bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Harvesting Impact on Biomass Fuel Properties and Pyrolysis‐Derived Bio‐Oil Organic Phase Composition
Authors: Shezi Manqoba , Kiambi Sammy Lewis , Isa Yusuf Makarfi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThermochemical conversion of giant reed biomass during periodic variations has been carried out in a semi‐batch tubular reactor at 550°C. This study was carried out after the incineration of giant reed along the river banks. Four periodic variations, late spring (HS‐4), late summer (HS‐1), late autumn (HS‐2), and late winter (HS‐3) were considered to investigate the effect of harvest time on biomass fuel properties, pyrolysis product distribution, non‐condensable gas characterization, and bio‐oil organic phase (BOP) fuel properties. The considered biomasses herein had average calorific values of 18.86 ± 0.05, 19.73 ± 0.05, 19.23 ± 0.04, and 18.44 ± 0.04 MJ/kg during HS‐1, HS‐2, HS‐3, and HS‐4, respectively. The biomass, bio‐oil organic phase, biochar, and pyrolysis gas were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GCMS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), micro‐GC, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS). The organic phase of bio‐oil was isolated using a 125 mL separating funnel, allowing natural stratification of the immiscible phases. BOP yield increased from 5 to 11 wt% during HS‐4 and HS‐3, respectively. Higher heating values (HHV) of the BOP ranged from 19.4 ± 0.03 to 22.6 ± 0.02 MJ/kg in relation to the active growth stage and senescence‐dormant phase. Physical and chemical properties (TAN, density, viscosity, water content, and CHNS) and chemical compound groups of organic phase bio‐oil were analyzed. The produced BOP was rich in phenolics for all considered periods. The effect of harvest time showed that biomass and bio‐oil organic phase fuel properties are improved during the senescence‐dormant period. As a result, giant reed biomass should be harvested during autumn to avoid incineration that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and will also reduce the occurrence of artificial flooding.
Identifying Key Moments in Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of People With Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetes Health Coaches
Authors: Joyce Jack B. , Newbert Carolyn , Guess Nicola , Fryer Kate , Mitchell Caroline A. , Bespala Liliia , Morris Elizabeth , Aveyard Paul , Jebb Susan A. , Albury Charlotte 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveFor people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight, weight loss increases the likelihood of achieving diabetes remission. The aim here was to draw on the experiences of people living with type 2 diabetes and coaches who deliver type 2 diabetes prevention and remission programmes. This was done to develop a service that increases the proportion of people who achieve remission by identifying an effective weight management service.Research Design and MethodsA qualitative researcher and co‐researcher with type 2 diabetes conducted 37 narrative interviews with adults with type 2 diabetes (October 2022–June 2023) and 16 semi‐structured interviews with health coaches delivering type 2 diabetes programmes in England. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Participants were diverse in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, gender and years since diabetes diagnosis.ResultsFour themes were generated relating to moments in a person's diabetes care: (1) coming to terms with diagnosis, (2) lightbulb moments, (3) sustaining change as normal and (4) becoming expert/building confidence. These four themes were united under a high‐level interpretivist theme: ‘Same journey, different experience’, capturing the mismatch between a linear rigid care pathway described by coaches and the diversity of experience of people living with type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsCoaches and people with type 2 diabetes are aligned on their reports of key moments in adapting to diabetes. Participants’ desire for flexibility in their care contrasted with coach reports of rigid service provision. These insights may enable more people with type 2 diabetes to engage and adhere to weight management services aimed at diabetes remission.
Moving beyond tokenism: Sustaining engagement of persons living with dementia in identifying emergency research priorities
Authors: Sandoval Jacqueline , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Carpenter Christopher R. , Shah Manish N. , Dussetschleger Jeffrey , Dresden Scott , Ellenbogen Michael , Gil Heidi , Jaspal Naveena , Jobe Deborah , Vann Allan , Webb Teresa , Hwang Ula 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Geriatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network 2.0‐Advancing Dementia Care (GEAR 2.0‐ADC) aims to advance research efforts to improve the emergency care of persons living with dementia (PLWDs).ObjectiveTo support this objective, GEAR 2.0‐ADC convened a virtual consensus conference to prioritize emergency care research opportunities for PLWDs inclusive of perspectives of PLWDs to ensure identification of research gaps in response to their experiences and priorities. Inclusion of PLWDs as research partners is increasingly recognized as a best practice, however, approaches to facilitating consensus participation are lacking.MethodsBest practices for supporting the engagement of PLWDs in a consensus conference, applied across its three phases (pre‐conference, during the conference, and post‐conference), include: establishing a learning environment focused on research priorities before the event, presenting information in ways that align with participants' learning preferences while accommodating cognitive impairments, and providing multiple opportunities and methods for gathering post‐conference feedback from PLWDs.ResultsThese strategies were identified by PLWDs and care partners (CPs) through semi‐structured interviews, who were involved in the convening process, aimed at exploring ways to enhance facilitation techniques for participants.ConclusionAdditionally, these summarized insights aim to encourage the use of community‐engaged approaches in discussions and consensus‐building around research priorities in emergency care, particularly for PLWDs and their CPs.
The gut‐microbiota‐brain axis: Focus on gut steroids
Authors: Diviccaro Silvia , Giatti Silvia , Cioffi Lucia , Chrostek Gabriela , Melcangi Roberto Cosimo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThere are over 1000 varieties of steroids that have been reported in nature, including the endogenous sex steroid hormones (i.e., progesterone, testosterone, and 17β‐estradiol) and corticosteroids which are mainly synthesized by gonads and adrenals, respectively. In addition, an extra‐glandular steroidogenesis has been also reported in the brain and in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The reason why intestinal steroidogenesis and consequently gut steroids draw our attention is for the communication and interaction with the gut microbiota, which functions like a virtual endocrine organ, and it is also involved in the steroid production. Moreover, both GIT and gut microbiota communicate through neural, endocrine, and humoral ways with the brain, in the so‐called gut‐microbiota‐brain axis. On this basis, in this review, we will discuss several aspects such as (1) intestinal steroidogenesis and its possible regulation, (2) the potential role of gut steroids in physiopathological conditions, and (3) the role of microbiome in steroidogenesis and steroid metabolism. Overall, this review highlights new points of view considering steroid molecules as potential therapeutic approach for gastrointestinal disorders and brain comorbidities.
Real‐World Evaluation of Point‐of‐Care Testing for Hepatitis C Antibodies: Navigating Hepatitis C Elimination Effort
Authors: Yew Kuo Chao , Sim Alyssa Shin Yee , Hawkins Robert , Acharyya Sanchalika , Wong Gerard Daquan , Wong Samuel Wei Chong , Lim Yuan Heng , Yang Wei Lyn , Lim Wei‐Yen , Chow Angela Li Ping 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAn HCV elimination program aims to diagnose more than 90% of Chronic HCV cases. We critically evaluated the performance of a point‐of‐care test (POCT) using an HCV Rapid Antibody Test. PWID from 4 Halfway Houses (HWH) in Singapore were recruited from March 2022 to April 2023. Participants were concurrently screened for HCV via venous blood for anti‐HCV serology and using fingerstick capillary whole blood (FSWB) and oral mucosal transudates (OMT) for POCT, which were interpreted by trained personnel. A blinded study team member independently assessed images of POCTs. Of 207 participants, 37.3% were anti‐HCV positive. Compared to anti‐HCV serology, POCT performance on FSWB and OMT were: Sensitivity 81.8 (73.2–90.4), 74.0 (64.2–83.8), p = 0.014; Specificity 100.0 (100.0–100.0), 98.5 (96.3–100), p = 0.157. Sub‐group analysis of strict 30‐min pre‐test nil‐by‐mouth instruction in 103 subjects reported Sensitivity 77.5 (64.6–90.4), 77.5 (64.6–90.4) and Specificity 100.0 (100.0–100.0) and 98.4 (95.3–100.0). OMT positivity and false‐negative outcomes did not correlate with the sample analytical cutoff index signal distribution of anti‐HCV Serology. Inter‐class correlation between real‐time and imaging readings of POCT for FSWB and OMT at 20 and 40 min were Kappa 0.9666, 0.9674; 0.8803, 0.8940. Proper preparation and patient selection enhance test performance. Differences in oral fluid immunoglobulin secretion, oral pathology, age, and sample collection can affect POCT OMT readings. POCT OMT is promising in serial and self‐testing, complementing its convenience in testing.
Population Genetics and Invasion History of the European Starling Across Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Thompson Bryan , Atsawawaranunt Kamolphat , Nehmens Melissa C. , Pearman William S. , Perkins E. Owen , Pipek Pavel , Rollins Lee A. , Tan Hui Zhen , Whibley Annabel , Santure Anna W. , Stuart Katarina C. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe expansion of human settlements over the past few centuries is responsible for an unprecedented number of invasive species introductions globally. An important component of biological invasion management is understanding how introduction history and postintroduction processes have jointly shaped present‐day distributions and patterns of population structure, diversity and adaptation. One example of a successful invader is the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), which was intentionally introduced to numerous countries in the 19th century, including Aotearoa New Zealand, where it has become firmly established. We used reduced representation sequencing to characterise the genetic population structure of the European starling in New Zealand, comparing it to that present in sampling locations in the native range and invasive Australian range. The population structure and genetic diversity patterns we found suggested restricted gene flow from the majority of New Zealand to the northmost sampling location (Auckland). We also profiled genetic bottlenecks and shared outlier genomic regions, which supported historical accounts of translocations between both Australian subpopulations and New Zealand, and provided evidence of which documented translocation events were more likely to have been successful. Using these results as well as historic demographic patterns, we demonstrate how genomic analysis complements even well‐documented invasion histories to better understand invasion processes, with direct implications for understanding contemporary gene flow and informing invasion management.
An Early‐Life Disruption of Gut Microbiota Has Opposing Effects on Parasite Resistance in Two Host Species
Authors: Love Ashley C. , Nahom Mia L. , Gutierrez Jessica , Albert Lauren , Knutie Sarah A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTGut microbiota regulate multiple aspects of host health, including metabolism and the development of the immune system. However, we still know relatively little about how the gut microbiota influences host responses to parasitism in wild organisms, particularly whether host‐microbiota interactions contribute to variation in parasitism across host species. The goal of this study was to determine the role of gut microbiota in shaping how birds respond to nest parasites and investigate whether this relationship varies between host species. Both eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) are parasitized by blow flies (Protocalliphora sialia), for which larval flies feed on nestlings' blood. We experimentally manipulated the gut microbiota of nestling bluebirds and tree swallows by dosing nestlings with an oral antibiotic or sterile water as a control. We then quantified nestling physiology (haemoglobin, glucose, parasite‐specific IgY antibody levels), body morphometrics, and survival until fledging, as well as blow fly abundance and size. An experimental disruption of nestling gut microbiota increased parasite abundance in tree swallows, but decreased parasite abundance in bluebirds, which suggests that the disruption has opposing effects on resistance across host species. Furthermore, experimental treatment delayed parasite development and had variable effects on nestling body morphometrics and physiology across the two host species. Together, these results suggest that gut microbiota contribute to host differences in resistance to blow flies and can influence host–parasite interactions.
The transcription factor PpRKD evokes female developmental fate in the sexual reproductive organs of Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Yoro Emiko , Suzuki Seiya , Akiyoshi Nobuhiro , Kofuji Rumiko , Sakakibara Keiko 
Published: November 2024

Summary
The sexual reproductive organs of bryophytes – in which gametes necessary for fertilization are produced, namely, male antheridia and female archegonia – are formed from vegetative haploid gametophytes. In dioicous bryophytes such as Marchantia polymorpha, the genes within the sex‐determining regions in distinct sexual strains have been identified. However, in monoicous bryophytes such as Physcomitrium patens, how the two sex fates are specified on the same gametophyte remained unknown.
Here, we identified an RWP‐RK domain‐containing transcription factor in P. patens, PpRKD, as a factor required for the development of female organs, based on the absence of archegonia in loss‐of‐function Pprkd mutants and the specific expression of PpRKD in archegonia.
When ectopically induced, the expression of PpRKD resulted in the repression of antheridial development and the emergence of archegonium‐like organs. Furthermore, the young primordia inside the antheridial bundle displayed typical archegonial division patterns, suggesting that PpRKD confer female fate to antheridium primordia.
This study represents the first instance where the function of sex determination has been identified among RKD orthologs in land plants. This finding should provide a new framework for the molecular evolutionary context of the genes in the RKD family, considering the recent elucidation of their roles in algae.
Nietzsche on values
Authors: Huddleston Andrew 
Published: November 2024

AbstractValues, and a critique of values, are at the center of Nietzsche's philosophical work. He famously proposes to launch a “revaluation” of values. But this raises a number of philosophical questions about the nature of values for Nietzsche, and how he proposes to critique them. I will begin by tracing Nietzsche's descriptive psychology of valuing. Then I will look to Nietzsche's sociology of values: what is it for a framework of values to be ascendant at a given time and place? We will next turn to the mode of value critique that Nietzsche employs. Then we take up the question of whether there is an overarching value for Nietzsche (such as power or life, for example). Finally, I will turn to the question of whether such values might have genuine normative authority. In other words, is Nietzsche's evaluative schema simply his preferred outlook? Or does it have a more secure claim on the attention of others?
Influencing Factors of Self‐Management Behavior Among Chinese Patients With Chronic Disease: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Liang Zhiqi , Shi Yingying , Zhang Yunjie , Zhang Hanyi , Zhuo Yu , Lv Ningning , Gao Gexin , Li Jufang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimsThis study aimed to describe the self‐management behavior levels and further explore its influencing factors among patients with chronic disease.DesignA cross‐sectional study.Methods460 convenient samples of patients with chronic disease in Zhejiang Province were investigated using a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS‐6), and the Chronic Disease Self‐Management Behavior Scale between October and December 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe mean score of the self‐management behavior of the patients with chronic disease was 32.27 (standard deviation [SD] = 8.67). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that self‐management behavior among patients with chronic disease was influenced by the individual factor (frequency of health check‐ups), the family factors (number of children, spouse status, and family network), and the social factor (place of residence).ConclusionsThe self‐management behavior among patients with chronic disease was at a moderate level and needed further improvement. The self‐management behavior among patients with chronic disease was influenced by three kinds of factors. Specifically, for the individual factor, patients who had a higher frequency of health check‐ups reported better self‐management behavior; for the family factors, patients who had no spouse, few children, and a strong family network showed better self‐management behavior; for the social factor, patients living in urban areas had better self‐management behavior.
Executive policymaking influence via the administrative apparatus
Authors: Yackee Susan Webb 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElected chief executives in the United States—that is, governors and presidents—routinely attempt to achieve their domestic policy goals by influencing the decision‐making of public agencies. I provide empirical assessments of the two most frequently theorized elected executive influence tactics: political appointments and the centralization of agency decision‐making. Using an expansive survey of the leaders in over 1800 state agencies, observational and experimental evidence are used to evaluate the effectiveness of these tactics. I find that state agency leaders believe that the appointment of officials to key agency posts allows the governor to better achieve his or her policy objectives than centralizing decision‐making, and Republican governors are seen as more successful in using these tactics than Democratic ones. Overall, the results provide a real‐world sense of how one government institution—the elected chief executive—tries to steer the policymaking of public managers and the government agencies that they lead.
An information‐theoretic analysis of security behavior intentions amongst United States poll workers
Authors: Scala Natalie M. , Rajgopal Jayant , Mezgebe Yeabsira , Dehlinger Josh 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn light of recent events related to national elections in the United States, safeguarding the security and integrity of forthcoming elections stands as a critical national priority. Elections equipment in the United States constitutes critical national infrastructure, and its operation relies on poll workers, who are trusted insiders. However, those insiders may pose risks if they make mistakes with detrimental consequences or act with malice. This research analyzes a large dataset of 2213 responses obtained from a survey of poll workers and potential poll workers in 13 states. The survey includes the Security Behavior Intentions Scale, which has been previously established and validated in the security literature. We use the responses to assess poll workers’ intentions of complying with established security‐related practices. We develop a novel model using information theory to examine potential weaknesses in security behaviors and identify poll worker security practices to improve to ensure the integrity of our elections. We also recommend action items and countermeasures for states and localities based upon this empirical analysis.
Non-Synchronous Vibration: Characterization of the Aerodynamic Disturbance and Its Dependency on Local Tip Clearance
Authors: Tharreau Pierre , Hardy-Falch Magnus , Stapelfeldt Sina , Brandstetter Christoph 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Nonsynchronous vibrations (NSV) occurring near the stall boundary pose a major challenge to the design of safe and efficient compressors and fans. NSV occurs when aerodynamic disturbances which develop close to the aerodynamic stability limit couple with blade vibration. Despite its importance and a recent rise in research efforts, the exact nature of the aerodynamic disturbance is unknown and there are no robust modeling and prediction methods available. A characteristic parameter crucial to the successful prediction of NSV is the circumferential propagation velocity of the aerodynamic disturbance, which determines whether lock-in with a structural vibration mode is possible. This paper uses detailed aeroelastic measurements and coupled time-accurate simulations on the open-test-case composite fan ECL5, which was experimentally tested at Ecole Centrale de-Lyon in project CATANA, to characterize the aerodynamic disturbance and determine the mechanisms responsible for its circumferential propagation. As part of this, the influence of blade-to-blade variations in tip clearance size is investigated. The disturbance is identified as a vortical structure which originates in the tip clearance flow close to the leading edge and is convected across the passage to the trailing blade where it triggers the release of a new vortical structure. The tip clearance plays a crucial role in setting the convection speed across the passage and also influences the transfer mechanism across the blade. Overall, a larger tip clearance is found to increase the speed and strength of the disturbance in the subsequent passage. The implications of tip clearance variations for vibration are modeled and the results confirmed in the experimental analysis. It is shown that blade-to-blade variations in the tip clearance act as a form of aerodynamic mistuning, leading to vibrations in multiple nodal diameters.