bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food safety culture and climate prevailing in micro and small food manufacturing enterprises in Mauritius and Rodrigues
Authors: Joomun Aishah B. Z. , Wallace Carol A. , Aumjaud Badroonesha , Ramful‐Baboolall Deena
Published: November 2023

Food safety culture and climate are strong elements of food safety performance. This study describes a mixed‐methods approach to assess prevailing food safety knowledge, attitudes, practices, culture and climate in micro and small food manufacturing businesses in Mauritius. The approach included participant observation, questionnaire‐based surveys and checklists, and was adopted to collect data from six managers/owners and thirty‐six employees in six businesses. Results showed that food handlers had satisfactory knowledge in some aspects of food hygiene and safety. Mean scores of specific food safety climate indicators for employees diverged from the corresponding values for managers. Inconsistencies were observed in food safety culture maturity scores computed from survey data (quantitative), which were higher than related scores obtained from participatory observation (qualitative). This discrepancy underlines the importance of triangulation methods and the necessity to establish appropriate weightings for data obtained from different methods to gain an overall assessment of food safety culture. The results provide concrete input to develop tailor‐made interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices of employees and managers, and promote positive food safety cultures. Further research is needed to design theory‐based interventions to improve food safety culture and interpretation grids to analyse and triangulate prevailing food safety culture data.
Hybrid teaching and learning: A conjoint analysis of student preferences in online and onsite scenarios
Authors: Feubli Patricia , MacKevett Douglas , Schwarz Jürg
Published: November 2023

Background

This research paper presents a cross‐sectional study that examinefs the preferences of students for hybrid teaching and learning scenarios. Unlike previous studies that merely describe hybrid scenarios, this research prioritizes them, offering evidence‐based findings for informed policy decisions.

Methods

The data collection method involved eight choice‐based tasks using the conjoint analysis technique conducted with ‘Sawtooth’ software. The study surveyed students at a mid‐sized university across four departments in Central Switzerland. The sample analysed in this article comprised 319 respondents from the Lucerne School of Business.

Results and Conclusions

Our survey found that students' own location during a teaching session played a significant role in determining participation preferences, followed by that of the lecturer. Factors that influenced students' preferences whether to attend onsite or online include workload, didactical format, perceived level of difficulty, student residence, and semester. Forms of hybrid collaboration and student–student interaction did not significantly influence student preferences.

Takeaways

The value of this study lies in its evidence‐based findings for specific hybrid scenarios, which can provide useful insights for policymakers in degree programs and faculty in hybrid classrooms. This study is one of only a few to use conjoint analysis with such a high respondent rate to determine student preferences for hybrid attendance.
How Do European Countries Use EU‐Funded Food Aid and How Important Is It for the Most Deprived?
Authors: Hermans Karen , Cantillon Bea
Published: November 2023

The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) aims at providing food and (non‐)material assistance to the most vulnerable European citizens. Linking macro and micro data on the importance of FEAD resources shows, however, a mixed picture of targeting the most deprived: although FEAD budgets accrue more to countries with greater social needs, when the budgets are compared with the number of severely deprived persons, FEAD resources were found to be more than twice as high in Finland than in Hungary. This suggests that FEAD does not differentiate sufficiently across countries to focus on the poorest citizens within the Union. Moreover, a micro‐level analysis of how these budgets are spent in a number of selected countries (Belgium, Finland, Hungary and Spain) reveals large between‐ and within‐country variations in the developed FEAD programmes, indicating substantial discretionary leeway for Member States and social organisations to implement FEAD.
The factor structure of “expectant mothers of concern” as perceived by midwives
Authors: Sasaki Mika , Kobayashi Yasue , Nakamoto Kazunori
Published: November 2023

Aim

To clarify the factor structure of “expectant mothers of concern” for whom midwives anticipate difficulties in future childrearing.

Methods

The participants were 2633 midwives working at hospitals and clinics in Japan. Data were collected using a 108‐item, five‐point Likert scale questionnaire about the behaviors, appearance, and family relationships of the expectant mothers of concern to the nurses. Items with a mean equal to or greater than 4.0 were selected as items considered relevant to expectant mothers of concern by midwives. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and further secondary factor analysis were conducted.

Results

The factor structure of the expectant mothers of concern as perceived by midwives comprised seven factors, including 23 items: “Suspected of being a victim of intimate partner violence,” “Uneasy feeling about the expectant mother's marital relationship,” “Perception that the expectant mother is conflicted about her pregnancy,” “Uneasy feeling about the expectant mother's actions/behaviors concerning her medical checkups,” “Engages in physically risky actions and behaviors,” “Does not appear to be able to build relationships with children,” and “Makes remarks that indicate possible bonding disorder” (goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.910, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.879, comparative fit index = 0.939, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.070). Further, a secondary factor, “Expectant mothers who must urgently be connected to support,” was extracted.

Conclusions

The elucidation of the factor structure of the expectant mothers of concern could help midwives identify expectant mothers who may face difficulties in future childrearing.
Clinical efficacy and safety of low‐dose oral minoxidil versus topical solution in the improvement of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asilian Ali , Farmani Aida , Saber Mina
Published: November 2023

Background

Topical minoxidil is the recommended first‐line pharmacologic treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. However, low‐dose oral minoxidil has been used off‐label with good clinical efficacy and safety.

Aim

To compare the effectiveness and safety of topical minoxidil as a first‐choice treatment of androgenetic alopecia versus 1 mg daily oral minoxidil.

Method

Sixty‐five AGA patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5% topical solution or 1 mg/day oral minoxidil for 6 months. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by measuring hair diameter, photographic assessment, and patient self‐assessment questionnaires. The safety of treatment was checked through history taking and physical examination.

Results

Both topical and oral minoxidil groups showed significant improvement in hair diameter after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The photographic assessment demonstrated a significant improvement in hair density in the topical minoxidil group in all marked points located at 12 cm (p = 0.025), 16 cm (p = 0.034), and 24 cm (p = 0.014) distance from the glabella but not in the oral minoxidil group. Nevertheless, the difference between the two groups was not significant. In each group, over 60% of patients expressed satisfaction with their treatments, and no significant difference was detected between the two groups.

Conclusion

Although topical minoxidil has a better overall therapeutic effect than 1 mg oral minoxidil, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Therefore, 1 mg oral minoxidil may be as effective and safe as standard topical minoxidil in female and male pattern hair loss.
Attitude of Indian nurses towards importance of families in nursing care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sharma Bhavna , Mani Vijayanandh , Zined Rubi , Joshi Poonam , Srivastava Saumya P. , Alhawat Sheenu , Pandey Shivam
Published: November 2023

Aims and Objective

To evaluate the attitudes of Indian nurses towards the importance of family involvement in nursing care and the association between nurse attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics.

Background

Involving the family in the care process is crucial for delivering family‐ and patient‐centred care and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Nevertheless, published literature revealed that the nurses may lack clarity regarding the role of family members in the patient's care, which in turn hinders families' participation in care.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive study. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.

Methods

A total of 203 Nurses participated in a prospective cross‐sectional study between May 2022 and August 2022. They were recruited through convenience sampling from two tertiary care centres in India. A two‐part questionnaire was used to gather the data; the first section contained questions for gathering sociodemographic information, and the second part contained the standardized FINC‐NA scale.

Results

The mean age of the nurses was (28.08 ± 4.722) years, and their median professional experience was 2.5 (1–5.5) years. Nurses' attitude regarding family's importance in patient care was found to be significantly associated (p ≤ .05) with education level, marital status, religion and hometown region.

Conclusion

In several items Indian nurses have positive attitudes towards family involvement in care but some of the lower scoring items can present opportunities for focused improvement. Continuing development programmes about family‐centered care can constitute important strategies to improve the positive attitudes of nurses towards families in practice.

Patient and public contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Where there is smoke, there is fire? Making sense of the past failure and future prospects of cannabis reform in Chile
Authors: von Hoffmann Jonas
Published: November 2023

A decade ago, cannabis reform was on the public and political agenda in Chile, but the reform process eventually broke down with no marijuana legalization. This article focuses on the different stages of agenda politics to explain the reasons for the failure of cannabis reform in Chile. Drawing on original data, including 36 interviews with key actors, the article traces the reform process. Through a combination of process tracing and counterfactual analysis, the article establishes the causal weight of explanatory factors and distinguishes between activities and their effects. The evidence shows that cannabis reform in Chile failed not only because of a lack of governmental support and agenda setting but also because reform proponents were unable and unwilling to maintain the agenda after initially setting it successfully. By contrast, insider and outsider reform opponents were effective at agenda denial and counter‐framing cannabis reform. Despite producing lots of smoke, recreational cannabis reform efforts have burned out without blazing the trail toward marijuana legalization in Chile. By unearthing the factors that led to initial success in gaining attention and to eventual failure in securing approval in the recent past, this article points out the difficulties of legalizing marijuana in Chile in the near future.
Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer in patients with cirrhosis: A multicentre case–control study
Authors: Ningarhari Massih , Bertez Marlène , Ploquin Anne , Bertrand Nicolas , Desauw Christophe , Cattan Stéphane , Catala Pascale , Vandamme Hélène , Cheymol Claire , Truant Stéphanie , Lassailly Guillaume , Louvet Alexandre , Mathurin Philippe , Dharancy Sébastien , Turpin Anthony
Published: November 2023

Background & Aims

Progresses in management make a higher proportion of cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer candidates to chemotherapy. Data are needed on the safety and liver‐related events associated with the use of chemotherapy in these patients.

Methods

Forty‐nine patients with cirrhosis receiving chemotherapy against GI cancer from 2013 to 2018 were identified in the French Health Insurance Database using ICD‐10 codes K70‐K74, and matched 1:2 to non‐cirrhotic controls (n = 98) on age, tumour type and type of treatment. Adverse events (AE), dose tapering, discontinuation rate, liver‐related events and survival rate were compared.

Results

Patients with cirrhosis (Child–Pugh A 91%) more often received lower doses (38.8% vs 7.1%, p < .001), without significant differences in terms of grade 3/4 AE or dose tapering rates (29.6% vs. 36.7%; 22.3% vs 24.4%, respectively). Treatment discontinuation rate was higher in patients with cirrhosis (23.3% vs. 11.3%, p = .005). Child–Pugh (p = .007) and MELD (p = .025) scores increased under chemotherapy. Five patients with cirrhosis (10.2%) had liver decompensation within 12 months, and 17.2% of deaths in the cirrhosis group were liver‐related versus 0% in matched controls. WHO‐PS stage > 1 (HR 3.74, CI95%: 2.13–6.57, p < .001), TNM‐stage M1 (HR 3.61, CI 95%: 1.82–7.16, p < .001), non‐colorectal cancer (HR 1.73, CI 95%: 1.05–2.86, p = .032) and bilirubin higher than 5 mg/dL (HR 2.26, CI 95%: 1.39–3.70, p < .001) were independent prognostic factors of 2‐year mortality, whereas cirrhosis was not.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy should be proposed only in patients with compensated cirrhosis with close monitoring of liver function. Dose management remains challenging. Multidisciplinary management is warranted to improve these patients' outcomes.
Neural correlates of perceived and relative resilience in male and female patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Kilpatrick Lisa A. , Gupta Arpana , Tillisch Kirsten , Labus Jennifer S. , Naliboff Bruce D. , Mayer Emeran A. , Chang Lin
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show lower resilience than healthy controls (HCs), associated with greater symptom severity and worse quality of life. However, little is known about affected markers of resilience or the influence of sex. Furthermore, as resilience is complex, a comprehensive assessment, with multiple resilience measures, is needed. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate perceived and relative resilience and their neural correlates in men and women with IBS.

Methods

In 402 individuals (232 IBS [73.3% women] and 170 HCs [61.2% women]), perceived resilience was assessed by the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRISC) and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS); relative resilience was assessed by the standardized residual of the Short Form‐12 mental component summary score predicted by the Adverse Childhood Experiences score. Non‐rotated partial least squares analysis of region‐to‐region resting‐state connectivity data was used to define resilience‐related signatures in HCs. Disease and sex‐related differences within these signatures were investigated.

Key Results

Scores on all resilience measures were lower in IBS than in HCs (p's < 0.05). In all three resilience‐related signatures, patients with IBS showed reduced connectivity largely involving the central autonomic network (p's < 0.001). Men with IBS showed lower CDRISC scores than women with IBS, and greater reductions in CDRISC‐related connectivity, associated with worse symptom severity (p < 0.05).

Conclusions and Inferences

Individuals with IBS show reduced perceived and relative resilience, with reduced connectivity suggesting impaired homeostasis maintenance. Men with IBS may show additional impairment in specific aspects of resilience. Treatments aimed at improving resilience may benefit patients with IBS, especially men with IBS.
A Cadaveric Study of the Optimal Isometric Region on the Anterolateral Surface of the Knee in Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yao Gai , Liu Yang , Zhou Zhiyou , Zhang Xuchao , Liu Kang , Fu Xiawei , Hua Zikai , Wang Zimin
Published: November 2023

Objective

Isolated intra‐articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is not capable of restoring instability in many cases leading some to recommend concomitant anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction. The satisfactory fixation site and graft length change are crucial in ligament reconstruction to restore the ALL function and avoid some unwanted graft behavior. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the optimal isometric region on the anterolateral aspect of the knee for ALL reconstruction using a three‐dimensional optical instrument and a suture similar to an intraoperative isometric test.

Methods

Six freshly frozen cadaveric human knees were used in this study. Data regarding the anterolateral surface were obtained using an optical measurement system to create a three‐dimensional model. Nine points were selected on the femur (F1‐F9) and tibia (Ta‐Ti) respectively. The three‐dimensional length change between each pair of tibial and femoral points was measured during passive knee flexion from 0° to 90° in 15° increments. Subsequently, five femoral points (A–E) were selected from the lateral femur, located in different areas relative to the lateral femoral epicondyle, and three tibial reference points (T1‐T3) were selected in the isometric test. The changes in the length between each pair of reference points were measured using sutures. The 95% confidence interval for the rate of length change was estimated using the mean and standard deviation of the maximum rate of length change at different flexion angles, and the data were expressed as the mean (95% confidence interval) and compared with the maximum acceptable rate of change (10%).

Results

The maximum acceptable change rate for ligament reconstruction is 10%, and the mean maximum rates and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of length change for the point combinations were calculated. Among all the combined points measured using the optical measurement system and the suture, the qualified point combination for reconstruction was F3 (8mm posterior and 8mm proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle)‐Tb (8mm proximal to the midpoint between the center of Gerdy's tubercle and the fibula head), A (posterior and proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle)‐T2 (10mm below the joint line)and A‐T3 (15 mm below the joint line). The position of F3‐Tb and A‐T2 are close to each other.

Conclusion

The most isometric area of the femur for ALL reconstruction was posterior and proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle. We recommend that the initial location of the femoral point be set at 8 mm posterior and 8 mm proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle and the tibial point at approximately 10 mm below the joint line, midway between Gerdy's tubercle and fibular head, and subsequently adjusted to the most satisfactory position according to the isometric test.
Ketocarotenoid production in tomato triggers metabolic reprogramming and cellular adaptation: The quest for homeostasis
Authors: Nogueira Marilise , Enfissi Eugenia M. A. , Price Elliott J. , Menard Guillaume N. , Venter Eudri , Eastmond Peter J. , Bar Einat , Lewinsohn Efraim , Fraser Paul D.
Published: November 2023

Plants are sessile and therefore have developed an extraordinary capacity to adapt to external signals. Here, the focus is on the plasticity of the plant cell to respond to new intracellular cues. Ketocarotenoids are high‐value natural red pigments with potent antioxidant activity. In the present study, system‐level analyses have revealed that the heterologous biosynthesis of ketocarotenoids in tomato initiated a series of cellular and metabolic mechanisms to cope with the formation of metabolites that are non‐endogenous to the plant. The broad multilevel changes were linked to, among others, (i) the remodelling of the plastidial membrane, where the synthesis and storage of ketocarotenoids occurs; (ii) the recruiting of core metabolic pathways for the generation of metabolite precursors and energy; and (iii) redox control. The involvement of the metabolites as regulators of cellular processes shown here reinforces their pivotal role suggested in the remodelled ‘central dogma’ concept. Furthermore, the role of metabolic reprogramming to ensure cellular homeostasis is proposed.
The role of suspect development practices in eyewitness identification accuracy and racial disparities in wrongful conviction
Authors: Kovera Margaret Bull
Published: November 2023

This article reviews the three previously studied categories of variables that are related to eyewitness identification accuracy: estimator (characteristics of the witnessing conditions), system (characteristics of the identification procedure that are under the control of the criminal legal system), and reflector (variables that reflect the likely accuracy of a witness). Although eyewitness scholars frequently turn to these variables and models of memory to explain why eyewitnesses make mistakes, none of these variables provides a reasonable explanation for the large racial disparities in wrongful convictions based on mistaken identifications, yet problematic policing practices might. The policies and practices guiding police efforts to develop suspects as well as the decisions of officers to place a suspect at risk of misidentification determine the base‐rate of innocent suspects that appear in identification procedures. Current police practices—from developing suspects based on hunches, through facial recognition technology, or by pressuring reluctant witnesses to make identifications—increase the likelihood that innocent suspects will be placed in lineups. An increase in lineups with innocent suspects increases the ratio of mistaken to correct identifications without changes in witness performance. Requirements for evidence‐based suspicion, video recording identification procedures, and prohibiting coercive interviewing techniques with reluctant witnesses are recommended for reducing the effect of unreliable suspect development methods on eyewitness evidence.
How do right‐wing populist majoritarian governments redistribute? Evidence from Poland, 2005–2019
Authors: Morawski Leszek , Brzezinski Michal
Published: November 2023

There is scarce evidence regarding redistribution policies implemented by right‐wing populist parties forming majority governments. We contribute to this literature by measuring the effects of sweeping reforms of the tax and benefit system carried out by the populist party PiS governing Poland since 2015. The reforms included a generous, unconditional, and universal child benefit. Using micro‐simulation‐based decompositions of relative poverty, we separate poverty changes due to the populists' policies (policy effects) from observed poverty changes. We found that populists' reforms from 2015 to 2019 had large poverty‐reducing effects: total poverty was brought down by more than 2 percentage points, while child poverty by about 6.5 points. However, the policy effects account ‘only’ for about half of overall poverty declines over this period. On the other hand, they are much bigger than those obtained previously by a coalition of mainstream parties (2007–2011) or a coalition of populist ones (2005–2007). Since 2015, the populists' reforms targeted social groups that were neglected or inadequately addressed by anti‐poverty policies by past governments. Our results suggest that, at least in conservative and ethnically homogeneous societies, right‐wing populist majoritarian governments are capable of carrying out large‐scale redistribution projects that lead to sizeable poverty reductions and include non‐chauvinist, universal cash transfers.
Children Use Teachers' Beliefs About Their Abilities to Calibrate Explore–Exploit Decisions
Authors: Bass Ilona , Mahaffey Elise , Bonawitz Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Models of the explore–exploit problem have explained how children's decision making is weighed by a bias for information (directed exploration), randomness, and generalization. These behaviors are often tested in domains where a choice to explore (or exploit) is guaranteed to reveal an outcome. An often overlooked but critical component of the assessment of explore–exploit decisions lies in the expected success of taking actions in the first place—and, crucially, how such decisions might be carried out when learning from others. Here, we examine how children consider an informal teacher's beliefs about the child's competence when deciding how difficult a task they want to pursue. We present a simple model of this problem that predicts that while learners should follow the recommendation of an accurate teacher, they should exploit easier games when a teacher overestimates their abilities, and explore harder games when she underestimates them. We tested these predictions in two experiments with adults (Experiment 1) and 6‐ to 8‐year‐old children (Experiment 2). In our task, participants' performance on a picture‐matching game was either overestimated, underestimated, or accurately represented by a confederate (the “Teacher”), who then presented three new matching games of varying assessed difficulty (too easy, too hard, just right) at varying potential reward (low, medium, high). In line with our model's predictions, we found that both adults and children calibrated their choices to the teacher's representation of their competence. That is, to maximize expected reward, when she underestimated them, participants chose games the teacher evaluated as being too hard for them; when she overestimated them, they chose games she evaluated as being too easy; and when she was accurate, they chose games she assessed as being just right. This work provides insight into the early‐emerging ability to calibrate explore–exploit decisions to others' knowledge when learning in informal pedagogical contexts.
Bayesian Inference using Multiple-try Metropolis Hastings Scheme for the Efficiency of Estimating Gumbel Distribution Parameters
Authors: Mohd Amin Nor Azrita , Adam Mohd Bakri , Ibrahim Noor Akma
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to explore the efficiency for estimating the parameters of Gumbel simulated data using Multiple-try Metropolis algorithm (MTM). Several goodness-of-fit tests are used to compare the performance of MTM and the former, Metropolis-Hastings algorithm (MH). Concerning for a fair comparison, this study uses the equivalent starting point, the similar number of iterations and also the same length of burn-in periods. The numerical studies show that the MTM method performs slightly better than MH method after 5000 iterations to meet the stationary distribution. More candidates in the proposals lead to a higher accuracy of MTM estimation.
Fourier-Bessel Lipschitz Functions in the Space Lp
Authors: El Ouadih Salah
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we obtain an analog of Youniss Theorem 5.2 in [5] forthe generalized Fourier-Bessel transform on the real line for functions satisfying theFourier-Bessel Lipschitz condition in the space
Global Existence of Solutions of a Class of Singular Fractional Differential Equations with Impulse Effects
Authors: Liu Yuji
Published: November 2023

We establish sufficient conditions for the global existence of solutions for a class of impulsive singular fractional differential equations by constructing a weighted Banach space and a completely continuous operator and using the fixed point theorem in the Banach space. An example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the main theorems.
On the Nilpotency of a Pair of Lie Algebras
Authors: Gholamian Ali , Eghdami Hossein
Published: November 2023

‎In this paper‎, ‎we introduce the new concepts of nilpotency‎, upper and lower central series for a pair of Lie algebras $(L,N)$‎, in which $N$ is an ideal of Lie algebra $L$‎. ‎We study the‎ properties of these concepts and prove the analogue of Robinson‎‎Theorem for a pair of Lie algebras plays an important role to find‎ the results connecting to the idea of nilpotency in the pair of‎ ‎Lie algebras‎. ‎In particular we find a criterion such that an‎ extension of pair of Lie algebras can be nilpotent‎.
Finite p-groups in which each absolute central automorphism is elementary abelian
Authors: Kaboutari Farimani Zahra , Nasrabadi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: November 2023

In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions on a p-group G for each absolute central automorphism of G to be elementary abelian. Also we classify the absolute centre of extraspecial p-groups and show that the absolute central automorphisms of these groups are elementary abelian.
Assessing potential impact of tsunami on Penang Island via TUNA-RP simulation
Authors: Koh Hock Lye , Teh Su Yean , Lee Kexin , Tan Wai Kiat , Ho Chee Kit
Published: November 2023

The Indian Ocean mega tsunami that occurred on 26 December 2004 resulted in the death of over 200,000 people worldwide, including 52 deaths in Penang Island, Malaysia. This rare but devastating tsunami highlights the vulnerability to future tsunamis for Malaysian coastal communities living in affected areas. To assess the potential impact of future tsunami, numerical tsunami models are used to project the maximum inundation distances and maximum runup heights along the affected coastal areas. In this paper, the in-house one-dimensional tsunami runup model codenamed TUNA-RP is enhanced and used to investigate the relations between the steepness of beach slope and tsunami impact, specifically inundation distance and runup height. The simulation results of TUNA-RP show that the inundation distances and runup heights decrease exponentially as the steepness of beach slope increases. Inundation distance and runup height at seven high-risk coastal areas in Penang Island, such as Teluk Bahang, Batu Feringghi and Tanjung Bungah, are presented in this paper to highlight risks and vulnerability. At certain locations along Penang beaches, a worst-case scenario may result in a tsunami with runup heights of 10 m which is highly dangerous, that might potentially take the lives of hundreds or thousands. Recognizing this vulnerability to tsunami risks for Penang, further research is essential for developing tsunami resilience in the face of this tsunami hazard.
Microstructure Evaluation of Magnetic Field–Assisted Dissimilar Laser Welding of NiTi to Stainless Steel
Authors: Tanrikulu Ahmet Alptug , Farhang Behzad , Ganesh-Ram Aditya Krishna , Hekmatjou Hamidreza , Amerinatanzi Amirhesam
Published: November 2023

Significant attention has been directed to the need for a strong and lightweight welding technology for joining the NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) to stainless steel (SS). Dissimilar NiTi/SS joints suffer from the brittle and inevitable intermetallic compounds (IMCs) like TiFe, TiFe2, and FeNi that are formed during the welding process. To tackle this challenge, this study explores the use of an engineered magnetic field during the dissimilar laser welding of NiTi to SS. The presence of a magnetic field delivered a remarkable improvement in the tensile strength (over 452 MPa) of the joint, with a notable difference in the microstructure. The effect of the magnetic field on microstructure was investigated; material characterizations showed brittle IMC-free microstructure and a change in grain growth mechanism from columnar to cellular growth during the solidification. Further, fractography analysis proved a ductile failure mode at the joint.
The impact of conspecific presence on diet-induced developmental responses in a predatory mite
Authors: Xu Yun , Zhang Keshi , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: November 2023

Diet and social experience during development can have profound influences on the fitness of individuals and subsequently affect population dynamics. Understanding the factors driving population size is fundamental to ecological studies and pest management. In this study, we investigated the interplay between diet-induced plasticity, cannibalism, social interactions, and life history traits in Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, a natural predator of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. This research explored how varying prey densities and the presence of a non-feeding conspecific during P. persimilis’ immature development impacts survival, cannibalism, prey consumption, developmental time, and size at maturity. Results show that survival rates are influenced by prey availability, with an increase in cannibalism observed under low prey density conditions. The presence of non-feeding conspecifics had a significant impact on P. persimilis, leading to increased prey consumption, accelerated immature development, and reduced size at maturity. These findings provide insights into the complex dynamics of predator-prey interactions and offer valuable implications for pest management strategies involving P. persimilis. The influence of diet and social interaction on additional life history traits, such as lifespan and fecundity, should be examined in future studies.
A new flat mite of the genus Brevipalpus Donnadieu (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) from Brazil, with complete ontogenetic pattern of setal additions
Authors: Castro Elizeu B. , Tassi Aline D. , Ochoa Ronald , Beard Jennifer J. , Lofego Antonio C.
Published: November 2023

A new species of flat mite (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), Brevipalpus canastra Castro, Beard & Ochoa sp. nov., is described from the adult female, deutonymph, protonymph and larval stages collected on Sabicea brasiliensis (Rubiaceae), in the Cerrado region of Brazil. The new species belongs to the Brevipalpus phoenicis species group. The ontogenetic changes in the idiosoma and leg chaetotaxy of all stages are presented and micrographs using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM) are provided.
Mastering Motor Skills: The Contributions of Motor Learning and Motor Development to the Growth and Maturation of Kinesiology
Authors: Anderson David I.
Published: November 2023

This paper traces the evolution of scholarship in motor learning and development over the last ∼100 years, with a focus on contributions by Fellows from the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK). It begins with a brief discussion of the centrality of motor skillfulness in kinesiology, followed by a discussion of the appropriate label for the study of motor learning and development. The bulk of the paper focuses on the important events and milestones in the field and an examination of the most influential frameworks and models that NAK Fellows have put forward to guide research. The final section looks at future prospects and challenges for the field. Two key findings emerge: (a) Considerable overlap exists in the theoretical frameworks, conceptual models, empirical questions, research methodologies, and practical applications that dominate scholarship in motor learning and development, and (b) NAK Fellows have made enormous contributions to the field.
Two teosintes made modern maize
Authors: Yang Ning , Wang Yuebin , Liu Xiangguo , Jin Minliang , Vallebueno-Estrada Miguel , Calfee Erin , Chen Lu , Dilkes Brian P. , Gui Songtao , Fan Xingming , Harper Thomas K. , Kennett Douglas J. , Li Wenqiang , Lu Yanli , Ding Junqiang , Chen Ziqi , Luo Jingyun , Mambakkam Sowmya , Menon Mitra , Snodgrass Samantha , Veller Carl , Wu Shenshen , Wu Siying , Zhuo Lin , Xiao Yingjie , Yang Xiaohong , Stitzer Michelle C. , Runcie Daniel , Yan Jianbing , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

The origins of maize were the topic of vigorous debate for nearly a century, but neither the current genetic model nor earlier archaeological models account for the totality of available data, and recent work has highlighted the potential contribution of a wild relative,
Zea mays
ssp.
mexicana
. Our population genetic analysis reveals that the origin of modern maize can be traced to an admixture between ancient maize and
Zea mays
ssp.
mexicana
in the highlands of Mexico some 4000 years after domestication began. We show that variation in admixture is a key component of maize diversity, both at individual loci and for additive genetic variation underlying agronomic traits. Our results clarify the origin of modern maize and raise new questions about the anthropogenic mechanisms underlying dispersal throughout the Americas.
Mutation hotspots during meiosis
Authors: Baudat Frédéric , de Massy Bernard
Published: November 2023

Multiple pathways generate mutations at sites of meiotic recombination in humans
Evelyn Fox Keller (1936–2023)
Authors: Creager Angela N. H.
Published: November 2023

Physicist and feminist scholar of science
In Science Journals
Authors: Jiang Di , Yeston Jake S. , Isles Hannah M. , Ray L. Bryan , Smith H. Jesse , Grocholski Brent , Stajic Jelena , Foley John F. , Simonti Corinne , Funk Michael A. , Vignieri Sacha , Smith Keith T. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Malo Courtney
Published: November 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Cheaper microscope may bring protein mapping to the masses
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: November 2023

Team solves first protein structures with lower cost device
DeepMind predicts millions of new materials
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: November 2023

AI-powered discovery could lead to revolutions in electronics, batteries, and solar cells
Candida albicans
resistance to hypochlorous acid
Authors: Douglas Lois M. , Min Kyunghun , Konopka James B.
Published: November 2023

Innate immune cells, especially neutrophils, play key roles in protecting against infection by
Candida albicans
and other fungal pathogens. A distinct aspect of neutrophils compared to other phagocytes is that they make much higher levels of myeloperoxidase, which converts H
2
O
2
generated during the oxidative burst into highly reactive hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The effects of HOCl on
C. albicans
are not well defined, so comparative studies were used to show that HOCl kills
C. albicans
at lower doses than H
2
O
2
and in a manner that correlates with permeabilization of the plasma membrane. Mutants with defects in plasma membrane organization and antioxidant pathways showed differential sensitivity to these oxidants, consistent with their distinct chemical properties. Transcriptional responses to HOCl and H
2
O
2
were also quite different. Although they induced a common set of genes, most differentially regulated genes were unique. Testing the roles of genes that were predicted to be important for counteracting the types of thiol oxidation that are preferentially caused by HOCl showed that Mxr1 (methionine-S-sulfoxide reductase), Srx1 (sulfiredoxin that reduces cysteine-sulfinic acid groups), and Trx1 (thioredoxin that acts to reduce disulfide bonds) all promoted resistance to HOCl. Altogether, these results suggest that an effective way to help promote the killing of
C. albicans
by neutrophils would be to perturb the
C. albicans
plasma membrane, rather than targeting one specific antioxidant pathway.

IMPORTANCE

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), commonly known as bleach, is generated during the respiratory burst by phagocytes and is a key weapon used to attack
Candida albicans
and other microbial pathogens. However, the effects of hypochlorous acid on
C. albicans
have been less well studied than H
2
O
2
, a different type of oxidant produced by phagocytes. HOCl kills
C. albicans
more effectively than H
2
O
2
and results in disruption of the plasma membrane. HOCl induced a very different transcriptional response than H
2
O
2
, and there were significant differences in the susceptibility of mutant strains of
C. albicans
to these oxidants. Altogether, these results indicate that HOCl has distinct effects on cells that could be targeted in novel therapeutic strategies to enhance the killing of
C. albicans
and other pathogens.
Genome sequences of 13
Bacillus anthracis
Sterne bacteriophages isolated from soil in the western
United States
Authors: Fairholm Jacob D. , James Rebecca , Lavering Emily D. , Ogilvie Benjamin H. , Thurgood Trever L. , Robison Richard A. , Grose Julianne H.
Published: November 2023

Bacillus anthracis,
classified as a Tier 1 Select Agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the causative agent of anthrax in both humans and livestock. Herein, we report the full genome sequences of 13 bacteriophages that infect
B. anthracis
Sterne. These phages are grouped into four clusters and are similar to previously described
Bacillus
phages.
Draft genome sequence of NDM-5, CMY-42 carrying carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
Authors: Mudaliar Yogesh , Kalaikumari S. Santha , M. Nithyasri , N. B. Mathi Roshini , Raj Marquess , J. Meera , Elangovan Elavarashi , Perumal Kumar
Published: November 2023

We report the draft genome sequence of carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
(CREC-1) of sequence type (ST2083) isolated from a urine sample of a 2-year-old female toddler carrying antimicrobial resistance genes
blaNDM-5
and
blaCMY-42
which displays resistance against multiple classes of antibiotics notably β-lactam antibiotics, cephalosporins, and carbapenem and codes for several virulence factors.
Reference library for microbial source tracking in the mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: Bowen Malique , farag Ibrahim F. , Main Christopher R. , Biddle Jennifer F.
Published: November 2023

Microbial source tracking can determine fecal contamination but requires a relevant, sizable reference library for analysis. We provide a reference library of 100+ fecal microbiome samples relevant to mid-Atlantic United States ecosystems. Included are wild and domesticated fauna, wastewater, and septic samples applicable to Delaware source tracking studies.
Current definitions of advanced multimorbidity: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Bowers Sarah P , Black Polly , McCheyne Lewis , Wilson Darcy , Mills Sarah E E , Agrawal Utkarsh , Williams Linda , Quirk Frances , Bowden Jo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

People living with and dying from multimorbidity are increasing in number, and ensuring quality care for this population is one of the major challenges facing healthcare providers. People with multimorbidity often have a high burden of palliative and end-of-life care needs, though they do not always access specialist palliative care services. A key reason for this is that they are often not identified as being in the last stages of their life by current healthcare providers and systems.

This scoping review aims to identify and present the available evidence on how people with multimorbidity are currently included in research, policy and clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

Scoping review methodology, based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, will be undertaken and presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Search terms have been generated using the key themes of ‘multimorbidity’, ‘end of life’ and ‘palliative care’. Peer-reviewed research will be obtained through systematic searching of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO. Grey literature will be searched in a systematic manner. Literature containing a definition for adults with multimorbidity in a terminal phase of their illness experience will be included. After screening studies for eligibility, included studies will be described in terms of setting and characteristics as well as using inductive content analysis to highlight the commonalities in definitions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. The findings of the scoping review will be used internally as part of SPB’s PhD thesis at the University of St Andrews through the Multimorbidity Doctoral Training Programme for Health Professionals, which is supported by the Wellcome Trust (223499/Z/21/Z) and published in an open access, peer-reviewed journal for wider dissemination.
Flow structure analysis of nanofluid impingement on modified target surface under different design parameters
Authors: Qiang Yan , Zhang Minzu , Duan Tianci , Wei Liejiang , Zhong Wenqi
Published: November 2023

The flow structures of jet impingement dominate heat and mass transfer process, even the whole thermal performance. In this study, we have inspected the flow structures and mechanism of nanofluid jet impingement onto a dimpled target surface with different design parameters. Investigations are performed for the relative depth of dimple ([Formula: see text]), the jet-to-plate spacing ([Formula: see text]), nanoparticle volume concentration ([Formula: see text]), and Reynolds number (Re) ranging to explore the mechanism of flow structure variations. Results indicate that these parameters have a significant effect on the flow structure of nanofluid jet impingement near the dimpled target surface. The flow begins to separate after passing the edge of the dimple along with the curvature of a dimple. [Formula: see text] will affect the form and location of flow separation and reattachment, and [Formula: see text] will affect the intensity of separation flow. The length of the flow separation bubble varies in different [Formula: see text] cases. When [Formula: see text] increases, the impinging energy and the velocity near the dimple edge decreases. The different Re has little effect on the length of the flow separation bubble and the tendency of the pressure coefficient (Cp). These results can provide further mechanism inspiration for the design of the flow structure of nanofluid jet impingement.
Dynamics and dispersion of inertial particles in circular cylinder wake flows: A two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach
Authors: Chen Dongming , Yuan Wenjun , Han Xiangdong
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the motion of inertial particles in three-dimensional (3D) unsteady cylindrical wake flow is investigated by a two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. At different flow Reynolds numbers (Re), the corresponding striking dynamic property and dispersion mechanism of four particle classes have been studied, with inertia parameterized by means of Stokes number (Sk). It is found that inertial particles with lower Stokes number are expelled from vortex cores, and coherent voids encompass the local Kármán vortex cells. As Stokes number increases, a low velocity particle channel could be formed, which almost coincides with the results in the literature. Moreover, with the increase of Reynolds number, numerous irregular coherent voids are observed in the cylinder wake, and the high-speed particles follow the fluid flow closely when they are contained in the vortices. Although the centrifugal force of Kármán vortex cells significantly affects the dynamics of inertial particles, the fluid flow modulation is believed to be responsible for the distinctive particle dispersion patterns in the vortex streets. For particles with medium inertia, the two-way coupled modulation weakens the centrifugal effect of vortex structures on the particles. This trend declines with the increase of Reynolds number, and vanishes with light particles, while both two-way coupled modulation and the centrifugal effect of vortex structures are almost equally effective with heavy particles. The investigations contribute to a better understanding of the particle-laden flows in practical applications, which will benefit the optimized design of certain machinery and equipment for the industry.