bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water paradox in Jakarta (Indonesia)
Authors: Anggrahita H. , Guswandi
Published: November 2019

Indonesia is known as the largest archipelago in the world that is located in the equator line; particularly in a region characterized by a heavy rainfall with a generally high annual precipitation [1]. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is situated in the northern coast of Java Sea. Due to its geographical position, Jakarta benefits from a high precipitation, on average 2500 mm/year [2], but unevenly distributed timely and spatially. Moreover, Jakarta has 13 principal rivers across the city, but poor water quality. Besides, Jakarta’s artesian basin is productive, but intruded by brackish water from Java Sea. Thus, physically, Jakarta has an abundance of water. However, Jakarta deals with a severe crisis of clean water indicating a paradox: plentiful water resources yet limited clean water. The Jakarta’s inhabitants certainly need the water in their daily activities. This paradox eventually affects their water fulfillment, which attracts the attention of the actors, such as central government, provincial government, water service providers, environmental NGOs, etc.). Each actor probably responds differently, depending on his/her interests. This actors’ behavior constructs current water provision in Jakarta.

Based on the issues above, this paper intends to illustrate the state of the art of water paradox in Jakarta. Besides, this paper tries to analyze how the actors respond to this paradox. To reach these objectives, we mobilizes the approach “multilevel and multi governance” because after the fall of General Suharto’s authoritarian government in 1998, Indonesia has entered to “democratic” and “good governance” era. It means that not only central government who involves in water but also other institutions including non-governmental ones. To collect the data, we mobilize primary sources from field works and secondary ones from government and non-government.

There are several results of this research. Firstly, although human activities change the physical landscape of water provision in Jakarta, the nature still determines human. For example, due to the meander form of Jakarta’s rivers, water debit is naturally low creating difficulty during clean water production. Secondly, through the analysis of multilevel multi governance, in general we found that there are contradictive actions between the actors: tensions and conflicts, and cooperation. For example, although there is a schema of “Public Private Partnership” between the Government of Indonesia and its partners: Palyja and Aetra, the multinational companies that received water concession production, the conflict happens between them.
What Kind of Geography Education Research is There?
Authors: Josef Tan Hua Hui
Published: November 2019

The broad aim of this paper is to support teachers in the use of published research in improving geography instruction. Despite the promotion of research-based (or evidence-based) practices, not many teachers prioritise reading research. This is because making research-based instructional decisions can be fairly time consuming. Research findings need to be combined with teachers' value judgment, and their tacit understanding of students' needs. As such, the potential of GER to improve geography instruction remains largely untapped. This paper seeks to encourage geography teachers to read GER, by describing what kind of GER is available for what kind of improvements in geography education. Three high quality GER journals were identified using the CiteScore and Journal Impact Factor metrics. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2016 in these three journals were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results show that there is a large volume of GER that practitioners could consult. Although most GER scholars are based in a small number of English-speaking countries, GER covers cases from diverse parts of the world. Also, GER is most concerned with issues related to curriculum development and spatial thinking. These are topics relevant to both policymakers and classroom teachers. However, GER has not comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of different instructional approaches. As such, teachers may need to search beyond GER to achieve improvements in classroom instruction.
Sorting of wastewaters for urban and rural recycling and reuse
Authors: Hogland William , Burlakovs Juris , Jani Yhia
Published: November 2019

The drinking water of good quality, in enough quantity at right time start to be very scarce in the world. At the same time perfect drinking water is used to flushing toilet, cleansing of sewage pipes, washing of industry floors, firefighting, washing of cars and trucks etc. Also agriculture is suffering of lack of water for irrigation during dry periods and it is necessary to use drinking water or river/lake water of high quality to get rich harvest of good quality. In the future drinking water must just be used as food stuff and not wasted in the society. People must, since they are children, be trained to respect the drinking water and not waste a single drop. Also, storm water can be considered as a source of fresh water if it collected and recycled properly. Recycling/reuse of treated/reclaimed wastewater will help to mitigate part of the increasing water demands in the society and secondary water can be used in non-potable end paths such as agriculture, industry or even recharging water aquifers. Reclaimed/technical or recycled water for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets, irrigation and other uses will be very important in modern society in the future.
Management methods of nitrate content in potato applicable to the soil-climate conditions of Russia
Authors: Korshunov Alexandr , Gaitova Natalya , Gaitov Marat , Cheremisin Alexey , Gerner Angelika
Published: November 2019

Determination of potato quality should not be limited only to the usually established list of indicators (marketability, starch content, dry matter content, etc.). The safety of crop products should also be analyzed by the presence of undesirable compounds, most often of anthropogenic origin (nitrates, pesticides, radionuclides, heavy metals). Sometimes a quality indicator that does not have an obvious cost is overlooked – the so-called biological or hygienic quality of the product, which significantly affects human health. The biological quality of the product is more important than the yield although it does not have a commercial price. Product quality management requires careful analysis to identify the causes of excessive accumulation of nitrates during the growing season and, on this basis, to develop methods that eliminate them, and then methods to reduce the concentration of NO3 in already grown tubers. Nitrosamines and nitrosamides formed from nitrates with the participation of nitrites have pronounced carcinogenic, mutagenic and embryotoxic properties. In Russia, according to sanitary and hygienic standards, the MPC of nitrates for potato is 250 mg/kg, and for children and diet food the values are even lower – 80 mg/kg of raw tubers.
New architectural and planning solutions as a mean of ecological modernization and reconstruction of urban environment (on the example of Shanghai city, China)
Authors: Van Shanshan , Cheremisin Alexey , Chusov Alexander , Zueva Olga , Dolgopolov Alexey , Nikulina Elena , Switala Franciszek , Davydov Roman
Published: November 2019

The results of research represented in the article relate to ecological modernization and reconstruction of urban environment on the example of planning efficient usage and improvement of former industrial zones territories of Shanghai city. A one of them is Taopu district. The main criteria and content of environmental assessment are developed. The territories were redeveloped with taking into account environmental potential of the urban areas on the base of calculations carried out and analysis of data obtained. Planning for further use of the former Taopu industrial zone could help the theory and practical experience of construction of eco-cities in China and in the world.
Defeat Fusarium fungi underground and aboveground system of wheat in the conditions of gray-forest and dark chestnut soils
Authors: Strel’tsova Valentina , Podkovyrov Igor , Sevryugina Alexandra , Spiridonov Yury , Ovsyankina Alla , Gerner Angelika
Published: November 2019

The Investigations of the dynamics of facultative parasites in the period of plant development showed that the most frequent are weak (for wheat) of the pathogens F. solani, F. oxysporum; from strong – F. moniliforme, F, avenaceum. After overwintering plants, a decrease in the occurrence of weak pathogens, and increasing, stronger, more aggressive threat. This suggests that the overwintering is a very adverse period in the life of plants and is accompanied by negative changes in the colonizing microbiota. In the spring to beginning of earing observed the growth of strong and weak colonizing fungal pathogens, which often makes it necessary to conduct this phase of the development of protective fungicide treatments against fusariosis. In the conducted experiments, the yield increase of winter wheat on various predecessors of such treatments was often significant, at the level of 20-30% or more.
Solidago canadensis impacts on tillable land withdrawn from the farming turnover
Authors: Shelepova Olga , Galkina Maria , Dubovik Dmitry , Skuratovich Arkady , Spiridovich Elena , Vinogradova Yulia
Published: November 2019

Solidago canadensis is the extremely aggressive alien species. Our study aimed to monitor the invasiveness of S. canadensis in the abandoned lands. The parameters characterizing its invasiveness (average shoot length, foliage projective cover, average number of vegetative shoots, average number of generative shoots in S. canadensis and the average number of associated species at the plots) were measured at two plant communities of the abandoned lands. According to our results, the invasion reduced the native plant species richness throughout 2016 and 2018. Therefore, the invasion of this species diverts of the vegetation succession, alters the mutual links between the native elements of these old fields.
Environmental educational project as a way of forming a healthy food culture
Authors: Belyakov Nikolay
Published: November 2019

In the article, the author reveals the main directions of European research in the field of environmental education and the ecology of health. Examples of projects implemented in higher educational institutions, colleges and schools are given. The article outlines the relevance, the main stages and results of the implementation of the environmental educational project in the Tomsk region. The author, together with the staff of educational and scientific institutions, implemented a project whose product was business ideas for using the regional plant ecosystem resource for the production of healthy food. The purpose of the project is the study and practical application of the plant resource of the ecosystem of the Tomsk Region for the production of healthy foods. Stages of the project are analytical, organizational, practical, presentation. The methods used in the project are design, analytical, development. The result of the project was the presentation of business projects of college students.
The development of small and medium-sized businesses, as the basis for a balanced development of agriculture in Russia
Authors: Yushkova Victoria , Kostin Gennady , Davydov Roman , Rud Sergey , Dudkin Valentin , Valiullin Lenar
Published: November 2019

The article of the current state of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Russian Federation is discussed. Particular attention is paid the problems solving of small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas. The main reasons that impede the innovative development of small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas are determined. The proposals to improve the efficiency of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation are presented.
Microwave gasdischarge source of biologically active UV radiation and ozone as efficient means for sanitation of the indoor air
Authors: Ivashkin Pavel , Andreev Sergey , Moryakov Ivan , Ovsyankina Alla , Rud’ Ivan , Sevostyanov Sergey , Savchenko Ivan , Tsybulsky Alexey , Denisov Roman
Published: November 2019

A new system of UV sanitization of the air environment in the premises of OVOD-1a, based on high-efficiency microwave gasdischarge lamps developed in GPI RAS, is described. The first experiments demonstrating the air purification capabilities of UV equipment were carried out. It is shown that in the laboratory premises used for the stay of livestock breeding in agriculture, the energy price of almost complete purification of the air from viral and fungal components is about η ≈ 10−2kW·h/m3. Bacterial sanitation of laboratory space is carried out with an energy cost of η ≈ 3·10−2kW·h/m3. The fundamental physical processes underlying microwave UV lamps, which are the main component of OVOD-1a sanitation system, are discussed.
Activation of aqueous solutions by high-frequency glow discharge plasma in water vapor to stimulate growth and control diseases of agricultural plants
Authors: Apasheva Ludmila , Danyleiko Yurij , Egorov Aleksej , Korshunov Alexandr , Demin Dmitry , Sidorov Vladimir , Shilin Leonid , Bogun Inna
Published: November 2019

The results of an experimental study of the activation of weak aqueous solutions of a strong electrolyte with a low-temperature glow discharge plasma are presented. A method for producing an activated aqueous solution based on 0.9 % NaCl solution in a glow discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure is presented. The main characteristics of the activated aqueous solution, including the Raman spectrum at a wavelength λ = 514,53 nm, are shown. The results of experiments on the test objects give an assessment of the effectiveness of the effect of the obtained activated aqueous solution on various crops. In particular, experimental confirmation of the possibility of using this activated solution as a plant growth regulator was obtained.
Method of preparation and biological activity of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution
Authors: Ashurov Mukhsindjan , Belov Sergej , Danyleiko Yurij , Otamirzaev Nodirbek , Korshunov Alexandr , Demin Dmitry , Bogun Inna
Published: November 2019

The possibility of increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide by using an electrolyte based on aqueous solutions of sodium sulfate or potassium sulfate salts is substantiated and implemented. Limit values of acidity and values of electrochemical potential of the activated aqueous solution are established. The obtained experimental confirmation of the possibility of the use of activated solution “Plasmolite” as a plant growth regulator.
Development of software for plant leaf area estimation
Authors: Astashev Mikhail , Beloshapkina Olga , Kvitko Andrey , Matasov Alexey , Zakharyan Roman , Bogun Inna
Published: November 2019

Created software capable of estimating leaf area in laboratory and field conditions. The software allows you to work with photos with any large-scale tags. The paper presents an example of using software with a real example.
Tropospheric ozone as a risk factor for crop production in central regions of Russia
Authors: Stepanov Evgeniy , Kotelnikov Sergey , Ratushnyk Genady , Kovaleva Tatyana , Nikulina Elena , Diuldin Maksim
Published: November 2019

Surface ozone is considered as a risk factor for crop production in the territory of central Russia. The known mechanisms of the effect of ozone on plants are given, and the levels of ozone in the surface atmosphere that are dangerous for various groups of plants are discussed. The data of long-term monitoring of tropospheric ozone in central Russia (Vyatskiye Polyany town) are given, which indicate that due to the ongoing climate change and the increase in atmospheric pollution with nitrogen oxides, volatile hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, even in central Russia with a moderate non-hot climate there is a significant increase in the ozone content of the surface atmosphere. Moreover, the doses of exposure to ground-level ozone, which can be exposed to plants in central Russia, are comparable and even exceed the levels considered safe.
Soil fertilizer based on selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Shafeev Gergyi , Barmina Ekaterina , Valiullin Lenar , Simakin Alexey , Ovsyankina Alla , Demin Denis , Kosolapov Vladimir , Korshunov Alexander , Denisov Roman
Published: November 2019

The using laser ablation of massive selenium targets, aqueous colloids of selenium nanoparticles were obtained. The resulting nanoparticles are monodisperse in size and mass. The paper presents the optical properties of nanoparticles, morphology and composition. It has been shown that selenium nanoparticles do not significantly affect the development of plants under reference conditions, but effectively level the effects of hyperthermia. The most effective concentration of selenium nanoparticles in the soil is a concentration of 10 μg / kg.
The effect of acidification of pig slurry digestate applied on winter rapeseed on the ammonia emission reduction
Authors: Eihe Paula , Vebere Lasma Lucija , Grinfelde Inga , Pilecka Jovita , Sachpazidou Varvara , Grinberga Linda
Published: November 2019

The Agriculture is the main source of ammonia emissions. It generates around 75% of global emissions of ammonia to the atmosphere and soil fertilisation accounts for half of agricultural emissions. Ammonia emissions have a negative impact on ecosystems and human health, as it is able to accumulate both as solid particles and as an integral part of acid cases. Measures to reduce ammonia emissions can be divided into three large groups: the first group is ammonia-reducing measures in animal housing, the second group is ammonia-reducing measures during manure storage, and the third group is ammonia-reducing measures during the application of manure. Measurements of ammonia emissions were carried out in the parish of Jaunberze, which took place on 30 April and 1 May 2018. Sulphuric acid was used for acidification of pig slurry digestate. Picarro G2508 was used for on field measurement of ammonia concentrations with 1 second interval, a measurement time of one session was 400 seconds. The volume of the chamber was 60 l and was connected to the Picarro G2508 using a 10 m long Teflon tube. The measurement of ammonia emissions was with three repetitions for each measurement, with a reference error of less than 5%. Emissions were measured at different time intervals: immediately after digestate distribution, 2 hours, 4 hours and the 24 hours after digestate application. The emission of ammonia from digestate without vegetation after 24 hours was 13 kg ha−1, for acidified digestate without vegetation 8.5 kg ha −1, while the acidified digestate with vegetation within 24 hours reached 2.5 kg of ha −1 ammonia emissions, five times lower than that of non-vegetation.
Industrial symbiosis efficiency parameters in context of Regional sustainable development
Authors: Viederyte Rasa , Paulauskiene Tatjana , Anne Olga , Abele Lilita
Published: November 2019

Regional sustainable development demands detailed structured efficiency counting methods overview, which allow to analyse industrial symbiosis effects. Currently industrial symbiosis is defined as mutual commercial and managerial co-habitat of business entities, which mainly in scientific literature are analysed in terms of legislative procedures and management rules. Regional sustainable development depends on Industrial symbiosis efficiency and synergy, which also can be counted by using methods of applied efficiency parameters. The article analyses the main efficiency counting parameters, used to evaluate industrial symbiosis in terms of regional sustainable development systems.
Angular momentum supercontinuum from fibre rings
Authors: Maitland Calum , Biancalana Fabio
Published: December 2019

Broadband, coherent light carrying optical angular momentum (AM) is of potential utility for a variety of classical and quantum communication applications, but at present few such sources exist. We study the theory of generation of supercontinua in a ring array of coupled optical fibres. Short pulses carrying discrete AM undergo soliton fission, spontaneously breaking azimuthal symmetry. This results in a train of pulses with a broadband frequency spectrum as well as a non-trivial AM distribution. These spatio-temporal solitary waves, localised around a single fibre core, emit an unusual form of resonant radiation which can be present even in the absence of intrinsic higher order dispersion, being induced by the lattice dispersion of the ring array. We explore how the coupling properties between fibre cores affect the resulting supercontinuum, in particular how mildly twisting the array can effectively manipulate its AM content and resonant frequencies through the induced Peierls phase.
Mechanical properties and microstructure analysis of welding-brazing of Al/ti butt joint with Zn foil additive
Authors: Xu Chuan , Peng Cheng
Published: December 2019

TIG welding-brazing features of 5052 Al alloy and Ti6Al4V alloy in butt configuration with Zn foil additive were studied with varying welding heat input. The joint morphology, mechanical performance, microstructure and joining mechanism were investigated in terms of experiment observation and analysis. Results reveal that the TIG welding-brazing process was successfully developed to join 5052 Al alloy and Ti6Al4V alloy. With low heat input, a mass of residual Zn and a thin TiAl3 IMCs layer occurred in the fusion area and brazing area respectively. And with optimal heat input, both the homogeneous diffusion of Zn atoms and the formation of clubbed interfacial reaction layer were beneficial to enhance joint performance. The optimized Al/Ti joint with the maximum joining strength of 192MPa was obtained under the current of 90A. Fracture occurred in the weld seam zone adjacent to the interface of Al/Ti and the fracture morphology was characterized by typical dimples and tearing ridges.
Association of exercise with all-cause mortality in older Taipei residents
Authors: Lai Yun-Ju , Yen Yung-Feng , Chen Li-Jung , Ku Po-Wen , Chen Chu-Chieh , Lin Yu-Kai
Published: December 2019

Background

Human life expectancy has increased rapidly in recent decades. Regular exercise can promote health, but the effect of exercise on mortality is not yet well understood.

Objective

To investigate the association of exercise with mortality in the older people.

Methods

We used data from annual health check-ups of the older citizens of Taipei in 2006. Participants were interviewed by trained nurses using a structured questionnaire to collect data on demographics and lifestyle behaviours. Overnight fasting blood was collected for measuring blood glucose, liver and renal function and lipid profiles. Exercise frequency was categorised into no exercise, 1–2 times in a week and more than 3–5 times in a week. All-cause mortality was ascertained from the National Registration of Death. All participants were followed up until death or December 312012, whichever came first. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to investigate the association between exercise and all-cause mortality.

Results

In total, 42,047 older people were analysed; 22,838 (54.32%) were male and with a mean (SD) age of 74.58 (6.32) years. Kaplan–Meier curves of all-cause mortality stratified by exercise frequency demonstrated significant findings (Log-rank P < 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that older people with higher exercise levels had a significantly decreased risk of mortality (moderate exercise HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68–0.81, high exercise HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.59–0.70) after adjusting for potential confounders, with a significant trend (P for trend<0.01).

Conclusions

Older people with increased exercise levels had a significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality.
Alcohol Sponsorship and Esports: Reinforcing the Need for Legislative Restrictions on Alcohol Sponsorship
Authors: Chambers Tim
Published: December 2019

Alcohol sponsorship in esports is on the rise. Many esports athletes and viewers are children and young people. Alcohol sponsorship of esports places millions of children and young people at risk of alcohol-related harm. Action on alcohol sponsorship in esports may provide policy makers an opportunity for greater restrictions on all alcohol sports sponsorship.
Neuropsychological Assessment of Professional Ice Hockey Players: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Baseline Data Across Language Groups
Authors: Echemendia Ruben J , Thelen Joanie , Meeuwisse Willem , Hutchison Michael G , Rizos John , Comper Paul , Bruce Jared M
Published: November 2019

Objective

Neuropsychological testing in sports has become routine across all levels of play. The National Hockey League (NHL) has conducted baseline neuropsychological assessment of all players since 1997. This study seeks to examine baseline differences among linguistically and culturally diverse groups within the NHL and to present comprehensive normative data for these groups.

Method

Baseline data were obtained from 3,145 professional hockey players’ baseline symptom reporting, neuropsychological test performance on a battery of traditional “paper and pencil” measures, and self-reported concussion history. In addition, 604 baseline post-injury paper and pencil evaluations were conducted the season following a concussion and 4,780 computerized baseline ImPACT administrations were obtained following the introduction of computerized testing.

Results

Normative data for paper and pencil tests and ImPACT are presented for the major language groups within the league: English, French, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Finnish, and German (ImPACT only). It was found that symptom reporting, the number of concussions sustained, and neuropsychological test results vary significantly based on a players’ language of origin. This variability was also present when players were tested in their language of origin.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the significant baseline differences that exist among NHL players regarding symptoms, concussion history, and cognitive functioning. The findings are discussed with respect to the evaluation and management of NHL players who sustain concussion and more generally in the context of neuropsychological assessment in cross-cultural settings, including the importance of examining neuropsychological functioning using culturally specific norms.
Making the Subjective Objective: Machine Learning and Rhinoplasty
Authors: Dorfman Robert , Chang Irene , Saadat Sean , Roostaeian Jason
Published: December 2019

Background

Machine learning represents a new frontier in surgical innovation. The ranking Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a novel machine learning algorithm that helps elucidate patterns and features of aging that are not always appreciable with the human eye.

Objectives

The authors sought to determine the impact of aesthetic rhinoplasty on facial aging employing a multidimensional facial recognition and comparison software.

Methods

A retrospective chart review and subsequent analysis was carried out on all female patients who underwent open rhinoplasty with the senior author from 2014 through 2018 and had postoperative photos at 12 or more weeks follow-up. All photos were analyzed with Microsoft Azure Face API (Redmond, WA), which estimates patients’ age by cropping the face from a photograph and then extracting a CNN-based prediction through multiple deep neural networks.

Results

A total of 100 patients ultimately met full inclusion criteria. The average post-surgical follow up for this cohort was 29 weeks (median, 14 weeks; range, 12-64 weeks). Patients ranged from 16 to 72 years old (mean, 32.75 years; median, 28.00 years; standard deviation, 12.79 years). The ranking CNN algorithm on average estimated patients preoperatively to be 0.03 years older than their actual age. The correlation coefficient between actual age and predicted preoperative age was r = 0.91. On average, patients were found to look younger post-open rhinoplasty (−3.10 vs 0.03 years, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The ranking CNN algorithm is both accurate and precise in estimating human age before and after cosmetic rhinoplasty. Given the resulting data, the effects of open rhinoplasty on reversing signs of facial aging should be revisited.

Level of Evidence: 4
RocaSec: a standalone GUI-based package for robust co-evolutionary analysis of proteins
Authors: Quadeer Ahmed A , Morales-Jimenez David , McKay Matthew R
Published: December 2019

Patterns of mutational correlations, learnt from protein sequences, have been shown to be informative of co-evolutionary sectors that are tightly linked to functional and/or structural properties of proteins. Previously, we developed a statistical inference method, robust co-evolutionary analysis (RoCA), to reliably predict co-evolutionary sectors of proteins, while controlling for statistical errors caused by limited data. RoCA was demonstrated on multiple viral proteins, with the inferred sectors showing close correspondences with experimentally-known biochemical domains. To facilitate seamless use of RoCA and promote more widespread application to protein data, here we present a standalone cross-platform package ‘RocaSec’ which features an easy-to-use GUI. The package only requires the multiple sequence alignment of a protein for inferring the co-evolutionary sectors. In addition, when information on the protein biochemical domains is provided, RocaSec returns the corresponding statistical association between the inferred sectors and biochemical domains.

Availability and implementation

The RocaSec software is publicly available under the MIT License at https://github.com/ahmedaq/RocaSec.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Isolation and predation drive gecko life-history evolution on islands
Authors: Schwarz Rachel , Itescu Yuval , Antonopoulos Antonis , Gavriilidi Ioanna-Aikaterini , Tamar Karin , Pafilis Panayiotis , Meiri Shai
Published: November 2019

Insular animals are thought to be under weak predation pressure and increased intraspecific competition compared with those on the mainland. Thus, insular populations are predicted to evolve ‘slow’ life histories characterized by fewer and smaller clutches of larger eggs, a pattern called the ‘island syndrome’. To test this pattern, we collected data on egg volume, clutch size and laying frequency of 31 Aegean Island populations of the closely related geckos of the Mediodactylus kotschyi species complex. We tested how predation pressure, resource abundance, island area and isolation influenced reproductive traits. Isolation and predation were the main drivers of variation in life-history traits. Higher predator richness seemed to promote faster life histories, perhaps owing to predation on adults, whereas the presence of boas promoted slower life histories, perhaps owing to release from predation by rats on the eggs of geckos. Insular geckos followed only some of the predictions of the ‘island syndrome’. Predation pressure seemed to be more complex than expected and drove life histories of species in two opposing directions. Our results highlight the importance of considering the identity of specific predators in ecological studies.
Interaction between PI3K/AKT and Hippo pathways during in vitro follicular activation and response to fragmentation and chemotherapy exposure using a mouse immature ovary model
Authors: Devos Melody , Grosbois Johanne , Demeestere Isabelle
Published: December 2019

Understanding and control of the massive and accelerated follicular growth that occurs during in vitro culture of ovarian tissue is a crucial step toward the development of efficient culture systems that offer an attractive alternative to ovarian tissue transplantation for fertility restoration in cancer survivors. One outstanding question focuses on processes that occur prior to cryopreservation, such as tissue sectioning or chemotherapeutic treatment, might exacerbate this follicular activation. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is well known as a major trigger of physiological and chemotherapy-induced follicular activation, studies have shown that disruption of Hippo pathway due to ovarian fragmentation acts as an additional stimulator. This study aimed to characterize the possible interactions between these pathways using post-natal day 3 mouse ovaries cultured for 4 or 48 h. Morphology, gene transcription, and protein levels were assessed to investigate the impact of sectioning or chemotherapy exposure (4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide [4HC], 3 and 20 μM). The effect of an mTORC1 inhibitor, Everolimus, alone or as a 4HC co-treatment to prevent follicle activation was evaluated. The results showed that organ removal from its physiological environment was as effective as sectioning for disruption of Hippo pathway and induction of follicle activation. Both PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hippo pathways were involved in chemotherapy-induced follicular activation and responded to fragmentation. Surprisingly, Everolimus was able to prevent the activation of both pathways during chemotherapy exposure, suggesting cross-talk between them. This study underscores the major involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hippo pathways in in vitro follicle activation and provides evidence that both can be regulated using mTORC1 inhibitor.
Covariate Assisted Principal regression for covariance matrix outcomes
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Bingkai , Mostofsky Stewart H , Caffo Brian S , Luo Xi
Published: December 2019

In this study, we consider the problem of regressing covariance matrices on associated covariates. Our goal is to use covariates to explain variation in covariance matrices across units. As such, we introduce Covariate Assisted Principal (CAP) regression, an optimization-based method for identifying components associated with the covariates using a generalized linear model approach. We develop computationally efficient algorithms to jointly search for common linear projections of the covariance matrices, as well as the regression coefficients. Under the assumption that all the covariance matrices share identical eigencomponents, we establish the asymptotic properties. In simulation studies, our CAP method shows higher accuracy and robustness in coefficient estimation over competing methods. In an example resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study of healthy adults, CAP identifies human brain network changes associated with subject demographics.
Growing evidence links air pollution exposure to risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia
Authors: Power Melinda C
Published: December 2019

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Particulate matter and episodic memory decline mediated by early neuroanatomic biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease’, by Younan et al. (doi: 10.1093/brain/awz348).
The Concept of Moral Ecology in Media Sociology Research
Authors: Plaisance Patrick Lee
Published: December 2019

This project provides an explication of moral ecology, tracing its roots from 19th-century scientific approaches to its 20th-century critical-cultural focus, and introducing its latest moral-psychology incarnation for future media research. While the rich media ecology scholarship has focused primarily on the realm of effects, emerging applications of the moral ecology concept are shifting that focus onto the sociological processes and organizational structures involved in the formation of moral dispositions and standards. This project promotes an argument for why moral ecology should be considered an essential focus of media sociology research in general and media ethics scholarship in particular. Such a focus spotlights the organizational-level factors that serve to help or hinder the ability of media workers to act virtuously and uphold professional norms.
Meta-analysis of studies examining the external validity of the dual antiplatelet therapy score
Authors: Witberg Guy , Zusman Oren , Yahav Dafna , Perl Leor , Vaknin-Assa Hana , Kornowski Ran
Published: December 2019

Aims

The dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) score is meant to aid clinicians choose the DAPT duration but attempts to examine the external validity of the DAPT score and its decision tool have reported mostly disappointing results. Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of all available data on the external validity of the DAPT score.

Methods and results

We conducted a meta-analysis of studies that examined the external validity of the DAPT score/its decision tool. Seven studies (77 274 patients) were included. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 (median 18) months. Overall, high (≥2) DAPT score was associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction (MI)/stent thrombosis (ST) [odds ratio (OR) 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–1.69; P < 0.01], and lower risk for bleeding (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–0.97; P = 0.01). In the high DAPT score stratum, extended (12–24 months), as compared to standard (6–12 months) DAPT duration was associated with a reduction in the risk for MI/ST (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.94; P = 0.02), and no difference in the risk for bleeding (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.65–1.66; P = 0.88), while in the low DAPT score stratum, extended DAPT duration was associated with no difference in the risk for MI/ST (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.76–1.43; P = 0.80), and an increased risk for bleeding (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.15–2.15; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This first meta-analysis of studies examining the external validation of the DAPT score and its decision tool, our results suggest that the DAPT score is useful both for stratifying post-percutaneous coronary intervention patients into risk strata for future ischaemic and bleeding events as well aiding in choosing the optimal DAPT duration for the individual patient.
Can Helping the Sick Hurt the Able? Incentives, Information and Disruption in a Welfare Reform
Authors: Koenig Felix , Petrongolo Barbara , Van Reenen John , Bagaria Nitika
Published: December 2019

The UK Jobcentre Plus reform sharpened bureaucratic incentives to help disability benefit recipients (relative to unemployment insurance recipients) into jobs. In the long run, the policy raised exits off diasability benefits by 10% and left unemployment outflows roughly unchanged, consistent with (i) beneficial effects of reorganising welfare offices for both groups, and (ii) a shift in bureaucrats' efforts towards getting disability benefit recipients into jobs relative to those on unemployment benefit. The policy accounted for about 30% of the decline in the aggregate disability rolls between 2003 and 2008. In the short run, however, we detect a reduction in unemployment exits and no effect on disability exits, suggesting important initial disruption effects from the big reorganisation. This highlights the difficulty of welfare reform as policymakers may focus on the short-run political costs rather than the long-run economic benefits.
Renal denervation ameliorates the risk of ventricular fibrillation in overweight and heart failure
Authors: Yamada Shinya , Lo Li-Wei , Chou Yu-Hui , Lin Wei-Lun , Chang Shih-Lin , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Liu Shin-Huei , Cheng Wen-Han , Tsai Tsung-Ying , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: December 2019

Aims

Both obesity and heart failure (HF) are associated with sudden cardiac death. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of overweight and HF on the substrate for ventricular fibrillation (VF), and whether renal denervation (RDN) can protect the heart from sympathetic activation and cardiac remodelling in HF rabbits fed with high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods and results

Twenty-four rabbits randomized into control group fed with regular diet (Control), HFD, HFD-HF, and HFD-HF-RDN groups. Rapid ventricular pacing of 400 b.p.m. for 4 weeks was applied in HFD-HF and HFD-HF-RDN. Surgical and chemical RDNs were approached through bilateral retroperitoneal flank incisions in HFD-HF-RDN. All rabbits received electrophysiological study and a VF inducibility test. The ventricular myocardium was harvested for trichrome stain. After 3 months, mean body weight was heavier in HFD, compared with control (3.5 ± 0.1 kg vs. 2.6 ± 0.1 kg, P < 0.01). No differences in body weight among the three groups fed with HFD were observed. The ventricular refractory periods were longer in HFD-HF and HFD-HF-RDN than in control. An extension of ventricular fibrosis was observed in HFD and HFD-HF compared with control, and the degree of ventricular fibrosis was suppressed in HFD-HF-RDN compared with HFD-HF. The level of tyrosine hydroxylase staining was reduced in HFD-HF-RDN compared with HFD and HFD-HF. Importantly, VF inducibility was lower in HFD-RDN-HF (10 ± 4%), when compared with those in HFD-HF (58 ± 10%, P < 0.01) and HFD (42 ± 5%, P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that overweight and HF increase sympathetic activity, structural remodelling, and VF inducibility, but RDN prevents them.
A Rare Thioquinolobactin Siderophore Present in a Bioactive Pseudomonas sp. DTU12.1
Authors: Sazinas Pavelas , Hansen Morten Lindqvist , Aune May Iren , Fischer Marie Højmark , Jelsbak Lars
Published: December 2019

Many of the soil-dwelling Pseudomonas species are known to produce secondary metabolite compounds, which can have antagonistic activity against other microorganisms, including important plant pathogens. It is thus of importance to isolate new strains of Pseudomonas and discover novel or rare gene clusters encoding bioactive products. In an effort to accomplish this, we have isolated a bioactive Pseudomonas strain DTU12.1 from leaf-covered soil in Denmark. Following genome sequencing with Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies, we generated a complete genome sequence with the length of 5,943,629 base pairs. The DTU12.1 strain contained a complete gene cluster for a rare thioquinolobactin siderophore, which was previously described as possessing bioactivity against oomycetes and several fungal species. We placed the DTU12.1 strain within Pseudomonas gessardii subgroup of fluorescent pseudomonads, where it formed a distinct clade with other Pseudomonas strains, most of which also contained a complete thioquinolobactin gene cluster. Only two other Pseudomonas strains were found to contain the gene cluster, though they were present in a different phylogenetic clade and were missing a transcriptional regulator of the whole cluster. We show that having the complete genome sequence and establishing phylogenetic relationships with other strains can enable us to start evaluating the distribution and evolutionary origins of secondary metabolite clusters.
A Bayesian approach to infer interior mass anomalies from the gravity data of celestial bodies
Authors: Izquierdo Kristel , Lekić Vedran , Montési Laurent G J
Published: December 2019

Inversions of planetary gravity are aimed at constraining the mass distribution within a planet or moon. In many cases, constraints on the interior structure of the planet, such as the depth of density anomalies, must be assumed a priori, to reduce the non-uniqueness inherent in gravity inversions. Here, we propose an alternative approach that embraces the non-uniqueness of gravity inversions and provides a more complete view of related uncertainties. We developed a Transdimensional Hierarchical Bayesian (THB) inversion algorithm that provides an ensemble of mass distribution models compatible with the gravitational field of the body. Using this ensemble of models instead of only one, it is possible to quantify the range of interior parameters that produce a good fit to the gravity acceleration data. To represent the interior structure of the planet or moon, we parametrize mass excess or deficits with point masses. We test this method with synthetic data and, in each test, the algorithm is able to find models that fit the gravity data of the body very well. Three of the target or test models used contain only point mass anomalies. When all the point mass anomalies in the target model produce gravity anomalies of similar magnitudes and the signals from each anomaly are well separated, the algorithm recovers the correct location, number and magnitude of the point mass anomalies. When the gravity acceleration data of a model is produced mostly by a subset of the point mass anomalies in the target model, the algorithm only recovers the dominant anomalies. The fourth target model is composed of spherical caps representing lunar mass concentration (mascons) under major impact basins. The algorithm finds the correct location of the centre of the mascons but fails to find their correct outline or shape. Although the inversion results appear less sharp than the ones obtained by classical inversion methods, our THB algorithm provides an objective way to analyse the interior of planetary bodies that includes epistemic uncertainty.
Shear wave velocity changes induced by earthquakes and rainfall at the Rotokawa and Ngatamariki geothermal fields, Taupō Volcanic Zone, New Zealand
Authors: Civilini F , Savage M K , Townend J
Published: December 2019

Fluid injection for geothermal production has the potential to produce subsidence and microseismicity that can incur heavy financial cost or hazard. Due to this, novel ways to monitor subsurface deformation to supplement existing methods are highly sought after. We use seismic ambient noise to obtain time-dependent measurements of shear velocity within the geothermal reservoirs of Rotokawa and Ngatamariki, two producing geothermal fields in the Taupō Volcanic Zone located in the central North Island of New Zealand and operated by Mercury Energy. We investigate the relationship between shear wave velocity changes and geothermal injection by selecting time periods at the fields when injection and production volumes were significantly altered: 2009–2010 at Rotokawa, when geothermal injection was quadrupled due to the start-up of a new power station, and 2012–2013 at Ngatamariki, the beginning of geothermal injection for electricity production at that field. Shear wave velocity changes are computed from the ambient noise cross-correlation coda using the Moving Window Cross-Spectral (MWCS) technique, with a reference stack encompassing all data prior to the change in injection rate and moving stacks of 10–50 d. Gradual positive and negative shear velocity changes with a periodicity of approximately 12 months were observed at both sites, with maximum amplitude of 0.06 ± 0.04 and –0.08 ± 0.03 per cent at Rotokawa and 0.07 ± 0.03 and –0.06 ± 0.02 per cent at Ngatamariki. We hypothesize that these changes are due to seasonal rainfall, as seismic velocities computed by ambient noise are sensitive to the filling and emptying of near-surface pore space. In addition to these gradual responses, we found several sharp negative changes in velocity that reach minimum values over a few days and then gradually equilibrate to prior values over a few weeks. The amplitude of these responses is between –0.03 and –0.07 per cent and coincides with regional and local earthquakes. We hypothesize that these responses are primarily produced by the creation of new fractures, the same mechanism that produces gradual groundwater level decreases at regional distances from earthquake epicentres. We analyse a periodic signal within the time-delay measurements and determine that it is at least in part caused by the MWCS window size smoothing the cross-coherence of the ambient seismic signal. We do not observe shear wave velocity changes coinciding with geothermal injection, which may suggest that the signal has lower amplitude compared to the seasonal and seismic responses. We use bandstop filters and polynomial curve fitting to remove the contribution of the seasonal signal, but see no evidence of a shear wave velocity response due to geothermal fluid injection.