bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromyographic Correlates of Effortful Listening in the Vestigial Auriculomotor System
Authors: Schroeer Andreas , Corona-Strauss Farah I. , Hannemann Ronny , Hackley Steven A. , Strauss Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

Recently, electromyographic (EMG) signals of auricular muscles have been shown to be an indicator of spatial auditory attention in humans, based on a vestigial pinna-orienting system. Because spatial auditory attention in a competing speaker task is closely related to the more gen-eralized concept of attentional effort in listening, the current study inves-tigated the possibility that the EMG activity of auricular muscles could also reflect correlates of effortful listening in general. Twenty subjects were recruited. EMG signals from the left and right superior and poste-rior auricular muscles (SAM, PAM) were recorded while subjects attended a target podcast in a competing speaker paradigm. Three different lev-els of listening effort, low, medium, and high, were generated by varying the number and pitch of distractor streams, as well as the signal-to-noise ratio. All audio streams were either presented from a loudspeaker placed in front of the participants (0°), or in the back (180°). Averaged PAM activity was not affected by different levels of listening effort, but was sig-nificantly larger when stimuli were presented from the back, as opposed to the front. Averaged SAM activity, however, was significantly larger in the high listening effort condition, compared to low and medium, but was not affected by stimulus direction. We hypothesize that the increased SAM activity is a response of the vestigial pinna–orienting system to effortful stream segregation task.
Structure, Dynamics and Free Energy Studies on the Effect of Spot Mutations on SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding with ACE2 Receptor
Authors: Rucker George , Qin Hong , Zhang Liqun
Published: July 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect people worldwide, and the virus continues to evolve in significant ways which can pose challenges to the efficiency of available vaccines and therapeutic drugs and cause future pandemic. Therefore, it is important to investigate the binding and interaction of ACE2 with different RBD variants. A comparative study using all-atom MD simulations was conducted on ACE2 binding with 8 different RBD variants, including N501Y, E484K, P479S, T478I, S477N, N439K, K417N and N501Y-E484K-K417N on RBD. Based on the RMSD, RMSF, and DSSP results, the overall binding of RBD variants with ACE2 is stable, and the secondary structures of RBD and ACE2 are consistent after the spot mutation. Besides that, a similar buried surface area, a consistent binding interface and a similar amount of hydrogen bonds formed between RBD with ACE2 although the exact residue pairs on the binding interface were modified. The change of binding free energy from spot mutation was predicted using the free energy perturbation (FEP) method. It is found that N501Y, N439K, and K417N can strengthen the binding of RBD with ACE2, while E484K and P479S weaken the binding, and S477N and T478I have negligible effect on the binding. Spot mutations modified the dynamic correlation of residues in RBD based on the dihedral angle covariance matrix calculation. Doing dynamic network analysis, a common intrinsic network community extending from the tail of RBD to central, then to the binding interface region was found, which could communicate the dynamics in the binding interface region to the tail thus to the other sections of S protein. The result can supply unique methodology and molecular insight on studying the molecular structure and dynamics of possible future pandemics and design novel drugs.
Executioner caspase is proximal to Fasciclin 3 which facilitates non-lethal activation inDrosophilaolfactory receptor neurons
Authors: Muramoto Masaya , Hanawa Nozomi , Okumura Misako , Chihara Takahiro , Miura Masayuki , Shinoda Natsuki
Published: July 2023

The nervous system undergoes functional modification independent on cell turn over. Caspase participates in reversible neuronal modulation via non-lethal activation. However, the mechanism that enables non-lethal activation remains unclear. Here, we analyzed proximal proteins ofDrosophilaexecutioner caspase in the adult brain using TurboID. We discovered that executioner caspase Drice is, as an inactive proform, proximal to cell membrane proteins, including a specific splicing isoform of cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin 3 (Fas3), Fas3G. To investigate whether sequestration of executioner caspase to plasma membrane of axons is the mechanism for non-lethal activation, we developed a Gal4-Manipulated Area-Specific CaspaseTracker/CasExpress system for sensitive monitoring of caspase activity near plasma membrane. We demonstrated thatFas3G-overexpression promotes caspase activation in olfactory receptor neurons without killing them, by inducing expression of initiator caspase Dronc, which also comes close to Fas3G. Physiologically,Fas3Goverexpression-facilitated non-lethal caspase activation suppresses innate olfactory attraction behavior. Our findings suggest that subcellularly-restricted caspase activation, defined by caspase proximal proteins, is the mechanism for non-lethal activation, opening the methodological development of reversible modification of neuronal function via regulating caspase proximal proteins.
Social and environmental transmission spread different sets of gut microbes in wild mice
Authors: Raulo Aura , Bürkner Paul , Dale Jarrah , English Holly , Finerty Genevieve , Lamberth Curt , Firth Josh A , Coulson Tim , Knowles Sarah CL
Published: July 2023

Gut microbes shape many aspects of organismal biology, yet how these key bacteria transmit among hosts in natural populations remains poorly understood. Recent work in mammals has emphasized either transmission through social contacts or indirect transmission through environmental contact, but the relative importance of different routes has not been directly assessed. Here, we used a novel RFID-based tracking system to collect long-term high resolution data on social relationships, space use and microhabitat in a wild population of mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), while regularly characterising their gut microbiota. Through probabilistic modelling of the resulting data, we identify positive and statistically distinct signals of social and environmental transmission, captured by social networks and overlap in home ranges respectively. Strikingly, microbes with distinct biological attributes drove these different transmission signals. While aerotolerant spore-forming bacteria drove the effect of shared space use, a mix of taxa but especially anaerobic bacteria underpinned the social network’s effect on gut microbiota similarity. These findings provide the first evidence for parallel social and environmental transmission of gut microbes that involve biologically distinct subsets of the mammalian gut microbiota.

List of contributions

Aura Raulodesigned the study, helped develop the new RFID tracking technology, collected the data from Wytham, completed all laboratory analyses on gut microbiota profiling prior to sequencing, developed analytical methods, analysed the data and wrote the manuscript

Paul Bürknerhelped design the Bayesian probabilistic modeling framework and provided feedback on the manuscript

Jarrah Dalehelped collect field data using RFID loggers

Holly Englishhelped collect field data using RFID loggers and provided feedback on home range analyses

Genevieve Finertyhelped with home range analysis and the analysis of microhabitat variation and provided feedback on the manuscript

Curt Lamberthled development of RFID tracking devices and helped collect field data from Wytham

Josh Firthsupervised the research project, developed social network analysis methods and provided feedback on the analyses and the manuscript

Tim Coulsonsupervised the research project and provided feedback on the analyses and the manuscript

Sarah Knowlessupervised the research project, helped develop the tracking technology and design the study, collected data from Wytham, planned and supervised laboratory methods, developed analytical methods and provided feedback on analyses and the manuscript.
Enterocloster clostridioformisinduces host intestinal epithelial responses that protect againstSalmonellainfection
Authors: Beresford-Jones Benjamin S. , Suyama Satoshi , Clare Simon , Soderholm Amelia , Xia Wangmingyu , Sardar Puspendu , Harcourt Katherine , Lawley Trevor D. , Pedicord Virginia A.
Published: July 2023

Promoting resistance to enteric pathogen infection is a core function of the gut microbiota. However, many of the host-commensal interactions that likely mediate this protection remain uncharacterised. By screening gnotobiotic mice monocolonised with a range of mouse-derived commensal bacteria we have identifiedEnterocloster clostridioformisas a protective species againstSalmonellaTyphimurium infection. Unlike the colonisation resistance induced by some commensal bacteria,E. clostridioformisselectively induces a previously uncharacterised microbe adaptation response at the level of the caecal intestinal epithelium and the underlying mucosal immune system to mediate host-dependent resistance to infection. Triggering this pathway may therefore constitute a novel strategy to enhance protective responses against enteric infections.
Probing the physiological role of the plastid outer-envelope membrane using the oemiR plasmid collection
Authors: Schwenkert Serena , Lo Wing Tung , Szulc Beata , Yip Chun Kwan , Pratt Anna I. , Cusack Siobhan A. , Brandt Benjamin , Leister Dario , Kunz Hans-Henning
Published: July 2023

Plastids are the site of complex biochemical pathways, most prominently photosynthesis. The organelle evolved through endosymbiosis with a cyanobacterium, which is exemplified by the outer envelope (OE) membrane that harbors more than 40 proteins in Arabidopsis. Their evolutionary conservation indicates high significance for plant cell function. While a few proteins are well-studied as part of the protein translocon complex the majority of OE protein (OEP) functions is unclear. Gaining a deeper functional understanding has been complicated by the lack of observable loss-of-function mutant phenotypes, which is often rooted in functional genetic redundancy. Therefore, we designed OE-specific artificial micro RNAs (oemiRs) capable of downregulating transcripts from several loci simultaneously. We successfully tested oemiR function by performing a proof-of-concept screen for pale and cold-sensitive mutants. An in-depth analysis of pale mutant alleles deficient in the translocon component TOC75 using proteomics provided new insights into putative compensatory import pathways. The cold stress screen not only recapitulated three previously known phenotypes of cold-sensitive mutants, but also identified four mutants of additional oemiR OE loci. Altogether our study revealed a role of the OE to tolerate cold conditions and showcasts the power of the oemiR collection to research the significance of OEPs.
Effect of visual crowding in packaging on consumers' buying intention
Authors: Xu Zhifen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Based on the construal level theory, the purpose of this study is to prove the effect of interaction between construal level and visual crowding on consumers' buying intention. The study tries to explain the reasons behind the different buying intention toward visual crowding among consumers with different construal level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through two situational simulation experiments. The main data analysis methods are ANOVA and bootstrap analysis.

Findings

(1) the matching of construal level and visual crowding has a significant effect on consumers’ buying intention. (2) Perceptual fluency mediates the interaction between the construal level and visual crowding on buying intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study measures consumers' buying intention through situational experiments but does not measure consumers' buying behavior through real scenarios.

Practical implications

According to the study conclusions, consumers prefer visually crowded packaging that matches their construal level. Enterprises should consider the impact of the construal level on the effect of packaging stimulation.

Social implications

This study enriches the theory related to construal level and highlights the mediating role of perceptual fluency. The addition of perceptual fluency explains the mechanism by which visual crowding affects consumers' buying intention. This extends the research on the antecedents and effects of perceptual fluency.

Originality/value

This study innovatively introduces visual crowding into packaging and matches visual crowding to construal level, explaining why different consumers buy different visually crowded packaging.
Firm's value and ESG: the moderating role of ownership concentration and corporate disclosures
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Singh Kuldeep , Kanoujiya Jagjeevan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study intends to determine the environment, social and governance (ESG)'s impact on the firm's value. In addition, how ownership concentration (OC) and transparency and disclosures (TD) influence the impact of firm's ESG on its valuation (firm value).

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant panel data with a sample of 78 Indian firms for five years (2016–2020) are gathered. Both linear and nonlinear connections of firm's ESG with its value are tested. In addition, TD and two components of OC (stakes of promoters and institutional investors) are empirically tested as moderators on the connectivity of the firm's ESG with its value.

Findings

The linear association of firm's ESG with its value is found insignificant. ESG is found to have a positive and nonlinear (U-shaped) impact on the value of the firms. TD does not moderate the connectivity of firm's ESG with its valuation (firm value). The higher stakes of promoters positively affect the association of firm's ESG with the valuation. However, the high stakes of institutional investors retard the ESG's influence on the firm value.

Research limitations/implications

The study is on Indian firms for five years. A sample of more than one nation and a longer duration (10 years) could have helped better determine the associations among the variables. In turn, these limitations can be the present study's future scope. In addition, the authors find a lack of standardisation of the ESG scales, which is a problem in measuring it. Using standardisation scales of ESG for the analysis can also be future scope on the topic.

Practical implications

The investors would be wary of the level of ESG to influence the firms' value positively. Managers also need to be careful to have sincere efforts for ESG to reap its rich dividends. Policymakers may take cognisance that despite having board seats (in a few cases), institutional investors negatively (instead of positively as expected) influences the ESG's association with the firm's value. They may bring some guidelines or legislative changes to fix responsibility on the part of the institutional investors.

Originality/value

No study reports the linear and nonlinear association of ESG on the firm's value to observe clearer connectivity between the two. Similarly, no study is observed to have promoters and institutional investors as moderators on the association of firm's ESG with the valuation (firm value). Hence, the present study considerably augments the extant literature on the topic and its contribution.
Evaluation of consumers' motivations to do online food shopping in Turkey
Authors: Seçer Arzu , Yazar Fikriye , Bulut Mutlu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to reveal consumers' internal and external motivations to prefer online food shopping. The paper proposes an integrated model including aspirations, capabilities, subjective norms (divided into online resources and offline resources), perceived value and traditionalism to examine their effects on consumers' intention to do online food shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross–sectional design was used to understand which factors affect consumers' intention to do online food shopping. The data were collected from a total of 400 people via an online survey. The conceptual model was tested using structural equational modeling to understand the relationships between the factors.

Findings

The results suggest that the conceptual framework can be used to have a better understanding of consumers' internal and external motivations to do online food shopping. The study proves that aspirations have a considerable direct effect on and a mediating role between capabilities, subjective norms from online resources, traditionalism and the effect of COVID-19 pandemics and the intention. Also, traditionalism was found to be an antecedent for consumers to prefer online food shopping.

Practical implications

This study reveals better insights for the sellers, marketers and system providers dealing with supplying food products through online channels. The findings suggest that the stakeholders take into consideration aspirations, capabilities, subjective norms, perceived value and traditionalism to organize their activities in food marketing in the online area.

Originality/value

In this study, aspirations–capabilities framework was adopted and confirmed within consumers' online food shopping domain. Also, it was proved that traditionalism was a driver of individuals' intention to do online shopping for food products.
Mental health, art and creativity II: develop the child within
Authors: Niklasson Mats
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elevate the importance of complementary views concerning the first years of life as important precursors for personal growth and sustainable mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Paper II is a follow up to Paper I. After a short overview, connecting to the previous paper, the focus is on infancy followed by a few overlooked aspects and then a short summary on childhood and adolescence. Finally, some concluding remarks have been provided to put the paper together.

Findings

The main findings are connected to publications by other authors with insights which could be viewed as either “politically incorrect” or as simply overlooked in present research studies and discussions.

Research limitations/implications

The author presents his personal perspective on the aforementioned topics. There are contrasting ways to view them.

Practical implications

A recognition of the importance for a child to experience a “good as possible” infancy and childhood, which could mean to grow up with less use of computers and less influences from social media.

Social implications

A recognition of the importance parents and other adults have for the socialization of infants, children and adolescents.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper has compiled complementary views of infancy and childhood which are seldom heard about but are of importance for sustainable mental health.
Antibiofilm mechanism of peppermint essential oil to avert biofilm developed by foodborne and food spoilage pathogens on food contact surfaces
Authors: Ashrafudoulla Md. , Mevo Senakpon Isaïe Ulrich , Song Minsu , Chowdhury Md. Anamul Hasan , Shaila Shanjida , Kim Duk Hyun , Nahar Shamsun , Toushik Sazzad Hossen , Park Si Hong , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: July 2023

Establishing efficient methods to combat bacterial biofilms is a major concern. Natural compounds, such as essential oils derived from plants, are among the favored and recommended strategies for combatting bacteria and their biofilm. Therefore, we evaluated the antibiofilm properties of peppermint oil as well as the activities by which it kills bacteria generally and particularly their biofilms. Peppermint oil antagonistic activities were investigated against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium on four food contact surfaces (stainless steel, rubber, high‐density polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate). Biofilm formation on each studied surface, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, metabolic activity, and adenosine triphosphate quantification were evaluated for each bacterium in the presence and absence (control) of peppermint oil. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy were utilized to analyze the effects of peppermint oil treatment on the bacteria and their biofilm. Results showed that peppermint oil (1/2× minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC], MIC, and 2× MIC) substantially lessened biofilm formation, with high bactericidal properties. A minimum of 2.5‐log to a maximum of around 5‐log reduction was attained, with the highest sensitivity shown by V. parahaemolyticus. Morphological experiments revealed degradation of the biofilm structure, followed by some dead cells with broken membranes. Thus, this study established the possibility of using peppermint oil to combat key foodborne and food spoilage pathogens in the food processing environment.
Palmeiras pioneiras como engenheiras de ecossistemas: Efeitos sobre a estrutura da comunidade de formigas
Authors: Dantas Anderson , Vitoriano Dantas Thais A. , Ribeiro‐Neto José Domingos
Published: July 2023

As espécies engenheiras do ecossistema podem afetar a constituição e manutenção das comunidades biológicas, alterando as condições ambientais locais. Várias espécies de palmeiras desempenham este papel na mudança do ambiente circundante, principalmente através da queda de raques inteiras e da formação de uma camada de folhas espessa e homogênea sob o dossel. Entretanto, seu impacto sobre as comunidades animais do solo permanece pouco claro. Em particular, os organismos do solo (por exemplo formigas) podem ser afetados negativamente por mudanças locais provocadas pelas palmeiras, uma vez que são especialmente suscetíveis a mudanças na serrapilheira. Nosso objetivo era testar se a presença de palmeiras reduz a diversidade alfa e beta das comunidades de formigas a níveis taxonômicos e morfométricos. Também testamos se a área do sub‐bosque das palmeiras (pilha de restos abaixo da copa das palmeiras) e a densidade populacional reduzem as diversidades alfa e beta das comunidades de formigas (em níveis taxonômicos e morfométricos) nas florestas tropicais. Para isso, descrevemos padrões de diversidade taxonômica e morfométrica de comunidades de formigas em um remanescente da Mata Atlântica (nordeste do Brasil), utilizando os números de Hill em dois hábitats: sub‐bosques em torno da espécie de palmeira Acrocomia intumescens, e sub‐bosques florestais sem A. intumescens (sub‐bosque sem palmeiras). Nossas principais descobertas foram: (1) A diversidade taxonômica e morfométrica alfa era semelhante entre o sub‐bosque com A. intumescens e o sub‐bosque sem palmeiras; (2) As comunidades de formigas em sub‐bosques sem palmeiras apresentaram maior diversidade beta do que as comunidades de sub‐bosques com A. intumescens considerando tanto as espécies raras quanto os atributos morfométricos; (3) a área de sub‐bosque de A. intumescens afetou negativamente as espécies comuns e dominantes de formigas; e (4) a interação entre a área de sub‐bosque e a densidade populacional de A. intumescens afetou as espécies dominantes de formigas de forma complexa e os resultados dependem do equilíbrio entre ambos os preditores. Nossas descobertas apontam para um papel importante das palmeiras como engenheiros do ecossistema na redução da biodiversidade das formigas e na mudança da assinatura funcional das florestas tropicais modificadas pelo homem.
Oncostatin M for characterizing the inflammatory burden and outcome of V‐V ECMO in ARDS patients
Authors: Setiadi Hendra , El‐Banayosy Ahmed M. , Long James W. , Maybauer Marc O. , Mihu Mircea R. , El Banayosy Aly
Published: July 2023

Background

Assessing the outcome of Veno‐Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) support remains challenging as plasma lactate (pLA), the widely used tool for this purpose, has been shown unreliable. We hypothesized that plasma oncostatin M (pOSM), a sensitive marker of leukocyte activation in infection and inflammation, could address this deficiency.

Methods

Plasma OSM levels were measured by ELISA in 30 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) patients, prior to cannulation (baseline) and decannulation.

Results

Based on the absolute pOSM levels at presentation, patients were separated into two groups, A and B. Patients in group A had low pOSM levels (Mean ± SD; Median, 1.1 ± 3.8; 0 pg/mL), whereas group B had high pOSM levels (1548 ± 1999; 767 pg/mL) [t‐test: p < 0.01]. The percentage of pOSM levels at decannulation relative to baseline OSM levels was significantly higher in those who died (116.8 ± 68.0; 85.3%) than those who survived (47.6 ± 25.5; 48.9%) [t‐test: p = 0.02; Mann–Whitney U Test: p = 0.01]. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the percentage of pLA levels between those who died (142.9 ± 179.9; 89.8%) and those who survived (79.3 ± 34.3; 81.8%) [t‐test: p = 0.31; Mann–Whitney U Test: p = 0.63].

Conclusion

These early findings suggested critical value of absolute and relative pOSM to characterize the inflammatory burden of ARDS patients and the outcome of their V‐V ECMO support.
Cognitive Science: Piecing Together the Puzzle
Authors: Feist Michele I. , Duffy Sarah E.
Published: July 2023

Alongside significant gains in our understanding of the human mind, research in Cognitive Science has produced substantial evidence that the details of cognitive processes vary across cultures, contexts, and individuals. In order to arrive at a more nuanced account of the workings of the human mind, in this letter we argue that one challenge for the future of Cognitive Science is the integration of this evidence of variation with findings which can be generalized.
Investigation of the anticancer mechanism of monensin via apoptosis‐related factors in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Serter Kocoglu Sema , Oy Ceren , Secme Mücahit , Sunay F. Bahar
Published: July 2023

Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic that inhibits the growth of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptosis‐mediated anticarcinogenic effects of monensin in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The effects of monensin on cell viability, invasion, migration, and colony formation were determined by XTT, matrigel‐chamber, wound healing, and colony formation tests, respectively. The effects of monensin on apoptosis were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, TUNEL, Western blot, and Annexin V assay. We have shown that monensin suppresses neuroblastoma cell viability, invasion, migration, and colony formation. Moreover, we reported that monensin inhibits cell viability by triggering apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells. Monensin caused apoptosis by increasing caspase‐3, 7, 8, and 9 expressions and decreasing Bax and Bcl‐2 expressions in neuroblastoma cells. In Annexin V results, the rates of apoptotic cells were found to be 9.66 ± 0.01% (p < 0.001), 29.28 ± 0.88% (p < 0.01), and 62.55 ± 2.36% (p < 0.01) in the 8, 16, and 32 μM monensin groups, respectively. In TUNEL results, these values were, respectively; 35 ± 2% (p < 0.001), 34 ± 0.57% (p < 0.001), and 75 ± 2.51% (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that monensin may be a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for treating pediatric neuroblastoma.
How humanitarian–development responses may discriminate by nationality: Refugee and migrant inclusion following the 2016 Jordan Compact
Authors: Almasri Shaddin
Published: July 2023

Motivation

The Jordan Compact was signed in 2016 by the Government of Jordan and the European Union (EU) to allow 200,000 Syrian refugees to work in Jordan in exchange for better access to the EU market for Jordan's exports. This marked a transition for Jordan's humanitarian sector. However, while services did indeed expand and elements of labour transitions and livelihood support were included, these benefits were exclusively for Syrian refugees and Jordanians, with little consideration given to other vulnerable refugees and migrant workers.

Purpose

We examine how the Jordan Compact affected refugee aid and inclusion for Syrians, and its effects on other refugees and migrant workers in Jordan.

Methods and approach

We draw on media and news articles, reports from non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations, Jordanian law and policy, and prior academic research. We analyse the content of key informant interviews with representatives of government, international organizations, and NGOs conducted in August 2019. We use observations from the author's experience as a development worker in Jordan from 2016 to 2020.

Policy implications

Situated in an increasingly complex debate on the differential reception of refugees, we show differential treatment of refugees beyond reception and border policy. The selective, temporary, nationality‐based legalization of refugee labour is intrinsically linked to the nature of refugeehood, whereby governments cannot maintain strict short‐term limits on residency as they can with migrant labour.
Uber's digital labour platform and labour relations in South Africa
Authors: Mutengwe Welmah N. , Mazenda Adrino , Simawu Moreblessing
Published: July 2023

Motivation

With rising unemployment in South Africa, new forms of digital work transcend legal conceptions and discourses on work. Uber's digital labour platform (DLP) has the potential to reduce unemployment and improve the livelihoods of South African households.

Purpose

We examine the nature of employment through digital platforms to assess how such employment conforms to labour law and regulation in South Africa, the responsibility of the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL).

Methods and approach

We review the literature on the gig economy, decent work, and labour relations. We examine Uber DLP in South Africa to assess its potential to create decent work given DEL's current labour regulations. We analyse factors that harm the relationship between Uber DLP and DEL.

Findings

Despite numerous constitutional provisions governing DLP and DEL, Uber DLP workers in South Africa are considered independent contractors not entitled to employee benefits. Uber DLP employees in South Africa make less than the national minimum wage after the platform deducts its fees. Few professional drivers own the cars they drive; they rent them from owners, known as “partners,” and split the earnings, meaning that the drivers earn very little.

Policy implications

DEL needs to establish a balance between flexibility and labour standards. DEL should preserve workers' rights and ensure financial stability in the digital age. Labour laws should be updated based on reliable data while considering the effects of digitally enabled employment on society and the economy. Platform workers need the same protection at work as other workers.
Lipidomic features of honey bee and colony health during limited supplementary feeding
Authors: Castaños Clara E. , Boyce Mary C. , Bates Tiffane , Millar A. Harvey , Flematti Gavin , Lawler Nathan G. , Grassl Julia
Published: July 2023

Honey bee nutritional health depends on nectar and pollen, which provide the main source of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids to individual bees. During malnutrition, insect metabolism accesses fat body reserves. However, this process in bees and its repercussions at the colony level are poorly understood. Using untargeted lipidomics and gene expression analysis, we examined the effects of different feeding treatments (starvation, sugar feeding and sugar + pollen feeding) on bees and correlated them with colony health indicators. We found that nutritional stress led to an increase in unsaturated triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols, as well as a decrease in free fatty acids in the bee fat body. Here, we hypothesise that stored lipids are made available through a process where unsaturations change lipid's structure. Increased gene expression of three lipid desaturases in response to malnutrition supports this hypothesis, as these desaturases may be involved in releasing fatty acyl chains for lipolysis. Although nutritional stress was evident in starving and sugar‐fed bees at the colony and physiological level, only starved colonies presented long‐term effects in honey production.
The impact of mindfulness interventions for staff on the care, treatment, and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Sturgeon Michaela
Published: July 2023

Background

Mindfulness interventions have been shown to ameliorate stress in support staff working with people with intellectual disabilities. This review aimed to explore what impact mindfulness interventions for staff have on their care and support behaviours, and on the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities receiving support.

Method

A systematic search of PsycINFO, Web of Science, ASSIA, and PubMed identified nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were collated and a quality assessment tool was used to inform the critical analysis of the studies.

Results

Despite identified methodological issues, positive results were consistently reported. These included reduced use of restrictive practices by staff, increased positive interactions between staff and people with intellectual disabilities, and reduced aggression displayed by people with intellectual disabilities.

Conclusions

Further research in this area is required; however, this review supports the benefits of mindfulness on staff behaviour and the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.
Cortical grey matter changes, behavior and cognition in children with sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Tan Brendan , Tamanyan Knarik , Walter Lisa , Nixon Gillian M. , Davey Margot J. , Ditchfield Michael , Horne Rosemary S. C.
Published: July 2023

This paper investigated cortical thickness and volumetric changes in children to better understand the impact of obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) on the neurodevelopment of specific regions of the brain. We also aimed to investigate how these changes were related to the behavioral and cognitive deficits observed in the condition. Neuroimaging, behavioral, and sleep data were obtained from 30 children (15 non‐snoring controls, 15 referred for assessment of SDB) aged 7 to 17 years. Gyral‐based regions of interest were identified using the Desikan‐Killiany atlas. Student's t‐tests were used to compare regions of interest between the controls and SDB groups. We found that the cortical thickness was significantly greater in the right caudal anterior cingulate and right cuneus regions and there were volumetric increases in the left caudal middle frontal, bilateral rostral anterior cingulate, left, right, and bilateral caudate brain regions in children with SDB compared with controls. Neither cortical thickness nor volumetric changes were associated with behavioral or cognitive measures. The findings of this study indicate disruptions to neural developmental processes occurring in structural regions of the brain; however, these changes appear unrelated to behavioural or cognitive outcomes.
Assessing low vision care and the utilisation of optical low vision aids among patients with visual impairment in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Ching‐Ying , Sheu Min‐Muh , Chen Po‐Sen , Chuang Yi‐Ting , Cheng Hong‐Ming , Hsieh Hsi‐Pao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the quality of assessment and the utilisation of optical low vision aids (OLVAs) among people with visual impairment (VI) in Taiwan.

Methods

The study included 577 participants between 4 and 100 years of age (314 males and 263 females). All participants had been certified by the Ministry of the Interior of Taiwan, indicating that they had undergone a thorough and comprehensive low vision assessment, including evaluation of visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, colour vision, visual fields and glare disability. Furthermore, all participants who consented to refraction had received prescriptions for OLVAs.

Result

All participants were prescribed one or more OLVAs such as eyeglasses, tinted lenses, magnifiers, closed‐circuit television magnifiers, telescopes, or screen magnifiers. Among the 577 individuals, 515 received correction for refractive errors, providing the best‐corrected VA (BCVA). The improvement in VA was significant at both distance and near, improving from 1.29 ± 0.55 to 1.01 ± 0.52 logMAR (p < 0.001) and from 1.29 ± 0.56 to 1.01 ± 0.52 logMAR (p < 0.001), respectively. Eyeglasses were the primary OLVAs chosen by 333 participants (64.7%), while 53.3%–80.3% of participants combined eyeglasses with other OLVAs to enhance their visual performance.

Conclusions

The most commonly used and effective OLVA was eyeglasses. Skilfully utilising appropriate refractive and VA measurements is crucial for determining the most suitable and beneficial OLVA for individuals with VI.
Behavior change after context disruption: Opportunities and pitfalls
Authors: McMillan Gail , Milyavskaya Marina , Burns Rachel J.
Published: July 2023

Many behaviors are performed automatically in response to contextual cues rather than conscious intentions, which can make behavior change challenging. The combined discontinuity and self‐activation hypotheses predict that disruption to a context that cues behaviors can provide opportunity for behavior change guided by intentions rather than contextual cues. In this study, we asked an online sample of participants (N = 452) to report on desired change in the frequency of new, unwanted, or potentially habitual behaviors following a contextual disruption due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. We find a distinction between new ‘start’ behaviors and unwanted ‘stop’ behaviors where new behaviors appear more personally meaningful (i.e. higher in autonomous motivation and positive affective attitude) than unwanted or potentially habitual behaviors. Our results suggest that behavior change theory and interventions that acknowledge differential processes between starting new behaviors and stopping old unwanted behaviors would provide greater insights for behavior science.
Modeling the induced voltage of a disk magnet in free fall
Authors: Samboy Nolan
Published: July 2023

We drop a circular disk magnet through a thin coil of wire, record the induced voltage, and compare the results to an analytic model based on the dipole approximation and Faraday's law, which predicts that the difference between the voltage peak magnitudes corresponding to the entry and exit of the magnet should be in proportion to z0−1/2, where z0 is the initial height of the magnet above the center of the coil. Agreement between the model and experimental data is excellent. This easily reproduced experiment provides an opportunity for students at a range of levels to quantitatively explore the effects of magnetic induction.
The nuclear optical model and its optical-scattering analog: Mie scattering
Authors: Becchetti F. D.
Published: July 2023

The methods devised by Gustav Mie in 1908 to explain the scattering of electromagnetic waves have a close analogy with quantum-mechanical models developed many years later to describe nuclear scattering. In particular, these models use either a complex index of refraction or a complex nuclear scattering potential to account for attenuation caused by non-elastic scattering. We briefly outline the historical development of these models and give examples illustrating the close analogy between them, their parameters, and the resulting scattering. In both models, the ratio of the incident wavelength to the object size, λ/D, can be determined from the scattering characteristics, allowing the extraction of microscopic particle dimensions. This close analogy allows students to simulate accelerator-based nuclear scattering experiments with table-top optical-scattering experiments.
Probabilistic constellation shaping-aided underwater acoustic communication with vector approximate message passing iterative equalization
Authors: Wu Xisheng , Li Dong , Wu Yanbo , Zhu Min
Published: July 2023

A probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS)-aided single-carrier transceiver is proposed to improve spectral efficiency for underwater acoustic (UWA) communications. At the transmitter, the information bits are input into a distribution matcher followed by a systematic binary encoder, which yields a sequence of sign bits with a uniform distribution and a sequence of amplitude bits with a non-uniform distribution. Based on these two sequences, the PCS is then realized by mapping coded bits onto a quadrature amplitude modulation constellation. At the receiver, an improved frequency-domain turbo equalizer based on the vector approximate message passing (VAMP) is proposed for the PCS-UWA communication system to eliminate the multipath interference. It exploits the a priori symbol probability information benefiting from the PCS at the beginning of the turbo iteration and over the self-iteration of the VAMP soft equalizer, improving the symbol detection performance. Finally, the first experimental demonstration of a deep-sea PCS-UWA communication system and numerical simulation of shallower water are presented. The experimental results reveal the PCS-UWA communication system significantly outperforms traditional systems with no PCS. Also, the proposed receiver is superior to the classical adaptive turbo equalizer based on the improved proportionate normalized least mean square algorithm even with data reuse.
Scalable biomimetic sensing system with membrane receptor dual-monolayer probe and graphene transistor arrays
Authors: Qing Rui , Xue Mantian , Zhao Jiayuan , Wu Lidong , Breitwieser Andreas , Smorodina Eva , Schubert Thomas , Azzellino Giovanni , Jin David , Kong Jing , Palacios Tomás , Sleytr Uwe B. , Zhang Shuguang
Published: July 2023

Affinity-based biosensing can enable point-of-care diagnostics and continuous health monitoring, which commonly follows bottom-up approaches and is inherently constrained by bioprobes’ intrinsic properties, batch-to-batch consistency, and stability in biofluids. We present a biomimetic top-down platform to circumvent such difficulties by combining a “dual-monolayer” biorecognition construct with graphene-based field-effect-transistor arrays. The construct adopts redesigned water-soluble membrane receptors as specific sensing units, positioned by two-dimensional crystalline S-layer proteins as dense antifouling linkers guiding their orientations. Hundreds of transistors provide statistical significance from transduced signals. System feasibility was demonstrated with rSbpA-ZZ/CXCR4
QTY
-Fc combination. Nature-like specific interactions were achieved toward CXCL12 ligand and HIV coat glycoprotein in physiologically relevant concentrations, without notable sensitivity loss in 100% human serum. The construct is regeneratable by acidic buffer, allowing device reuse and functional tuning. The modular and generalizable architecture behaves similarly to natural systems but gives electrical outputs, which enables fabrication of multiplex sensors with tailored receptor panels for designated diagnostic purposes.
Draft genomes of three nitroguanidine-degrading bacteria:
Pseudomonas extremaustralis
NQ5
, Arthrobacter
strain NQ4, and
Arthrobacter
strain NQ7
Authors: Kim Jinha , Fuller Mark E. , Hatzinger Paul B. , Chu Kung-Hui
Published: July 2023

We report the draft genome sequences of
Pseudomonas extremaustralis
NQ5,
Arthrobacter
strain NQ4, and
Arthrobacter
strain NQ7 isolated from a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor, soils from San Antonio, TX, USA and sediments from Galveston Bay, TX, USA, respectively. These bacteria degrade the explosive compound nitroguanidine, which is present in some insensitive munitions.
Radiographic lead migration in percutaneous spinal cord stimulator trials
Authors: Mullins Cormac Francis , Royds Jonathan , Al-Kaisy Adnan
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Lead migration during spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trials is relatively neglected in the literature and presents a different set of challenges compared with fully implanted leads. There is no consensus on what constitutes a clinically significant amount of radiographic lead migration during SCS trials. We wished to evaluate the incidence and extent of radiographic lead migration during percutaneous SCS trials, to investigate the risk factors for lead migration and whether this has impacted on trial success.

Methods

This prospective observational study of percutaneous SCS trials took place in a tertiary referral center in the UK between April 2021 and January 2022. Radiographs of SCS lead position were taken at baseline and prior to lead removal. Lead migration ≥50% of a vertebral level was deemed significant.

Results

One hundred trials were included comprising 162 leads. Mean migration distance was 0.55 vertebral levels (SD 0.85) or 12.5 mm (SD 18.2) in a caudal direction. Significant radiographic migration occurred in 50% of all leads (81 of 162 leads), at least one lead in 62% of cases and all leads in 44% of cases. Radiographic lead migration was not found to be associated with reduced trial success. A single lead and mechanical anchors were associated with greater incidence of lead migration.

Conclusion

Radiographic lead migration of approximately half of a vertebral level in a caudal direction can be expected during percutaneous SCS trials and this can be anticipated by siting leads half of a vertebral level higher to accommodate for this. Additional factors should be considered in the setting of radiographic lead migration to determine whether this can be considered clinically significant.
Research on Full Coverage Path Planning Based on Reinforcement Learning in Nuclear Environment
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Song Shuzong , Liu Zhenni , Ma Lijun
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study the path-planning problem of emergency fire control robots in the nuclear environment. Given the high risk of the atomic environment, the irregularity of spatial shape, and the complex distribution of obstacles, a robot path planning method is proposed based on the combination of [Formula: see text]-learning and BCD raster map decomposition method. It realizes the automatic elimination control of the nuclear-contaminated environment and reduces the exposure risk of manual intervention operation. First, [Formula: see text]-learning, a reinforcement learning model, is used to establish the optimal path between the start and end points of the operation area. Second, the BCD raster map decomposition method is used to realize the global division of the operation area. Then, an improved partition merging method based on the [Formula: see text]-learning optimal path is proposed to complete the job sub-region merging and cover path planning. Finally, the simulation experiment proves that the technique can quickly and stably achieve the global path coverage of the unique operating environment of the nuclear domain.