bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thought contagion? Conspiracy beliefs boost paranoid thoughts
Authors: Molenda Zuzanna , Marchlewska Marta , Karakula Adam , Podsiadłowski Wojciech , Rogoza Marta , Bagrowska Paulina , Szczepańska Dagmara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractConspiracy theories accusing specific groups of secret malevolent actions can foster a perception of the world as a dangerous place. In our research, we contend that both adherence and exposure to conspiracy beliefs can serve as a potential cause of certain psychological problems in the form of paranoid thoughts. This hypothesis was tested in three studies conducted among Polish and British participants. In Study 1 (longitudinal, N = 603), we found that conspiracy beliefs exerted a positive overtime effect on paranoid thoughts. Experimental studies 2 (N = 384) and 3 (N = 445), showed that being exposed to conspiracy theories (vs. control stimuli) heightened paranoid thoughts. In Study 3, we proposed a potential mechanism explaining this effect, according to which exposure to conspiracies increased paranoid thoughts via only negative intense emotions. Our work adds to the discussion on the consequences of conspiracy beliefs and has implications for mental health research, underlining the importance of designing interventions limiting the adverse effects of conspiracy beliefs.
Microbiome of psyllids of the family Aphalaridae, including Aphalara itadori, a biocontrol agent against Reynoutria spp.
Authors: Nishino Kyosuke , Inoue Hiromitsu , Hirose Yuu , Nakabachi Atsushi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSeveral European and North American countries have started releasing the Japanese knotweed psyllid, Aphalara itadori (Shinji) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), to control the Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (Polygonaceae), and its relatives, which are among the worst invasive exotic plants. However, establishing populations of the currently released strains in the field has not been successful, desiring newly collected lineages. Moreover, little is known about the microbiome of the current strains, which potentially impacts properties as biocontrol agents. Hence, this study analyzed the microbiota of an A. itadori strain newly collected on Honshu Island, Japan, along with related species of the family Aphalaridae, using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The localization of symbionts identified in A. itadori was further analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The results demonstrated that the A. itadori bacteriome, a specialized organ for microbial symbiosis, maintains a dual symbiotic system with the primary symbiont “Candidatus Carsonella ruddii” (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales: Halomonadaceae) and the secondary symbiont Sodalis sp. (Gammaproteobacteria: Enterobacterales: Pectobacteriaceae), suggesting that they are evolutionarily stable obligate mutualists for A. itadori. The central area of the bacteriome containing Sodalis comprised uninucleate bacteriocytes with nuclei larger than those of bacteriocytes harboring Carsonella. This observation contrasted previous reports on various psyllid lineages in which secondary symbionts are housed in a central syncytium with nuclei smaller than those of bacteriocytes for Carsonella. No known plant pathogens or parasitic manipulators of insect reproduction were identified in the analyzed A. itadori strain, indicating its suitability as a biocontrol agent, posing a minimum risk to the ecosystem. Besides distinct Carsonella lineages, Sodalis independently acquired by Craspedolepta miyatakeai Klimaszewski and an ambiguous Enterobacterales symbiont in Epheloscyta kalopanacis Loginova were identified. Only Carsonella was found in Togepsylla matsumurana Kuwayama. These results indicate repeated infections and replacements of bacterial symbionts during the evolution of Psylloidea, providing deeper insights into the microbe‐psyllid interactions.
Weighting Content Specifications for the National Medical Licensing Examination via Group Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Hong Xiaomei , Jiang Zhehan , Liu Hanyu , Cai Fen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractJob and practice analysis is a commonly used method for determining examination content specifications. However, difficulties arise when many domains are present, as mainstream approaches do not fully adhere to the essence of the weighing process, namely a “comparison‐evaluation‐decision” framework for assigning percentage values to the content. Stemming from the principle of comparing multiple criteria for making decisions, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides an appropriate solution that circumvents the aforementioned obstacle. We propose using an extended version of AHP called Group AHP (GAHP) to weight content specifications for standardized medical education assessment. Specifically, GAHP is integrated with the Delphi method and expected to aid exam developers in integrating feedback from diverse experienced physicians when determining content specifications for the National Medical Licensing Examination (NMLE) in China. The complete flow of the proposed approach was demonstrated in this study with an application to the NMLE.
First report of the ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh, 1931) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Northern Italy and first observation of its association with the parasitoid wasp Encarsia hispida De Santis, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Europe
Authors: Zugno M. , Tapparo A. , Colombini M. , Galimberti G. , Sacchi S. , Siena F. , Cavagna B. , Ciampitti M. , Giordano L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn February 2024, the ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh, 1931) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was first reported in a tropical greenhouse and inside a private house in Northern Italy (Vertemate con Minoprio and Monza, respectively – Lombardy Region). The observed ficus whiteflies caused severe defoliation on different Ficus species including Ficus benjamina and Ficus retusa. Several third and fourth larval instars of Singhiella simplex were associated with the parasitoid wasp Encarsia hispida De Santis, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Morphological and molecular analyses were performed to identify both S. simplex and E. hispida. Based on current knowledge, this is the first report of the ficus whitefly in Northern Italy as well as the first observation of its association with the parasitoid wasp E. hispida in Europe.
First report of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) in Romania
Authors: Cean M. , Taddei A. , Gottsberger R. A. , Reisenzein H. , Georgescu E. I. V. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSpodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and has spread to Africa, Asia, Oceania and, more recently, to Europe. This paper provides the first official report of S. frugiperda in Romania. In the southern part of the country, adults of this species were caught in a pheromone trap in November 2023. The identification of fall armyworm was carried out at a morphological and molecular level. Barcode sequences of the Romanian specimens were obtained. No damage was observed in the fields surrounding the trap where the pest was captured. A brief description and information on the economic importance of S. frugiperda are given, mainly for maize, taking into consideration the major importance of this crop in Romania and for the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization region.
Gender inequality, institutional quality and economic outcomes in the European Union
Authors: Nam Hyun‐Jung , Ryu Doojin , Szilagyi Peter G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOur model, which analyses multi‐decade annual data from the European Union, suggests that gender inequality mediates the relationship between institutional quality and economic outcomes. We find that institutional quality significantly influences these outcomes, with positive associations with trade and per capita GDP, and negative associations with innovation. Institutional quality positively (negatively) impacts labour force (educational) inequality. Institutions prioritize reducing labour force inequality to boost trade and per capita GDP but struggle to address educational inequality, which does not similarly contribute to economic growth. Whereas labour force inequality negligibly impacts innovation, educational inequality significantly impedes it.
AP collagen peptides (APCPs) promote hair growth by activating the GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway and improve hair condition
Authors: Lee Jung Ok , Kim Yujin , Lee Jung Min , Suk Jang Mi , Jung Inhee , Choi Sun Young , Yoo Kwang Ho , Seok Joon , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAP collagen peptides (APCPs) are enzymatically decomposed collagen peptides that contain tri‐peptides such as glycine‐proline‐hydroxyproline. We found that APCPs increased the proliferation of both human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and human outer root sheath cells (hORSCs). APCPs also stimulated the secretion of several growth factors, including IGFBP‐6, PDGF‐AB, PIGF and VEGF in hDPCs. Moreover, APCPs enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt(Ser473), GSK‐3β(Ser9) and β‐catenin(Ser675), indicating the activation of the GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Ex vivo culture of human hair follicles (hHFs) tissue and in vivo patch assay revealed that APCPs promoted the elongation of hHFs and the induction of new hair shafts. In a mouse model, APCPs significantly promoted the transition from telogen to anagen phase and prolonged anagen phase, resulting in increased hair growth. APCPs also improved the thickness, amino acid content (cystine and methionine) and roughness of mouse hair. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that APCPs accelerate hair growth and contribute to overall hair health. Therefore, APCPs have the potential to be utilized as a food supplement and ingredient for preventing hair loss and maintaining hair health.
Understanding the Preferences and Considerations of the Public Towards Risk‐Stratified Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Insights From Think‐Aloud Interviews Based on a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Dennison Rebecca A. , Clune Reanna J. , Morris Stephen , Thomas Chloe , Usher‐Smith Juliet A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTContextRisk stratification has been suggested as a strategy for improving cancer screening. Any changes to existing programmes must be acceptable to the public.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the preferences and considerations of individuals relating to the introduction of different risk‐based strategies to determine eligibility for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.Study DesignParticipants completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) within online interviews. Nine conjoint‐analysis tasks were created, each with two potential CRC screening programmes. The attributes included personal risk of CRC, screening invitation strategy and impact. Participants chose between programmes while thinking aloud and sharing their thoughts. Transcripts were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.ParticipantsTwenty participants based in England aged 40–79 years without previous cancer history or medical expertise.ResultsWhen choosing between programmes, participants first and primarily looked to prioritise saving lives. The harms associated with screening were viewed as a surprise but also felt by most to be inevitable; the benefits frequently outweighed, therefore, harms were considered less important. Risk stratification using individual characteristics was considered a nuanced approach to healthcare, which tended to be preferred over the age‐alone model. Detailed personal risk information could be taken more seriously than non‐personalised information to motivate behaviour change. Although it had minimal impact on decision‐making, not diverting resources for screening from elsewhere was valued. Individuals who chose not to provide health information were considered irresponsible, while it was important that those with no information to provide should not lose out.ConclusionRisk‐stratified CRC screening is generally aligned with public preferences, with decisions between possible stratification strategies dominated by saving lives. Even if attributes including risk factors, risk stratification strategy and risk communication contributed less to the overall decision to select certain programmes, some levels more clearly fulfilled public values; therefore, all these factors should be taken into consideration when redesigning and communicating CRC screening programmes.Patient or Public ContributionThe primary data source for this study is interviews with 20 members of the public (current, past or future CRC screening invitees). Two public representatives contributed to planning this study, particularly the DCE.
Study on filament deflection in lattice porous structures fabricated through direct ink writing
Authors: Zhu Kai , Zhao Xiang , Hao Mingxuan , Yang Daoyuan , Yuan Huiyu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDirect ink writing (DIW) technology supersedes traditional mold‐based forming methods, significantly enhancing the fabrication of personalized and customized products with complex structures. This technology particularly excels in achieving precise control over the porosity of porous constructs. This study employs inorganic Al2O3 as raw material, sodium hexametaphosphate as dispersing agent, and inorganic SiO2 micropowder as binding medium to fabricate lattice porous structures. One challenge encountered is the viscoelastic behavior of the extruded filament. When spanning the unsupported segments of the lower layer, the upper extruded filaments are susceptible to deflection or collapse, adversely affecting the porosity and dimensional fidelity of the final specimens. Experimental results revealed that a larger span and smaller modulus will cause the extruded filament to be more prone to deformation at the midpoint. The introduction of 2 wt% polyethylene glycol as a plasticizer mitigates this issue, ensuring nondeflection of the extruded filaments at a span of 6 mm. The deflection model for the extruded filament about span and modulus identifies the minimum modulus necessary to prevent or minimize deflection under given spans, which closely approximates our experimental findings, offering a valuable framework for guiding the production of high‐precision, porosity‐controlled porous structures.
Novel approach for predicting the creep behavior of ceramic fibers using dimensional analysis
Authors: Berman Renan Belli , Almeida Renato Saint Martin , Azmah Hanim Mohamed Ariff , de Pieri Edson Roberto , Al‐Qureshi Hazim Ali 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA more generalized approach for predicting the steady‐state creep rate of ceramic fibers under extensive stress ranges is proposed. Creep rate equations derived from dimensional analysis, such as Almeida's creep equation and Arrhenius’ creep equation, were evaluated using Buckingham's method, and the corresponding π groups were determined. Subsequently, a new equation is proposed using the usual semi‐empirical constants for the diffusional and power law creep phenomena, along with an additional power law exponent to account for changes in creep mechanisms at higher stresses. The proposed equation was used to fit the creep rate data of the fiber Nextel 720 at various temperatures and constant stress, which demonstrated a good fit with an adjusted R‐squared of .96. Subsequently, the equation was used to predict the creep rate at constant temperature and various stresses, exhibiting an adjusted R‐squared of .77 and .85, depending on the scatter of the used data. The predictive results of the proposed equation were then compared to those obtained using the Arrhenius creep equation, which tends to higher rates at high stresses. In summary, the novel equation can be more efficiently applied in predicting the creep rate of ceramic fibers across a broader spectrum of stress.
“My baby is ready to learn”—The role of infant pointing in redirecting maternal responses to be more informative
Authors: Orr Edna , Kashy Rosenbaum Gabriela 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCaregivers may perceive pointing as an indication of infants' readiness to learn, thereby increasing their tendency to label objects regardless of the infant's gesture type and context. This was investigated in this study by tracking 35 infants at home at the ages of 11 and 13 months and observing their interactions with their mothers during object manipulation. We focused on four types of communicative gestures: typical giving gestures, gestures contingent on exploration, gestures contingent on play, and pointing. We analyzed maternal response tendencies, including affirmation, naming, discourse, and pretense. The results revealed that when infants reached the age of 13 months, they tripled their pointing production; in turn, the maternal response changed entirely, with naming becoming the preferred response to all types of gestures. Furthermore, when infants were 13 months old and offered an object contingent on play acts, mothers increased their pretense acts sevenfold. Based on the most informative responses to infants among those examined, we argue that an increase in the number of pointing gestures may gradually be associated with the establishment of the maternal perception that an infant is ready to learn and a subsequent increase in naming and pretense production by the mother.
Year‐round sampling of the fish community in a boreal lake: differences between summer and winter influence estimates of species composition, catch, and fish size
Authors: Eerola Emmi S. , Megyeri Eszter , Piro Alexander J. , Hayden Brian , Kahilainen Kimmo K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBoreal lakes experience pronounced seasonal variation in abiotic factors, especially light, temperature, and oxygen. A deep boreal humic lake was sampled year‐round to test putative changes in total fish catch, species composition, catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE), habitat use, fish size, and condition. Monthly sampling was conducted in Lake Pääjärvi, southern Finland, during one full year in 2020–2021 as well as in March and August 2021 and 2022. The fish community was dominated by cyprinid species in all months, but the percentage of percid fish caught increased during the warm summer period. Most fish were caught in littoral habitats and the highest catches occurred in summer, but some species (e.g., ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernua, and pikeperch, Sander lucioperca) remained abundant in the winter catch. The body size of fish was larger in the winter catch, while condition factor was higher in summer for most species. Fish species proportions in total catch, CPUE, and average size of fish were closest to the annual mean values in September, which may be used as the optimal period to monitor fish communities of similar deep boreal lakes. Our findings highlight the need for year‐round research to reveal the impacts of rising temperatures and diminishing ice‐covered periods in fish communities and lake food webs.
Cervical cancer in Malaysia
Authors: Noor Mohamad Noor Azura , Omar Jamil 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCervical cancer is preventable due to effective screening to detect pre‐malignant lesion, and vaccination against its causative organism namely human papillomavirus (HPV). This review article described current situation of cervical cancer in Malaysia. There is decreasing cervical cancer incidence in the country, with age‐standardized rate of 10.3, versus 14.1 and 7.5 per 100 000 for worldwide and high‐income countries, respectively. School‐based HPV vaccination is part of national immunization since 2010, with yearly coverage rate of 83%–91%. The figure declined during coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic due to scarce vaccine supply and movement‐control order, resulting in about 500 000 students missing their course, with catch‐up program currently onboard. Opportunistic cervical screening program started in 1960s with cervical smear cytology, which is succeeded by HPV DNA screening since 2020. Cervical cytology remains indispensable screening method in healthcare facility without access to HPV test kit, and used to triage high‐risk HPV positive with abnormal cytology that require urgent colposcopy. Computed tomography is the main imaging modality to assess local and distal extent of cervical cancer. Primary surgical treatment for early‐stage cancer is performed by trained gynecologic oncologist, with long waiting list for radiation therapy in locally advanced disease due to limited available public facility. There is restricted access to targeted therapy due to high treatment cost. In conclusion, Malaysia is heading toward cervical cancer elimination through rigorous investment in primary and secondary prevention, and increase in public engagement with the support of government policy enforcement.
Effects of orthodontic aligners on the ecological report of awake bruxism
Authors: Colonna Anna , Lobbezoo Frank , Capelli Eleonora , Bracci Alessandro , Lombardo Luca , Pollis Matteo , Manfredini Daniele 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe demand for orthodontic treatment with aligners has recently increased, but their effects on awake bruxism (AB) behaviours have to be evaluated yet.ObjectivesThis investigation assessed if aligners can affect oral behaviours (i.e. tooth contact, teeth clenching, teeth grinding and mandible bracing) that are related with the AB spectrum.MethodsThe investigation was performed in a sample of 32 consecutively recruited healthy adult patients who required orthodontic treatment. The study protocol involved three different sessions of 1‐week monitoring without aligners, with passive aligners and with active aligners, respectively. All patients underwent an orthodontic treatment with aligners and used a smartphone‐based application for a real‐time report (i.e. ecological momentary assessment [EMA]) of their AB behaviours. Recording time was set from 8.00 to 12.30 and from 14.30 to 22.00. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the average reported frequency for each activity within and between the different sessions. The coefficient of variation (CV) was assessed to evaluate daily fluctuations within the 7 days monitoring periods.ResultsThe average reported frequency of the relaxed condition was 64.9%, 63.0% and 60.0% during the sessions without aligners, with passive aligners and with active aligners, respectively. ANOVA showed no significant differences in any of the AB behaviours within (i.e. between 7 days of evaluation) and between the monitoring sessions (i.e. before orthodontic treatment, with passive aligners, with active aligners). No sex differences were detected, except for the ‘tooth contact’ report that showed a higher frequency in females.ConclusionThe impact of our results in the orthodontic field is not negligible; clinicians can find support for the hypothesis that from a global point of view, wearing or not wearing aligners (passive and/or active) does not influence the frequency of AB behaviours at the short term.