bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting team flow through collective efficacy beliefs: A multilevel study in real‐life organizational teams
Authors: van Oortmerssen Lise A. , Caniëls Marjolein C. J. , Stynen Dave , van Ritbergen Anouk
Published: August 2022

Team flow is a positive team state that may augment team performance and well‐being of team members. Although gaining momentum, the topic of collective flow in a work team context is still largely unexplored and little is known about what factors foster it. In addition, research into this topic has so far been conducted predominantly outside real‐life organizational work settings. In the study reported on in this paper, 386 respondents from 60 teams in four public organizations in different domains were included in a survey study. Results of a multilevel analysis showed that, at the between‐group level and the within‐group level, team goal commitment was positively associated with team flow, and collective efficacy beliefs served as a mediator in the relationship between team goal commitment and work team flow. Moreover, at the within‐group level, support was found for a positive, mediated association of team proximity with team flow and for a moderating role of collective challenge‐skills balance. Conclusions from this study provide more insights into the complex mechanisms involved in establishing collective flow within a work team context, with implications for both researchers and managers.
Panoramic video in education: A systematic literature review from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Li Wenhao , Qian Li , Feng Qinna , Luo Heng
Published: August 2022

Background

Panoramic video as a novel instructional media with increasing educational application. However, empirical research on panoramic video instruction is mostly episodic with conditional and inconclusive results.

Objectives

This study reviewed 10 years (2011–2021) of research on panoramic video in education to synthesize, meta‐analyse, and critically evaluate the state‐of‐art research findings, which can inform future educational practice and research directions.

Methods

Following the protocol of systematic review, this study selected 83 articles from four major research databases and analysed them from five interrelated aspects: instructional context, technological features, instructional design, research design, and instructional effect. A meta‐analysis was also conducted to determine the overall effectiveness of panoramic video on education and the moderating factors.

Results and Conclusions

The results revealed a rapid upward trend in publication since 2018 with unequal distribution among regions and learning domains. Despite the technical advancement in immersion and interaction, panoramic videos were found to mainly support the acquisition of content and factual knowledge through direct instruction, and lack in‐video scaffolding and assessment. Moreover, many interventions were one‐time, short‐term studies that are susceptible of novelty effect. Lastly, an overall medium effect (g = 0.711) of panoramic video was reported and six significant moderating factors were identified based on the meta‐analysis results.

Major takeaways and implications

Panoramic videos are ubiquitously effective across grade levels, learning domains, and pedagogies, but are more suitable for teaching conceptual knowledge. Design features such as interaction, scaffolding, assessment, iteration, and video length deserve our special attention in panoramic video instruction.
Content and stability of B complex vitamins in commercial cosmetic products
Authors: Temova Rakuša Žane , Šenk Anja , Roškar Robert
Published: August 2022

Background

Individual B vitamins have many favorable effects on the skin and are common cosmetic ingredients. However, their formulation is demanding due to stability issues, which consequently affect the products’ quality.

Aims

We aimed to determine the quality (labeling accuracy, content determination, and content‐related quality control) and stability under long‐term and accelerated storage conditions of a representative sample of commercial cosmetics containing the most common B vitamins – nicotinamide, dexpanthenol, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin.

Methods

Cyanocobalamin was determined by a previously published stability‐indicating HPLC– diode array detector (DAD) method for the simultaneous determination of all hydrophilic vitamins. This method was additionally simplified and adjusted for the time‐effective analysis of nicotinamide, dexpanthenol, and pyridoxine. Both methods were properly validated.

Results

All labeled B vitamins were present in the 36 tested products, mostly in contents, reported effective on the skin. Thus, a straightforward correlation between vitamin contents and product prices were not observed. The content‐related quality control of eight products, which quantitively specify their content, revealed significantly lower nicotinamide contents (47% and 57%) in two products and appropriate or higher nicotinamide (102%–112%) and dexpanthenol (100%–104%) contents than declared in the remaining products. The 6‐month long‐term and accelerated stability studies demonstrated the products’ physical stability, but also revealed dexpanthenol, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin degradation, while nicotinamide was mostly stable in the tested products.

Conclusions

The obtained results provide an inside into the quality of commercial vitamin B cosmetics and highlight the importance of stability testing in the formulation of quality, efficient, and safe cosmetics.
Trueness of intraoral scanning of edentulous arches: A comparative clinical study
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q , Al‐Kaff Fatma T.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of intraoral scanning (IOS) of the edentulous arch with the hybrid protocol of cast digitization (CD), and to investigate the effect of arch type and area on trueness.

Materials and methods

Participants that were edentulous in both arches were recruited. Two impression protocols were used; the IOS as the test protocol with an IOS device (TRIOS 4; 3Shape, Denmark), and the CD as the control, including tracing compound (TRACING STICKS; Kemdent, UK) for border molding, polyvinyl siloxane (Hydrorise Monophase; Zhermack, Italy) for impression, and cast digitization with a laboratory scanner (ceramill® map400, AMANNGIRRBACH, Germany). Scanned files were exported to a 3D inspection software (Geomagic Control X; 3D Systems, NC) for trueness analysis. The CD file (reference file) for each participant was split into 2 areas; the dynamic area representing the mobile tissues at the peripheral border, and the static area representing the rest of the arch. Statistical analyses were performed with 1‐sample t‐test for the difference between CD and IOS protocols, paired sample t‐test for the difference between the static and dynamic areas for each arch, and an independent sample t‐test for the difference between the maxillary and mandibular arches for each area, with α = 0.05. Effect size was calculated with Cohen's d (d), with 0.2 as small, 0.5 as medium, and 0.8 as large.

Results

A total of 21 participants were included. The difference between the IOS and CD protocol was significant for all subset comparisons (p < 0.001, d: 2.5‐6.2, large effect size). Dynamic areas had lower trueness in comparison with static areas (p < 0.001, d = 4.57, large effect size for the maxillary arch, p < 0.001, d = 3.96, large effect size for the mandibular arch). Mandibular arch had lower trueness in comparison with the maxillary arch (p < 0.001, d = 1.45, large effect size for the static areas, p = 0.009, d = 0.85, large effect size for the dynamic areas, p < 0.001, d = 1.71, large effect size for all areas). Color difference map showed marked positive deviation in the buccal dynamic areas of both arches, and nonmatching areas with evident overstretching.

Conclusions

While the IOS of edentulous arches could be feasible for attached mucosa, providing a functional shape for the peripheral border remains a challenge, with a thinner and more outward border for the IOS in comparison with the CD protocol. The IOS of the mandibular arch is more difficult and has lower trueness in comparison with the maxillary arch.
The phonology of Guébie
Authors: Sande Hannah
Published: August 2022

Guébie is an Eastern Kru language spoken by about 7000 people in the Gagnoa prefecture of Côte d’Ivoire. This paper provides an overview of the phonology of Guébie, including the complex tone system with four contrastive pitch heights, multiple types of vowel harmony, reduplication in multiple morphosyntactic contexts, CVCV/CCV alternations, and the phonotactic behaviour of implosives as sonorant‐like rather than obstruent‐like. Comparisons with other Kru and West African languages are made along the way.
Consistent estimation for fractional stochastic volatility model under high‐frequency asymptotics
Authors: Fukasawa Masaaki , Takabatake Tetsuya , Westphal Rebecca
Published: August 2022

We develop a statistical theory for a continuous time approximately log‐normal fractional stochastic volatility model to examine whether the volatility is rough, that is, whether the Hurst parameter is less than one half. We construct a quasi‐likelihood estimator and apply it to realized volatility time series. Our quasi‐likelihood is based on the error distribution of the realized volatility and a Whittle‐type approximation to the auto‐covariance of the log‐volatility process. We prove the consistency of our estimator under high‐frequency asymptotics, and examine by simulations its finite sample performance. Our empirical study suggests that the volatility of the time series examined is indeed rough.
Metabarcoding data reveal vertical multitaxa variation in topsoil communities during the colonization of deglaciated forelands
Authors: Guerrieri Alessia , Carteron Alexis , Bonin Aurélie , Marta Silvio , Ambrosini Roberto , Caccianiga Marco , Cantera Isabel , Compostella Chiara , Diolaiuti Guglielmina , Fontaneto Diego , Gielly Ludovic , Gili Fabrizio , Gobbi Mauro , Poulenard Jerome , Taberlet Pierre , Zerboni Andrea , Thuiller Wilfried , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: August 2022

Ice‐free areas are expanding worldwide due to dramatic glacier shrinkage and are undergoing rapid colonization by multiple lifeforms, thus representing key environments to study ecosystem development. It has been proposed that the colonization dynamics of deglaciated terrains is different between surface and deep soils but that the heterogeneity between communities inhabiting surface and deep soils decreases through time. Nevertheless, tests of this hypothesis remain scarce, and it is unclear whether patterns are consistent among different taxonomic groups. Here, we used environmental DNA metabarcoding to test whether community diversity and composition of six groups (Eukaryota, Bacteria, Mycota, Collembola, Insecta, and Oligochaeta) differ between the surface (0–5 cm) and deeper (7.5–20 cm) soil at different stages of development and across five Alpine glaciers. Taxonomic diversity increased with time since glacier retreat and with soil evolution. The pattern was consistent across groups and soil depths. For Eukaryota and Mycota, alpha‐diversity was highest at the surface. Time since glacier retreat explained more variation of community composition than depth. Beta‐diversity between surface and deep layers decreased with time since glacier retreat, supporting the hypothesis that the first 20 cm of soil tends to homogenize through time. Several molecular operational taxonomic units of bacteria and fungi were significant indicators of specific depths and/or soil development stages, confirming the strong functional variation of microbial communities through time and depth. The complexity of community patterns highlights the importance of integrating information from multiple taxonomic groups to unravel community variation in response to ongoing global changes.
Bridging the Researcher–Practitioner Divide Through Community‐Engaged Action Research: A Collaborative Autoethnographic Exploration
Authors: De Costa Peter I. , Gajasinghe Kasun , Ojha Laxmi Prasad , Rabie–Ahmed Amr
Published: August 2022

Consistent with recent calls to bridge the research–practice divide in second language acquisition, this article reports on the findings of a collaborative autoethnographic study that we, authors of this article, conducted as critical second language teacher educators. Conducting a series of constructive dialogues among ourselves for a semester, we focused on how our acts of reciprocal reflexivity were characterized by discussions and subsequent actions with our teacher partners located in different parts of the world and working in diverse contexts. Our data, which included reflective journal entries, phenomenological interviews, artefacts, and audio‐recorded group conversations, illustrate how we fostered constructive researcher–practitioner collaborations. These collaborations were mediated within and outside our classroom settings, as we sought to ultimately improve our own pedagogical practices. In contrast to working from an ivory tower and in keeping with our commitment to promoting equitable educational and research practices, our article also demonstrates and problematizes how we conducted our research in an ethical manner when designing, carrying out, and subsequently disseminating our findings to multiple audiences.
Teacher Beliefs About Second Language Research and Researchers: Different Roles at Research‐Oriented Universities
Authors: SIPPEL LIESELOTTE , SATO MASATOSHI
Published: August 2022

This study investigated foreign language teachers’ beliefs about the research–pedagogy link by focusing on research‐oriented universities. Participants (N = 107) held different roles at their universities: graduate students (n = 17), full‐time second language (L2) instructors (n = 69), and language program directors (n = 21). Data were collected via a survey that asked about participants’ understanding and use of L2 research. Interview data were used to triangulate the survey results. The survey data were first subjected to exploratory factor analyses. ANOVAs were conducted for each extracted factor to compare the 3 roles. Multiple regression models were tested to identify predictors of participants’ beliefs. The factor analysis resulted in a 5‐factor solution: (a) usefulness of research, (b) researchers’ engagement with teaching, (c) perceived institutional expectations, (d) engagement with research, and (e) trust in research and researchers. Instructors held different beliefs depending on their roles. Overall, program directors held more positive beliefs about L2 research than full‐time L2 instructors, and full‐time L2 instructors held more positive beliefs than graduate students. Regression models showed that L2 teaching qualification and L2 teacher training experience positively predicted participants’ engagement with research. Suggestions for improving the research–pedagogy relationship are discussed.
Cognitive Variation: The Philosophical Landscape
Authors: Ward Zina B.
Published: August 2022

We do not all make choices, reason, interpret our experience, or respond to our environment in the same way. A recent surge of scientific interest has thrust these individual differences into the spotlight: researchers in cognitive psychology and neuroscience are now devoting increasing attention to cognitive variation. The philosophical dimensions of this research, however, have yet to be systematically explored. Here I make an initial foray by considering how cognitive variation ischaracterized. I present a central dilemma facing descriptions of individual differences, discuss several distinctions used to categorize variation, and show that these distinctions require further elaboration. Finally, by canvassing several philosophical topics for which the characterization of cognitive variation may have significant implications, I argue that philosophers should take note of how and why our minds differ.
A Case of Command: The Emancipation Proclamation as a Last Resort
Authors: ELLIS RICHARD J.
Published: August 2022

So often celebrated as Abraham Lincoln's defining achievement, the Emancipation Proclamation is best understood as a “painful last resort” that Lincoln turned to only after repeatedly failing to persuade others to back his preferred policy of gradual, compensated emancipation, accompanied by the voluntary colonization of freed Blacks. For all its fame, the proclamation is a classic “case of command” in which the reliance on unilateral power reveals not mastery but a failure to persuade. Although Lincoln, despite all his political talents and rhetorical abilities, had scant success in persuading others to support his preferred policy, he displayed a keen grasp of the limits and costs of command, which reflected his understanding that command is ultimately, as Richard Neustadt (1960) argues, a method of, rather than a substitute for, persuasion.
Workplace well‐being: Shifting from an individual to an organizational framework
Authors: Wilcox Annika , Koontz Amanda
Published: August 2022

Well‐being (or lack thereof) is one phenomena that is shaped by and has important implications for organizational (in)equalities, yet remains widely conceptualized at an individual level. Through a review of previous research on organizational inequality and diversity, we argue for a shift towards studying “workplace well‐being”—well‐being as created by and through work organizations. We identify and discuss three pillars of workplace well‐being and consider how these pillars are constituted across three levels of analysis. We note that “workplace well‐being” offers a more theoretically‐ and empirically‐grounded framework for understanding how well‐being operates in the workplace. This concept can be utilized to “check” where organizational change is needed and develop change initiatives that better support diversity, inclusivity, and equity.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*51:01:01:108 allele and confirmation of HLA‐B*40:387 in two Indian individuals
Authors: Pinto Andrea S. , Tambe Manisha , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: August 2022

The HLA‐B*51:01:01:108 and HLA‐B*40:387 alleles were detected during routine HLA typing.
Exploring the perceived sociocultural factors in the initiation of smokeless tobacco among adolescents: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Karuveettil Vineetha , Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam , Fernandez Ritin , Green Heidi , Sanjeevan Vinita , Janakiram Chandrashekar
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The objective of the review is to identify and explore the perceived sociocultural factors leading to smokeless tobacco initiation among the adolescent population.

Introduction:

Smokeless tobacco use is associated with oral cancer and premalignant lesions. The initiation of smokeless tobacco often occurs in adolescence, with multiple sociocultural factors facilitating the commencement of this habit. An in-depth understanding of the factors influencing smokeless tobacco uptake can assist policymakers and tobacco-control units in establishing global policies and implementing control strategies to prevent adolescents’ taking up smokeless tobacco.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider qualitative studies conducted within the last 20 years on adolescent smokeless tobacco users, focusing on sociocultural factors influencing smokeless tobacco initiation. Studies involving cigarette smoking, other alternative forms of smoking, and any form of tobacco cessation intervention will be excluded.

Methods:

A systematic search will be conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases, using a 3-step search process. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, OAIster, and Google will be searched for unpublished studies. Only studies published from January 2002 until the present and in English will be considered. Study screening, extraction, and critical appraisal will be performed by 2 independent reviewers using the standardized JBI qualitative appraisal and data extraction tools. Data synthesis will involve aggregation of the review findings to generate a set of statements based on similarity of meaning.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021240588
Methods for developing quality indicators for evidence implementation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McArthur Alexa , Munn Zachary , Lizarondo Lucylynn
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The aim of this scoping review is to locate, identify, and understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the development of quality indicators within evidence implementation health care programs.

Introduction:

Health care organizations evaluate care using quality improvement initiatives, which are based on quality indicators that are clearly defined and measure what they are intended to, based on structures, processes, or outcomes of care. However, the development of quality indicators is an area plagued by inconsistency and issues in terms of their pragmatic use in the health care context. Inconsistency when using terminology related to quality improvement has highlighted issues with distinct definitions, and many terms appear to be used interchangeably. This leads to confusion and a lack of clarity in what these terms are actually describing with regard to measures of quality in health care.

Inclusion criteria:

The proposed review will consider studies, guidelines, manuals, evidence syntheses, and other relevant literature that examine the key concepts, terms, or definitions used in the development of quality indicators and that identify the methods or frameworks used in the development approaches across the international health care setting.

Methods:

The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished documents, using a 3-step search strategy. Results of the search, study inclusion, data extraction, and analysis and presentation of results will be conducted by 2 independent reviewers, in accordance with JBI’s methodology for conducting scoping reviews.Findings will be presented in tables or visual charts, accompanied by a narrative summary.

Details of this review project are available at:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/54q8j
Stability of Multidegree of Freedom Potential Systems to General Infinitesimal Positional Perturbation Forces
Authors: Udwadia Firdaus E. , Bulatovic Ranislav M.
Published: August 2022

The stability of general linear multidegree of freedom stable potential systems that are perturbed by general arbitrary positional forces, which may be neither conservative nor purely circulatory/conservative, is considered. It has been recently recognized that such perturbed potential systems with multiple frequencies of vibration are susceptible to instability, and this paper is centrally concerned with the situation when potential systems have such multiple natural frequencies. An approach based on perturbation theory that includes nonlinear terms in the expansions of the perturbed eigenvalues is developed. Explicit conditions under which the system either remains stable or becomes unstable due to flutter are provided. These results show that the stability/instability picture that emerges is far subtler and more complex than what might be intuitively inferred. The manner in which prior results related to narrower classes of perturbation matrices, like circulatory matrices, get included in the more general results obtained here is pointed out. Several numerical examples illustrate the applicability of the analytical results. An engineering application is provided demonstrating the power of the analytical results.
Initial Postcontact Behavior of an Axially Compressed Fiber Constrained Inside a Rigid Cylinder: Experimental, Analytical, and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Dayan Yosef , Durban David , Givli Sefi
Published: August 2022

The postbuckling behavior of a clamped-clamped elastic fiber constrained inside a rigid cylinder is analyzed theoretically, numerically, and experimentally. We concentrate on characterizing the contact configuration between the fiber and the cylinder wall during initial postcontact stages of the fiber deformation, in which only a small segment of the fiber length maintains contact with the cylinder wall. This is apparently the first study of that phenomenon presenting an in-depth investigation of the fiber deformation and contact stages in experiments, along with a detailed examination of the effect of fiber geometrical imperfection. The main experimental challenge was to identify regions of contact between the fiber and the cylinder wall and to distinguish them from segments of the fiber that are very close to the cylinder wall but make no contact with it. To this end, we employed a novel experimental setup consisting of a transparent rigid cylinder filled with an opaque milky fluid, combined with image processing, and synchronized force measurements. The results of the experiments are supported by finite-element analysis and are also compared to available theoretical predictions based on the elastica model of an initially perfectly straight fiber. A small strain analytical solution reveals the role of minor initial geometrical imperfections in deriving the force–displacement relation during fiber bending. This study provides new understanding of the influence of key parameters on the behavior of such systems and may have practical implications in the fields of stent procedures, medical endoscopy, deep drilling, and more.
Multi-Level Bayesian Calibration of a Multi-Component Dynamic System Model
Authors: Kapusuzoglu Berkcan , Mahadevan Sankaran , Matsumoto Shunsaku , Miyagi Yoshitomo , Watanabe Daigo
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a multi-level Bayesian calibration approach that fuses information from heterogeneous sources and accounts for uncertainties in modeling and measurements for time-dependent multi-component systems. The developed methodology has two elements: quantifying the uncertainty at component and system levels, by fusing all available information, and corrected model prediction. A multi-level Bayesian calibration approach is developed to estimate component-level and system-level parameters using measurement data that are obtained at different time instances for different system components. Such heterogeneous data are consumed in a sequential manner, and an iterative strategy is developed to calibrate the parameters at the two levels. This calibration strategy is implemented for two scenarios: offline and online. The offline calibration uses data that is collected over all the time-steps, whereas online calibration is performed in real-time as new measurements are obtained at each time-step. Analysis models and observation data for the thermo-mechanical behavior of gas turbine engine rotor blades are used to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Supply Chain as a Complex System: Environmental Impact Evaluation and Perception
Authors: Cappelletti Federica , Menghi Roberto , Rossi Marta , Germani Michele
Published: August 2022

Customers are aware of the complexity of supply chains and link this to a high environmental burden. However, if not coupled with quantitative results, this may be overestimated. The present paper proposes a general method used in the specific case of deep environmental evaluation of a swimming goggles distribution. The results are compared to the consumers’ perceptions, collected and analyzed from questionnaires, and the remaining product lifecycle stages, assessed through the life cycle assessment (LCA). The design and prototyping phases take place in Italy, the goods are manufactured in Asia, and further commercialized worldwide. The environmental analysis enabled the identification of the most impacting lifecycle phases. Results highlight that for small products, with a simple use phase like the goggles, the distribution phase retains a small percentage of the overall environmental impact; thus, it is reasonable to simplify the modeling of the supply chain by selecting a limited number of significant scenarios. This work proves how important is to quantify and rationalize the environmental impacts of a complex system. The end of life and transport phases are perceived as high impacting, but the life cycle assessment analysis reveals that the materials and manufacturing phases retain the highest impacts and are the first that should be improved. Consequently, proper dissemination, cooperation, and communication strategies should be carried out by the goggles brand toward suppliers and stakeholders; the company is now studying how to replace virgin materials with recycled content to lower the environmental impact without hampering the product’s performance.
Magnesium Bromide as Novel High-Density Packer Fluid in Oilfield Applications
Authors: Singh Ramanand , Sharma Rajiv , Rao Gangavarapu Ranga
Published: August 2022

The rheology of a packer fluid (PF) is the most crucial aspect prompting the efficacious well completion effectiveness. In the drilling industry, a high-density, solid-free, low viscosity, and alkaline pH packer fluid is a big advancement and requirement. Here, we develop a magnesium bromide as an effective solid-free, high-density packer fluid (HDPF) for oilfield applications. We believe that investigating the rheological parameters such as shear stress, yield point, plastic and apparent viscosity, and gel strength 10 s and 10 min at a varying temperature of 84–192 °F is essential for optimizing the rheological performance. In order to enhance the completion efficiency, our work is more focused on overcoming the rheological and density limitations of existing traditional packer fluid. Our results show that the packer fluid has a low value of plastic viscosity (1.95–7.05 cP) and also exhibits a high density of 13.41 lb/gal, a specific gravity of 1.61. We have reported the pH at the alkaline region (pH 7.14) with solid-free. Here, we have investigated the Bingham plastic rheological model and Herschel Bulkley model parameters with experimental rheological data, and it is adaptive to novel packer fluid to predict the rheological parameters. Conspicuously, the rheological models, along with data analysis, have enormous possibilities in envisaging real-time quantification of shear stress and viscosity to enable the user to monitor and evaluate a suitable packer fluid in oilfield applications.
Sensitivity of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges for constant current and constant temperature operation
Authors: Langer Christoph , Berndt Dominik , Schreiner Rupert
Published: August 2022

To optimize the measurement range of thermal conductivity vacuum gauges, an expression for the sensitivity is required that takes into account all geometrical, material-specific, and operating parameters. Therefore, equations of the sensor output signal as a function of the pressure for the constant current and the constant temperature mode have been developed analytically. Based on these equations, the sensitivity of the vacuum gauge and its influencing parameters was investigated and discussed. For comparable conditions, the constant temperature operation shows a significantly higher sensitivity for high pressures, while the constant current operation shows higher sensitivity at low pressures. The sensitivity in both the constant current and the constant temperature mode depends on the ratio of the filament surface area and the parasitic thermal conductance. In addition, for the constant current operation, the sensitivity also depends on the current value and the temperature coefficient of the filament resistor. For the constant temperature operation, the sensitivity additionally depends on the distance of the filament and the reference plane. However, to extend the measurement range of a thermal conductivity vacuum gauge toward low pressures, a reduction of the parasitic thermal conductance is mandatory for both the constant current and the constant temperature mode.
X-Ray Scattering Reveals Two Mechanisms of Cellulose Microfibril Degradation by Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Floudas Dimitrios , Gentile Luigi , Andersson Erika , Kanellopoulos Spyros G. , Tunlid Anders , Persson Per , Olsson Ulf
Published: August 2022

Cellulose degradation by fungi plays a fundamental role in terrestrial carbon cycling, but the mechanisms by which fungi cope with the crystallinity of cellulose are not fully understood. We used X-ray scattering to analyze how fungi, a commercial enzyme mix, and a Fenton reaction-generated radical alter the crystalline structure of cellulose.
Secular variation in seawater redox state during the Marinoan Snowball Earth event and implications for eukaryotic evolution
Authors: Shen Weibing , Zhu Xiangkun , Yan Bin , Li Jin , Liu Pengju , Poulton Simon W.
Published: August 2022

The ocean is hypothesized to have been anoxic throughout the Marinoan “Snowball Earth” event, from ca. 649 to 635 Ma, with potentially catastrophic implications for the survival of eukaryotic life. However, the precise nature of ocean redox chemistry across this critical interval, and hence the factors that governed the persistence of eukaryotes, remains unknown. We report records of pyrite iron and sulfur isotopes, combined with Fe speciation, for glaciogenic diamictites from the Nantuo Formation of South China. These data provide constraints on seawater redox state across the Marinoan glaciation, and they reveal that the redox state of the ocean fluctuated in concert with waxing and waning extents of glaciation, to include intervals of expanded oxygenation. The input of meltwater-derived oxygen provides a potential explanation for the persistence of eukaryotes through the Cryogenian “Snowball Earth” events, which ultimately paved the way for subsequent intervals of rapid biological innovation.
Critical metal enrichment in crustal melts: The role of metamorphic mica
Authors: Kunz Barbara E. , Warren Clare J. , Jenner Frances E. , Harris Nigel B.W. , Argles Tom W.
Published: August 2022

Metals such as Li, Be, V, Co, Nb, In, Cs, Sn, Ta, and W are considered resources that are critical for modern economies. They can be significantly enriched in granites and pegmatites, but the mechanisms of enrichment remain poorly understood. Many metal-enriched granitic magmas form through mica dehydration reactions during high-grade metamorphism. The preferential incorporation of these metals into micas provides a mechanism for concentration and mobilization during crustal melting. Comprehensive data sets of these elements and their partitioning in metamorphic micas across different metamorphic grades are currently lacking. We present the first extensive in situ laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry element data set collected from metasediment-hosted muscovite and biotite from three different metamorphic cross sections traversing sub-greenschist- (~400 °C) to granulite-facies conditions (>900 °C). Within the same sample, Li, V, Co, Cs, and Ta concentrations are higher in biotite, whereas Be, In, Sn, and W concentrations are higher in muscovite. Subsolidus micas record only nonsystematic compositional variations between samples. Suprasolidus biotites show systematic depletion in Li, Be, Sn, and Cs and enrichment in V and Co with increasing temperature in the highest-grade (muscovite-absent) samples. Indium and W reach peak concentrations in biotite at 750 °C and 850 °C, respectively. Muscovites record systematic enrichment in In and W and depletion in Be, Sn, and Cs with increasing metamorphic grade. These distinctive trends appear to be independent of tectonic setting (i.e., continental collision and crustal thinning). Our data set highlights the importance of higher-temperature melting (>750 °C), in particular, biotite breakdown reactions, for the release of Li, Be, Sn, Cs, and W into crustal melts.
Unusual association of orbital tumour and rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Chakraborty Rajarshi
Published: August 2022

In developing tropical countries, rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis has been a cause of severe morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Classically, it develops as an aggressive angioinvasive destruction of nasal, orbital and cerebral involvement. Blindness is a major disabling complication. The association of mucor in cancer is linked with immunosuppression caused by radiation and/or chemotherapy. In this case report, we tried to explore the diverse possibilities of neck swelling, nasal discharge, ocular swelling and dimness of vision in a teenage boy. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare tumour of the soft tissue, connective tissue or bone. This type of unusual association or coexistence of rhabdomyosarcoma with mucormycetes is rarely seen in literature.
Does global health governance walk the talk? Gender representation in World Health Assemblies, 1948–2021
Authors: van Daalen Kim Robin , Chowdhury Maisoon , Dada Sara , Khorsand Parnian , El-Gamal Salma , Kaidarova Galiya , Jung Laura , Othman Razan , O'Leary Charlotte Anne , Ashworth Henry Charles , Socha Anna , Olaniyan Dolapo , Azeezat Fajembola Temilade , Abouhala Siwaar , Abdulkareem Toyyib , Dhatt Roopa , Rajan Dheepa
Published: August 2022

Background

While an estimated 70%–75% of the health workforce are women, this is not reflected in the leadership roles of most health organisations—including global decision-making bodies such as the World Health Assembly (WHA).

Methods

We analysed gender representation in WHA delegations of Member States, Associate Members and Observers (country/territory), using data from 10 944 WHA delegations and 75 815 delegation members over 1948–2021. Delegates’ information was extracted from WHO documentation. Likely gender was inferred based on prefixes, pronouns and other gendered language. A gender-to-name algorithm was used as a last resort (4.6%). Time series of 5-year rolling averages of the percentage of women across WHO region, income group and delegate roles are presented. We estimated (%) change ±SE of inferred women delegation members at the WHA per year, and estimated years±SE until gender parity from 2010 to 2019 across regions, income groups, delegate roles and countries. Correlations with these measures were assessed with countries’ gender inequality index and two Worldwide Governance indicators.

Results

While upwards trends could be observed in the percentage of women delegates over the past 74 years, men remained over-represented in most WHA delegations. Over 1948–2021, 82.9% of delegations were composed of a majority of men, and no WHA had more than 30% of women Chief Delegates (ranging from 0% to 30%). Wide variation in trends over time could be observed across different geographical regions, income groups and countries. Some countries may take over 100 years to reach gender parity in their WHA delegations, if current estimated trends continue.

Conclusion

Despite commitments to gender equality in leadership, women remain gravely under-represented in global health governance. An intersectional approach to representation in global health governance, which prioritises equity in participation beyond gender, can enable transformative policymaking that fosters transparent, accountable and just health systems.
Pubertal stage, sex and behaviour in neurodevelopmental disorders versus typical development: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Penner Melanie , Dupuis Annie , Arnold Paul , Ayub Muhammad , Crosbie Jennifer , Georgiades Stelios , Kelley Elizabeth , Nicolson Robert , Schachar Russell , Anagnostou Evdokia
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine the association between pubertal stage, sex and behavioural profile across and within neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) compared with typically developing (TD) youth.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders network, including children/youth with various NDDs and TD controls. Caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Participants were grouped into three puberty stages: prepuberty (Tanner stage 1), early puberty (Tanner stages 2–3) and late puberty (Tanner stages 4–5). The association between pubertal stage and CBCL scores was assessed controlling for sex and diagnosis.

Results

The analysis included 1043 participants (male=733; 70.3%). A three-way interaction between pubertal status, sex and diagnosis was not significant for internalising or externalising behaviour. Diagnosis was significantly associated with CBCL scores for both internalising (p<0.0001) and externalising (p<0.0001) behaviours, with lower scores for TD children than for NDD groups. Late pubertal females showed higher levels of internalising behaviour compared with prepubertal females (p=0.001); males showed no differences. Early pubertal males showed lower levels of externalising behaviour compared with prepubertal males (p=0.01); early pubertal females trended towards higher levels compared with prepubertal females (p=0.051).

Conclusions

Internalising/externalising patterns of behaviours across pubertal stages did not differ based on diagnosis. Pubertal females are at higher risk for internalising behaviours.
Combinations of chronic conditions, functional limitations and geriatric syndromes associated with periodontal disease
Authors: Alqahtani Hussam M , Koroukian Siran M , Stange Kurt , Bissada Nabil F , Schiltz Nicholas K
Published: August 2022

Objective

To identify complex multimorbid conditions, including chronic conditions, functional limitations and geriatric syndromes, associated with the presence and severity of periodontal disease (PD), after accounting for a series of demographic and behavioural characteristics.

Design

This cross-sectional study used secondary data from a nationally representative sample, classification and regression tree analysis and random forest identified combinations of specific conditions constituting complex multimorbidity associated with the presence and severity of PD.

Setting

US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2013–2014).

Participants

Individuals 60 years of age or older who completed a periodontal examination.

Results

Among 937 participants aged 60 and over, the prevalence of PD was 72.6%. PD was associated with sociodemographic factors and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living. Male sex and non-white race were the two most critical predictors of stage III/IV PD. Other important factors included age, education level and the federal poverty level.

Conclusions

Rather than chronic conditions or geriatric syndromes, PD was associated with sociodemographic factors and functional limitations. Accounting for the co-occurrence of sociodemographic and functional limitations will help recognise older adults who are at an increased vulnerability to the severity of PD.
Machine learning predicts response to TNF inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: results on the ESPOIR and ABIRISK cohorts
Authors: Bouget Vincent , Duquesne Julien , Hassler Signe , Cournède Paul-Henry , Fautrel Bruno , Guillemin Francis , Pallardy Marc , Broët Philippe , Mariette Xavier , Bitoun Samuel
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Around 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not respond to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). We aimed to predict patient response to TNFi using machine learning on simple clinical and biological data.

Methods

We used data from the RA ESPOIR cohort to train our models. The endpoints were the EULAR response and the change in Disease Activity Score (DAS28). We compared the performances of multiple models (linear regression, random forest, XGBoost and CatBoost) on the training set and cross-validated them using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) or the mean squared error. The best model was then evaluated on a replication cohort (ABIRISK).

Results

We included 161 patients from ESPOIR and 118 patients from ABIRISK. The key selected features were DAS28, lymphocytes, ALT (aspartate aminotransferase), neutrophils, age, weight, and smoking status. When predicting EULAR response, CatBoost achieved the best performances of the four tested models. It reached an AUROC of 0.72 (0.68–0.73) on the train set (ESPOIR). Better results were obtained on the train set when etanercept and monoclonal antibodies were analysed separately. On the test set (ABIRISK), these models respectively achieved on AUROC of 0.70 (0.57–0.82) and 0.71 (0.55–0.86). Two decision thresholds were tested. The first prioritised a high confidence in identifying responders and yielded a confidence up to 90% for predicting response. The second prioritised a high confidence in identifying inadequate responders and yielded a confidence up to 70% for predicting non-response. The change in DAS28 was predicted with an average error of 1.1 DAS28 points.

Conclusion

The machine learning models developed allowed predicting patient response to TNFi exclusively using data available in clinical routine.
Exercise improves high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorder by promoting HDAC5 degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome system in skeletal muscle
Authors: Huang Song , Zheng Xinyue , Zhang Xinyu , Jin Zhe , Liu Sujuan , Fu Li , Niu Yanmei
Published: August 2022

Histone deacetylase 4/5 (HDAC4/5) are essential for regulating metabolic gene expression; AMPKα2 regulates HDAC4/5 activity and the expression of MuRF1 during exercise. In this study, we used wild-type and AMPKα2−/− mice to explore the potential regulatory relationship between AMPKα2 and HDAC4/5 expression during exercise. Firstly, we fed C57BL/6J mice with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to assess the effects of high-fat diet on skeletal muscle metabolism and HDAC4/5 expression. We then performed a 6-week treadmill exercise on both wild-type and AMPKα2−/− mice. After exercise, the expressions of HDAC4/5 were examined in both gastrocnemius and soleus. The citrate synthase activity and proteins involved in skeletal muscle oxidative process were assessed. To determine the relationship of HDAC4/5 and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, citrate synthase activity was assessed after silencing HDAC4/5. Moreover, HDAC5 ubiquitination and the association of MuRF1 to HDAC5 were also investigated. Our results showed that 6-week exercise increased the skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and decreased HDAC4/5 expression only in soleus. HDAC5 silencing increased C2C12 cell oxidative capacity. Proteasome inhibition by MG132 abolished exercise-induced HDAC5 degradation mediated by MuRF1–ubiquitin–proteasome system. However, the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) did not dominantly account for exercise-induced HDAC4 degradation. Exercise upregulated MuRF1–HDAC5 association in wild-type mice but not in AMPKα2−/− mice. Our results revealed that 6-week exercise increased the skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and promoted HDAC5 degradation in soleus through the UPS, MuRF1-mediated HDAC5 ubiquitination. Although AMPKα2 played a partial role in regulating MuRF1 expression and HDAC5 ubiquitination, exercise-induced HDAC5 degradation did not fully depend on AMPKα2.