the duration of nutrition on various substrates, the predominance of nutrition on carbohydrate media. The duration of mating, fertilization, the number of generations according to changes in the ovary of females, the development of eggs and their laying. Duration of all stages of biological development, including egg, larval stages, puparia and mature adults. Phenological dates have been established, i.e. the timing of the increase in the number of pasture insects, therefore, the study of biology and development cycles will allow us to further develop integrated methods for controlling insects in the pasture precisely during the period of their mass parasitism.
Canopy temperature: as an indicator of soil salinity (a case study in Syrdarya province, Uzbekistan)
Authors: Khasanov Sayidjakhon , Oymatov Rustam , Kulmatov Rashid
Published: March 2023

A shift in the temperature of the canopy may signify stress in the plants. In laboratory and greenhouse trials, using canopy temperature for the measurement salt stress in certain agricultural crops was thoroughly examined; however, its potential application in landscape-level investigations employing remote sensing methods has not yet been investigated at different time series. A satellite thermography for measuring the soil salinity of agricultural areas at the provincial level was the subject of our investigation. The research area was the irrigated, semi-arid, and salt-affected agricultural land appertain to Syrdarya province in Uzbekistan, which was mostly planted with wheat and cotton. The provincial soil salinity map was considered as a ground truth data and the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer satellite (MODIS) data were perceived as an indication for canopy temperature in this study. We investigated the relationships between the soil salinity, the normalized difference vegetation index, and canopy temperature, using analysis of variance. The findings indicated a strong inverse correlation between canopy temperature and soil salinity, although this relationship changed throughout the experimental years. For cotton, the highest correlation was shown in September. In comparison to the other variables looked at, canopy temperature had higher computed F values. Our findings indicate that soil salinity may be detected at the landscape level using satellite thermography in regions where crops are being grown.
Biosorbent ability of metals by microorganisms from the collection fund after long-term storage
Authors: Bekmukhamedova N K , Mamiyev M S
Published: March 2023

Sorbents based on microorganisms are used to solve a wide range of problems and are used for various purposes: natural purification of water bodies, determination of the level of pollution of natural waters using indicator microorganisms, treatment of wastewater contaminated with metal ions. The results showed that after 16 or more years of storage by the method of periodic reseeding, the studied cultures retained their biosorbing properties. At the same time, the culture of Str.fradia 7 showed the least activity, which sorbed 36.2% from the model solution. The most effective were 3 strains of streptomycetes - Str.griseorubiginosus 83, Str.griseocastaneus 67, Str.iyakirus 49, whose activity ranged from 65.2 to 70.6%. Biosorption of other cultures in the range of 38.8-63.4%.
Study on the analysis of cotton ginning machine transmission system
Authors: Bodhe Arvind , Vishawakarma Anoop Kumar , Tatekar Abhilash , Deshmukh Dheeraj S
Published: March 2023

India is the second ranked large cotton producing country of world. Separation of fibre and seed is initial process desired for converting cotton crop to any finished product. Mostly ginning machines are developed as per need and volume of work to be processed. Ginning machine is main processing tool between cotton producers and textile industries. Commonly machines using double roller are utilized in India. As per the need from time to time Indian farmers adopted tools and techniques to provide high-quality cotton to local and overseas textile mills, ginning machines are upgraded step by step to cope up the demands. Twin roller ginning machine needs to be further developed and enhanced so as to improve performance of textile industries. In this paper, the analysis is conducted for betterment of current design. Double roller gin is focused here using analytical analysis for force acting on gears while transmission of torque, as well as balancing of components and thrust force acting on the bearing that creates vibration in the complete ginning machine assembly. Innovative design aspects considered in this work are found to be very effective for improve of double rolling gin machine performance.
Carbon Stock Assessment Of Mangrove Vegetation In Anambas Islands Marine Tourism Park, Indonesia
Authors: Sinaga RRK , Kurniawan F , Roni S , Laia DYW , Andrito W , Hidayati JR
Published: March 2023

Global climate change can increase carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the environment. The mangrove ecosystem is one of the main ecosystems that have a role in mitigating climate change as carbon sinks and stores. Mangroves absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, then convert it into carbohydrates by storing it in biomass. This study aims to determine the mangrove ecosystem’s total biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 sequestration in Anambas islands marine tourism park. The novelty of this research is conducted in conservation areas with minimal potential for land loss so that they can be used as monitoring in the following years. In addition, carbon stock assessment is carried out using allometric equations to obtain Above Ground Biomass (AGB) and Below Ground Biomass (BGB) values so as not to damage the existing mangrove ecosystem. The assessment of total biomass and carbon stock was carried out at 12 stations around Siantan and Jemaja islands using the line transect method. The species of mangrove and diameter breast high (DBH) were measured in each plot with a transect size of 10x10 m. The biomass calculation was carried out to provide information on carbon stock and converted it to get the data of Carbon stocks and estimates of CO2 sequestration. The results showed that the mangrove ecosystem in the Anambas Islands Marine Tourism Park has a biomass of 574.73 tons/ha, an estimated carbon stock of 270.12 ton/ha, and CO2 sequestration of 990.45 ton/ha. The mangrove ecosystem spread over the Anambas Islands Marine Tourism Park is 766.32 Ha, so that it can store carbon reserves of 206,998.39 Ton C. As a conservation area, it is necessary to be sustainably managed to protect the existence of the mangrove ecosystem and increase the carbon stock in the future. Climate change mitigation may be achieved by reducing carbon emission levels and maintaining the mangrove ecosystem services as carbon sinks and sequestration.
Smartgrid System Integration In Development Potential Energy Of Salt Water In The Riau Islands
Authors: Mujahidin Muhamad , Suhendra Tonny , Rusfa  , Refly  , Paramita Bunga
Published: March 2023

electricity demand projection. Law Number 30 of 2009 concerning In electricity, it is determined that the primary energy source found in the country and/or originating from abroad must be utilized optimally in accordance with the policy national energy and ensure sustainable electricity supply to integrate the smartgrid system as a source of ignition (lamp) with a voltage source from seawater, to determine the effect of the number of plates on the value of voltage and electric current, so that it can generate electricity for lamps. A Research for types of electrodes that meet the standards for powering alternative lamp prototypes with seawater voltage sources are using zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) electrodes. The highest current produced from zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) electrodes is 3.8Volt, research, seawater contains the percentage of the mixture is 96.5% pure water and 3.5% is a composition in the form of salt which is influenced by the Equivalent Salt Deficit Density test dissolved gases, organic matter and inorganic particles. dissolved. The compound contained in seawater is Sodium Chloride (NACL) and by H2O is decomposed into Na+ and Cl−. The interaction of two free particles Na+ and Cl− combined with the voltaic cell method will result in a change/conversion into an electric current. The value of the electric voltage created which will affect the value of the electric voltage. The greater the number of electrodes used, the more electrons will be decomposed by the anode, which is also known as an oxidation reaction. This paper will cause a change in the voltage generated by the electrolyte solution (sea water). Effectiveness in the use of brine can be produced the highest current energy that can not be used for two hours to produce energy in lamps.
Hydrodynamic model approach to study the pattern of sea surface currents around the Tanjungpinang City reclamation site
Authors: Suhana Mario Putra , Nursyahnita Septhi Dwi , Idris Fadhliyah
Published: March 2023

This study aims to study the pattern of sea surface currents at the research site using a hydrodynamic modelling approach. Hydrodynamic models are approaches used to study large-scale and long-term patterns of sea surface currents (past, present, and future projections). Study on the sea surface currents at the research site was conducted by constructing the 2D hydrodynamics model which was simulated for 30 days to describe the pattern of sea surface current at the research site. Finite differences methods were used in solving the equation of the 2D hydrodynamic model. Validation result showed that the model has a good performance and it was relevance to in-situ measurement. The simulation results showed a significant difference in current velocity during high and low tides. Current velocity is higher at high tide (0.15-0.18 m/s) than at low tide (0.06-0.10 m/s). At high tide, current direction is dominant towards the southeast and southwest. At low tide, current direction is dominant to the north and northwest. The sea surface currents at the research site are strongly influenced by tidal conditions. At high tide, sea surface current will move towards the coast and at low tide the sea surface current will move away from the coast.
Abundance and Biodiversity of Benthic Infauna at Seagrass Ecosystem in Three Small Islands of Northern Papua, Indonesia: Liki Island, Meossu Island and Befondi Island
Authors: Tasabaramo I A , Nugraha A H
Published: March 2023

One of the ecological roles of seagrass ecosystems is as a habitat for marine organisms. Benthos is a group of marine biota that lives on the bottom of the waters and can be found in seagrass ecosystems. This study aims to inventory the diversity of benthic organisms in seagrass ecosystems in Liki, Befondi and Meossu island. This research is part of the second leg of the Nusa Manggala Expedition which was held in 2018 on Liki Island, Meossu and Befondi, the northern waters of Papua.. Benthos data was collected using cores at 0 m, 50 m and 100 m on the line transect. The results of this study indicate that the highest density of seagrass is on Liki Island. In addition, 33 species of benthic organisms were found on Liki Island, 42 species on Meossu Island and 20 species on Befondi Island. The highest abundance and diversity of benthic organisms was found on Meossu Island. The dominant benthic organisms come from the gastropod class with the species having the highest abundance, Euplica scripta. Based on this research, it is suspected that there is a relationship between the condition of the seagrass ecosystem and the abundance and diversity of benthos.
Distribution And Potential Of Caulerpa Sp Around The Seribu Islands Waters, Jakarta
Authors: Raza’i Tengku Said , Putra Imam Pangestiansyah , Febrianto Try , Amrifo Viktor , Yanti Mira Dama
Published: March 2023

Caulerpa macroalgae is one of the biota that has many benefits, ranging from consumption to being used as a producer of superior products. Currently, the use of Caulerpa has been widely carried out in several areas, ranging from direct use to cultivation. The distribution of Caulerpa is quite wide in shallow habitats from the intertidal zone to the edge of the edge. Caulerpa is also spread in the waters of the Seribu islands which grows in the areas of seagrass beds and coral reefs. The utilization of Caulerpa in Seribu island has not been widely carried out, so data is needed to identify the potential for Caulerpa management. dentification of species, abundance, and ecological index is needed for initial data as a basis for the management and utilization of Caulerpa in Seribu island.
Nannofossil Biostratigraphy of Elat Formation, Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku
Authors: Ratumanan R C F , Isnaniawardhani V , Muljana B
Published: March 2023

The first detailed mapping and recording of nannofossils was carried out on Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku. This area is mostly composed of the Elat Formation, which is mainly composed by intercalated calcarenite and calcareous claystone. Total 48 samples were taken on three measured sections (Hollat, Ngurdu and Mata Hollat). Samples were prepared using smear slide method, then observed under a polarized microscope at 1000 x magnification. Total 48 species of nannofossils were identified. Several index species were selected to define biostratigraphic zones based on their first and last occurrence. Three zones of nannofossils are identified, starting with the oldest those are:Reticulofenestra umbilicazone (NP16; 43.06 to 38.7 million years ago),Helicosphaera compactazone (NP17; 38.7 to 37.9 Mya) andHelicosphaera eupratiszone (NP18-NP19; 37.9-36.8 Mya). It can be concluded that Elat Formation is deposited in Middle to Late Eocene (43.06 to 35.4 Mya). The Middle-Late Eocene boundary can be clearly defined based on nannofossils assemblages in the section of the Kei Besar Island.
GVC as a Tool for Sustainable Blue Economy of Coastal Community in Bintan Island
Authors: Pratama R A , Akbar D , Putra A , Triyana N , Sianturi R L , Saswi V D , Prabowo L
Published: March 2023

Potential blue economy in border area is not yet a priority, the problem of marine zoning for Marine Protected Area (MPA), maritime connectivity, market access, competitiveness of the commodity, and many more. For border area, the collaborative governance has been built in order to optimize blue growth. Bintan is one of islands in Kepulauan Riau Province that has a lot of socio-economic maritime potential. Bintan has been well-known of potential area in national border of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Marine-based natural resources are urgent for stakeholders in the Kepulauan Riau in order to get excellencies and competitiveness in global maritime economy. This study aims to analyze the urgency of sustainability of the blue economy in Global Value Chains (GVC), based on the potential of the maritime economy in Bintan Island, Kepulauan Riau for economic sustainability, improving welfare, and the sustainability of ocean ecosystems. This research uses qualitative research method that found that areas that have the potential of valuable ecosystem that support the blue economy in Bintan Island, especially on Mapur Island as the target location of this research.
Mangrove planting initiative within a collaborative project-based biology course to improve students’ climate literacy
Authors: Irawan Bony
Published: March 2023

Mangrove planting project is one of the most beneficial conservation efforts in coastal areas in terms of environmental impact and carbon sequestration rate. We hypothesized that it would serve as an effective learning strategy if the planting project were planned and organized by the student within a structured biology course. This study examines the impact of the mangrove planting project as a climate initiative program within a biology course towards students’ climate literacy. In this study, 57 students who participated in a mangrove planting project within the Conservation of Coastal Resources course were assigned a climate change questionnaire. The change in participants’ climate literacy was measured before and after the intervention. Climate literacy is measured in three aspects i.e., climate action readiness, climate concerns, and pro-climatic attitude. The result shows that mangrove planting projects increase all measured aspects significantly, with climate action readiness showing the highest improvement. These findings confirmed the benefits of collaborative project-based learning to improve the students’ climate literacy.
Controlled coherent-coupling and dynamics of exciton complexes in a MoSe2 monolayer
Authors: Rodek Aleksander , Hahn Thilo , Howarth James , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Potemski Marek , Kossacki Piotr , Wigger Daniel , Kasprzak Jacek
Published: March 2023

Quantifying and controlling the coherent dynamics and couplings of optically active excitations in solids is of paramount importance in fundamental research in condensed matter optics and for their prospective optoelectronic applications in quantum technologies. Here, we perform ultrafast coherent nonlinear spectroscopy of a charge-tunable MoSe2 monolayer. The experiments show that the homogeneous and inhomogeneous line width and the population decay of exciton complexes hosted by this material can be directly tuned by an applied gate bias, which governs the Fermi level and therefore the free carrier density. By performing two-dimensional spectroscopy, we also show that the same bias-tuning approach permits us to control the coherent coupling strength between charged and neutral exciton complexes.
Effects of heat treatment routes on microstructure and damping properties of Mg–Zn–Y–Mn alloys
Authors: Zhang Gaolong , Niu Xiaolong , Lu Ruopeng
Published: March 2023

The effects of different heat treatment processes on the morphology and damping properties of long-period stacking order (LPSO) phase in Mg-4.9Zn-8.9Y-xMn alloys were studied. The microstructure analysis shows that the as-cast second phase presents a vein-shaped distribution at the grain boundary, and the heat treatment temperature has a significant effect on the morphology of the second phase. After heat treatment at 540 °C, the LPSO phase at the grain boundary changes into rod-like; When the heat treatment temperature is 550 °C, the LPSO phase changes into bulk or flocculent, and part of the LPSO phase melts into the matrix.In this process, the addition of Mn also has an important influence on the morphology transformation of LPSO phase. An appropriate amount of Mn can divide the bulk LPSO into several small parts during heat treatment, thus forming a large number of dispersed LPSO phases. In general, heat treatment and Mn elements can affect the mechanical and damping properties of the alloy. Heat treatment can reduce the mechanical properties of the alloy, but effectively improve the damping properti es of the alloy. With the addition of Mn into the alloy, the mechanical properties of the alloy can be improved without significantly reducing the damping.
Metafilms for visible and infrared compatible camouflage of high-temperature targets
Authors: Zhang Jialei , Long Linshuang , Wu Yu , Ye Hong , Liu Minghou
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of multispectral detection, infrared and visible compatible camouflage becomes necessary. Metafilms with dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) structures can be highly transparent in visible band (380 ∼ 780 nm) and highly reflective in infrared atmospheric windows (3 ∼ 5 μm, 8 ∼ 14 μm). The metafilm can be deposited on the equipment surface, and the high visible transmittance can make the original camouflage coating continue to achieve visible camouflage, while the low infrared emissivity can inhibit the infrared signal to achieve infrared camouflage. Compatible camouflage is urgently needed by high-temperature targets such as exhaust pipes and engine cabins. Therefore, the thermal stability of multilayer structure is very important. In this study, a D/M/D-structured metafilm with improved thermal performance is proposed. Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is selected as the material of the dielectric layers due to good thermal stability, and high visible transmittance is realized through the mechanism of admittance matching. Ag is selected as the material of the metal layer to increase infrared reflectance. The metafilm with the structure of AZO/Ag/AZO is rigorously designed and fabricated. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and spectrophotometer show that the integrated visible transmittance and infrared emissivity at room temperature is higher than 0.87 and lower than 0.05, respectively. The camouflage performance of the metafilm is demonstrated on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The camouflage performance of metafilm samples at 20 ∼ 140 °C is tested on a model cabin. The metafilm does not affect the original camouflage coating, so it can achieve visible camouflage. The radiation temperature of the metafilm is approximately 80 °C lower than that of the control surface, and the infrared signature is significantly attenuated. In order to further investigate the thermal stability and thermal fatigue resistance of the metafilm, metafilm deposited on quartz substrate is continuously heated and periodically heated at different temperatures. It is found that the sample can withstand continuous heating at 450 °C for 4 h or repeated heating for 20 cycles. SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) scanning shows that if heated at higher temperature or for more cycles, the AZO layer becomes blocky, and the proportion of Ag and O changes significantly. This leads to the decrease of visible transmittance and the increase of infrared emissivity of samples.
Online identity as a collective labeling process
Authors: Barron Alexander T J , ten Thij Marijn , Bollen Johan
Published: March 2023

Expressing identity socially involves a balance between conformity and innovation. One can adopt existing labels to express belonging to a certain community or introduce new labels to express an individual sense of identity. In such a process of co-creation, the existing identity labels of a community shape one’s sense of identity, while individual expression changes that of a community. Social media has introduced new opportunities to study the expression of collective identity. Here we study the group behavior of individuals defining their identities with hashtag self-labels in their Twitter profiles from mid-2017 through 2019. These timelines of personal self-labeling show behavior incorporating innovation, conservation, and social conformity when defining self. We show that the collective co-labeling of popular concepts in the context of identity, such as #resist and #maga, follow the dynamics of a modified Yule–Simon model balancing novelty and conformity. The dynamics of identity expression resemble the collective tagging processes of folksonomies, indicating a similarity between the collective tagging of external objects and the collective labeling of ourselves. Our work underpins a better understanding of how online environments mediate the evolution of collective identity which plays an increasingly important role in the establishment of community values and identity politics.
Home Visits and Family Engagement
Authors: Wasik Barbara , Bryant Donna
Published: March 2023

The importance of engaging families in home visiting was recognized more than a century ago as M. E. Richmond provided guidelines for involving families in the visiting process. She stressed individualizing services and helping families develop skills that would serve them after the home visiting services ended. During the 20th century, early organized efforts in home visiting in the United States built on methods used in other countries, especially European countries. Although interest fluctuated in the United States during the past century, since 2010 interest has increased due primarily to the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that provided for home visiting services to respond to the needs of children and families in order to improve health and development outcomes for vulnerable children and their families.

Engaging families is essential for a productive home visiting experience requiring thoughtful program activities as well as knowledge and skills on the part of the visitor. Program responsibilities begin with the need to make good employment decisions regarding home visitors and then to provide effective training, supervision, and ongoing professional development. Providing professional training in helping skills such as observation, listening, and ways of asking questions to gain or clarify information is essential to ensure visitors can engage families. Using principles for effective home visiting—including establishing a collaborative relationship with the family; individualizing services; being responsive to family culture, language, and values; and prompting problem-solving skills—can enhance the ability of the visitor to engage the family. Programs can provide opportunities for visitors to enhance their skills in developing relationships with and engaging families. Engaging families is a reciprocal process. Some families will have a positive orientation toward working with visitors to accomplish their own goals and objectives; others may be less willing to engage. Although the program and visitors have the main responsibility for engagement, they will face challenges with some families and may need to seek creative solutions to actively engage.

Just as home visitors need to engage parents in order to facilitate new knowledge and skills, parents need to engage their children to foster development. Recent research identified a set of parent–child interactions that visitors can incorporate to foster parent engagement with young children. These challenges are shared across home visit programs, as well as across cultures and countries, regardless of the professional training of the visitors or the goals and procedures of the programs.
Sayles, Odessa
Authors: Cory David , Jordan Catheleen
Published: March 2023

Odessa Sayles, MSW, was a leading advocate for adoption of Black children by Black families in Houston, Texas, during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. She was well known for dedicating her life to children and to uplifting the Black community. Serving as lead program director for foster care and adoptions for Harris County Protective Services for Children, she was steadfast in seeking culturally appropriate homes for children facing adoption.
TCMFP: a novel herbal formula prediction method based on network target’s score integrated with semi-supervised learning genetic algorithms
Authors: Niu Qikai , Li Hongtao , Tong Lin , Liu Sihong , Zong Wenjing , Zhang Siqi , Tian SiWei , Wang Jingai , Liu Jun , Li Bing , Wang Zhong , Zhang Huamin
Published: March 2023

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated thousands years of knowledge in herbal therapy, but the use of herbal formulas is still characterized by reliance on personal experience. Due to the complex mechanism of herbal actions, it is challenging to discover effective herbal formulas for diseases by integrating the traditional experiences and modern pharmacological mechanisms of multi-target interactions. In this study, we propose a herbal formula prediction approach (TCMFP) combined therapy experience of TCM, artificial intelligence and network science algorithms to screen optimal herbal formula for diseases efficiently, which integrates a herb score (Hscore) based on the importance of network targets, a pair score (Pscore) based on empirical learning and herbal formula predictive score (FmapScore) based on intelligent optimization and genetic algorithm. The validity of Hscore, Pscore and FmapScore was verified by functional similarity and network topological evaluation. Moreover, TCMFP was used successfully to generate herbal formulae for three diseases, i.e. the Alzheimer’s disease, asthma and atherosclerosis. Functional enrichment and network analysis indicates the efficacy of targets for the predicted optimal herbal formula. The proposed TCMFP may provides a new strategy for the optimization of herbal formula, TCM herbs therapy and drug development.
Creating across languages: the poem as process
Authors: Skoulding Zoë
Published: March 2023

This article describes the project Creating Across Languages, a collaboration between GwE, the North Wales regional school improvement service, and commissioned poets working in Welsh, English, and French, in response to the new Curriculum for Wales. A shift away from considering the poem as a challenging object of study, and towards engaging creatively with poetry as a plurilingual process, can provide learners with opportunities to use and experiment with languages at different levels. This is of particular relevance in Wales, where the Curriculum aims to integrate the teaching of Welsh, English, and French, but it also reflects a wider interest in translation in contemporary poetry. The article describes the materials that have been developed so far and reflects on their implementation with a group of Year 9 pupils.
How does the timing of weapon loss influence reproductive traits and trade-offs in the insect Narnia femorata?
Authors: Greenway E V(Ginny) , Angelis Emily , Miller Christine W
Published: March 2023

A longstanding goal of evolutionary biology is to understand among-individual variation in resource allocation decisions and the timing of these decisions. Recent studies have shown that investment in elaborate and costly weapons can result in trade-offs with investment in testes. In this study, we ask the following questions: At what point plasticity in resource allocation to these different structures ceases during development, if at all? Furthermore, can individuals tailor their reproductive behavior to accompany structural changes? We experimentally addressed these questions in the insect Narnia femorata, quantifying resource reallocation across development for the first time, using a phenotypic engineering approach. To investigate whether allocation plasticity diminishes throughout ontogeny, we induced weapon loss at a range of different developmental stages and examined subsequent testes mass and reproductive behavior. We found that relative testes mass increased as weapon investment decreased, implying a direct trade-off between testes and weapon investment. However, autotomy postadulthood ceased to induce larger testes mass. Intriguingly, losing a weapon while young was associated with extended adult mating duration, potentially enabling compensation for reduced fighting ability. Our results highlight the importance of examining the ontogeny of trade-offs between reproductive traits and the flexibility of the relationship between reproductive morphology and behavior.
Integrating behavioural health and primary care: qualitative findings on contextual factors that influence integration
Authors: Jewiss Jennifer , Natkin Lisa W , Clark/Keefe Kelly , Crocker Abigail , Welkowitz Julie A
Published: March 2023

Background

Integrating behavioural health care into primary care practices may increase patients’ access to behavioural health services and improve health outcomes. However, few studies have explored factors that influence integration processes.

Objective

We sought to better understand contextual factors that support or impede behavioural health integration in primary care practices.

Methods

We conducted 71 semi-structured interviews with providers, staff, and leaders from eight primary care practices in the United States with integrated behavioural health services, which were participating in a randomized control, pragmatic trial: Integrating Behavioural Health and Primary Care. Practices were selected for diversity on geographic location, size, ownership, and experience with integration. We conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative data derived from the interviews.

Results

We identified four categories of contextual factors influencing behavioural health integration: leadership commitment to integration, financial considerations, workflow and communication systems, and providers’ perspectives on integration and team-based healthcare. Supportive factors included leaders’ commitment to integration, adequate staffing, customized communication and workflow systems, collaborative practice culture, and healthy working relationships amongst providers. Impediments included staffing issues and payment models that do not reimburse for activities required to support integrated care.

Conclusion

Interviewees described various benefits of integration, including providers feeling better equipped to address patients’ needs due to collaboration between medical and behavioural providers and resulting interdisciplinary learning. Given concerns about provider burnout, this finding warrants further study.
An update on the management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Alali Ali A , Barkun Alan N
Published: March 2023

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) continues to be a common gastrointestinal emergency that carries significant morbidity and mortality. The epidemiology of UGIB has been changing over the last few decades with an overall decrease in peptic ulcer disease and increase in the prevalence of other etiologies including vascular lesions and malignancy. Appropriate risk assessment and patient stratification are crucial to ensuring that optimal care is delivered to patients and some risk assessment tools have shown excellent ability to define a low-risk group who can be managed as outpatients safely. Regardless of the etiology of UGIB, resuscitative interventions by primary care providers remain the most important initial measures to improve the outcome for patients including hemodynamic stabilization, an appropriate blood transfusion strategy, with or without acid-lowering agents, while also providing subsequent urgent endoscopic assessment and intervention. In addition, with increasing use of antithrombotic agents in clinical practice and its associated risk of bleeding, the management of such agents in the acute setting has become a real challenge to all physicians. In this article, we provide an up-to-date, evidence-based, practical review of recent changes and advances in UGIB with a focus on non-variceal etiologies.
Impact of a dissemination strategy on family day care educators’ intentions to adopt outdoor free play guidelines introduced in response to COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lum M , Yoong S L , Wolfenden L , Turon H , Reilly K , Grady A
Published: March 2023

In 2021, guidelines for early childhood education and care were released recommending children are provided access to outdoor areas during all free play sessions to reduce the risk of coronavirus disease of 2019 transmission, aligning with the existing recommendations to increase children’s physical activity. There is a need to understand how to disseminate guidelines in this setting as dissemination is a prerequisite of adoption and implementation. This randomized controlled trial explored the impact of a video-based strategy to disseminate guidelines on family day care educators’ intentions to adopt outdoor free play guidelines. Educators (N = 255) were randomized to receive a video (intervention) or text-based (usual care) resource via email describing recommendations. Educators were invited to participate in a post-intervention survey at 5-week follow-up assessing intentions to adopt guidelines. The secondary outcomes included knowledge, beliefs about capabilities, beliefs about consequences, social/professional role and identity, goals, implementation of guidelines, acceptability of resource and intervention reach. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in intentions to adopt guidelines [ß = 0.01 (95% confidence interval −0.50 to 0.52), P = 0.97], nor for any secondary outcomes. Further investigation is needed to identify effective dissemination strategies in the family day care setting to increase the adoption of public health guidelines.
Network canvas: an open-source tool for capturing social and contact network data
Authors: Janulis Patrick , Phillips Gregory , Melville Joshua , Hogan Bernie , Banner Kate , Mustanski Brian , Oser Carrie B , Tillson Martha , Schneider John , Birkett Michelle
Published: March 2023

Motivation

Social influence and contact networks are extremely important for understanding health behaviour and the spread of disease. Yet, most traditional software tools are not optimized to capture these data, making measurement of personal networks challenging. Our team developed Network Canvas to provide an end-to-end workflow with intuitive interfaces to enable researchers to design and conduct network interviews.

Implementation

Network Canvas consists of three applications (Architect, Interviewer and Server). All applications are written in JavaScript and run on Windows, macOS and Linux; Interviewer also runs on Android and iOS.

General features

Network Canvas substantially reduces the complexity and technical knowledge required to collect network data via three point-and-click applications. The tool has wide applicability for measuring contact and social influence networks in epidemiology.

Availability

Network Canvas is open source and freely available [networkcanvas.com] under the GNU General Public License 3.
From ‘ILCs’ to ‘IPLCs’: A Victory for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Advocacy Under the Convention on Biological Diversity?
Authors: Zheng Xiaoou
Published: March 2023

Indigenous and local communities (ILCs) are special right-holders under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Since 2010, the CBD parties have been called upon to adopt the terminology ‘Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ (IPLCs) to better reflect the international human rights development, especially with respect to Indigenous Peoples. The CBD parties agreed to this terminological change in 2014. The very recent CBD decisions and voluntary guidelines have reflected this commitment. This analysis suggests that the inclusion of the term ‘Indigenous Peoples’ in the CBD framework may seem like a victory for Indigenous Peoples’ rights advocacy, but it really is not because important human rights implications have been blocked via complicated restrictions on treaty interpretation. Instead, it indicates a growing divergence in the understanding of the rights of IPLCs in international law.
Modeling Price and Variance Jump Clustering Using the Marked Hawkes Process
Authors: Chen Jian , Clements Michael P , Urquhart Andrew
Published: March 2023

We examine the clustering behavior of price and variance jumps using high-frequency data, modeled as a marked Hawkes process (MHP) embedded in a bivariate jump-diffusion model with intraday periodic effects. We find that the jumps of both individual stocks and a broad index exhibit self-exciting behavior. The three dimensions of the model, namely positive price jumps, negative price jumps, and variance jumps, impact one another in an asymmetric fashion. We estimate model parameters using Bayesian inference by Markov Chain Monte Carlo, and find that the inclusion of the jump parameters improves the fit of the model. When we quantify the jump intensity and study the characteristics of jump clusters, we find that in high-frequency settings, jump clustering can last between 2.5 and 6 hours on average. We also find that the MHP generally outperforms other models in terms of reproducing two cluster-related characteristics found in the actual data.
APTX acts in DNA double-strand break repair in a manner distinct from XRCC4
Authors: Imamura Rikiya , Saito Mizuki , Shimada Mikio , Kobayashi Junya , Ishiai Masamichi , Matsumoto Yoshihisa
Published: March 2023

Aprataxin (APTX), the product of the causative gene for hereditary neurogenerative syndromes Ataxia-oculomotor apraxia 1 and early onset ataxia with oculomotor apraxia and hypoalbuminemia, has an enzymatic activity of removing adenosine monophosphate from DNA 5′-end, which arises from abortive ligation by DNA ligases. It is also reported that APTX physically binds to XRCC1 and XRCC4, suggesting its involvement in DNA single-strand break repair (SSBR) and DNA double-strand break repair (DSBR) via non-homologous end joining pathway. Although the involvement of APTX in SSBR in association with XRCC1 has been established, the significance of APTX in DSBR and its interaction with XRCC4 have remained unclear. Here, we generated APTX knock-out (APTX−/−) cell from human osteosarcoma U2OS through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing system. APTX−/− cells exhibited increased sensitivity toward ionizing radiation (IR) and Camptothecin in association with retarded DSBR, as shown by increased number of retained γH2AX foci. However, the number of retained 53BP1 foci in APTX−/− cell was not discernibly different from wild-type cells, in stark contrast to XRCC4-depleted cells. The recruitment of GFP-tagged APTX (GFP-APTX) to the DNA damage sites was examined by laser micro-irradiation and live-cell imaging analysis using confocal microscope. The accumulation of GFP-APTX on the laser track was attenuated by siRNA-mediated depletion of XRCC1, but not XRCC4. Moreover, the deprivation of APTX and XRCC4 displayed additive inhibitory effects on DSBR after IR exposure and end joining of GFP reporter. These findings collectively suggest that APTX acts in DSBR in a manner distinct from XRCC4.
Evaluation of methods to eliminate analytical interference in multiple myeloma patients with spurious hyperphosphatemia
Authors: Tian Xin , Zhao Li , Ma Jin , Lu Jie , Zhu Tian-yi , Liu Yan , Sun Hong-xun
Published: March 2023

Objective

The acid/molybdate assay performed on the Beckman Coulter AU5821 could be subject to paraprotein interference, which potentially results in spurious hyperphosphatemia. We attempted to find a reliable solution to eliminate paraprotein interference in laboratory test results and discuss the causes of paraprotein interference.

Methods

We observed 50 multiple myeloma patients with serum paraproteins. We used the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) deproteinizing method to confirm that paraproteins indeed interfered with phosphate detection in the serum acid/molybdate assay. Furthermore, we used the dry chemical method (Vitros 5.1 FS, Johnson) and deionized water (H2O), normal saline (NS), and healthy human serum as alternative diluents. We assessed the clinical acceptability of the 4 methods by evaluating a bias percentage (bias%) lower than 10% under the premise of TCA treatment as a serum phosphate reference method.

Results

In total, comparing the results of the TCA treatment on the Beckman Coulter AU5821, 3/50 (6%) multiple myeloma patients exhibited phosphate pseudo-elevation (bias% >10%). Additionally, we found pseudo-hypophosphate only in immunoglobulin (Ig)G-kappa paraprotein samples, and all were above 50 g/L. The bias% between TCA and dry chemical method for the 3 patients was below 10%. The maximum acceptable dilutions for patient 22 were 8-fold H2O, 4-fold H2O , and 2-fold serum; those for patient 45 were 16-fold H2O, 16-fold H2O, and 2-fold serum. However, the bias% of patient 40 was beyond the acceptable range in all 3 dilution groups.

Conclusion

High concentrations of IgG kappa–type paraproteins are more likely to interfere with serum phosphorous detection. Both the TCA and dry chemical method can effectively eliminate paraprotein interference.
Antenna source of radio-frequency emission in ion-proton pulsars
Authors: Jones P B
Published: March 2023

The growth of a longitudinal or quasi-longitudinal Langmuir mode in the outward-moving beam of ions and protons that forms the open sector of an ion-proton pulsar magnetosphere radiates as an analogue of an end-fed high-impedance horizontal straight-wire antenna an integral number of half-waves in length. The radiation has, broadly, the energy flux, linear polarization, and spectral index that are widely observed: also, the notch phenomenon seen in some integrated pulse profiles occurs naturally. The new field of pulsar observations below 100 MHz may lead to productive tests of the radio emission mechanism.
Induction of the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway by trapping of proteins on DNA
Authors: Rose Anna M , Goncalves Tomas , Cunniffe Siobhan , Geiller Helene E B , Kent Thomas , Shepherd Sam , Ratnaweera Malitha , O’Sullivan Roderick J , Gibbons Richard J , Clynes David
Published: March 2023

Telomere maintenance is a hallmark of malignant cells and allows cancers to divide indefinitely. In some cancers, this is achieved through the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Whilst loss of ATRX is a near universal feature of ALT-cancers, it is insufficient in isolation. As such, other cellular events must be necessary - but the exact nature of the secondary events has remained elusive. Here, we report that trapping of proteins (such as TOP1, TOP2A and PARP1) on DNA leads to ALT induction in cells lacking ATRX. We demonstrate that protein-trapping chemotherapeutic agents, such as etoposide, camptothecin and talazoparib, induce ALT markers specifically in ATRX-null cells. Further, we show that treatment with G4-stabilising drugs cause an increase in trapped TOP2A levels which leads to ALT induction in ATRX-null cells. This process is MUS81-endonuclease and break-induced replication dependent, suggesting that protein trapping leads to replication fork stalling, with these forks being aberrantly processed in the absence of ATRX. Finally, we show ALT-positive cells harbour a higher load of genome-wide trapped proteins, such as TOP1, and knockdown of TOP1 reduced ALT activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that protein trapping is a fundamental driving force behind ALT-biology in ATRX-deficient malignancies.
CAF-1 deposits newly synthesized histones during DNA replication using distinct mechanisms on the leading and lagging strands
Authors: Rouillon Clément , Eckhardt Bruna V , Kollenstart Leonie , Gruss Fabian , Verkennis Alexander E E , Rondeel Inge , Krijger Peter H L , Ricci Giulia , Biran Alva , van Laar Theo , Delvaux de Fenffe Charlotte M , Luppens Georgiana , Albanese Pascal , Sato Koichi , Scheltema Richard A , de Laat Wouter , Knipscheer Puck , Dekker Nynke H , Groth Anja , Mattiroli Francesca
Published: March 2023

During every cell cycle, both the genome and the associated chromatin must be accurately replicated. Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 (CAF-1) is a key regulator of chromatin replication, but how CAF-1 functions in relation to the DNA replication machinery is unknown. Here, we reveal that this crosstalk differs between the leading and lagging strand at replication forks. Using biochemical reconstitutions, we show that DNA and histones promote CAF-1 recruitment to its binding partner PCNA and reveal that two CAF-1 complexes are required for efficient nucleosome assembly under these conditions. Remarkably, in the context of the replisome, CAF-1 competes with the leading strand DNA polymerase epsilon (Polϵ) for PCNA binding. However, CAF-1 does not affect the activity of the lagging strand DNA polymerase Delta (Polδ). Yet, in cells, CAF-1 deposits newly synthesized histones equally on both daughter strands. Thus, on the leading strand, chromatin assembly by CAF-1 cannot occur simultaneously to DNA synthesis, while on the lagging strand these processes may be coupled. We propose that these differences may facilitate distinct parental histone recycling mechanisms and accommodate the inherent asymmetry of DNA replication.