bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crucial role of Ca2+/CN signalling pathway in the antifungal activity of disenecioyl‐cis‐khellactone against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Song Ping‐Ping , Wang Yu , Hou Yi‐Ping , Mao Xue‐Wei , Liu Zong‐Liang , Wei Min , Yu Jin‐Ping , Wang Bi , Qian Yi‐Yun , Yan Lu , Xu Shu , Jiang Yan‐Qin , Zhou Dong‐Qin , Yin Min , Dou Jian
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Botrytis cinerea causes grey mould and is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens affecting important fruit and vegetable crops. In preliminary studies, we found that disenecioyl‐cis‐khellactone (DK) had strong antifungal activity against several fungi species including B. cinerea [half maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 11.0 μg mL−1]. In this study, we aimed to further evaluate the antifungal activity of DK against B. cinerea and determine the role of calcium ion/calcineurin (Ca2+/CN) signalling pathway on its antifungal effect.

RESULTS

DK was effective against B. cinerea in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Exogenous Ca2+ reduced the antifungal activity of DK. The combination of DK and cyclosporine A (CsA) did not exhibit an additive effect against B. cinerea. In contrast to CsA, DK reduced the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in B. cinerea. DK bound to calcineurin A (cnA) and up‐regulated the expression of PMC1 and PMR1 genes. Moreover, DK sensitivity of △bccnA significantly decreased compared with that of Bc05.10 strain.

CONCLUSION

DK is a promising lead compound for developing fungicides against B. cinerea. The Ca2+/CN signalling pathway plays a crucial role in the DK antifungal activity, and cnA is one of the targets of DK against B. cinerea. DK directly reacts with cnA, which up‐regulates the transcription of Ca2+/CN‐dependent target genes PMC1 and PMR1, decreasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and disturbing the intracellular Ca2+ balance, leading to cell death. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of chemical and microbial control options for Pangaeus bilineatus (Say) (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) infesting peanut crop
Authors: Mbata George N , Li Yinping , Shapiro‐Ilan David
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The peanut burrower bug, Pangaeus bilineatus is a major crop pest of peanuts in the southern United States. Peanuts infested by P. bilineatus exhibit weight and quality losses and could be discounted by ≤50% of the prevailing market price. Control of this pest is difficult because it attacks peanut pods underground, thus rendering foliar pesticide applications ineffective. Integration of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes (EPF/EPNs) with chemical insecticides in the management of P. bilineatus was investigated as a potential integrated pest management containment tool.

RESULTS

The nymphs were less susceptible than adults of P. bilineatus to EPNs. Comparison of six strains of both Heterorhabditis spp. and Steinernema spp. demonstrated that Steinernema carpocapsae (All) was the most virulent EPN, causing 75.54% mortality of P. bilineatus adults after 7 days postinoculation (dpi), whereas the mortality generated by the application of the rest of the nematodes ranged between 17.03% (H. bacteriophora ‐ Lewis) and 50% (H. bacteriophora VS). Application of imidacloprid by itself at ½FR (field rate) did not result in any significant mortality of P. bilineatus adults but application of chlorpyrifos at 1/8FR caused significant mortality (27.41–61.35%) at 7–14 dpi. However, combined applications of S. carpocapsae and imidacloprid resulted in significant mortality starting at 3 dpi. The interactions between S. carpocapsae and imidacloprid were synergistic at 3–5 dpi, but became additive at 7–14 dpi. Both chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid did not negatively impact the reproduction of S. carpocapsae.

CONCLUSION

The compatibility between S. carpocapsae and imidacloprid makes a case for the combination to be used for the management of P. bilineatus. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Zinc‐dithiocarbimates for the control of Hemileia vastatrix: a versatile alternative
Authors: Rabello Anderson Silva , Rubinger Mayura Marques Magalhães , da Silva Lucas Fagundes , de Oliveira André Henrique , Serrão José Eduardo , Albuini‐Oliveira Nathália Matias , Tavares Eder do Couto , Vidigal Antonio Eustáquio Carneiro , de Oliveira Marcelo Ribeiro Leite , Zambolim Laércio , Souza Rafael Aparecido Carvalho , Guilardi Silvana , Ellena Javier
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential use of zinc‐dithiocarbimate salts to control Hemileia vastatrix, the causal agent of the coffee leaf rust disease, and to evaluate their toxicity towards Apis mellifera, one of the most important coffee plant pollinators.

RESULTS

Zinc‐dithiocarbimate salts were prepared and fully characterized by infrared, proton (1H) and carbon‐13 (13C) nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analyses of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn). X‐ray diffraction technique studies confirmed the proposed structures. The salts inhibited the germination of H. vastatrix spores in vitro, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) from 12 to 18 μmol.L−1 and a 90% inhibitory concentration (IC90) from 23 to 26 μmol.L−1. Zinc‐dithiocarbimate salts with the best in vitro results were selected for in vivo experiments with Coffea arabica var Caturra and with the pollinator A. mellifera. The results were similar to those of Mancozeb, a broad‐spectrum contact fungicide, with a good control of the disease and low toxicity to the honeybee.

CONCLUSION

The zinc‐dithiocarbimate complex salts have potential to control coffee leaf rust, with low toxicity to the pollinator insect. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Phase Transition and Oxidation Dependence of Charge–Spin Conversion in Rare‐Earth Gadolinium
Authors: Liu Fufu , Zhao Yibing , Jin Ying , Gou Pengyang , Zhao Yinjia , Shi Huigang , Yao Jinli , Jiang Changjun
Published: July 2022

The rare‐earth metal gadolinium (Gd) is characterized by strong spin‐orbit coupling and a paramagnetic‐to‐ferromagnetic phase transition that enables modulation of a charge–spin conversion via temperature. Charge–spin conversion is experimentally observed and the conversion efficiency is ≈0.26, which is slightly larger than that for Pt and Ta and smaller than that for W. The temperature dependence of charge–spin conversion initially decreases, followed by increasing, because of the paramagnetic‐to‐ferromagnetic phase transition. The charge–spin conversion efficiencies arising from the bulk‐spin Hall effect and the interfacial Rashba–Edelstein effect, respectively, via MgO/Gd/Py and MgO/Py/GdOx systems, are distinguished. The latter has a more significant enhancement because of ambient oxidation that generates the Gd/GdOx interface. The possibility of modulating the conversion efficiency via temperature and oxidation enables applications in spintronic and oxide electronic devices.
Pull the plug: Anti‐angiogenesis potential of natural products in gastrointestinal cancer therapy
Authors: Ai Yanling , Zhao Ziyi , Wang Hengyi , Zhang Xiaomei , Qin Weihan , Guo Yanlei , Zhao Maoyuan , Tang Jianyuan , Ma Xiao , Zeng Jinhao
Published: July 2022

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), including gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, is a common malignant tumor originating from the gastrointestinal epithelium. Although the pathogenesis of GIC has not been fully elucidated, angiogenesis is recognized as the key pathological basis for the growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, and GIC angiogenesis is closely related to vascular endothelial growth factor family, hypoxia‐inducible factor family, fibroblast growth factor family and matrix metalloproteinase family. Recently, many natural products have shown a wide range of pharmacological biological activities against GIC. In this review, the effects and mechanisms of natural compounds on the angiogenesis of gastric and colorectal cancer were summarized. The results show that some natural compounds, especially gallic catechin gallate, astragaloside and curcumin, can effectively inhibit angiogenesis; the HIF‐1α/VEGF, COX‐2/PGE2, HGF/c‐Met and PI3K/Akt/mTOR are involved in these inhibition effects. This review examines the anti‐angiogenesis potential of natural products in the GIC treatment and provides clues to the development of vascular targeted agents.
Mesityl‐Appended 1,4‐Bis(β‐acrylonitrile)‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzene: Blue and Green Fluorescent Crystals from a Soluble Donor–Acceptor Molecular System
Authors: Hino Yuto , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: July 2022

Because acrylonitrile‐phenylene‐based π‐conjugated molecules have highly rigid structures (or low structural flexibility), these molecules have low solubility in various organic solvents, including nonpolar and polar solvents such as hexane, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Alkylation or PEGulation strategies are useful approaches for designing highly soluble acrylonitrile‐phenylene compounds, but the number of good solvents is limited. Herein, we report mesityl‐appended 1,4‐bis(β‐acrylonitrile)‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzene including an electron donor–acceptor system. The molecule shows good solubility in various organic solvents, such as hexane, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone, ethanol, N,N‐dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, and dimethyl sulfoxide, owing to the appended bulky mesityl groups. Spectroscopic measurements were performed in various solutions. The solvatochromic behaviour was investigated according to the polarity and affinities by absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic analyses in various solvents. The acrylonitrile unit in the π‐conjugated structure allows rotation under ambient light. E−Z isomerisation was observed owing to its structural flexibility. This feature gave two fluorescent molecular crystals: blue‐PL Z,Z‐molecular crystal BC (minor material, CCDC 2108373, λem=473 nm) and green‐PL E,E‐molecular crystal GC (major material, CCDC 2108365, λem=508 nm). It is reasonable that the more planar donor–acceptor core structure of the E,E‐crystal shows lower energy fluorescence than the slightly twisted structure of the Z,Z‐crystal.
Typification of Adanson's generic name Pacoseroca (Zingiberaceae) and its implications
Authors: Bai Lin , Leong‐Škorničková Jana , Xia Nianhe
Published: July 2022

Since its publication by Adanson in 1763, the name Pacoseroca has been treated as a synonym of several genera of Zingiberaceae by different authors. It is currently treated as a homotypic synonym of Zingiber Mill. (≡ Amomum L., nom. rej.) in Index Nominum Genericorum. No binomial combination has ever been proposed in Pacoseroca, and the typification of this long‐forgotten generic name has never been undertaken. We show here that Pacoseroca is not homotypic with Amomum L. Instead, its protologue included elements that belong to at least three rather distantly related genera of Zingiberaceae (Aframomum, Elettaria, Renealmia), over all of which Pacoseroca has priority. Based on a study of the protologue and of Adanson's working methods, we typify Pacoseroca with Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) Maas (≡ Amomum alpinia Rottb.), a species which is the best fit to a plant recorded by Marcgrave under the vernacular name “Paco seroca” and upon which Adanson based his generic name. A formal proposal to reject Pacoseroca will be submitted to uphold the well‐known Renealmia and to prevent new combinations for 82 species names currently accepted in this genus, which is widespread in Africa and South America.
Comparative wood anatomy and origin of woodiness in subfamilies Secamonoideae and Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Beckers Vicky , Rapini Alessandro , Smets Erik , Lens Frederic
Published: July 2022

The Apocynaceae subfamilies Secamonoideae and Asclepiadoideae have undergone several transitions during their evolution with regard to growth form and degree of woodiness. In this study, we present a wood anatomical overview of both subfamilies that complements previous work on the remaining Apocynaceae. Detailed microscopic wood descriptions using light and scanning electron microscopy were performed on 60 species that cover most Secamonoideae genera and all major woody Asclepiadoideae lineages. Our observations are in line with subfamilial and (sometimes sub)tribal delimitations. Furthermore, we present for the first time an overview of the estimated number of shifts from herbaceousness to (phylogenetically) derived woodiness in Asclepiadoideae, along with a derived woody species list with distribution and habitat information. In total, at least 168 derived woody species resulting from at least 28 independent woodiness transitions were found, with drought possibly being one of the main drivers of most of these transitions.
Conducting a Diversity Audit: Who is Represented in Your Classroom Library?
Authors: Koss Melanie D. , Paciga Kathleen A.
Published: July 2022

This article provides an overview of the importance of and the steps to undertaking a classroom library diversity audit. It begins by situating the importance of the classroom library in children's development because literature can reflect and expand worldviews. Next, statistics of U.S. children's literature publishing and U.S. classroom populations are provided to contextualize the need for a diverse classroom library. The article then covers the four steps a teacher needs to take to complete a classroom library audit ‐ visualizing, completing the inventory, reflecting on findings, and developing next‐step plans. It concludes with a call to action for teachers to consider their responsibility as curators of diversity.
Performance evaluation of local honey bee race (Apis melifera secutellata) in the Metekel Zone of North Western Ethiopia
Authors: Shitaneh Esubalew , Arega Habtie , Getent Mezgebu , Bezabeh Amssalu
Published: July 2022

Background

Honeybee colonies differ in performance due to variations in their traits in terms of production, productivity and behaviour. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the performance of honey bee race at their geographical location.

Methods

A total of 20 honey bee colonies from traditional hives were transferred into frame hives and arranged randomly with enough space between the colonies. Colonies were evaluated for aggressiveness, hygienic behaviour, brood area, pollen and nectar stores, absconding and honey yield.

Results

The results indicated that colonies were generally aggressive, and the majority of colonies at 2.3‐m away from the entrance reacted to the external body. They removed 95.7% ± 0.75% of the pin‐killed pupae in 24 h, and there was significant (p < 0.05) variation among the different observations. The average population of the brood was 24.925 ± 7.714 unit area of brood/hive during the honey flow period. Similarly, the area allocated for storing pollen grains could reach up to 11.46 ± 3.96‐unit area of pollen/hive. The swarming and absconding behaviour of the race was on average 3.39 ± 0.6, and 25% queen cells were found during the breeding season and dearth period, respectively. On average, the 8.85 ± 0.54 kg honey yield per colony per harvest on one honey chamber box was nearly similar to the national average (19.4 kg/hive/year) when harvested two times per year.

Conclusion

In general, the Apis mellifera secutellata race is good in hygienic tendency and also performs well for honey yield under optimal management practices. The absconding and aggressive behaviour was high; the main reasons were extreme weather condition, and different pest and disease, seasonality of bee flora were the major ones. So, based on the current findings A. m. scutellata was predominantly available in the area and highly productive if well‐managed. On the other hand, we are recommended on dearth period management and on the height of shade bee colonies.
An incidental finding of numerous hypocellular nodules within a mandibular–sublingual gland complex sialocoele in a dog
Authors: Davenport Amy , Thompson Jamie‐Leigh , Cazzini Paola , Sangster Cheryl , Buishand Floryne
Published: July 2022

An 11‐month‐old female Labrador Retriever presented with a 3‐month history of a progressively enlarging, unilateral, ventral mandibular swelling. Cytology was consistent with saliva, and the dog was referred for further investigations. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging was performed, and findings were suggestive of a left‐sided mandibular sialocoele. The dog underwent sialoadenectomy surgery of the left mandibular–sublingual gland complex. On incising the thick capsule of the sialocoele, the swelling was incidentally found to contain hundreds of 1.5–2 mm firm, spherical structures. Cytological and histological examination of the structures demonstrated that these were non‐mineralised, hypocellular, proteinaceous nodules. The nodules were not able to be identified on review of the pre‐operative CT scan. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of such radiolucent, proteinaceous nodules being present within a canine sialocoele.
Magnesium Complexes with Isomeric Pyrazol‐4‐ylidene and Imidazol‐2‐ylidene Ligands
Authors: Burnett Stuart , de Vere‐Tucker Matthew , Davitt Matthew , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Ferns Rochelle , van Mourik Tanja , Stasch Andreas
Published: July 2022

Dimagnesium(I) complexes [{(Arnacnac)Mg}2], where Arnacnac=HC(MeCNAr)2, Ar=Dip=2,6‐iPr2−C6H3, Ar=Dep=2,6‐Et2−C6H3, Ar=Mes=2,4,6‐Me3−C6H2, react with iodoarenes in oxidative addition reactions. With iodobenzene, magnesium phenyl and magnesium iodide complex fragments were obtained, and from a reaction with 4‐iodo‐1,2,3,5‐tetramethylpyrazolium iodide, [MePZI]I, the pyrazol‐4‐ylidene complex [(Dipnacnac)MgI(MePZ)] was structurally characterised, alongside other products. The isomeric imidazol‐2‐ylidene complex [(Dipnacnac)MgI(MeNHC)], where MeNHC is 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene, was prepared and characterised. X‐ray crystal structure determinations and DFT computational studies have been carried out to compare the related complexes. The results show that the MePZ ligand is higher in energy and more nucleophilic than its more common isomeric MeNHC carbene.
Synthesis of the Sterically Shielded Rhodium(I) Arene Complex by Cycloaddition of the Phosphorous‐Substituted Alkyne
Authors: Pototskiy Roman A. , Boym Mikhail A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Perekalin Dmitry S.
Published: July 2022

Reaction of two molecules of o‐diphenylphosphino‐tolane with RhCl(PPh3)3 produces the metallacycle complex with C4Rh(P3)Cl core. Further addition of tolane leads to 2+2+2‐cycloaddition and gives the cationic complex [Rh(Ph2P−C6H4−C6Ph4−C6H4−PPh2)]Cl, in which the metal is coordinated to C6Ph4 aromatic ring as well to two chelating PPh2 groups. The resulting bulky terphenyl‐diphosphine ligand with phosphorous atoms locked in cis‐position can be decoordinated from rhodium by a strong and non‐hindered ligand tBuNC. Peculiar structures of all the compounds were studied by the X‐ray diffraction.
Translating Distance Education Theory into Practice: Developing an Emergency Teaching Framework for a Caribbean University
Authors: Hill LeRoy
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled universities worldwide to address the issue of continuity of teaching and learning. The request for teaching and learning continuity took many by surprise and as such, many universities were unprepared for the rapid shift. The transition from face to face to remote teaching therefore required a quick, but careful consideration to the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of remote teaching and learning. Notwithstanding this challenge, it becomes necessary to ground decisions within theoretical contexts that support and advance effective remote teaching and learning practice. Theory is well established as a tool to shape the effective teaching and learning within the higher-education setting and while there are frameworks that support traditional teaching and learning, not much attention is given to distance education frameworks. This chapter therefore intimates reflection on the utility of distance education theoretical frameworks to advance and sustain remote teaching practice at a Caribbean university.
Transforming Emergency into Opportunity: Unleashing the Creative Potential of Student-Faculty Collaborations to Prototype Better Educational Futures in Response to Crisis
Authors: York Emily , Wilcox Diane , Stewart Jonathan , McCarthy Sean , Barron Kenneth
Published: July 2022

This design case offers a response to the pandemic crisis that cuts across pedagogical, technological, disciplinary, and administrative boundaries within a university in an effort to foment mutual learning and change. A team of five faculty from different disciplines joined forces to imagine a new online course that could contribute to novel educational redesigns. Titled “The Future of Learning at JMU,” the course was sponsored by the university administration and presented innovative ideas to key stakeholders across the institution. Undergraduate and graduate students collaborated in multidisciplinary teams and worked with faculty to engage stakeholders from across the institution via interviews and participatory presentations. This constituted a novel learning partnership that radically reconceptualized a university course as a design space that can participate in transformational institutional change.
Teachers Co-creating for Teachers: Design and Implementation of an Online Teacher Professional Development Course in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ngeze Lucian Vumilia , Iyer Sridhar
Published: July 2022

As schools closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, different digital platforms were available for remote teaching. However, the majority of the school teachers were not trained on how to use different digital technologies to continue their teaching. Rather than waiting for technology experts to provide such training, one approach is co-creation, that is, to identify teachers who are adept at using technology in their teaching and mentor them to create materials for training other teachers. Co-creation is collaborative and is created by peers and hence easier for adoption. This chapter reports on a four-week online course developed by co-creators (teachers mentored by a trainer) for school teachers (course participants). The course aimed at introducing participants to different electronic and digital technology tools to engage students remotely. Selected teachers co-created the lessons, activities and resources, including guidelines, tips and procedures that participants could use while preparing their own lessons. Participants reflected on how the course changed their mindset in using different technology tools and how they were able to engage students during and beyond the course duration. A model to engage teachers as co-creators and co-facilitators of such training programs evolved.
Data-driven modeling for thermo-elastic properties of vacancy-defective graphene reinforced nanocomposites with its application to functionally graded beams
Authors: Zhao Shaoyu , Zhang Yingyan , Zhang Yihe , Zhang Wei , Yang Jie , Kitipornchai Sritawat
Published: July 2022

The presence of unavoidable defects in the form of atom vacancies in graphene sheets considerably deteriorates the thermo-elastic properties of graphene-reinforced nanocomposites. Since none of the existing micromechanics models is capable of capturing the effect of vacancy defect, accurate prediction of the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites poses a great challenge. Based on molecular dynamics (MD) databases and genetic programming (GP) algorithm, this paper addresses this key issue by developing a data-driven modeling approach which is then used to modify the existing Halpin–Tsai model and rule of mixtures by taking vacancy defects into account. The data-driven micromechanics models can provide accurate and efficient predictions of thermo-elastic properties of defective graphene-reinforced Cu nanocomposites at various temperatures with high coefficients of determination (R2 > 0.9). Furthermore, these well-trained data-driven micromechanics models are employed in the thermal buckling, elastic buckling, free vibration, and static bending analyses of functionally graded defective graphene reinforced composite beams, followed by a detailed parametric study with a particular focus on the effects of defect percentage, content, and distribution pattern of graphene as well as temperature on the structural behaviors.
Autoimmunity, cancer and COVID-19 abnormally activate wound healing pathways: critical role of inflammation
Authors: Gál Peter , Brábek Jan , Holub Michal , Jakubek Milan , Šedo Aleksi , Lacina Lukáš , Strnadová Karolína , Dubový Petr , Hornychová Helena , Ryška Aleš , Smetana Karel
Published: July 2022

Recent evidence indicates that targeting IL-6 provides broad therapeutic approaches to several diseases. In patients with cancer, autoimmune diseases, severe respiratory infections [e.g. coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] and wound healing, IL-6 plays a critical role in modulating the systemic and local microenvironment. Elevated serum levels of IL-6 interfere with the systemic immune response and are associated with disease progression and prognosis. As already noted, monoclonal antibodies blocking either IL-6 or binding of IL-6 to receptors have been used/tested successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, many cancer types, and COVID-19. Therefore, in the present review, we compare the impact of IL-6 and anti-IL-6 therapy to demonstrate common (pathological) features of the studied diseases such as formation of granulation tissue with the presence of myofibroblasts and deposition of new extracellular matrix. We also discuss abnormal activation of other wound-healing-related pathways that have been implicated in autoimmune disorders, cancer or COVID-19.
Using virtual environments to facilitate refugee integration in third countries
Authors: Kirya Mark , Debattista Kurt , Chalmers Alan
Published: July 2022

Virtual experiences (VEs) have significant potential to enrich emotional interactions, to encourage socialisation and improve communication. In education, VEs offer new approaches for delivering content. In this paper we consider the application of VEs for assisting refugees in Senegal to learn how to navigate the complexities of the UK health system; a substantial stumbling block for their integration into society and for their own health. Participants ($$N=122$$

N
=
122

), refugees awaiting to be repatriated, were exposed to material presented via three different media text, 360° videos and virtual reality (VR) across a total of seven different modalities. The experiment investigated specific attributes of the media that would facilitate refugees’ integration, such as knowledge received and retained, experience, usability and presence. The results show that interactive media, in particular VR, was significantly better across all tested attributes.
How the physical appearance of companions affects females with high or low social physique anxiety: a virtual reality exercise study
Authors: Kroon Rianca , Neumann David L. , Piatkowski Timothy M. , Moffitt Robyn L.
Published: July 2022

Technologies such as virtual reality (VR), an immersive computer-based environment that induces a feeling of mental and physical presence, are becoming increasingly popular for promoting participation in exercise. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in motivation and other psychological states when the physique of an exercise companion was altered during a VR-based exercise task, and whether trait social physique anxiety (SPA) altered these effects. Using a mixed experimental design, female participants (N = 43) categorised as high or low in SPA participated in two counterbalanced 10-min running tasks within a VR environment where the exercise companion was either overweight or in-shape. Across both running tasks, individuals with high SPA reported higher negative affect, pressure and tension, and lower perceived competencies, than those with low SPA. Pressure and tension were also higher when exercising with an in-shape companion than with an overweight companion for all participants. In addition, participants with high SPA reported a stronger preference to exercise with an overweight companion than those with low SPA in a real exercise setting, but not in a VR setting. The findings suggest that the physique of an exercise companion and the SPA of an exerciser have important, but independent, psychosocial effects during exercise. That an in-shape physique of a virtual exercise companion was not a deterrent among those with high SPA has provided preliminary evidence that VR-based exercise may be helpful among females who worry about their appearance or feel self-conscious while exercising.
Cost-effectiveness of metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity: a systematic review of economic evaluations
Authors: Jordan Karen , Fawsitt Christopher G. , Carty Paul G. , Clyne Barbara , Teljeur Conor , Harrington Patricia , Ryan Mairin
Published: July 2022

Aim

To systematically identify and appraise the international literature on the cost-effectiveness of metabolic surgery for the treatment of comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases and grey literature sources up to 20 January 2021. Economic evaluations in a T2D population or a subpopulation with T2D were eligible for inclusion. Screening, data extraction, critical appraisal of methodological quality (Consensus Health Economic Criteria list) and assessment of transferability (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research questionnaire) were undertaken in duplicate. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was the main outcome. Costs were reported in 2020 Irish Euro. Cost-effectiveness was interpreted using willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of €20,000 and €45,000/quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Due to heterogeneity arising from various sources, a narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Results

Thirty studies across seventeen jurisdictions met the inclusion criteria; 16 specifically in a T2D population and 14 in a subpopulation with T2D. Overall, metabolic surgery was found to be cost-effective or cost-saving. Where undertaken, the results were robust to sensitivity and scenario analyses. Of the 30 studies included, 15 were considered high quality. Identified limitations included limited long-term follow-up data and uncertainty regarding the utility associated with T2D remission.

Conclusion

Published high-quality studies suggest metabolic surgery is a cost-effective or cost-saving intervention. As the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related diseases increases worldwide, significant investment and careful consideration of the resource requirements needed for metabolic surgery programmes will be necessary to ensure that service provision is adequate to meet demand.
The effects of anatomical errors on shoulder kinematics computed using multi-body models
Authors: Lavaill Maxence , Martelli Saulo , Gilliland Luke , Gupta Ashish , Kerr Graham , Pivonka Peter
Published: July 2022

Joint motion calculated using multi-body models and inverse kinematics presents many advantages over direct marker-based calculations. However, the sensitivity of the computed kinematics is known to be partly caused by the model and could also be influenced by the participants’ anthropometry and sex. This study aimed to compare kinematics computed from an anatomical shoulder model based on medical images against a scaled-generic model and quantify the effects of anatomical errors and participants’ anthropometry on the calculated joint angles. Twelve participants have had planar shoulder movements experimentally captured in a motion lab, and their shoulder anatomy imaged using an MRI scanner. A shoulder multi-body dynamics model was developed for each participant, using both an image-based approach and a scaled-generic approach. Inverse kinematics have been performed using the two different modelling procedures and the three different experimental motions. Results have been compared using Bland–Altman analysis of agreement and further analysed using multi-linear regressions. Kinematics computed via an anatomical and a scaled-generic shoulder models differed in average from 3.2 to 5.4 degrees depending on the task. The MRI-based model presented smaller limits of agreement to direct kinematics than the scaled-generic model. Finally, the regression model predictors, including anatomical errors, sex, and BMI of the participant, explained from 41 to 80% of the kinematic variability between model types with respect to the task. This study highlighted the consequences of modelling precision, quantified the effects of anatomical errors on the shoulder kinematics, and showed that participants' anthropometry and sex could indirectly affect kinematic outcomes.
Ethik und Institutionen der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung
Authors:   Überblick
Published: July 2022

Die deutsche Politikberatung ist eingebettet in einen institutionellen Rahmen, der aus Universitäten, Forschungsinstituten, Sachverständigen und Beiräten besteht. Hin und wieder ist Kritik an der deutschen Beratungslandschaft zu vernehmen, beispielsweise, dass die wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Politikberatung in Deutschland zu wenig am Stand der Forschung orientiert sei oder Partikularinteressen (z. B. von Arbeitgeber:innen bzw. Arbeitnehmer:innen) zu viel Gehör fänden. Zudem haben die Fortschritte in der empirischen Ökonomik, die Forderung nach „evidenzbasierter Politikberatung“ verstärkt. Welche Anreize haben Wissenschaftler:innen, sich am politischen Diskurs zu beteiligen und mit welchem wissenschaftlichen Ethos sollten sie dies tun? Es stellt sich die praktische Frage, wie die Politikberatung in Deutschland verändert werden kann, um den verschiedenen Stimmen aus der Wissenschaft insgesamt mehr Gehör zu verschaffen und einen offenen Dialog zwischen Forscher:innen und Politik zu fördern. Welche Reformen im Wissenschaftssystem und in den die Politik beratenden Gremien sind sinnvoll, um die Politik zu beraten?
Use of Brain Biomechanical Models for Monitoring Impact Exposure in Contact Sports
Authors: Ji Songbai , Ghajari Mazdak , Mao Haojie , Kraft Reuben H. , Hajiaghamemar Marzieh , Panzer Matthew B. , Willinger Remy , Gilchrist Michael D. , Kleiven Svein , Stitzel Joel D.
Published: July 2022

Head acceleration measurement sensors are now widely deployed in the field to monitor head kinematic exposure in contact sports. The wealth of impact kinematics data provides valuable, yet challenging, opportunities to study the biomechanical basis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and subconcussive kinematic exposure. Head impact kinematics are translated into brain mechanical responses through physics-based computational simulations using validated brain models to study the mechanisms of injury. First, this article reviews representative legacy and contemporary brain biomechanical models primarily used for blunt impact simulation. Then, it summarizes perspectives regarding the development and validation of these models, and discusses how simulation results can be interpreted to facilitate injury risk assessment and head acceleration exposure monitoring in the context of contact sports. Recommendations and consensus statements are presented on the use of validated brain models in conjunction with kinematic sensor data to understand the biomechanics of mTBI and subconcussion. Mainly, there is general consensus that validated brain models have strong potential to improve injury prediction and interpretation of subconcussive kinematic exposure over global head kinematics alone. Nevertheless, a major roadblock to this capability is the lack of sufficient data encompassing different sports, sex, age and other factors. The authors recommend further integration of sensor data and simulations with modern data science techniques to generate large datasets of exposures and predicted brain responses along with associated clinical findings. These efforts are anticipated to help better understand the biomechanical basis of mTBI and improve the effectiveness in monitoring kinematic exposure in contact sports for risk and injury mitigation purposes.
The CADM2 Gene and Behavior: A Phenome-Wide Scan in UK-Biobank
Authors: Pasman Joëlle A. , Chen Zeli , Smit Dirk J. A. , Vink Jacqueline M. , Van Den Oever Michel C. , Pattij Tommy , De Vries Taco J. , Abdellaoui Abdel , Verweij Karin J. H.
Published: July 2022

The cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2) gene has appeared among the top associations in a wide range of genome-wide association studies (GWASs). This study aims to: (1) examine how widespread the role of CADM2 is in behavioural traits, and (2) investigate trait-specific effects on CADM2 expression levels across tissues. We conducted a phenome-wide association study in UK Biobank (N = 12,211–453,349) on 242 psycho-behavioral traits, both at the SNP and the gene-level. For comparison, we repeated the analyses for other large (and high LD) genes. We found significant associations between CADM2 and 50 traits (including cognitive, risk taking, and dietary traits), many more than for the comparison genes. We show that many trait associations are reduced when taking geographical stratification into account. S-Predixcan revealed that CADM2 expression in brain tissues was significantly associated with many traits; highly significant effects were also observed for lung, mammary, and adipose tissues. In conclusion, this study shows that the role of CADM2 extends to a wide range of psycho-behavioral traits, suggesting these traits may share a common biological denominator.
Voluntary ‘donations’ versus reward-oriented ‘contributions’: two experiments on framing in funding mechanisms
Authors: Adena Maja , Huck Steffen
Published: July 2022

In an artefactual field experiment, we implemented a crowdfunding campaign for an institute’s summer party and compared donation and contribution framings. We found that the use of the word ‘donation’ generated higher revenue than the use of ‘contribution.’ While the individuals receiving the donation framing gave substantially larger amounts, those receiving the contribution framing responded more strongly to reward thresholds and suggestions. An additional survey experiment on MTurk indicated that the term ‘donation’ triggers more positive emotional responses and that emotions are highly correlated with giving. It appears that making a donation is perceived as a more voluntary act and is thus more successful at generating warm glow than making a contribution. We surmise that this extends to other funding mechanisms.
Thriving in the neoliberal academia without becoming its agent? Sociologising resilience with an early career academic and a mid-career researcher
Authors: Yin Yue Melody , Mu Guanglun Michael
Published: July 2022

In educational research, there has been much stricture of neoliberalism as a scourge. In the higher education sector, the neoliberal turn has been observed as eroding academic freedom and deprofessionalising academics. Early career academics are often described as victims of neoliberalism. In this paper, we take a positive perspective through a deep dive into resilience that enables self-transformation and, potentially, system change. Our paper is situated in the Chinese higher education context where the “up-or-out” system has been put in place, mirroring the neoliberal university at a global range. We — a mid-career researcher and an early career academic — analyse our collective narratives generated through WeChat text and voice message. Drawing insight from Bourdieu’s reflexive sociology, our narratives lead to four themes: capital accumulation and self-transformation, shaping the publication habitus, emancipation from symbolic violence, and resilience to symbolic domination. We conclude the paper with a call for sociology of resilience and recommendations for deneoliberalising higher education.
Flexible humidity sensor based on light-scribed graphene oxide
Authors: Ouda Emtinan , Yousf Nehad , Morsy Mohamed , Duraia El-Shazly M.
Published: July 2022

The light scribe (LS) technique has been applied to reduce graphene oxide (LSGO) over a flexible substrate to be used as a humidity sensor. Graphene oxide (GO) suspension was drop casted over Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and then reduced inside a conventional light scribe digital video disc (DVD). Interdigitated electrode was precisely fabricated with dimensions of the finger length of 450 μm and width of 20 μm. The prepared material was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The results confirm the reduction process of GO using the LS technique. Moreover, the humidity sensing properties of the LSGO was evaluated. Results showed that the present light-scribed humidity sensor has many advantages including rapid response, highly precise due to light scribe technique, and more importantly sensors can be fabricated directly on flexible substrates which are highly favorable for future wearable smart electronics.
High school mathematics teachers' changes in beliefs and knowledge during lesson study
Authors: Nguyen Duyen Thi , Tran Dung
Published: July 2022

This research investigates how a lesson study (LS) on designing and implementing challenging tasks impacts Vietnamese high school mathematics teacher knowledge and beliefs. Its contribution highlights cultural considerations when adopting LS to the forefront to contextualize the impacts. The results show that the teachers developed their specialized content knowledge by attending to students’ mathematics and creating cognitive conflicts building on student responses. The teachers changed their curriculum knowledge from implementer to transformer, improved knowledge about content and students attending to difficulties and misconceptions, and enhanced their knowledge about content and teaching in ways they designed, sequenced, and evaluated approaches that fit student learning. Finally, they changed their beliefs about mathematics to a comprehensive view of knowledge, mathematical proficiency, and sophisticated beliefs of teaching and learning. Discussion about the essence of LS when adopting it to different cultures is included.
Normal surface singularities with an integral homology sphere link related to space monomial curves with a plane semigroup
Authors: Martín-Morales Jorge , Vos Lena
Published: July 2022

In this article, we consider an infinite family of normal surface singularities with an integral homology sphere link which is related to the family of space monomial curves with a plane semigroup. These monomial curves appear as the special fibers of equisingular families of curves whose generic fibers are a complex plane branch, and the related surface singularities appear in a proof of the monodromy conjecture for these curves. To investigate whether the link of a normal surface singularity is an integral homology sphere, one can use a characterization that depends on the determinant of the intersection matrix of a (partial) resolution. To study our family, we apply this characterization with a partial toric resolution of our singularities constructed as a sequence of weighted blow-ups.
Two-Weight Inequalities for Multilinear Commutators in Product Spaces
Authors: Airta Emil , Li Kangwei , Martikainen Henri
Published: July 2022

This article is devoted to establishing two-weight estimates for commutators of singular integrals. We combine multilinearity with product spaces. A new type of two-weight extrapolation result is used to yield the quasi-Banach range of estimates.
A qualitative study to examine meaningful change in physical function associated with weight-loss
Authors: Poon Jiat-Ling , Marshall Chris , Johnson Chloe , Pegram Hannah C. , Hunter Maile , Kan Hongjun , Ahmad Nadia N.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study explored perceptions of meaningful weight-loss and the level of change on two patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey® [SF-36v2®] and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Lite-Clinical Trials© [IWQOL-Lite-CT©], that individuals living with overweight or obesity consider to be meaningful and indicative of treatment success.

Methods

Thirty-three qualitative interviews were conducted in the US with adults living with overweight or obesity. Concept elicitation explored perceptions of minimally important/meaningful weight-loss using open-ended questions. Cognitive debriefing was used to understand thresholds for meaningful change on both measures.

Results

Most participants (n = 23/33) expected a 5% total body weight-loss to yield some benefit in physical functioning, while all participants expected a 10% weight-loss to provide a meaningful and noticeable improvement in their physical functioning. Participants indicated that an item-level 1-point score change on each measure would represent a noticeable improvement in physical functioning and indicate treatment success.

Conclusions

Participants expected moderate weight-losses to be noticeable, with ≥ 10% weight-loss yielding the most consistent results. The findings suggested that both measures provide strong opportunity to demonstrate treatment benefit in relation to physical functioning as a small change on the response scale would represent a noticeable improvement in participants’ daily lives.
Normativity, Legitimacy, and Strengthening Migration Justice Mechanisms: A Reply to My Critics
Authors: Brock Gillian
Published: July 2022

Matthew Lindauer, Peter Higgins, Jiewuh Song, and Ana Tanasoca have engaged thoughtfully with the work I present in Justice for People on the Move. I am very grateful for their insightful comments, critical remarks, observations about areas of agreement, useful suggestions for progressing important conversations, and invitations to elaborate on core issues. I cannot possibly discuss all the important issues they cover here, but in this response essay I address some of their most prominent concerns in the next four sections. The first section engages with Matthew Lindauer’s critique. It covers the normative grounding for my account and its relationship with the human rights practice that I support. In the second section I discuss why legitimacy has such a prominent role in my argument, thus addressing Peter Higgins’s commentary. The third section reviews some points about the human rights practice. These clarifications help address Jiewuh Song’s and Ana Tanasoca’s queries about practical implications and strengthening implementation avenues. In the final section I cover how my contribution requirements function in judging state legitimacy. Drawing on this discussion I address points from Song’s and Tanasoca’s papers, such as epistemic challenges in assessing contributions to the legitimacy of the state system.