bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental urban commons?: Re‐examining urban community food gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Kanosvamhira Tinashe P. , Follmann Alexander , Tevera Daniel
Published: October 2023

Contemporary literature on urban agriculture often analyses urban community gardens as ‘existing’ commons with the capacity to counter neoliberal urban development and resource management practices. However, the existing literature on ‘political gardening’ generally focuses on cities in North America and Europe, despite the prevalence of urban community gardens and neoliberal planning across other regions, including Southern cities. This paper examines urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa to assess their capacity to function as urban commons in six areas: infrastructure, inputs, land, produce, labour and immaterial components. This mixed‐methods study employed questionnaires, semi‐structured interviews and observations across 34 urban community gardens in the city. The findings and analysis demonstrate how the urban community gardens counter neoliberal privatisation and individualisation processes. However, their capacity to function as urban commons is significantly curtailed by an entrenchment within the neoliberal context. Thus, the urban community gardens are framed as ‘experimental’ commons, a valuable re‐conceptualisation of alternative resource utilisation in neoliberal Southern cities.
The effects of hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare var. coeleste L.) grass polysaccharide on physicochemical properties of wheat flour and starch
Authors: Hua Weifeng , Xu Zekun , Gebre Bilatu Agza , Zhang Chuangchuang , Wang Mingming , Ma Mengting , Sui Zhongquan
Published: October 2023

To broaden the application of hulless barley grass polysaccharide (HBGP), the effect of HBGP on wheat flour and starch physicochemical properties was investigated in this study. Peak viscosity (from 545 to 230 cP), swelling power (from 7.4 to 6.9 g/g) and amylose leaching (from 6.2% to 1.1%) of wheat starch decreased when 20% HBGP was present. Rheological property results showed that K (from 22 to 5.5 Pa·sn) and G′max (from 13 to 6.6 kPa) decreased, and TG′max (from 78 °C to 86 °C) and n (from 0.377 to 0.468) increased when the proportion of HBGP increased from 5% to 20%. Addition of 20% HBGP reduced RDS content (from 85% to 64%) but increased RS content (from 10% to 30%) of starch. HBGP induced higher magnitude of decline for viscosity, swelling power and amylose leaching in wheat flour. This study showed that the presence of HBGP had significant impacts on the physicochemical properties of wheat flour and wheat starch. It will provide more information for food processors in developing functional foods.
Probiotic‐edible film in active packaging with antimicrobial effect and storage viability: a review
Authors: Saleena Lejaniya Abdul Kalam , Kumaran Diviyasheni , How Yu‐Hsuan , Pui Liew‐Phing
Published: October 2023

The drive towards the consumption of healthy foods and adoption of beneficial eating habits has spurred to develop innovative probiotic food products with antibacterial characteristics. In recent years, researchers have been exploring the use of probiotic edible films with antimicrobial properties to improve the viability and effectiveness of probiotics in meals and to protect from harmful pathogens. However, there are various factors that can affect the effectiveness of probiotic edible films. These include the composition of the film, the type of probiotic used, and the conditions in which the film was stored and transported. This review provides a brief overview on the use of probiotic edible films in active packaging with antimicrobial effects, its storage stability, and future prospects. In summary, food system sustainability is crucial, and tackling packaging issues is vital. Synthetic plastic packaging harms the environment, so we need eco‐friendly alternatives like probiotic edible films. These films offer benefits like better food safety, longer shelf life, and pathogen protection. Challenges include preserving probiotics, dealing with regulations, and expanding use. Collaboration between science and the food industry is essential for a greener, healthier food future.
The magnitude of intellectual capital research: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sharma Diksha , Sharma Meena
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to map and explore in detail the development of intellectual capital (IC) literature with the help of bibliometric analysis. The research combines the IC literature from Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1985 to 2022, resulting in 2044 documents. Bibliographic coupling, co‐citation networks, content analysis and other techniques available under the Biblioshiny package were used to explore the database. The findings have demonstrated the four transition phases in IC research during 1997, 2004, 2011 and 2021. The results have revealed that the ‘Journal of Intellectual Capital’ and the ‘International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital’ are the core journals of the IC research. Further, it has been observed that Bontis, Dumay, Guthrie, Subramaniam and Youndt are some of the prolific contributors and pioneers of IC research. The conceptual structure unveiled that IC has been linked with its components, corporate governance, organisation performance and disclosures in the research undertaken so far. Reflecting upon the identified themes using the thematic evolution map, the research attempts to find future impediments. The bibliographic coupling of documents resulted in three clusters: disclosure, components and financial performance and VAIC. The co‐citation networks explored using content analysis resulted in four clusters: recognition and awareness of IC, measurement and development of IC, disclosure and reporting of IC and IC and corporate performance. Overall, the research is a comprehensive analysis of IC development over 38 years reflecting upon the present scenario and evolution of IC throwing light upon the niche themes requiring further exploration.
International Advertising Education in the United States: A Preliminary Study and Evaluation
Authors: Lee W. , Chen C. , Katz Helen
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to investigate how well the US educational programme fulfils the current needs of international advertising. A two‐part study was conducted to determine the practical value of international advertising education by comparing what is offered in the classroom with the hiring standards used by top international advertising agencies. The results show that current international advertising education in the US is still considered to be a peripheral subject by most advertising programmes. Similarly, advertising practitioners also did not perceive the specific exposure to inter‐national advertising to be an important element for international positions.
Suicides and Other Deaths in Police Custody
Authors: Blaauw Eric , Kerkhof Ad , Vermunt Riël
Published: October 2023

This article presents data from a study on 59 deaths in Dutch police stations in the period 1983–1993. Twenty deaths were caused by suicide, 19 by intoxications, 8 by natural causes, and 12 by other or unknown causes. The mortality rate, suicide rate, and poisoning rate in police stations were higher than in penitentiary institutions and in the general population. The morality rate was lower in large police stations than in small police stations. Identification of deviant detainees seemed less problematic than handling these deviant detainees. It is argued that exceptional detainees without serious charges should be transferred to Health Care services. Other structural preventive measures are also discussed.
Youth Suicide in Norway, 1990–1992: A Comparison between Children and Adolescents Completing Suicide and Age‐ and Gender‐Matched Controls
Authors: Grøholt Berit , Ekeberg Øivind , Wichstrom Lars , Haldorsen Tor
Published: October 2023

In Norway 1990–1992, the suicide rate was 18.6 per 100,000 individuals per year for boys 15–19 years old and 6.3 for girls, and for 10–14 year olds the rate was 2.7 for boys and 0.5 for girls. Comparison of all completed suicides (N = 129) with gender‐ and age‐matched control subjects identified depression (OR = 19.9; CI = 11.2, 35.5), disruptive disorders (OR = 6.0; CI = 3.1, 11.4), and previous suicidal behavior (OR = 3.4, CI = 2.0, 5.6) as main risk factors. Of the suicide completers, 74% had mental disorders. Suicidal intent was previously expressed by 48%, but few (24%) had received treatment, despite well‐developed health services. A history of disruptive disorders (17%) and substance abuse (10%) were less frequently found than in previous studies, but binge drinking may contribute to the adolescent suicide rate.
14 Culture and Suicide: From a Japanese Psychiatrist's Perspective
Authors: Takahashi Yoshitomo
Published: October 2023

There have been numerous papers focusing on culture and suicide, but it seems that they have often emphasized cultural differences excessively, thus running the risk of increasing prejudice toward different cultures and reinforcing overgeneralizations. From my albeit limited knowledge and experience, it appears that there are more similarities than differences in suicide among various cultures. Most cases of suicide reflect complex human factors that are found universally among cultures. Despite the fact that some cultural differences in suicide admittedly exist in different societies and that these are important, they cannot explain every aspect of suicide. This article explains how I, as a Japanese psychiatrist, diagnose and treat suicidal patients against the backgrounds of Japanese culture by presenting my way of thinking in daily practice in order to show similarities and differences that exist in Japanese suicide, treatment, and prevention.
Inadequate Response to Therapy as a Predictor of Suicide
Authors: Dahlsgaard Katherine K. , Beck Aaron T. , Brown Gregory K.
Published: October 2023

The role of response to cognitive therapy as a predictor of suicide was investigated by comparing 17 outpatients with mood disorders who committed suicide with 17 matched patients who did not commit suicide. The suiciders attended significantly fewer sessions of cognitive therapy and dropped out of therapy more frequently: 88% of the suiciders, compared to 53% of the controls, were rated by their therapists as requiring more treatment at termination. They also had higher levels of hopelessness at the termination of therapy. The results suggest that premature termination of therapy and inadequate response to treatment have unfavorable prognostic significance for eventual suicide.
Predicting Grief Symptomatology among the Suddenly Bereaved
Authors: Reed Mark D.
Published: October 2023

Social scientists have long been interested in the study of grief and bereavement, but only recently has research focused on the aftereffects of sudden loss. Theory and research alike suggest that grief is multidimensional and that specific grief reactions have a unique set of predictors. The purpose of this study is to examine the relative contribution of risk factors in explaining variations in specific grief reactions following a sudden death. Data for this study come from medical examiners' reports and mail‐back surveys of survivors of sudden loss from suicide or accident. The results indicate that several characteristics of the survivor, mode of death, and social support are important determinants of grief symptomatology. This research concludes by directing future theoretical and empirical endeavors to examine more fully the role of relational factors in influencing grief experiences following bereavement.
A multivariate gametic model for the analysis of purebred and crossbred data. An example between two populations of Iberian pigs
Authors: Srihi Houssemeddine , López‐Carbonell David , Ibáñez‐Escriche Noelia , Casellas Joaquim , Hernández Pilar , Negro Sara , Varona Luis
Published: October 2023

Crossbreeding plays a pivotal role within pig breeding programmes, aiming to maximize heterosis and improve reproductive traits in crossbred maternal lines. Nevertheless, there is evidence indicating that the performance of reciprocal crosses between two genetic lines might exhibit variability. These variations in performance can be attributed to differences in the correlations between gametic effects, acting as either sire or dam, within purebred and crossbred populations. To address this issue, we propose a multivariate gametic model that incorporates up to four correlated gametic effects for each parental population. The model is employed on a data set comprising litter size data (total number of piglets born—TNB‐ and number of piglets born alive—NBA‐) derived from a reciprocal cross involving two Iberian pig populations: Entrepelado and Retinto. The data set comprises 6933 records from 1564 purebred Entrepelado (EE) sows, 4995 records from 1015 Entrepelado × Retinto (ER) crosses, 2977 records from 756 Retinto × Entrepelado (RE) crosses and 7497 records from 1577 purebred Retinto (RR) sows. The data set is further supplemented by a pedigree encompassing 6007 individual‐sire‐dam entries. The statistical model also included the order of parity (with six levels), the breed of the service sire (five levels) and the herd‐year‐season effects (141 levels). Additionally, the model integrates random dominant and permanent environmental sow effects. The analysis employed a Bayesian approach, and the results revealed all the posterior estimates of the gametic correlations to be positive. The range of the posterior mean estimates of the correlations varied across different gametic effects and traits, with a range between 0.04 (gametic correlation between the paternal effects for purebred and the maternal for crossbred in Retinto) and 0.53 (gametic correlation between the paternal effects for purebred and the paternal for crossbred in Entrepelado). Furthermore, the posterior mean variance estimates of the maternal gametic effects were consistently surpassed those for paternal effects within all four populations. The results suggest the possible influence of imprinting effects on the genetic control of litter size, and underscore the importance of incorporating crossbred data into the breeding value predictions for purebred individuals.
Evolution of reproductive modes in sharks and rays
Authors: Katona Gergely , Szabó Flóra , Végvári Zsolt , Székely Tamás , Liker András , Freckleton Robert P. , Vági Balázs , Székely Tamás
Published: October 2023

The ecological and life history drivers of the diversification of reproductive modes in early vertebrates are not fully understood. Sharks, rays and chimaeras (group Chondrichthyes) have an unusually diverse variety of reproductive modes and are thus an ideal group to test the factors driving the evolution of reproductive complexity. Here, using 960 species representing all major Chondrichthyes taxa, we reconstruct the evolution of their reproduction modes and investigate the ecological and life history predictors of reproduction. We show that the ancestral Chondrichthyes state was egg-laying and find multiple independent transitions between egg-laying and live-bearing via an intermediate state of yolk-only live-bearing. Using phylogenetically informed analysis, we also show that live-bearing species have larger body size and larger offspring than egg-laying species. In addition, live-bearing species are distributed over shallow to intermediate depths, while egg-layers are typically found in deeper waters. This suggests that live-bearing is more closely associated with pelagic, rather than demersal habitats. Taken together, using a basal vertebrate group as a model, we demonstrat how reproductive mode co-evolves with environmental conditions and life-history traits.

Abstract

The evolution of reproductive modes in sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
Integrating morphological, molecular and cytogenetic data for F2 sea turtle hybrids diagnosis revealed balanced chromosomal sets
Authors: Machado Caroline Regina Dias , Azambuja Matheus , Domit Camila , da Fonseca Gabriel Fraga , Glugoski Larissa , Gazolla Camilla Borges , de Almeida Rafael Bonfim , Pucci Marcela Baer , Pires Thais Torres , Nogaroto Viviane , Vicari Marcelo Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Hybridization could be considered part of the evolutionary history of many species. The hybridization among sea turtle species on the Brazilian coast is atypical and occurs where nesting areas and reproductive seasons overlap. Integrated analysis of morphology and genetics is still scarce, and there is no evidence of the parental chromosome set distribution in sea turtle interspecific hybrids. In this study, chromosome markers previously established for pure sea turtle species were combined with morphological and molecular analyses aiming to recognize genetic composition and chromosome sets in possible interspecific hybrids initially identified by mixed morphology. The data showed that one hybrid could be an F2 individual among Caretta caretta × Eretmochelys imbricata × Chelonia mydas, and another is resulting from backcross between C. caretta × Lepidochelys olivacea. Native alleles of different parental lineages were reported in the hybrids, and, despite this, it was verified that the hybrid chromosome sets were still balanced. Thus, how sea turtle hybridism can affect genetic features in the long term is a concern, as the implications of the crossing-over in hybrid chromosomal sets and the effects on genetic function are still unpredictable.

Abstract

Natural hybridization is the successful interbreeding between distinct species combining different and previously isolated gene pools. All Cheloniidae species that share Brazilian beaches as nesting grounds have suffered under prolonged anthropogenic pressure, which has caused the decline of the populations and interspecific hybridization. Besides that, sea turtles are recognized for having a similar karyotype. Here, an integrated analysis of the morphology features, cytogenetic and molecular markers was conducted in two sea turtle hybrids. The data showed that the two hybrids correspond to the second generation of hybrids. We suggest hybrid A as an F2 result of three species hybridisms (C. caretta × E. imbricata × C. mydas), and hybrid B is a backcrossed (C. caretta × L. olivacea with C. caretta). Our data also showed that these individuals inherited alleles from distinct parental lines, and the chromosome sets were hybrids. Despite the hybrid chromosome sets, they are still balanced. However, the viability for the individuals cannot be assured by the balanced chromosome sets, which could have alleles inconsistencies in gene expression, leading to a postzygotic barrier in hybrids. Thus, sea turtle hybrids’ viability is still under investigation.
Black therapists' experiences with their Black clients: A systematic review
Authors: Hamilton Alexus
Published: October 2023

This systematic review explores Black therapists' experiences with their Black clients. The search initially identified 459 possible articles. Through the study selection process, following the Cochrane Collaboration's guidelines, the 459 studies were narrowed down to 11 studies. A total of eight qualitative studies and three quantitative studies were identified. The analytic process of this review mirrored that of a thematic analysis due to the proportion of qualitative articles. Five themes emerged: Understanding the Black Experience, Connection to Clients, Working with Black Clients, Working While Black, and Training Black Therapists. Implications for training and supervision are discussed.
Caspase‐3 and gasdermin E mediate macrophage pyroptosis in periodontitis
Authors: Gao Xiangru , Li Shuhan , Wang Wenxuan , Zhang Xiangyan , Yu Xinbo , Fan Chun , Li Wei , Yang Caixiu , Wang Lei , Ji Qiuxia
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease linked to pyroptosis, an inflammatory cell death process. Macrophages are essential for maintaining microenvironment homeostasis, which is crucial for periodontal health. This study explores the mechanisms underlying the relationship between macrophage pyroptosis and periodontitis.

Methods

Expression of the pyroptosis marker gasdermin E (GSDME) and the macrophage surface marker CD68 was examined by immunofluorescence double staining in healthy and periodontitis gingival tissues. In an in vitro pyroptosis model, RAW264.7 cells were irritated using Porphyromonas gingivalis–lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis–LPS) after treatment with either a nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) agonist or inhibitor. The mRNA and protein levels of NF‐κB, caspase‐3, GSDME, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were evaluated through qRT‐PCR, western blotting, and ELISA techniques.

Results

GSDME and CD68 were heavily elevated in inflamed gingival tissues compared to healthy tissues and co‐localized in the same region. Furthermore, exposure to P. gingivalis–LPS resulted in a significant upregulation of NF‐κB, caspase‐3, GSDME, and IL‐1β at both the mRNA and protein levels in RAW264.7 cells. NF‐κB agonist or inhibitor pretreatment enhanced or inhibited these effects.

Conclusions

GSDME‐mediated macrophage pyroptosis is implicated in periodontitis. Based on in vitro experiments, P. gingivalis‑LPS causes pyroptosis in RAW264.7 cells through the caspase‐3/GSDME pathway. Furthermore, NF‐κB regulates this pyroptotic pathway.
The missing vector – TactiFlex sensor enabled ablation catheter
Authors: Kewcharoen Jakrin , Bhardwaj Rahul , Garg Jalaj
Published: October 2023

New ablation catheters have continuously developed to improve the safety and efficacy of ablation procedures. The TactiFlex Ablation Catheter Sensor Enabled (Abbott, Minneapolis, MN) is a novel open‐irrigation radiofrequency ablation catheter that has contact force‐sensing technology and flexible tip, allowing real‐time contact force assessment with directionality. This case report reported a loss of contact force vector and directionality with the TactiFlex SE ablation catheter during de novo atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.
Examining the dynamic relationship between nonsuicidal self‐injury and alcohol use experiences
Authors: Jacobucci Ross , Ammerman Brooke A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a prevalent and concerning behavior and its risk pathways require a greater understanding, particularly in predicting short‐term risk. Although the literature has supported a between‐person link among NSSI and alcohol use, limited research has directly examined the nuances of this relationship at the within‐person level using intensive longitudinal data.

Method

Utilizing two independent samples (total n = 85), the current study examined bidirectional, concurrent and prospective risk relationships between NSSI and alcohol, considering both urges and behavior engagement, via ecological momentary assessment.

Results

Findings demonstrate concurrent, within‐person relationships between NSSI urges and alcohol urges, as well as alcohol use. Alternatively, prospective between‐person findings demonstrated negative relationships between NSSI urges and alcohol use, as well as alcohol urges and NSSI acts; however, this may represent suppression effects as associations were positive with the removal of autoregressive effects.

Conclusions

Together, findings support proximal risk relationships between NSSI and alcohol experiences that, for urges in particular, is bidirectional.
Apprehending Land Value Through Tourism in Indonesia: Commodification of Rural Landscapes Through Geoparks
Authors: Ristiawan Rucitarahma , Huijbens Edward H. , Peters Karin
Published: October 2023

This article will examine rent gap production and negotiations through the establishment of two UNESCO Geoparks for tourism in Indonesia. The commodification of different geological landscapes was analysed through processes of rural gentrification as ‘build‐to‐let’ homestays and villas emerged under the auspices of local‐regional governance brokering private sector interests under the aegis of post‐reformation Indonesian decentralization politics. The consequent rent‐gap brings about negotiated displacements that varies between actors, but form a crucial component in unravelling the process of rent‐gap creation. Based on 32 interviews with a range of stakeholders in Gunungsewu and Ciletuh UNESCO Geoparks, we show how finances and local‐regional governance power mesh in the production of these tourism destinations against state power. This production of tourism destinations signifies locally specific governance as the determining factors in rent gap production. This paper unmasks the powers at play opening rent gaps in commodifying landscape intertwining with national political regime.
Spatiotemporal multiscale diagnosis model to proactively respond to the multi‐country monkeypox virus outbreak in 2022
Authors: De Cos Guerra Olga , Castillo Salcines Valentín , Cantarero Prieto David
Published: October 2023

This research analyzes the spatiotemporal trend of 23,121 monkeypox virus cases in the multi‐country outbreak that affected 82 countries from January 2022 to July 2022. The spatiotemporal trends analysis is developed using open data and GIS to model 3D bins and emerging hot spots globally (data by country) and nationally (data by region) for hardest hit countries, like the USA and Spain. The implemented methodology distinguishes between problem areas —as significant hot spots— and countries with no pattern. Results show consecutive hot spot patterns in Western Europe and high location quotients in North America. Factually, the countries with consecutive patterns record 16,494 cases, that is, 71.34% of the cases, where 7.63% of the world population live. At the national level, in the analysis of the USA and Spain, the results reveal regional differences with significative hot spots in California and on the East Coast of the USA and the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The proposed methodology facilitates the monitoring of the spatiotemporal evolution of monkeypox cases and is scalable and replicable using non‐arbitrary and statistical parameters. The findings indicate problematic zones in real‐time, enabling policymakers to develop focused interventions and proactive strategies to mitigate the future risk of monkeypox.
When planetary cosmopolitanism meets the Buddhist ethic: Recycling, karma and popular ecology in Singapore
Authors: Shee Siew Ying , Woods Orlando , Kong Lily
Published: October 2023

By thinking with and through Buddhist cosmology, this paper explores the emergence of an ethical sensibility—what we call planetary cosmopolitanism—that is based on not just a spatially expanded ethic of care to ecological worlds, but also a temporally extended sense of justice to the future Earth. This transtemporal sense of ethical becoming reflects how the possibility of future ‘rebirth’ and accountability for past actions can motivate new ecological consciousness in the present. We forge these ideas through an empirical focus on popular Buddhist ecological practices in Singapore, where green recovery visions have primarily been driven by a secular and technocratic ethos. In negotiating the prevailing modernist ecological discourses, many Buddhists tap into an alternative imagining of cosmological time that regards Earth not simply as a place to be left behind at the end of one's life, but a permanent home for all future beings. This reading of human–ecology relations emphasises a causal responsibility to secure planetary well‐being, moving the making of cosmopolitan sensibilities from the realm of beneficence into justice. Yet, this renewed cosmopolitan sensibility to Earth is not simply a prescriptive ethical framework articulated on an abstract level, but materially performed and negotiated at the level of everyday life. Recycling becomes a site of rapprochement that allows Buddhists in Singapore to promote and negotiate their ecological consciousness within the strictures of the secular state. In doing so, it opens up new spaces of postcapitalist possibility that enable Buddhists, alongside people of other or no faith, to imagine alternative ways of inhabiting the planet. By developing an alternative account of cosmopolitanism grounded in Buddhist cosmology, we identify Buddhism as a decolonial lens through which we can critically reimagine human–ecology relations, and illuminate diverse modes and practices of ethical becoming in this age of ecological crisis.
Upper bounds for the constants of Bennett's inequality and the Gale–Berlekamp switching game
Authors: Pellegrino Daniel , Raposo Anselmo
Published: October 2023

In 1977, G. Bennett proved, by means of nondeterministic methods, an inequality that plays a fundamental role in a series of optimization problems. More precisely, Bennett's inequality shows that, for and all positive integers , there exists a bilinear form with coefficients ±1 satisfying
for a certain constant depending just on ; moreover, the exponents of cannot be improved. In this paper, using a constructive approach, we prove that whenever or ; our techniques are applied to provide new upper bounds for the constants of the Gale–Berlekamp switching game, improving estimates obtained by Brown and Spencer in 1971 and by Carlson and Stolarski in 2004.
Prediction of Wave Spectral Parameters Using Multiple-Output Regression Models to Support the Execution of Marine Operations
Authors: Prócel Jonathan , Guamán Alarcón Marco , Guachamin-Acero Wilson
Published: October 2023

Execution of a marine operation (MO) requires coordinated actions of several vessels conducting simultaneous and sequential offshore activities. These activities have their operational limits given in terms of environmental parameters. Wave parameters are important because of their high energetic level. During the execution of a MO, forecast wave spectral parameters, i.e., significant wave height (Hs), peak period (Tp), and peak direction, are used to make an on-board decision. For critical operations, the use of forecasts can be complemented with buoy measurements. This paper proposes to use synthetic statistics of vessel dynamic responses to predict “real-time” wave spectral parameters using multi-output machine learning (ML) regression algorithms. For a case study of a vessel with no forward speed, it is observed that the random forest model predicts accurate Hs and Tp parameters. The prediction of wave direction is not very accurate but it can be corrected with on-board observations. The random forest model has good performance; it is efficient, useful for practical purposes, and comparable with other deep learning models reported in the scientific literature. Findings from this research can be valuable for real-time assessment of wave spectral parameters, which are necessary to support decision-making during the execution of MOs.
Ion-beam-assisted growth of cesium-antimonide photocathodes
Authors: Saha Pallavi , Montgomery Eric , Poddar Shashi , Chubenko Oksana , Karkare Siddharth
Published: October 2023

We report on the novel use of a Cs+ ion gun for an ion-beam-assisted molecular-beam-epitaxy (IBA-MBE) method to sequentially deposit Cs-Sb cathodes on room temperature substrates as opposed to the standard technique of thermal evaporation on elevated-temperature substrates. The details of the ultrahigh-vacuum chamber, the Cs+ ion source, and the growth technique are elaborated. The final quantum efficiency (QE) is reasonably good for Cs-Sb cathodes grown on two different substrates—Si (100) and strontium titanate—and is comparable to the QE of cathodes grown using thermal sources. This suggests that IBA-MBE could be a viable alternative to grow alkali-antimonides without substrate heating, paving the way for the growth of epitaxial alkali-antimonides in a more reproducible fashion, which may help improve the efficiency of photon detectors and accelerator applications that use alkali-antimonides as electron sources.
A Case Study of Using an Adult-Oriented Coaching Survey and Debrief Session to Facilitate Coaches’ Learning in Masters Sport
Authors: Callary Bettina , Belalcazar Catalina , Rathwell Scott , Young Bradley W.
Published: October 2023

The Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey (AOSCS) can be used by coaches to reflect on how they coach competitive adult sports participants. There are coach (AOSCS-C) and athlete (AOSCS-A) versions. The purpose of this case study is to portray how coaches reflect on scores from the AOSCS with a coach developer. Nine coaches (White; ages 23–72; five men and four women; six sports) and their respective athletes were invited to complete the AOSCS twice during a season. Coaches were given their survey scores and undertook a debriefing interview with a coach developer. We reflected on four key topics in this dedicated professional development session: coach impressions on receiving an AOSCS personal scorecard, leveraging comparisons between coach and athlete scores, leveraging comparisons in scores over time, and misunderstandings/inadequacies of numerical scores. We reflect on meaningful interventions for coach development in adult sport.
IRF1 regulates self-renewal and stress responsiveness to support hematopoietic stem cell maintenance
Authors: Rundberg Nilsson Alexandra J. S. , Xian Hongxu , Shalapour Shabnam , Cammenga Jörg , Karin Michael
Published: October 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tightly controlled to maintain a balance between blood cell production and self-renewal. While inflammation-related signaling is a critical regulator of HSC activity, the underlying mechanisms and the precise functions of specific factors under steady-state and stress conditions remain incompletely understood. We investigated the role of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), a transcription factor that is affected by multiple inflammatory stimuli, in HSC regulation. Our findings demonstrate that the loss of IRF1 from mouse HSCs significantly impairs self-renewal, increases stress-induced proliferation, and confers resistance to apoptosis. In addition, given the frequent abnormal expression of
IRF1
in leukemia, we explored the potential of
IRF1
expression level as a stratification marker for human acute myeloid leukemia. We show that
IRF1
-based stratification identifies distinct cancer-related signatures in patient subgroups. These findings establish IRF1 as a pivotal HSC controller and provide previously unknown insights into HSC regulation, with potential implications to IRF1 functions in the context of leukemia.
Possible link between statin and iron deficiency anemia: A South Korean nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Ahn Juhee , Lee Sanghun , Won Sungho
Published: October 2023

An extensive evaluation of disease occurrence after statin use based on a “hypothesis-free” approach remains scarce. To examine the effect of statin use on the potential risk of developing diseases, a propensity score–matched cohort study was executed using data from the National Sample Cohort in South Korea. A total of 7847 statin users and 39,235 nonstatin users were included in the final analysis. The period of statin use was defined as our main time-dependent exposure and was divided into three periods: current, recent, and past. The main outcomes were defined as new-onset diseases with ≥100 events based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. We calculated the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox regression. We found that statin use significantly increased the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia up to 5.04 times (95% CI, 2.11 to 12.03). Therefore, the iron levels of patients using statins should be monitored carefully.
Draft genome sequence of multidrug-resistant
Escherichia coli
MAHK_SCM_BAU_30A strain isolated from a subclinical mastitis cow in Bangladesh
Authors: Anika Tasnia Tabassum , Noman Zakaria Al , Islam Md. Saiful , Sultana Nazneen , Ashraf Md. Nahid , Pervin Munmun , Islam Mohammad Ariful , Hossain Mokbul Md. , Rahman Md. Tanvir , Khan Mohammad Abu Hadi Noor Ali
Published: October 2023

This study announces the sequence of a multidrug-resistant
Escherichia coli
MAHK_SCM_BAU_30A strain isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis milk in 2022 in Bangladesh. Our assembled genome had a length of 4,884,948 bp, three plasmids, two CRISPR arrays, five prophages, 51 predicted antibiotic resistance, and 72 predicted virulence factor genes.
The hierarchy of sugar catabolization in
Lactococcus cremoris
Authors: Douwenga Sieze , van Olst Berdien , Boeren Sjef , Luo Yanzhang , Lai Xin , Teusink Bas , Vervoort Jacques , Kleerebezem Michiel , Bachmann Herwig
Published: October 2023

Bacteria adapt to nutrient availability by regulating the synthesis of enzymes. Transcriptome- and multi-sugar growth studies suggest that
Lactococcus cremoris
represses genes involved in the catabolization of lower growth rate-supporting (lower quality) sugars in a hierarchical order. Furthermore,
L. cremoris
appears to always express genes involved in the catabolization of higher growth rate-supporting sugars (higher quality) relative to the sugar it is growing on. Here, we unraveled the sugar catabolization hierarchy by determining the sugar catabolizing capacity and the proteome of cells exponentially growing on glucose (µ
max
= 0.72 h
−1
), lactose (µ
max
= 0.6 h
−1
), galactose (µ
max
= 0.44 h
−1
), or maltose (µ
max
= 0.43 h
−1
). We found that
L. cremoris
can grow on 14 of the 96 sugars in a Biolog plate, with µ
max
ranging from 0.32 to 0.72 h
−1
. Proteome and catabolization rate measurements show that
L. cremoris
consistently prepares for the catabolization of higher-quality sugars, except trehalose. While cells were not prepared for the catabolization of most lower-quality sugars, some proteins related to fructose and lactose consumption were always present. Moreover, reducing the growth rate of glucose through salt stress had only a minor influence on the sugars that
L. cremoris
could catabolize. These findings demonstrate that the catabolization hierarchy is not strictly linked to absolute growth rate or sugar quality. Cells instantly catabolizing a higher-quality sugar require enhanced expression of ribosomal and nucleotide metabolism functions for growth rate maximization, whereas transitioning to lower-quality sugars requires enhanced synthesis of proteins related to arginine catabolism and mixed acid fermentation, besides sugar-specific catabolic proteins.

IMPORTANCE

The availability of nutrients to microorganisms varies considerably between different environments, and changes can occur rapidly. As a general rule, a fast growth rate—typically growth on glucose—is associated with the repression of other carbohydrate utilization genes, but it is not clear to what extent catabolite repression is exerted by other sugars. We investigated the hierarchy of sugar utilization after substrate transitions in
Lactococcus cremoris
. For this, we determined the proteome and carbohydrate utilization capacity after growth on different sugars. The results show that the preparedness of cells for the utilization of “slower” sugars is not strictly determined by the growth rate. The data point to individual proteins relevant for various sugar transitions and suggest that the evolutionary history of the organism might be responsible for deviations from a strictly growth rate-related sugar catabolization hierarchy.
White-nose syndrome restructures bat skin microbiomes
Authors: Ange-Stark Meghan , Parise Katy L. , Cheng Tina L. , Hoyt Joseph R. , Langwig Kate E. , Frick Winifred F. , Kilpatrick A. Marm , Gillece John , MacManes Matthew D. , Foster Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2023

The skin microbiome is an essential line of host defense against pathogens, yet our understanding of microbial communities and how they change when hosts become infected is limited. We investigated skin microbial composition in three North American bat species (
Myotis lucifugus
,
Eptesicus fuscus
, and
Perimyotis subflavus
) that have been impacted by the infectious disease, white-nose syndrome, caused by an invasive fungal pathogen,
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
. We compared bacterial and fungal composition from 154 skin swab samples and 70 environmental samples using a targeted 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer amplicon approach. We found that for
M. lucifugus
, a species that experiences high mortality from white-nose syndrome, bacterial microbiome diversity was dramatically lower when
P. destructans
was present. Key bacterial families—including those potentially involved in pathogen defense—significantly differed in abundance in bats infected with
P. destructans
compared to uninfected bats. However, skin bacterial diversity was not lower in
E. fuscus
or
P. subflavus
when
P. destructans
was present despite populations of the latter species declining sharply from white-nose syndrome. The fungal species present on bats substantially overlapped with the fungal taxa present in the environment at the site where the bat was sampled, but fungal community composition was unaffected by the presence of
P. destructans
for any of the three bat species. This species-specific alteration in bat skin bacterial microbiomes after pathogen invasion may suggest a mechanism for the severity of white-nose syndrome in
M. lucifugus
but not for other bat species impacted by the disease.

IMPORTANCE

Inherent complexities in the composition of microbiomes can often preclude investigations of microbe-associated diseases. Instead of single organisms being associated with disease, community characteristics may be more relevant. Longitudinal microbiome studies of the same individual bats as pathogens arrive and infect a population are the ideal experiment but remain logistically challenging; therefore, investigations like our approach that are able to correlate invasive pathogens to alterations within a microbiome may be the next best alternative. The results of this study potentially suggest that microbiome-host interactions may determine the likelihood of infection. However, the contrasting relationship between Pd and the bacterial microbiomes of
Myotis lucifugus
and
Perimyotis subflavus
indicate that we are just beginning to understand how the bat microbiome interacts with a fungal invader such as Pd.
Quantitative content analysis of Freedom of Information requests examining the extent and variations of tools and training for conducting suicide risk assessments in NHS Trusts across England
Authors: Fedorowicz Sophia , Dempsey Robert C , Ellis Naomi J , Mulvey Olivia , Gidlow Christopher J
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Determining the risk for suicide is a difficult endeavour. Clinical guidance in the UK explicitly advises against using risk assessment tools and scales to determine suicide risk. Based on Freedom of Information (FoI) requests made to NHS Trusts in England, this study provides an overview of suicide risk assessment tools in use, training provided in how to use such assessments, and explores implementation of suicide risk assessment guidance in practice in English NHS Trusts.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of suicide risk assessment tools and training gathered via FoI requests and subjected to a content analysis.

Setting

FoI requests were submitted to NHS Trusts across England.

Results

A wide variety of suicide risk assessments tools were identified as being used in practice, with several trusts reported using more than one tool to determine suicide risk. Forty-one trusts reported using locally developed, unvalidated, tools to assess risk of suicide and 18 stated they do not use a tool. Ten trusts stated they do not train their staff in suicide risk assessment while 13 reported use of specific suicide risk assessment training. Sixty-two trusts stated they do not centrally record the number of assessments conducted or how many individuals are identified as at risk. Content analysis indicated the frequent wider assessment of risk not restricted to suicide risk.

Conclusions

There is wide variation in suicide risk assessment tools being used in practice and some lack of specific training for healthcare staff in determining suicide risk. Few trusts routinely record the number of assessments being conducted or the number of individuals identified at high risk. Implementation of specific training is necessary for the suicide risk assessment process to identify patient needs and develop therapeutic engagement. Routinely recording how many assessments are conducted is a crucial step in improving suicide prevention.
Horizon scanning: new and future therapies in the management of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kumar Aditi , Smith Philip J
Published: October 2023

The current mainstay treatment modalities for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include immunomodulators (methotrexate and thiopurines), biologics (antitumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) being the most commonly used) and other monoclonal antibodies such as the anti-integrins and anti-interleukins (IL-12/23). While ideally treatment should be initiated early in the disease process to avoid relapses and complications, the major recurring issue continues to be primary and secondary loss of response, with often ‘diminishing returns’ in terms of efficacy for the next line of therapies prescribed for patients with IBD. Additional concerns include the long-term risk factors such as malignancy and susceptibility to infections. Recently, there has been an influx of new and emerging medications entering the market that are showing promising efficacy results in patients with moderate-to-severe disease who have previously failed to respond to multiple drugs. This review will focus on these novel and emerging therapies—in essence, ‘horizon scanning’—which includes the antiadhesion agents, cytokine inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor modulators and MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) upregulators.
Clinical emergencies in inpatient hospice: simulation-based training to improve nursing confidence
Authors: Thompson Amy Jane , Boswell Amy Charlotte , Evans Tricia , Clarke Beverley
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study aims to assess whether a simulation-based training programme focusing on palliative care emergencies conducted in a hospice setting could improve the self-reported confidence and competence of nursing staff.

Methods

A training programme was developed to enable nursing professionals to practice clinical skills necessary for recognising and managing palliative care emergencies including opioid induced respiratory depression, catastrophic haemorrhage, anaphylaxis, seizure and acute airway obstruction. Eight sessions were conducted. A prequestionnaire and postquestionnaire design was employed to collect data. Participants self-reported their confidence and perceived competence in responding to the relevant scenario before and immediately after simulation training and provided free text feedback. Paired t-tests were applied to assess for a change in competence and confidence scores, while free text responses were analysed thematically.

Results

Findings demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the mean scores for both confidence and competence when comparing pretraining and post-training. Participants valued the opportunity to develop emergency response skills and recognised the value of simulation as an educational tool. Debrief was perceived to be important for maximising learning and facilitating self-reflection.

Conclusion

Participation in simulation-based training focused on palliative care emergencies in a hospice setting improved both confidence and perceived competence of nursing professionals.