bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between HIV/AIDS, Medical Male Circumcision and Traditional Circumcision in Mozambique, 2015
Authors: Militão Hélio Inácio E. , Langa José Carlos , Braga Judite Monteiro , Rossetto Erika Valeska , Baltazar Cynthia Sema , Kellogg Timothy A.
Published: November 2023

Background

The WHO AFRO region continues to be severely impacted by HIV and a global public health problem. In Mozambique, as of 2015, HIV prevalence was estimated to be 12.5% among adults. Medical male circumcision (MMC) has been promoted as a national prevention strategy to reduce the risk of HIV in men. We aimed to analyze the association between HIV infection, medical male circumcision and traditional male circumcision among men in Mozambique.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the 2015 Mozambican National and Demographic Health Survey of Immunization, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS (IMASIDA) were used in this analysis. In this study, considered medical male circumcision (MMC) and medical circumcision (MC). Participants were asked about their circumcision status and where the circumcision was performed. In addition, blood samples were collected from participants and tested for HIV antibodies. All analyses were weighted and adjusted for the complex survey design to ensure results and approximate population parameters of interest. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were used in the analyses to assess the associations between male circumcision and HIV infection.

Results

A total unweighted sample of 4733 men aged 15-49 consented to the survey and were interviewed. Of those who participated, 4236 consented to an HIV test. Nationally, 62.6% (95% CI 59.6-65.6) of men aged 15-49 years were circumcised. Traditional circumcision was the most common form of circumcision at 32.9% (95% CI 30.1-35.8), followed by MMC at 21.7% (95% CI 19.6-24.1), 8.0% (95% CI 6.5-9.9) did not know whether it was traditional or medical. The prevalence of HIV was highest at 13.4% among uncircumcised men (13.4%, 95% CI 11.3-15.7), and significantly lower among traditionally circumcised men (8.5%, 95% CI 6.8-10.6) and among medically circumcised men (7.5%, 95% CI 5.7-9.6). In multivariable analysis, men circumcised by a medical practitioner had almost 50% reduced odds of infection with HIV compared to uncircumcised men (aOR=0.52; 95% [CI=0.34-0.78], p=0.002), whereas men who were circumcised by traditional methods had a 29% reduced risk, but not significantly different than uncircumcised men (aOR=0.71; 95% [CI=0.47-1.07], p=0.098).

Conclusion

We found that HIV prevalence was lower among men aged 15-49 years who were circumcised, and the odds of being HIV positive was about 50% lower among men who were circumcised by a medical practitioner, suggesting a reduced risk of HIV infection. Although Mozambique has not achieved the UNAIDS goal of 80% men circumcised at the time of the IMASIDA 2015 survey, we encourage the continued expansion of voluntary medical male circumcision.
Realizations of crystal nets. I. (Generalized) derived graphs
Authors: McColm Gregory
Published: November 2023

A crystal net can be derived from a `generalized' voltage graph representing a graph analog of a fundamental domain of that crystal net along with a sufficient collection of its symmetries. The voltage assignments include not only isometries to the (oriented) edges, but also `weight' groups assigned to vertices for generating the vertex figures around those vertices. By varying the voltage assignments, one obtains geometrically distinct – and occasionally topologically distinct – Euclidean graphs. The focus here is on deriving simple graphs, i.e. graphs with no loops or lunes, especially uninodal edge transitive graphs.
Modes and model building in SHELXE
Authors: Usón Isabel , Sheldrick George M.
Published: November 2023

Density modification is a standard step to provide a route for routine structure solution by any experimental phasing method, with single-wavelength or multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction being the most popular methods, as well as to extend fragments or incomplete models into a full solution. The effect of density modification on the starting maps from either source is illustrated in the case of SHELXE. The different modes in which the program can run are reviewed; these include less well known uses such as reading external phase values and weights or phase distributions encoded in Hendrickson–Lattman coefficients. Typically in SHELXE, initial phases are calculated from experimental data, from a partial model or map, or from a combination of both sources. The initial phase set is improved and extended by density modification and, if the resolution of the data and the type of structure permits, polyalanine tracing. As a feature to systematically eliminate model bias from phases derived from predicted models, the trace can be set to exclude the area occupied by the starting model. The trace now includes an extension into the gamma position or hydrophobic and aromatic side chains if a sequence is provided, which is performed in every tracing cycle. Once a correlation coefficient of over 30% between the structure factors calculated from such a trace and the native data indicates that the structure has been solved, the sequence is docked in all model-building cycles and side chains are fitted if the map supports it. The extensions to the tracing algorithm brought in to provide a complete model are discussed. The improvement in phasing performance is assessed using a set of tests.
Arabic stance detection of COVID-19 vaccination using transformer-based approaches: a comparison study
Authors: AlRowais Reema Khaled , Alsaeed Duaa
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Automatically extracting stance information from natural language texts is a significant research problem with various applications, particularly after the recent explosion of data on the internet via platforms like social media sites. Stance detection system helps determine whether the author agree, against or has a neutral opinion with the given target. Most of the research in stance detection focuses on the English language, while few research was conducted on the Arabic language.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aimed to address stance detection on Arabic tweets by building and comparing different stance detection models using four transformers, namely: Araelectra, MARBERT, AraBERT and Qarib. Using different weights for these transformers, the authors performed extensive experiments fine-tuning the task of stance detection Arabic tweets with the four different transformers.

Findings

The results showed that the AraBERT model learned better than the other three models with a 70% F1 score followed by the Qarib model with a 68% F1 score.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is the imbalanced dataset and the limited availability of annotated datasets of SD in Arabic.

Originality/value

Provide comprehensive overview of the current resources for stance detection in the literature, including datasets and machine learning methods used. Therefore, the authors examined the models to analyze and comprehend the obtained findings in order to make recommendations for the best performance models for the stance detection task.
Perspectives of organizational culture in the Brazilian oil, gas and biofuels companies
Authors: Reis Alexandre Dos , Veríssimo José Manuel Cristovão
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the aspects of the organizational culture (OC) of companies operating in the Brazilian oil, gas and biofuels (O&G) sector based on semistructured interviews with managers of these organizations and its content analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted based on semistructured interviews with 12 managers of Brazilian O&G companies and analyzed with a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, namely, MAXQDA™.

Findings

The results make it possible to obtain the perception of managers about OC, generally understood as a set of attributes and variables of social order, supported by the historical–culturalist theoretical approach. Information about the explicit and implicit manifestation of culture, as well as the evaluation of the most appropriate research instruments and metrics, were also obtained after the interviews.

Originality/value

This study presents detailed results about OC and its characteristics in the perception of managers of the O&G companies that operate in the Brazilian market.
Improving healthcare for substance users: the moderating role of psychological flexibility on stigma, mental health, and quality of life
Authors: Gull Mahvia , Javaid Zartashia Kynat , Khan Kamran , Chaudhry Husnain Ali
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Stigma is a major impediment to human rights in health care that causes discrimination, isolation and the exclusion of individuals from essential health-care services. It fosters fear, leading to negative stereotyping of individuals based on their social, cultural or health status and undermines their dignity and respect, consequently violating their right to health. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the moderating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between stigma (enacted, anticipated and internalized), mental health and the quality of life of substance users.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on a cross-sectional design and included 200 male patients with an age range of 18–65 years from 23 rehabilitation centers in four cities in Pakistan. The purposive sampling technique was used, and the sample size ranged from 4 to 23 participants for each site. Four scales were used to measure stigma, general mental health, quality of life and psychological flexibility in substance users.

Findings

The data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS, which showed that stigma (enacted, anticipated and internalized) had a detrimental effect on substance users’ mental health and quality of life. Additionally, psychological flexibility acts as an efficient moderator between them.

Originality/value

This research unveils the moderating role of psychological flexibility in mitigating stigma’s adverse effects on individuals with substance use disorders. Future investigations should prioritize interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility to ameliorate the repercussions of stigma, ultimately enhancing the well-being and quality of life of substance users.
Influence of the project managers' expertise and experience in the success of projects: the moderating effect of emotional intelligence
Authors: Sposito Lincoln , Scafuto Isabel Cristina , Serra Fernando Ribeiro , Ferreira Manuel Portugal
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The authors investigated how emotional intelligence (EI) affects the relationship between project managers' (PMgs) expertise and experience and project success for both the team and client.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected 290 valid responses from IT project managers. The results were analyzed using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, with Process v4.0 procedure and the Johnson-Neyman (JN) technique to assess the moderating effect of the level of EI.

Findings

Results showed that moderate levels of EI can enhance the impact of PMgs' experience on the project client, while higher levels of EI are necessary to positively impact the team. Moderate levels of EI can improve PMgs' expertise impact on the project team, increasing their effectiveness in interactions with clients and other stakeholders.

Practical implications

It is recommended to consider emotional intelligence alongside technical skills when selecting project managers to address emotional labor, stress, stakeholder management and agility. Providing EI training and experiential learning opportunities internally can improve project managers' emotional intelligence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on emotional intelligence and project management, highlighting the relationship between technical skills and emotional intelligence levels of PMgs. This research emphasizes the significance of experience and EI in project management, particularly in overseeing complex projects. Additionally, moderate levels of EI enhance PMgs' effectiveness in engaging with stakeholders closely involved in projects.
Social venture performance, impact and strategic marketing effectiveness in turbulent environments
Authors: Lee Kim Man Erica , Chandra Yanto , Lee Ho
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The social venture (SV) is an increasingly popular form of organization to pursue social goals using a commercial approach. Although marketing plays an important role in SV research and a key driver of the performance of SVs, how and the extent to which market conditions play a role remains understudied. This study examines if market turbulence can moderate marketing capabilities and performance relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed several hypotheses rooted in the marketing literature and tested them using data collected from a sample of 109 SVs from East Asia (i.e. Hong Kong and Taiwan). Using multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling, the authors analyzed the marketing capabilities and financial and social performance relationships and the positive moderating role of market turbulence.

Findings

The results suggested that market turbulence is a positive moderator which influences the effect of the marketing capabilities–financial performance relationship, but not the marketing capabilities and social performance relationship.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to interrogate the SV's marketing capabilities–performance relationship in the East Asian context and how market turbulence may enhance or weaken the relationship. This is one of the earliest papers in this research area. The key findings from this research offer valuable theoretical contribution to the study of SV performance.
Fraud from a CPA named Laws: missed red flags and conflict of interest
Authors: Combs Deborah Goodner , Dille Lucas M.
Published: November 2023

Research methodology

The case uses primary source documents, such as the court cases brought forth by the SEC and US District Attorney, for the specifics about the fraud and secondary sources for further background information about the town and industry. The individuals in the case are not disguised. The authors have no connection to the case.

Case overview/synopsis

Thomas Laws was a CPA, a registered investment advisor and a real estate broker. Laws made a poor business investment. Instead of taking the financial hit, Laws orchestrated a complex Ponzi scheme using clients from his CPA practice and embezzling money from an employer, Santa Fe Gold Corporation. Laws’ scheme continued until his employer confronted him about missing funds. Frank Mueller, the CFO of Santa Fe, did not exercise the due diligence necessary until it was too late. Rest’s framework for ethical decision making is used to frame the ethical decisions Mueller can make. The case examines the conflict-of-interest guidance issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and allows students to examine the due diligence and controls needed by employers and prospective investors.

Complexity academic level

This case is designed for undergraduate accounting students taking Intermediate Accounting I, ACCT 0312 at the authors’ institution, typically junior-level students. It would be appropriate whenever you introduce the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct during an ethics discussion.
Cutting at the edge: observations on innovation beyond the urban
Authors: Samimian‐Darash Limor , Sheniak Amit , Rotem Nir
Published: November 2023

Innovation is generally associated with the creation of something new and with economic growth, and is often understood in relation to modernity and its prime social site, ‘the city’. Accordingly, the coupling of innovation and rural areas may seem incongruent. Drawing on ethnographic research on Israel's high‐tech scene, we analyse innovation centres located primarily in kibbutzim in the northern and southern regions of the country. This allows us to juxtapose the ultra‐modernist and individualist ethos of the creative actor against a more communal understanding of social life. In these sites, we observe not just the imitation of ‘urban’ innovation, but also the strong influence of the community and the contribution of local knowledge in the design of technologically innovative products and services. Examining what is taking place outside urban centres thus enables a more complete and nuanced understanding of the interplay between innovation and society at large.
How do threatened plant species with low genetic diversity respond to environmental stress? Insights from comparative conservation epigenomics and phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Williams Brigette R. , Miller Allison J. , Edwards Christine E.
Published: November 2023

Many threatened plants have low genetic diversity, which may reduce their capacity for genetically based adaptation, increasing their extinction risk. Non‐genetic variation (e.g. epigenomic modifications such as DNA methylation) and plasticity may facilitate the persistence of threatened plants, yet are rarely incorporated into conservation assessments. We present a case study investigating variation and plasticity in DNA methylation and phenotypic traits in four genetically depauperate species ofLeavenworthia (Brassicaceae), including one widespread species and one asexual, threatened species. We grew individuals from several maternal lines and populations per species in contrasting watering treatments, measured phenotypic traits and analysed DNA methylation using whole‐genome bisulphite sequencing. We addressed four questions: (1) How do patterns of DNA methylation differ within and among species? (2) Within species, how do phenotypic traits and patterns of DNA methylation vary in response to drought? (3) Does variation in DNA methylation correspond to phenotypic variation? (4) What are the implications for conservation? We found that taxa were epigenomically distinct and that each species exhibited variation in DNA methylation among populations that could be relevant for conservation. Within species, the DNA methylation response to environmental stress corresponded to its phenotypic response. Species differed in their DNA methylation and phenotypic responses to environmental stress, with the extent of plasticity possibly related to species geographic range size. We also found phenotypic and DNA methylation variation in the asexual, threatened species that may be relevant for conservation. Our results suggest that variation in DNA methylation may promote the persistence of genetically depauperate threatened plants, highlighting its potential as a novel conservation target to reduce extinction risk.
Hydrogen sulfide inhibits alveolar type II cell senescence and limits pulmonary fibrosis via promoting MDM2‐mediated p53 degradation
Authors: Wang Xiu‐Li , Xu Yi‐Tong , Zhang Shu‐Li , Zhu Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Liu Yu‐Jian
Published: November 2023

Aim

Senescence of alveolar type II (AT2) cells is an important driver of pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate whether and how dysregulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production affected AT2 cell senescence, and then explored the effect of H2S on the communication between AT2 and fibroblasts.

Methods

ICR mice were intratracheally administered with bleomycin (3 mg/kg). Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 28 μmol/kg/d) was intraperitoneally injected for 2 weeks. The H2S‐generating enzyme cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS) knockout heterozygous (CBS+/−) mice were used as a low H2S production model.

Results

Analysis of microarray datasets revealed downregulation of H2S‐generating enzymes in lung tissues of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Decreased H2S production was correlated with higher levels of cell senescence markers p53 and p21 in bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis. CBS+/− mice exhibited increased levels of p53 and p21. The numbers of AT2 cells positive for p53 and p21 were increased in CBS+/− mice as compared to control mice. H2S donor NaHS attenuated bleomycin‐induced AT2 cell senescence both in vivo and in vitro. H2S donor suppressed bleomycin‐induced senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of AT2 cells via inhibiting p53/p21 pathway, consequently suppressing proliferation and myofibroblast transdifferentiation of fibroblasts. Mechanically, H2S suppressed p53 expression by enhancing the mouse double‐minute 2 homologue (MDM2)‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53.

Conclusion

H2S inactivated p53‐p21 pathway, consequently suppressing AT2 cell senescence as well as cell communication between senescent AT2 cells and fibroblasts. Aberrant H2S synthesis may contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis through promoting the activation loop involving senescent AT2 cells and activated fibroblasts.
Letter: Histological changes among asymptomatic chronic HBV carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase levels—Authors' reply
Authors: Li Shun , Shi Lichen , Jia Jidong , Kong Yuanyuan
Published: November 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Li et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17718andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17760
Convergent and divergent evolution of microRNA‐mediated regulation in metazoans
Authors: Wang Yirong , Tang Xiaolu , Lu Jian
Published: November 2023

The evolution of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been studied extensively to understand their roles in gene regulation and evolutionary processes. This review focuses on how miRNA‐mediated regulation has evolved in bilaterian animals, highlighting both convergent and divergent evolution. Since animals and plants display significant differences in miRNA biogenesis and target recognition, the ‘independent origin’ hypothesis proposes that miRNA pathways in these groups independently evolved from the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, leading to modern miRNA repertoires through convergent evolution. However, recent evidence raises the alternative possibility that the miRNA pathway might have already existed in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, and that the differences in miRNA pathway and miRNA repertoires among animal and plant lineages arise from lineage‐specific innovations and losses of miRNA pathways, miRNA acquisition, and loss of miRNAs after eukaryotic divergence. The repertoire of miRNAs has considerably expanded during bilaterian evolution, primarily through de novo creation and duplication processes, generating new miRNAs. Although ancient functionally established miRNAs are rarely lost, many newly emerged miRNAs are transient and lineage specific, following a birth–death evolutionary pattern aligning with the ‘out‐of‐the‐testis’ and ‘transcriptional control’ hypotheses. Our focus then shifts to the convergent molecular evolution of miRNAs. We summarize how miRNA clustering and seed mimicry contribute to this phenomenon, and we review how miRNAs from different sources converge to degrade maternal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during animal development. Additionally, we describe how miRNAs evolve across species due to changes in sequence, seed shifting, arm switching, and spatiotemporal expression patterns, which can result in variations in target sites among orthologous miRNAs across distant strains or species. We also provide a summary of the current understanding regarding how the target sites of orthologous miRNAs can vary across strains or distantly related species. Although many paralogous miRNAs retain their seed or mature sequences after duplication, alterations can occur in the seed or mature sequences or expression patterns of paralogous miRNAs, leading to functional diversification. We discuss our current understanding of the functional divergence between duplicated miRNAs, and illustrate how the functional diversification of duplicated miRNAs impacts target site evolution. By investigating these topics, we aim to enhance our current understanding of the functions and evolutionary dynamics of miRNAs. Additionally, we shed light on the existing challenges in miRNA evolutionary studies, particularly the complexity of deciphering the role of miRNA‐mediated regulatory network evolution in shaping gene expression divergence and phenotypic differences among species.
Pain in children with cerebral palsy as reported by parents
Authors: Saleh Maysoun Nimer , Almasri Nihad Ali , Al Bakri Basil
Published: November 2023

Background

Pain in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a problem that has not received adequate attention in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of pain and common sites of pain in children with CP based on age, gender and ambulatory status as determined by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study based on data from a CP registry (CPUP‐Jordan). Participants were 310 children with CP (mean age: 3.3 ± 2.9 years, range: 5 months to 15.9 years), 77.1% were below 5 years of age, 56.8% were boys and 49% were classified as Levels IV and V of the GMFCS. Parents were asked to indicate whether their child is currently experiencing pain (yes/no); if yes, they were asked to report the sites of pain.

Results

Seventy‐nine (25.5%) children experienced pain (34.1% had pain in the stomach, 15.2% at the hips and knees and 12.7% in their feet). The presence of pain did not significantly differ by age or gender. More children in GMFCS Levels V (34.7%) and IV (31.6%) experienced pain. Compared with Level V on the GMFCS (non‐ambulant children), children in Level I and children in Level III experienced less pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.087–0.727, p = 0.011; OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.18–0.98, p = 0.045, respectively). Pain sites differed with age and GMFCS.

Conclusions

Pain was reported to be less than previous studies. Non‐ambulant children experienced more pain. Pain monitoring and management should be a regular practice in rehabilitation for this population, with special attention for non‐ambulant children.
Tolerability of sublingual versus vestibular allergy immunotherapy tablet administration: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Simard Marie‐Lee , Novak Natalija , Drolet Jean‐Philippe , Joly Marie‐Claude , Nolte Hendrik , Wuestenberg Eike , Gagnon Rémi
Published: November 2023

Background

Local application site reactions are common with sublingual allergy immunotherapy (AIT)‐tablets for the treatment of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (AR/C) and occasionally lead to treatment discontinuation. Because of the lower mast cell density in the vestibular mucosa than the sublingual area, vestibular AIT‐tablet administration may result in fewer adverse events (AEs). This pilot study evaluated the tolerability of the vestibular administration route of AIT‐tablets compared with the sublingual route in adult subjects with AR/C.

Methods

Adults (n = 164) aged 18–65 years with AR/C treated with daily birch pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen or house dust mite AIT in tablet form were randomized 1:1 to vestibular or sublingual administration for 28 days, followed by 28 days of sublingual administration only. The primary endpoint was the severity (mild, moderate, severe) of local treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) during the first 28 days of treatment.

Results

During the first 28 days, the percentage of subjects in the vestibular and sublingual groups reporting mild TRAEs were 55.6% versus 50.6%, respectively; moderate TRAEs were 27.2% versus 30.1%; and severe TRAEs were 12.3% versus 6.0% (p = .16). In the vestibular group, 95.1% of the subjects experienced at least one TRAE during the first period versus 81.9% in the sublingual group (p = .01) and discontinuation rates due to AEs were higher (12.3% vs. 3.6%).

Conclusion

The frequencies of subjects experiencing severe TRAEs, at least one TRAE, and discontinuations due to AEs at the initiation of AIT‐tablets were numerically higher with vestibular administration than sublingual administration. Sublingual administration should remain the standard of care for subjects treated with AIT‐tablets for AR/C.
Prioritizing restoration sites that improve connectivity in the Appalachian landscape, USA
Authors: Clark Melissa , Hall Kimberly R. , Martin David M. , Beaty Braven , Lloyd Stephen , Galgamuwa G. A. Pabodha , Shirer Rebecca , Zimmerman Christopher L. , Shallows Kathryn M.
Published: November 2023

Restoring landscape connectivity is a key strategy for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. We developed a decision‐focused process that moves from opportunistic siting of restoration to strategic prioritization by incorporating connectivity enhancement in the Appalachian Mountains, USA. Our approach builds from a recent national‐scale assessment identifying a Resilient and Connected Network (RCN) to inform land protection priorities under climate change. In three high‐ranking study areas within the Appalachians, we demonstrated a circuit‐theory based approach simulating the connectivity value of restoring natural vegetation at sites with high human modification. Our methods were co‐developed by scientists and local decision‐makers. This emphasis on study area‐specific decisions led to differences in how model inputs were defined, for instance using feasible potential restoration sites instead of pixels to define opportunities. Similarly, landscape context influenced our process and in fragmented study areas we added a step that considered additional potential restoration sites outside of the current land protection‐based boundaries. To help interpretation of the results, and link back to the broader network of conservation priorities, we mapped connectivity values in current flow categories that matched the RCN product. Our innovative approach and the decision‐relevant framing, can inform a broad range of connectivity science applications.
Impact of air pollution on postoperative outcomes following organ transplantation: Evidence from clinical investigations
Authors: Supphapipat Kittitorn , Leurcharusmee Prangmalee , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Air pollution is a worldwide problem affecting human health via various body systems, resulting in numerous significant adverse events. Air pollutants, including particulate matter < or = 2.5 microns (PM2.5), particulate matter < or = 10 microns (PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and traffic‐related air pollution (TRAP), have demonstrated the negative effects on human health (e.g., increased cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, malignancy, and mortality). Organ transplant patients, who are taking immunosuppressive agents, are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollutants. The evidence from clinical investigation has shown that exposure to air pollution after organ transplantation is associated with organ rejection, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, infection‐related mortality, and vitamin D deficiency.

Objectives and method

This review aims to summarize and discuss the association of exposure to air pollutants and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level and outcomes after transplantation. Controversial findings are also included and discussed.

Conclusion

All of the findings suggest that air pollution results in a hazardous environment, which not only impacts human health worldwide but also affects post‐transplant outcomes.
Estonia: The Start‐Up Country
Authors: Eisermann Richard
Published: November 2023

Here is a country in which a new business can be registered online in five minutes; in which an “e‐Cabinet” makes legislation decisions without need of wasted paperwork and time; and yet, social services still need improving. In this way, Estonia has an enormous opportunity for the use of design in social innovation.

Estonia is a country with one foot in the future and the other in the past. Can design help to bridge the gap?
Service Multipliers, Service Visibility
Authors: Harviainen J. Tuomas
Published: November 2023

Public service providers can actually suffer as a result of front‐ and back‐office processes that are so efficient they may be invisible to customers. To expose their service quality and social impact to customers and funding officials, these providers need to redesign their service spaces, physical and online, and reveal the multipliers they use to increase service and product value.

Public libraries and other public‐service providers must learn to make their “service multipliers” more visible to customers if they want to survive in the internet era.
VoteStream: Turning Elections Data into Open Data
Authors: Dubberly Hugh
Published: November 2023

US elections technology—the infrastructure on which democracy depends—is proprietary, locking up public data. Unlocking that data is a design challenge on many levels.

The TrustTheVote project—developing a set of US elections technologies that are trustworthy, up to date, and complete, and making those technologies available on an open‐source basis—is a classic example of social innovation for the greater good.
Can the use of particle films for fruit protection against medfly alter the behavior of the parasitoidDiachasmimorpha longicaudata?
Authors: da Costa Daniela R. , Leite Suzany A. , dos Santos Mateus P. , Coelho Beatriz S. , Joachim‐Bravo Iara S. , da Silva Carlos A. D. , Dias Vanessa S. , Montoya Pablo , Castellani Maria A.
Published: November 2023

The use of particle films, especially kaolin‐based films, is a promising technology to control infestations of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly),Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), an important pest of fruits. However, its effects on one of the most important biocontrol agents of this fly in Brazil, the parasitoidDiachasmimorpha longicaudata(Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of mineral particle films on the oviposition behavior ofD. longicaudataand to determine the success of parasitism inC. capitatausing grape (Vitis viniferaL., Vitaceae) as substrate. Before the bioassays, the color characteristics, firmness, total soluble solid content, pH, and titratable acidity of the fruits were determined. Grapes were immersed in suspensions of kaolin Surround WP, kaolin 607, kaolin 608, and distilled water (control); thereafter, they were perforated, and twoC. capitatathird instars were inserted into the orifice. The grapes were then exposed to a female parasitoid. The frequency and duration of the following behavioral parameters ofD. longicaudatawere evaluated: landing on fruit, inspection, buccal contact, oviposition, cleaning, resting on fruit, and resting on cage. Furthermore, parasitism success was assessed. Mineral particle films altered the color and firmness of the grapes. The females ofD. longicaudataperformed all distinguished behaviors in treated and untreated grapes, except buccal contact, which was not done on the kaolin‐treated fruits. Kaolin 607 negatively affected landing, inspection, puncture, and rest behaviors; kaolin Surround WP only reduced inspection and puncture. Fruit coating with all three tested kaolin products decreased the success of parasitism ofD. longicaudata, indicating that particle films applied to plant organs can affect the behavior of this natural enemy.
A swarm‐optimized microbial colony counter
Authors: M S Sannidhan , Martis Jason Elroy , Krivic Senka , K B Sudeepa , Nazareth Pradeep
Published: November 2023

The identification of bacterial colonies is deemed to be crucial in microbiology as it helps in identifying specific categories of bacteria. The careful examination of colony morphology plays a crucial role in microbiology laboratories for the identification of microorganisms. Quantifying bacterial colonies on culture plates is a necessary task in Clinical Microbiology Laboratories, but it can be time‐consuming and susceptible to inaccuracies. Therefore, there is a need to develop an automated system that is both dependable and cost‐effective. Advancements in Deep Learning have played a crucial role in improving processes by providing maximum accuracy with a negligible amount of error. This research proposes an automated technique to extract the bacterial colonies using SegNet, a semantic segmentation network. The segmented colonies are then counted with the assistance of blob counter to accomplish the activity of colony counting. Furthermore, to ameliorate the proficiency of the segmentation network, the network weights are optimized using a swarm optimizer. The proposed methodology is both cost‐effective and time‐efficient, while also providing better accuracy and precise colony counts, ensuring the elimination of human errors involved in traditional colony counting techniques. The investigative assessments were carried out on three distinct sets of data: Microorganism, DIBaS, and tailored datasets. The results obtained from these assessments revealed that the suggested framework attained an accuracy rate of 88.32%, surpassing other conventional methodologies with the utilization of an optimizer.
Investigating L2 writers' uses of machine translation and other online tools
Authors: Vinall Kimberly , Wen Wen , Hellmich Emily A.
Published: November 2023

New technologies have had a substantial impact on L2 learners' writing processes. Given the continuous nature of technological evolution, more work is needed to document L2 writers' learner‐initiated technology use, particularly their use of machine translation (MT) tools. This need is further solidified by recent calls for new pedagogical approaches to better prepare learners to use MT critically. The current study uses screen recordings, retrospective recall, and interviews to document what online tools L2 writers' use, how they use them, and what factors influence this use. Findings reveal that participants overwhelmingly rely on MT tools while writing. Moreover, they engage in complex actions with MT tools, which are influenced by language knowledge, beliefs about online tools, their own perceived roles in the writing process, and classroom policies. The paper ends with a consideration of the struggles that emerge to consider their pedagogical implications for supporting critical online tool use.
Shifts in population density centers of a hibernating mammal driven by conflicting effects of climate change and disease
Authors: Boyles Justin G. , Brack Virgil , Marshall Katie E. , Brack Darwin
Published: November 2023

Populations wax and wane over time in response to an organism's interactions with abiotic and biotic forces. Numerous studies demonstrate that fluctuations in local populations can lead to shifts in relative population densities across the geographic range of a species over time. Fewer studies attempt to disentangle the causes of such shifts. Over four decades (1983–2022), we monitored populations of hibernating Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) in two areas separated by ~110 km. The number of bats hibernating in the northern area increased from 1983 to 2011, while populations in the southern area remained relatively constant. We used simulation models and long‐term weather data to demonstrate the duration of time bats must rely on stored fat during hibernation has decreased in both areas over that period, but at a faster rate in the northern area. Likewise, increasing autumn and spring temperatures shortened the periods of sporadic prey (flying insect) availability at the beginning and end of hibernation. Climate change thus increased the viability of northern hibernacula for an increasing number of bats by decreasing energetic costs of hibernation. Then in 2011, white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease of hibernating bats that increases energetic costs of hibernation, was detected in the area. From 2011 to 2022, the population rapidly decreased in the northern area and increased in the southern area, completely reversing the northerly shift in population densities associated with climate change. Energy balance during hibernation is the singular link explaining the northerly shift under a changing climate and the southerly shift in response to a novel disease. Continued population persistence suggests that bats may mitigate many impacts of WNS by hibernating farther south, where insects are available longer each year.
Biome classification influences current and projected future biome distributions
Authors: Scheiter Simon , Kumar Dushyant , Pfeiffer Mirjam , Langan Liam
Published: November 2023

Aim

Biome classification schemes are widely used to map biogeographic patterns of vegetation formations on large spatial scales. Future climate change will influence biome patterns, and vegetation models can be used to assess the susceptibility of biomes to experience transitions. However, biome classification is not unique, and various classification schemes and biome maps exist. Here, we aimed to assess how the choice of biome classification schemes influences current and projected future biome patterns.

Location

Africa, Australia, Tropical Asia.

Time period

2000–2099.

Major taxa studied

Tropical vegetation.

Methods

We used the adaptive dynamic global vegetation model version 2 (aDGVM2) to simulate vegetation in the study region. We classified vegetation into biomes using (1) a classification scheme based on the cover of functional types, (2) a cluster analysis based on the cover of functional types and (3) a cluster analysis based on trait patterns simulated by the aDGVM2. We compared the resulting biome maps to multiple observation‐based biome maps and quantified differences in projected biome changes under the RCP8.5 scenario for the different classification schemes.

Results

As expected, biome patterns were strongly related to the scheme used for biome classification. The highest data‐model agreement was derived for a cluster analysis using 21 simulated traits. Traits related to size were most important for classification. Considering all classification schemes, the area projected to undergo biome transitions under climate change varied between 16.5% and 32.1%. Despite this variability, different schemes consistently showed that grassland and savanna areas are most susceptible to climate change, whereas tropical forests and deserts are stable. Our results demonstrate that traits simulated by aDGVM2 are appropriate to delimit biomes.

Main conclusions

Studies projecting biome patterns and transitions under current and future climate should consider applying different biome classification schemes to avoid biases in such projections caused by biome classification schemes.
Farming for the patchy Anthropocene: The spatial imaginaries of regenerative agriculture
Authors: Cusworth George , Lorimer Jamie , Welden E. A.
Published: November 2023

With its focus on the species level of the Anthropos, there is growing concern that the Anthropocene analytic lacks the conceptual nuance needed to grapple with the unevenly distributed harms and responsibilities tied up with issues of biodiversity loss, global warming, and land use change. Conceptual variants like the patchy Anthropocene have been proposed to better capture the justice implications of these socio‐ecological crises, directing attention to their spatially ubiquitous yet context‐specific character. The figure of the plantation has come to play an important role in this scholarship due to the contribution intensive agriculture had made to these interlinking crises. Through empirical study of the regenerative agricultural movement, this paper reflects on how regenerative farmers use different sites (fields, soils, livestock stomachs) to apprehend their agro‐ethical responsibilities to more‐than‐human actors both near to and far from the landscapes they manage. Our aims here are two‐fold. First, we provide a more affirmative account of agricultural management than is currently offered by plantation farming: a model of food production that is not just ‘in’ the Anthropocene, but ‘for’ it. Second, we contribute to ongoing discussions unfolding in the social sciences around the tools needed to conceptualise the interlinking spatial and justice aspects of the Anthropocene transition. By bringing the patchy analytic into conversation with more established geographic writing on scale, volume, and horizontal connections, we show the merit of juxtaposing multiple models of spatial relation as a way of gaining ethical and conceptual traction on complex socio‐ecological issues. We argue that the ‘polymorphic’ spatial imaginaries of regenerative agriculturalists can offer some guidance on the tools needed to attend to the specificity of local Anthropocene outcomes in relation to socio‐ecological forces actuating the world at much greater spatio‐temporal scales.
Groundwater for People and the Environment: A Globally Threatened Resource
Authors: Loaiciga Hugo A. , Doh Ryan
Published: November 2023

The intensity of global groundwater use rose from 124 m3 per capita in 1950 to 152 m3 in 2021, for a 22.6% rise in the annual per capita use. This rise in global per capita water use reflects rising consumption patterns. The global use of groundwater, which provides between 21% and 30% of the total freshwater annual consumption, will continue to expand due to the sustained population growth projected through most of the 21st century and the important role that groundwater plays in the water‐food‐energy nexus. The rise in groundwater use, on the other hand, has inflicted adverse impacts in many aquifers, such as land subsidence, sea water intrusion, stream depletion, and deterioration of groundwater‐dependent ecosystems, groundwater‐quality degradation, and aridification. This paper projects global groundwater use between 2025 and 2050. The projected global annual groundwater withdrawal in 2050 is 1535 km3 (1 km3 = 109 m3 = 810,713 acre‐feet). The projected global groundwater depletion, that is, the excess of withdrawal over recharge, in 2050 equals 887 km3, which is about 61% larger than in 2021. This projection signals probable exacerbation of adverse groundwater‐withdrawal impacts, which are worsened by climatic trends and the environmental requirement of groundwater flow unless concerted national and international efforts achieve groundwater sustainability.