bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Village Initiatives for Fire Prevention and Peatland Restoration in Riau After the Enactment of the 2014 Village Law
Authors: Hasegawa Takuya
Published: March 2023

Since Indonesia enacted the Village Law of 2014, fiscal transfers from the central and district governments to villages have increased markedly. As a consequence, high expectations are placed on villages to initiate local-level approaches to peatland restoration. Inclusion of a wide range of community stakeholders in the processes of determining these initiatives is assumed to produce sustainable development outcomes. To analyze village initiatives and determine to what extent villages have earmarked parts of their budgets for environmental programs, this chapter examines the case of Pelalawan District in Riau Province. To examine how local communities have been involved in the process of planning such initiatives, it focuses on one village, Rantau Baru. Our study found that villages have started to plan and execute low-cost programs for environmental protection. However, budgeted programs for environmental protection accounted for only a tiny proportion of total village expenditure; therefore, these initiatives represent only small and gradual change. Moreover, power in decision-making processes tends to be limited to a few village officials. Our quantitative survey on participation in village development meetings also indicates that such meetings are dominated by local elites, to be more specific, by peatland owners and educated people. Given that Rantau Baru completely complies with the existing rules for community engagement, more innovative arrangements beyond existing regulations are needed to engage a wide range of actors in budget-making processes.
Fermion masses, critical behavior and universality
Authors: Feruglio Ferruccio
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We look for signals of critical behavior in the Yukawa sector. By reviewing a set of models for the fermion masses, we select those where a symmetry-breaking order parameter sits at a transition point between a disordered phase and an ordered one. Many models based on ordinary flavor symmetries are formulated in terms of small corrections to a symmetric limit, which can hardly be interpreted unambiguously as a sign of near-criticality. Different is the case of nonlinearly realized flavor symmetries when the system is always in the broken phase. By inspecting a large number of modular and CP invariant models of lepton masses, we find that most of them cluster around the fixed point τ = i, where the system enjoys enhanced symmetry. Since a priori all values of the modulus τ are equally acceptable to describe the fermion spectrum, we regard this preference as a hint of near-criticality. We analyze in detail these models in the vicinity of all fixed points, showing that only one possibility provides a good description of neutrino masses and mixing angles. Near the fixed points the models exhibit a universal behavior. Mass ratios and mixing angles scale with appropriate powers of the order parameter, independently of the details of the theory, a feature reminiscent of systems belonging to the same universality class in second-order phase transitions. The observations of this work are inspired by the role near-criticality might play in solving the naturalness problem and are motivated by the fascinating possibility that most of the free parameters of the Standard Model could find a common explanation.
Performance of Galileo satellite products determined from multi-frequency measurements
Authors: Duan Bingbing , Hugentobler Urs , Montenbruck Oliver , Steigenberger Peter
Published: March 2023

Each Galileo satellite provides coherent navigation signals in four distinct frequency bands. International GNSS Service (IGS) analysis centers (ACs) typically determine Galileo satellite products based on the E1/E5a dual-frequency measurements due to the software limitation and the limited tracking capability of other signals in the early time. The goal of this contribution is to evaluate the quality of Galileo satellite products determined by using different dual-frequency (E1/E5a, E1/E5b, E1/E5, E1/E6) and multi-frequency (E1/E5a/E5b/E5/E6) measurements based on different sizes of ground networks. The performance of signal noise, the consistency of frequency-specific satellite phase center offsets and the stability of satellite phase biases are assessed in advance to confirm preconditions for multi-frequency processing. Orbit results from different dual-frequency measurements show that orbit precision determined from E1/E6 is clearly worse (about 35%) than that from other dual-frequency solutions. In view of a similar E1, E5a, E5b and E6 measurement quality, the degraded E1/E6 orbit performance is mainly attributed to the unfavorable noise amplification in the respective ionosphere-free linear combination. The advantage of using multi-frequency measurements over dual-frequency for precise orbit determination is clearly visible when using small networks. For instance, the ambiguity fixing rate is 80% for the multi-frequency solution while it is less than 40% for the dual-frequency solution if 150 s data sampling is employed in a 15-station network. Higher fixing rates result in better (more than 30%) satellite orbits and more robust satellite clock and phase bias products. In general, satellite phase bias products determined from a 20-station (or more) network are precise enough to conduct precise point positioning with ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR) applications. Multi-frequency kinematic PPP-AR solutions always show 5–10% precision improvement compared to those computed from dual-frequency observations.
Maternal temperature stress modulates acclimation and thermal biology in Octopus maya (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) juvenile progeny
Authors: Vargas-Abúndez Jorge Arturo , Plata-Díaz Alejandra , Mascaró Maite , Caamal-Monsreal Claudia , Rodríguez-Fuentes Gabriela , Jiménez-Be Alejandro , Rosas Carlos
Published: March 2023

High temperatures alter the physiological condition of Octopus maya embryos, juveniles, and adults, and the time of exposure could have a key role in their thermal tolerance. The present study evaluates the effects of temperature and exposure time on octopus juveniles obtained from a thermally stressed female and a control female when exposed to optimal (25 °C) and high temperatures (30 °C) for 20 and 30 days, respectively. The results showed a transgenerational temperature effect that was expressed with low survival, depressed routine resting and high metabolic rates. Moreover, a collapse of antioxidant defense enzymes and high levels of oxidative damage products were detected in juveniles from thermally stressed females. Stress was lethal for animals acclimated at 30 °C, while the performance of juveniles acclimated at optimal temperature (25 °C) was conditioned by high oxidative stress levels and a reduction of the high metabolic rate (HMR) even after 30 days of experiment. In contrast, juveniles from the non-thermally stressed female had an optimal performance when acclimated at 25 °C but at 30 °C, they had a comparatively higher HMR during the first 8 days. These results suggest energy surplus in those animals to escape from warming scenarios before experiencing oxidative damage accumulation. Further studies should confirm if epigenetic alterations could be involved.
Membrane remodelling triggers maturation of excitation–contraction coupling in 3D-shaped human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kermani Fatemeh , Mosqueira Matias , Peters Kyra , Lemma Enrico D. , Rapti Kleopatra , Grimm Dirk , Bastmeyer Martin , Laugsch Magdalena , Hecker Markus , Ullrich Nina D.
Published: March 2023

The prospective use of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) for cardiac regenerative medicine strongly depends on the electro-mechanical properties of these cells, especially regarding the Ca2+-dependent excitation–contraction (EC) coupling mechanism. Currently, the immature structural and functional features of hiPSC-CM limit the progression towards clinical applications. Here, we show that a specific microarchitecture is essential for functional maturation of hiPSC-CM. Structural remodelling towards a cuboid cell shape and induction of BIN1, a facilitator of membrane invaginations, lead to transverse (t)-tubule-like structures. This transformation brings two Ca2+ channels critical for EC coupling in close proximity, the L-type Ca2+ channel at the sarcolemma and the ryanodine receptor at the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Consequently, the Ca2+-dependent functional interaction of these channels becomes more efficient, leading to improved spatio-temporal synchronisation of Ca2+ transients and higher EC coupling gain. Thus, functional maturation of hiPSC-cardiomyocytes by optimised cell microarchitecture needs to be considered for future cardiac regenerative approaches.
Effects of timing of umbilical cord clamping for mother and newborn: a narrative review
Authors: Herold Juliane , Abele Harald , Graf Joachim
Published: March 2023

Objective

This narrative review was performed to evaluate the correct timing of umbilical cord clamping for term infants. It was intended to determine any advantages or disadvantages from early or delayed cord clamping for newborns, infants or mothers.

Methods

A systematic search on two databases was conducted using the PICO pattern to define a wide search. Out of 43 trials, 12 were included in this review. Three of the included studies are meta-analyses, nine are randomized controlled trials.

Results

Early or delayed cord clamping was defined differently in all the included trials. However, there are many advantages from delayed cord clamping of at least > 60 s for newborns and infants up to 12 months of age. The trials showed no disadvantages for newborns or mothers from delayed cord clamping, except for a lightly increased risk of jaundice or the need for phototherapy.

Conclusion

Delayed umbilical cord clamping for term infants should be performed. Further research is needed to improve knowledge on physiological timing of umbilical cord clamping in term infants, which also leads to the same advantages as delayed cord clamping.
Long non-coding RNAs enable precise diagnosis and prediction of early relapse after nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bohosova Julia , Kozelkova Katerina , Al Tukmachi Dagmar , Trachtova Karolina , Naar Ondrej , Ruckova Michaela , Kolarikova Eva , Stanik Michal , Poprach Alexandr , Slaby Ondrej
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Renal cell carcinoma belongs among the deadliest malignancies despite great progress in therapy and accessibility of primary care. One of the main unmet medical needs remains the possibility of early diagnosis before the tumor dissemination and prediction of early relapse and disease progression after a successful nephrectomy. In our study, we aimed to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers using next-generation sequencing on a novel cohort of RCC patients.

Methods

Global expression profiles have been obtained using next-generation sequencing of paired tumor and non-tumor tissue of 48 RCC patients. Twenty candidate lncRNA have been selected for further validation on an independent cohort of paired tumor and non-tumor tissue of 198 RCC patients.

Results

Sequencing data analysis showed significant dysregulation of more than 2800 lncRNAs. Out of 20 candidate lncRNAs selected for validation, we confirmed that 14 of them are statistically significantly dysregulated. In order to yield better discriminatory results, we combined several best performing lncRNAs into diagnostic and prognostic models. A diagnostic model consisting of AZGP1P1, CDKN2B-AS1, COL18A1, and RMST achieved AUC 0.9808, sensitivity 95.96%, and specificity 90.4%. The model for prediction of early relapse after nephrectomy consists of COLCA1, RMST, SNHG3, and ZNF667-AS1 and achieved AUC 0.9241 with sensitivity 93.75% and specificity 71.07%. Notably, no combination has outperformed COLCA1 alone. Lastly, a model for stage consists of ZNF667-AS1, PVT1, RMST, LINC00955, and TCL6 and achieves AUC 0.812, sensitivity 85.71%, and specificity 69.41%.

Conclusion

In our work, we identified several lncRNAs as potential biomarkers and developed models for diagnosis and prognostication in relation to stage and early relapse after nephrectomy.
Effect of major factors on broadband natural frequency energy harvesting for rectangular and L- shaped cantilever harvesters
Authors: Kouritem Sallam A. , El-Gamal Hassan A. , Mohamed Khaled T.
Published: March 2023

A small amount of natural frequency deviation extremely decreases the output power. So, a multi-mass single harvester (bending harvester) was utilized to enlarge the bandwidth of the natural frequency. We constructed three models to study the effect of increasing the concentrated masses on increasing the bandwidth natural frequency. We used Finite Element Metho (FEM (COMSOL to model and simulate the three models. Moreover, we constructed an L-shaped harvester with concentrated masses to compare the rectangular harvester with concentrated masses. The results prove that increasing the number of concentrated masses increases the output power and broadband natural frequency. Moreover, the results indicate that the harvester cantilever with concentrated masses gives more output power and broadband than the L- shaped harvester for the same volume. Also, our research studied the harvester parameter effects on the output power. This study found that the increase in beam length and mass height increases the output power while the increase in piezoelectric thickness and damping ratio decreases the output power and bandwidth frequency. We validated our proposed model through a comparison with others’ preceding experimental results and it showed a good agreement. The harvester with a high width/length ratio gives a larger wideband natural frequency.
Tunnel vs. coronally advanced flap in combination with a connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a multi-center randomized clinical trial
Authors: González-Febles Jerián , Romandini Mario , Laciar-Oudshoorn Florencia , Noguerol Fernando , Marruganti Crystal , Bujaldón-Daza Antonio , Zabalegui Ion , Sanz Mariano
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the partial-thickness non-advanced tunnel technique (TUN) versus the coronally advanced flap (CAF), both combined with a connective tissue graft, in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions.

Materials and methods

Twenty-nine patients (83 teeth) affected by multiple gingival recessions were treated in two clinical centers with either the test (TUN) or the control (CAF) intervention combined with a connective tissue graft. Outcomes at 3 and 6 months after surgery included complete root coverage (CRC—primary outcome), mean root coverage (mRC), changes in recession depth (RD), probing pocket depth (PPD), and keratinized tissue height (KT). Root sensitivity and root coverage esthetic score (RES) were also evaluated at 6-month examination. Surgery duration, wound healing index (WHI), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were additionally considered.

Results

At 6 months, CRC was observed in 80.9% and 79.5% of the teeth treated with TUN and CAF, respectively (odds ratio = 1.2; p = 0.802). No differences between groups were also observed in terms of mRC (TUN = 94.0%; CAF = 91.1%), RD and PPD reductions, root sensitivity, RES, and WHI. KT increase was significantly higher in teeth treated with TUN (Difference in Means – MD =  − 1.0 mm; p = 0.001). Surgery duration was shorter (MD =  − 19.3 min; p = 0.001), and patients reported less intra-surgical pain (MD =  − 16.4; p = 0.028) as well as postoperative morbidity in TUN compared with CAF.

Conclusions

Both surgical interventions showed a similar efficacy in terms of root coverage, albeit TUN was associated with a higher increase in KT and with a milder patient’s surgical experience.

Clinical relevance

Both techniques have shown similar efficacy for the coverage of exposed root surfaces, although clinicians may consider TUN as less invasive.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05122468)
Under pressure: the interaction between high-stakes contexts and individual differences in decision-making in humans and non-human species
Authors: Sosnowski Meghan J. , Brosnan Sarah F.
Published: March 2023

Observed behavior can be the result of complex cognitive processes that are influenced by environmental factors, physiological process, and situational features. Pressure, a feature of a situation in which an individual’s outcome is impacted by his or her own ability to perform, has been traditionally treated as a human-specific phenomenon and only recently have pressure-related deficits been considered in relation to other species. However, there are strong similarities in biological and cognitive systems among mammals (and beyond), and high-pressure situations are at least theoretically common in the wild. We hypothesize that other species are sensitive to pressure and that we can learn about the evolutionary trajectory of pressure responses by manipulating pressure experimentally in these other species. Recent literature indicates that, as in humans, pressure influences responses in non-human primates, with either deficits in ability to perform (“choking”) or an ability to thrive when the stakes are high. Here, we synthesize the work to date on performance under pressure in humans and how hormones might be related to individual differences in responses. Then, we discuss why we would expect to see similar effects of pressure in non-humans and highlight the existing evidence for how other species respond. We argue that evidence suggests that other species respond to high-pressure contexts in similar ways as humans, and that responses to pressure are a critical missing piece of our understanding of cognition in human and non-human animals. Understanding pressure’s effects could provide insight into individual variation in decision-making in comparative cognition and the evolution of human decision-making.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department utilization of computed tomography scans of appendicitis and diverticulitis
Authors: Collins Brandon Wayne , Robart Andrew , Lockyer Evan James , Fairbridge Nicholas A. , Rector Tara , Hartery Angus
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Investigating the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on adult patient visits, computed tomography (CT) abdominal scans, and presentations of appendicitis and diverticulitis, to emergency departments (ED) in St. John’s NL.

Methods

A retrospective quantitative analysis was applied, using ED visits and Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) scores. mPower (Nuance Communications, UK) identified CT abdominal scan reports, which were categorized into (1) normal/other, (2) appendicitis, or (3) diverticulitis. Time intervals included pre-lockdown (January–February), lockdown (March–June), and post-lockdown (July–August). Data from 2018 to 2019 (January–August) were used to generate expected patient volumes for 2020, and pre- and post-lockdown were included to control for other variables outside the lockdown.

Results

Chi-squared goodness of fit tested for deviations from predicted means for 2018–2019. Compared to expectations, daily ED visits from January to August 2020 showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in patient volumes independent of gender, age, and CTAS scores. During and post-lockdown, CT abdominal scans did not drop in proportion to patient volume. Appendicitis presentations remained indifferent to lockdown, while diverticulitis presentations appeared to wane, with no difference in combined complicated cases in comparison to what was expected.

Conclusion

During lockdown, significantly fewer patients presented to the ED. The proportion of ordered CT abdominal scans increased significantly per person seen, without change in CTAS scores. Considering combined pathology cases increased during the lockdown, ED physicians were warranted in increasing abdominal imaging as patients did not avoid the ED. This may have resulted from a change in clinical practice where the uncertainty of COVID-19 increased CT scan usage.
Breeding biology of the African Pygmy Falcon: long-term variation and seasonal decline in breeding performance of an arid zone raptor
Authors: Olubodun Olufemi P. , Lowney Anthony M. , Bolopo Diana , Thomson Robert L.
Published: March 2023

Birds of prey are apex predators and understanding their life history can serve as a valuable baseline for investigating their ecological role. Pygmy Falcons (Polihieraxsemitorquatus), Africa’s smallest diurnal raptor, have evolved to be obligate associates of Sociable Weaver (Philetairussocius) colonies throughout their southern African range. As a predator, Pygmy Falcons likely impact prey communities in this system including their host and other colony associates. However, no study has explored their breeding biology in detail using long-term data. We provide results from 10 years of data collected between 2011 and 2020. We followed 66 unique Pygmy Falcon territories and 323 breeding attempts in the Kalahari, South Africa. We explored annual variation in the population density of Pygmy Falcons and investigated between- and within-season variation in reproductive investment and output. The highest average density was recorded in 2015 and the lowest in 2019 and 2020. Our results show that the breeding occurs between early austral spring (August) and late summer (February), with a peak from September to December. The maximum and most frequent clutch size was three eggs and falcons usually initiated only one breeding attempt (but up to three) in a season. The incubation and nestling periods lasted on average 33 (±SD 4) and 37 (± 5) days, respectively. A three-egg clutch size and number of fledglings produced varied between seasons, and breeding success showed a seasonal decline across the breeding season. Falcons were 7 times less likely to lay a 3-egg clutch in 2019 than in 2011 and 2012, and breeding attempts initiated in September were 3.4 times more likely to be successful than those initiated in November. Predation accounted for 49.5% of breeding failures. Our results show significant variation in the breeding parameters of these falcons, but further studies are needed to understand what drives these variations.
Talking About Responsible Quantum: “Awareness Is the Absolute Minimum that … We Need to Do”
Authors: Roberson Tara
Published: March 2023

Hype over novel quantum technologies has prompted discussion on the likely societal impacts of the sector. Calls to ensure the responsible development of quantum technologies are complicated by a lack of concrete case studies or real-world examples of irresponsible quantum. At this stage, responsible quantum faces a situation reminiscent of the Collingridge dilemma. In this dilemma, the moment in which discussion on societal risks and benefits can be most impactful is also the time when the least information is available. The flipside of this challenge is an opportunity to build processes for examining the public good of quantum before the trajectory (and potential problems) of the sector become “locked in”. Recent work in this space has argued that quantum researchers and innovators must work with society to address uncertainties and concerns. By engaging quantum stakeholders and understanding their perspectives on responsibility, this paper seeks to support this proposition and enable further dialogue on responsible development and use of quantum technologies.
Effect of soy protein isolate concentration and whipping time on physicochemical and functional properties of strawberry powder
Authors: Farid Eman , Mounir Sabah , Siliha Hassan , El-Nemr Sherif , Talaat Eman
Published: March 2023

The objective of this work was to study the effect of soy protein isolate concentration (0.5–9%) and whipping time (1–8 min) on foam characteristics, physicochemical and functional properties of hot air foam-mat-dried strawberry powder. An optimization of foaming conditions was performed by response surface methodology to maintain the studied responses within acceptable limits. The foam was prepared using different concentrations of soy protein isolate solution (32%) and dried at 50 °C in a thin layer (4 mm as a thickness). The concentration of soy protein was the predominant parameter affecting foam density, expansion, and stability, and physicochemical and functional properties of strawberry powder. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity increased by about 26, 47, 166, 21, and 48%, respectively, with an increase in the concentration of soy protein isolate, compared to the control sample. Contrary, the whipping time showed a contradicted effect on all studied responses except the foam expansion and oil holding capacity.
Dutch prostate cancer patients' views about exercise and experience with exercise advice: a national survey
Authors: Joosten Myrthe M. , Depenbusch Johanna , Samuel Tjendo , Aaronson Neil K. , Steindorf Karen , Stuiver Martijn M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To support the development and implementation of exercise programming for people with prostate cancer (PC), we investigated their views on exercise.

Methods

Online survey with open recruitment. We collected data on clinical and sociodemographic variables, experiences with exercise advice, outcome expectations, and preferences. We explored determinants of (1) having been counselled about exercise and (2) preferring supervised exercise.

Results

The survey was completed by 171 patients (mean age = 70 years, SD = 6.5) from all PC treatment pathways. Sixty-three percent of the respondents reported never having been informed about the potential benefits of exercise. Forty-nine percent preferred exercise to be supervised. Respondents generally reported a positive attitude towards exercise. Seventy-four percent indicated barriers to exercising, including fatigue and lack of access to specific programmes. Outcome expectations were generally positive but moderately strong. Receiving hormonal therapy and younger age were significantly associated with having received exercise advice. Being insured and having higher fatigue levels contributed significantly to the preference for supervised exercise.

Conclusion

Dutch people with PC report receiving insufficient effective exercise counselling. Yet, they are open to exercise and expect exercise to improve their health, although they experience various barriers that limit their ability to exercise.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The moderate outcome expectations for exercise of people with PC and their limited recall of exercise counselling highlight the need for better integration of exercise in clinical pathways. The lack of access to specific programming limits the use of evidence-based exercise programmes for people with PC.
Who gets caught by the emotion? Attentional biases toward emotional facial expressions and their link to social anxiety and autistic traits
Authors: Folz Julia , Roth Tom S. , Nikolić Milica , Kret Mariska E.
Published: March 2023

The emotional facial expressions of other individuals are a valuable information source in adapting behaviour to situational demands, and have been found to receive prioritized attention. Yet, enhanced attentional biases, such as a bias to social threat in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), or blunted attention to emotional information, as assumed in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can easily become maladaptive in daily life. In order to investigate individual differences in attentional biases toward different emotional expressions (angry, happy, sad, and fearful versus neutral) and their links to social anxiety and autistic traits, we tested 104 healthy participants with an emotional dot-probe paradigm on a touch screen, and measured clinical trait levels associated with ASD and SAD. While confirming the presence of attentional biases toward all emotional expressions, we did not find robust evidence for systematic links between these biases and either clinical trait dimension. Only an exploratory Bayesian analysis pointed to a less pronounced bias towards happy facial expressions with higher autistic trait levels. Moreover, a closer examination of the attentional bias towards angry facial expressions suggested that alterations in this bias might depend on a complex interplay between both trait dimensions. Novel approaches in the assessment of attentional biases might yield the potential to describe disorder-specific biases in attention to emotions more validly.
Relationship building strategies within trauma informed frameworks in educational settings: a systematic literature review
Authors: Wilson-Ching Michelle , Berger Emily
Published: March 2023

Connection with others and a sense of belonging is essential for student school engagement and success. Relationship building practices are therefore central within trauma-informed frameworks that aim to support students with a history of interpersonal trauma. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the research literature regarding relationship building strategies that have been implemented within educational systems as part of their trauma-informed practices. The relationship building strategies, outcomes, and phenomenological experiences of teachers and students were evaluated. Four electronic databases were systematically searched and studies within the education system, from preschool to high school, which included connectedness to school through relationship building as part of a trauma-informed practice protocol, were included in the searches. Thirteen studies were identified where educational settings implemented relationship building strategies within well-established, eclectic, or relationship-specific trauma-informed models. Results suggest great variability of implementation and strategies related to relationship building across school settings, even within studies implementing the same trauma-informed framework. Across studies, positive outcomes reported included improved relationships with teachers, better relationships with other students, greater use of relationship building practices, an increased willingness of teachers to develop better relationships with their trauma-affected students, and improved relationships with families. The study concludes that relationship building strategies within the school system need to be considered and implemented within a systems framework where teacher-child and teacher-family relationships are supported and encouraged. Further, these strategies are more likely to be sustainable when teachers receive ongoing support.
New findings and two new species of the genus Colossendeis Jarzynsky, 1870 (Pycnogonida, Colossendeidae), with a morphometric analysis for species from the Southern Ocean
Authors: Cano-Sánchez Esperanza , López-González Pablo J.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, specimens belonging to the pycnogonid genusColossendeisJarzynsky, 1870 collected during the AntarcticPolarstern XXIII/8cruise (November 23, 2006, to January 30, 2007) were studied. In this collection, the following thirteen species have been identified, two of them being proposed as new species:Colossendeis frigidaHodgson, 1907,C. megalonyxHoek, 1881,C. wilsoniCalman, 1915,C. engirmaticaTurpaeva, 1974,C. arundorostrisFry & Hedgpeth, 1969,C. scottiCalman, 1915,C. lillieiCalman, 1915,C. drakeiCalman, 1915,C. glacialisHodgson, 1907,C. australisHodgson, 1907,C. tortipalpisGordon, 1932,C. pseudofrigidasp. nov., andC. bamberisp. nov. All species are diagnosed and their taxonomic status discussed.C. frigida,C. engirmatica, andC. arundorostrisextend their known depth range.C. arundorostrishas been found for the first time outside the Ross Sea. The finding ofC. engirmaticarepresents the first record after its original description. The new species are described, illustrated, and compared with their closest congeners. Finally, we carried out a cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis similarity index) based on a data-matrix of 49 Antarctic and Sub-AntarcticColossendeisspecies and 26 morphological characters.
Trace-elements monitoring of single rainwaters for the environmental risks assessment in the “Land of Fires” located between the provinces of Naples and Caserta
Authors: Nunziata Giovanni Paolo
Published: March 2023

Since rainwater chemical composition can provide valuable information on sources of local air pollution in urbanized and industrialized areas, rainwaters have been collected in the southern Plain of the region known as Campania (located between Caserta and Napoli provinces, Southern Italy). This area is characterized by the presence of heavy traffic, industries, high activity of intensive agriculture and recently sadly known as “Land of Fires” due to illegal uncontrolled burnings. Monitoring of major elements and trace elements of each single rainy event was conducted from May 2016 to January 2017 in four sampling sites long the perpendicular to the coastline, taking into account the main direction of local winds, influenced by sea breeze, to study chemical evidences. Samples were divided in the field into two aliquots: one for the analysis of anions (Cl−, NO3− and SO42−) and cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) by ion chromatography, and another one filtered and acidified for the analysis of trace elements (B, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Ba) by ICP-MS. Moreover, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were determined just after the rainfall by a portable instrument and total alkalinity (as HCO3−) was determined in the field by titration with 0.01 M HCl and methyl orange as indicator. Results and data processing confirm that the vertical wash-out of the atmospheric layers closest to the soil is the main mineralization process. There is also chemical evidence linked to the hardest environmental risks, probably just to the illegal uncontrolled burnings and to the agriculture activity. In fact, the maximum values of NO3− and of SO42− obtained in this study are, respectively, 51.6 mg/l and 19.5 mg/l. Moreover, sea breeze has a lavage effect, as well as morphology can save the atmospheric composition despite polluting sites closeness. Therefore, this research has tried to find an innovative experimental design in the environmental risks assessment, which may lead to differently unknown results due to the diversity of sources and/or extension and/or morphology of the territories studied. This is due to the simultaneous application of points only recently introduced in other similar studies, which are the monitoring of trace elements, of single rainfall and the study of air dynamics too through water data. This experimental design has proven to be a first step very suitable for locating and detailing the hardest environmental risks despite geographical extension and complexity of the investigated region: all the trace elements have shown high R correlations with both NO3− and SO42− for specific individuated groups of data, as well as due to the specific probable polluting processes above. In the future, there should be a study on trace elements in air to compare with the values obtained in rainwater.
Prefrontal cortex activation by binge-eating status in individuals with obesity while attempting to reappraise responses to food using functional near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Parker Megan N. , Burton Murray Helen , Piers Amani D. , Muratore Alexandra , Lowe Michael R. , Manasse Stephanie M. , Ayaz Hasan , Juarascio Adrienne S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Difficulty reappraising drives to consume palatable foods may promote poorer inhibition and binge eating (BE) in adults with obesity, but neural underpinnings of food-related reappraisal are underexamined.

Methods

To examine neural correlates of food-related reappraisal, adults with obesity with and without BE wore a portable neuroimaging tool, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). fNIRS measured activity in the prefrontal cortex while participants watched videos of food and attempt to “resist” the food stimuli (i.e., “consider the negative consequences of eating the food”).

Results

Participants (N = 32, 62.5% female; BMI 38.6 $$\pm$$
±
7.1; 43.5 $$\pm$$
±
13.4 y) had a BMI > 30 kg/m2. Eighteen adults (67.0% female; BMI 38.2 $$\pm$$
±
7.6) reported BE (≥ 12 BE-episodes in preceding 3 months). The control group comprised 14 adults who denied BE (64.0% female; BMI 39.2 $$\pm$$
±
6.6). Among the entire sample, mixed models showed significant, small hyperactivation during crave and resist compared to watch (relax) condition bilaterally in the medial superior frontal gyrus, dorsolateral areas, and middle frontal gyrus (optodes 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12) in the total sample. No statistically significant differences in neural activation were observed between the BE and control group. Moreover, there were no significant group by condition interactions on neural activation.

Conclusion

Among adults with obesity, BE status was not linked to differential activation in inhibitory prefrontal cortex areas during a food-related reappraisal task. Future research is needed with larger samples, adults without obesity, and inhibition paradigms with both behavioral and cognitive components.

Level of evidence

Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Trial registration: # NCT03113669, date April 13, 2017.
Evaluation of dry-in-place lubricants for cold forging by using an optimal steady combined forward and backward extrusion testing method
Authors: Hu Chengliang , Osaki Shogo , Cai Baixuan , Aoyama Mitsuru , Dohda Kuniaki
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated dry-in-place lubricants used for cold forging. A group of isothermal compression tests with a strain rate ($$\dot \varepsilon $$

ε
˙

) range of 0.001–1 s−1 and temperature (T) range of 30–400 °C were completed. The flow stress (σ) curves of annealed steel S45C were obtained, and a corresponding Hensel—Spittel model was developed to support finite element (FE) simulation. The sensitivity of the steady combined forward and backward extrusion (SCFBE) test proposed in another study was improved by approximately 20% after it was optimized using the results of the FE simulations. Key parameters were identified, and the calibration curves after optimization were obtained. On the basis of the optimized test, a friction testing setup with a heating system was developed, in which the die temperature could be adjusted from room temperature (RT) to 230 °C. Three dry-in-place lubricants and conventional phosphating lubricant were tested, and the friction factors (m), forming loads, and ejection loads were measured. The surface features of the specimens after testing were also investigated. According to the testing results, of the three tested dry-in-place lubricants, the mica type was the best. In addition, the optimized friction testing design was verified as effective.
Rapid Rescoping and Adaptation: An Evaluation of the Impact of COVID-19 on Postgraduate Medical Student Research Projects
Authors: Hart Joanne , Kaur Rajneesh , Jeremy Richmond
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected tertiary science and medical education, with significant impact on research-related activities. Research projects are a mandatory requirement of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at the University of Sydney, and medical student projects are delivered across multiple sites in metropolitan and rural New South Wales, Australia. Several cohorts of medical students had projects that were affected by COVID-19. The aims of this study were to determine the impact of COVID-19 on medical student research projects and describe the measures taken to rescope projects, to support students in meeting the learning objectives of the program. Mandatory submission statements for all medical student research project scientific reports for 2020–2022 were examined for reports of the effect of COVID-19 on the project, including COVID-19 related delays, downsizing and the need to change research project types. During the study period, a total of 760 student reports were submitted, of which 217 (28.7%) were affected by COVID-19. About 50% were significantly delayed, 30% were downsized, and 6% required completely new projects. Rescoping arrangements implemented facilitated the successful completion of projects. Overall, the final student grades for the research projects were unaffected by COVID-19 or the related project rescoping. Whilst significantly impacted by COVID-19, medical student research projects were completed with provision of appropriate rescoping plans and academic support. Ensuring projects have a documented contingency plan secured projects as the pandemic progressed and will be a useful safeguard for all future project delivery.
Status and Opportunities of Zinc Ion Hybrid Capacitors: Focus on Carbon Materials, Current Collectors, and Separators
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Sun Shirong , Wu Xiaoliang , Liang Hanfeng , Zhang Wenli
Published: March 2023

Zinc ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs), which integrate the features of the high power of supercapacitors and the high energy of zinc ion batteries, are promising competitors in future electrochemical energy storage applications. Carbon-based materials are deemed the competitive candidates for cathodes of ZIHC due to their cost-effectiveness, high electronic conductivity, chemical inertness, controllable surface states, and tunable pore architectures. In recent years, great research efforts have been devoted to further improving the energy density and cycling stability of ZIHCs. Reasonable modification and optimization of carbon-based materials offer a remedy for these challenges. In this review, the structural design, and electrochemical properties of carbon-based cathode materials with different dimensions, as well as the selection of compatible, robust current collectors and separators for ZIHCs are discussed. The challenges and prospects of ZIHCs are showcased to guide the innovative development of carbon-based cathode materials and the development of novel ZIHCs.
How do L2 learners deal with a “dead” language? A psycholinguistic study on sentence processing in Latin
Authors: Weiss Anna Fiona
Published: March 2023

Many decades of research have shown that sentence processing works in an highly incremental and predictive fashion (Marslen-Wilson, 1975) – in the L1 but also (maybe to a lower extent) in the L2. But whereas almost all studies on L2 sentence processing focus on modern languages, it is fully unclear how a language like Latin that fundamentally differs in the way it is taught and used is processed. Thus, the current study focuses on the question if proficient L2 learners of Latin show any evidence for incremental and predictive processing when reading Latin sentences. In a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) task 25 advanced learners of Latin read 384 easy three-word Latin sentences that were manipulated among the factors animacy, argument order and verb position. The results indicate that the participants used the word order and animacy information to incorporate the arguments into the sentence structure on-line and to predict upcoming arguments on the basis of verb information. These findings are interpreted as the first evidence for incremental and predictive processing when reading Latin sentences.
Topologically preoptimized ground structure (TPOGS) for the optimization of 3D RC buildings
Authors: Alemu Yohannes L. , Habte Bedilu , Lahmer Tom , Urgessa Girum
Published: March 2023

As an optimization that starts from a randomly selected structure generally does not guarantee reasonable optimality, the use of a systemic approach, named the ground structure, is widely accepted in steel-made truss and frame structural design. However, in the case of reinforced concrete (RC) structural optimization, because of the orthogonal orientation of structural members, randomly chosen or architect-sketched framing is used. Such a one-time fixed layout trend, in addition to its lack of a systemic approach, does not necessarily guarantee optimality. In this study, an approach for generating a candidate ground structure to be used for cost or weight minimization of 3D RC building structures with included slabs is developed. A multiobjective function at the floor optimization stage and a single objective function at the frame optimization stage are considered. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is employed for selecting the optimal ground structure. This method enables generating a simple, yet potential, real-world representation of topologically preoptimized ground structure while both structural and main architectural requirements are considered. This is supported by a case study for different floor domain sizes.
Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on Child Maltreatment Reporting Among Rural Versus Urban Communities in the United States
Authors: Nunez Juan J. , Fluke John D. , Shusterman Gila R. , Fettig Nicole B.
Published: March 2023

The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted child protective services (CPS) reporting systems in the United States. It may have also led to widened gaps between rural and urban communities in child maltreatment (CM) report rates due to decreased interaction between children and mandated reporters especially in urban jurisdictions. Using data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, this study tests the hypothesis that during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decrease in CM reports made to CPS in urban counties was more pronounced than in rural counties. Reports of CM received by CPS offices between January 6, 2020 and June 28, 2020 were aggregated to per-county-per-week-per-10,000 children maltreatment report rates. We used changepoint analyses to analyze the inter- and intra-region incidence rate ratios among rural and urban counties. Moreover, we used multilevel random effects models to generate regression coefficients for the associations between rates of children with a maltreatment report, COVID-19 occurrence, rural-urban designation, and maltreatment risk factors. During the study period, rates of children with a maltreatment report among urban counties decreased more dramatically when compared with rural counties. Our findings persisted even with the inclusion of control variables associated with maltreatment risk factors. Social distancing restrictions may have had the unintended consequence of decreasing the visibility of at-risk children in urban counties more so than in rural counties. Considering geography is critical to continue to protect children during the COVID-19 pandemic and as we prepare for future disasters.
Ventilation methods to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens from teachers to students
Authors: Cheong Chang Heon , Hwang Seok-Ho , Park Beungyong
Published: March 2023

This study investigates different ventilation systems to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens from teachers in an elementary school classroom setting. The analyzed systems include a general mechanical ventilation system and a hybrid ventilation system. The hybrid ventilation system used a combination of natural ventilation, general mechanical ventilation, and local mechanical ventilation systems. For natural ventilation, wind velocities of 1.1 m/s and 0.11 m/s were considered. To analyze the patterns of the spread of airborne pathogens, the indoor airflow patterns and concentrations of airborne pathogens (passive scalar) were examined using Star-CCM + . Comparing the methods confirmed that natural ventilation was more effective than general mechanical ventilation in removing the airborne pathogens discharged from the teacher. The proposed hybrid ventilation method with combined natural and mechanical ventilation also showed promise in removing airborne pathogens. However, for natural ventilation with low wind velocity, the buoyancy effect around the occupants creates airflow vortices in the front of the classroom which spread airborne pathogens from the teacher toward the students seated in the front of the classroom. Furthermore, operating a local ventilation system close to the teacher reduced the spread of airborne pathogens that occurred under natural ventilation conditions with low wind velocity.