bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply/demand interface for disaster resilience assessment of interdependent infrastructure systems considering privacy and security concerns
Authors: Blagojević N. , Stojadinović B.
Published: August 2023

The ability to swiftly restore functionality following an extreme event is an essential characteristic of a disaster resilient infrastructure system. However, the restoration of functionality of a single infrastructure system often depends on the functionality of other systems that provide resources the considered system needs to operate and recover. Furthermore, infrastructure systems are crucial for the post-disaster functional recovery of the building stock of a community. Thus, community resilience assessment and improvement require a system-of-systems perspective, considering the post-disaster performance of several interdependent infrastructure systems and the building stock at the same time. One of the principal issues in resilience assessment and improvement is that such system-of-systems consideration may require detailed information on the vulnerability and recoverability of numerous components. While such information might be available for certain systems (e.g., housing), for others, the information might be unavailable due to privacy and security concerns (e.g., electric power supply systems or buildings housing important functions). In this paper, we propose a supply/demand interface between the system-of-systems simulator, defined within the interdependent Resilience - Compositional Demand/Supply (iRe-CoDeS) framework, and the individual infrastructure system simulators. Such an interface can be used for regional recovery simulation and resilience assessment of interdependent infrastructure systems, while allowing infrastructure system operators to maintain system’s privacy and/or security. We define a tiered supply/demand interface, where the amount of information provided by individual systems can range from system-level to component-level post-disaster evolution of resource supply and demand, assessed using expert opinion or confidential in-house models. The proposed supply/demand interfaces are illustrated in a semi-virtual case study, assessing the seismic resilience of North-East San Francisco, focusing on the effect of interdependent infrastructure on the functional recovery of residential buildings.
Genetic Programs Between Steroid-Sensitive and Steroid-Insensitive Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Lu Yanjiao , Tang Kun , Wang Shanshan , Gao Pengfei , Tian Zhen , Wang Meijia , Chen Jinkun , Xiao Chengfeng , Zhao Jianping , Xie Jungang
Published: August 2023

The effectiveness of corticosteroids (GCs) varies greatly in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). In this study, we aimed to compare the gene expression profiles of patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and identify the molecules and pathways responsible for GCs sensitivity in ILDs. Three datasets (GSE21411, GSE47460, and GSE32537) were selected. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among COP, IPF, NSIP, and healthy control (CTRL) groups were identified. Functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction network analysis were performed to examine the potential functions of DEGs. There were 128 DEGs when COP versus CTRL, 257 DEGs when IPF versus CTRL, 205 DEGs when NSIP versus CTRL, and 270 DEGs when COP versus IPF. The DEGs in different ILDs groups were mainly enriched in the inflammatory response. Further pathway analysis showed that “interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway” (hsa04657) and “tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway” were associated with different types of ILDs. A total of 10 genes associated with inflammatory response were identified as hub genes and their expression levels in the IPF group were higher than those in the COP group. Finally, we identified two GCs’ response-related differently expressed genes (FOSL1 and DDIT4). Our bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the inflammatory response played a pathogenic role in the progression of ILDs. We also illustrated that the inflammatory reaction was more severe in the IPF group compared to the COP group and identified two GCs’ response-related differently expressed genes (FOSL1 and DDIT4) in ILDs.
Systematic review of mRNA expression in human oocytes: understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying oocyte competence
Authors: Gonzalez Xavier Viñals , Almutlaq Arwa , Gupta Sioban Sen
Published: August 2023

The biggest cell in the human body, the oocyte, encloses almost the complete machinery to start life. Despite all the research performed to date, defining oocyte quality is still a major goal of reproductive science. It is the consensus that mature oocytes are transcriptionally silent although, during their growth, the cell goes through stages of active transcription and translation, which will endow the oocyte with the competence to undergo nuclear maturation, and the oocyte and embryo to initiate timely translation before the embryonic genome is fully activated (cytoplasmic maturation). A systematic search was conducted across three electronic databases and the literature was critically appraised using the KMET score system. The aim was to identify quantitative differences in transcriptome of human oocytes that may link to patient demographics that could affect oocyte competence. Data was analysed following the principles of thematic analysis. Differences in the transcriptome were identified with respect to age or pathological conditions and affected chromosome mis segregation, perturbations of the nuclear envelope, premature maturation, and alterations in metabolic pathways—amongst others—in human oocytes.
Targeted ablation of epicardial ganglionated plexi during cardiac surgery with pulsed field electroporation (NEURAL AF)
Authors: Musikantow Daniel R. , Reddy Vivek Y. , Skalsky Ivo , Shaburishvili Tamaz , van Zyl Martin , O’Brien Barry , Coffey Ken , Reilly John , Neuzil Petr , Asirvatham Samuel , de Groot Joris R.
Published: August 2023

Background

Modulation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a promising adjuvant therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). In pre-clinical models, pulsed field (PF) energy has the advantage of selectively ablating the epicardial ganglionated plexi (GP) that govern the ANS. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of epicardial ablation of the GPs with PF during cardiac surgery with a primary efficacy outcome of prolongation of the atrial effective refractory period (AERP).

Methods

In a single-arm, prospective analysis, patients with or without a history of AF underwent epicardial GP ablation with PF during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). AERP was determined immediately pre- and post- GP ablation to assess cardiac ANS function. Holter monitors were performed to determine rhythm status and heart rate variability (HRV) at baseline and at 1-month post-procedure.

Results

Of 24 patients, 23 (96%) received the full ablation protocol. No device-related adverse effects were noted. GP ablation resulted in a 20.7 ± 19.9% extension in AERP (P < 0.001). Post-operative AF was observed in 7 (29%) patients. Holter monitoring demonstrated an increase in mean heart rate (74.0 ± 8.7 vs. 80.6 ± 12.3, P = 0.01). There were no significant changes in HRV. There were no study-related complications.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of epicardial ablation of the GP using PF to modulate the ANS during cardiac surgery. Large, randomized analyses are necessary to determine whether epicardial PF ablation can offer a meaningful impact on the cardiac ANS and reduce AF.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration: NCT04775264.
Evaluation of copper slag and stainless steel slag as replacements for blast furnace slag in binary and ternary alkali-activated cements
Authors: Stefanini Laura , Ghorbani Saeid , De Schutter Geert , Matthys Stijn , Walkley Brant , Provis John L.
Published: August 2023

Commonly used alkali activation precursors such as blast furnace slag and fly ash will soon become less available due to resource competition, and may cease to be produced in certain regions. This limitation in future supply is a main driving force for the investigation of alternative precursor sources, such as non-blast furnace slags and non-ferrous slags, to produce alkali-activated binders. The current study investigates the incorporation of copper slag (CS) and stainless steel slag resulting from electric arc furnace operations (EAFSS) as partial replacements for ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in producing alkali-activated materials (AAMs), at paste level. Five binary alkali-activated mixtures with different replacement levels of GGBFS with CS, and three ternary mixtures with both CS and EAFSS as partial and total replacements for GGBFS, are activated by a sodium silicate solution. Replacing GGBFS with CS and EAFSS retards the reaction kinetics, resulting in improved fresh-state properties of the investigated AAMs, better retention of workability and longer setting times. The reaction of alkali-activated 100% CS shows minimal initial exothermic activity until 3.5 h, when a single intense peak appears, representing delayed dissolution and subsequent polycondensation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicate that the main crystalline phases of CS and EAFSS are stable in these alkaline systems; it is the glassy components that react. The use of CS and EAFSS in blended AAMs causes a minor increase in porosity of ~ 1–3% with respect to GGBFS only, and a small reduction in compressive and flexural strengths, although these reach 80 MPa and 8 MPa, respectively, after 28 days, even at a replacement level over 65 wt. %. Conversely, the 100% CS mixture exhibits a one-day compressive strength of 23 MPa, with a negligible increase thereafter. This result agrees with both FTIR and SEM analysis which highlight only minor changes in binder development after two days. It is believed that the unusual behaviour of CS in the investigated mixtures is related to the low availability of calcium in this precursor material.
Evidence to Act: LGBTIQ-Inclusive Family Violence Service Provision in Australia and the Politicisation of Data Gaps
Authors: Lusby Stephanie , Lim Gene , Carman Marina , Bourne Adam
Published: August 2023

Purpose

There are inadequate resources available to support lesbian, gay, bi + , trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people experiencing family violence in Australia. Government funding agencies and mainstream family violence service providers regularly state that there is insufficient evidence to justify investment in more inclusive services. This article explores practitioner perceptions of such claims.

Method

21 practitioners from mainstream and specialist LGBTIQ family violence services were interviewed about structural challenges associated with implementing LGBTIQ-inclusive family violence services. Participants’ accounts highlight the political tensions and material repercussions of epistemic definitions of ‘evidence’ as they pertain to LGBTIQ individuals’ experiences of violence within policy environments. Utilizing Carol Bacchi’s feminist policy analysis framework, we ask ‘what is the problem represented to be?’, examining participant perceptions about how evidence is currently positioned in policy and resourcing decisions pertaining to LGBTIQ family violence, and discuss its implications.

Results

Participants overwhelmingly called for more investment in research and data gathering about family violence against LGBTIQ people and provision of effective supports. Even allowing for this, participants indicated that there is also already enough existing knowledge to justify urgent expansion of LGBTIQ-inclusive services.

Conclusions

Expanded provision of services and generating a more robust evidence base about LGBTIQ family violence service needs are critically important and intertwined issues. However, the way that they are currently sequenced in policy and broader sector conversations, where ‘enough’ evidence is required in order to justify increased services, is inhibiting progress on both.
A Logical Analysis of Instrumentality Judgments: Means-End Relations in the Context of Experience and Expectations
Authors: van Berkel Kees , Lyon Tim S. , Pascucci Matteo
Published: August 2023

This article proposes the use of temporal logic for an analysis of instrumentality inspired by the work of G.H. von Wright. The first part of the article contains the philosophical foundations. We discuss von Wright’s general theory of agency and his account of instrumentality. Moreover, we propose several refinements to this framework via rigorous definitions of the core notions involved. In the second part, we develop a logical system called Temporal Logic of Action and Expectations ($$\textsf{TLAE}$$
TLAE
). The logic is inspired by a fragment of propositional dynamic logic based on indeterministic time. The system is proven to be weakly complete relative to its given semantics. We then employ $$\textsf{TLAE}$$
TLAE
to formalise and analyse the instrumentality relations defined in the first part of the paper. Last, we point out philosophical implications and possible extensions of our work.
New characterizations of ruled real hypersurfaces in complex projective space
Authors: Pérez Juan de Dios , Pérez-López David
Published: August 2023

We consider real hypersurfacesMin complex projective space equipped with both the Levi–Civita and generalized Tanaka–Webster connections. For any nonnull constantkand any symmetric tensor field of type (1, 1)LonM, we can define two tensor fields of type (1, 2) onM,$$L_F^{(k)}$$LF(k)and$$L_T^{(k)}$$LT(k), related to both connections. We study the behaviour of the structure operator$$\phi $$ϕwith respect to such tensor fields in the particular case of$$L=A$$L=A, the shape operator ofM, and obtain some new characterizations of ruled real hypersurfaces in complex projective space.
Rogue waves on the periodic wave background in the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I equation
Authors: Zhaqilao  , Wurile  , Bao Xia
Published: August 2023

Rogue waves arising on the background of two families of periodic standing waves in the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili I (KPI) equation are investigated. By the nonlinearization of spectral problem and Darboux transformation approach, the rogue wave solutions of the KPI equation on the Jacobian elliptic functions dn and cn background are derived. Darboux transformation is also used to introduce trigonometric function periodic background for the higher-order rogue wave in the KPI equation. On the plane wave background, some rogue waves, breathers and hybrid waves in the KPI equation are obtained as a byproduct in this paper. Moreover, the results represented in this paper enrich the dynamics of$$(2+1)$$(2+1)dimensional nonlinear wave equations.
Utilization of Rosuvastatin and Endogenous Biomarkers in Evaluating the Impact of Ritlecitinib on BCRP, OATP1B1, and OAT3 Transporter Activity
Authors: Huh Yeamin , Plotka Anna , Wei Hua , Kaplan Julia , Raha Nancy , Towner Justin , Purohit Vivek S. , Dowty Martin E. , Wolk Robert , Vourvahis Manoli , King-Ahmad Amanda , Mathialagan Sumathy , West Mark A. , Lazzaro Sarah , Ryu Sangwoo , Rodrigues A. David
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Ritlecitinib, an inhibitor of Janus kinase 3 and tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma family kinases, is in development for inflammatory diseases. This study assessed the impact of ritlecitinib on drug transporters using a probe drug and endogenous biomarkers.

Methods

In vitro transporter-mediated substrate uptake and inhibition by ritlecitinib and its major metabolite were evaluated. Subsequently, a clinical drug interaction study was conducted in 12 healthy adult participants to assess the effect of ritlecitinib on pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin, a substrate of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3). Plasma concentrations of coproporphyrin I (CP-I) and pyridoxic acid (PDA) were assessed as endogenous biomarkers for OATP1B1 and OAT1/3 function, respectively.

Results

In vitro studies suggested that ritlecitinib can potentially inhibit BCRP, OATP1B1 and OAT1/3 based on regulatory cutoffs. In the subsequent clinical study, coadministration of ritlecitinib decreased rosuvastatin plasma exposure area under the curve from time 0 to infinity (AUCinf) by  ~ 13% and maximum concentration (Cmax) by  ~ 27% relative to rosuvastatin administered alone. Renal clearance was comparable in the absence and presence of ritlecitinib coadministration. PK parameters of AUCinf and Cmax for CP-I and PDA were also similar regardless of ritlecitinib coadministration.

Conclusion

Ritlecitinib does not inhibit BCRP, OATP1B1, and OAT3 and is unlikely to cause a clinically relevant interaction through these transporters. Furthermore, our findings add to the body of evidence supporting the utility of CP-I and PDA as endogenous biomarkers for assessment of OATP1B1 and OAT1/3 transporter activity.
Is India’s largest fertilizer manufacturer misleading farmers and society using dubious plant and soil science?
Authors: Frank Max , Husted Søren
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The accessibility and relatively low cost of nitrogen (N) fertilizers have been a gift to humankind and made it possible to feed the exponentially growing world population. The excessive use of N, in combination with a poor N use efficiency (NUE) in crop production, is associated with severe environmental impacts, and the scientific community has repeatedly warned that the safe operating space for N within the planetary boundaries has been exceeded. In the light of these considerations, a global player and India’s largest fertilizer manufacturer, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), has recently developed and patented a nanotechnology-based fertilizer marketed as Nano Urea (liquid). Strikingly, the producers state that it is now possible to replace a 45 kg bag of conventional urea, containing 21 kg N, by foliar application of just 20 g N in the form of nano urea (NU). If so, N from this novel high-tech fertilizer product should be able to increase the NUE of crops more than 1000 times compared to conventional urea. This year, the Indian government and IFFCO announced plans to massively boost production by building 10 new factories, with an annual production capacity of 440 million bottles NU by 2025 and to expand export of the product to another 25 countries, mainly situated in Asia, Africa and South-America. In the marketing of NU, IFFCO states that there is scientific evidence for distinct beneficial properties in terms of higher crop yields and reduced negative environmental impacts. Similar ambitions have recently been presented for Nano Zinc, Nano Copper, and Nano Di-Ammonium-Phosphate, a product that entered the market in March 2023.

Methods

In this Opinion Paper, we compare the claims made by IFFCO scientists to the existing scientific evidence in the field of foliar nanofertilizers.

Results

We observe that NU is a poorly described product with no scientifically proven effects. The product is marketed with misleading and wrong statements about its fertilizer efficiency, the underlying plant uptake pathways, and the environmental friendliness.

Conclusion

The expectations raised by IFFCO are far from reality and may lead to large-scale yield losses with serious consequences for food security and the livelihood of farmers. At the same time, the confidence in innovative sustainable products as well as the science behind them may be threatened. Based on the IFFCO case, and considering the booming emergence of novel nano based fertilizers appearing all over the world these years, it is clear that much more priority should be given to scientifically prove their efficacy and mode of action, before they are launched on the markets.
Native mycorrhizal communities in maize roots as affected by plant genotype, starter fertilization and a seed-applied biostimulant
Authors: Ujvári Gergely , Grassi Arianna , Cristani Caterina , Pagliarani Irene , Avio Luciano , Blandino Massimo , Capo Luca , Giovannetti Manuela , Turrini Alessandra , Agnolucci Monica
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

One of the most promising strategies for sustainable intensification of crop production involves the utilization of beneficial root-associated microorganisms, such as plant growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The aim of this study was to investigate whether a seed-applied biostimulant, based on the bacterial strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45 and a plant polysaccharide extract, and crop enhancement tools, such as hybrids with contrasting early vigor and nitrogen (N) plus phosphorus (P) starter fertilization, and their interactions, shape the communities of native root-colonizing AMF symbionts in maize.

Methods

A factorial growth chamber experiment was set up with two maize genotypes in natural soil. Mycorrhizal colonization was evaluated after root staining. The diversity and composition of AMF communities were assessed by PCR-DGGE of the 18S rRNA gene and amplicon sequencing.

Results

N and P fertilization determined a consistent reduction of AMF root colonization and, in combination of biostimulant, a reduction of AMF richness. The biostimulant alone generally did not affect AMF colonization or the community biodiversity. In addition the effect of the two factors were modulated by maize genotype. In all treatments, predominant AMF were represented by Glomus sp. and Funneliformis mosseae, while populations of the genus Rhizoglomus were rarely detected in biostimulant and NP fertilization treatments.

Conclusion

The results of this study increase our understanding of how the biostimulant seed treatment may affect native AMF communities, depending on NP fertilization and maize genotype and may improve the implementation of innovative tools in sustainable and resilient agroecosystems.
Precision nitrogen management in rainfed durum wheat cultivation: exploring synergies and trade-offs via energy analysis, life cycle assessment, and monetization
Authors: Denora Michele , Candido Vincenzo , D’Antonio Paola , Perniola Michele , Mehmeti Andi
Published: August 2023

Fertilization with variable rate technology (VRT) is a pivotal technique of precision agriculture proposed for eco-friendly farming practices. Yet the magnitude of environmental benefits is often not well known or is highly variable. This study used a multi-indicator model and life cycle-based indicators to compare the performance of rain-fed durum wheat production using uniform (UA) and variable N fertilization (VRT). Two functional units were used: 1 ha of cultivated wheat and 1 ton of wheat produced. The energy analysis indicated that VRT increases energy use efficiency and productivity by 13.3%, reduces specific energy and total energy input by 11.7%, and increases net energy gain by 15.3%. The life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis indicated that for some environmental impacts, VRT had minor negative effects due to the comparable yield performance with UA. Yet, the VRT had a noteworthy positive impact on global warming, fine particulate matter formation, stratospheric ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification, and marine eutrophication, generating a final environmental benefit of 12.2% for 1 ton of product and 13.3% for 1 ha of land. Economic valuation or monetization of LCA results using monetization weighting factors indicated indirect economic benefits of VRT can be up to 6.6% for 1 ton of product and 7.7% for 1 ha of land. Our findings support the use of nitrogen fertilization with VRT for sustainable extensification and improved eco-efficiency of wheat production in a Mediterranean context. As a result of our research, we conclude that future case studies on annual crops with moderate land requirements should employ multiple metrics and functional units, as well as the concepts of monetization and life cycle assessment, to investigate trade-offs between yield, economic, and environmental benefits and to aid decision-making about the true sustainability of proposed farming technologies.

Graphical abstract
Profiles of subjective well-being among people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rzeszutek Marcin , Gruszczyńska Ewa
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of our study was to examine subjective well-being (SWB) profiles and their sociodemographic and clinical correlates among people living with HIV (PLWH) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The participants were 663 PLWH undergoing antiretroviral treatment. Their SWB was evaluated using the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Sociodemographic and clinical covariates, together with COVID-19 distress, were assessed with a self-report survey.

Results

Latent profile analysis revealed four SWB profiles: average negative, average positive, flourishing and languishing. The languishing profile was the worse in terms of values of SWB components and had a relative overrepresentation of PLWH who were single, without a university degree, and not employed for money. The pandemic-related distress was positively related to being a member of average negative and languishing profiles. Gender and age had no significant effect on either profile membership or directly on the SWB components.

Conclusion

It seems that in the context of chronic illness and socially shared stressful circumstances, which was the COVID-19 pandemic, the components of SWB among PLWH developed rather congruent profiles. Sociodemographic, but not clinical characteristics were found to be significant correlates of belonging to obtained SWB profiles in this sample. The most striking effect with this regards was obtained for the members of the languishing profile, defined by the co-occurrence of low positive affect, low satisfaction with life, and high negative affect.
Systems for Non-Reflexive Consequence
Authors: Nicolai Carlo , Rossi Lorenzo
Published: August 2023

Substructural logics and their application to logical and semantic paradoxes have been extensively studied. In the paper, we study theories of naïve consequence and truth based on a non-reflexive logic. We start by investigating the semantics and the proof-theory of a system based on schematic rules for object-linguistic consequence. We then develop a fully compositional theory of truth and consequence in our non-reflexive framework.
Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci isolated from bovine milk in Italian dairy farms: a retrospective investigation
Authors: Addis Maria Filippa , Locatelli Clara , Penati Martina , Poli Sara Fusar , Monistero Valentina , Zingale Lucia , Rota Nicola , Gusmara Claudia , Piccinini Renata , Moroni Paolo , Bronzo Valerio
Published: August 2023

Non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci (NASM) are associated with bovine mastitis and increased milk somatic cell count (SCC) but their relationships with mammary gland health at the species level are not clearly defined. Regional differences have also been reported in their specific prevalence. The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS in milk microbiology is generating large and dependable datasets with the potential of providing useful epidemiological information. We present the retrospective analysis of 17,213 milk samples sent to our laboratory in 2021–2022, including 13,146 quarter samples from cows with subclinical (SCM) or clinical mastitis (CM) from 104 farms, and 4,067 composite herd survey (HS) samples from 21 farms. NASM were isolated from 21.12% of SCM, 11.49% of CM, and 15.59% of HS milk samples. The three most frequently identified NASM in SCM milk were Staphylococcus chromogenes (33.33%), S. haemolyticus (26.07%), and S. epidermidis (10.65%); together with S. microti and S. hyicus, these species were significantly more prevalent in quarters with SCM (p < 0.05). The three most frequently identified NASM in CM milk were S. chromogenes (31.69%), S. haemolyticus (21.42%), and Mammaliicoccus sciuri (18.38%), although no significant associations were found between these NASM species and CM. The three most frequently identified NASM in HS milk were S. chromogenes (44.49%), S. epidermidis (17.84%), and S. haemolyticus (17.23%), with S. chromogenes being isolated in all the farms sending HS milk (100%). In conclusion, this retrospective study provides the first information on the NASM species isolated from cow milk in Italy, expanding our knowledge on the epidemiology of NASM at the species level and providing further insights into their relationships with mammary gland health in modern dairy farms.
Drought risk probabilistic models based on extreme value theory
Authors: Piwowar Arkadiusz , Kuźmiński Łukasz
Published: August 2023

The article presents original, probabilistic models for the quantification of drought risk, based on generalized distribution functions for the distribution of maximum values as well as the standardized precipitation index. Using the models, a probabilistic measurement of drought risk has been made for three regions over four 5-year periods for each region. Three measurement points located in Poland were selected as a case study. The study provides an innovative approach in the field of probabilistic models of quantification; moreover, drought risk levels have been calculated for the selected locations. Furthermore, the method may be used for creating indexes for any climatic region subject to study.
Genomic and Phenotypic Biomarkers for Precision Medicine Guidance in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Davoudi Fatemeh , Moradi Afshin , Becker Therese M. , Lock John G. , Abbey Brian , Fontanarosa Davide , Haworth Annette , Clements Judith , Ecker Rupert C. , Batra Jyotsna
Published: August 2023

Opinion statement

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed malignant neoplasm and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Despite significant advances in screening and treatment of PCa, given the heterogeneity of this disease, optimal personalized therapeutic strategies remain limited. However, emerging predictive and prognostic biomarkers based on individual patient profiles in combination with computer-assisted diagnostics have the potential to guide precision medicine, where patients may benefit from therapeutic approaches optimally suited to their disease. Also, the integration of genotypic and phenotypic diagnostic methods is supporting better informed treatment decisions. Focusing on advanced PCa, this review discusses polygenic risk scores for screening of PCa and common genomic aberrations in androgen receptor (AR), PTEN-PI3K-AKT, and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, considering clinical implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment prediction. Furthermore, we evaluate liquid biopsy, protein biomarkers such as serum testosterone levels, SLFN11 expression, total alkaline phosphatase (tALP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), tissue biopsy, and advanced imaging tools, summarizing current phenotypic biomarkers and envisaging more effective utilization of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in advanced PCa. We conclude that prognostic and treatment predictive biomarker discovery can improve the management of patients, especially in metastatic stages of advanced PCa. This will result in decreased mortality and enhanced quality of life and help design a personalized treatment regimen.
Management of Mechanical Nasal Obstruction Isolated or Associated to Upper Airway Inflammatory Diseases in Real Life: Use of both Subjective and Objective Criteria
Authors: Merma-Linares Carla , Martinez M. Dolores , Gonzalez Miriam , Alobid Isam , Figuerola Enric , Mullol Joaquim
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

Mechanical nasal obstruction (MNO) is a prevalent condition with a high impact on patient’s quality-of-life (QoL) and socio-economic burden. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of both subjective and objective criteria in the appropriate management of MNO, either alone or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Recent Findings

A long debate persists about the usefulness of subjective and objective methods for making decisions on the management of patients with nasal obstruction. Establishing standards and ranges of symptom scales and questionnaires is essential to measure the success of an intervention and its impact on QoL. To our knowledge this is the first real-life study to describe the management of MNO using both subjective and objective criteria in MNO isolated or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases (AR or CRSwNP).

Medical treatment (intranasal corticosteroids) has a minor but significant improvement in MNO subjective outcomes (NO, NOSE, and CQ7) with no changes in loss of smell and objective outcomes. After surgery, all MNO patients reported a significant improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes, this improvement being higher in CRSwNP. We concluded that in daily clinical practice, the therapeutic recommendation for MNO should be based on both subjective and objective outcomes, nasal corrective surgery being the treatment of choice in MNO, either isolated or associated to upper airway inflammatory diseases, AR or CRSwNP.
Sex Differences in Long-term Outcome of Prenatal Exposure to Excess Glucocorticoids—Implications for Development of Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Elberling Frederik , Spulber Stefan , Bose Raj , Keung Hoi Yee , Ahola Virpi , Zheng Zongli , Ceccatelli Sandra
Published: August 2023

Exposure to prenatal insults, such as excess glucocorticoids (GC), may lead to pathological outcomes, including neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effects of in utero exposure to the synthetic GC analog dexamethasone (Dex) in adult female offspring. We monitored spontaneous activity in the home cage under a constant 12 h/12 h light/dark cycle, as well as the changes following a 6-h advance of dark onset (phase shift). For comparison, we re-analysed data previously recorded in males. Dex-exposed females were spontaneously more active, and the activity onset re-entrained slower than in controls. In contrast, Dex-exposed males were less active, and the activity onset re-entrained faster than in controls. Following the phase shift, control females displayed a transient reorganisation of behaviour in light and virtually no change in dark, while Dex-exposed females showed limited variations from baseline in both light and dark, suggesting weaker photic entrainment. Next, we ran bulk RNA-sequencing in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of Dex and control females. SPIA pathway analysis of ~ 2300 differentially expressed genes identified significantly downregulated dopamine signalling, and upregulated glutamate and GABA signalling. We selected a set of candidate genes matching the behaviour alterations and found consistent differential regulation for ~ 73% of tested genes in SCN and hippocampus tissue samples. Taken together, our data highlight sex differences in the outcome of prenatal exposure to excess GC in adult mice: in contrast to depression-like behaviour in males, the phenotype in females, defined by behaviour and differential gene expression, is consistent with ADHD models.
Two Concepts of Truthmaking: a Compatibilist Solution to the Controversy Between Substantive and Deflationary Approach
Authors: Mzyk Błażej
Published: August 2023

For many years there has been a debate in truthmaking theory between proponents of the substantive and deflationary approaches. Substantivists about truthmaking maintain that we need entities called truthmakers, while deflationists of truthmaking argue that the asymmetric form of the T-schema is sufficient. In contrast to incompatibilists, who argue that one should adopt only one of these approaches, I propose a compatibilist theory of truthmaking in which the two approaches complement each other through the distribution of different functions of truthmaking. I find that this helps to solve the problem of truthmaking of certain contentious truths, such as negative truths.
The development of social science motivation across the transition to high school education
Authors: Sáinz Milagros , Upadyaya Katja
Published: August 2023

The present four-wave longitudinal study examines the cross-lagged associations between adolescent students’ intrinsic value, self-concept of ability, and expectations in social sciences during and after the transition from compulsory secondary education to the Spanish high school. 2.032 students enrolled in the last three years of secondary school and the second year of high school education participated. The analyses showed that the associations between the different motivational dimensions declined during the transition to high school education. In addition, students’ self-concept of ability strongly predicted the other two aspects of motivation. Moreover, males and students from higher SES backgrounds and with high academic performance at the beginning of the study experienced higher intrinsic value, self-concept, and expectations in social sciences than females and students from lower SES families and with a lower level of performance. The results are discussed from the viewpoint of their theoretical and practical implications related to youth motivation and career planning.
Gender based adolescent self-compassion profiles and the mediating role of nonattachment on psychological well-being
Authors: Li William , Beath Alissa , Ciarrochi Joseph , Fraser Madeleine
Published: August 2023

Emerging research has shown that boys and girls may relate to compassionate and uncompassionate components of self-compassion differently and have distinct gender based self-compassion profiles. This study extended upon recent research by investigating gender based adolescent self-compassion profiles and their relationship with psychological well-being and the role of nonattachment in the link between self-compassion and well-being. A large cross-sectional sample of Australian Year 10 high school students (N = 1,944, Mage = 15.65 years, SDage = 0.43; 50% girls) completed measures of self-compassion, nonattachment, and well-being. Latent profile analysis identified distinct self-compassion profiles based on gender. Four profiles labelled ‘Low Self-Relating’, ‘Moderate Self-Relating’, ‘Compassionate’, and ‘Uncompassionate’ emerged for girls. Three profiles emerged for boys labelled ‘Low Self-Relating’, ‘Moderate Self-Relating, and ‘Compassionate’. ‘Low’ and ‘Moderate Self-Relating’ profiles involved low and moderate levels of both compassionate and uncompassionate self-relating. ‘Compassionate’ profiles involved high levels of compassionate and low levels of uncompassionate self-relating, and ‘Uncompassionate’ profiles involved the opposite. For both genders, ‘Compassionate’ profiles were associated with the highest psychological well-being and nonattachment and ‘Uncompassionate’ profiles with the lowest of both. ‘Low’ and ‘Moderate Self-Relating’ profiles showed no difference in psychological well-being or nonattachment. Mediation analysis indicated that nonattachment partially mediated the relationship between self-compassion profile and psychological well-being. These findings support recent research that illustrates adolescents relate to the components of self-compassion differently both between and within genders. It also highlights the crucial role nonattachment plays in the relationship between self-compassion and psychological well-being in adolescents.
Revisiting hydro-ecological impacts of climate change on a restored floodplain wetland via hydrological / hydraulic modelling and the UK Climate Projections 2018 scenarios
Authors: Thompson Julian R. , Clilverd Hannah M. , Zheng Jiaxuan , Iravani Honeyeh , Sayer Carl D. , Heppell Catherine M. , Axmacher Jan C.
Published: August 2023

The hydro-ecological impacts of 40 UK Climate Projections 2018 scenarios on a restored lowland England river floodplain are assessed using a MIKE SHE / MIKE 11 model. Annual precipitation declines for 60% of scenarios (range: -26%–21%, with small, <5%, declines for the central probability level). Potential evapotranspiration increases for all probability levels except the most extreme, very unlikely, 10% level (range: -4%–43%, central probability 9%–20%) Mean, peak and low river discharges are reduced for all but the extreme 90% probability level. Reduced frequency of bankfull discharge dominates (at least halved for the central probability level). Floodplain inundation declines for over 97% of 320 scenario-events. Winter water table levels still intercept the surface, while mean and summer low levels are reduced. Declines in mean summer floodplain water table levels for the central probability level (0.22 m and 0.28 m for the 2050s and 2080s, respectively) are twice as large as those in the more dynamic riparian area. Declines reach 0.39 m for some 10% probability level scenarios. Simulated hydrological changes differ subtly from a previous assessment using earlier UK climate projections. A soil aeration stress index demonstrates that, under baseline conditions, prolonged high winter floodplain water tables drive long periods of low root-zone oxygen, in turn favouring vegetation communities adapted to waterlogged conditions. Climate change reduces aeration stress and the extent of appropriate conditions for these plant communities in favour of communities less tolerant of wet conditions.
Modelling the regional potential for reaching carbon neutrality in Finland: Sustainable forestry, energy use and biodiversity protection
Authors: Forsius Martin , Holmberg Maria , Junttila Virpi , Kujala Heini , Schulz Torsti , Paunu Ville-Veikko , Savolahti Mikko , Minunno Francesco , Akujärvi Anu , Bäck Jaana , Grönroos Juha , Heikkinen Risto K. , Karvosenoja Niko , Mäkelä Annikki , Mikkonen Ninni , Pekkonen Minna , Rankinen Katri , Virkkala Raimo
Published: August 2023

The EU aims at reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and Finland by 2035. We integrated results of three spatially distributed model systems (FRES, PREBAS, Zonation) to evaluate the potential to reach this goal at both national and regional scale in Finland, by simultaneously considering protection targets of the EU biodiversity (BD) strategy. Modelling of both anthropogenic emissions and forestry measures were carried out, and forested areas important for BD protection were identified based on spatial prioritization. We used scenarios until 2050 based on mitigation measures of the national climate and energy strategy, forestry policies and predicted climate change, and evaluated how implementation of these scenarios would affect greenhouse gas fluxes, carbon storages, and the possibility to reach the carbon neutrality target. Potential new forested areas for BD protection according to the EU 10% protection target provided a significant carbon storage (426–452 TgC) and sequestration potential (− 12 to − 17.5 TgCO2eq a−1) by 2050, indicating complementarity of emission mitigation and conservation measures. The results of the study can be utilized for integrating climate and BD policies, accounting of ecosystem services for climate regulation, and delimitation of areas for conservation.
An Intelligent Support System to Help Teachers Plan Field Trips
Authors: Mauro Noemi , Ardissono Liliana , Cena Federica , Scarpinati Livio , Torta Gianluca
Published: August 2023

Field trips enrich learning programs with out-of-school activities that can bring gains in students’ academic content knowledge and personal growth. However, they are a source of anxiety for teachers because of the bureaucracy, pedagogy, etc., risks they imply. To address this issue, we propose FieldTripOrganizer, a field trip planner based on the mixed-initiative approach aimed at increasing teachers’ autonomy and motivation in designing educational tours. The key aspects of our application are (i) the simultaneous provision of information filtering and automated scheduling support while the user designs the field trip, and (ii) the visual annotation of places and activities to show whether they can be included in the itinerary without violating its time constraints. Different from current tour planners, these functions enable the user to be in full control of the design process, delegating the system to manage difficult and burdensome tasks such as consistency checks and itinerary optimization. We evaluated FieldTripOrganizer in the use case of organizing a science field trip. In a preliminary user study involving 18 science teachers, our application turned up to be superior to a baseline tour planner in both usability and user experience. Moreover, the teachers declared that it was helpful, motivated them, and reduced their anxiety during the design of the field trips.
Cooperation and confusion in public goods games: confusion cannot explain contribution patterns
Authors: Granulo Armin , Kerschreiter Rudolf , Kocher Martin G.
Published: August 2023

People behave much more cooperatively than predicted by the self-interest hypothesis in social dilemmas such as public goods games. Some studies have suggested that many decision makers cooperate not because of genuine cooperative preferences but because they are confused about the incentive structure of the game—and therefore might not be aware of the dominant strategy. In this research, we experimentally manipulate whether decision makers receive explicit information about which strategies maximize individual income and group income or not. Our data reveal no statistically significant effects of the treatment variation, neither on elicited contribution preferences nor on unconditional contributions and beliefs in a repeated linear public goods game. We conclude that it is unlikely that confusion about optimal strategies explains the widely observed cooperation patterns in social dilemmas such as public goods games.
Context and preferences for equality in the spectator game
Authors: Telle Ingrid Ovidia , Tjøtta Sigve
Published: August 2023

Spectator games have emerged as a tool for measuring equality preferences. To measure equality preferences, the spectators are matched with a pair of stakeholders who have been allocated unequal endowments. The spectators decide how much to redistribute from one stakeholder’s endowment to the other one. We conducted a spectator experiment in which we fixed the spectators’ redistribution choice set and varied context of the “no distribution” choice. We found a strong effect of the context variation. The spectators who chose not to redistribute the stakeholders’ endowments increased from 12.3 to 38.0% in the treatment, making “no redistribution” more salient.