bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal content in estuaries water and sediment of Banten Bay, Indonesia
Authors: Sugiarti  , Rohaningsih D , Aisyah S
Published: November 2023

The primary economic activity in the estuaries of Banten Bay is fisheries. To maintain their productivity, it is essential to ensure good water quality, which requires monitoring of heavy metal content in both water and sediment. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate heavy metal content in estuaries’ water and sediment of Banten Bay. A survey was conducted in four estuaries, namely Karangantu, Wadas, Cengkok, and Pamong. Heavy metal content in estuaries water was analyzed in April and October 2021, while heavy metal content in estuaries sediment was analyzed in October 2021. Other parameters were analyzed in the laboratory or in situ. The analysis showed that the lead (Pb) content in the estuaries’ water exceeded the standard in April but met the standard in October, while the iron (Fe) and cadmium (Cd) content in the water fulfilled the standard in both months. The Pb, Fe, and Cd content in the estuaries’ sediment also met the standard. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the Pb content in the water was influenced by organic carbon (C organic), while the Cd content was affected by total suspended solids (TSS), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), salinity, and water depth. Furthermore, the Pb and Fe content in the sediment was influenced by pH, while the Cd content was affected by C organic.
Evaluation of ecotechnology performance in treating textile wastewater: constructed treatment wetlands and natural adsorbents
Authors: Susanti E , Wibowo H , Henny C , Rohaningsih D , Prihatinningtyas E , Fakhrurroja H , Febrianti D , Zulti F , Kurniawan R , Waluyo A , Lestari FS , Sudiyono BT
Published: November 2023

The development of environmentally friendly technology for water ecosystem rehabilitation has become a challenge in solving pollution control problems in water bodies. Ecotechnology is a technology to improve water quality using an ecosystem approach, including the technology of constructed treatment wetlands and natural adsorbents. This study aims to produce an alternative ecotechnology for textile industrial waste remediation, on-site treatment of water bodies contaminated with textile waste, using a constructed treatment wetlands system and natural adsorbents. The result was conducted for 6 months using a reactor on a pilot scale with a continuous system. The result showed that CTWs’ ability effectively reduced ammonia in textile wastewater with a 20% dilution of up to > 80% and > 90% respectively using plants Vetiveria zizanioides and Heliconia psittacorum. Meanwhile, at 50% textile wastewater dilution, CTW with Heliconia psittacorum was more effective in reducing ammonia (> 80%) than CTW with Vetiveria zizanioides (> 60%). CTW with Vetiveria zizanioides and Heliconia psittacorum was able to reduce the dye content up to < 69.68% and < 54.39%, respectively. The natural adsorbent ability of bentonite has a higher ability to reduce dyes and ammonia, which is up to < 64.84% and < 91.12%. Good performance in these two eco-technology systems will result in better waste disposal by combining these two systems into one ecotechnology system.
Antimicrobial activity of extracellular compounds from endophytic fungus BAR1.5 cultivated with different media
Authors: Hardiningtyas S D , Sabiliilaika A , Tarman K , Pari R F
Published: November 2023

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live inside the plants that are known to be able to produce the same bioactive compounds as their host plants. Endophytic fungus BAR1.5 was isolated fromRhizophora stylosaleaves collected from the mangrove area of Barru, South Sulawesi. The extracellular components of fungal endophytes are known to have higher antimicrobial activity than the intracellular compounds. Furthermore, the growth of endophytic fungi is strongly influenced by nutrients in the culture media, so that it may affect the production of its secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to compare the production of extracellular compounds and its antimicrobial activity of the fungus BAR 1.5 cultured with different media (Potato Dextrose Broth, PDB and Hagem medium). The results showed that the endophytic fungus cultured on PDB media grew faster, produced more yield of extracts and showed stronger antimicrobial activity. Its extracellular compounds inhibited the growth of the tested bacteria which wereEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida maltosa, Bacillus subtilisandStaphylococcus aureus. The strongest antibacterial activity was againstB. subtiliswith the inhibition zone was 12.5±0.3 mm. The extracellular compounds of the endophytic fungus BAR 1.5 contained terpenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
Circular applications through selection strategies (CATSS): a methodology for identifying reuse applications for end-of-life wind turbine blades
Authors: Carrete Israel A , Joustra Jelle J , Balkenende A Ruud
Published: November 2023

Wind turbines are crucial for the energy transition, but their end-of-life treatment presents a challenge. Most wind turbine blades, made from composites, are currently sent for disposal or recycled through methods that degrade the value of the material. Structural reuse through blade segmentation was introduced as a recovery method that maintains high material value throughout subsequent life cycles. Most recovery attempts focus on thermoset composites, but thermoplastics are becoming more common. Unlike thermosets, thermoplastics can be reshaped through thermoforming processes, which offers the opportunity of adapting the geometry of a blade to new reuse applications. This paper introduces selection strategies to identify secondary applications of reshaped thermoplastic blade sections. A new methodology is proposed based on Landru’s selection strategies and the Material Driven Design method (MDD). The Circular Applications Through Selection Strategies (CATSS) methodology proposes understanding a material at different levels to identify applications. Each sectioning level of the blades yields different material characteristics, such as the reshapability, that are then put into Landru’s three selection strategies: substitution, selection by function, and inverse selection. Substitution directly supplants other materials with blades in an existing application; selection by function compares material properties and performance indices to derive the most relevant functions (i.e. “light-weight beams”); and inverse selection identifies suitable market sectors. The CATSS method is a systematic approach to exploring the reuse of blade sections across multiple life cycles, taking into consideration the changes in blade geometry introduced by each sectioning level. For example, the second use cycle might use blade segments for infrastructural applications like electrical transmission poles, while 3rd and 4th cycles reuse blade elements or blade units for urban furniture or automotive parts, respectively. Thus, by identifying multiple use cycle applications at various sectioning levels, we introduce structural reuse and reshaping as a long-lasting recovery pathway for decommissioned wind turbine blades. The selection strategies presented on the one hand can help identify new applications for thermoplastic composite products at their end-of-life, while on the other hand they indicate which aspects need to be considered in the original design, thus contributing to more circular practices in the composites industry.
Cohesive zone modelling to predict crack growth under fatigue loading
Authors: Gomez A. , Berggreen C.
Published: November 2023

This manuscript presents the partial results in the development of numerical models based on Cohesive Zone Modelling to analyse quasi-static and fatigue crack propagation in adhesive interfaces. This work applied to adhesive interface between fibre laminates and structural epoxy adhesive of a wind turbine blade 3rd shear-web connection to the trailing edge panels. Fracture characterization experiments using the Double Cantilever Beam with Unequal Bending Moments (DCB-UBM) specimen are performed, and results are used to determine different modelling parameters, such as the mixed-mode cohesive laws and fatigue damage parameters for cohesive crack propagation. The developed numerical model is compared and validated against sub-component testing on two different scale levels, using a Modified Tear Test (MTT) specimen geometry with simplified geometry and loading, and a more complex geometry sub-component specimen with a simplified Shear Web Disbond Test (SBDT). The work is carried out as part of the CORTIR-II project, funded by the Danish Ministry of Energy.
Impact of shell structure stiffness on aero-structural coupling in wind turbine rotor blades
Authors: Balzani Claudio , Gebauer Julia
Published: November 2023

Wind turbine rotor blades are heavily loaded composite structures that experience a mixture of aerodynamic, inertial, gravitational, and gyroscopic forces during their operation life. Due to the high loads, the cross-sections of the blades are subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane deformations. The out-of-plane deformations are referred to as shear warping while the in-plane deformations are also called blade breathing. Blade breathing depends on the magnitude of the mechanical loads, which are expressed by means of internal forces and moments, and the stiffness of the blade shell.

In this work, the relationships between in-plane cross-sectional deformations and internal loads are investigated. For the quantification of the deformation, a reference blade is studied via 3D finite shell element simulations for different loading scenarios. The cross-section of interest is located at the radial position of maximum chord. To compare the shape of the cross-sections in the undeformed and the deformed configurations, a procedure is proposed to relate the positions of nodes associated with the cross-section of interest in both configurations to a joint coordinate system. The shape of the deformed cross-section is then extracted and compared with the undeformed configuration. The comparison is executed for the individual internal forces and moments, namely flapwise and edgewise bending moments, normal force, shear forces, and torsion moment, respectively. The deformation patterns are discussed and it is addressed how these may influence the aerodynamic behavior of the cross-section under consideration.
Mass determination and model prediction of retired blades from wind turbine repowering or dismantling using a GIS database
Authors: Silverman A G , Henao Y , Bank L C , Gentry T R
Published: November 2023

Existing estimations of waste from wind energy infrastructure that is headed for, flowing through, or having reached the terminus of various post-processing pathways have primarily relied on reported capacity to extrapolate the material weight of turbine components. This data can be used to project future streams of composite blade material coming from wind farm repowering and decommissioning and inform policies to optimize or improve certain blade End of Life (EoL) options. However, rated capacity alone is insufficient to quantify or characterize the dynamics of US wind fleet retirement, since turbines are often repowered with new blades but their capacity remains the same. This research demonstrates an alternative method, comparing various mass estimation techniques and identifying blade models that have been retired or are soon to enter waste pathways due to turbine repowering by spatiotemporal comparison of periodic versions of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Wind Turbine Database (USWTDB). These analyses are used to compile a list of turbine and blade models that will be at the forefront of national repowering and decommissioning movements in the near future. Mass of future waste flows are totalled and can help inform protocols and frameworks for blade material EoL processes.
Numerical modeling of fiber orientation in additively manufactured composites
Authors: Šeta Berin , Sandberg Michael , Brander Marco , Mollah Tusher , Pokkalla Deepak Kumar , Kumar Vipin , Spangenberg Jon
Published: November 2023

Additive manufacturing has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a mere prototyping technique to a reliable and proven manufacturing technology that can produce products of varying sizes and materials. The incorporation of fibers in additive manufacturing processes has the potential to improve a range of material properties, including mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, this improvement is largely dependent on the orientation of the fibers within the material, with the properties being enhanced primarily in the direction of fiber orientation. As a result, accurately predicting and controlling the fiber orientation during the extrusion or deposition process is critical. Various methods are available to control fiber orientation, such as manipulating the nozzle shape, extrusion and nozzle speed, the gap between the nozzle and substrate, as well as fiber features like aspect ratio and volume fraction. At the same time, the presence and orientation of fibers can significantly impact the flow pattern and extrusion pressure conditions, ultimately affecting the formation of printed strands in a manner distinct from those without fibers. For that reason, our study utilizes computational fluid dynamics to anticipate and comprehend the printing conditions that would result in favorable fiber orientations and strand shapes, incl. corner printing. Our findings may be utilized to determine optimal toolpaths for 3D printing composites, as well as printing conditions that will facilitate the achievement of the desired fiber orientation within individual strands.
Detection of Al, Mg, Ca, and Zn in copper slag by LIBS combined with calibration curve and PLSR methods
Authors: JIA 贾 Junwei 军伟 , LIU 刘 Zhifeng 志峰 , PAN 潘 Congyuan 从元 , XUE 薛 Huaqin 骅骎
Published: November 2023

The precise measurement of Al, Mg, Ca, and Zn composition in copper slag is crucial for effective process control of copper pyrometallurgy. In this study, a remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system was utilized for the spectral analysis of copper slag samples at a distance of 2.5 m. The composition of copper slag was then analyzed using both the calibration curve (CC) method and the partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis method based on the characteristic spectral intensity ratio. The performance of the two analysis methods was gauged through the determination coefficient (R
2), average relative error (ARE), root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). The results demonstrate that the PLSR method significantly improved both R
2 for the calibration and test sets while reducing ARE, RMSEC, and RMSEP by 50% compared to the CC method. The results suggest that the combination of LIBS and PLSR is a viable approach for effectively detecting the elemental concentration in copper slag and holds potential for online detection of the elemental composition of high-temperature molten copper slag.
Practical Considerations for Sandwich Variance Estimation in 2-Stage Regression Settings
Authors: Boe Lillian A , Lumley Thomas , Shaw Pamela A
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we present a practical approach for computing the sandwich variance estimator in 2-stage regression model settings. As a motivating example for 2-stage regression, we consider regression calibration, a popular approach for addressing covariate measurement error. The sandwich variance approach has rarely been applied in regression calibration, despite its requiring less computation time than popular resampling approaches for variance estimation, specifically the bootstrap. This is probably because it requires specialized statistical coding. Here we first outline the steps needed to compute the sandwich variance estimator. We then develop a convenient method of computation in R for sandwich variance estimation, which leverages standard regression model outputs and existing R functions and can be applied in the case of a simple random sample or complex survey design. We use a simulation study to compare the sandwich estimator to a resampling variance approach for both settings. Finally, we further compare these 2 variance estimation approaches in data examples from the Women’s Health Initiative (1993–2005) and the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008–2011). In our simulations, the sandwich variance estimator typically had good numerical performance, but simple Wald bootstrap confidence intervals were unstable or overcovered in certain settings, particularly when there was high correlation between covariates or large measurement error.
The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and psoriasis in a large population-based cohort: a cross-sectional analysis of The Tromsø Study 2015–16
Authors: Jenssen Marita , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Jorde Rolf , Wilsgaard Tom , Danielsen Kjersti
Published: November 2023

Background

Case–control studies indicate an association between lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and psoriasis. Data from larger population-based cohorts including mild cases are sparse.

Objectives

To investigate the association between 25(OH)D and psoriasis in a large population-based cohort, and assess possible effect modification by overweight.

Methods

Data from the Tromsø Study 2015–16 (Tromsø7), which included 19 520 participants from the general population aged 40–79 years, were subjected to a cross-sectional analysis. We assessed the shapes of the relationships between 25(OH)D and psoriasis using fractional polynomials. Odds ratios (ORs) for lifetime and active psoriasis were estimated using logistic regression. Adjusted models included month of blood sampling, body mass index (BMI), age and sex. Two-way and additive interaction between BMI and 25(OH)D were explored.

Results

From a total of 19 520 participants [10 203 women (52.3%); mean age 56.3 years (SD 10.4); mean 25[OH]D, 63.4 nmol L−1 (SD 21.9)], 2088 (10.7%) reported lifetime psoriasis and 1179 (6.0%) reported active psoriasis the past 12 months. There was no association between 25(OH)D and lifetime psoriasis [OR per 10 nmol L−1 increase in 25(OH)D 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.04]. The relationship between 25(OH)D and active psoriasis was suggested to be nonlinear, but the model was not significant (P = 0.098). There was evidence for a superadditive effect (i.e. larger than the sum of the factors) of BMI > 27.5 kg m−2 and 25(OH)D < 25 nmol L−1 on the odds for active psoriasis (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.18–3.12), but not for lifetime psoriasis (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.93–2.15). There was no evidence for two-way interaction between BMI and 25(OH)D.

Conclusions

This large population-based study found no significant relationship between 25(OH)D and psoriasis. The analysis may have been underpowered to detect a threshold effect in the lower 25(OH)D spectrum. Interaction analysis indicates that high BMI and vitamin D deficiency combined increase the odds of active psoriasis more than the sum of these factors, with an estimated 92% higher odds for active psoriasis in participants with BMI > 27.5 kg m−2 and 25(OH)D < 25 nmol L−1. Providing advice to prevent vitamin D deficiency may be considered in the follow-up of overweight patients with psoriasis.
Prognostic impact of lymph node characteristics after therapeutic neck dissection for classic N1 papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Van Den Heede Klaas , Brusselaers Nele , Breddels Esmee , Gaujoux Sébastien , Buffet Camille , Menegaux Fabrice , Chereau Nathalie
Published: November 2023

Background

The impact of lymph node characteristics on mortality and recurrence remains controversial. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of lymph node characteristics in a large, homogenous cohort of patients with therapeutic neck dissection for clinically N1 classic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Methods

All consecutive adult patients with therapeutic central and lateral neck dissection for PTC at a French referral centre were prospectively enrolled from January 2000 until June 2021. The primary outcome was the impact of lymph node characteristics in predicting a disease event (persistence or recurrence), using univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling.

Results

A total of 462 patients were included. Lymph node capsular rupture was seen in 260 patients (56.3 per cent). Median maximum lymph node size was 15 (i.q.r. 9–23) mm. The median central, lateral, and total lymph node ratio (LNR) was 0.50 (i.q.r. 0.22–0.75), 0.15 (i.q.r. 0.07–0.29), and 0.26 (i.q.r. 0.14–0.41), respectively. After a median follow-up of 93 (i.q.r. 50–149) months, 182 (39.4 per cent) patients had a disease event. After multivariable analysis, the number of harvested lymph node >35 (OR 2.33 (95 per cent c.i. 1.10–4.95)), presence of lymph node capsular rupture (OR 1.92 (1.17–3.14)), and total LNR >0.20 (OR 2.37 (1.08–5.19)) and >0.40 (OR 4.92 (1.61–15.03)) predicted a disease event. An LNR of 0.20 predicted a disease event with a sensitivity of 80.8 per cent and a specificity of 50.4 per cent.

Conclusion

Disease persistence or recurrence after thyroidectomy with therapeutic neck dissection for classic PTC with preoperative nodal disease appears to depend on number of harvested lymph node, presence of lymph node capsular rupture, and total LNR.
Functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder evaluated using rs-fMRI and DKI
Authors: Nagai Yasuhito , Kirino Eiji , Tanaka Shoji , Usui Chie , Inami Rie , Inoue Reiichi , Hattori Aki , Uchida Wataru , Kamagata Koji , Aoki Shigeki
Published: November 2023

We evaluated functional connectivity (FC) in patients with adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). We acquired rs-fMRI data from 33 individuals with ASD and 33 healthy controls (HC) and DKI data from 18 individuals with ASD and 17 HC. ASD showed attenuated FC between the right frontal pole (FP) and the bilateral temporal fusiform cortex (TFusC) and enhanced FC between the right thalamus and the bilateral inferior division of lateral occipital cortex, and between the cerebellar vermis and the right occipital fusiform gyrus (OFusG) and the right lingual gyrus, compared with HC. ASD demonstrated increased axial kurtosis (AK) and mean kurtosis (MK) in white matter (WM) tracts, including the right anterior corona radiata (ACR), forceps minor (FM), and right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). In ASD, there was also a significant negative correlation between MK and FC between the cerebellar vermis and the right OFusG in the corpus callosum, FM, right SLF and right ACR. Increased DKI metrics might represent neuroinflammation, increased complexity, or disrupted WM tissue integrity that alters long-distance connectivity. Nonetheless, protective or compensating adaptations of inflammation might lead to more abundant glial cells and cytokine activation effectively alleviating the degeneration of neurons, resulting in increased complexity. FC abnormality in ASD observed in rs-fMRI may be attributed to microstructural alterations of the commissural and long-range association tracts in WM as indicated by DKI.
PROCESS Trial: Effect of Duloxetine Premedication for Postherpetic Neuralgia Within 72 Hours of Herpes Zoster Reactivation—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhao Chunmei , Zhang Tingjie , Zhu Qian , Chen Zheng , Ren Hao , Shrestha Niti , Meng Lan , Shen Ying , Luo Fang
Published: November 2023

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common chronic complication of herpes zoster (HZ) and results in severe refractory neuropathic pain. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of premedication with duloxetine in the prevention of PHN.

Methods

The PROCESS trial is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial used a 1:1 duloxetine:control ratio. Adults 50 years or older with HZ who presented with vesicles within 72 hours were recruited. The primary outcome was the incidence of PHN at 12 weeks. PHN was defined as any pain intensity score other than 0 mm on the visual analog scale (VAS) at week 12 after the onset of the rash. The secondary outcomes were the number of participants with VAS >0 and VAS ≥3. The modified intention-to-treat (mITT) principle and per-protocol (PP) principle were used for the primary outcome analysis.

Results

A total of 375 participants were randomly assigned to the duloxetine group and 375 were assigned to the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PHN in the duloxetine group compared with the control group in the mITT analysis (86 [22.9%] of 375 vs 108 [28.8%] of 375; P = .067). PP analysis produced similar results. However, there were significant differences between the 2 groups in the number of participants with VAS >0 and VAS ≥3 (P < .05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Although absolute prevention of PHN does not occur, this trial found that premedication with duloxetine can reduce pain associated with HZ, and therefore can have clinically relevant benefits.

Clinical Trials Registration. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04313335. Registered on 18 March 2020.
Globalisation and agri-food trade
Authors: Luckstead Jeff
Published: November 2023

This study utilises structural gravity models to examine the impact of globalisation on distance in agricultural and processed food trade, the relative effects of international distance and home bias effects. The results show that larger internal distances lower domestic sales. The home bias effect is substantially larger in agricultural commodities compared to processed agricultural commodities. Omitted variable bias is observed in friction variables when the relative intra-national distance and home market bias are excluded. After controlling for relative intra-national trade costs and the home bias effect, globalisation does not lead to a smaller impact of distance on trade. Substantial heterogeneity exists when analysing individual commodities.
Assessing left atrial intramyocardial fat infiltration from computerized tomography angiography in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , Falasconi Giulio , Soto-Iglesias David , Francia Pietro , Penela Diego , Alderete José , Viveros Daniel , Bellido Aldo Francisco , Franco-Ocaña Paula , Zaraket Fatima , Turturiello Darío , Marti-Almor Julio , Berruezo Antonio
Published: November 2023

Aims

Epicardial adipose tissue might promote atrial fibrillation (AF) in several ways, including infiltrating the underlying atrial myocardium. However, the role of this potential mechanism has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of left atrial (LA) infiltrated adipose tissue (inFAT) by analysing multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT)-derived three-dimensional (3D) fat infiltration maps and to compare the extent of LA inFAT between patients without AF history, with paroxysmal, and with persistent AF.

Methods and results

Sixty consecutive patients with AF diagnosis (30 persistent and 30 paroxysmal) were enrolled and compared with 20 age-matched control; MDCT-derived images were post-processed to obtain 3D LA inFAT maps for all patients. Volume (mL) and mean signal intensities [(Hounsfield Units (HU)] of inFAT (HU −194; −5), dense inFAT (HU −194; −50), and fat-myocardial admixture (HU −50; −5) were automatically computed by the software. inFAT volume was significantly different across the three groups (P = 0.009), with post-hoc pairwise comparisons showing a significant increase in inFAT volume in persistent AF compared to controls (P = 0.006). Dense inFAT retained a significant difference also after correcting for body mass index (P = 0.028). In addition, more negative inFAT radiodensity values were found in AF patients. Regional distribution analysis showed a significantly higher regional distribution of LA inFAT at left and right superior pulmonary vein antra in AF patients.

Conclusion

Persistent forms of AF are associated with greater degree of LA intramyocardial adipose infiltration, independently of body mass index. Compared to controls, AF patients present higher LA inFAT volume at left and right superior pulmonary vein antra.
Association between accelerometer-derived physical activity and incident cardiac arrest
Authors: Qiu Shuangfa , Xing Zhenhua
Published: November 2023

Aims

Studies on objectively measured physical activity (PA) have investigated acute cardiovascular outcomes but not cardiac arrest (CA). Our study aimed to investigate the dose–response relationship between accelerometer-measured PA and CA by intensity of PA.

Methods and results

This prospective cohort study included 98 893 UK Biobank participants whose PA data were measured using wrist-worn accelerometers. Total PA volume was measured using the average overall acceleration. Minutes per week of light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), and vigorous PA (VPA) were recorded. The incident CA was identified using diagnostic codes linked to hospital encounters and death records. Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used to study the associations, including sex differences. During the follow-up period (median: 7.31 years; interquartile range: 6.78–7.82 years), 282 incident CAs (0.39 per 1000 person-years) occurred. Total PA was inversely related to CA risk. The CA risk decreased sharply until the time spent in MPA or VPA reached ∼360 min or 20 min per week, respectively, after which it was relatively flat. The LPA was not associated with CA risk. Subgroup analyses showed a more pronounced association between PA and a reduced risk of CA in women compared to men.

Conclusion

Accelerometer-measured PA, particularly MPA and VPA, was associated with a lower CA risk. Furthermore, a stronger association was observed in women than men.
Structure of plant–associated microeukaryotes in roots and leaves of aquatic and terrestrial plants revealed by blocking peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) amplification
Authors: Azadnia Avid , Mikryukov Vladimir , Anslan Sten , Hagh-Doust Niloufar , Rahimlou Saleh , Tamm Heidi , Tedersoo Leho
Published: November 2023

Studies of plant–microbe interactions, including mutualistic, antagonistic, parasitic, or commensal microbes, have greatly benefited our understanding of ecosystem functioning. New molecular identification tools have increasingly revealed the association patterns between microorganisms and plants. Here, we integrated long-read PacBio single-molecule sequencing technology with a blocking protein-nucleic acid (PNA) approach to minimise plant amplicons in a survey of plant-eukaryotic microbe relationships in roots and leaves of different aquatic and terrestrial plants to determine patterns of organ, host, and habitat preferences. The PNA approach reduced the samples' relative amounts of plant reads and did not distort the fungal and other microeukaryotic composition. Our analyses revealed that the eukaryotic microbiomes associated with leaves and roots of aquatic plants exhibit a much larger proportion of non-fungal microorganisms than terrestrial plants, and leaf and root microbiomes are similar. Terrestrial plants had much stronger differentiation of leaf and root microbiomes and stronger partner specificity than aquatic plants.
Microbial degradation of naphthenic acids using constructed wetland treatment systems: metabolic and genomic insights for improved bioremediation of process-affected water
Authors: Reis Paula C J , Correa-Garcia Sara , Tremblay Julien , Beaulieu-Laliberté Aurélie , Muench Douglas G , Ahad Jason M E , Yergeau Etienne , Comte Jérôme , Martineau Christine
Published: November 2023

Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a complex mixture of organic compounds released during bitumen extraction from mined oil sands that are important contaminants of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). NAs can be toxic to aquatic organisms and, therefore, are a main target compound for OSPW. The ability of microorganisms to degrade NAs can be exploited for bioremediation of OSPW using constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTS), which represent a possible low energy and low-cost option for scalable in situ NA removal. Recent advances in genomics and analytical chemistry have provided insights into a better understanding of the metabolic pathways and genes involved in NA degradation. Here, we discuss the ecology of microbial NA degradation with a focus on CWTS and summarize the current knowledge related to the metabolic pathways and genes used by microorganisms to degrade NAs. Evidence to date suggests that NAs are mostly degraded aerobically through ring cleavage via the beta-oxidation pathway, which can be combined with other steps such as aromatization, alpha-oxidation, omega-oxidation, or activation as coenzyme A (CoA) thioesters. Anaerobic NA degradation has also been reported via the production of benzoyl-CoA as an intermediate and/or through the involvement of methanogens or nitrate, sulfate, and iron reducers. Furthermore, we discuss how genomic, statistical, and modeling tools can assist in the development of improved bioremediation practices.
Particularized Preferences for Civilian Protection? A Survey Experiment
Authors: Hatz Sophia , Hultman Lisa
Published: November 2023

Even as the protection of civilians becomes a widely held norm, there is substantial variation in public support for humanitarian policy efforts. We use a survey experiment in Sweden to gain insights into this puzzle. Our survey confirms that citizens generally support military, but particularly non-military, means of civilian protection. Yet, we also find that support is partly particularized. Specifying that civilians may have ties to extremist groups (as victims or supporters) reduces support for proposals to provide humanitarian aid, contribute to UN observer missions and accept refugees. We trace this reduced support to lower moral obligation and higher threat perceptions. In contrast to expectations, respondents do not prioritize the protection of co-nationals, or women and children. Manipulation checks suggest the explanation that perceptions of who constitutes a civilian are subjective. Our findings provide insights into the domestic political determinants of atrocity prevention abroad.
The Evolutionary Complexities of DNA Methylation in Animals: From Plasticity to Genetic Evolution
Authors: Venney Clare J , Anastasiadi Dafni , Wellenreuther Maren , Bernatchez Louis
Published: November 2023

The importance of DNA methylation in plastic responses to environmental change and evolutionary dynamics is increasingly recognized. Here, we provide a Perspective piece on the diverse roles of DNA methylation on broad evolutionary timescales, including (i) short-term transient acclimation, (ii) stable phenotypic evolution, and (iii) genomic evolution. We show that epigenetic responses vary along a continuum, ranging from short-term acclimatory responses in variable environments within a generation to long-term modifications in populations and species. DNA methylation thus unlocks additional potential for organisms to rapidly acclimate to their environment over short timeframes. If these changes affect fitness, they can circumvent the need for adaptive changes at the genome level. However, methylation has a complex reciprocal relationship with genetic variation as it can be genetically controlled, yet it can also induce point mutations and contribute to genomic evolution. When habitats remain constant over many generations, or populations are separated across habitats, initially plastic phenotypes can become hardwired through epigenetically facilitated mutagenesis. It remains unclear under what circumstances plasticity contributes to evolutionary outcomes, and when plastic changes will become permanently encoded into genotype. We highlight how studies investigating the evolution of epigenetic plasticity need to carefully consider how plasticity in methylation state could evolve among different evolutionary scenarios, the possible phenotypic outcomes, its effects on genomic evolution, and the proximate energetic and ultimate fitness costs of methylation. We argue that accumulating evidence suggests that DNA methylation can contribute toward evolution on various timescales, spanning a continuum from acclimatory plasticity to genomic evolution.
Realigning noncommunicable disease monitoring with health systems priorities in the Africa region
Authors: Boudreaux Chantelle , Salvi Devashri , Adler Alma J , Wroe Emily B , Coates Matthew M , Olsen Maia , Jain Yogesh , Mocumbi Ana O , Bukhman Gene
Published: November 2023

The African region of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently adopted a strategy aimed at more comprehensive care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region. The WHO’s World Health Assembly has also newly approved several ambitious disease-specific targets that raise the expectations of chronic care and plans to revise and update the NCD-Global Action Plan. These actions provide a critically needed opportunity for reflection and course correction in the global health response to NCDs. In this paper, we highlight the status of the indicators that are currently used to monitor progress towards global goals for chronic care. We argue that weak health systems and lack of access to basic NCD medicines and technologies have prevented many countries from achieving the level of progress required by the NCD epidemic, and current targets do little to address this reality. We identify gaps in existing metrics and explore opportunities to realign the targets with the pressing priorities facing today’s health systems.
The haplotype-resolved telomere-to-telomere carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) genome reveals the correlation between genome architecture and gene expression
Authors: Lan Lan , Leng Luhong , Liu Weichao , Ren Yonglin , Reeve Wayne , Fu Xiaopeng , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Xiaoni
Published: November 2023

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is one of the most valuable commercial flowers, due to its richness of color and form, and its excellent storage and vase life. The diverse demands of the market require faster breeding in carnations. A full understanding of carnations is therefore required to guide the direction of breeding. Hence, we assembled the haplotype-resolved gap-free carnation genome of the variety ‘Baltico’, which is the most common white standard variety worldwide. Based on high-depth HiFi, ultra-long nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing data, we assembled the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome to be 564 479 117 and 568 266 215 bp for the two haplotypes Hap1 and Hap2, respectively. This T2T genome exhibited great improvement in genome assembly and annotation results compared with the former version. The improvements were seen when different approaches to evaluation were used. Our T2T genome first informs the analysis of the telomere and centromere region, enabling us to speculate about specific centromere characteristics that cannot be identified by high-order repeats in carnations. We analyzed allele-specific expression in three tissues and the relationship between genome architecture and gene expression in the haplotypes. This demonstrated that the length of the genes, coding sequences, and introns, the exon numbers and the transposable element insertions correlate with gene expression ratios and levels. The insertions of transposable elements repress expression in gene regulatory networks in carnation. This gap-free finished T2T carnation genome provides a valuable resource to illustrate the genome characteristics and for functional genomics analysis in further studies and molecular breeding.
Phased gap-free genome assembly of octoploid cultivated strawberry illustrates the genetic and epigenetic divergence among subgenomes
Authors: Song Yanhong , Peng Yanling , Liu Lifeng , Li Gang , Zhao Xia , Wang Xu , Cao Shuo , Muyle Aline , Zhou Yongfeng , Zhou Houcheng
Published: November 2023

The genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the coexistence and coordination of the four diverged subgenomes (ABCD) in octoploid strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) remains poorly understood. In this study, we have assembled a haplotype-phased gap-free octoploid genome for the strawberry, which allowed us to uncover the sequence, structure, and epigenetic divergences among the subgenomes. The diploid progenitors of the octoploid strawberry, apart from subgenome A (Fragaria vesca), have been a subject of public controversy. Phylogenomic analyses revealed a close relationship between diploid species Fragaria iinumae and subgenomes B, C, and D. Subgenome A, closely related to F. vesca, retains the highest number of genes, exhibits the lowest content of transposable elements (TEs), experiences the strongest purifying selection, shows the lowest DNA methylation levels, and displays the highest expression level compared to the other three subgenomes. Transcriptome and DNA methylome analyses revealed that subgenome A-biased genes were enriched in fruit development biological processes. In contrast, although subgenomes B, C, and D contain equivalent amounts of repetitive sequences, they exhibit diverged methylation levels, particularly for TEs located near genes. Taken together, our findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary patterns of subgenome structure, divergence and epigenetic dynamics in octoploid strawberries, which could be utilized in strawberry genetics and breeding research.
Nitrogen–potassium balance improves leaf photosynthetic capacity by regulating leaf nitrogen allocation in apple
Authors: Xu Xinxiang , Zhang Xu , Ni Wei , Liu Chunling , Qin Hanhan , Guan Yafei , Liu Jingquan , Feng Ziquan , Xing Yue , Tian Ge , Zhu Zhanling , Ge Shunfeng , Jiang Yuanmao
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are two important mineral nutrients in regulating leaf photosynthesis. However, the influence of N and K interaction on photosynthesis is still not fully understood. Using a hydroponics approach, we studied the effects of different N and K conditions on the physiological characteristics, N allocation and photosynthetic capacity of apple rootstock M9T337. The results showed that high N and low K conditions significantly reduced K content in roots and leaves, resulting in N/K imbalance, and allocated more N in leaves to non-photosynthetic N. Low K conditions increased biochemical limitation (BL), mesophyll limitation (MCL), and stomatal limitation (SL). By setting different N supplies, lowering N levels under low K conditions increased the proportion of water-soluble protein N (Nw) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-soluble proteins (Ns) by balancing N/K and increased the proportion of carboxylation N and electron transfer N. This increased the maximum carboxylation rate and mesophyll conductance, which reduced MCL and BL and alleviated the low K limitation of photosynthesis in apple rootstocks. In general, our results provide new insights into the regulation of photosynthetic capacity by N/K balance, which is conducive to the coordinated supply of N and K nutrients.
The Ecosystem Concept, the DMA, and Section 19a GWB
Authors: Hornung Philipp
Published: November 2023

The debate about competition concerns in the digital economy cumulated in the adoption of new legislation, Section 19a GWB in Germany and the Digital Markets Act at the EU level. At around the same time, a new term gained prevalence in the competition law discourse—the ‘ecosystem’. Often, it is not quite clear, what is meant by it or what the economics behind it are. In this article, I look to the strategic management literature, whose scholars have developed a coherent ecosystem concept. I will explain the economic benefits of the ecosystem structure and the essential role governance plays in it. From the economics of the ecosystem, several insights can be won for competition law. These insights will be applied to the new legislation in the second part. It will be analysed to what extent the DMA and Section 19a GWB are based on the ecosystem concept, whether they identify the problematic actors as addressees, and whether they capture the restrictive conduct. Although both legislative responses do not build on the ecosystem concept, they do not completely fail to address the right issues. Their neglect of the concept, though, could lead to serious enforcement failures.
Identification and characterization of motile Aeromonas spp. isolated from farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Philippines
Authors: Legario Francis S , Choresca Casiano H , Grace Kathryn , Turnbull James F , Crumlish Margaret
Published: November 2023

Aims

Motile Aeromonas septicaemia (MAS) caused by motile Aeromonas species is an important disease in farmed freshwater fish due to intensification of culture and improper farm practices. This study characterized and profiled motile Aeromonas species recovered from clinically sick tilapia farmed in the Philippines, with a view to identifying targeted disease prevention and control measures against MAS in farmed tilapia species.

Methods and results

Sixteen isolates from diseased farmed Nile tilapia were identified as Aeromonas veronii (n = 14), Aeromonas caviae (n = 1), and Aeromonas dhakensis (n = 1). Five biochemical profiles using API 20E were exhibited by the A. veronii strains giving an unreliable identification. A high level of agreement was observed in identifying the Aeromonas strains using 16S rRNA and rpoD gene sequencing, although the latter has a higher discriminatory value. Three or more virulence genes dominated by cytotoxic enterotoxin act and aerolysin aer were detected. Different genotypes based on virulence gene clustering suggested varied mechanisms used by Aeromonas to colonize and infect or to mutualistically co-exist with the fish. Acquired multiple antibiotic resistance was found in a single A. veronii isolate. All were susceptible to enrofloxacin, oxolinic acid, florfenicol, and chloramphenicol. Tetracycline and sulfonamide resistances and class 1 integron were detected in three A. veronii isolates.

Conclusion

Several strains of motile aeromonads, especially A. veronii, which have varied genotypes based on virulence, biochemical profile, and antibiotic resistance, are involved in MAS in natural disease outbreaks in farmed Nile tilapia in the Philippines.
The application of demographic characteristics of Ectropis grisescens (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in pest risk assessment of IPM
Authors: Shi Fan , Ma Xu , Lin Chang-Jin , Gao Xiao-Han , Wang Xing-Yu , Kuang Yang-Fan , Wang Lin-Lin , Li Shitang , Lin Changlu , Chen Li-Lin
Published: November 2023

Ectropis grisescens Warren is one of the most important pests of tea plants. In this study, data on the development, survival, and fecundity of E. grisescens were collected at 15, 22, and 32 °C and analyzed by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. At 15 °C, the duration of the preadult period of E. grisescens was significantly prolonged (81.06 days), with high mortality (69.0%), and the proportion of emerged female adults was extremely low (7.0%). At 32 °C, the preadult period was significantly shortened (29.12 days), with high preadult mortality (74.0%), and a low proportion of emerged female adults (15.0%). At 22 °C, with low preadult mortality (24.0%), and a high proportion of emerged female adults (26.0%). The overall effects of the shorter preadult duration, higher preadult survival rate, higher proportion of emerged female adults, higher fecundity (F = 350.88 eggs/♀), and higher net reproductive rate (R0 = 91.23 offspring/individual) at 22 °C resulted in the highest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.1054 days−1) and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.1112 days−1). Computer simulation showed that E. grisescens populations can increase much faster at 22 °C than at 15 and 32 °C. The weighted population size and cumulative weighted insect-days provided the dynamics necessary for estimating the damage potential of E. grisescens in devising economical pest management programs. Our results demonstrate that populations of E. grisescens were able to develop at a broad range of temperatures and adapt to the high temperatures. These finding can be utilized to improve the management of E. grisescens.