bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of storage conditions on the quality of frozen steamed bread
Authors: Zhao Beibei , Fu Shijian , Li Hua , Li Huifang , Liu Changhong , Chen Zhicheng
Published: July 2021

With advantages of long shelf life, high convenience and reliable safety, frozen steamed bread (FSB) is suitable for industrial production. Storage conditions are critical factors influencing the final quality of FSB. In this study, the effects of storage time, storage temperature and freeze–thaw cycles on the quality of FSB were evaluated. Results showed that the water loss of FSB and the retrogradation of the starch occurred during the storage process. The final gelatinization degree of FSB decreased from 88.69% to 86.37%, whereas the crystallinity gradually increased from 16.78% to 18.47%. As storage temperature of −18 °C could not kill microorganisms, metabolites of microorganisms caused a decrease in the pH value from 5.41 to 5.10 after the 90 d of frozen storage at −18 °C. Re‐steaming properties results showed that the specific volume and whiteness of re‐steamed FSB decreased significantly with the storage time, as well as the textural properties and sensory evaluation score. Furthermore, freeze–thaw cycles were found to accelerate the quality deterioration of the FSB, and compared with the temperature of −18 °C, frozen temperature of −30 °C alleviated the quality deterioration of FSB.
Sodium reduction technologies applied to bread products and their impact on sensory properties: a review
Authors: Dunteman Aubrey , Yang Ying , McKenzie Elle , Lee Youngsoo , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: July 2021

Chronic overconsumption of sodium has led to its designation as a nutrient of public health concern. While the current adequate intake (AI) of sodium is set at 1.5 g per day, the average daily intake for Americans ages one and up is currently above 3.5 g, leading to an increased risk of health conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Due to the prevalence of daily bread consumption and the moderately high sodium content that accompanies it, bread has become a major contributor to dietary sodium intake. Still people seem to associate foods higher in sodium content, such as processed meats and frozen foods, as the main way to limit sodium consumption, and therefore, overlook the contribution made by regularly consuming bread. This review focuses on recent research detailing methods that are being implemented in attempts to reduce the sodium content of bread products. Included literature examined the perspective of sensory feasibility and on identifying gaps in knowledge surrounding viable strategies for producing reduced‐sodium breads. Sodium reduction technologies discussed include methods in the areas of salt removal, physical modification, salt replacement and flavour modification.
Theoretical study on composition‐dependent properties of ZnO·nAl2O3 spinels. Part II: Mechanical and thermophysical
Authors: Xu Pengyu , Wang Hao , Ren Lu , Tu Bingtian , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: July 2021

Knowledge on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of ZnO·nAl2O3 is essential for practical applications. Based on the first‐principles calculations and the bond valence method, the disordered spinel‐type structure of ZnO·nAl2O3 (n = 1–4) was constructed to investigate the composition‐dependent mechanical and thermophysical properties. The effects of cation substitution on the hardness, elastic modulus, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity were revealed from the insights into the chemical bonds. At a higher n, the tetrahedral bond is stronger, manifested as its higher hardness and bulk modulus as well as smaller thermal expansion coefficient. Meanwhile, the octahedral bond is weaker, leading to the lower hardness and bulk modulus, along with the larger expansion coefficient. In consequence, the hardness and elastic moduli of ZnO·nAl2O3 are improved moderately while the expansion coefficient is decreased with the rise of n. Due to the different vibration characteristics of ZnIV and AlIV, the cation disorder in the 8a site provides the primary source of phonon scattering, resulting in the dramatic reduction of thermal conductivity as n increases. The understanding offers guidance on the application‐oriented design of new oxide spinels.
High‐temperature Na2SO4 interaction with air plasma sprayed Yb2Si2O7 + Si EBC system: Topcoat behavior
Authors: Herweyer Lucas A. , Opila Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2021

The high‐temperature interaction between ~2.5 mg/cm2 of Na2SO4 and an atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) Yb2Si2O7 topcoat–Si bond coat system on SiC CMC substrates was studied for times up to 240 h at 1000°C–1316°C in a 0.1% SO2–O2 gaseous environment. Yb2Si2O7 reacted with Na2SO4 to form Yb2SiO5 and an intergranular amorphous Na‐silicate phase. Below 1200°C, the reaction was sluggish, needing days to cause morphological changes to the “splat microstructure” associated with APS coatings. The reaction was rapid at 1200°C and above, needing only a few hours for the entire topcoat to transform into a granulated microstructure consisting of Yb2SiO5 and Yb2Si2O7 phases. Na2SO4 deposits infiltrated the Yb2Si2O7 topcoat and transformed into an amorphous Na‐silicate in less than 1 h at all exposure temperatures. Quantitative assessment of the Yb2SiO5 area fraction in the topcoat showed a linear decrease over time at 1316°C, attributed to reaction with the SiO2 thermally grown oxide (TGO) formed on the Si bond coat and rapid transport through the interpenetrating amorphous Na‐silicate grain boundary phase. It was predicted that nearly 2 weeks is needed for complete removal of Yb2SiO5 from the topcoat at 1316°C for a single applied loading of Na2SO4.
CCL7contributes to angiotensinII‐induced abdominal aortic aneurysm by promoting macrophage infiltration and pro‐inflammatory phenotype
Authors: Xie Cuiping , Ye Feiming , Zhang Ning , Huang Yuxue , Pan Yun , Xie Xiaojie
Published: July 2021

Chemokine C‐C motif ligand 7 (CCL7), a member of CC chemokine subfamily, plays pivotal roles in numerous inflammatory diseases. Hyper‐activation of inflammation is an important characteristic of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of CCL7 on AAA formation. CCL7 abundance in aortic tissue and macrophage infiltration were both increased in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced AAA mice. Ex vivo, CCL7 promoted macrophage polarization towards M1 phenotype. This effect was reversed by the blockage of CCR1, a receptor of CCL7. CCL7 up‐regulated JAK2/STAT1 protein level in macrophage, and CCL7‐induced M1 activation was suppressed by JAK2/STAT1 pathway inhibition. To verify the effect of CCL7 on AAA in vivo, either CCL7‐neutralizing antibody (CCL7‐nAb) or vehicles were intraperitoneally injected 24 hours prior to Ang II infusion and subsequently every three days for 4 weeks. CCL7‐nAb administration significantly attenuated Ang II‐induced luminal and external dilation as well as pathological remodelling. Immunostaining showed that CCL7‐nAb administration significantly decreased aneurysmal macrophage infiltration. In conclusion, CCL7 contributed to Ang II‐induced AAA by promoting M1 phenotype of macrophage through CCR1/JAK2/STAT1 signalling pathway.
Prevalence, incidence and presence of comorbidities in patients with prurigo and pruritus in Germany: A population‐based claims data analysis
Authors: Augustin M. , Garbe C. , Hagenström K. , Petersen J. , Pereira M.P. , Ständer S.
Published: July 2021

Background

There are currently no published population‐based data on prurigo and pruritus epidemiology in Germany.

Objectives

We present the prevalence, incidence and comorbidity frequency of prurigo and pruritus in Germany.

Methods

This was a retrospective healthcare research study based on anonymized routine data from the German health insurance company DAK‐Gesundheit. Evaluations were carried out for 2 006 003 adults who were insured as of 31 December 2010. Prurigo and pruritus diagnoses were based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, German Modification (ICD‐10‐GM) codes.

Results

Prevalence was determined to be 0.21% (adjusted for sex and age 0.19%) for prurigo and 2.21% (adjusted 2.14%) for pruritus in 2010. The adjusted rates extrapolated to the total German population in 2010 show that 130 685 adults would have received a prurigo diagnosis and 1 461 024 a diagnosis of pruritus. In 2011, incidence of new prurigo and pruritus cases was 0.13% (adjusted 0.12%, extrapolated 77 263 cases) and 1.51% (adjusted 1.46%, extrapolated 978 885), respectively. Adults with prurigo suffered most frequently from hypertension (35.16%), hyperlipidaemia (24.95%) and depression (21.97%); all were reported more frequently in patients with prurigo compared with the general population (P < 0.001). Similarly, adults with pruritus suffered most frequently from hypertension (31.28%), hyperlipidaemia (23.52%) and depression (18.91%) compared with patients without pruritus (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data show that prurigo is a relatively rare but significant disease and that pruritus is frequent and very variable in appearance, and both have a high comorbidity burden.
SARS‐CoV‐2 virulence evolution: Avirulence theory, immunity and trade‐offs
Authors: Alizon Samuel , Sofonea Mircea T.
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a resurgence of the debate on whether host–parasite interactions should evolve towards avirulence. In this review, we first show that SARS‐CoV‐2 virulence is evolving, before explaining why some expect the mortality caused by the epidemic to converge towards that of human seasonal alphacoronaviruses. Leaning on existing theory, we then include viral evolution into the picture and discuss hypotheses explaining why the virulence has increased since the beginning of the pandemic. Finally, we mention some potential scenarios for the future.
Deep learning optimization method for counting overlapping rice seeds
Authors: Sun Jin , Zhang Yang , Zhu Xinglong , Zhang Yu‐Dong
Published: July 2021

Overlapping seeds counting method is an important direction to improve the detection efficiency of rice thousand kernel weight, but the existing image processing methods may misjudge the overlapping distribution when the thin‐layer seeds are piled up. In this study, we proposed a deep learning optimization method based on contour grouping pre‐labeling for counting overlapping rice seeds. First, the contour grouping method—based on the Euclidean distance and divergence function as comprehensive criteria—pre‐labels the rice seed contours to reduce the number of potential false classification edge points. The purpose of integrating the pre‐labeling results in its feature extraction layer and using a linear combination of inter‐class and intra‐class error functions as the total is to improve the accuracy of deep learning. Second, based on the improved Faster region‐convolutional neural network method, the overlapping rice seeds were accurately counted. An orthogonal test is proposed to optimize the full connection layer's parameter configuration, aimed at improving the learning speed. The experimental results demonstrate that the average error rate of rice seeds in a single image (960 × 960 pixels) is 1.06% and the average recognition time of counting (≤400 seeds) was 0.45 s. The proposed method can be used as an effective tool for counting overlapping rice or other crop seeds.

Practical Application

Currently, the overlapping distributions of rice seeds may be misjudged when the thin seed layer is stacked for determining the thousand kernel weight and the deep learning optimization method in this study can be used as an effective tool for counting overlapping rice or other crop seeds.
The role of relationship dissatisfaction in the dyadic associations between attachment insecurity and intimate partner violence among couples seeking therapy
Authors: Lefebvre Audrey‐Ann , Dugal Caroline , Brassard Audrey , Lussier Yvan , Lafontaine Marie‐France , Godbout Natacha , Péloquin Katherine
Published: July 2021

For several decades, attempts have been made to understand the risk markers of intimate partner violence (IPV) to prevent its occurrence, but few studies have emphasized both partners' perspective in examining these markers. This study explored the associations between attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and the perpetration of psychological and physical IPV through relationship dissatisfaction in a sample of 88 couples seeking therapy for relationship difficulties. Results from path analyses based on the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model showed that participants' attachment avoidance was indirectly related to their own and their partner's higher perpetration of psychological IPV through higher relationship dissatisfaction. Participants' attachment avoidance was also associated with their own higher perpetration of physical IPV through their higher relationship dissatisfaction. The findings highlight that attachment insecurities and relationship dissatisfaction can both contribute to establishing dysfunctional and violent interaction patterns in couples.
Factors influencing the mobile instant messaging application usage behaviours among home healthcare providers
Authors: Chiang Kuei‐Feng , Wang Hsiu‐Hung , Hsieh Hsiu‐Fen
Published: July 2021

Aims and objectives

To explore the practice related to mobile instant messaging applications usage among home healthcare providers in Taiwan; and based on the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology and perceived risk theory to examine the influencing factors.

Background

Previous work has indicated the potential for using mobile instant messaging applications in chronic disease, disasters and public health emergencies. However, few studies have conducted to understand how healthcare professionals use them.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used in the study.

Methods

A wide‐ranging empirical investigation was conducted in Taiwan. A total of 102 home agencies participated in this study, and 331 valid data were collected. The ODS guideline was followed.

Results

69% of the participants had used mobile instant messaging applications, with high functionality and interesting value can integrate various messages and contribute to adoption. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence were significantly positively correlated with behavioral intention. The perceived risk had a significant negative correlation with performance expectancy and use behavior. Among the relevant influencing factors, different types of organization, job position, and institutional policy were related to significant differences in use behaviors.

Conclusions

Our research reported on mobile instant messaging applications usage and behavioral intention among home healthcare providers. This study also highlighted the need to establish regulations within the applications and improve safety and security guidelines. Further research may extend the understanding of the organizations’ influencing factors.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study may help programmers, managers and policymakers improve their strategies for expanding usage of mobile instant messaging applications.
Hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus single‐port laparoscopy: Comparison of early outcomes
Authors: Basol Gulfem , Cora Ayfer Ozer , Gundogdu Elif Cansu , Mat Emre , Yildiz Gazi , Kuru Betul , Uzun Navdar Dogus , Uzel Kemine , Usta Taner , Kale Ahmet
Published: July 2021

Aim

The study objective was to compare intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes among patients who underwent hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (and single‐port lararoscopy for presumed benign gynecologic disorders).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who underwent single‐port laparoscopic hysterectomy and 20 patients who underwent hysterectomy via natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. Patients' age, body mass index, history of previous delivery and surgery, total operation time (from skin incision to closure), intraoperative and postoperative complications conversion to another surgical procedure, drop of hemoglobin level, postoperative pain at 1 and 18 h, average hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery was superior to single‐port hysterectomy concerning the length of hospitalization (p < 0.001) and visual analog scale at 1 h (p = 0.024) and 18 h (p < 0.001). In transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic group, postoperative complications were lower than single‐port laparoscopy group (p = 0.023). In transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopy, group conversion to a standard vaginal hysterectomy occurred in two cases (10%). Four patients in the single‐port laparoscopic hysterectomy group had umbilical herniation, three had port‐site infections, and two patients had vaginal cuff hematoma. These patients required rehospitalization.

Conclusions

Despite hysterectomy via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal surgery has not yet found its place in routine practice in gynecology departments, it could be a prominent alternative approach to other minimally invasive surgical procedures in selected patients with many advantages including lesser pain and lower complication rates compared with single‐port laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Association between waking‐state oral behaviours, according to the oral behaviors checklist, and TMD subgroups
Authors: Donnarumma Valeria , Ohrbach Richard , Simeon Vittorio , Lobbezoo Frank , Piscicelli Noemi , Michelotti Ambrosina
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the association between waking‐state oral behaviours and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) subgroups and to develop new scoring methods for the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC).

Methods

Patients with any TMD diagnosis, according to the diagnostic criteria for TMD (DC/TMD), were divided into subgroups: ‘Dysfunctional‐TMD’ (n = 70), only mechanical dysfunction; ‘Painful‐TMD’ (n = 204), only myalgia, arthralgia or both; and ‘Painful‐Dysfunctional TMD’ (n = 95), combined pain and dysfunction. A group of individuals without TMD, ‘Non‐TMD’ (n = 374), was used for testing associations. Participants completed the OBC. An exploratory factor analysis, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis of the OBC responses, identified 2 major factors, named non‐functional activities (NFA) and functional activities (FA). Component total scores were computed. Differences among subgroups for OBC‐MS (mean score) and NFA and FA factor scores were estimated using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Significance was set at p < .05.

Results

The OBC‐MS in Non‐TMD, Painful‐TMD and Painful‐Dysfunctional TMD subgroups was higher than in the Dysfunctional‐TMD subgroup (p ≤ .001). NFA in Painful‐TMD and Painful‐Dysfunctional TMD subgroups were higher than in the Non‐TMD group (p < .05); NFA in the Dysfunctional‐TMD subgroup were lower than in the Painful‐TMD subgroup (p = .034). In contrast, FA in Painful‐TMD, Dysfunctional‐TMD and Painful‐Dysfunctional TMD subgroups were lower than in the Non‐TMD group (p < .0001).

Conclusions

A new scoring method for the OBC results in item reduction and creation of meaningful subscales for functional and non‐functional behaviours, which are differentially associated with painful and dysfunctional TMDs. This may help clinicians to better tailor treatment for the management of subtypes of TMD patients.
Painful and non‐painful symptoms evoked by experimental bracing and thrusting of the mandible in healthy individuals
Authors: Kothari Simple Futarmal , Visser Meike , Timmerman Kimberley , Baad‐Hansen Lene , Koutris Michail , Lobbezoo Frank , Svensson Peter
Published: July 2021

Background

Bruxism may involve bracing and thrusting of the mandible, in addition to clenching or grinding of the teeth. It is unclear how bracing and thrusting may contribute to potential musculoskeletal symptoms associated with bruxism.

Objective

To examine the effect of experimental bracing and thrusting of the mandible on the development of musculoskeletal symptoms in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers performed six trials of 5 min of repeated bracing and thrusting of the mandible. Bracing involved forcefully maintaining maximum protruded position (5 s with 1 s rest in between), whereas thrusting involved forcefully moving the mandible in a forward direction and back (1 Hz). The participants rated pain, unpleasantness, soreness, fatigue, tension, stiffness, stress and headache on 10‐cm visual analogue scales (VAS) before, immediately and 24 h after the tasks. Pain drawings were obtained and maximum voluntary protrusive force (MVPF) was determined before and after the tasks. The outcome parameters for each task were compared between the time points.

Results

There was a significant increase in the VAS scores (2‐4/10) of pain, unpleasantness, soreness, fatigue, tension, stiffness and stress immediately following the tasks compared to baseline and 24 h after the tasks (p < .008). Pain was frequently reported in masseter muscles. MVPF values were significantly higher immediately (p < .001) and 24 h after thrusting (p < .001) and bracing (p = .012) tasks compared to the baseline.

Conclusions

Experimental bracing and thrusting of the mandible evoked transient, mild‐to‐moderate levels of muscle pain, fatigue, tension and stiffness and increased unpleasantness and stress scores in healthy volunteers.
Private‐information group contests with complementarities
Authors: Barbieri Stefano , Topolyan Iryna
Published: July 2021

We model competing groups when players' values for winning are private information, the effort complementarity is uncertain at the time efforts are exerted, and the group with the best performance wins the contest. We analyze the effects of increasing the number of team members and the anticipated complementarity of efforts. We find that the effort underprovision brought about by a larger group membership is especially severe if the complementarity is high. More generally, higher complementarity may exacerbate rather than alleviate the underprovision of effort. Members of groups that are otherwise symmetric—and only differ with respect to the anticipated complementarity of efforts—use the same equilibrium strategy. And, when groups differ only in size, members of the smaller group act more aggressively, but the smaller or larger group may be more likely to win.
Rational use of diagnostic and screening tests
Authors: McKenzie B. A.
Published: July 2021

Veterinarians have a vast and ever‐expanding array of diagnostic tests available to them. However, this abundance can be an embarrassment of riches that confounds diagnosis and undermines patient care if we do not make critical and informed decisions about the selection and interpretation of the tests we employ. Effective use of diagnostic tests requires a deliberate and informed approach. We must consider the strengths and weaknesses of the tests themselves and the clinical context, and we must be wary of the many biases that skew our use and interpretation of diagnostic tests. Understanding sensitivity and specificity, likelihood, prevalence and predictive value, the basic principles of Bayesian reasoning, and the cognitive biases that drive inappropriate testing are all critical to ensuring our use of imaging and laboratory testing improves patient outcomes.
Evaluation of coagulation parameters in dogs with gallbladder mucoceles
Authors: Pavlick Michelle , DeLaforcade Armelle , Penninck Dominique G. , Webster Cynthia R. L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a common biliary disorder in dogs. Limited information is available on the coagulation status of dogs with GBM.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine patterns of coagulation alterations in dogs with GBM and correlate them with clinicopathologic abnormalities and ultrasonographic findings of disease severity.

Animals

Twenty‐three dogs with GBM identified on ultrasound examination were prospectively enrolled.

Methods

At the time of GBM identification, blood and urine were collected for CBC, serum biochemical panel, urinalysis, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), factor VIII, protein C (PC), von Willebrand's factor (vWF), antithrombin activity, fibrinogen, D‐dimers, and thromboelastrography (TEG). Gallbladder mucoceles were classified into ultrasound types 1 to 5. Medical records were reviewed for clinical presentation, underlying conditions and to determine if systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was present.

Results

Based on TEG parameters, maximal amplitude, and G, 19/23 (83%) of dogs with GBM had evaluations consistent with hypercoagulability. On plasma‐based coagulation testing, dogs with GBM had increased total PC activity (20/23, 87%), fibrinogen (9/23, 39%), platelet count (9/23, 39%), and D‐dimers (6/15, 40%) as well as prolongations in aPTT (9/22, 41%) and low vWF activity (5/21, 24%). No correlation was found between TEG G value and any coagulation or clinical pathology variables, ultrasound stage of GBM or disease severity as assessed by the presence of SIRS.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with ultrasonographically identified GBM have changes in whole blood kaolin‐activated TEG supporting a hypercoagulable state although traditional plasma‐based coagulation testing suggests that a complex state of hemostasis exists.
Serum trypsin‐like immunoreactivity in dogs with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hamilton Kristen , O'Kell Allison L. , Gilor Chen
Published: July 2021

Background

Concurrent exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and decreased pancreatic organ size are common findings in various stages of human type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is incompletely described in diabetic dogs.

Objective

To compare canine trypsin‐like immunoreactivity (cTLI) of diabetic dogs with that of healthy controls. A secondary aim was to evaluate the correlation between duration of DM and cTLI.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned diabetic dogs and thirty client‐owned control dogs.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Diabetic and healthy control dogs were included if they had no clinical evidence of pancreatitis and if serum samples obtained after food was withheld were available. Serum cTLI was measured at a reference laboratory and compared between groups. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) was analyzed concurrently as an indicator of pancreatitis.

Results

The median cTLI concentration in all diabetic dogs (36.4 μg/L [range, 7.0‐288 μg/L]) did not differ from control dogs (28.7 μg/L [range, 12.8‐58.6 μg/L]) (P = .07; difference −7.8 μg/L [95% Confidence Interval (CI), −23.5 to 0.6 μg/L]). There was still no difference in cTLI between groups after exclusion of dogs with cPLI consistent with pancreatitis (n = 8 diabetic dogs). There was no correlation between cTLI and DM duration in all diabetic dogs (r = −0.07, [95% CI, −0.43 to 0.3],P = .7).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There was no evidence of EPI as evaluated using cTLI in this cohort of diabetic dogs, but concurrent increases in cPLI suggest cTLI might not be the optimal indicator of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in dogs with DM.
Temporal trait plasticity predicts the growth of tropical trees
Authors: Asefa Mengesha , Song Xiaoyang , Cao Min , Lasky Jesse R. , Yang Jie
Published: July 2021

Questions

Linking tree growth dynamics to functional traits and neighborhood conditions that are measured at a single time point gives limited insights into the direction of forest structural and functional change. We used trait and neighborhood data collected at different time points for each individual tree of 15 Ficus species to test how trait (temporal trait plasticity) and neighborhood crowding change over time, and to test how their temporal change affects individual growth rate. We asked the following questions: (i) how do traits, neighborhood crowding, and growth of individual trees change over time; (ii) are functional traits and neighborhood crowding temporally consistent in their association with growth rate of individuals; and (iii) do temporal trait plasticity and changes in neighborhood crowding better predict the relative growth rate of individuals compared to using only a single snapshot of traits and neighborhood crowding?

Location

Xishuangbanna Tropical Seasonal Rainforest, southwest China.

Methods

We collected traits (specific leaf area [SLA], leaf area (LA), leaf dry matter content [LDMC], leaf chlorophyll, leaf thickness, and leaf succulence) at two time points (2010 and 2017) for 472 individuals of 15 Ficus species. We used linear mixed‐effect models to test the effect of temporal trait plasticity and neighborhood crowding on the relative growth rate of individuals.

Results

We found that the temporal change in trait values predicts the growth rate of individuals better compared to static trait values in the initial and final censuses. We found significant temporal changes in individual traits suggesting a shift in ecological strategies from being acquisitive to conservative. A difference in neighborhood crowding between the two census years was also observed, indicating that the neighborhood effect on growth might also change over time.

Conclusions

Our results in general highlight the need to consider the temporal dimension of traits and biotic interactions, as our results suggest that growth–trait relationships may vary between time points, allowing us to understand the demographic response of species to temporal environmental change through functional traits.
Once upon a time in the far south: Influence of local drivers and functional traits on plant invasion in the harsh sub‐Antarctic islands
Authors: Bazzichetto Manuele , Massol François , Carboni Marta , Lenoir Jonathan , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Joly Rémi , Renault David
Published: July 2021

Aim

Here, we aim to: (a) investigate the local effect of environmental and anthropogenic factors on alien plant invasion in sub‐Antarctic islands; and (b) explore whether and how functional traits affect alien species dependence on anthropogenic factors in these environments.

Location

Possession Island, Crozet archipelago (French sub‐Antarctic islands).

Methods

Single‐species distribution models were used to explore the effect of high‐resolution topoclimatic and human‐related variables on the occurrence of six alien plants colonizing French sub‐Antarctic islands. Furthermore, plant responses to human‐related variables and the effect of those variables in interaction with plant traits were analysed by means of a multi‐species distribution model. This allowed identifying functional features mediating the influence of human activities on the occurrence probability of alien plant species.

Results

We observed two main invasion patterns: (a) species predicted to occur close to the introduction sites, whose occurrence probability appeared to be strongly affected by anthropogenic factors; and (b) species predicted to occur nearly everywhere on Possession Island, except in areas featuring particularly harsh climatic conditions. Differences in the influence of human‐related variables on the occurrence of the alien species were mostly related to their life history, plant height and residence time, with perennial and low‐statured species introduced earlier appearing less dependent on human‐induced dispersal and disturbance.

Conclusions

We conclude that both topoclimatic and anthropogenic factors affect plant invasion on sub‐Antarctic islands. Specifically, species predicted to occur close to their introduction sites appear much more dependent on human presence and activity, potentially due to the lack of key functional traits allowing them to spread successfully across Possession Island under the harsh sub‐Antarctic climate. Yet, particularly severe abiotic conditions are a major constraint which equally limits the occurrence of all alien plants, irrespective of their dependence on anthropogenic factors.
The impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on North American milk banks
Authors: Cohen Mathilde , Cassidy Tanya
Published: July 2021

This study aims to understand the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on human milk banking services in North America, with a focus on the United States. We triangulated questionnaire data with interviews and text‐based website data. Of the 30 human milk bank services from which data were obtained, the majority faced substantial internal organization change in terms of staffing and protocols and experienced financial hardship in particular because of decreases in donor human milk orders. At the same time, most banks reported an increase in their numbers of donors and in the volume of milk collected. These results show that the pandemic significantly affected the way in which many North American milk banks operate, some lactating mothers donate their milk and, at least during the first few months of the crisis, certain hospitals' donor human milk ordering patterns changed. It suggests in particular that stay‐at‐home orders and the turn to remote work created the potential for a surge in human milk available for donation as a number of parents no longer needed their surplus for their own children. Legal and policy reform should focus on replicating the positive effects of the pandemic on breastfeeding by guaranteeing paid parental leave and flexible work conditions. Initiatives should also aim at counteracting its negative effects by mandating the insurance coverage of donor human milk, supporting milk banks financially and, more generally, integrating lactation and human milk banking services within the health system.
Genomic data support multiple introductions and explosive demographic expansions in a highly invasive aquatic insect
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Céspedes Vanessa , Millán Andrés , Green Andy J.
Published: July 2021

The study of the genetic makeup and demographic fate of alien species is essential to understand their capacity to recover from founder effects, adapt to new environmental conditions and, ultimately, become invasive and potentially damaging. Here, we employ genomic data to gain insights into key demographic processes that might help to explain the extraordinarily successful invasion of the Western Mediterranean region by the North American boatman Trichocorixa verticalis (Hemiptera: Corixidae). Our analyses revealed the genetic distinctiveness of populations from the main areas comprising the invasive range and coalescent‐based simulations supported that they originated from independent introductions events probably involving different source populations. Testing of alternative demographic models indicated that all populations experienced a strong bottleneck followed by a recent and instantaneous demographic expansion that restored a large portion (>30%) of their ancestral effective population sizes shortly after introductions took place (<60 years ago). Considerable genetic admixture of some populations suggest that hypothetical barriers to dispersal (i.e., land and sea water) are permeable to gene flow and/or that they originated from introductions involving multiple lineages. This study demonstrates the repeated arrival of propagules with different origins and short time lags between arrival and establishment, emphasizing the extraordinary capacity of the species to recover from founder effects and genetically admix in invaded areas. This can explain the demonstrated capacity of this aquatic insect to spread and outcompete native species once it colonizes new suitable regions. Future genomic analyses of native range populations could help to infer the genetic makeup of introduced populations and track invasion routes.
Belching in children: Prevalence and association with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Masui Daisuke , Nikaki Kornilia , Sawada Akinari , Sonmez Shirley , Yazaki Etsuro , Sifrim Daniel
Published: July 2021

Background

Excessive belching is frequently reported in adult patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and dyspepsia. Although postprandial gastric belching (GB) is considered a physiological mechanism for gastric venting, supra‐gastric belching (SGB) is considered a distinct behavioural disorder. We aimed to define the prevalence of different types of belching and its association with reflux disease in paediatric patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed reflux monitoring studies from 287 patients (median age: 7.0 years; interquartile range 3.0–11.3 years) with a suspicion of GORD. Based on oesophageal acid exposure time (AET) patients were divided in 3 groups: (a) physiological AET, (b) borderline AET and (c) pathological AET. MII‐pH studies were manually edited and reflux disease parameters were measured together with quantification of GB and SGB.

Key Results

Two hundred one children (70.0%) had physiological AET (median: 0.8; interquartile range 0.3–1.6), 52 (18.1%) had borderline AET (median: 4.2; interquartile range 3.4–5.3) and 34 (11.9%) had pathologic AET (median: 10.7; interquartile range 9.1–14.2). Gastric belching was observed in all studies. Gastric belching related reflux was more frequently observed in patients with borderline and pathological AET (p < 0.001). This was more common in older children. SGB were observed in only 7 (2.4%) children (age range: 8–17years) in our population and all patients had Physiological AET. Only 3 (1%) patients had pathological number of SGB (>13/24 h).

Conclusions and Inferences

Gastric belching related reflux is observed in children with increased AET. SGB is very rare in the paediatric population.
Does self‐monitoring diet and physical activity behaviors using digital technology support adults with obesity or overweight to lose weight? A systematic literature review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Berry Rhiannon , Kassavou Aikaterini , Sutton Stephen
Published: July 2021

Establish whether digital self‐monitoring of diet and physical activity is effective at supporting weight loss, increasing physical activity and improving eating behavior in adults with obesity or overweight, and determine the intervention components that might explain variations in its effectiveness. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cinahl, and CENTRAL identified 4068 studies, of which 12 randomized controlled trials were eligible and included in the review. A random‐effect meta‐analysis evaluated intervention effectiveness and subgroup analyses tested for effective intervention content. Twelve studies were included in the review and meta‐analysis. Digital self‐monitoring of both diet and physical activity had a statistically significant effect at supporting weight loss (mean difference [MD] = ‐2.87 [95% CI −3.78, −1.96], P < 0.001, I2 = 69%), improving moderate physical activity (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.44 [95% CI 0.26, 0.62], P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), and reducing calorie intake (MD = −181.71 [95% CI −304.72, −58.70], P < 0.01, I2 = 0%). Tailored interventions were significantly more effective than nontailored interventions (x2 = 12.92, P < 0.001). Digital self‐monitoring of physical activity and diet is an effective intervention to support weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight. This effect is significantly associated with tailored advice. Future studies should use rigorous designs to explore intervention effectiveness to support weight loss as an adjunct to weight management services.
The role of income level and institutional quality in the non‐renewable energy consumption and life expectancy nexus: evidence from selected oil‐producing economies in Africa
Authors: Ibrahim Ridwan Lanre , Ajide Kazeem Bello
Published: July 2021

This study examines the functional relationship between non‐renewable energy (NRE) and life expectancy in four selected oil‐producing African countries (Algeria, Egypt, Libya and Nigeria) from 1990 to 2017. The role of income level and institutional quality (captured by control of corruption and regulatory quality) is evaluated to ascertaining the moderating or exacerbating effects of NRE (measured by natural gas, fuel and coal) on life expectancy. The empirical analyses are anchored on a set of preliminary tests consisting of cross‐sectional dependence test, panel unit root tests and co‐integration test, respectively. In the final analysis, the fully modified OLS panel method is engaged for model estimation. The empirical results reveal the negative effect of NRE on life expectancy both in models. Besides, the positive effects of income level are helpful in subduing the negative impacts of NRE on life expectancy while that of institutional quality further exacerbates it. The impacts of renewable energy and carbon emissions on life expectancy are recorded in a reverse direction. Relevant policy implications are advanced in the light of these emanating outcomes.
Aid Allocation for Camp‐Based and Urban Refugees with Uncertain Demand and Replenishments
Authors: Azizi Shima , Bozkir Cem Deniz Caglar , Trapp Andrew C. , Kundakcioglu O. Erhun , Kurbanzade Ali Kaan
Published: July 2021

There are 26 million refugees worldwide seeking safety from persecution, violence, conflict, and human rights violations. Camp‐based refugees are those that seek shelter in refugee camps, whereas urban refugees inhabit nearby, surrounding populations. The systems that supply aid to refugee camps may suffer from ineffective distribution due to challenges in administration, demand uncertainty and volatility in funding. Aid allocation should be carried out in a manner that properly balances the need of ensuring sufficient aid for camp‐based refugees, with the ability to share excess inventory, when available, with urban refugees that at times seek nearby camp‐based aid. We develop an inventory management policy to govern a camp's sharing of aid with urban refugee populations in the midst of uncertainties related to camp‐based and urban demands, and replenishment cycles due to funding issues. We use the policy to construct costs associated with: (i) referring urban populations elsewhere, (ii) depriving camp‐based refugee populations, and (iii) holding excess inventory in the refugee camp system. We then seek to allocate aid in a manner that minimizes the expected overall cost to the system. We propose two approaches to solve the resulting optimization problem, and conduct computational experiments on a real‐world case study as well as on synthetic data. Our results are complemented by an extensive simulation study that reveals broad support for our optimal thresholds and allocations to generalize across varied key parameters and distributions. We conclude by presenting related discussions that reveal key managerial insights into humanitarian aid allocation under uncertainty.
Identification and characterization of Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose disease of banana
Authors: Huang Rong , Sun Wenxiu , Wang Luru , Li Qili , Huang Suiping , Tang Lihua , Guo Tangxun , Mo Jianyou , Hsiang Tom
Published: July 2021

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the five most abundantly produced fruits in the world and is widely planted in tropical and subtropical areas. Banana anthracnose is one of the main diseases during the growth and postharvest storage period of banana, seriously affecting quality and production. In this study, 24 samples of banana anthracnose were collected near the cities Nanning, Qinzhou, Baise, and Chongzuo in Guangxi Province, China. Based on colony features, conidial and appressorial morphology, and sequence analysis of several genomic regions (internal transcribed spacer [ITS] region, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH], actin [ACT], β‐tubulin [TUB2], chitin synthase [CHS‐1], calmodulin [CAL], and the intergenic region of apn2 and MAT1‐2‐1 [ApMAT]), the 32 Colletotrichum isolates obtained were identified as five species: C. fructicola (41%), C. cliviicola (28%), C. siamense (16%), C. karstii (9%), and C. musae (6%). A conidial suspension (106 spores/ml) was used to inoculate banana seedlings for pathogenicity tests by applying 20 μl to wound sites. Lesions caused by C. musae developed most rapidly while those of C. karstii took the longest time to develop. This is the first report of C. siamense, and C. karstii associated with banana anthracnose in China, and the first report of C. fructicola and C. cliviicola associated with banana anthracnose worldwide.
Reconfiguring governance: How cyber security regulations are reconfiguring water governance
Authors: Michalec Ola , Milyaeva Sveta , Rashid Awais
Published: July 2021

Developments in improved monitoring, asset management, and resource efficiencies led to the water industry promising a step‐change in the design and operation of these facilities: the “blending” of traditional engineering equipment with digital technologies. These apparent benefits inevitably produce new challenges of regulating an emerging techno‐political landscape. One of the regulations is Europe's Network and Information Systems Security Directive, which aims to improve cyber security across critical infrastructure providers. This paper focuses on the implementation of Network and Information Systems in the context of the water sector in England. At the national and supranational levels, Network and Information Systems acts as a boundary object that gathers diverse communities of practice without the need to establish common goals. Further, in the process of transposing the Directive into the sectoral context, Network and Information Systems requires interpretation by expert communities. We show how translating the regulatory scope to the sectoral landscape involves prioritizing some water governance goals over others. As diverse expert communities converge in their collaboration practices, their priorities align or stand in tension with public interests. We argue that cyber security regulations have potential to reconfigure water governance by refocusing strategic priorities away from traditional concerns of environmental governance. We suggest ways to maintain diverse collaborations across engineering, computing, and water expertise that Network and Information Systems implementation remains aligned with the goals of water governance.
Conditional Monte Carlo revisited
Authors: Lindqvist Bo H. , Erlemann Rasmus , Taraldsen Gunnar
Published: July 2021

Conditional Monte Carlo refers to sampling from the conditional distribution of a random vector given the value for a function . Classical conditional Monte Carlo methods were designed for estimating conditional expectations of functions by sampling from unconditional distributions obtained by certain weighting schemes. The basic ingredients were the use of importance sampling and change of variables. In the present paper we reformulate the problem by introducing an artificial parametric model in which is a pivotal quantity, and next representing the conditional distribution of given within this new model. The approach is illustrated by several examples, including a short simulation study and an application to goodness‐of‐fit testing of real data. The connection to a related approach based on sufficient statistics is briefly discussed.