bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Local Wisdom Approach in Peatland Restoration through the Case of Rantau Baru: A Critical Inquiry to the Present-Day Concept of Kearifan Lokal
Authors: Osawa Takamasa
Published: March 2023

In recent years, studies have promoted the efficacy of “local wisdom” in contributing to the prevention of peatland degradation and its fires in Indonesia. However, during the past quarter of a century, the related concept of indigenous knowledge (IK) has been criticized by various scholars for its deficiencies. The same deficiencies are found in the present-day use of the concept of local wisdom in academic papers. The ideology and idealism surrounding the concept narrows researchers’ epistemic perspectives to local lives, and the designation of knowledge as local wisdom confines the trans-regional problem to local areas. Through observation of the situation in Rantau Baru, this chapter examines the validity of IK, questions the present-day application of local wisdom to tropical peatland problems in academic research, and suggests the need to investigate the dynamism, interaction, and transformation of knowledge beyond the framework of local areas in order to better understand local realities and build a broader network of cooperation.
Willingness to Pay for Environmental Conservation of Peat and Aquatic Ecosystems in a Cash-Poor Community: A Riau Case Study
Authors: Prasetyawan Wahyu
Published: March 2023

This study assesses the Willingness to Pay (WTP) for environmental conservation in a community with limited incomes that is experiencing peatland degradation. Rantau Baru village is a unique environment in which both aquatic and peatland ecosystems are equally dominant, but community members mainly depend on the freshwater ecosystem for livelihoods and income. Based on survey data from 152 households, the study uses a contingent valuation method (CVM) to measure how villagers value each ecosystem and an ordinary least square (OLS) method to measure the significance of factors influencing WTP for conservation of peatland and fishing areas. It finds that WTP for conserving fishing areas is closely associated with household expenditures, while WTP for conservation of peatlands is associated with education and weakly associated with household expenditures. Community members’ WTP for the conservation of both peatlands and fishing areas is very much associated with their perception of these environments.
GLP-1R agonists demonstrate potential to treat Wolfram syndrome in human preclinical models
Authors: Gorgogietas Vyron , Rajaei Bahareh , Heeyoung Chae , Santacreu Bruno J. , Marín-Cañas Sandra , Salpea Paraskevi , Sawatani Toshiaki , Musuaya Anyishai , Arroyo María N. , Moreno-Castro Cristina , Benabdallah Khadija , Demarez Celine , Toivonen Sanna , Cosentino Cristina , Pachera Nathalie , Lytrivi Maria , Cai Ying , Carnel Lode , Brown Cris , Urano Fumihiko , Marchetti Piero , Gilon Patrick , Eizirik Decio L. , Cnop Miriam , Igoillo-Esteve Mariana
Published: March 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Wolfram syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the WFS1 gene. It is characterised by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, optic nerve atrophy, diabetes insipidus, hearing loss and neurodegeneration. Considering the unmet treatment need for this orphan disease, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists under wolframin (WFS1) deficiency with a particular focus on human beta cells and neurons.

Methods

The effect of the GLP-1R agonists dulaglutide and exenatide was examined in Wfs1 knockout mice and in an array of human preclinical models of Wolfram syndrome, including WFS1-deficient human beta cells, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived beta-like cells and neurons from control individuals and individuals affected by Wolfram syndrome, and humanised mice.

Results

Our study shows that the long-lasting GLP-1R agonist dulaglutide reverses impaired glucose tolerance in WFS1-deficient mice, and that exenatide and dulaglutide improve beta cell function and prevent apoptosis in different human WFS1-deficient models including iPSC-derived beta cells from people with Wolfram syndrome. Exenatide improved mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress and prevented apoptosis in Wolfram syndrome iPSC-derived neural precursors and cerebellar neurons.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our study provides novel evidence for the beneficial effect of GLP-1R agonists on WFS1-deficient human pancreatic beta cells and neurons, suggesting that these drugs may be considered as a treatment for individuals with Wolfram syndrome.

Graphical abstract
Experimental study of micromilling process and deburring electropolishing process on FeCo-based soft magnetic alloys
Authors: Villalba-Alumbreros Gabriel , Lopez-Camara Enrique , Martínez-Gómez Javier , Cobreces Santiago , Valiente-Blanco Ignacio , Diez-Jimenez Efren
Published: March 2023

FeCo-based soft magnetic alloys are commonly used in macroscale devices to improve its electromagnetic performance, whereas they have been barely used in the microscale. Current FeCo alloy micromanufacturing processes present some difficulties like low structural strength, oxidation at high temperature processes, stoichiometry mismatches in deposition processes and tough workability. In this work, a microcutting of FeCo-2 V-based soft magnetic alloys process is presented and described as an alternative method to obtain microparts with high magnetic properties and good geometrical finish. The results of the machining process are analysed by varying the machining parameters such as depth of cut, tool diameter, rotation speed and feed speed on simple machining operations. The study has been done for 50-μm-diameter endmill and 250-μm-diameter endmill tools. It concludes that the roughness is minimized when machining parameter combination is 0.24 mm/min of feed rate and 8 μm of depth of cut size for a 250-μm-diameter tool, while for a 50-μm-diameter tool, the selected feed rate is 0.24 mm/min, for a depth of cut between 2 and 4 μm. An automated precision 3-axis CNC station is used. Shapes needed for actuators such as angular slots, disks, or slender square geometries are shown in this work with excellent magnetic and mechanical properties. Additionally, a complementary electropolishing process is described. This process helps to eliminate burr in edges and residuals of the milling operation. This study demonstrates that micromilling can be a good alternative for microfabrication of FeCo-2 V components, suitable for precision microassemblies on MEMS.
Exact closed-form expressions for the complete RTM correction
Authors: Klees Roland , Seitz Kurt , Slobbe Cornelis
Published: March 2023

We present exact, closed-form expressions for the complete RTM correction and the harmonic correction to disturbing potential, gravity disturbance, gravity anomaly, and height anomaly. They need to be applied in quasi-geoid modelling whenever data points are buried inside the masses after residual terrain model (RTM) reduction and analytically downward-continued functionals of the disturbing potential at the original locations of the data points are required. Compared to recent work of the authors published in this journal, no Taylor series enter the expressions and numerical instabilities of the harmonic downward continuation from the RTM surface to the Earth’s surface are avoided as are inaccuracies in the free-air upward continuation from the Earth’s surface to the RTM surface caused by a lack of precise information about higher-order derivatives of the disturbing potential. The new expressions can easily be implemented in any existing RTM software package and do not require additional computational resources. For two test areas located in western Norway and the Auvergne in France, we compute the complete RTM correction and the harmonic correction to the afore-mentioned functionals of the disturbing potential. Overall, all harmonic corrections are non-negative with maximum values of 1.54 $$\textrm{m}^2/\textrm{s}^2$$

m
2

/

s
2

, 263.0 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, 263.9 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, and 15.7 m (Norway) and 1.55 $$\textrm{m}^2/\textrm{s}^2$$

m
2

/

s
2

, 263.3 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, 263.3 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, and 15.8 cm (Auvergne) for disturbing potential, gravity disturbance, gravity anomaly, and height anomaly, respectively. The medians are 0.02 $$\textrm{m}^2/\textrm{s}^2$$

m
2

/

s
2

, 33.6 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, 33.7 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, and 0.3 cm (Norway) and 0.01 $$\textrm{m}^2/\textrm{s}^2$$

m
2

/

s
2

, 19.2 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, 19.2 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal, and 0.1 cm (Auvergne). We also show that the nth Taylor polynomials used in the recent work of the authors published in this journal may have large remainders depending on the topography in the vicinity of the evaluation point no matter how n is chosen. Finally, we show that the commonly used expression for the harmonic correction to gravity anomaly introduced in 1981 is almost exact, though it was derived along a completely different line of reasoning. The errors do not exceed 49 $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal in both test areas. Moreover, the errors have a negligible impact on the computed height anomalies in one-centimetre quasi-geoid modelling, as the mean error does not exceed a few $$\upmu $$
μ
Gal in both test areas.
Percutaneous robot-assisted screw fixation for nondisplaced pelvic fractures: a good choice?
Authors: Zhu Zongdong , Tan Bo , Wei Dan , Tang Xiaoming , Yuan Jiabin , Hu Jiang , Liao Feng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To compare the merits and demerits of percutaneous robot-assisted screw fixation for nondisplaced pelvic fractures with other treatments via long-term follow-up.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of nondisplaced pelvic fractures treated between January 2015 and December 2021. The number of fluoroscopy exposures, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, screw placement accuracy and Majeed score were compared among the nonoperative group (24 cases), open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group (45 cases), free-hand empirical screw fixation (FH) group (10 cases) and robot-assisted screw fixation (RA) group (40 cases).

Results

There was less intraoperative blood loss in the RA and FH groups than in the ORIF group. The number of fluoroscopy exposures in the RA group was lower than that in the FH group but much higher than that in the ORIF group. There were five cases of wound infection in the ORIF group and no surgical complications in the FH or RA group. The medical expenses were higher in the RA group than in the FH group, with no significant difference from the ORIF group. The Majeed score was lowest in the nonoperative group three months after injury (64.5±12.0) but lowest in the ORIF group one year after injury (88.6±4.1).

Conclusion

Percutaneous RA for nondisplaced pelvic fractures is effective and minimally invasive and does not increase medical expenses compared with ORIF. Therefore, it is the best choice for patients with nondisplaced pelvic fractures.
Urinary tract infections trigger synucleinopathy via the innate immune response
Authors: Peelaerts Wouter , Mercado Gabriela , George Sonia , Villumsen Marie , Kasen Alysa , Aguileta Miguel , Linstow Christian , Sutter Alexandra B. , Kuhn Emily , Stetzik Lucas , Sheridan Rachel , Bergkvist Liza , Meyerdirk Lindsay , Lindqvist Allison , Gavis Martha L. Escobar , Van den Haute Chris , Hultgren Scott J. , Baekelandt Veerle , Pospisilik J. Andrew , Brudek Tomasz , Aznar Susana , Steiner Jennifer A. , Henderson Michael X. , Brundin Lena , Ivanova Magdalena I. , Hannan Tom J. , Brundin Patrik
Published: March 2023

Symptoms in the urogenital organs are common in multiple system atrophy (MSA), also in the years preceding the MSA diagnosis. It is unknown how MSA is triggered and these observations in prodromal MSA led us to hypothesize that synucleinopathy could be triggered by infection of the genitourinary tract causing ɑ-synuclein (ɑSyn) to aggregate in peripheral nerves innervating these organs. As a first proof that peripheral infections could act as a trigger in MSA, this study focused on lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), given the relevance and high frequency of UTIs in prodromal MSA, although other types of infection might also be important triggers of MSA. We performed an epidemiological nested-case control study in the Danish population showing that UTIs are associated with future diagnosis of MSA several years after infection and that it impacts risk in both men and women. Bacterial infection of the urinary bladder triggers synucleinopathy in mice and we propose a novel role of ɑSyn in the innate immune system response to bacteria. Urinary tract infection with uropathogenic E.coli results in the de novo aggregation of ɑSyn during neutrophil infiltration. During the infection, ɑSyn is released extracellularly from neutrophils as part of their extracellular traps. Injection of MSA aggregates into the urinary bladder leads to motor deficits and propagation of ɑSyn pathology to the central nervous system in mice overexpressing oligodendroglial ɑSyn. Repeated UTIs lead to progressive development of synucleinopathy with oligodendroglial involvement in vivo. Our results link bacterial infections with synucleinopathy and show that a host response to environmental triggers can result in ɑSyn pathology that bears semblance to MSA.
Assessment of zootechnical parameters, intestinal digestive enzymes, haemato-immune responses, and hepatic antioxidant status of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings reared under different stocking densities
Authors: Zaki Mohamed A. A. , Khalil Hala Saber , Allam Belal W. , Khalil Riad H. , Basuini Mohammed F. El , Nour Abd El-Aziz M. , Labib Eman M. H. , Elkholy Islam S. E. , Verdegem Marc , Abdel-Latif Hany M. R.
Published: March 2023

A 3-month experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on growth, stress markers, intestinal digestive enzymes, hepatic antioxidant biomarkers, serum immunity, and survivability of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. The relationship between fish stocking densities and water quality parameters was also assessed. Healthy fish (n = 1260 individuals, 17.52 ± 0.20 g) were raised in twelve fiberglass tanks. Triplicate fish groups with stocking densities of 60, 90, 120, or 150 fish per 1 m3 were designed, further referred to as SD60, SD90, SD120, and SD150 groups. Fish feeding was done using a commercially purchased well-balanced diet three times per day with a feeding rate of 3% of the wet fish weight. Results revealed that un-ionized ammonia, nitrite, and pH were significantly elevated, and dissolved oxygen levels were decreased significantly with increasing the stocking densities. The survival rates and growth significantly decreased with increasing fish stocking densities. The intestinal lipase, protease, trypsin, and amylase enzymes decreased significantly (P < 0.05) along with increased stocking densities. Moreover, significant decreases were noticed in total protein, lysozyme activity, and globulin levels when the stocking density was higher than 60 fish/m3. Conversely, serum stress biomarkers (such as blood glucose and cortisol), transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and blood urea nitrogen were significantly elevated with increasing stocking densities. Hepatic CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were decreased; meanwhile, hepatic MDA levels were significantly increased, together with the stocking rates. In the end, we found that the SD150 group recorded the lowest growth rates, immune responses, and antioxidant capacity and the highest stress markers as blood glucose and cortisol. In this context, we can conclude that the stocking 60 fish/m3 resulted in better growth, survival, immunity, antioxidant status, and overall performances of striped catfish.

Graphical Abstract
Influences on the accuracy of crystallinities determined by the method of Ruland and Vonk
Authors: Opdenbosch Daniel Van
Published: March 2023

X-ray diffractometry is the method of choice for the determination of crystallinities in non-thermoplastic polymers, prominently in cellulose. Obtaining quantitative measures on a sound theoretical basis includes the integration of intensities scattered by the crystalline phase over volume elements in reciprocal space. This is hampered by the occurrence of diffuse scattering, whose profile is not readily distinguishable from scattering by amorphous phases. The manner of evaluating diffractograms pioneered by Ruland and refined by Vonk allows to determine crystallinities by integrating only the coherently scattered portion of crystalline-phase intensities and extrapolating their proportion to a scattering vector of 0. However, preferred crystallite orientations within measured samples, as well as the range of scattering vectors from which the data are extrapolated, have been pointed out as sources of systematic error. We investigated the influence of these factors at the examples of two crystalline structures of cellulose and two types of technically relevant thermoplastics. We found that the method of Ruland and Vonk is rather robust when applied to cellulose, but decidedly less so when applied to polymers with highly symmetric crystalline phases. We also found that there is a range of scattering vectors that leads systematically to the most accurate measures of crystallinity. We further investigated the influence of the crystallite sizes, the crystallinities themselves and the thermal displacement factors, and found that the latter had a profound effect on the accuracies of determined crystallinities.
Theories of Motivation in Education: an Integrative Framework
Authors: Urhahne Detlef , Wijnia Lisette
Published: March 2023

Several major theories have been established in research on motivation in education to describe, explain, and predict the direction, initiation, intensity, and persistence of learning behaviors. The most commonly cited theories of academic motivation include expectancy-value theory, social cognitive theory, self-determination theory, interest theory, achievement goal theory, and attribution theory. To gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences among these prominent theories, we present an integrative framework based on an action model (Heckhausen & Heckhausen, 2018). The basic model is deliberately parsimonious, consisting of six stages of action: the situation, the self, the goal, the action, the outcome, and the consequences. Motivational constructs from each major theory are related to these determinants in the course of action, mainly revealing differences and to a lesser extent commonalities. In the integrative model, learning outcomes represent a typical indicator of goal-directed behavior. Associated recent meta-analyses demonstrate the empirical relationship between the motivational constructs of the six central theories and academic achievement. They provide evidence for the explanatory value of each theory for students’ learning.
Ethics in pre-ART genetics: a missed X-linked Menkes disease case
Authors: Gerdes A.-M. A. , Møller L. Birk , Horn N.
Published: March 2023

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has experienced dramatic progress over the last 30 years, and gamete donation is routine in fertility clinics. Major advances in genetic diagnostics are part of this development due to the ability to analyze multiple genes or whole genomes fast and to an affordable prize. This requires knowledge and capability to evaluate genetic variants correctly in a clinical setting. Here we report a Menkes disease case, born after ART, where genetic screening and variant scoring failed to identify an egg donor as carrier of this fatal X-linked disorder. The gene variant is a deletion of a single base pair leading to a frameshift and premature termination of the protein, predicted to result in no or severely diminished function. The variant would be classified as likely pathogenic (class 4) and should be readily detectable by molecular genetic screening techniques. We wish to highlight this case to prevent future similar cases. IVI Igenomix has developed and embarked on an ambitious screening program to detect and prevent a large number of inherited severe childhood disorders in ART pregnancies. The company has recently achieved ISO 15189 certification with competence to evaluate and deliver timely, accurate, and reliable results. Failure to identify a pathogenic variant in the ATP7A gene leading to birth of two boys with Menkes disease invokes the required procedures to screen and detect disease-causing gene variants. This calls for ethical and legal considerations in ART diagnostics to prevent fatal errors like the present.
Increased Plasma Levels of Triglyceride-Enriched Lipoproteins Associate with Systemic Inflammation, Lipopolysaccharides, and Gut Dysbiosis in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Macpherson Magnhild E. , Skarpengland Tonje , Hov Johannes R. , Ranheim Trine , Vestad Beate , Dahl Tuva B. , Fraz Mai S. A. , Michelsen Annika E. , Holven Kirsten B. , Fevang Børre , Berge Rolf K. , Aukrust Pål , Halvorsen Bente , Jørgensen Silje F.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Triglycerides (TG) and their major transport lipoprotein in the circulation (VLDL) appear to be related to inflammation. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have inflammatory complications associated with gut microbial dysbiosis. We hypothesized that CVID patients have disturbed TG/VLDL profiles associated with these clinical characteristics.

Methods

We measured plasma concentrations of TGs, inflammatory markers, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 95 CVID patients and 28 healthy controls. Additionally, in 40 CVID patients, we explored plasma lipoprotein profiling, fatty acid, gut microbial dysbiosis, and diet.

Results

TG levels were increased in CVID patients as compared to healthy controls (1.36 ± 0.53 mmol/l versus 1.08 ± 0.56 [mean, SD], respectively, P = 0.008), particularly in the clinical subgroup “Complications,” characterized by autoimmunity and organ-specific inflammation, compared to “Infection only” (1.41 mmol/l, 0.71[median, IQR] versus [1.02 mmol/l, 0.50], P = 0.021). Lipoprotein profile analyses showed increased levels of all sizes of VLDL particles in CVID patients compared to controls. TG levels correlated positively with CRP (rho = 0.256, P = 0.015), IL-6 (rho = 0.237, P = 0.021), IL-12 (rho = 0.265, P = 0.009), LPS (r = 0.654, P = 6.59 × 10−13), CVID-specific gut dysbiosis index (r = 0.315, P = 0.048), and inversely with a favorable fatty acid profile (docosahexaenoic acid [rho =  − 0.369, P = 0.021] and linoleic acid [rho =  − 0.375, P = 0.019]). TGs and VLDL lipids did not appear to be associated with diet and there were no differences in body mass index (BMI) between CVID patients and controls.

Conclusion

We found increased plasma levels of TGs and all sizes of VLDL particles, which were associated with systemic inflammation, LPS, and gut dysbiosis in CVID, but not diet or BMI.
Policy Objective of Military Intervention and Public Attitudes: A Conjoint Experiment from US and Turkey
Authors: Kiratli Osman Sabri
Published: March 2023

This paper scrutinizes the role of the principal policy objective of military intervention in conditioning citizen attitudes for the use of force. Extending the scope of analysis beyond the independent effects, it next assesses how the effects of two core variables of intervention, namely international organizations’ approval of the operation and the regime type of the target country, vary for interventions with differing mandates. The results of the conjoint experiment in two dissimilar cases, the US and Turkey, show that despite substantial changes in relative support for different types of operations, policy objective is still a highly potent determinant of individual attitudes. The results also concur that compared to foreign policy restraint and humanitarian missions, individuals are more sensitive to international organizations’ endorsements of the use of force for peace and internal political change operations. Finally, individuals are significantly disapproving of operations that seek internal political changes in democratic targets, though in contrast to the democratic peace theory, for other types of interventions, they are indifferent to the regime type of the opponent.
Effective micropropagation of kale (Brassica oleracea convar. Acephala var. sabellica): one of the most important representatives of cruciferous crops
Authors: Kamińska Monika , Sliwinska Elwira
Published: March 2023

Kale (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala var. sabellica) is one of the oldest Brassica vegetable varieties with the highest nutritional value and stress resistance. This work aimed to establish an efficient kale micropropagation protocol. Shoot tips were used as explants during axillary shoots multiplication. The most effective cytokinin (6 and 10 shoots per explant after the 1st and 2nd passage, respectively) was 2.5 mg dm−3 6-benzylaminopurine. Rooting was the most effective on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg dm−3 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 95% rooted shoots). The highest survival rate during acclimatization to ex vitro conditions occurred when plantlets were planted in a soil and perlite mixture. No changes in DNA content were detected using flow cytometry. This paper additionally emphasizes problems associated with the abnormal development of some multiplied Brassicaceae shoots. Nevertheless, the results confirmed that kale micropropagation was successful without any phenotypic aberration.
Evaluation of BAYESIL for automated annotation of 1H NMR data using limited sample volumes: application to African elephant serum
Authors: van Zyl Christiaan De Wet , van Reenen Mari , Osthoff Gernot , du Preez Ilse
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Technological advancements enabled the analyses of limited sample volumes on 1H NMR. Manual spectral profiling of the data is, however, complex, and timely.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of BAYESIL for automated identification and quantification of 1H NMR spectra of limited volume samples.

Method

Aliquots of a pooled African elephant serum sample were analyzed using standard and reduced volumes. Performance was evaluated on confidence scores, non-detects and laboratory CV.

Results

Of the 47 compounds detected, 28 had favorable performances. The approach could differentiate samples based on biological variation.

Conclusions

BAYESIL is valuable for limited sample 1H NMR data analyses.
Design of a piezoelectrically actuated hydrocephalus shunt valve
Authors: Salih O. , Messina M. , Al-Jumeily D.
Published: March 2023

Hydrocephalus is currently managed by using traditional mechanical passive shunts. Due to their nature, these shunts have fundamental shortcomings including an increase in patient shunt dependency, absence of fault detection, and over drainage due to lack of shunt proactivity. There is a scientific consensus that the way forward to address these issues is through what is termed a smart shunt. The core component of this system is the mechatronic controllable valve. A design of a valve which utilises both the passive nature of the classical valves and the controllability feature of the fully automated valves is presented in this paper. The valve consists of a fluid compartment, a linear spring, and an ultrasonic piezoelectric element. The valve is designed to operate on a 5 V supply, to drain up to 300 mL/h, and it has an operational range between 10 and 20 mmHg. The design produced is considered feasible as it takes into consideration the multiple operation conditions associated with such an implanted system.

Graphical Abstract
Digitale Souveränität in soziotechnischen Systemen – KI-Nutzung und Krisenbewältigung
Authors: Hofmann Annelie , Hartmann Ernst A. , Shajek Alexandra
Published: March 2023

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation, diskutiert das Zusammenspiel der Konzepte soziotechnische Systeme und digitale Souveränität. Die jeweiligen theoretischen Hintergründe werden betrachtet und funktionale Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Gegenstandsbereichen hergeleitet. Es wird ein soziotechnischer Ansatz vorgeschlagen, mit dem Bewertungs- und Gestaltungskriterien für Handlungskontexte abgeleitet werden können, die der digitalen Souveränität von Unternehmen und Beschäftigten zuträglich sind. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden im Artikel zwei empirische Analyse- und Gestaltungsfelder skizziert: Im ersten empirischen Feld wird der Ansatz zur partizipativen Gestaltung von industriellen Arbeitsumgebungen eingesetzt, die durch die Einführung fortgeschrittener algorithmischer Systeme bzw. KI-Systemen (Künstliche Intelligenz) neu geprägt werden. Solche KI-basierten Systeme stellen u. A. wegen ihrer inhärenten Intransparenz eine große Herausforderung für Gestaltungen im Sinne digitaler Souveränität dar. In einem Workshop mit 50 Teilnehmenden aus verschiedenen Wirtschaftsunternehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen wurde dazu eine Matrix zur soziotechnischen Analyse von Arbeitsumgebungen entlang realer Fallbeispiele angewendet. Die drei Fallbeispiele stammten aus den Anwendungsfeldern Automobil, Brauerei und Verpackungstechnik. In allen drei Fällen geht es um die Integration von KI-gestützten Methoden in bestehende Arbeitsabläufe. Die Methode erlaubt eine strukturierte Interaktion mit synchroner Visualisierung von Gestaltungsideen, die für co-kreative Formate förderlich ist. Das zweite empirische Anwendungsfeld, auf das der soziotechnische Ansatz angewendet wurde, fokussiert die digitale Souveränität auf der Organisationsebene von Unternehmen und Einrichtungen. In der betrachteten Studie wurde erforscht, wie Organisationen mit den Herausforderungen der COVID-19-Pandemie umgegangen sind. Analysiert wurden fünf Branchen (Einzelhandel, Gesundheitswirtschaft einschließlich Pflege, Öffentliche Verwaltung, Unternehmensnahe Dienstleistungen, Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr) mit je vier Fallstudien, die die Auswirkungen der Krise auf der Grundlage leitfadengestützter Interviews sowohl mit der Arbeitgeber- als auch mit der Arbeitnehmerseite abbilden. Dabei zeigt sich, dass Zusammenhänge zwischen den Merkmalen soziotechnischer Systeme und digitaler Souveränität auch hier Interpretationshilfen bieten.
Rab11A Depletion in Microglia-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Proteome upon Beta-Amyloid Treatment
Authors: Mignogna Giuseppina , Fabrizi Cinzia , Correani Virginia , Giorgi Alessandra , Maras Bruno
Published: March 2023

Microglia, the macrophage-like glial cells, behave as sentinels against exogenous pathogens invading the neural tissue. Their commitment is not only confined to the defensive function, but they also perform balancing trophic activities such as neuronal postnatal development, remodeling and pruning of synapses. Likewise, microglia-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can play strategic roles in maintaining a healthy brain by modulating neuronal activity and by controlling neurite outgrowth as well as innate immune response. Nevertheless, strong evidence also points to their role in the development of neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we explored EV protein content released by BV2 microglial cells in a resting state and after stimulation with beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ), mimicking conditions occurring in AD. In the resting BV2 cells, we extended the list of proteins present in mouse microglia EV cargo with respect to those reported in the Vesiclepedia exosome database while, in amyloid-triggered microglia, we highlighted a pronounced drop in EV protein content. Focusing on Rab11A, a key factor in the recycling routes of amyloid species, we observed a dramatic decrease of this protein in Aβ-treated microglia EV cargo with respect to the EVs from the untreated sample. This decrease might affect the delivery of Rab11A to neurons thus increasing the harmful amyloid burden in neuronal cells that eventually may lead to their death. We tentatively proposed that alterations observed in EVs derived from Aβ-treated microglia may represent molecular features that, among others, shape the disease-associated microglial phenotype, a recently proposed subset of microglial population, present in neurodegenerative pathologies.
Changes and Forms of Sexual Behaviour in old age: A Qualitative Study of Older People in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ede Stephen Sunday , Chepngeno-Langat Gloria , Okoh Chisom Favour
Published: March 2023

The misconceptions that old age is an asexual phase of human life has been challenged by increasing empirical evidence which shows that sexual activity persists in old age albeit in different forms and frequency. This study examined how a group of older people in southeastern Nigeria express their sexual behaviour. The semi-structured individual interviews with 14 older people (9 male, 5 female) aged 60?89 years were conducted using an exploratory qualitative approach. The data generated were analysed thematically, and two themes were conceptualised including diverse sexual behaviour and mutual understanding. These themes supported a pattern among the participants where there is a drop in the frequency of physical sexual behaviour but their sexual interests were described to be more stable. However, the sexual interest is channelled into more intimate sexual behaviour. Thus, sexual behaviours in later life in this study were not declining but showed diversity and modifications; most have adjusted to incorporate more emotional bonding and caring. More so, what forms of sexual behaviour constitute for these older partners are often linked to the presence of dynamic interplay of influencing factors ingrained on the level of the older partners mutuality in understanding and responding to theencroaching age-related changes in their sexual behaviour. Remarkably, these factors could be controlled, which signposts a potential premise and point of policy and practical intervention to promote healthy sexual behaviour in later life.
Distant embolisation in infective endocarditis: characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Duffels Mariëlle G. J. , Germans Tjeerd , Bos-Schaap Annet , Drexhage Olivier , Wagenaar Jiri F. P. , van der Zant Friso M. , Hoogewerf Martine , Knol Remco J. J. , Umans Victor A. W. M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Infective endocarditis is a severe and potentially lethal cardiac disease. Recognition of the clinical features of endocarditis, such as distant embolisation, and adequate treatment should be initiated promptly given the grim perspective of upcoming virulent pathogens.

Methods

We report on our registry-based experience with outcomes of consecutive patients with infective endocarditis with distant embolisation. We aimed to describe the patient characteristics of infective endocarditis complicated by distant organ embolisation and the safety aspects of continuing endocarditis treatment at home in these patients.

Results

From November 2018 through April 2022, 157 consecutive patients were diagnosed with infective endocarditis. Of them, 38 patients (24%) experienced distant embolisation, either in the cerebrum (n = 18), a visceral organ (n = 5), the lungs (n = 7) or the myocardium (n = 8). Pathogens identified in blood cultures were predominantly streptococcal variants (43%), with only one culture-negative endocarditis case. Of the 18 patients with cerebral embolisation, 12 had neurological complaints and most often discrete abnormal findings on neurological examination. Six of the 8 cardiac embolism patients experienced chest pain before admission. Visceral organ and pulmonary embolism occurred silently. Of the 38 patients with distant embolisation, 17 could be discharged earlier by providing antibiotic treatment at home without complications.

Conclusion

This registry-based single-centre experience showed an incidence of distant embolisation in daily care of 24%. Cerebral and coronary embolisation provoked symptoms, while visceral emboli remained silent. Pulmonary emboli may present with inflammatory signs. Distant embolisation was not in itself a contra-indication for outpatient endocarditis@home treatment.
Regulation of ABC transporters by sex steroids may explain differences in drug resistance between sexes
Authors: Mineiro Rafael , Santos Cecília , Gonçalves Isabel , Lemos Manuel , Cavaco José Eduardo B. , Quintela Telma
Published: March 2023

Drug efficacy is dependent on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents. Tight junctions, detoxification enzymes, and drug transporters, due to their localization on epithelial barriers, modulate the absorption, distribution, and the elimination of a drug. The epithelial barriers which control the pharmacokinetic processes are sex steroid hormone targets, and in this way, sex hormones may also control the drug transport across these barriers. Thus, sex steroids contribute to sex differences in drug resistance and have a relevant impact on the sex-related efficacy of many therapeutic drugs. As a consequence, for the further development and optimization of therapeutic strategies, the sex of the individuals must be taken into consideration. Here, we gather and discuss the evidence about the regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters by sex steroids, and we also describe the signaling pathways by which sex steroids modulate ATP-binding cassette transporters expression, with a focus in the most important ATP-binding cassette transporters involved in multidrug resistance.
Quantification of The Performance of CMIP6 Models for Dynamic Downscaling in The North Pacific and Northwest Pacific Oceans
Authors: Oh Seok-Geun , Kim Bong-Gwan , Cho Yang-Ki , Son Seok-Woo
Published: March 2023

Selecting a reliable global climate model as the driving forcing in simulations with dynamic downscaling is critical for obtaining a reliable regional ocean climate. With respect to their accuracy in providing physical quantities and long-term trends, we quantify the performances of 17 models from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) over the North Pacific (NP) and Northwest Pacific (NWP) oceans for 1979–2014. Based on normalized evaluation measures, each model’s performance for a physical quantity is mainly quantified by the performance score (PS), which ranges from 0 to 100. Overall, the CMIP6 models reasonably reproduce the physical quantities of the driving variables and the warming ocean heat content and temperature trends. However, their performances significantly depend on the variables and region analyzed. The EC-Earth-Veg and CNRM-CM6-1 models show the best performances for the NP and NWP oceans, respectively, with the highest PS values of 85.89 and 76.97, respectively. The EC-Earth3 model series are less sensitive to the driving variables in the NP ocean, as reflected in their PS. The model performance is significantly dependent on the driving variables in the NWP ocean. Nevertheless, providing a better physical quantity does not correlate with a better performance for trend. However, MRI-ESM2-0 model shows a high performance for the physical quantity in the NWP ocean with warming trends similar to references, and it could thus be used as an appropriate driving forcing in dynamic downscaling of this ocean. This study provides objective information for studies involving dynamic downscaling of the NP and NWP oceans.
Friend or foe: Ambrosia beetle response to volatiles of common threats in their fungus gardens
Authors: Diehl Janina M. C. , Kassie Denicia , Biedermann Peter H. W.
Published: March 2023

Fungus farming insects encounter multiple microbial threats in their cultivar gardens. They can affect both the nutritional cultivar and the insect’s health. In this study, we explored the potential of ambrosia beetles and their larvae to detect the presence of antagonistic or entomopathogenic fungi. The ability to recognize a threat offers individuals a chance to react. Our study organism, the fruit-tree pinhole borer,Xyleborinus saxesenii, is associated with two mutualistic fungi,Dryadomyces sulphureus(Raffaelea sulphurea)andRaffaelea canadensis. Both symbionts were tested in combinations with two common fungus-garden weeds (Aspergillussp. andPenicillium commune) and the entomopathogenBeauveria bassianain two-choice experiments. Behavioural repellence was found in many, but not all combinations. Larvae and adult females showed an opposite response to the entomopathogen, whereas forAspergillussp., neither provoked repellence nor attraction of larvae and adult females, ifR. canadensiswas used as lure. Our results validate a response of both larvae and adult ambrosia beetles towards other fungal volatiles. Their decision to confront a potential threat or preferably to avoid it could be subject to a more complex context.
Repeatability of brain phase-based magnetic resonance electric properties tomography methods and effect of compressed SENSE and RF shimming
Authors: Cao Jun , Ball Iain , Humburg Peter , Dokos Socrates , Rae Caroline
Published: March 2023

Magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography (MREPT) is an emerging imaging modality to noninvasively measure tissue conductivity and permittivity. Implementation of MREPT in the clinic requires repeatable measurements at a short scan time and an appropriate protocol. The aim of this study was to investigate the repeatability of conductivity measurements using phase-based MREPT and the effects of compressed SENSE (CS), and RF shimming on the precision of conductivity measurements. Conductivity measurements using turbo spin echo (TSE) and three-dimensional balanced fast field echo (bFFE) with CS factors were repeatable. Conductivity measurement using bFFE phase showed smaller mean and variance that those measured by TSE. The conductivity measurements using bFFE showed minimal deviation with CS factors up to 8, with deviation increasing at CS factors > 8. Subcortical structures produced less consistent measurements than cortical parcellations at higher CS factors. RF shimming using full slice coverage 2D dual refocusing echo acquisition mode (DREAM) and full coverage 3D dual TR approaches further improved measurement precision. BFFE is a more optimal sequence than TSE for phase-based MREPT in brain. Depending on the area of the brain being measured, the scan can be safely accelerated with compressed SENSE without sacrifice of precision, offering the potential to employ MREPT in clinical research and applications. RF shimming with better field mapping further improves precision of the conductivity measures.
Reviewing simulator-based training and assessment in maritime education: a topic modelling approach for tracing conceptual developments
Authors: Wiig A. Camilla , Sellberg Charlott , Solberg Mads
Published: March 2023

This study reviews literature of simulation-based training and assessment to trace conceptual developments in maritime education and training (MET). Our aim is to highlight and examine the historical trajectory of salient topics in MET with the goal of help developing the field forward. The investigation is based on articles published from 1961 to 2021 (n = 87) on simulation-based training and assessment in maritime academic journals. The first review of its kind in MET, the study combines quantitative topic modelling and qualitative content analyses of exemplary texts. Our study investigates: (a) how training and assessment in simulations are conceptualised in MET research and (b) how these conceptualisations have developed over the decades. Our review reveals an educational field dominated by human factors research and dedicated to upholding industry standards. Moreover, adopting quantitative text mining we identified four prominent topics in the literature. These revolve around management of resources, academic performance, simulator training and authentic assessment. A more in-depth qualitative content analysis of the model, tracing conceptual developments over time, suggests that the word ‘learning’ occurs for the first time in 1980. As a concept for scientific inquiry, learning does not gain prominence in the literature on simulation in MET before 2021. Our results suggest some future directions of research and offer a methodological framework for future reviews in maritime affairs that combines quantitative topic modelling with qualitative content analysis.
The Evolution of Swallowing Rehabilitation and Emergence of Biofeedback Modalities
Authors: Huckabee Maggie-Lee , Mills Madeline , Flynn Ruth , Doeltgen Sebastian
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to consolidate evidence related to the use of biofeedback in swallowing rehabilitation. Rather than a comprehensive review, we provide a historical and conceptual justification for integration of biofeedback modalities in the treatment of dysphagia.

Recent Findings

Although biofeedback has been used for decades in/as an adjunct to muscle strengthening rehabilitation programmes, advances in our understanding of swallowing neural control provide potential for new applications of technology to facilitate swallowing recovery. New research highlights the emergence of skill-based swallowing training, which focuses on adaptation of specific components of timing and coordination in the swallowing motor plan. This research suggests positive clinical outcomes using feedback that is impairment specific and is designed with principles of neuroplasticity in mind.

The emerging emphasis on motor control, rather than muscle strength, implicates a critical role for the use of biofeedback modalities to allow conscious insights into specific aspects of the generally obscure swallowing process.
The Role of Students’ Beliefs, Parents' Educational Level, and The Mediating Role of Attitude and Motivation in Students’ Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Hidayatullah Achmad , Csíkos Csaba
Published: March 2023

Investigating factors affecting students’ academic performance seems a hard job for researchers on the empirical front. Beliefs, parents' educational background, motivation, and attitudes have been proven significantly influence achievement. However, concurrent research on the relationship among these variables seems scarce. Therefore, to contribute to this gap in knowledge, the purpose of this study is to examine the structural relationships among beliefs, parents' educational level, attitude, motivation, and achievement in mathematics learning. We selected 30 classes randomly from six schools in Surabaya, Indonesia. This study involved 894 fifth- and sixth-grade students (448 boys and 446 girls). Structural equation modeling results showed that this model predicts students’ achievement in mathematics (R2 = 0.49). Beliefs are positively associated with students’ achievement (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), attitude (β = 0.82, p < 0.001), and motivation (β = 0.68, p < 0.001). Parents' educational level is positively associated with achievements (β = 0.17, p < 0.001) and motivation (β = 0.07, p = 0.04). Beliefs were indirectly associated with achievements through attitude (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and motivation (β = 0.08, p = 0.01). The indirect association between parents' educational level and achievement through motivation was insignificant. This study is valuable because it helps unpack the relationship between beliefs, parents' educational level, attitudes, motivation, and achievement.