bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring learning in digital games: Applying a game‐based assessment framework
Authors: Udeozor Chioma , Abegão Fernando Russo , Glassey Jarka
Published: November 2023

Digital games (DGs) have the potential to immerse learners in simulated real‐world environments that foster contextualised and active learning experiences. These also offer opportunities for performance assessments by providing an environment for students to carry out tasks requiring the application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Although widely used for teaching and learning, there are challenges in using digital game applications for assessment. Designing assessments around tasks in complex learning environments like DGs is not always easy, particularly for educators new to using these technologies for teaching. This paper presents a game‐based assessment framework (GBAF) that is designed to be educator‐friendly and useful for the design of assessments for immersive learning environments. The application of the framework to the design of embedded and external (multiple‐choice questions) assessments is also presented. The GBAF offered an easy and structured basis for the design of two distinct assessments for a computer game. It provides educators with useful guidelines for designing assessments around pre‐existing games.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Immersive technologies are increasingly being used for teaching and learning due to their benefits to knowledge and skills acquisition. However, for educators interested in using these tools for formal classroom teaching, there is a lack of resources and guidance on assessment designs and implementations. The most commonly used assessment design framework, the evidence‐centred design (ECD), is complicated to use, requiring advanced machine learning skills to implement. This has so far limited its use to large‐scale computerised and game‐based testing.

What this paper adds

This paper presents a framework developed to guide educators through the design and implementation of assessments when teaching with immersive learning applications. Grounded in the constructive alignment principles and the ECD framework, the game‐based assessment framework is designed to help educators align assessment tasks to game tasks and the intended learning outcomes. It also provides step‐by‐step guidelines for the identification of appropriate immersive applications. It shows the practical application of the framework to the design of embedded (in‐game) assessments and external (multiple‐choice tests) assessments.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The framework presented in this paper provides a structured and pedagogically sound basis for the design of assessments when measuring performance, or skills and knowledge acquisition with immersive learning applications.
Extracellular vesicle‐encapsulated microRNA‐296‐3p from cancer‐associated fibroblasts promotes ovarian cancer development through regulation of the PTEN/AKT and SOCS6/STAT3 pathways
Authors: Sun Luyao , Ke Miaola , Yin Mengyuan , Zeng Ying , Ji Yutong , Hu Yiming , Fu Songbin , Zhang Chunyu
Published: November 2023

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as important components of the tumor microenvironment, can regulate intercellular communication and tumor development by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the role of CAF‐derived EVs in ovarian cancer has not been fully elucidated. Here, using an EV‐microRNA sequencing analysis, we reveal specific overexpression of microRNA (miR)‐296‐3p in activated CAF‐derived EVs, which can be transferred to tumor cells to regulate the malignant phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐296‐3p significantly promotes the proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo, while its inhibition has the opposite effects. Further mechanistic studies reveal that miR‐296‐3p promotes ovarian cancer progression by directly targeting PTEN and SOCS6 and activating AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways. Importantly, increased expression of miR‐296‐3p encapsulated in plasma EVs is closely correlated with tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in patients with ovarian cancer. Our results highlight the cancer‐promoting role of CAF‐derived EVs carrying miR‐296‐3p in ovarian cancer progression for the first time, and suggest that miR‐296‐3p encapsulated in CAF‐derived EVs could be a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
Got milkweed? Genetic assimilation as potential source for the evolution of nonmigratory monarch butterfly wing shape
Authors: Nixon Kyra J. A. , Parzer Harald F.
Published: November 2023

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are well studied for their annual long‐distance migration from as far north as Canada to their overwintering grounds in Central Mexico. At the end of the cold season, monarchs start to repopulate North America through short‐distance migration over the course of multiple generations. Interestingly, some populations in various tropical and subtropical islands do not migrate and exhibit heritable differences in wing shape and size, most likely an adaptation to island life. Less is known about forewing differences between long‐ and short‐distance migrants in relation to island populations. Given their different migratory behaviors, we hypothesized that these differences would be reflected in wing morphology. To test this, we analyzed forewing shape and size of three different groups: nonmigratory, lesser migratory (migrate short‐distances), and migratory (migrate long‐distances) individuals. Significant differences in shape appear in all groups using geometric morphometrics. As variation found between migratory and lesser migrants has been shown to be caused by phenotypic plasticity, and lesser migrants develop intermediate forewing shapes between migratory and nonmigratory individuals, we suggest that genetic assimilation might be an important mechanism to explain the heritable variation found between migratory and nonmigratory populations. Additionally, our research confirms previous studies which show that forewing size is significantly smaller in nonmigratory populations when compared to both migratory phenotypes. Finally, we found sexual dimorphism in forewing shape in all three groups, but for size in nonmigratory populations only. This might have been caused by reduced constraints on forewing size in nonmigratory populations.
Obesity in pregnancy—Long‐term effects on offspring hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and associations with placental cortisol metabolism: A systematic review
Authors: Volqvartz Tabia , Andersen Helena Hørdum Breum , Pedersen Lars Henning , Larsen Agnete
Published: November 2023

Obesity, affecting one in three pregnant women worldwide, is not only a major obstetric risk factor. The resulting low‐grade inflammation may have a long‐term impact on the offspring's HPA axis through dysregulation of maternal, placental and fetal corticosteroid metabolism, and children born of obese mothers have increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The long‐term effects of maternal obesity on offspring neurodevelopment are, however, undetermined and could depend on the specific effects on placental and fetal cortisol metabolism. This systematic review evaluates how maternal obesity affects placental cortisol metabolism and the offspring's HPA axis. Pubmed, Embase and Scopus were searched for original studies on maternal BMI, obesity, and cortisol metabolism and transfer. Fifteen studies were included after the screening of 4556 identified records. Studies were small with heterogeneous exposures and outcomes. Two studies found that maternal obesity reduced placental HSD11β2 activity. In one study, umbilical cord blood cortisol levels were affected by maternal BMI. In three studies, an altered cortisol response was consistently seen among offspring in childhood (n = 2) or adulthood (n = 1). Maternal BMI was not associated with placental HSD11β1 or HSD11β2 mRNA expression, or placental HSD11β2 methylation. In conclusion, high maternal BMI is associated with reduced placental HSD11β2 activity and a dampened cortisol level among offspring, but the data is sparse. Further investigations are needed to clarify whether the HPA axis is affected by prenatal factors including maternal obesity and investigate if adverse effects can be ameliorated by optimising the intrauterine environment.
Comparison of nitrogen fertilisation recommendations of West European Countries
Authors: Jordan‐Meille Lionel , Denoroy Pascal , Dittert Klaus , Cugnon Thibaut , Quemada Miguel , Wall David , Bechini Luca , Marx Simone , Oenema Oene , Reijneveld Arjan , Liebisch Frank , Diedhiou Khady , Degan Francesca , Higgins Suzanne
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen (N) budgets at farm level are influenced by N fertilisation recommendations. In this study, we reviewed and analysed the underlying principles and methods of N fertilisation recommendations in 10 West European countries, to identify similarities and differences, and develop suggestions for reconsideration and improvement. An analysis of national official documents on N fertilisation recommendations revealed that there were three main categories of calculation methods: (i) ‘N mass balances’ (France, Italy, Spain), (ii) ‘Corrected standards’ (Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg), and (iii) ‘Pre‐parameterised calculations’, which rely on a soil N supply typology (United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium). In total 16 variables were identified in the calculation methods. The more complex methods use 10 (Italy, France), while the simplest only rely on 3 (Luxembourg). The most common variables include the availability of N in manure, the N uptake by a crop, and the N released by crop residues. Few countries explicitly consider N losses to ground and surface waters or to the atmosphere in the calculation methods. In some countries, the N fertilisation recommendation has a voluntary status, and in other countries, a legal one (caps on maximum allowable N rates). We compared the N fertiliser recommendations for a wheat crop grown on a farm with livestock, and for a farm with a diverse arable crop rotation without livestock. Across the 10 countries, large differences in the N fertilisation calculation methods and resulting N recommendations existed for the two management scenarios, ranging from almost no fertilisation to 135 kg N ha−1, and from 111 to 210 kg N ha−1, respectively. The differences were not accounted for by the complexity of the equations used, but rather resulted from contrasting reference values for N availability in manure, N uptake by crop and N leaching. However, the study concluded that standardisation of the method to calculate N fertilisation recommendations is likely to be counterproductive as there are no objective reasons to favour one method more than the others. Nonetheless, improvements in N use efficiency are necessary. Farm scale mass balance, combined with parameters such as minimum residual soil mineral N test at harvest, was suggested as being an important consideration.
Clinical application of MAO‐B PET using 18F‐THK5351 in neurological disorders
Authors: Ishibashi Kenji
Published: November 2023

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) is an enzyme localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane and highly concentrated in astrocytes. Temporal changes in regional MAO‐B levels can be used as an index of astrocytic proliferation, known as activated astrocytes or astrogliosis. MAO‐B is a marker to evaluate the degree of astrogliosis. Therefore, MAO‐B positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging technique for visualizing and quantifying ongoing astrogliosis through the estimate of regional MAO‐B levels. Each neurodegenerative disorder generally has a characteristic distribution pattern of astrogliosis secondary to neuronal loss and pathological protein aggregation. Therefore, by imaging astrogliosis, MAO‐B PET can be used as a neurodegeneration marker for identifying degenerative lesions. Any inflammation in the brain usually accompanies astrogliosis starting from an acute phase to a chronic phase. Therefore, by imaging astrogliosis, MAO‐B PET can be used as a neuroinflammation marker for identifying inflammatory lesions. MAO‐B levels are high in gliomas originating from astrocytes but low in lymphoid tumors. Therefore, MAO‐B PET can be used as a brain tumor marker for identifying astrocytic gliomas by imaging MAO‐B levels and distinguishing between astrocytic and lymphoid tumors. This review summarizes the clinical application of MAO‐B PET using 18F‐THK5351 as markers for neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and brain tumors in neurological disorders. Because we assume that MAO‐B PET is clinically applied to an individual patient, we focus on visual inspection of MAO‐B images at the individual patient level. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 31–43.
The effect of the programme based on Roy adaptation model on social media addiction, healthy lifestyle and self‐esteem of nursing students
Authors: Yaman Zeliha , Yılmaz Mualla
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the Roy adaptation model‐based strengthening program (RAMBSP) applied to nursing students on social media addiction, healthy lifestyle behaviours and self‐esteem.

Methods

One hundred five nursing students studying at a nursing faculty of a university were included in this prospective, two‐armed (1:1), randomized controlled study. The study group (n:54) had 12 weeks of RAMBSP online group sessions. No intervention was made to the control group (n:51). The social media addiction level, which was the primary outcome of the study, was evaluated with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and healthy lifestyle behaviours and self‐esteem, which were secondary outcomes, were evaluated with the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale II (HLBS‐II) and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Inventory (REI). Students filled out BSMAS, HLBS‐II, and REI online via Google Forms before and after RAMBSP.

Findings

At the end of the programme, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of BSMAS scores of the students in the study group (p > 0.05); however, the difference was significant in terms of HLBS‐II and REI scores (p < 0.05). It was determined that the empowerment programme increased students' awareness of social media addiction.

Conclusion

It is recommended to implement programmes that will increase students' awareness of social media addiction and its effects and to conduct new research that will cover large and different sample groups.

Trial registration

It was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in March 2021 (NCT04820517).
Older infants' social learning behavior under uncertainty is modulated by the interaction of face and speech processing
Authors: Dillmann Julia , Evertz Judith , Krasotkina Anna , Clerc Olivier , Pascalis Olivier , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: November 2023

The origin of face or language influences infants' perceptual processing and social learning behavior. However, it remains unclear how infants' social learning behavior is affected when both information are provided simultaneously. Hence, the current study investigated whether and how infants' social learning in terms of gaze following is influenced by face race and language origin of an interaction partner in an uncertain situation. Our sample consisted of 91 Caucasian infants from German speaking families. They were divided into 2 age groups: Younger infants were 5‐ to 8‐month‐old (n = 46) and the older infants 11‐ to 20‐month‐old (n = 45). We used a modified online version of the gaze following paradigm by Xiao and colleagues by varying face race (Caucasian, and Asian faces) and language (German and French) of a female actor. We recorded infants looking behavior via webcam and coded it offline. Our results revealed that older but not younger infants were biased to follow the gaze of own‐race adults speaking their native language. Our findings show that older infants are clearly influenced by adults' ethnicity and language in social learning situations of uncertainty.
Monitoring the quality of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus detection in molecular diagnostic laboratories in the Eastern Mediterranean Region during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Meredith Luke W. , Aboualy Mustafa , Ochola Rachel , Ozel Mehmet , Abubakar Abdinasir , Barakat Amal
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic placed unprecedented stress on laboratories in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Building on existing capacity for influenza diagnostics, countries introduced COVID‐19 diagnostic support to ~100% regional coverage. A key challenge during the expansion was maintaining quality testing in laboratories, ensuring that correct results were shared with medical facilities.

Methods

WHO organized two rounds of independently monitored severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) external quality assurance programs (EQAP). The Public Health Laboratory (PHL) division of WHO supplied external quality assurance (EQA) panels, from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programme (RCPAQAP) Australia to laboratories not enrolled in recurring Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) quality assurance programs, in which national influenza centers routinely participate.

Results

Fifteen and 14 countries participated in PHL/EQAP for SARS‐CoV‐2 between 2020 and 2022. Concordance was consistent between rounds, reaching 96.4% and 89.9%. A separate assessment of GISRS/EQAP to national‐level laboratories identified high levels of response and concordance for SARS‐CoV‐2 (100% response, 93% concordance), which was reduced for influenza (50% response rate, 80% concordance), reflecting the challenge of prioritizing pathogens during outbreaks.

Conclusion

The proliferation of laboratories in response to COVID‐19 was a success story from the pandemic. However, monitoring the quality of laboratories was challenging via existing EQAP. The addition of PHL/EQAP provided a mechanism to monitor performance of laboratories that were not designated as national influenza centers. While a high proportion of laboratories attained good results, continual emphasis on quality and enrollment in EQAP is key to ensuring sustainability of laboratory testing in future.
Riverscape genetics of the orangethroat darter complex
Authors: Belcik John T. , Ashley Mary V.
Published: November 2023

Freshwater darters belonging to the orangethroat darter species complex, or Ceasia, are widely distributed in the Central and Southern United States, with ranges that span both glaciated and unglaciated regions. Up to 15 species have been recognized in the complex, with one, Etheostoma spectabile, having a widespread northern distribution and another, Etheostoma pulchellum, having a sizeable southern distribution. The other species in the complex have much more restricted distributions in unglaciated regions of the Central Highlands. We sampled 384 darters from 52 sites covering much of the range of Ceasia and evaluated patterns of genetic diversity, genetic structure, and pre‐ and post‐glacial patterns of range contraction and expansion. We anticipated finding much stronger signals of genetic differentiation and diversification in unglaciated regions, given the higher species diversity and levels of endemism reported there. Surprisingly, microsatellite genotyping revealed two well‐differentiated genetic clusters of E. spectabile in samples from glaciated regions, one confined to the Illinois River basin and another found in the Wabash drainage and Great Lakes tributaries. This suggests that there was expansion from two isolated glacial refugia, with little subsequent post‐glacial gene flow. Fish collected from throughout the unglaciated region were less genetically differentiated. Fish assigned to Etheostoma burri and Etheostoma uniporum based on collection sites and morphological characters were not genetically differentiated from E. spectabile samples from the region. Hybridization and introgression occurring in the Central Highlands may confound genetic delineation of species in this region of high endemism and diversity.
Investigating thermal denaturation kinetics of 7S and 11S proteins and lipoxygenase in soymilk through ohmic heating
Authors: Murakami Kazuya , Matsuno Masayuki , Shimoyamada Makoto
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate denaturation kinetics of 7S and 11S proteins as well as lipoxygenase in soymilk during ohmic heating treatment. Because denaturation kinetics of 7S and 11S are nth‐order reaction, a reaction order was estimated based on experimental data and simulation results using Arrhenius parameters calculated through differential scanning calorimetry dynamic method. Denaturation kinetic of lipoxygenase was determined by denaturation ratio which estimated based on oxygenase activity of its after ohmic heating treatment at 65, 70, and 72.5°C. The reaction orders of 7S and 11S proteins during ohmic heating of raw soymilk were determined as 3.25 and 1.52, respectively; while the reaction order of 11S protein in preheated soymilk at 75°C for 1 h was found to be 1.94 with a good correlation between experimental data and simulation result. Electrophoresis results indicated that trypsin inhibitor might affect the denaturation of 11S protein during ohmic heating. The denaturation of lipoxygenase during ohmic heating followed a first‐order reaction at all temperatures, and denaturation simulation using the Arrhenius parameters corresponded well with the experimental data.

Practical Applications

This study provides valuable insights into improving a quality of soymilk products. 7S and 11S proteins play a critical role in determining viscosity of soymilk and tofu made from soymilk, which together account for a large proportion of the total proteins in soymilk. Understanding the thermal denaturation kinetics of 7S and 11S proteins can help food manufacturers optimize their processing parameters to achieve the desired physical properties of soymilk. Moreover, lipoxygenase is responsible for producing beany flavor components in soymilk, and understanding its thermal denaturation kinetic can lead to production of soymilk with high consumer acceptance. Our research supports a practical application of ohmic heating technology in the processing of soymilk.
Strigolactone deficiency induces jasmonate, sugar and flavonoid phytoalexin accumulation enhancing rice defense against the blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Lahari Zobaida , van Boerdonk Sarah , Omoboye Olumide Owolabi , Reichelt Michael , Höfte Monica , Gershenzon Jonathan , Gheysen Godelieve , Ullah Chhana
Published: November 2023

Strigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid‐derived phytohormones that regulate plant growth and development. While root‐secreted SLs are well‐known to facilitate plant symbiosis with beneficial microbes, the role of SLs in plant interactions with pathogenic microbes remains largely unexplored.

Using genetic and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate a negative role of SLs in rice (Oryza sativa) defense against the blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae (syn. Magnaporthe oryzae).

We found that SL biosynthesis and perception mutants, and wild‐type (WT) plants after chemical inhibition of SLs, were less susceptible to P. oryzae. Strigolactone deficiency also resulted in a higher accumulation of jasmonates, soluble sugars and flavonoid phytoalexins in rice leaves. Likewise, in response to P. oryzae infection, SL signaling was downregulated, while jasmonate and sugar content increased markedly. The jar1 mutant unable to synthesize jasmonoyl‐l‐isoleucine, and the coi1‐18 RNAi line perturbed in jasmonate signaling, both accumulated lower levels of sugars. However, when WT seedlings were sprayed with glucose or sucrose, jasmonate accumulation increased, suggesting a reciprocal positive interplay between jasmonates and sugars. Finally, we showed that functional jasmonate signaling is necessary for SL deficiency to induce rice defense against P. oryzae.

We conclude that a reduction in rice SL content reduces P. oryzae susceptibility by activating jasmonate and sugar signaling pathways, and flavonoid phytoalexin accumulation.
The IAA17.1/HSFA5a module enhances salt tolerance in Populus tomentosa by regulating flavonol biosynthesis and ROS levels in lateral roots
Authors: Song Qin , He Fu , Kong Lingfei , Yang Jiarui , Wang Xiaojing , Zhao Zhengjie , Zhang Yuqian , Xu Changzheng , Fan Chunfen , Luo Keming
Published: November 2023

Auxin signaling provides a promising approach to controlling root system architecture and improving stress tolerance in plants. However, how the auxin signaling is transducted in this process remains unclear.

The Aux indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) repressor IAA17.1 is stabilized by salinity, and primarily expressed in the lateral root (LR) primordia and tips in poplar. Overexpression of the auxin‐resistant form of IAA17.1 (IAA17.1m) led to growth inhibition of LRs, markedly reduced salt tolerance, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and decreased flavonol content. We further identified that IAA17.1 can interact with the heat shock protein HSFA5a, which was highly expressed in roots and induced by salt stress. Overexpression of HSFA5a significantly increased flavonol content, reduced ROS accumulation, enhanced LR growth and salt tolerance in transgenic poplar. Moreover, HSFA5a could rescue the defective phenotypes caused by IAA17.1m.

Expression analysis showed that genes associated with flavonol biosynthesis were altered in IAA17.1m‐ and HAFA5a‐overexpressing plants. Furthermore, we identified that HSFA5a directly activated the expression of key enzyme genes in the flavonol biosynthesis pathway, while IAA17.1 suppressed HSFA5a‐mediated activation of these genes.

Collectively, the IAA17.1/HSFA5a module regulates flavonol biosynthesis, controls ROS accumulation, thereby modulating the root system of poplar to adapt to salt stress.
Fungal metabolism and free amino acid content may predict nitrogen transfer to the host plant in the ectomycorrhizal relationship between Pisolithus spp. and Eucalyptus grandis
Authors: Plett Krista L. , Wojtalewicz Dominika , Anderson Ian C. , Plett Jonathan M.
Published: November 2023

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are crucial for tree nitrogen (N) nutrition; however, mechanisms governing N transfer from fungal tissues to the host plant are not well understood. ECM fungal isolates, even from the same species, vary considerably in their ability to support tree N nutrition, resulting in a range of often unpredictable symbiotic outcomes.

In this study, we used isotopic labelling to quantify the transfer of N to the plant host by isolates from the ECM genus Pisolithus, known to have significant variability in colonisation and transfer of nutrients to a host.

We considered the metabolic fate of N acquired by the fungi and found that the percentage of plant N acquired through symbiosis significantly correlated to the concentration of free amino acids in ECM extra‐radical mycelium. Transcriptomic analyses complemented these findings with isolates having high amino acid content and N transfer showing increased expression of genes related to amino acid transport and catabolic pathways.

These results suggest that fungal N metabolism impacts N transfer to the host plant in this interaction and that relative N transfer may be possible to predict through basic biochemical analyses.
A unique location of the accessory pathway in a child with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia
Authors: Vijay Soorampally , Bansal Raghav , Kidambi Bharath Raj , Naik Nitish
Published: November 2023

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is a rare supra ventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to an accessory pathway (AP), characterized by slow and decremental retrograde conduction, which is predominantly seen in infants and children. Although the typical site of AP in PJRT is a right posteroseptal region around or just within the coronary sinus (CS), atypical sites of AP have been described. We report a rare case of PJRT in a 7‐year‐old girl with an AP located in the superio‐paraseptal (Para‐Hsian) region that was successfully ablated through a non‐coronary sinus.
Maximizing signal‐to‐noise ratio and statistical power in ERP measurement: Single sites versus multi‐site average clusters
Authors: Zhang Wendy , Kappenman Emily S.
Published: November 2023

One important decision in every event‐related potential (ERP) experiment is which electrode site(s) to use in quantifying the ERP component of interest. A common approach is to measure the ERP from a single electrode site, typically the site where the ERP component is largest. Alternatively, two or more electrode sites in a given spatial region are averaged together, and the ERP is measured from the resulting multi‐site cluster. The goal of the present study was to systematically compare these two measurement approaches across a range of outcome measures and ERP components to determine whether measuring from a single electrode site or an average of multiple sites yields consistently better results. We examined seven common ERP components from the open‐source ERP CORE dataset that span a range of neurocognitive processes: N170, mismatch negativity (MMN), N2pc, N400, P3, lateralized readiness potential (LRP), and error‐related negativity (ERN). For each component, we compared ERP amplitude, noise level, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and effect size at two single electrode sites and four multi‐site clusters. We also used a Monte Carlo approach to simulate within‐participant and between‐groups experiments with known effect magnitudes to compare statistical power at single sites and multi‐site clusters. Overall, measuring from a multi‐site cluster produced results that were as good as or better than measuring from a single electrode site across analyses and components, indicating that the cluster‐based measurement approach may be beneficial in quantifying ERPs from a range of neurocognitive domains.
Bovine congenital defects recorded by veterinary practitioners
Authors: Mee J. F. , Murphy D. , Curran M.
Published: November 2023

A mobile phone app was used by 59 veterinary practitioners to collect case histories and images of 191 cattle with congenital defects distributed nationally over a 3‐year period. The majority of cases were recorded during the spring calving season (57.6%) in pluriparous dairy dams. The majority of calves were recorded at birth or within the first week (66.5%) in singletons born at full‐term. On the majority of farms (75.9%), this was the only congenitally deformed bovine recorded up to that point in the year and on the majority of farms, there were no congenitally deformed cattle recorded in the previous 5 years. The majority of congenital defects (83.5%) were recorded in the musculoskeletal or digestive systems. The three most commonly recorded individual defects were intestinal atresia (24.1%), schistosomus reflexus (20.4%) and ankylosis (6.8%); multiple defects were recorded in 13.1% of cases. These findings highlight the relatively high prevalence of intestinal atresia and schistosomus reflexus in calves attended by veterinary practitioners, which warrants implementation of preventive measures. The project highlights the potential benefits of veterinary‐practitioner apps to detect changing trends in endemic, or the emergence of novel, congenital or other conditions.
The effect of crime on mental health in South Africa
Authors: Tsaneva Magda , LaPlante Lauren‐Kate
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the impact of district‐level crime rates in South Africa on individual depression symptoms. We use panel data from the National Income Dynamics Survey collected between 2008 and 2014 and estimate an individual fixed effects regression model, thus controlling for characteristics of the individual's environment that could affect crime and mental health. We find that an increase of one standard deviation in property (violent) crime is associated with a 7.2 (8.7) percentage point increase in the probability of depression symptoms. Analysis of potential mechanisms suggests that indirect exposure to crime likely affects mental health by increasing stress rather than by changing physical health or labor market outcomes.
Migrant agricultural workers in search of a dignified life: Labour conditions as a source of vulnerability in Spain
Authors: Navarro‐Gambín Pedro , Jansen Kees
Published: November 2023

This study analyses the dynamics of agency and social vulnerability of international migrant agricultural workers in intensive agriculture in Murcia (South‐East Spain). It engages with the work of a group of scholars who analysed the emergence and reproduction of Murcia as an intensive agricultural enclave by taking an expanded vision of social reproduction, which includes a subjective and contextual dimension in the definition of what constitutes a ‘dignified life’. Based on a qualitative study of the life stories of foreign migrant agricultural workers and ex‐workers in Murcia, two main arguments are developed. Firstly, the idea of migrant workers’ agency as intrinsically positive is evaluated as problematic. Secondly, agricultural labour conditions should be conceptualized as an independent social vulnerability driver. These findings contribute to the existing literature on migrant agricultural labour in Europe's intensive agriculture by pointing at migrants’ exploitative and undesired labour market position rather than just at their suffered citizenship inequalities.
Abnormal brain structure in atopic dermatitis: Evidence from Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Yue , Cui Liqian , Li Hao , Gao Aili
Published: November 2023

Background

Structural abnormalities in the brain of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have been reported; however, the cause has not been determined yet. Herein, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to reveal the causal effect of AD on brain structure.

Methods

This study utilized summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) to investigate a collection of cerebral structural measures, encompassing cortical thickness (CT), cortical surface area (CA), and subcortical volumes in T1 images. A comprehensive GWAS meta‐analysis identified a total of 20 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to AD, surpassing the genome‐wide significance threshold (p < 5 × 10⁻⁸). MR estimates were aggregated through the application of the inverse variance weighted method. Additional complementary analyses (i.e., MR‐Egger and weighted median approaches) were conducted to further assess the robustness of the obtained results. Sensitivity analysis and multivariate MR (MVMR) while adjusting for brain structural changes risk factors (i.e., depression and anxiety) were performed to assess the reliability and stability of observed causality.

Results

Genetically determined AD exhibited a causal link with reduced caudate volumes (IVW‐MR: β = ‐0.186, p = 0.001, p‐corrected = 0.009). Furthermore, we identified potential causal associations between AD and reduced CT in the cingulate region (posterior cingulate, IVW‐MR: β = ‐0.065, p = 0.018, p‐corrected = 0.551; isthmus cingulate, IVW‐MR: β = ‐0.086, p = 0.003, p‐corrected = 0.188), as well as abnormal cortical surface area (CA) in the supramarginal (IVW‐MR: β = ‐0.047, p = 0.044, p‐corrected = 0.714) and isthmus cingulate (IVW‐MR: β = 0.053, p = 0.018, p‐corrected = 0.714). Additional supplementary analyses yielded consistent outcomes. There was no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. MVMR analysis showed that the causal effects of AD on abnormal brain structure remained significant while adjusting for depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

This MR study provided suggestive evidence that decreased caudate nucleus, posterior cingulate cortex, isthmus cingulate cortex and supramarginal gyrus are suggestively associated with higher AD risk. Future investigation into the brain regions is recommended, which helps to clarify the underlying mechanisms and point to new therapies against AD.
From Europeanisation to EU-ization: The Media Case
Authors: Papathanassopoulos Stylianos , Miconi Andrea , Cannizzaro Sara
Published: November 2023

It is widely argued that the success of the European Union has delivered more than half a century of peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe, and that this is the outcome of the Europeanization process. In this paper we support the idea that although Europeanization is a fashionable concept, it is also a contested one. We consider, among others, that the main achievement of the European Union as harmonization of the regulatory frameworks among its 27 member states, is the outcome of an EU-ization process that has gradually developed in the 30 years at least. We use the case of media regulation initiated by the European Union to show that the case of EU-ization, at least in the communications landscape, seems to be the driver of the incremental engagement of the EU in the sector.
Left–right symmetry of finite finitistic dimension
Authors: Cummings Charley
Published: November 2023

We show that the finitistic dimension conjecture for finite‐dimensional algebras is equivalent to the left–right symmetry of finite finitistic dimension for finite‐dimensional algebras. We also prove the equivalent statement for injective generation.
Stuart has got the PoWeR! Skeletal muscle adaptations to a novel heavy progressive weighted wheel running exercise model in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Koopmans Pieter J. , Williams‐Frey Therin D. , Zwetsloot Kevin A.
Published: November 2023

Murine exercise models are developed to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating muscle mass. A progressive weighted wheel running model, named ‘PoWeR’, was previously developed to serve as a more translatable alternative to involuntary resistance‐type exercise models in rodents, such as synergist ablation. However, mice still run great distances despite the added resistance as evidenced by a large glycolytic‐to‐oxidative shift in muscle fibre type. Thus, PoWeR reflects a blended resistance/endurance model. In an attempt to bias PoWeR further towards resistance‐type exercise, we developed a novel heavy PoWeR model (hPoWeR) utilizing higher wheel loads (max of 12.5 g vs 6 g). Adult male C57BL/6 mice voluntarily performed an 8‐week progressive loading protocol (PoWeR or hPoWeR). Running distance peaked at ∼5–6 km day−1 in both treatments and was maintained by PoWeR mice, but declined in the hPoWeR mice as load increased beyond 7.5 g. Peak isometric force of the gastrocnemius–soleus–plantaris complex tended to increase in wheel running treatments. Soleus mass increased by 19% and 24% in PoWeR and hPoWeR treatments, respectively, and plantaris fibre cross‐sectional area was greater in hPoWeR, compared to PoWeR. There were fewer glycolytic and more oxidative fibres in the soleus and plantaris muscles in the PoWeR treatment, but not hPoWeR. Collectively, these data suggest hPoWeR may modestly alter skeletal muscle supporting the aim of better reflecting typical resistance training adaptations, in line with decreased running volume and exposure to higher resistance. Regardless, PoWeR remains an effective hypertrophic concurrent training model in mice.
Manufacturing Process and System Sustainability Analysis Tool: A Proof-of-Concept for Teaching Sustainable Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering
Authors: Raoufi Kamyar , Haapala Karl R.
Published: November 2023

Decision support methods and tools have been developed to aid in improving product sustainability performance during design. However, these approaches are often developed for domain experts and not well-suited for non-expert decision makers (e.g., engineering students and engineering practitioners), who do not possess specialized knowledge in sustainability analysis of product designs and manufacturing processes. The objective of this research is to facilitate the sustainability performance analysis of manufacturing processes and systems through unit manufacturing process (UMP) modeling within an easy-to-use, publicly-available product design, and manufacturing analysis tool. To achieve this objective, a sustainability assessment framework is developed that considers a cradle-to-gate life cycle scope and has four phases: (1) product development, (2) supply chain configuration, (3) manufacturing process design, and (4) manufacturing process and system (MaPS) sustainability analysis. To implement this framework and to address the identified limitations of existing tools, a proof-of-concept MaPS sustainability analysis tool is developed as a spreadsheet software tool. The tool supports the evaluation of environmental (energy and associated carbon footprint), economic (the cost of goods sold), and social (worker safety) impacts. While this study focuses on the technical aspects of the research, the authors investigate associated educational aspects in a separate study and report tool operational performance evaluation by undergraduate and graduate engineering students. Study participants found the tool easy to use and useful in completing sustainability assessment tasks in product design and manufacturing. To build upon this research, the developed framework and tool can be expanded to consider other phases of the product life cycle. Moreover, key software tool operational characteristics and graphical user interfaces should be investigated to improve efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and learnability of the MaPS sustainability analysis tool.
Disassembly and Repairability of Mechatronic Products: Insight for Engineering Design
Authors: Boix Rodríguez Núria , Favi Claudio
Published: November 2023

Designing mechatronic products requires interdisciplinary skills and as products become more complex, the design of mechatronic systems plays a critical role. To minimize waste production and pollution, a shift toward a circular economy is necessary, with mechatronic products being particularly impacted by such policies. Repairing plays a key part in achieving a circular economy. Through repairability, the product lifespan can be extended, and combined with maintenance the rate of product replacement can be reduced. Within this context, the goal of this paper is to propose a design methodology (based on the EN 45554:2020 standard) for generating and implementing eco-design rules for disassembly and repair. The methodology has four phases, the first one is the identification of target components (those that are more likely to fail during the lifespan). The second phase encompasses the experimental disassembly analysis which can be manual or virtual. The third phase is the assessment of the disassemblability index which includes the analysis of parameters that affect the disassembly phase. The last phase is the implementation of the eco-design methodology for all the components that do not meet the minimum repairability requirements. A case study of electro-mechanical ovens is presented, targeting replaceable components. The results show that the use of this framework and the eco-design actions derived from it are successful in improving the repairability of the product and increasing the disassemblability index (30% on average) through a virtual analysis. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted to study the impact of parameter weight modification. This research contributes to advancing repairability and supporting the circular economy paradigm in mechatronic product design.
Improved Spatiotemporal Distributions of Sweeping Jet Film Cooling With a Shaped Exit Design
Authors: Wang Kechen , Zhou Wenwu , Wen Xin , Peng Di , Liu Yingzheng
Published: November 2023

Sweeping jet (SJ) is a self-excited flow control device that can generate continuous and periodic flow, which makes it a promising geometry for film cooling. However, the cooling performance of current SJ configurations is not significantly better than that of 777-shaped holes. This paper presents two modified SJ configurations, named shaped SJ1 and shaped SJ2, which possess distinct shaped exit geometries. The spatiotemporal coolant distributions were comprehensively quantified for the 777-shaped hole, the compact SJ (with compact geometry), the shaped SJ1, and the shaped SJ2. The instantaneous cooling effectiveness distributions of the four configurations at blowing ratios (M) ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 were measured using the fast pressure-sensitive paint technique. The shaped SJ2 integrated the cooling characteristics of the 777-shaped hole and SJ. It maintained stability at a relatively low M, while began to oscillate when M was increased above 1.5. The shaped SJ design exhibited superior cooling effectiveness at both low and high M of 0.5 to 3.0. A proper orthogonal decomposition analysis and simulations illustrated the oscillation processes and flow structures within the SJ configuration. The shaped SJ2 showed a reduced outlet momentum and a more even distribution of film coverage than the 777-shaped hole, resulting in considerably improved cooling performance.
Advancements in Noninvasive Pressure Sensing in Hydraulic Components
Authors: Ruggeri Massimiliano , Belsito Luca , Bosi Federico , Cominetti Paolo , Ferri Matteo , Ferri Mattia , Roncaglia Alberto
Published: November 2023

Sensors and sensorized components are gaining for importance in hydraulics, due to increasing need for control and diagnostics. Sensors and specifically pressure sensors are widely available, but most of them are invasive and require threaded mounting holes or T-junctions, often coupled with a fluid pressure drop. The paper deals with advancements in a noninvasive pressure sensing method based on indirect pressure measurement, performed through direct acquisition of the component’s strain under pressure effect. Optimized MEMS sensors, based on micro-mechanical resonance frequency variation under mechanical stress, allow a very precise strain and pressure measurement, fully temperature compensated. The applied research shows the technology advancements in MEMS design and in the improvements of finding the best position for the sensor on the hydraulic components, as well as the sensor calibration and data management. All tests were performed at Bonfiglioli S.p.A. company R&D test bench using production hydraulic motors, and data were gathered using both the embedded test bench electronic control, the data logging system and directly from the edge unit connected to the MEMS sensors. The paper will show that not only a noninvasive pressure measurement is possible using the MEMS-DETF sensors, but also that a simple temperature compensation method is possible, available with two different methods: an experimental one and a computational one, based on metal and Silicon thermal linear expansion coefficient.
The Transition of Wear and Leakage Characteristics of the Cylinder Block/Valve Plate Interface in a Wide Range of Operating Conditions
Authors: Li Xuguang , Zhang Junhui , Lyu Fei , Xu Bing
Published: November 2023

In order to take full advantage of the servo motor-driven pump, it usually demands that the axial piston pumps work in a wide range of operating conditions. It inevitably leads to a great change in performance due to the transition of wear and leakage characteristics. In this paper, a mixed lubrication model of the cylinder block/valve plate is established which fully considers the asperity contact and its effect on the lubricating oil flow. The load-bearing and lubrication characteristics such as film thickness, tilt behavior, and leakage flow are investigated under different operating conditions. The simulation results show that the cylinder block/valve plate mainly operates in the mixed lubrication regime. The wear represented by the maximum PV value shows a gradual transition process that varies with the operating conditions. It is more severe under high discharge pressure and high rotating speed. While the leakage flow shows a strong dependence on the tilting angle under low discharge pressure and high rotating speed conditions. It sharply increases with the increase of rotating speed which will lead to an abrupt failure of the axial piston pump.