bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entanglement entropy and the first law at third order for boosted black branes
Authors: Maulik Sabyasachi , Singh Harvendra
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Gauge/gravity duality relates an AdS black hole with uniform boost with a boosted strongly-coupled CFT at finite temperature. We study the perturbative change in holographic entanglement entropy for strip sub-region in such gravity solutions up to third order and try to formulate a first law of entanglement thermodynamics including higher order corrections. The first law receives important contribution from an entanglement chemical potential in presence of boost. We find that suitable modifications to the entanglement temperature and entanglement chemical potential are required to account for higher order corrections. The results can be extended to non-conformal cases and AdS plane wave background.
Post‐traumatic Splenic Injury Outcomes for Nonoperative and Operative Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gill Sabrina , Hoff John , Mila Ashley , Sanchez Carol , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: April 2021

Background

Splenectomies are widely performed, but there exists controversy regarding care for splenic injury patients. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature over the last 20 years for operative management (OM) versus nonoperative management (NOM) versus splenic artery embolization (SAE) for traumatic splenic injuries and associated outcomes.

Methods

A review of literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines through a search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, JAMA Network, and SAGE journals from 2000 to 2020 regarding splenic injury in trauma patients and their management. Articles were then selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria with GRADE criteria used on the included articles to assess quality.

Results

Twenty retrospective cohorts and one prospective cohort assessed patients who received OM versus NOM or SAE. Multiple studies indicated that NOM, in properly selected patients, provided better outcomes than its operative counterpart.

Conclusion

This review provides additional evidence to support the NOM of splenic injuries for hemodynamically stable patients with benign abdomens as it accounts for consistently shorter hospital length of stay, fewer complications, and lower mortality than OM. For hemodynamically unstable patients, management continues to be intervention with surgery. More studies are needed to further investigate outcomes of post‐splenectomy patients based on grade of injury, hemodynamic status, type of procedure (i.e., SAE), and failure of NOM in order to provide additional evidence and improve outcomes for this patient population.
Parameterized Forward Operators for Simulation and Assimilation of Polarimetric Radar Data with Numerical Weather Predictions
Authors: Zhang Guifu , Gao Jidong , Du Muyun
Published: April 2021

Many weather radar networks in the world have now provided polarimetric radar data (PRD) that have the potential to improve our understanding of cloud and precipitation microphysics, and numerical weather prediction (NWP). To realize this potential, an accurate and efficient set of polarimetric observation operators are needed to simulate and assimilate the PRD with an NWP model for an accurate analysis of the model state variables. For this purpose, a set of parameterized observation operators are developed to simulate and assimilate polarimetric radar data from NWP model-predicted hydrometeor mixing ratios and number concentrations of rain, snow, hail, and graupel. The polarimetric radar variables are calculated based on the T-matrix calculation of wave scattering and integrations of the scattering weighted by the particle size distribution. The calculated polarimetric variables are then fitted to simple functions of water content and volume-weighted mean diameter of the hydrometeor particle size distribution. The parameterized PRD operators are applied to an ideal case and a real case predicted by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to have simulated PRD, which are compared with existing operators and real observations to show their validity and applicability. The new PRD operators use less than one percent of the computing time of the old operators to complete the same simulations, making it efficient in PRD simulation and assimilation usage.
Challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic for perinatal mental health care: a mixed-methods study of mental health care staff
Authors: Wilson C. A. , Dalton-Locke C. , Johnson S. , Simpson A. , Oram S. , Howard L. M.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to explore staff perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health service delivery and outcomes for women who were pregnant or in the first year after birth (‘perinatal’ women). Secondary analysis was undertaken of an online mixed-methods survey open to all mental health care staff in the UK involving 363 staff working with women in the perinatal period. Staff perceived the mental health of perinatal women to be particularly vulnerable to the impact of stressors associated with the pandemic such as social isolation (rated by 79.3% as relevant or extremely relevant; 288/363) and domestic violence and abuse (53.3%; 192/360). As a result of changes to mental health and other health and social care services, staff reported feeling less able to assess women, particularly their relationship with their baby (43.3%; 90/208), and to mobilise safeguarding procedures (29.4%; 62/211). While 42% of staff reported that some women engaged poorly with virtual appointments, they also found flexible remote consulting to be beneficial for some women and helped time management due to reductions in travel time. Delivery of perinatal care needs to be tailored to women’s needs; virtual appointments are perceived not to be appropriate for assessments but may be helpful for some women in subsequent interactions. Safeguarding and other risk assessment procedures must remain robust in spite of modifications made to service delivery during pandemics.
Digital twin modeling for predictive maintenance of gearboxes in floating offshore wind turbine drivetrains
Authors: Moghadam Farid K. , Rebouças Geraldo F. de S. , Nejad Amir R.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a multi-degree of freedom torsional model of drivetrain system as the digital twin model for monitoring the remaining useful lifetime of the drivetrain components. An algorithm is proposed for the model identification, which receives the torsional response and estimated values of rotor and generator torques, and calculates the drivetrain dynamic properties, e.g. eigenvalues, and torsional model parameters. The applications of this model in prediction of gearbox remaining useful lifetime is discussed. The proposed method is computationally fast, and can be implemented by integrating with the current turbine control and monitoring system without a need for a new system and sensors installation. A test case, using 5 MW reference drivetrain, has been demonstrated.
Intermediate spaces, Gaussian probabilities and exponential tightness
Authors: Baldi Paolo
Published: April 2021

We prove the existence of an intermediate Banach space between the space where the Gaussian measure lives and its RKHS, thus extending what happens with Wiener measure, where the intermediate space can be chosen as a space of Hölder paths. From this result, it is very simple to deduce a result of exponential tightness for Gaussian probabilities.
The Impact of Immediate Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy on Patients' Healthcare Expenditures: A Stepped-Wedge Randomized Trial in Eswatini
Authors: Steinert Janina I. , Khan Shaukat , Mafara Emma , Wong Cebele , Mlambo Khudzie , Hettema Anita , Walsh Fiona J. , Lejeune Charlotte , Mazibuko Sikhathele , Okello Velephi , Ogbuoji Osondu , De Neve Jan-Walter , Vollmer Sebastian , Bärnighausen Till , Geldsetzer Pascal
Published: April 2021

Immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people living with HIV has important health benefits but implications for the economic aspects of patients' lives are still largely unknown. This stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the causal impact of immediate ART initiation on patients’ healthcare expenditures in Eswatini. Fourteen healthcare facilities were randomly assigned to transition at one of seven time points from the standard of care (ART eligibility below a CD4 count threshold) to the immediate ART for all intervention (EAAA). 2261 patients living with HIV were interviewed over the study period to capture their past-year out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. In mixed-effects regression models, we found a 49% decrease (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36, 0.72, p < 0.001) in past-year total healthcare expenditures in the EAAA group compared to the standard of care, and a 98% (RR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00, 0.02, p < 0.001) decrease in spending on private and traditional healthcare. Despite a higher frequency of HIV care visits for newly initiated ART patients, immediate ART initiation appears to have lowered patients’ healthcare expenditures because they sought less care from alternative healthcare providers. This study adds an important economic argument to the World Health Organization’s recommendation to abolish CD4-count-based eligibility thresholds for ART.
Angio-Based Fractional Flow Reserve, Functional Pattern of Coronary Artery Disease, and Prediction of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Result: a Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Biscaglia Simone , Uretsky Barry F. , Tebaldi Matteo , Erriquez Andrea , Brugaletta Salvatore , Cerrato Enrico , Quadri Giorgio , Spitaleri Giosafat , Colaiori Iginio , Di Girolamo Domenico , Scoccia Alessandra , Zucchetti Ottavio , D’Aniello Emanuele , Manfrini Marco , Pavasini Rita , Barbato Emanuele , Campo Gianluca
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Wire-based coronary physiology pullback performed before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) discriminates coronary artery disease (CAD) distribution and extent, and is able to predict functional PCI result. No research investigated if quantitative flow ratio (QFR)–based physiology assessment is able to provide similar information.

Methods

In 111 patients (120 vessels) treated with PCI, QFR was measured both before and after PCI. Pre-PCI QFR trace was used to discriminate functional patterns of CAD (focal, serial lesions, diffuse disease, combination). Functional CAD patterns were identified analyzing changes in the QFR virtual pullback trace (qualitative method) or after computation of the QFR virtual pullback index (QVPindex) (quantitative method). QVPindex calculation was based on the maximal QFR drop over 20 mm and the length of epicardial coronary segment with QFR most relevant drop. Then, the ability of the different functional patterns of CAD to predict post-PCI QFR value was tested.

Results

By qualitative method, 51 (43%), 20 (17%), 15 (12%), and 34 (28%) vessels were classified as focal, serial focal lesions, diffuse disease, and combination, respectively. QVPindex values >0.71 and ≤0.51 predicted focal and diffuse patterns, respectively. Suboptimal PCI result (post-PCI QFR value ≤0.89) was present in 22 (18%) vessels. Its occurrence differed across functional patterns of CAD (focal 8% vs. serial lesions 15% vs. diffuse disease 33% vs. combination 29%, p=0.03). Similarly, QVPindex was correlated with post-PCI QFR value (r=0.62, 95% CI 0.50–0.72).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that functional patterns of CAD based on pre-PCI QFR trace can predict the functional outcome after PCI.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02811796. Date of registration: June 23, 2016.
Dealing with Student Errors in Whole-Class Discussions of Biology Lessons at German Secondary Schools
Authors: von Kotzebue Lena , Förtsch Christian , Förtsch Sonja , Neuhaus Birgit J.
Published: April 2021

Dealing with student errors is a central feature of instructional quality. Teachers’ reactions to a student’s error and classmates’ errors can be crucial to the success of a lesson. A teacher should respond appropriately in terms of motivational and learning-related issues so that the error can become a learning opportunity for students. Currently, error situations have rarely been directly recorded and explored in empirical zstudies. This gap is the central focus of the current study in which we investigated errors in biology instruction within a cross-sectional design where biology lessons in German secondary schools were videotaped, teachers’ dealings with errors analyzed, and student achievement documented with pretests and posttests. The study found that constructively dealing with student errors had a significant positive effect on student achievement at the class level. Results confirmed the relevance of teachers’ appropriate dealing with student errors on learning in biology instruction.
Feasibility of peripheral OCT imaging using a novel integrated SLO ultra-widefield imaging swept-source OCT device
Authors: Sodhi Simrat K. , Golding John , Trimboli Carmelina , Choudhry Netan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To describe the feasibility of peripheral OCT imaging in retinal diseases using a novel full-field device.

Methods

A total of 134 consecutive eyes were referred and imaged on the Optos Silverstone swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) (Optos PLC; Dunfermline, UK). Scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) images and the associated SS-OCT images were obtained in the posterior pole, mid-periphery or far periphery based on the nature of the referral and on new areas of interest observed in the optomap images at the time of imaging.

Results

A total of 134 eyes (96 patients) were enrolled in the study. One hundred and twenty-five eyes (91 patients) with 38 retinal pathologies were prospectively assessed and 9 eyes (5 patients) were excluded due to incomplete image acquisition. The average age of the subjects was 54 years (range 21–92 years). Thirty-nine out of 125 eyes (31%) had macular pathologies. Eighty-six out of 125 eyes (69%) had peripheral only pathologies, an area which cannot be visualized by standard OCT devices with a 50 degree field-of-view.

Conclusions

The ability to capture peripheral pathologies using an integrated SLO-UWF imaging with full-field swept-source provided high-grade anatomical insight that confirmed the medical and surgical management in a majority of cases. Its use in the mid- and far periphery provides a holistic clinical picture, which can potentially aid in the understanding of various retinal pathologies.
Pharmaceuticals in the Soil and Plant Environment: a Review
Authors: Gworek Barbara , Kijeńska Marta , Wrzosek Justyna , Graniewska Magdalena
Published: April 2021

Pharmaceuticals are a class of biologically active compounds used in human and veterinary medicine, while some of them may be applied for feed production and plant growth stimulation. To systemise the knowledge on pharmaceuticals in plant and soil environment, a literature review was performed. Active substances of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites are typically released into the environment through agricultural application of wastewater and sewage biosolids containing pharmaceuticals, derived from wastewater discharged by households, hospitals and other medical facilities. Another, no less important, source of pharmaceutical release are natural fertilisers (manure and slurry). The fate and behaviour of pharmaceuticals in the soil, including their mobility and availability to plants, depends on the soil physical, chemical and biological properties as well as on the properties of the substance itself. Pharmaceuticals introduced into the soil are taken up and retained in various plant parts. In general, the highest accumulation coefficients have been found in vegetative plant parts, in the following decreasing order: roots> leaves> stems, while the lowest in generative parts, such as grains of cereals.
Correction to: Large-scale integration of offshore wind into the Japanese power grid
Authors: Komiyama Ryoichi , Fujii Yasumasa
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-021-00948-5
Internal Hernia After One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB): Lessons Learned from a Retrospective Series of 3368 Consecutive Patients Undergoing OAGB with a Biliopancreatic Limb of 150 cm
Authors: Petrucciani Niccolo , Martini Francesco , Kassir Radwan , Juglard Gildas , Hamid Celine , Boudrie Hubert , Van Haverbeke Olivier , Liagre Arnaud
Published: April 2021

Background

Internal hernia (IH) represents a relatively common and well-known complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. IH after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is less frequent and rarely reported in the literature. This study presents a series of IH after OAGB observed in a high-volume bariatric center.

Methods

Data of patients who underwent OAGB with an afferent limb of 150 cm between May 2010 and September 2019 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Data of patients undergoing surgery for IH during follow-up were collected and analyzed.

Results

Ninety-six patients out of 3368 with a history of OAGB had intestinal incarceration in the Petersen’s orifice (2.8%). Specificity and sensitivity of computed tomography scans in the diagnosis of IH were 59% and 76%, respectively. The mean timeframe between OAGB and surgery for IH was 21.9±18.3 months. Mean body mass index at the time of IH surgery was 24.7 ± 3.6. Surgery was completed laparoscopically in 96.8% of cases. Nine patients (9.3%) had signs of bowel hypovascularization. In all patients, the herniated bowel was repositioned, and the Petersen’s orifice was closed, without the need for bowel resection. Mean hospital stay was 1.9 ± 4.8 days. The postoperative morbidity rate was 8.3%. Long-term IH relapse was observed in 14 patients; signs of bowel hypovascularization due to incarceration in a small orifice was observed in eight of these patients (57%).

Conclusions

Incidence of IH after OAGB is 2.8%. IH is associated with a low rate of bowel ischemia and the need for intestinal resection.
MicroRNAs and Their Roles in Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis
Authors: Puppo Margherita , Valluru Manoj K. , Clézardin Philippe
Published: April 2021

Bone metastasis occurs in advanced stages of breast cancer, worsening the quality of life and increasing the mortality of patients. Current treatments for bone metastasis are only palliative, and efficient therapeutic targets need to be still identified. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression within cells. Interestingly, the expression of certain miRNAs has been associated with several stages of bone metastasis progression, highlighting the importance of these small RNAs during the course of the metastatic disease. In this review, we aim to summarise the most recent findings on miRNAs and their mRNA targets in driving breast cancer bone metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility to use miRNAs as direct therapeutic targets or as advanced therapies for breast cancer bone metastasis, as well as their potential as predictive biomarkers of bone metastasis for an early diagnosis and a better tailoring of therapies for cancer patients.
IL-2/IL-2R Antibody Complex Enhances Treg-Induced Neuroprotection by Dampening TNF-α Inflammation in an In Vitro Stroke Model
Authors: Borlongan Mia C. , Kingsbury Chase , Salazar Felipe Esparza , Toledo Alma R. Lezama , Monroy German Rivera , Sadanandan Nadia , Cozene Blaise , Gonzales-Portillo Bella , Saft Madeline , Wang Zhen-Jie , Moscatello Alexa , Lee Jea Y.
Published: April 2021

The present in vitro study showed that IL-2/IL-2R antibody complex facilitates Treg-induced neuroprotection in the oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model of stroke. First, we examined the role of IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs in OGD/R-exposed rat primary cortical cells (PCCs), which represent the cell type of the ischemic gray matter in the stroke brain. Here, OGD/R induced cell death, which was attenuated by Tregs and more robustly by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs, but not by IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone. Second, we next assessed IL-2/IL-2R effects in OGD/R-exposed human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which correspond to the white matter injury after stroke. Results revealed that a similar pattern neuroprotection as seen in the gray matter, in that OGD/R triggered cell death, which was ameliorated by Tregs and more effectively by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs, but IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone was not therapeutic. Third, as we begin to understand the mechanism underlying IL-2/IL-2R engagement of Tregs, we investigated the inflammatory response in OGD/R-exposed human neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which recapitulate both ischemic gray and white matter damage in stroke. Similar to PCCs and OPCs, OGD/R produced cell death and was blocked by Tregs and more efficiently by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs, whereas IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone did not alter the ischemic insult. Moreover, the inflammatory marker, TNF-α, was upregulated after OGD/R, dampened by both Tregs and more efficiently by IL-2/IL-2R-treated Tregs but more pronounced in the latter, and not affected by IL-2/IL-2R treatment alone, suggesting IL-2/IL-2R-Treg-mediated modulation of inflammatory response in stroke. Altogether, these observations support the use of IL-2/IL-2R treatment in enhancing the anti-inflammatory effects of Tregs in stroke.
MyD88 and beyond: a perspective on MyD88-targeted therapeutic approach for modulation of host immunity
Authors: Saikh Kamal U.
Published: April 2021

The continuous emergence of infectious pathogens along with antimicrobial resistance creates a need for an alternative approach to treat infectious diseases. Targeting host factor(s) which are critically involved in immune signaling pathways for modulation of host immunity offers to treat a broad range of infectious diseases. Upon pathogen-associated ligands binding to the Toll-like/ IL-1R family, and other cellular receptors, followed by recruitment of intracellular signaling adaptor proteins, primarily MyD88, trigger the innate immune responses. But activation of host innate immunity strongly depends on the correct function of MyD88 which is tightly regulated. Dysregulation of MyD88 may cause an imbalance that culminates to a wide range of inflammation-associated syndromes and diseases. Furthermore, recent reports also describe that MyD88 upregulation with many viral infections is linked to decreased antiviral type I IFN response, and MyD88-deficient mice showed an increase in survivability. These reports suggest that MyD88 is also negatively involved via MyD88-independent pathways of immune signaling for antiviral type I IFN response. Because of its expanding role in controlling host immune signaling pathways, MyD88 has been recognized as a potential drug target in a broader drug discovery paradigm. Targeting BB-loop of MyD88, small molecule inhibitors were designed by structure-based approach which by blocking TIR–TIR domain homo-dimerization have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in attenuating MyD88-mediated inflammatory impact, and increased antiviral type I IFN response in experimental mouse model of diseases. In this review, we highlight the reports on MyD88-linked immune response and MyD88-targeted therapeutic approach with underlying mechanisms for controlling inflammation and antiviral type I IFN response.

Highlights

• Host innate immunity is activated upon PAMPs binding to PRRs followed by immune signaling through TIR domain–containing adaptor proteins mainly MyD88.

• Structure-based approach led to develop small-molecule inhibitors which block TIR domain homodimerization of MyD88 and showed therapeutic efficacy in limiting severe inflammation-associated impact in mice.

• Therapeutic intervention of MyD88 also showed an increase in antiviral effect with strong type I IFN signaling linked to increased phosphorylation of IRFs via MyD88–independent pathway.

• MyD88 inhibitors might be potentially useful as a small-molecule therapeutics for modulation of host immunity against inflammatory diseases and antiviral therapy.

• However, prior clinical use of more in-depth efforts should be focused for suitability of the approach in deploying to complex diseases including COPD and COVID-19 in limiting inflammation-associated syndrome to infection.
Energy efficiency and the role of energy-related financial literacy: evidence from the European residential sector
Authors: Boogen Nina , Cattaneo Cristina , Filippini Massimo , Obrist Adrian
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we analyze the level of efficiency in the use of electricity in the European residential sector relying on a cross-sectional data set comprised of 1375 households located in Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland and observed in 2016. To do this, we estimate an electricity demand frontier function using a stochastic frontier approach. The empirical results show that the residential sector in these three European countries could save approximately 20% of its total electricity consumption on average if it improves the level of efficiency in the use of electricity. These figures are in line with recent studies for Switzerland and for the US residential sector. Moreover, we link energy efficiency to energy-related financial literacy. We find that while energy-relevant knowledge per se does not play a significant role, stronger cognitive abilities are associated with higher levels of energy efficiency.
Social support, perceived risk and the likelihood of COVID-19 testing and vaccination: cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Breakwell Glynis M.
Published: April 2021

Two samples of 227 and 214 adults completed surveys of social support, perceived risk of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive activity – in Study 1 likelihood of testing was examined and in Study 2 likelihood of both testing and vaccination were examined during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Path analysis showed, in Study 1, that access to help (as an indicator of social support) had a direct effect on likelihood of testing and indirect effects through self-efficacy, perceived risk and preventive behavior; and, in Study 2, that neighborhood identification (as an indicator of social support) had a direct effect on likelihood of testing and indirect effects on likelihood of both testing and vaccination through the mediators of strength of social network, loneliness, perceived risk of COVID-19, and preventive activity. Both studies suggest that level of social support (conceptualized in different ways) is an important determinant of COVID-19 testing and Study 2 shows it is also a determinant of likelihood of vaccination. As resurgences of COVID-19 occur, it will be necessary to monitor the likelihood of COVID-19 testing and vaccination behaviors and, especially, to promote confidence in the latter in individuals with decreased access to social support.
CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors: a short review
Authors: Umut Öykü , Gottschlich Adrian , Endres Stefan , Kobold Sebastian
Published: April 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been established in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, in solid tumors its efficacy remains limited. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the field of cell therapy itself, to introduce the underlying concepts of CAR T cell-based treatment approaches and to address its limitations in advancing the treatment for solid malignancies.
Charles Henry Turner and the cognitive behavior of bees
Authors: Giurfa Martin , Giurfa de Brito Anaclara , Giurfa de Brito Tiziana , de Brito Sanchez Maria Gabriela
Published: April 2021

Social movements in several countries are stimulating a reconsideration of academic structures and historic figures and promoting reparation and recognition of marginalized and forgotten black scientists. A paradigmatic case in that sense is Charles Henry Turner (1867–1923) who was the first African American to receive a graduate degree at the University of Cincinnati and one of the first in earning a PhD degree of the University of Chicago. He performed numerous experiments on sensory perception, orientation, and mating of solitary and social bees, most of which have been unjustly forgotten despite the fact that they anticipated fundamental concepts of animal cognition. We review these studies and highlight the importance of his ideas for modern views of animal cognition and the study of bee behavior. We conclude that besides his scientific contributions, Turner is an inspiration for scientists fighting against social adversity and prejudices.
The crucial role of mulch to enhance the stability and resilience of cropping systems in southern Africa
Authors: Mhlanga Blessing , Ercoli Laura , Pellegrino Elisa , Onofri Andrea , Thierfelder Christian
Published: April 2021

Conservation agriculture has been promoted to sustainably intensify food production in smallholder farming systems in southern Africa. However, farmers have rarely fully implemented all its components, resulting in different combinations of no-tillage, crop rotation, and permanent soil cover being practiced, thus resulting in variable yield responses depending on climatic and soil conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the effect of conservation agriculture components on yield stability. We hypothesized that the use of all three conservation agriculture components would perform the best, resulting in more stable production in all environments. We evaluated at, eight trial locations across southern Africa, how partial and full implementation of these components affected crop yield and yield stability compared with conventional tillage alone or combined with mulching and/or crop rotation. Grain yield and shoot biomass of maize and cowpea were recorded along with precipitation for 2 to 5 years. Across different environments, the addition of crop rotation and mulch to no-tillage increased maize grain by 6%, and the same practices added to conventional tillage led to 13% yield increase. Conversely, adding only mulch or crop rotation to no-tillage or conventional tillage led to lower or equal maize yield. Stability analyses based on Shukla’s index showed for the first time that the most stable systems are those in which mulch is added without crop rotation. Moreover, the highest yielding systems were the least stable. Finally, additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis allowed clarifying that mulch added to no-tillage gives stable yields on sandy soil with high rainfall. Similarly, mulch added to conventional tillage gives stable yield on sandy soil, but under low rainfall. This is the first study that highlighted the crucial role of mulch to enhance the stability and resilience of cropping systems in southern Africa, supporting their adaptability to climate change.
Efficient oxygen reduction reaction by a highly porous, nitrogen-doped carbon sphere electrocatalyst through space confinement effect in nanopores
Authors: Mo Zheyang , Yang Weiyi , Gao Shuang , Shang Jian Ku , Ding Yajun , Sun Wuzhu , Li Qi
Published: April 2021

A highly porous nitrogen-doped carbon sphere (NPC) electrocatalyst was prepared through the carbonization of biomass carbon spheres mixed with urea and zinc chloride in N2 atmosphere. The sample carbonized at 1000 °C demonstrates a superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance over the Pt/C electrocatalyst, while its contents of pyridinic nitrogen and graphitic nitrogen are the lowest among samples synthesized at the same or lower carbonization temperatures. This unusual result is explained by a space confinement effect from the microporous and mesoporous structures in the microflakes, which induces the further reduction of peroxide ions or other oxygen species produced in the first step reduction to water to have the preferred overall four electron reduction ORR process. This work demonstrates that in addition to the amount or species of its active sites, the space confinement can be a new approach to enhance the ORR performance of precious-metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts.
Inclusive Practices for Neurodevelopmental Research
Authors: Fletcher-Watson Sue , Brook Kabie , Hallett Sonny , Murray Fergus , Crompton Catherine J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

Inclusive research practice is both a moral obligation and a practical imperative. Here we review its relevance to the study of neurodevelopmental diversity in particular, briefly describing a range of inclusive research models and justifying their use. The review itself is inclusively co-authored with three autistic collaborators and community leaders who all have extensive experience of research involvement.

Recent Findings

Drawing on theoretical arguments and specific exemplar projects, we describe six key considerations in the delivery of inclusive research. These are the following: taking the first steps towards inclusive practice; setting expectations; community-specific inclusion measures; inclusion and intersectionality; the role of empowerment; and knowledge exchange for inclusion. Together, these sections provide an illustrated guide to the principles and process of inclusive research.

Inclusive research practice is both beneficial to and a requirement of excellence in neurodevelopmental research. We call for greater engagement in this participatory research agenda from grant-awarding bodies to facilitate not just inclusive but also emancipatory research.
An update on the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qian Jie , Wu Ying , Liu Fanxiao , Zhu Yikang , Jin Hua , Zhang Hongmei , Wan Yumei , Li Chunbo , Yu Dehua
Published: April 2021

Objective

To update the prevalence of eating disorders in the general population before 2021 and to analyze the distribution characteristics at different times and in different regions and sexes, as well as the diagnostic criteria.

Methods

Based on the method from a previous report by the authors, studies were identified from the following databases: PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Knowledge, Ovid and the 4 most important Chinese databases. Articles in English and Chinese before 2021 were retrieved. The data retrieved at this time were pooled with the data from a previous report for analyses.

Results

Thirty-three studies were identified, which included 18 studies supplemented in this retrieval. The pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of eating disorders were 0.91% (95% CI, 0.48–1.71) and 0.43% (95% CI, 0.18–0.78), respectively. The pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of the subgroup EDs (any), which covers all types of eating disorders, were 1.69% and 0.72%, respectively. The lifetime prevalence of AN, BN and BED was 0.16% (95% CI, 0.06–0.31), 0.63% (95% CI, 0.33–1.02) and 1.53% (95% CI, 1.00–2.17), respectively. The lifetime prevalence of EDs in Western countries was 1.89%, and was high at 2.58% in females. Prevalence studies using DSM-5 criteria were scarce.

Conclusions

The prevalence of eating disorders might be underestimated thus far. Not all types of EDs were included in a majority of epidemiological surveys, and the prevalence rates of the new types of EDs were significantly higher. Eating disorders were especially common in Western countries and in females. New diagnostic criteria should be used to comprehensively assess all types of eating disorders.

Level of evidence

1, systematic review and meta-analysis.
An effective matching algorithm with adaptive tie-breaking strategy for online food delivery problem
Authors: Chen Jing-fang , Wang Ling , Wang Shengyao , Wang Xing , Ren Hao
Published: April 2021

With the prosperity of e-commerce, ordering food online has become increasingly prevalent nowadays. Derived from the dispatching problem in Meituan, a real online food delivery (OFD) platform in China, this paper addresses an OFD problem (OFDP). To solve the OFDP efficiently, an effective matching algorithm with adaptive tie-breaking strategy (MAATS) is proposed by collaboratively fusing the optimization methods with machine learning (ML) techniques. First, to efficiently generate a partial solution with a certain quality, a best-matching heuristic is proposed. Second, to break the ties occurring in the best-matching heuristic and obtain a complete solution with high quality, multiple tie-breaking operators are designed. Third, to adapt to different scenarios, the tie-breaking operators are utilized in a dynamic way which is achieved by using ML methods including decision trees and a specially-designed deep neural network. Fourth, problem-specific features are extracted as decision information to assist the ML models to predict the best tie-breaking operator for use in the current scenario. Preliminary offline simulations are carried out on real historical data sets to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Moreover, rigorous online A/B tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of MAATS in practical applications. The results of offline and online tests demonstrate both the effectiveness of MAATS to solve the OFDP and the application value to improve customer satisfaction and delivery efficiency on Meituan platform.
»Herr Präsident! Meine Damen und Herren! Lassen Sie mich mit einem Erlebnis beginnen« – Zum Verhältnis von Argumentation und Narration in politischen Debattenreden zur Bioethik
Authors: Spieß Constanze
Published: April 2021

Die parlamentarischen Debattenreden um Präimplantationsdiagnostik und vorgeburtliche genetische Bluttests sind gekennzeichnet durch eine dominant argumentative Grundstruktur. Argumentationen werden in den Reden dazu eingesetzt, um Entscheidungen zu legitimieren, aber auch um Zustimmungsbereitschaft für die je eigene Sichtweise auf den Sachverhalt zu erlangen und um vom eigenen Standpunkt zu überzeugen. Dabei setzen Redner*innen in vielen Fällen Erzählungen/Narrationen ein, die in mehr oder weniger stark ausgebauter Form verwendet werden und die in einem engen Verhältnis zur Argumentation stehen. Der Beitrag arbeitet fünf Typen eines engen Verhältnisses von Argumentation und Narration in einem Korpus von 157 Debattenreden zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik und zu vorgeburtlichen genetischen Bluttests heraus und stellt die Funktionalität von Erzählungen im Kontext der argumentativen Debattenreden dar.
Neural dynamics based complete grid coverage by single and multiple mobile robots
Authors: Singha Arindam , Ray Anjan Kumar , Samaddar Arun Baran
Published: April 2021

Navigation of mobile robots in a grid based environment is useful in applications like warehouse automation. The environment comprises of a number of free grid cells for navigation and remaining grid cells are occupied by obstacles and/or other mobile robots. Such obstructions impose situations of collisions and dead-end. In this work, a neural dynamics based algorithm is proposed for complete coverage of a grid based environment while addressing collision avoidance and dead-end situations. The relative heading of the mobile robot with respect to the neighbouring grid cells is considered to calculate the neural activity. Moreover, diagonal movement of the mobile robot through inter grid cells is restricted to ensure safety from the collision with obstacles and other mobile robots. The circumstances where the proposed algorithm will fail to provide completeness are also discussed along with the possible ways to overcome those situations. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for a single and multiple mobile robots. Moreover, comparative studies illustrate improvements over other algorithms on collision free effective path planning of mobile robots within a grid based environment.
On the Performance Analyses of a Modified Force Field Algorithm and Neural Network Approach for Obstacle Avoidance in Swarm Robotics
Authors: Balasubramanian Girish , Muthukumaraswamy Senthil Arumugam , Kong Xianwen
Published: April 2021

Obstacle avoidance is a major hurdle when implementing mobile robots and swarm robots. Swarm robots work in groups and therefore require an efficient and functional obstacle avoidance algorithm to stay collision free between themselves and their surroundings. This paper reviews previous research in obstacle avoidance implementation using the force field method (FFM), also known as potential field method (PFM) and a neutral network approach. Moreover, this paper aims to execute simulations using a modified force field algorithm and a neural network approach and compare them. The obtained results are analyzed to identify the performance characteristics and the time taken to perform tasks using a singular mobile robot against a swarm robot environment consisting of four and ten robots, respectively, in both simulation cases. Simulations showed that the algorithm was successful in navigating obstacles for both single and swarm robot environments. A single robot was found to take up to 340% longer to arrive at the required location compared to the first robot in the experiment. Moreover, it was found that the neural network approach showed ~ 27% improvement over the modified force field algorithm when it comes to cases where more than four robots are being used.
Kant's Theory of Conscience
Authors: Kahn Samuel
Published: April 2021

The main body of this Element, about Kant's theory of conscience, is divided into two sections. The first focuses on exegesis of Kant's ethics. One of the overarching theses of this section of the Element is that, although many of Kant's claims about conscience are prima facie inconsistent, a close examination of context generally can dissolve apparent contradictions. The second section of the Element focuses on philosophical issues in Kantian ethics. One of the overarching theses of this section of the Element is that many positions traditionally associated with Kantian ethics, including the denial of moral luck, the nonaccidental rightness condition, and the guise of the objectively good, are at variance with Kant's ethics.
“The Future of Archaeology Is Antiracist”: Archaeology in the Time of Black Lives Matter
Authors: Flewellen Ayana Omilade , Dunnavant Justin P. , Odewale Alicia , Jones Alexandra , Wolde-Michael Tsione , Crossland Zoë , Franklin Maria
Published: April 2021

This forum builds on the discussion stimulated during an online salon in which the authors participated on June 25, 2020, entitled “Archaeology in the Time of Black Lives Matter,” and which was cosponsored by the Society of Black Archaeologists (SBA), the North American Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG), and the Columbia Center for Archaeology. The online salon reflected on the social unrest that gripped the United States in the spring of 2020, gauged the history and conditions leading up to it, and considered its rippling throughout the disciplines of archaeology and heritage preservation. Within the forum, the authors go beyond reporting the generative conversation that took place in June by presenting a road map for an antiracist archaeology in which antiblackness is dismantled.
Facial Action Coding System Applied to Criminal Investigations: The Analysis of a Homicide Case in Southern Italy
Authors: Vitale Igor Vaslav
Published: April 2021

Recent criminal psychology research has raised critical questions about applying non-verbal communication methods for lie detection purposes in forensic settings. Research has shown low correlations between non-verbal communication and deception. However, non-verbal communication methods are still widely applied and suggested by police manuals. Results obtained by experimental and field research are biased by the following factors: (i) attention is given only to quantitative aspects of non-verbal behavior; (ii) there is a lack of research of qualitative aspects related to non-verbal behavior analysis; (iii) lack of connections between non-verbal indicators and verbal content; (iv) lack of attention on timing of non-verbal behavior; (v) most research is performed on psychology students in experimental contexts. This article proposes a new methodology for applying the Facial Action Coding System as investigative support and not as a lie detection method. The Facial Action Coding System will be introduced to integrate with verbal content analysis and a new framework to interpret non-verbal signs discussed. The aid of standardized non-verbal methods will be discussed through an in-depth psychological analysis of a case of homicide perpetrated in 2010 in Southern Italy by discussing a video analysis of the suspects’ statements.
Partnered innovation to implement timely and personalized care: A case study
Authors: Proctor Enola K. , McKay Virginia R. , Toker Emre , Maddox Thomas M. , Hooley Cole , Lengnick-Hall Rebecca , MacGibbon Simon , Evanoff Bradley
Published: April 2021

Background:

Understanding how to translate research discoveries into solutions for healthcare improvement is a priority of NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA). This study, supported by one CTSA, aims to capture one process of shaping and implementing innovations to advance the timeliness and patient-centeredness of cardiovascular care. Specifically, we sought to understand a partnership between a private digital health startup company, a university innovation lab, and an academic health system’s cardiology program pursuing this goal.

Findings:

The collaboration proceeded through clear phases to address the questions and challenges: problem definition, exploration and formalization of the partnership, innovation co-creation and pilot test, and scale-up planning. Phases were punctuated by key decisions, such as forming the partnership, negotiating terms of the partnership, iterating form and features of the innovation, and exploring sufficiency of its value-add for scale-up and sustainment. Key implementation concepts were apparent, including implementation strategies (e.g., champions and iterative trialing) and the implementation outcomes of acceptability, sustainment, and scale-up. Participants identified potential risks of collaboration, reflected on their co-creation process, and the value of engaging stakeholders in innovation design. Findings may inform subsequent collaborations between innovators and translational researchers.

Methods:

We conducted a case study to understand the partnership; characterize the questions they pursued, their decision points, information and data sources; and identify the challenges and risks. Data were collected through a series of four focus groups with members of each partnering organization. A transdisciplinary research team iteratively worked to condense and synthesize data from audio recorded transcripts into a case narrative.
Lee-Yang zeros of the antiferromagnetic Ising model
Authors: BENCS FERENC , BUYS PJOTR , GUERINI LORENZO , PETERS HAN
Published: April 2021

We investigate the location of zeros for the partition function of the anti-ferromagnetic Ising model, focusing on the zeros lying on the unit circle. We give a precise characterization for the class of rooted Cayley trees, showing that the zeros are nowhere dense on the most interesting circular arcs. In contrast, we prove that when considering all graphs with a given degree bound, the zeros are dense in a circular sub-arc, implying that Cayley trees are in this sense not extremal. The proofs rely on describing the rational dynamical systems arising when considering ratios of partition functions on recursively defined trees.