Intensive Sampling Research Articles

Quality Evaluation of Some Selected Commercially Imported Honey Available in Libyan Markets

The present work was conducted to evaluate the quality of ten brands of honey commercially available in the Libyan market. The moisture, color intensity, ash content, pH, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content were detected according to AOAC 1990-Official Methods and reference methods. The results were compared with Libyan Standard Legislation and the FAO's international standards.The results indicate that the color intensity of the honey samples varied, ranging from water white to dark amber. The study found that Australian honey in the UAE had the highest pH value, while floral honey from France exhibited the lowest. The moisture content ranged from 4.42% to 16.87%, and the ash content varied between 0.0037% and 0.287%. The results also indicated that the Spanish honey recorded the highest HMF value at 177.39 and 151.26 mg/kg, whereas Australian honey packed in the UAE had the lowest HMF value at 1.81 mg/kg. Some samples exceeded both FAO's international standards and Libyan standards.

Watershed: a more efficient sampling unit for mountain camera traps.

Wildlife camera trap (CT) surveys typically employ two-dimensional equal-area grid sampling, which often neglects the influence of complex mountainous terrain on species distribution, potentially yielding misleading outcomes. A watershed, incorporating diverse habitats from high to low elevations and from rivers to ridges, aligns with complex mountains. Monitoring based on watersheds might address this. In southwest China's mountain forests, under comparable sampling intensities, we contrasted the capture rate (CR), species richness, and relative abundance index (RAI) of dominant species among watershed, 1 × 1km² grid, and elevation gradient patterns. Also, habitat factor correlations and heterogeneities were analyzed. Results reveal higher CR, species richness, and habitat heterogeneity in the watershed pattern. The elevation gradient pattern shows more stable species and RAI than the grid pattern. In small-scale mountains, topographic factors indirectly affect CT survey results via vegetation distribution. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) indicates significant differences in species and community among watersheds. Using watersheds as sampling units for CTs can match the mountains' elevation differences and complex topography well, aids in capturing wildlife diversity and understanding mountain species distribution. Therefore, we recommend that the spatial sample design in mountainous areas should be based on watersheds, taking elevation gradients and topography into consideration.

Using the long-term genetic monitoring network ARMS-MBON to detect marine non-indigenous species along the European coasts

The increasing prevalence of non-indigenous species (NIS) in marine ecosystems poses significant challenges for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Advances in molecular techniques enable early detection and long-term monitoring of such taxa, especially when coupled with spatio-temporally wide sampling by networks such as the European ARMS Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (ARMS-MBON). This initiative performs standardised sampling campaigns using autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) along European coasts and adjacent regions, providing open-access DNA metabarcoding data sets. We tested the potential of genetic observatory networks to detect and monitor marine NIS by analysing all publicly available ARMS-MBON cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing data as of February 2024 using a customised bioinformatic pipeline. Screening against the World Register of Introduced Marine Species (WRiMS) and applying manual curation, we identified 63 marine taxa considered non-indigenous at one or more locations. This included widespread taxa and potential new introductions, such as Eucheilota menoni in the Adriatic Sea. We found no significantly higher number of NIS in samples from locations particularly impacted by maritime traffic compared to other areas. Our results suggest that the genetic observatory network approach is powerful for detecting and monitoring marine NIS, and that manual curation still is an essential step for obtaining reliable results. We recommend key improvements including more spatially intense sampling across diverse environments as well as enhancement of NIS reference checklists and genetic databases to ensure accurate identification of both known and unknown NIS across Europe.

Improve the visualization effect of fingerprint immunolabeling based on biotin-avidin system.

Immunolabeling based on fluorescence is a new technique that has been recently applied in the field of forensic science. In this paper, a new immunofluorescence method based on signal amplification was applied to develop fingermarks and improve the quality of pattern recognition with clear ridge details and high contrast. The high affinity between biotin and avidin and the one-to-many binding mode can connect several fluorescent groups together to achieve a signal amplification effect. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of the fingermark sample, as displayed by the biotin-avidin signal amplification system (BAS), was nearly three times higher than that revealed by previous immunolabeling methods based on fluorescence. Specifically, more fluorescent chromophores were bound to the friction ridges in BAS. Two proteins were selected as experimental target proteins for fingermark immunofluorescence visualization to optimize the visualization effect. The results showed that compared to keratin 1, dermcidin as the target protein in BAS achieved a more desirable effect, with 88.9% of the experimental samples left on nonporous objects having identification value. This method provides new insights for the development of fingermark spectra and is expected to become an effective and safe technology in the field of forensic science.

The practice of using varios methods of sample preparation for the X-ray fluorescence determination of macroelements in geological rocks, soils and sediments

To determine the content of macronutrients in rocks, soils and sediments, three methods of sample preparation were used by the X-ray fluorescence method: pressing powder samples; fusing in gold-platinum crucibles to obtain glass discs; fusing on graphite substrates followed by melting and tablet pressing. A detailed description of each of the methods used is provided. For fusion in gold-platinum crucibles, a ready-made LITHIUM BORATE FLUX (from the company CHEMPHYS) was used, its composition: Li2B4O7 (67%) + LiBO2 (33%) + alloying additive LiBr. For fusion on graphite substrates, powders of lithium tetraborate and metaborate in a ratio of 2:1, dried at 600°C. Random errors of the analysis are estimated: errors of sample preparation and intensity measurement. It is shown that in all cases, the total errors do not exceed the permissible level when conducting mass analyses of the III category. Standard samples of rocks, sediments and soils were used to obtain the grades, The metrological characteristics of X-ray fluorescence analysis techniques using each of the three sample preparation methods are presented. The residual standard deviations of the calibration dependencies are compared. The correctness of the analysis results was verified on three standard samples. The advantages and disadvantages of each sample preparation method are noted. The use of the simplest, cheapest and express method of pressing tablets from the source material is possible only if the content of elements in the analyzed samples does not exceed the limits of the calibration dependencies of this technique. The method of fusion in gold-platinum crucibles requires preliminary information about the chemical composition of the analyzed sample. The method of fusing on graphite substrates (followed by melting and pressing the tablet) is more versatile and has no restrictions on the composition of the fused sample. It is shown that the systematic errors of the method for pressed tablets exceed the errors of the methods using the second and third techniques. The work was performed on the AXIOS Advanced wave dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (PANalytical B.V., Holland).

FAP-positive activated fibroblasts are detectable in the microenvironment of endometriosis and correlate with stroma composition and infiltrating CD8+ and CD68+ cells

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Do activated fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP)—which is traceable in positron emission topography/computed topography (PET/CT)—play a role in the microenvironment of endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Activated fibroblasts expressing FAP are detectable in endometriotic lesions and correlate with iron and collagen content and infiltrating CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells and CD68-positive macrophages in the microenvironment endometriotic lesions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FAP-positive activated fibroblasts are found in various fibrosis-related pathologies and in the desmoplastic stroma of solid tumors; they can be traced in PET/CT but have not been investigated in the context of endometriosis, a chronic disease involving hormone-mediated repetitive tissue remodelling and fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We analysed a cohort of endometriosis patients (n = 159) who had undergone surgery with removal of endometriotic foci at our University Hospital (tertiary care center) between 2018-2024. All patients provided written informed consent. The median age of the patients was 34 years. In total, 245 samples from different locations were analysed retrospectively. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We investigated the expression of FAP and its relation to stroma composition and the immune microenvironment of endometriosis in 245 specimens from peritoneal lesions, ovarian endometriomas, deep infiltrating endometriosis and extra-abdominal lesions using conventional histology and immunohistochemistry followed by digital image analysis. Tissue within a radius of 500 µm of ectopic endometrium-like epithelium was analysed. To measure FAP expression in the perilesional stroma, a histoscore (H-score) was calculated. Masson trichrome staining was used to determine collagen content. Prussian blue staining for iron was used for age-dating of lesions. The abundance of CD68-positive macrophages and CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells within the microenvironment of ectopic endometriotic glands was analysed. Extra-lesional tissue served as controls. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Distinct FAP expression (H-score > 10) was observed in 84% of endometriotic lesions and in only 4% of extra-lesional controls. FAP expression was significantly higher in endometriotic lesions (mean H-score of 61.8) than in extra-lesional tissue (mean H-score 3.8, p < 0.0001). There was a significant (p < 0.05) association with collagen content when comparing samples with low (H-score < 100) and high (H-score ≥ 100) FAP expression, and a significant difference in FAP expression correlating with the tissue iron content when comparing strong staining intensity and negative samples (p < 0.0005) or samples with weak staining intensity (p < 0.005). Moreover, the abundance of CD8+ and CD68+ cells was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in samples with high FAP expression (H-score ≥ 100). LARGE SCALE DATA The data underlying this article will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study proves the presence of FAP-positive fibroblasts in endometriosis by immunohistological methods. However, to translate targeting FAP into endometriosis diagnostics, these results have to be compared to imaging data and FAP inhibitor (FAPi) PET/CT has to be validated in a structured way on a large patient cohort. Moreover, we show that FAP expression is intertwined with the immune cell infiltrate in the microenvironment of endometriosis. To explore and to understand mechanisms contributing to chronic inflammation, immune evasion and fibrosis, more studies including more immune cell subtypes and functional experiments, are needed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS FAP-positive activated fibroblasts not only impact the immune microenvironment of endometriosis and are linked to increased macrophage and cytotoxic T cell infiltration, as we showed, but could also provide new options for non-invasive diagnostic methods and an improvement of the diagnostic workup prior to surgery. FAPi PET/CT should be considered when exploring new diagnostic options in endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) “Clinician Scientist Program in Evolutionary Medicine” (project number 413490537 to FK). The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Error analysis and spectral reconstruction of an infrared static miniature interferometric spectrometer.

Scientific-grade spectrometers with high hyperspectral resolution and high spectral accuracy are desirable in miniaturized optical systems to maintain stable and real-time spectral sampling. Fourier transform spectrometers that utilize high-precision moving mirrors generally struggle to enhance their miniaturization and stable real-time performance. A static infrared spectral measurement method is proposed that uses micro/nano-optical devices as the core of static interference and lightweight imaging. The use of micro/nano step mirrors allows for the instantaneous sampling of spectra. By employing an array of micro/nano lenses, interference imaging for each spectral channel can be accomplished. The spectrometer's all-static micro/nano-optical structure results in a reduction in volume and weight of more than half. Enhanced precision in design and fabrication is achieved through optical error analysis via a full-linkage optical field transmission model. An image edge detection-assisted spectral inversion algorithm is proposed, and the sampling stability and reconstruction accuracy are verified. The repeatability accuracy of interference intensity sampling surpasses 2%, and the peak accuracy of the reconstructed spectrum exceeds the resolution.

Citizen science contributions to the investigation of extralimital tropical and subtropical marine fish distribution via Gulf Stream transport

ABSTRACT The Gulf Stream exerts tremendous influence over oceanographic conditions in the northwestern Atlantic as it transports tropical water to higher latitudes. While the meandering eddies and warm core rings of the Gulf Stream persist year-round, the seasonal warming of coastal waters in the northwestern Atlantic afford many young-of-year tropical and subtropical species temporary refuge through the summer and fall after Gulf Stream dispersal. Several aspects of this dispersal and its impact on coastal ecosystems are difficult to document. Due to the broad scale and intensive sampling effort required to survey these expatriated species, we used a citizen science platform to gather species observations. We analyzed over 1,200 reports of fish from 28 taxonomic families to describe extralimital geographic distributions, observation frequency, and phenological aspects of their dispersal. The influence of ecosystem dynamics and life stage-specific biological characteristics on the observed extralimital distributions of species is discussed. We found that citizen scientists gathered novel sightings relevant to coastal marine fish ecology through a variety of coastal activities, and complimentary to established research methods. These findings support incorporating crowd-sourced data to improve our understanding of marine species assemblages of the northwestern Atlantic.

Thermal Analysis Kinetics and Luminescence Properties of Y2O3-Coated MgO: Ce+3 Particles

Y2O3-coated MgO: Ce+3 particles with different precipitants were prepared by the co-precipitation method; the phase and morphology of the sample were characterized by XRD, TEM, and DTA-TG, and the apparent activation energy of the coated particles was studied by thermal analysis kinetics. The results showed that the precursors synthesized by single-phase and multi-phase precipitants were calcined at 1000 °C for 1.5 h to obtain Y2O3-coated MgO: Ce+3 particles with coating thicknesses of about 2.5 nm and 5 nm. The apparent activation energies of the precursor phase change in three stages were calculated using the Doyle–Ozawa method and the Kissinger method. The average values for single-phase samples were 95.61, 74.90, and 275.27 kJ/mol, while those for multi-phase samples were 74.90, 56.06, and 240.14 kJ/mol. The activation energies for the grain growth of the two samples were 30.56 kJ/mol and 26.27 kJ/mol. Due to the differences in activation energies at each reaction stage, the reason for the influence on the thickness of the coating layer of the two precipitants is that the smaller the activation energy, the lower the required synthesis energy. An increase in coating thickness indicates an improvement in the surface activity of the coated particles. Moreover, the luminescence intensity of the composite sample is significantly higher than that of the single-phase sample, and the luminescence performance is optimal when the Ce+3 ion in the composite sample is 0.3 mol%.

Assessment of MpoxPlex, a high-throughput and multiplexed immunoassay: a diagnostic accuracy study.

In May, 2022, the first global outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) occurred. In response, public health agencies in the UK have made smallpox vaccines available to individuals at the highest risk of infection. With mpox cases still being detected globally, novel tools are required to aid with diagnosis, serosurveillance, and the evaluation of immune responses following infection and immunisation with current and new vaccine candidates. Here, we describe the development of a multiplexed immunoassay, MpoxPlex, able to measure IgG responses to 12Orthopoxvirus antigens concurrently and distinguish between responses to infection and vaccination. Using the Luminex (DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy) platform, antibody responses to vaccinia virus (VACV) antigensB5, A27, and A33 and monkeypox virus (MPXV) antigens E8, B6, B2, M1, A27, A35, H3, A29, and A5 were assessed in serum from individuals after MPXV infection (n=24) and after vaccination (n=75) with modified VACV Ankara-Bavarian Nordic. Assay characteristics and cutoffs were calculated by fitting receiver operating characteristic curves to the median fluorescence intensities of these positive samples and negative samples that were run alongside (n=435). Pvalues were calculated using non-parametric Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn's multiple comparisons tests. Using the results from a combination of eight antigens, we were able to distinguish samples as either post-vaccination or post-infection from negative samples with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 95%.IgG responses to MPXV antigen A27 were able to distinguish post-MPXV infection with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 97%.VACV antigen A27 and MPXV antigens A29 and A5 provided little diagnostic advantage. With additional benefits over current serological assays, we believe this assay will provide substantial insight into the current global outbreak of mpox. MpoxPlex shows use for both serosurveillance and immunological studies of vaccination and infection. Grant-in-aid funding to the Emerging Pathogen Serology Group at Porton Down, UK Health Security Agency.

THE MATURITY OF MARRIAGE AGE AS A STRATEGY TO PREVENT PREMARITAL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SAMARINDA

Premarital sexual behavior has become a significant social issue among adolescents in Indonesia, particularly concerning the high rates of child marriage and unintended pregnancies. Despite efforts to promote Marriage Maturity to reduce these rates, its effectiveness requires further investigation, especially in the context of adolescent motivation to avoid risky sexual behavior. This study aims to explore adolescent motivation to avoid premarital sexual behavior by applying the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), which involves threat appraisal and coping appraisal in adolescent decision-making to delay early marriage. This research employs a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Informant consisted of adolescents aged 15-19 years in Samarinda City who had received information about marriage maturity. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with six purposively selected Informant using intensity sampling techniques. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation and documentation. Collected data were analyzed using QSR NVIVO 12 Pro. The findings reveal that adolescents’ understanding of marriage maturityis still limited, and the threat of premarital sexual behavior is perceived as low by most Informant. Factors such as perceptions of severity adolescents are quite good because they have seen firsthand the impacts of premarital sex. For response efficacy and self-efficacy in delaying the age of marriage, these are relatively high among adolescents exposed to PUP. This is because they have parental and peer support providing information related to PUP. Additionally, social environment, media exposure, and education levels shape adolescents' responses to marriage maturityas a protective measure.

Understanding tinnitus symptom dynamics and clinical improvement through intensive longitudinal data

Intensive longitudinal sampling enhances subjective data collection by capturing real-time, dynamic inputs in natural settings, complementing traditional methods. This study evaluates the feasibility of using daily self-reported app data to assess clinical improvement among tinnitus patients undergoing treatment. App data from a multi-center randomized clinical trial were analysed using time-series feature extraction and nested cross-validated ordinal regression with elastic net regulation to predict clinical improvement based on the Clinical Global Impression—Improvement scale (CGI-I). With 50% app compliance (N = 129, 8480 entries), the model demonstrated good fit to the test data (McFadden R2 = 0.82) suggesting its generalizability. Clinical improvement was associated with linear declines in tinnitus-related thoughts, jaw tension, tinnitus loudness, increases in happiness, and variability changes in tinnitus loudness and distress. These findings suggest that daily self-reported data on tinnitus symptoms is sensitive to treatment response and provides insights into specific symptom changes that occur during treatment.

Effects of maternal condition, disease status, and behavior on survival of juvenile bighorn sheep

AbstractNutrition integrates and interacts with a variety of biotic and abiotic factors that modulate performance of large‐herbivore populations. Accordingly, studying patterns of herbivore performance through the lens of nutrition can shed light on the complex mechanisms that drive population dynamics. We studied bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and their habitat and quantified relationships among 1) the foodscape (defined herein as spatiotemporal variation in the quality and availability of forage plants); 2) female behavior (i.e., use of the foodscape and rugged escape terrain), condition (% ingesta‐free body fat), and disease status (infection status and antibody levels); and 3) juvenile survival. We conducted intensive vegetation sampling and used generalized additive modeling to map the foodscapes available to bighorn sheep during summer (May–September) over 2 years in 2 population ranges in Idaho, USA: the East Fork of the Salmon River and the Lost River Range. In each study area, we used global positioning system (GPS) collars and field observations to monitor adult female behavior and lamb survival, quantified nutritional condition and disease status of maternal females in late winter, and used known‐fate survival modeling to test for effects of female traits and behavior on lamb survival. Adjusted R2 values for foodscape models ranged from 0.34 to 0.61. Collared females consistently selected rugged escape terrain in both study areas, but we found little evidence of selection for the foodscape. We did not detect any consistent effects of maternal space‐use behavior on lamb survival. In contrast, nutritional condition of females in late winter had a strong, positive effect on summer lamb survival: lambs born to females in relatively good condition (15% ingesta‐free body fat, ~94% probability of lamb survival) were roughly 4 times more likely to survive the summer months than lambs born to females in poor condition (5% ingesta‐free body fat, ~25% probability of lamb survival). In addition, whereas maternal infection with the pathogen Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae had no discernable effect on juvenile survival, lambs born to females that showed no sign of exposure (antibody) to M. ovipneumoniae (~99% probability of survival) were roughly 3 times more likely to survive the summer than lambs born to females that had mounted a strong immune response (35% probability of survival). Our work adds to a growing body of literature linking nutritional condition to juvenile survival and other key vital rates, and highlights the importance of efforts to better understand the role of nutrition in the context of disease and other factors limiting performance of herbivore populations.

The electrochemical modulation of single molecule fluorescence.

Recently it has been shown that electrochemistry, instead of using high intensity lasers, can be used to modulate the intensity of emission of fluorophores and even switch fluorophores between their ON and OFF states as required for single molecule localisation microscopy. This modulation of fluorescence does not necessarily correlate with direct oxidation and reduction of the dyes. Questions arise from this unexpected observation related to what is the electrochemistry that occurs, what are the important variables in switching fluorophores electrochemically and what range of dyes can be modulated with electrochemistry. Herein we seek to answer some of these questions. We demonstrate how to effectively modulate the fluorescence intensity of organic dye-labelled cell samples on an indium tin oxide surface using electrochemistry with redox-active mediators present in an oxygen scavenger buffer. We showed the electrochemical fluorescence modulation is sensitive to the applied potential and the excitation laser intensity, indicating the possibility of coupled photochemical and electrochemical reactions occurring. We also compared the electrochemical fluorescence modulation of representative oxazine, rhodamine, and cyanine dyes using ATTO 655, Alexa Fluor 488, and Alexa Fluor 647. Different dyes with distinctly different structural cores show fluorescence modulation to different extents. The electrochemical fluorescence modulation will be applicable in fluorescence imaging techniques as well as biosensing.

A faunal inventory of methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica.

The methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica support extensive animal diversity and offer insights into deep-sea biogeography. During five expeditions between 2009 and 2019, we conducted intensive faunal sampling via 63 submersible dives to 11 localities at depths of 300-3600 m. Based on these expeditions and published literature, we compiled voucher specimens, images, and 274 newly published DNA sequences to present a taxonomic inventory of macrofaunal and megafaunal diversity with a focus on invertebrates. In total 488 morphospecies were identified, representing the highest number of distinct morphospecies published from a single seep or vent region to date. Of these, 131 are described species, at least 58 are undescribed species, and the remainder include some degree of taxonomic uncertainty, likely representing additional undescribed species. Of the described species, 38 are known only from the Costa Rica seeps and their vicinity. Fifteen range extensions are also reported for species known from Mexico, the Galápagos seamounts, Chile, and the western Pacific; as well as 16 new depth records and three new seep records for species known to occur at vents or organic falls. No single evolutionary narrative explains the patterns of biodiversity at these seeps, as even morphologically indistinguishable species can show different biogeographic affinities, biogeographic ranges, or depth ranges. The value of careful molecular taxonomy and comprehensive specimen-based regional inventories is emphasized for biodiversity research and monitoring.

The Existence of Zingiberaceae Plants Under Forest Garden Stands in the Wan Abdul Rachman Grand Forest Park, Indonesia

Zingiberaceae plants have varying tolerance to shade from the canopy of forest garden stands. It is important to know about the existence of Zingiberaceae plants under forest gardens stands because these plants have important functions, both ecological functions in the ecosystem and economic functions for humans. This research aims to determine the species of Zingiberaceae plant, population density, distribution area, and level of dominance of each plant species. The data was collected through vegetation surveys using nested rectangular plots with a sampling intensity of 2.5%. The data collected includes the species of Zingiberaceae plants, the number of individuals for each species, and the species of trees as components of forest garden stands. Data were analyzed by calculating density (D), frequency (F), and importance value index (IVI). The results showed that the composition of forest garden stands consisted of 25 tree species, dominated by 7 species, namely langsat, durian, rubber, candlenut, nutmeg, stink bean, and jointfir. Under the forest garden stands, 16 species of Zingiberaceae plants consisting of 6 genera were found. The species of Zingiberaceae plants found include javanese turmeric, galangal, fragrant ginger, ginger, lempuyang emprit, tepus, shampoo ginger, zedoary, forest galangal, crepe ginger, temu giring, purpel ginger, cardamom, torch ginger, wresah, and turmeric. There are 2 dominant species of Zingiberaceae plants, namely lempuyang emprit and galangal. Lempuyang emprit has IVI of 27.90%, density of 1,583.3 individuals/ha, and frequency of 0.63. Galangal has IVI of 24.17%, density of 1,416.7 individuals/ha, and frequency of 0.53.

Rituals of motherwork through conversations regarding social media use: A feminist re-imagination of mothering

This study rests on the premise that motherwork is primarily embodied invisible work resonating with a sociological concept of articulation work. Articulation work as originally posited by Strauss (1985) considers social worlds in negotiated orders of managing and making-do with discontinuities. This involves conversations, often difficult to facilitate, that mothers do in their attempts to regulate their adolescent children’s social media use. Using an exploratory interpretivist approach to communication research and using the tools of feminist interviewing and focus group discussion (FGD) facilitating, this paper examined how authentic connections between mothers and their adolescent children are made possible in parental regulation of social media use. Thirty (30) mother informants were selected using intensity sampling. Guided by Carey’s (2009) Communication as Ritual Model and Kramarae’s (2005) Muted Group Theory, data revealed how authentic connections between mothers and their adolescent children emerge in conversations that covered following: a.) body, voice, and sexuality—a bridge over muddy waters; b.) housework, productivity, and functionalit—a challenge to old paradigms; c.) happiness and success—the convolution between the now and the future; d.) community, parenting, and family—the ambivalent “village”; and e.) influence, purpose, and value—the anxiety to matter.

Looking Into the Abyss—How Many Species of Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Are There? Their Remarkable Diversity in Costa Rica and Elsewhere

The biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) are one of the most species-rich families of insects on the planet with over 6,200 named species. However, their true diversity is unknown and this paper is the first to address the question. Our systematic study of the family in Costa Rica indicates that 192 species were present in a four hectare area of cloudforest at Zurquí de Moravia, at 1,600 m after a year of intensive sampling. Combined with a collection from a single Malaise trap at Tapantí for one year, about 40 kms away and also at 1,600 m, the total was 245 species with significant differences between the two areas and with the strong majority unnamed. This compares to 430 named species for all of Costa Rica and 1,314 for the entire Neotropical Region. Barcoding of 221,407 specimens from Costa Rica similarly indicates large numbers of unnamed species with 4,023 BINs present. On this basis, we project at least 5,000 species in Costa Rica and using ratios of named species here and elsewhere, we suggest that nearly 73,000 are present worldwide. Details from Malaise traps in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste also indicate various levels of endemism. Samples from Bolivia support an interpretation of high diversity. The diversification of the family was examined by comparing phyletic lineages, rather than merely comparing numbers of species in various genera, providing insight as to why some lineages are more diverse than others. Zoogeographic patterns of named species suggest stronger southern connections for Costa Rican Ceratopogonidae in both cloudforest habitats as well as the country as a whole, although many are also more broadly distributed north and south of the country. Comparisons between various collecting methods at Zurquí de Moravia indicate the efficacy of Malaise traps but also the importance of light traps and other methods in sampling adults of Ceratopogonidae. Phenological data from the Malaise traps in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste suggest some patterns of emergence of adults in Costa Rica, the first for any tropical country anywhere.

Gyroid Lattice Heat Exchangers: Comparative Analysis on Thermo-Fluid Dynamic Performances

In recent years, additive manufacturing has reached the required reliability to effectively compete with standard production techniques of mechanical components. In particular, the geometrical freedom enabled by innovative manufacturing techniques has revolutionized the design trends for compact heat exchangers. Bioinspired structures, such as the gyroid lattice, have relevant mechanical and heat exchange properties for their light weight and increased heat exchange area, which also promotes the turbulent regime of the coolant. This work focuses its attention on the effect of the relevant design parameters of the gyroid lattice on heat exchange performances. A numerical comparative analysis is carried out from the thermal and fluid dynamic points of view to give design guidelines. The results of numerical analyses, performed on cylindrical samples, are compared to the experimental results on the pressure drop. Lattices samples were successfully printed with material extrusion, which is a low-cost and easy-to-use metal AM technology. For each lattice sample, counter pressure, heat exchange, and turbulence intensity ratio are calculated from the numerical point of view and discussed. At the end, the gyroid lattice is proven to be very effective at enhancing the heat exchange in cylindrical pipes. Guidelines are given about the choice of the best lattice, depending on the considered applications.

Establishing reference ranges for circulating biomarkers of drug-induced liver injury in healthy human volunteers.

The potential of mechanistic biomarkers to improve prediction of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and hepatic regeneration is widely acknowledged. We sought to determine reference intervals for new biomarkers of DILI and regeneration, as well as to characterize their natural variability and impact of diurnal variation. Serum samples from 227 healthy volunteers were recruited as part of a cross-sectional study; of these, 25 subjects had weekly serial sampling over 3 weeks, while 23 had intensive blood sampling over a 24h period. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), MicroRNA-122 (miR-122), High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1), total Keratin-18 (K18), caspase-cleaved Keratin-18 (ccK18), Glutamate Dehydrogenase (GLDH) and Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF-1) were assayed. Reference intervals were established for each biomarker based on the 97.5% quantile (90% CI) following the assessment of fixed effects in univariate and multivariable models. Intra-individual variability was found to be non-significant, and there was no significant impact of diurnal variation. Reference intervals for novel DILI biomarkers have been described. An upper limit of a reference range might represent the most appropriate mechanism to utilize these data. These data can now be used to interpret data from exploratory clinical DILI studies and to assist their further qualification as required by regulatory authorities.