bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Carbon Nanoparticles in Biochar and Sulphur as a Foliar Spray on Onion Plants: A New Orientation
Authors: Mahmoud S. H. , El-Tanahy A. M. M.
Published: November 2022

Biochar contains raw carbon nanoparticles. Water-soluble dried carbon powder nanoparticles (wsCNPs) isolated from leftover biomass (waste stems and roots) in agricultural land can enhance the overall growth rate of onion (Allium cepa L.) plants. Field experiments conducted in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 aimed to evaluate the effect of wsCNPs and sulfur as a foliar spray on vegetative growth, yield, and some nutritional values of onion plants. The biochar used in the study solution, namely, wsCNPs, was applied at 300, 400, and 500 mg/L incorporated with three levels of 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 g/L of sulfur (Thiovit, 80%) as a foliar spray. Results indicated that treated plants with all levels of wsCNPs and sulfur had significantly higher values of vegetative growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, yield, bulb quality, and phytochemical compounds compared with untreated plants. Using the highest foliar spray level of wsCNPs and sulfur obtained significant results for all evaluated characteristics among other levels. This increment was more pronounced when wsCNPs and sulfur were combined, indicating that spraying is a useful agriculture and eco-friendly practice for sustainable crop production.
Material properties and water resistance of inorganic–organic polymer coated cellulose paper and nanopaper
Authors: Solberg Amalie , Zehner Jennifer , Somorowsky Ferdinand , Rose Klaus , Korpela Antti , Syverud Kristin
Published: November 2022

Cellulose-based materials represent a renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic from fossil resources. Nanopaper is a strong and lightweight material formed from cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). Paper and nanopaper have been considered as excellent alternatives to plastics for use in agriculture and for packaging applications. However, common for both paper and nanopaper is their hydrophilic character, and consequently, poor water-resistance properties. ORMOCER®s are a class of inorganic–organic polymers with excellent barrier and protective properties used for a range of coating applications. Here we present ORMOCER®-coated paper and nanopaper. The coated papers and nanopapers are characterized, both in terms of their morphology, hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties. We demonstrate that the pressure used during the pressing and drying of paper and nanopaper influence their tear and tensile—properties, and that the morphology of the coated nanopaper differs significantly from that of the coated paper. While the ORMOCER® was impregnated within the porous network of the paper, a well-defined two-layered morphology was obtained with the coated nanopaper. Further, the biodegradability of the nanopaper with and without coating was assessed. The degradation study demonstrated that both the pressure used during the pressing and drying of the nanopaper, and the composition of the ORMOCER®, influenced the rate of degradation. Taken together, ORMOCER®-coated paper and nanopaper are promising for the preparation of materials that are both water-resistant, renewable, and biodegradable.
Composition, Structure, and Techno-Functional Characteristics of the Flour, Protein Concentrate, and Protein Isolate from Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Seeds
Authors: Rayan Ahmed M. , Swailam Hesham M. , Hamed Yahya S.
Published: November 2022

One potential avenue to increase the production of valuable protein ingredients for the food industry is developing vegetable proteins from non-traditional plant sources. In the present study, the composition, structure and techno-functional characteristics of defatted purslane flour (DF), protein concentrate (PC), and protein isolate (AP) were investigated. The results revealed that DF, PC, and PI contained low levels of moisture, ash, and fat. However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in protein content between DF, PC, and PI (32.9, 60.8 and 90.9%, respectively). The techno-functional characteristics of purslane proteins were enhanced by processing purslane flour into PC and PI products. Furthermore, the ratios of total essential amino acids to total amino acids in purslane protein samples were well above that stated for ideal food proteins. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated three subunits of protein in DF, PC, and PI. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that DF exhibited a compact-like structure; PC had a small, flaky, but porous type of particle, and PI had an intact flake-like structure. The FTIR analysis revealed that some alterations in the secondary structure of protein were occurred. In summary, purslane proteins can be considered new functional food ingredients with different nutritional and technological characteristics.
Predictive validity of an indicator of exposure to unfavorable ergonomic working conditions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Fontana Dario , Ardito Chiara , Costa Giuseppe , Boschetto Barbara , d’Errico Angelo
Published: November 2022

Researchers have long documented a significant association between exposure to unfavorable working conditions and poorer occupational health and safety. However, measures of occupational exposures are often lacking from national and international surveys. Drawing on research on job-exposures matrices (JEMs) and exploiting the Italian O*NET, we construct a new indicator of exposure to ergonomic unfavorable conditions at work (Ergo-Index) and we test its predictive power on the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Exploiting 5-years of administrative archives of the Italian National Workers Compensation Institute and running a set of negative binomial regression models, we find a very strong association between the Ergo-Index and the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Compared to the least exposed category (Ergo-Index < p25), the risk of WRMSD was 60–70 times higher in the highest exposure group (Ergo-Index > p75) for notified WRMSD, and almost 250 times higher for compensated WRMSD. Hence, the Ergo-Index strongly predicts the occurrence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders and could be used to assign work exposures in studies where occupation is available and for priority setting of ergonomic hazards control.
Development of the Patient Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 3.0: a qualitative study
Authors: Carrière M. E. , Mokkink L. B. , Tyack Z. , Westerman M. J. , Pijpe A. , Pleat J. , van de Kar A. L. , Brown J. , de Vet H. C. W. , van Zuijlen P. P. M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) is widely used for measurements of scar quality. This encompasses visual, tactile and sensory characteristics of the scar. The Patient Scale of previous POSAS versions was lacking input from patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop the POSAS3.0, Patient Scale with involvement of adults patients with all scar types, complying with the highest clinimetric standards.

Methods

From February 2018 to April 2019, a series of six focus group interviews were performed in the Netherlands and Australia to identify scar quality characteristics that adults with scars consider to be important. All focus groups were transcribed, anonymized and analysed using a thematic analysis. Relevant characteristics were formulated into items, resulting in a Dutch and English version of the Patient Scale. These drafts were pilot tested in Australia, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and refined accordingly.

Results

A total of 21 relevant scar quality characteristics were identified during the focus groups. Two distinct versions of the POSAS3.0, Patient Scale were developed. The Generic version contains 16 items and can be used for all scar types, except linear scars. The Linear Scar version of the Patient Scale contains the same 16 items, with an extra item referring to the widening of scar margins. All included items are rated on a verbal rating scale with five response options.

Conclusion

Two versions of the POSAS3.0 Patient Scale were developed. Further field tests are being performed to establish the measurement properties and scoring algorithm of the scales.
CEO power and CSR-linked compensation for corporate environmental responsibility: UK evidence
Authors: Al-Shaer Habiba , Albitar Khaldoon , Liu Jia
Published: November 2022

This paper examines how CEO power and CSR-linked compensation influences environmental performance. We investigate the role of CEO managerial power (proxied by CEO duality and the presence of executive directors on the board), and CEO legitimate power (proxied by CEO tenure), adopting three measures of environmental performance, including the environmental scores, carbon emission scores and a composite index assessing the level of a firm’s engagement in several environmental practices. Analysing a sample of FTSE-All-Share companies for the period 2011–2019, we find that CEOs who receive compensation from engagement in environmental activities are motivated to improve environmental performance. Moreover, newly appointed CEOs engage more in environmental initiatives, suggesting that they use it as a signal to mitigate career concerns in their early tenure, whereas CEOs with managerial power engage less in environmental projects due to the costs associated with them. These effects are stronger in firms with independent and diverse boards, firms operating in the environmentally sensitive sectors and non-loss-making firms. This study provides original evidence of the role of environmental-linked incentives and managerial power in managing environmental impact and optimising the environmental performance of their companies.
Effect of Pore Space Stagnant Zones on Interphase Mass Transfer in Porous Media, for Two-Phase Flow Conditions
Authors: Gao H. , Tatomir A. B. , Karadimitriou N. K. , Steeb H. , Sauter M.
Published: November 2022

Interphase mass transfer is an important solute transport process in two-phase flow in porous media. During two-phase flow, hydrodynamically stagnant and flowing zones are formed, with the stagnant ones being adjacent to the interfaces through which the interphase mass transfer happens. Due to the existence of these stagnant zones in the vicinity of the interface, the mass transfer coefficient decreases to a certain extent. There seems to be a phenomenological correlation between the mass transfer coefficient and the extent of the stagnant zone which, however, is not yet fully understood. In this study, the phase-field method-based continuous species transfer model is applied to simulate the interphase mass transfer of a dissolved species from the immobile, residual, non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) to the flowing aqueous phase. Both scenarios, this of a simple cavity and this of a porous medium, are investigated. The effects of flow rates on the mass transfer coefficient are significantly reduced when the stagnant zone and the diffusion length are larger. It is found that the stagnant zone saturation can be a proxy of the overall diffusion length of the terminal menisci in the porous medium system. The early-stage mass transfer coefficient continuously decreases due to the depletion of the solute in the small NAPL clusters that are in direct contact with the flowing water. The long-term mass transfer mainly happens on the interfaces associated with large NAPL clusters with larger diffusion lengths, and the mass transfer coefficient is mainly determined by the stagnant zone saturation.
Head arteries of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
Authors: Zdun Maciej , Ruszkowski Jakub J. , Hetman Mateusz , Felsmann Mariusz Z.
Published: November 2022

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a medium-sized rodent protected in most of Europe. The present study aimed to investigate and describe the arterial vascularization of the head of the adult red squirrel. In the study, 48 specimens of adult red squirrels were used. The first preparation method used in the study was corrosion casting using a stained solution of the chemo-setting acrylic material injected into bilateral common carotid arteries resulting in corrosion castings of the vessels on a bone scaffold. The second method was injecting liquid-stained latex into both common carotid arteries. It resulted in a stained arterial vessel on fixed soft tissue preparations. The main vessels providing blood to the head were paired with common carotid arteries that divide into external and internal carotid arteries. The internal carotid artery passes into the stapedial artery. After giving its branches, the stapedial artery exits the cranial cavity through the sphenofrontal foramen and enters the orbit. The suborbital and the mandibular regions were supplied by the maxillary artery, linguofacial trunk, and their branches. Description of the detailed anatomy of the head arteries in red squirrels may contribute to establishing diagnostic and treatment protocols for wildlife rehabilitation centers, which may be crucial since red squirrels are endangered by the spreading of invasive Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Europe. It may also contribute to veterinary care for other members of the Sciuridae family kept as pets.
DNA methylation is enhanced during Cd hyperaccumulation in Noccaea caerulescens ecotype Ganges
Authors: Galati Serena , DalCorso Giovanni , Furini Antonella , Fragni Rosaria , Maccari Chiara , Mozzoni Paola , Giannelli Gianluigi , Buschini Annamaria , Visioli Giovanna
Published: November 2022

In this study, we assess the DNA damage occurring in response to cadmium (Cd) in the Cd hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens Ganges (GA) vs the non-accumulator and close-relative species Arabidopsis thaliana. At this purpose, the alkaline comet assay was utilized to evaluate the Cd-induced variations in nucleoids and the methy-sens comet assay, and semiquantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR were also performed to associate nucleus variations to possible DNA modifications. Cadmium induced high DNA damages in nuclei of A. thaliana while only a small increase in DNA migration was observed in N. caerulescens GA. In addition, in N. caerulescens GA, CpG DNA methylation increase upon Cd when compared to control condition, along with an increase in the expression of MET1 gene, coding for the DNA-methyltransferase. N. caerulescens GA does not show any oxidative stress under Cd treatment, while A. thaliana Cd-treated plants showed an upregulation of transcripts of the respiratory burst oxidase, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity. These data suggest that epigenetic modifications occur in the N. caerulescens GA exposed to Cd to preserve genome integrity, contributing to Cd tolerance.
Examining the use of digital technology in schools with a school-wide approach to personalized learning
Authors: Schmid Regina , Pauli Christine , Petko Dominik
Published: November 2022

A growing number of schools have recently been changing their culture of teaching and learning towards personalized learning. Our study investigates how schools use digital technology to facilitate and promote personalized practices. Based on the answers of a student questionnaire from 31 lower-secondary schools with a personalized learning policy in Switzerland, we selected the three cases with the most frequent use of digital technology in the classroom. Using key categories of digital technology implementation to frame the analysis, we examined the differences and similarities regarding the contribution of digital technology to fostering personalized learning. A systematization of our analyses resulted in three different types in terms of how schools integrate digital tools into their daily practices: 1. selective use of digital technology according to individual teacher preference; 2. selective use of digital technology according to individual student preference; and 3. structural use of digital technology in accordance with a school-wide strategy. The findings provide indications for future research and practice with respect to an implementation of personalized learning that takes full advantage of digital technology.
Examining Potential Mechanisms of an Online Universal Prevention for Adolescent Alcohol Use: a Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Sunderland Matthew , Stapinski Lexine , O’Dean Siobhan , Slade Tim , Teesson Maree , Newton Nicola
Published: November 2022

Several universal school-based prevention programs, notably the Australian Climate Schools program, have proven efficacious at reducing and maintaining a lower level of harmful alcohol consumption relative to a control condition. Yet, there are limited studies investigating the potential mechanisms that account for the reduction in harmful alcohol consumption. The current study utilised modern causal mediation analysis to investigate whether several harm minimisation and social influence mediators could jointly account for the intervention effect observed in a large school-based sample. Four mediators representing knowledge, attitudes, normative perceptions, and self-efficacy to resist peer pressure were entered into a multiple casual mediation model using the potential outcomes framework. The results did not provide evidence for a joint multiple mediation model consisting of the hypothesised harm minimisation and social influence mediators. Additional research is required to further investigate the potential mechanisms underlying universal school-based prevention programs including social connectedness and cultural/environmental factors.
Trends in Temperature-associated Mortality in São Paulo (Brazil) between 2000 and 2018: an Example of Disparities in Adaptation to Cold and Heat
Authors: Roca-Barceló Aina , Fecht Daniela , Pirani Monica , Piel Frédéric B. , Nardocci Adelaide C. , Vineis Paolo
Published: November 2022

Exposure to non-optimal temperatures remains the single most deathful direct climate change impact to health. The risk varies based on the adaptation capacity of the exposed population which can be driven by climatic and/or non-climatic factors subject to fluctuations over time. We investigated temporal changes in the exposure–response relationship between daily mean temperature and mortality by cause of death, sex, age, and ethnicity in the megacity of São Paulo, Brazil (2000–2018). We fitted a quasi-Poisson regression model with time-varying distributed-lag non-linear model (tv-DLNM) to obtain annual estimates. We used two indicators of adaptation: trends in the annual minimum mortality temperature (MMT), i.e., temperature at which the mortality rate is the lowest, and in the cumulative relative risk (cRR) associated with extreme cold and heat. Finally, we evaluated their association with annual mean temperature and annual extreme cold and heat, respectively to assess the role of climatic and non-climatic drivers. In total, we investigated 4,471,000 deaths from non-external causes. We found significant temporal trends for both the MMT and cRR indicators. The former was decoupled from changes in AMT, whereas the latter showed some degree of alignment with extreme heat and cold, suggesting the role of both climatic and non-climatic adaptation drivers. Finally, changes in MMT and cRR varied substantially by sex, age, and ethnicity, exposing disparities in the adaptation capacity of these population groups. Our findings support the need for group-specific interventions and regular monitoring of the health risk to non-optimal temperatures to inform urban public health policies.
An urgent need for COP27: confronting converging crises
Authors: Falk Jim , Colwell Rita R. , Behera Swadhin K. , El-Beltagy Adel S. , Gleick Peter H. , Kennel Charles F. , Lee Yuan Tseh , Murray Cherry A. , Serageldin Ismail , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Yasunari Tetsuzo , Watanabe Chiho , Kauffman Joanne , Soderland Kurt , Elouafi Ismahane , Paroda Raj , Chapagain Ashok K. , Rundle John , Hanasaki Naota , Hayashi Haruo , Akinsete Ebun , Hayashida Sachiko
Published: November 2022

The last 12 months have provided further evidence of the potential for cascading ecological and socio-political crises that were warned of 12 months ago. Then a consensus statement from the Regional Action on Climate Change Symposium warned: “the Earth’s climatic, ecological, and human systems are converging towards a crisis that threatens to engulf global civilization within the lifetimes of children now living.” Since then, the consequences of a broad set of extreme climate events (notably droughts, floods, and fires) have been compounded by interaction with impacts from multiple pandemics (including COVID-19 and cholera) and the Russia–Ukraine war. As a result, new connections are becoming visible between climate change and human health, large vulnerable populations are experiencing food crises, climate refugees are on the move, and the risks of water, food, and climate disruption have been visibly converging and compounding. Many vulnerable populations now face serious challenges to adapt. In light of these trends, this year, RACC identifies a range of measures to be taken at global and regional levels to bolster the resilience of these populations in the face of such emerging crises. In particular, at all scales, there is a need for globally available local data, reliable analytic techniques, community capacity to plan adaptation strategies, and the resources (scientific, technical, cultural, and economic) to implement them. To date, the rate of growth of the support for climate change resilience lags behind the rapid growth of cascading and converging risks. As an urgent message to COP27, it is proposed that the time is now right to devote much greater emphasis, global funding, and support to the increasing adaptation needs of vulnerable populations.
Tracing mathematics engagement in the first year of high school: relationships between prior experience, observed support, and task-level emotion and motivation
Authors: Middleton James A. , Wiezel Adi , Jansen Amanda , Smith Ethan P.
Published: November 2022

We examined the relationships between different aspects of mathematics engagement for 285 students in their first year of high school in the United States. Path Analyses were used to trace the relationships between students’ self-reported prior motivation and appraisals of control and value of mathematics, perceptions of teacher support and peer support. These variables and observed teacher and peer support as coded from video by researchers, were examined as potentially impacting students’ self-reported in-the moment affect and task-level control and value appraisals Our results showed three key contributions. First, significant paths corresponded to relationships predicted by Control Value Theory (CVT) across a particularly robust set of variables and over the course of their first semester in high school. Second, results added further nuance by considering the objects that students’ in-the-moment emotions were directed toward, showing distinctions between positive and negative emotions directed at the mathematics task, students’ teachers and peers, and selves. Third, results more closely considered the impact of both observed and perceived aspect of support from peers and teachers in the classroom, in both its academic and social forms. Implications are discussed for theory and practice.
History of mathematics in mathematics education: Recent developments in the field
Authors: Chorlay Renaud , Clark Kathleen Michelle , Tzanakis Constantinos
Published: November 2022

Over the last 40 years, exploring the possible interrelations between the history of mathematics and mathematics education has gradually emerged as an interdisciplinary domain of educational research and practice, and entered a maturity stage during the last two decades. This development calls for an account of the general issues concerning the rationale and main themes underlying research and applications in its context, and the foundational issues addressed as a result of its interdisciplinary character. Therefore, after explaining the perspective characterizing work in this domain (what has been called the HPM perspective), we present the main themes along which current research is conducted and we analyze the main issues and concerns raised by current research in this domain, with due reference to recent publications. Papers in this issue further develop the key research strands shaped by these main issues and concerns from a variety of perspectives; in particular, papers address the theoretical points related to the interdisciplinary character of this domain (e.g., the role of history in promoting and developing STEM education more profoundly), and the design of innovative teaching approaches based on original sources (e.g., how non-didacticized resource material can motivate mathematically rich tasks without requiring too specialized knowledge in the history of mathematics). These papers also suggest fresh avenues for research, some bearing on potential methodological connections between mathematics, education, and history (e.g., the possibility of different readings of original sources that reveal the complex interrelations among historical knowledge, teaching objectives, and pedagogical practices), and some bearing on the implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of designs connected to the history of mathematics, in teaching at all levels of education (e.g., development of curricular material based on original texts, offering new learning opportunities in relation to core topics in university mathematics). We conclude with a brief description of each contributed paper.
Analysing the citizenship agenda in Mathematical Literacy school exit assessments
Authors: Graven Mellony , Venkat Hamsa , Bowie Lynn
Published: November 2022

Assessments, in particular high stakes assessments, impact the nature of teaching and learning. Given this, the goal of citizenship if seen as important needs to feature within high stakes school exit assessments rather than only as part of curriculum and assessment policy rhetoric. South Africa’s Mathematical Literacy (ML) curriculum foregrounds critical democratic citizenship. We analyse the ML Grade 12 exit assessments from their start in 2008 to 2020 to understand the emphasis placed on critical citizenship and how this emphasis has shifted over time. The literature base links critical citizenship orientations with reasoning and reflecting questions, so we focused on examination questions in this category. Our findings show shifts away from critical citizenship related agendas towards foregrounding a life preparation orientation for the self-managing person. Linked with this shift, we note a move away from general societal contexts towards more personal/individual contexts and moves from almost entirely national contexts to inclusion of global contexts. We noted movement from more open-phrased questions towards closed ‘check figure calculated is valid’-type questions. Assessment memoranda suggest assessors view these questions as reasoning items, eroding the critical citizenship agenda. While increasing numbers of students are taking ML rather than Mathematics, average performance stands at around 40%. This points to limited and diminishing access to mathematical reasoning and reflecting for critical democratic citizenship. The paper highlights ways in which analysis of examinations over time can provide a window into the presence or absence of the citizenship agenda in mathematics education.
Understanding Value Change in the Energy Transition: Exploring the Perspective of Original Institutional Economics
Authors: Correljé Aad , Pesch Udo , Cuppen Eefje
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we take inspiration from original institutional economics (OIE) as an approach to study value change within the highly complex assembly of sociotechnical transformations that make up the energy transition. OIE is examined here as a suitable perspective, as it combines Dewey’s pragmatist philosophy and a methodological interactionist perspective on value change, behavior and institutions, with technology figuring as a transformational factor. This combination overcomes conceptual and methodological shortcomings of alternative accounts of values. We will present the contours of an OIE based conceptual framework connecting nature, humans, technology, the economic process, society, culture and institutions and habits, valuation and behavior. We illustrate how to use this framework to examine and understand how environmental, ecologic, safety, economic, and social concerns about the energy transition are (re)framed as (new) values in the belief systems and habits of individuals and groups. Moreover, we will explore how that may give rise to collective action, via the institutionalization of such revised values in the procedures, arrangements, norms and incentives guiding transactions. As such, this approach allows us in a fine-grained manner to conceptually and theoretically understand the way in which values change in the energy-transition, as a complex interaction of technology development and social relations.
Default defenses: the character defenses of attachment-anxiety and attachment-avoidance
Authors: Richardson Emma , Beath Alissa , Boag Simon
Published: November 2022

Contemporary attachment researchers claim that attachment-anxiety is associated with a hyperactivating defense strategy while attachment-avoidance is associated with a deactivating defense strategy. However, to date, no study has comprehensively examined the basic patterns of specific defense expression in the two dimensions of attachment insecurity (anxiety/avoidance). To address this research gap, the current study aimed to assess the character defenses associated with attachment-avoidance and attachment-anxiety, incorporating a broad spectrum of psychological defenses. The main objective was to understand what differentiates attachment-avoidance and attachment-anxiety in defensive functioning. In this study of online questionnaire design (N = 250), university undergraduates aged between 17 to 65 completed the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR) and the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-60). The results show that the two dimensions of insecure attachment exhibit different defensive patterns. Regarding the main findings, attachment-avoidance uniquely predicted defensive isolation, and attachment-anxiety uniquely predicted the defenses splitting, projective identification, anticipation, acting out, passive-aggression, reaction formation, and undoing. Overall, the results indicate that attachment-anxiety is a significant predictor of global defensive functioning, over and above that of attachment-avoidance. One implication of this study is that the two-dimensional model of adult attachment may offer a promising framework for organizing psychological defenses. We discuss the significance of this concerning the future of the empirical study of psychological defenses. The discussion also considers the clinical application and relevance to attachment-based psychotherapy.
Theory and Practice of Teaching and Learning in the Classroom – Lessons from Indian Industrial Training Institutes
Authors: Schneider Sebastian , Wessels Antje , Pilz Matthias
Published: November 2022

In India, the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are a vital part the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. Previous research reveals that in addition to some other problems, it is the strongly theory-based training that impedes the transition of VET graduates into the labour market, and leads to a lack of work-readiness in young graduates. Since there is still little empirical evidence about the actual forms of teaching and learning in Indian vocational schools, this paper will examine how the learning processes in ITIs in Delhi, Coimbatore and Mumbai take place. To identify the relationship between the theory and practice of training, teacher interviews were conducted, in order to specifically examine the teacher´s beliefs and behaviours as well as classroom observations to supplement the interviews. The evidence gathered supports the thesis that ITI training is theory-driven and teacher-centred, that training is very often not practical and application-orientated, and most ITI teachers in the examined institutes have limited knowledge in the field of micro-didactics. Content knowledge and repetition of facts are more common than problem-based and learner-centred teaching.
The Dispersal of Bananas (Musa spp.) to the Americas in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Salas-Pascual Marcos , Cáceres-Lorenzo Teresa
Published: November 2022

The Dispersal of Bananas (Musaspp.) to the Americas in the Sixteenth Century.So far, studies on the spread of banana cultivation in the Americas during the first century of American colonization have given rise to several hypotheses that are not very well supported. In this paper we use different methodologies—ethnobotany, history, and linguistics—to explain how this process occurred and to resolve the doubts that have arisen about the presence of bananas in the Americas before the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese. To do so, we used philological databases comprising 7,850 documents, produced between 1492 and 1600. This work shows how the speed of the spread of banana cultivation and the presence of foreign varieties in the Americas can be perfectly explained in the light of the historical and ethnobotanical analysis of the accounts written by the inhabitants of the continents in the 16th century.

Expansión del plátano (Musa spp.) en América durante el siglo XVI.Hasta el momento, los estudios realizados sobre la dispersión del cultivo del plátano en las Américas durante el primer siglo de colonización americana han dado lugar a varias hipótesis poco contrastadas. En el presente trabajo utilizamos diferentes metodologías, etnobotánica, histórica y lingüística, para explicar cómo sucedió este proceso y resolver las dudas aparecidas sobre la presencia de plátanos en las Américas antes de la llegada de españoles y portugueses. Para ello empleamos bases de datos filológicas integradas por 7.850 documentos, realizados entre 1492 y 1600. Este trabajo muestra cómo la velocidad de propagación del cultivo del plátano y la presencia de variedades extrañas en el ámbito americano pueden explicarse perfectamente a la luz del análisis histórico y etnobotánico de los relatos escritos por los habitantes del continente en el siglo XVI.
Protection and Monitoring of Inanimate Nature in the Actions of Landscape Parks — the Example of Poland (EU)
Authors: Dmytrowski Piotr , Kicińska Alicja
Published: November 2022

The paper presents the legal protection status in the areas of landscape parks in Poland, whose current number is 126. The structure and effectiveness of provisions pertaining to the protection plans for landscape parks have been presented, mainly in the context of inanimate nature elements. It has been concluded that currently fewer than half of the landscape parks have valid protection plans and that their provisions and the level of detail vary greatly from park to park. After analysing the existing protection plans, it has been noticed that the provisions concerning the protection of inanimate nature elements constitute a definite minority in relation to the provisions concerning animate nature, cultural and historical, or landscape values. The consequences of the lack of regulations and actual actions in the sphere of permanent, organised monitoring of inanimate nature elements have been indicated. The paper also points out how the necessity for the park protection plans to obtain the status of a local legal act, at least in the part concerning broadly understood spatial planning, would be important and beneficial for the management of active nature conservation in the area of the entire landscape park. Furthermore, the paper underlines the importance of obtaining an appropriate amount of data from inventory and scientific research, as well as constant monitoring of animate and inanimate nature resources located in each of the parks.
Local Persistence of Large Benthic Foraminifera (LBF) under Increasing Urban Development: A Case Study from Zanzibar (Unguja), East Africa
Authors: Narayan Gita R. , Herrán Natalia , Reymond Claire E. , Shaghude Yohanna W. , Westphal Hildegard
Published: November 2022

Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing, tropical ecosystems, which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality. The carbonate-dominated habitats off Zanzibar were chosen for study due to potential water quality degradation in a rapidly developing tourist destination heavily reliant on its coral reefs. These reefs are largely unmonitored and subject to local and global stressors. A widely used method for assessing reef health, as an early detection method of ecological changes, is the application of large benthic foraminiferal bioindicators, i.e., the FoRAM Index. We expected to find poor water quality conditions in the unmanaged reefs supported by stress-toelerant (opportunistic) foraminiferal assemblages. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate values derived from untreated sewage effluent from Stone Town were highly variable (ranging 0.05–3.77 and 0.05–1.45 µM, respectively), moderate, and occasionally approached or exceeded critical threshold values for oligotrophic ecosystems. The analysis of total assemblages indicated an abundance of symbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera, dominated by prolific Amphistegina species, comparatively low-moderate diversity, high FI values (7.6 on average), and high coral cover. A water quality gradient was reflected by subtle assemblage differences, suggesting that LBF can provide early warning signals of benthic changes, indicating the importance of long-term monitoring programs in vulnerable, rapidly developing coastal ecosystems exposed to increasing pressures.
Anorexia nervosa as a disorder of the subcortical–cortical interoceptive-self
Authors: Lucherini Angeletti Lorenzo , Innocenti Matteo , Felciai Federica , Ruggeri Emanuele , Cassioli Emanuele , Rossi Eleonora , Rotella Francesco , Castellini Giovanni , Stanghellini Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Northoff Georg
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by a diminished capacity in perceiving the physiological correlates of interoceptive sensations, namely bodily self-consciousness. Given the neural division of self-processing into interoceptive-, exteroceptive- and mental-self, we hypothesize neural deficits in the interoceptive-processing regions in AN.

Methods

To prove this, we reviewed resting state (rs), task and rest-task studies in AN literature.

Results

Neuronal data demonstrate the following in AN: (i) decreased rs-functional connectivity (rsFC) of subcortical–cortical midline structures (SCMS); (ii) reduced rsFC between medial (default-mode network/DMN and salience network/SN) and lateral (executive-control network/ECN) cortical regions; (iii) decreased rsFC in mainly the regions of the interoceptive-self; (iv) altered activity with overall increased activity in response to sensory/body image stimuli, especially in the regions of the interoceptive-self; (v) lack of a clear task-related distinction between own’s and others’ body image.

Conclusion

These data may indicate that rs-hypoconnectivity between SCMS, as neural correlate of a reduced intero-exteroceptive integration resulting in self-objectification, might be linked to overall increased activity in interoceptive regions during sensory/body image stimuli in AN, engendering an “anxious bodily self.”

Level of evidence

I: Systematic review.
Genetics and Epigenetics of Manganese Toxicity
Authors: Lindner Sabrina , Lucchini Roberto , Broberg Karin
Published: November 2022

Purpose of Review

At elevated levels, the essential element manganese (Mn) is neurotoxic and increasing evidence indicates that environmental Mn exposure early in life negatively affects neurodevelopment. In this review, we describe how underlying genetics may confer susceptibility to elevated Mn concentrations and how the epigenetic effects of Mn may explain the association between Mn exposure early in life and its toxic effects later in life.

Recent Findings

Common polymorphisms in the Mn transporter genes SLC30A10 and SLC39A8 seem to have a large impact on intracellular Mn levels and, in turn, neurotoxicity. Genetic variation in iron regulatory genes may to lesser extent also influence Mn levels and toxicity. Recent studies on Mn and epigenetic mechanisms indicate that Mn-related changes in DNA methylation occur early in life. One human and two animal studies found persistent changes from in utero exposure to Mn but whether these changes have functional effects remains unknown.

Genetics seems to play a major role in susceptibility to Mn toxicity and should therefore be considered in risk assessment. Mn appears to interfere with epigenetic processes, potentially leading to persistent changes in developmental programming, which warrants further study.
Who is the biological patient? A new gradational and dynamic model for one health medicine
Authors: Friedman Yael
Published: November 2022

One Health medicine aims to improve health by focusing on the relations between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. However, One Health does not provide a clear idea of these relations, which are still represented as conceptually separated and not as one health, as the name implies. Inspired by holobiont research, I suggest a new model and conceptual framework for One Health that expands the notion of the biological patient by providing a gradational and dynamic understanding of environments, patients, and their relations. This new model conceptualizes humans and non-humans, individual organisms, and collectives, as belonging to one system that allows for more or less inclusive understandings of patients. As such, it resolves the conceptual tensions of different One Health approaches and supports the implementation of One Health as an interdisciplinary research field.
Biological activity of tannins extracts from processed Camellia sinensis (black and green tea), Vicia faba and Urtica dioica and Allium cepa essential oil on three economic insects
Authors: El-Aswad Ahmed F. , Aisu Justus , Khalifa Mohamed H.
Published: November 2022

Nowadays to move toward a more sustainable agriculture, use of pesticide alternatives that have positive effects and play critical roles toward reducing the use of pesticides should be used. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to analyze the bioactivity of tannins isolated from urtica weed leaves (U), bean hull (B), black tea (BT) and green tea (GT) against larvae of cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) using food mixing technique and essential oil isolated from onion against larvae of cotton leafworm, adults of rice weevil and houseflies using fumigation technique. The results showed that during the first week of treatment, tannins extracted from U had the strongest antifeedant activity with an EC50 of 33.034 μg/g followed by tannins extracted from B (EC50 = 47.839 μg/g). In the second and third week, tannins isolated from B depicted highest antifeedant activity (EC50 = 37.733 and 84.828, respectively). Furthermore, the isolated tannins induced notable larval growth inhibition on S littoralis. On the other hand, mortality percentage of onion essential oil on tested insects clearly increased with both increased concentration and exposure time. The LC50 (μg/cm3) at 30 min reflected that the essential oil had a greater toxicity to cotton leafworm with a LC50 = 2.15 μg/cm3 while least toxic to house flies (LC50 = 16.09). The repellency action based on LT50 values was seen to be highly effective in houseflies (LT50 = 1.85 min). The results demonstrated that tannins and essential oil could be applicable in the management of insect pests to decrease ecologically detrimental effects of synthetic insecticides.
Confidence Levels or Degrees of Sentience?
Authors: Veit Walter
Published: November 2022

I applaud recent improvements upon previous guidelines for the assessment of pain in non-human species and the application of their framework towards decapod crustaceans. Rather than constituting a mere intermediate solution between the scientific difficulty of settling questions of animal consciousness and the need for a framework for the purposes of animal welfare legislation, I will argue that the longer lists of criteria for animal sentience should make us realize that animal sentience is a multi-dimensional phenomenon that must be studied with a plethora of methods in order to assess its diversity across the tree of life.
Why is Communicating the Circular Bioeconomy so Challenging?
Authors: Giurca Alexandru
Published: November 2022

The circular bioeconomy concept has been around for years now, yet despite increased efforts to popularize it, the concept has so far gained little public attention. Communicating this concept effectively, therefore, poses an important challenge. This commentary synthesizes what is known, presumed, and still unknown about how to effectively communicate about the circular bioeconomy. It postulates that the circular bioeconomy communication challenge appears due to three main reasons: (i) one rooted in differing conceptualizations and competing discourses; (ii) one rooted in normativity; and (iii) due to several knowledge gaps in the communication process. These postulations are backed by examples from the growing body of social-scientific literature on the topic. Finally, it provides a series of lessons learned and some suggestions for future research on circular bioeconomy communication. The insights provided here are useful for environmental communications, and the society and technology scientific communities, as well as for policymakers, practitioners, and communication experts interested in effectively communicating the circular bioeconomy.
Age/BMI is a Stronger Predictor of Death in COVID-19 Patients than Age Alone: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al Balwi Wala , Al Turki Maha , Memish Ziad A. , Fakhoury Hana M. A. , Al Balwi Mohammed , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age and BMI on the risk of death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A cohort of 206 Saudi COVID-19 patients was included in this study. Data on age, BMI, hospitalization, comorbidities, and death were collected and analyzed. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. Out of the 206 studied patients, 28 died. Hypertension, cardiac disease, and hospital admission were predictors of death in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Moreover, age was a significant predictor of death, while increased BMI seemed to be protective at an older age. Therefore, a new score was suggested taking into consideration both factors, namely age/BMI score. Although older age was associated with death in univariate (OR, 1.09 [95% CI 1.05–1.12], p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (OR, 1.05 [95% CI 1.02–1.09], p = 0.004), a higher age/BMI score was a stronger predictor of death than age alone, in both univariate (OR 4.42 [95% CI 2.50–7.80], p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (OR 3.11 [95% CI 1.66–5.82], p < 0.001). Several factors appear to contribute to the risk of COVID-19 death. Interestingly, our new age/BMI score seems to carry a higher risk of death than age alone. This new score will be designated as the Hajeer score. Since this is a small cohort study, we recommend investigating this score in a larger cohort.