bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating relationships between P.falciparum prevalence and measures of genetic diversity with a combined genetic-epidemiological model of malaria
Authors: Hendry Jason A. , Kwiatkowski Dominic , McVean Gil
Published: August 2021

There is an abundance of malaria genetic data being collected from the field, yet using these data to understand the drivers of regional epidemiology remains a challenge. A key issue is the lack of models that relate parasite genetic diversity to epidemiological parameters. Classical models in population genetics characterize changes in genetic diversity in relation to demographic parameters, but fail to account for the unique features of the malaria life cycle. In contrast, epidemiological models, such as the Ross-Macdonald model, capture malaria transmission dynamics but do not consider genetics. Here, we have developed an integrated model encompassing both parasite evolution and regional epidemiology. We achieve this by combining the Ross-Macdonald model with an intra-host continuous-time Moran model, thus explicitly representing the evolution of individual parasite genomes in a traditional epidemiological framework. Implemented as a stochastic simulation, we use the model to explore relationships between measures of parasite genetic diversity and parasite prevalence, a widely-used metric of transmission intensity. First, we explore how varying parasite prevalence influences genetic diversity at equilibrium. We find that multiple genetic diversity statistics are correlated with prevalence, but the strength of the relationships depends on whether variation in prevalence is driven by host- or vector-related factors. Next, we assess the responsiveness of a variety of statistics to malaria control interventions, finding that those related to mixed infections respond quickly (∼months) whereas other statistics, such as nucleotide diversity, may take decades to respond. These findings provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with using genetic data to monitor malaria epidemiology.
A stereo matching algorithm based on the improved PSMNet
Authors: Huang Zedong , Gu Jinan , Li Jing , Yu Xuefei
Published: August 2021

Deep learning based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) has been successfully applied to stereo matching. Compared with the traditional method, the speed and accuracy of this method have been greatly improved. However, the existing stereo matching framework based on a CNN often encounters two problems. First, the existing stereo matching network has many parameters, which leads to the matching running time being too long. Second, the disparity estimation is inadequate in some regions where reflections, repeated textures, and fine structures may lead to ill-posed problems. Through the lightweight improvement of the PSMNet (Pyramid Stereo Matching Network) model, the common matching effect of ill-conditioned areas such as repeated texture areas and weak texture areas is solved. In the feature extraction part, ResNeXt is introduced to learn unitary feature extraction, and the ASPP (Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling) module is trained to extract multiscale spatial feature information. The feature fusion module is designed to effectively fuse the feature information of different scales to construct the matching cost volume. The improved 3D CNN uses the stacked encoding and decoding structure to further regularize the matching cost volume and obtain the corresponding relationship between feature points under different parallax conditions. Finally, the disparity map is obtained by a regression. We evaluate our method on the Scene Flow, KITTI 2012, and KITTI 2015 stereo datasets. The experiments show that the proposed stereo matching network achieves a comparable prediction accuracy and much faster running speed compared with PSMNet.
Simulating international tax designs on sugar-sweetened beverages in Mexico
Authors: Salgado Hernández Juan Carlos , Ng Shu Wen
Published: August 2021

In response to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, Mexico implemented a volumetric tax of one Mexican peso (MP) per liter of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) in 2014. In contrast to Mexico’s volumetric tax design, the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa (ZA) implemented SSB taxes based on sugar density. This kind of tax is likely to yield larger health benefits than volumetric taxes by imposing a larger tax burden on high-sugar SSB and/or encouraging reformulation. However, sugar-density taxes might yield lower tax revenues. This study aims to simulate the effect of sugar-density taxes as those in the UK and ZA on SSB purchases (in terms of volume and sugar), SSB prices, and tax revenue in Mexico and compare this effect to its counterpart under the current volumetric SSB tax. Additionally, we simulate the effect of sugar-density taxes under different scenarios of reformulation. We conducted all these simulations based on a structural model of demand and supply using household purchase data for 2012–2015 in urban Mexico. We found that the current volumetric one-MP tax led to an SSB purchase reduction of 19% for both volume and sugar and an SSB price increases by MP $1.24. We simulated similar effects under the UK and ZA sugar-density taxes when these taxes were equivalent to the volumetric one-MP tax, and there was no reformulation. When assuming reformulation, the sugar reduction under the sugar-density taxes was up to twice larger than the volumetric one-MP tax. However, we found that the volumetric one-MP tax yielded the largest tax revenue across all tax designs. From a public health perspective, sugar-density taxes are likely to be more effective in tackling the overweight and obesity prevalence in Mexico; however, tax revenue might be lower under these taxes.
Short-term transport stress and supplementation alter immune function in aged horses
Authors: Miller Ashton B. , Harris Patricia A. , Barker Virginia D. , Adams Amanda A.
Published: August 2021

Long-distance transport is associated with stress-related changes in equine immune function, and shipping-associated illnesses are often reported. Horses are frequently transported short distances, yet the effects of short-term transport on immune function remain largely unknown. Twelve horses, aged 15–30 yr, were assigned to either the control (n = 6) or treatment (n = 6) groups; treatment horses received a daily antioxidant supplement 3 weeks before and after transport. All horses were transported for approximately 1.5–2 hr on Day 0. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture at 15-min pre- and post-transport and on Days –21, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Body temperature, heart rate, body weight, total cortisol, and gene expression of IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12α, IL-17α, SAA1, and TNFα in whole blood were measured. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, stimulated with PMA/ionomycin, and stained for IFNγ and TNFα before analysis via flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were performed with significance set atP< 0.05 (SAS 9.4). Transport and supplementation did not appear to affect body weight, heart rate, IL-4, IL-8, IL-12α, IL-17α, change (Δ) in the % and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of IFNγ+lymphocytes after stimulation, or Δ in the % and MFI of TNFα+lymphocytes after stimulation. Supplementation decreased IL-1β and SAA1 expression. Transport increased total cortisol concentration, body temperature, and IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 expression but decreased IL-1β, TNFα, and IFNγ expression. Short-term transportation affected physiological, endocrine, and immune responses; supplementation may ameliorate inflammation in aged horses. Immune responses were most altered at 15-min post-transport and typically recovered by Day 1, suggesting that horses may be vulnerable to disease during and almost immediately after short-term transport.
They promised this ten years ago. Effects of diabetes news characteristics on patients’ perceptions and attitudes towards medical innovations and therapy adherence
Authors: Vehof Hans , Heerdink Eibert R. , Sanders José , Das Enny
Published: August 2021

Patients have ever-increasing access to web-based news about hopeful scientific developments that may or may not cure them in the future. Science communication experts agree that the quality of news provision is not always guaranteed. However, literature does not clarify in what way users are actually affected by typical news characteristics such as the news object (described developmental phase of an innovation), the news source (degree of authority), and the news style (degree of language intensification). An online vignette experiment (N = 259) investigated causal relationships between characteristics of news about diabetes innovations and patients’ perceptions of future success, their interest in the innovation, and attitudes regarding current therapy adherence. Findings show that descriptions of success in mice led to higher estimations of future success chances than earlier and later developmental phases. Furthermore, news from a nonauthoritative source led to an increased interest in the innovation, and a more negative attitude towards current lifestyle advice. Lastly, the intensification of the language used in news messages showed slight adverse effects on the readers’ attitude. These findings, combined with their small effect sizes, support the optimistic view that diabetes patients are generally critical assessors of health news and that future research on this topic should focus on affected fragile subgroups.
Cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways as key regulators in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tziastoudi Maria , Tsezou Aspasia , Stefanidis Ioannis
Published: August 2021

Aim

A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide linkage studies (GWLS) has identified multiple genetic regions suggestive of linkage with DN harboring hundreds of genes. Moving this number of genetic loci forward into biological insight is truly the next step. Here, we approach this challenge with a gene ontology (GO) analysis in order to yield biological and functional role to the genes, an over-representation test to find which GO terms are enriched in the gene list, pathway analysis, as well as protein network analysis.

Method

GO analysis was performed using protein analysis through evolutionary relationships (PANTHER) version 14.0 software and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. GO analysis was followed by over-representation test for the identification of enriched terms. Statistical significance was calculated by Fisher’s exact test and adjusted using the false discovery rate (FDR) for correction of multiple tests. Cytoscape with the relevant plugins was used for the construction of the protein network and clustering analysis.

Results

The GO analysis assign multiple GO terms to the genes regarding the molecular function, the biological process and the cellular component, protein class and pathway analysis. The findings of the over-representation test highlight the contribution of cell adhesion regarding the biological process, integral components of plasma membrane regarding the cellular component, chemokines and cytokines with regard to protein class, while the pathway analysis emphasizes the contribution of Wnt and cadherin signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a core feature of the pathogenesis of DN may be a disturbance in Wnt and cadherin signaling pathways, whereas the contribution of chemokines and cytokines need to be studied in additional studies.
Association between the severity of new-onset depression and unmet healthcare needs of South Korean adults
Authors: Kim Su Yeon , Jeong Wonjeong , Park Eun-Cheol , Park Sohee , Jang Sung-In
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Identifying whether the demand for medical services is catered to is an important issue. Given that depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease, it could affect the use of healthcare. This study aims to examine the association between the severity of new-onset depression and unmet healthcare needs among South Korean adults.

Methods

Data from 15,588 participants, derived from the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were examined. Only individuals who were not diagnosed with depression was included to exclude those who visited hospitals to treat depression or were experiencing unmet healthcare needs due to depression. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and unmet healthcare needs acted as the dependent variable. A multiple/multinomial logistic regression analysis was built to analyze the association between the variables.

Results

Individuals with severe depression had a higher risk of having unmet healthcare needs compared to those without (men: adjusted OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.40–3.00; women: adjusted OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.72–2.82). White-collar men with severe depression also had a higher risk of having unmet healthcare needs (adjusted OR = 9.72, 95% CI = 4.73–20.00). Individuals with severe depression had a higher risk of having unmet healthcare needs due to economic hardship than those without depression (men: adjusted OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.76–5.14, women: adjusted OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 1.96–4.38).

Conclusions

This study identified a significant relationship between the severity of new-onset depression and the risk of having unmet healthcare needs among South Korean adults. Our study suggests that having severe depression contributed to a higher risk of unmet healthcare needs. Proper care to manage depression can be promoted through future intervention programs that alleviate the risk of having unmet healthcare needs.
TailTimer: A device for automating data collection in the rodent tail immersion assay
Authors: Udell Mallory E. , Ni Jie , Garcia Martinez Angel , Mulligan Megan K. , Redei Eva E. , Chen Hao
Published: August 2021

The tail immersion assay is a widely used method for measuring acute thermal pain in a way which is quantifiable and reproducible. It is non-invasive and measures response to a stimulus that may be encountered by an animal in its natural environment. However, quantification of tail withdrawal latency relies on manual timing of tail flick using a stopwatch, and precise temperatures of the water at the time of measurement are most often not recorded. These two factors greatly reduce the reproducibility of tail immersion assay data and likely contribute to some of the discrepancies present among relevant literature. We designed a device, TailTimer, which uses a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, a digital temperature sensor, and two electrical wires, to automatically record tail withdrawal latency and water temperature. We programmed TailTimer to continuously display and record water temperature and to only permit the assay to be conducted when the water is within ± 0.25°C of the target temperature. Our software also records the identification of the animals using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. We further adapted the RFID system to recognize several specific keys as user interface commands, allowing TailTimer to be operated via RFID fobs for increased usability. Data recorded using the TailTimer device showed a negative linear relationship between tail withdrawal latency and water temperature when tested between 47–50°C. We also observed a previously unreported, yet profound, effect of water mixing speed on latency. In one experiment using TailTimer, we observed significantly longer latencies following administration of oral oxycodone versus a distilled water control when measured after 15 mins or 1 h, but not after 4 h. TailTimer also detected significant strain differences in baseline latency. These findings valorize TailTimer in its sensitivity and reliability for measuring thermal pain thresholds.
HIV and antiretroviral treatment knowledge gaps and psychosocial burden among persons living with HIV in Lima, Peru
Authors: Navarro Rafaella , Paredes Jose Luis , Echevarria Juan , González-Lagos Elsa , Graña Ana , Mejía Fernando , Otero Larissa
Published: August 2021

This study aims to describe knowledge on HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and psychosocial factors among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Lima, Perú, to explore characteristics associated to this knowledge, and determine its impact on sustained viral suppression. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 171 PLWH at the largest referral health care center in Lima. The psychosocial factors measured were depression, risk of alcoholism, use of illegal drugs and disclosure. A participant had “poor knowledge” when less than 80% of replies were correct. Sustained viral suppression was defined as two consecutive viral loads under 50 copies/mL. A total of 49% and 43% had poor HIV and ARV knowledge respectively; 48% of the study population screened positive for depression and 27% reported feeling unsupported by the person they disclosed to. The largest gaps in HIV and ARV knowledge were among 98 (57%) that did not recognize that HIV increased the risk of cancer and among 57 (33%) participants that did not disagree with the statement that taking a double dose of ARV if they missed one. Moderate depression was significantly associated to poor HIV and ARV knowledge. Non-disclosure and being on ARVs for less than 6 months were associated with not achieving sustained viral suppression. Our findings highlight important HIV and ARV knowledge gaps of PLWH and a high burden of psychosocial problems, especially of depression, among PLWH in Lima, Peru. Increasing knowledge and addressing depression and disclosure could improve care of PLWH.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the Decision Tool Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD (DTAOP): Facilitating the early detection of patients in need of highly specialized care
Authors: van Krugten Frédérique C. W. , Kaddouri Meriam , Goorden Maartje , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Berretty Ed W. , Cath Daniëlle C. , Hendriks Gert-Jan , Matthijssen Suzy J. M. A. , Visser Henny A. D. , van Vliet Irene M. , Brouwer Werner B. F. , Hakkaart-van Roijen Leona
Published: August 2021

Background

Early identification of patients with an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in need of highly specialized care could facilitate the selection of the optimal initial treatment in these patients. This paper describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Decision Tool Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD (DTAOP), which aims to aid clinicians in the early identification of patients with an anxiety disorder, OCD, or PTSD in need of highly specialized mental healthcare.

Methods

A systematic literature review and a concept mapping procedure were carried out to inform the development of the DTAOP. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the DTAOP, a cross-sectional study in 454 patients with a DSM-IV-TR anxiety disorder was carried out. Feasibility was evaluated by the completion time and the content clarity of the DTAOP. Inter-rater reliability was assessed in a subsample of 87 patients. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients between the DTAOP and EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) scores were computed to examine the convergent validity. Criterion validity was assessed against independent clinical judgments made by clinicians.

Results

The average time required to complete the eight-item DTAOP was 4.6 min and the total DTAOP was evaluated as clear in the majority (93%) of the evaluations. Krippendorff’s alpha estimates ranged from 0.427 to 0.839. Based on the qualitative feedback, item wording and instructions were improved. As hypothesized, the DTAOP correlated negatively with EQ-5D-5L scores. The area under the curve was 0.826 and the cut-off score of ≥4 optimized sensitivity (70%) and specificity (71%).

Conclusions

The DTAOP demonstrated excellent feasibility and good validity, but weak inter-rater reliability. Based on the qualitative feedback and reliability estimates, revisions and refinements of the wording and instructions were made, resulting in the final version of the DTAOP.
How seasons, weather, and part of day influence baseline affective valence in laboratory research participants?
Authors: Behnke Maciej , Overbye Hannah , Pietruch Magdalena , Kaczmarek Lukasz D.
Published: August 2021

Many people believe that weather influences their emotional state. Along similar lines, some researchers in affective science are concerned whether testing individuals at a different time of year, a different part of the day, or in different weather conditions (e.g., in a cold and rainy morning vs. a hot evening) influences how research participants feel upon entering a study; thus inflating the measurement error. Few studies have investigated the link between baseline affective levels and the research context, such as seasonal and daily weather fluctuation in temperature, air pressure, and sunshine duration. We examined whether individuals felt more positive or negative upon entering a study by clustering data across seven laboratory experiments (totalN= 1108), three seasons, and daily times ranging from 9 AM to 7 PM. We accounted for ambient temperature, air pressure, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation, wind speed, and sunshine duration. We found that only ambient temperature was a significant predictor of valence. Individuals felt more positive valence on days when it was cooler outside. However, the effect was psychologically negligible with differences between participants above c.a. 30 degrees Celsius in ambient temperature needed to generate a difference in affective valence surpassing one standard deviation. Our findings have methodological implications for studying emotions by suggesting that seasons and part of the day do not matter for baseline affective valence reported by participants, and the effects of ambient temperature are unlikely to influence most research.
“Donor milk banking: Improving the future”. A survey on the operation of the European donor human milk banks
Authors: Kontopodi Eva , Arslanoglu Sertac , Bernatowicz-Lojko Urszula , Bertino Enrico , Bettinelli Maria Enrica , Buffin Rachel , Cassidy Tanya , van Elburg Ruurd M. , Gebauer Corina , Grovslien Anne , Hettinga Kasper , Ioannou Ioanna , Klotz Daniel , Mileusnić-Milenović Radmila , Moro Guido E. , Picaud Jean-Charles , Stahl Bernd , Weaver Gillian , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Wesolowska Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

Background

Provision of donor human milk is handled by established human milk banks that implement all required measures to ensure its safety and quality. Detailed human milk banking guidelines on a European level are currently lacking, while the information available on the actual practices followed by the European human milk banks, remains limited. The aim of this study was to collect detailed data on the actual milk banking practices across Europe with particular emphasis on the practices affecting the safety and quality of donor human milk.

Materials and methods

A web-based questionnaire was developed by the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA) Survey Group, for distribution to the European human milk banks. The questionnaire included 35 questions covering every step from donor recruitment to provision of donor human milk to each recipient. To assess the variation in practices, all responses were then analyzed for each country individually and for all human milk banks together.

Results

A total of 123 human milk banks completed the questionnaire, representing 85% of the European countries that have a milk bank. Both inter- and intra-country variation was documented for most milk banking practices. The highest variability was observed in pasteurization practices, storage and milk screening, both pre- and post-pasteurization.

Conclusion

We show that there is a wide variability in milk banking practices across Europe, including practices that could further improve the efficacy of donor human milk banking. The findings of this study could serve as a tool for a global discussion on the efficacy and development of additional evidence-based guidelines that could further improve those practices.
Changes in leisure-time physical activity during the adult life span and relations to cardiovascular risk factors—Results from multiple Swedish studies
Authors: Lind Lars , Zethelius Björn , Lindberg Eva , Pedersen Nancy L. , Byberg Liisa
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate how self-reported leisure-time physical activity (PA) changes during the adult life span, and to study how PA is related to cardiovascular risk factors using longitudinal studies.

Methods

Several Swedish population-based longitudinal studies were used in the present study (PIVUS, ULSAM, SHE, and SHM, ranging from hundreds to 30,000 participants) to represent information across the adult life span in both sexes. Also, two cross-sectional studies were used as comparison (EpiHealth, LifeGene). PA was assessed by questionnaires on a four or five-level scale.

Results

Taking results from several samples into account, an increase in PA from middle-age up to 70 years was found in males, but not in females. Following age 70, a decline in PA was seen. Young adults reported both a higher proportion of sedentary behavior and a higher proportion high PA than the elderly. Females generally reported a lower PA at all ages.

PA was mainly associated with serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, but also weaker relationships with fasting glucose, blood pressure and BMI were found. These relationships were generally less strong in elderly subjects.

Conclusion

Using data from multiple longitudinal samples the development of PA over the adult life span could be described in detail and the relationships between PA and cardiovascular risk factors were portrayed. In general, a higher or increased physical activity over time was associated with a more beneficial cardiovascular risk factor profile, especially lipid levels.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound decreases major amputation in patients with critical limb ischemia: 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Mohamad Yusoff Farina , Kajikawa Masato , Yamaji Takayuki , Takaeko Yuji , Hashimoto Yu , Mizobuchi Aya , Han Yiming , Kishimoto Shinji , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Nakashima Ayumu , Higashi Yukihito
Published: August 2021

Various therapeutic strategies for angiogenesis are performed to improve symptoms in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Pre-clinical studies have shown that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) exposure induces angiogenesis. LIPUS may be a new stratergy for treatment of CLI. The purpose of this pilot trial was to evaluate outcomes in patients with CLI who were treated with LIPUS. Fourteen patients with CLI, who were not candidates for angioplasty or surgical revascularization, were enrolled in this study. Historical control data were obtained from the Hiroshima University PAD database. The primary endpoints were major amputation and death. The outcomes were compared in 16 lower limbs of the 14 patients with CLI who were treated with LIPUS and in 14 lower limbs of 14 patients with CLI as historical controls. All patients were followed for after 5 years after treatment with LIPUS. The mean duration of LIPUS exposure in the LIPUS group was 381± 283 days. During the 5-year follow-up periods, there were 3 major amputations and 7 deaths in the LIPUS group and there were 14 major amputations and 7 deaths in the historical control group. The overall amputation-free survival rate was significantly higher in patients who were treated with LIPUS than in historical controls. There was no significant difference between overall mortality-free survival rates in the LIPUS group and historical control group. LIPUS is a noninvasive option for therapeutic angiogenesis with the potential to reduce the incidence of major amputations in patients with CLI.
‘Intercrossings’ between Spanish women’s groups and their German, British and Portuguese counterparts (1914–32)
Authors: del Moral Vargas Marta
Published: August 2021

This article contends that the movement in favour of the rights of women in Spain during the first third of the twentieth century was integrated into several international networks. Three exchanges are analysed between, on the one hand, the women socialists and suffragists in Spain, and, on the other, the international networks built up by the German socialist Clara Zetkin, the suffragists of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance and the Portuguese feminist Ana de Castro Osório. Scrutiny of these ‘intercrossings’ reveals that, despite their ‘asymmetrical’ outcomes, the demand for the social and political rights of women surpassed national boundaries and had a transformative impact on all the parties involved.
Ezaugarrien kronologiaren garrantzia: -ki-dun indikatiboko NOR-NORI saileko adizkien historia pixka bat
Authors: Reguero Ugarte Urtzi
Published: August 2021

Artikulu honetan Nafarroa Garaiko hizkera batzuetan agertzen diren dakit ‘zait’, zekion ‘zitzaion’ gisako indikatiboko nor-nori saileko adizkiak aztertzen dira ikuspuntu diakroniko eta kronologiko batetik. Mendez mende, adizki horien agerraldiak eta lekukotasunak aztertzen dira, xvi. mendeko testu zaharrenetatik abiatu eta xx. mende bitarteko testigantzetara bitartean. Orain arte ezer gutxi ikertu da gaiaz eta, oro har, aoristoarekin lotutako arkaismotzat hartu izan da. Halere, saio honetan hipotesi horren puntu ahulak aurkezten dira; besteak beste, orainaldian ere agertzea edo nor 3. pertsona denean bakarrik erabiltzea. Horren ordez, beraz, bestelako proposamen bat aurkeztu eta Nafarroako erdiguneko hizkera batzuek egindako berrikuntza bat dela defendatzen da. Bidenabar, ezaugarri dialektalen azterketa xeheek dialektologia diakronikoan egin dezaketen ekarpena ere aldarrikatu nahi da.
Pulpwood green density prediction models and sampling-based calibration
Authors: Repola Jaakko , Heikkinen Juha , Lindblad Jari
Published: August 2021

Pulpwood arriving at the mills is mainly measured by weighing. In the loading phase of forwarding and trucking, timber is weighed using scales mounted in the grapple loader. The measured weight of timber is converted into volume using a conversion factor defined as green density (kg m). At the mill, the green density factor is determined by sampling measurements, while in connection with weighing with grapple-mounted scales during transportation, fixed green density factors are used. In this study, we developed predictive regression models for the green density of pulpwood. The models were constructed separately by pulpwood assortments: pine (contains mainly L); spruce (mainly (L.) Karst.); decayed spruce; birch (mainly Ehrh. and Roth); and aspen (mainly L.). Study material was composed of the sampling-based measurements at the mills between 2013â2019. The models were specified as linear mixed models with both fixed and random parameters. The fixed effect produced the expected value of green density as a function of delivery week, storage time, and meteorological conditions during storage. The random effects allowed the model calibration by utilizing the previous sampling weight measurements. The model validation showed that the model predictions faithfully reproduced the observed seasonal variation in green density. They were more reliable than those obtained with the current practices. Even the uncalibrated (fixed) predictions had lower relative root mean squared prediction errors than those obtained with the current practices.â3Pinus sylvestrisPicea abiesBetula pubescensBetula pendulaPopulus tremula
GEN Z AND RELIGIOUS-BASED SOCIAL DISTANCE
Authors: Sulistyani Hapsari Dwiningtyas , Rahardjo Turnomo , Rahmiaji Lintang Ratri
Published: August 2021

Gen Z is the generation that were born between 1996 and 2015. In this paper the gen z is represented by university students who become the respondents of this research. The main focus of this paper is describing the religion-based social distance among the university students. Social distance is the degree of separation between different social groups. The specific group this paper focuses on is the religion-based groups. The main theory employs in this research is Social Scale theory that provide the basic instrument of social distance measurement. To gather the data this research uses survey and interviews. The result depicts that there are social distances on particular religious groups. The percentages of respondents who feel a distance to certain religious groups are varied. The percentages of respondent who perceived a distance toward Islam is only 7,5 percent. Whereas the percentage that of social distance to local religions, on the other hand, is staggering on the value 84,3 percent. The result signifies that most of respondent feel that they have a social distance to local religious groups. The respondent argues that the main reason for the social distance toward the local religious group is the perception that the local religious believers are more likely to form a cult that might be endangered the social harmony in the university.
Effect of project team integration on the performance of Indian construction project: SMART PLS Structural Equation Approach
Authors:   School of Management, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India, Chidambaram Vijayabanu , Shanmugam Karthikeyan ,   SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India, Sivamani Balamurugan ,   SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
Published: August 2021

Due to competition and high expectations of customers, the construction sector is faced with several challenges while pursuing project outcomes. Generally, construction firms consist of various project teams with multipurpose, which necessitates participation and involvement of team members in an organised manner to complete the project effectively. The current research aimed to understand the essential factors that contribute to Effective Teamwork in the construction industry. The study is based on primary data via a questionnaire-based survey method. The data collected from 72 respondents comprises various construction team members like Engineers, Contractors, Owners, Architects from various parts of Tamil Nadu. The data collected were processed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), which was employed in this research to understand the relationship among the successful outcomes and the factors determining the team's success. The analysis of the results and the model show that the integration between the project team brings about a uniquely positive effect on construction project outcomes at a R2 value of 0.733. This study provides empirical evidence that a successful construction project team will positively influence the outcome of construction projects.
Using Problem-based Tasks to Promote Higher-order Thinking Skills for TESOL MA Students in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyễn Thi Minh Tâm
Published: August 2021

This paper denotes the findings from an action research project, which applied problem-based learning (PBL) in linguistics courses in an MA TESOL program in Vietnam. The project aimed to study the extent to which the use of problem-based tasks in semantic courses could promote students’ employment of higher-order thinking skills in their learning. It was found that the PBL approach was specifically appropriate in promoting higher-order thinking skills for students with passive learning habits in such Confucian heritage cultures as Vietnam. With well-designed problem-based tasks and adequate tutoring, students learned how to use higher-order thinking skills to facilitate their learning; how to stay more focused on the completion process of problem-based tasks; and how to be motivated to engage in learning activities. In addition, some students were encouraged to follow the same PBL approach in their own teaching practice. Problem-based tasks which took place at a fixed time during class seemed to cause students to lose interest. In addition, a lack of adequate job experience might also have limited the effectiveness and overall success of the problem-based tasks.
The Society for Textual Scholarship
Authors: Werner Marta
Published: August 2021

Back matter
Palatoplastia primária pela técnica de Bardach
Authors: Sales Pedro Henrique da Hora , Cetira-Filho Edson Luiz , Costa Fábio Wildson Gurgel , Cunha-Filho José Ferreira da , Leão Jair Carneiro
Published: August 2021

As fissuras labiopalatinas são malformações congênitas que podem acometer o lábio, o palato ou ambos, e são decorrentes de erros na fusão dos processos faciais embrionários por alterações no desenvolvimento normal do palato primário ou secundário. Pacientes com tais fissuras apresentam alterações anatômicas complexas, sendo um desafio aos cirurgiões quanto à reabilitação. O presente artigo apresenta uma paciente com fenda palatina submetida a procedimento cirúrgico de palato-plastia pela técnica de Bardach sob anestesia geral. Foram realizadas incisões na margem na fenda, bem como incisões relaxantes laterais acompanhadas de incisões nos pedículos anteriores. Foi realizado descolamento mucoperiosteal de espessura total. A musculatura do palato mole foi desinserida e dissecada, de modo a ser posicionada adequadamente. Foram realizadas suturas nos planos nasal, muscular e oral, e as incisões relaxantes laterais cicatrizaram por segunda intenção. Após três meses de acompanhamento pós-operatório, a paciente não apresentou sinais de fístulas e mostrava boa mobilidade da musculatura do palato mole. A técnica de Bardach apresenta-se como excelente opção para palatoplastias primárias, oferecendo altos índices de sucesso e poucas complicações associadas.
The Physiology of the Soul in Plato’s Philebus (32a-42c)
Authors: Urrea Muñoz Roberto Andrés
Published: August 2021

En este trabajo defendemos la siguiente tesis: la argumentación dada en el Filebo sobre los placeres falsos (37a-42c) está fundamentada en la exposición de una fisiología ad hoc del alma. Para desarrollar tal idea realizamos el siguiente recorrido. Primero, exponemos dos definiciones de placer y dolor (32a-c). Luego pasamos al estudio de los conceptos de memoria, sensación y deseo (33c-35d). Como tercer punto, por una parte, analizamos tres argumentos: el de la semejanza entre placer y opinión, el de los placeres falsos por anticipación y el de los placeres falsos por apariencia sobreestimada (37a-42c). Por otra parte, analizamos, partiendo de la exposición precedente, las definiciones ya dadas de las afecciones psíquicas y las relaciones que tienen entre sí, entendiendo estas definiciones y relaciones como la fisiología del alma. Terminamos explicando qué lugar ocupa esta fisiología dentro del objetivo general del diálogo.
Absolute Neorealism in Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness
Authors: Vinolo Stéphane
Published: August 2021

Tal como el siglo XX fue aquel de la fenomenología, el siglo XXI se caracteriza por el auge de los realismos. Se podría pensar que este cambio marca un giro radical en la filosofía. No obstante, es de recordar que en 1943 Jean-Paul Sartre quiso construir, desde la fenomenología, un neorrealismo absoluto que pueda conservar cierto realismo dentro de la fenomenología. Mediante una lectura de El ser y la nada se propone mostrar que el neorrealismo absoluto impone superar la dicotomía entre idealismo y realismo gracias a la transfenomenicidad de dos seres; y, además, desplazar la tarea descriptiva y constitutiva de la fenomenología hacia un trabajo de revelación.
Developing Floating Constructed Wetland in Laboratory Scale as Domestic Waste Contaminant Reductor in Urban Waters
Authors: Prastica Rian Mantasa Salve , Sulaiman Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Low awareness of sanitation of urban citizens creates negative effects on the environment which varied. The triggering factors of the phenomenon are education and conservation technology. A conservation technology, eco-technology e.g. constructed wetlands, is proposed to solve the problem. Laboratory work is conducted to obtain comprehensive analysis about floating constructed wetland. The research paper aims to illustrate the efficiency performance of constructed wetlands, with domestic species, in the lab-scaled area from urban wastewater. The constructed wetland media is prepared horizontally. The analysis of its performance leads to a discussion of urban water quality. Samplings and laboratory tests are conducted to examine pH, phosphorus, nitrogen, suspended solids, conductivity, COD, and BOD. The benefit of Nasturtium officinale as FTW media reduce phosphate, nitrate, and BOD as 100% in 14 days. The discharge simulation during 14 days reduce TDS and TSS as 100%.
Effect of combination of light and drought stress on physiology and oxidative metabolism of rice plants
Authors: Chatterjee Atreyee , Dey Tanmay , Galiba Gábor , Kocsy Gábor Kocsy , Dey Narottam , Kar Rup Kumar
Published: August 2021

The realized productivity of crop plants is generally lower than the potential productivity due to the influence of one or more external stresses (biotic and abiotic). Simultaneous occurrence of combination of abiotic stresses, which is more common under field condition, results in compounded effect on functional processes. Main focus of the present work is the combined effect of drought and light (irradiance) on rice plants. Potted seedlings of four selected rice lines (viz., IR36, N22, CRD40 and Bhootmuri) were exposed to three different levels of drought stress (50%, 25%, 12.5% of water) along with control (100%) in combination with three different light intensities (high, medium and low) during experimental period. After 7 days of stress, plant height and relative water content (RWC) were relatively low while root length increased with increasing water stress level and light intensity. Protein content increased with increasing water stress and light intensity, while chlorophyll level was higher at higher light intensities. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, indicative of lipid peroxidation, increased with water stress only at high light intensities. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities increased with combined drought and light stress level, whereas catalase (CAT) activity was higher at higher light intensities. On the other hand, superoxide (O2.-) production, but not hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was higher with increasing water stress and light intensity. It appears that light-induced ROS (O2.-) production under drought condition provoked oxidative stress, though a potential mechanism of tolerance was apparent through antioxidant system.
Fee-For-Service Health Insurance and Moral Hazard of Hospitals
Authors: Jung Chan Wook , Park Sojung Carol
Published: August 2021

The supply-side contribution to the surge of medical expense is overlooked in the Korean health insurance market. Commonly, the demand-side is accounted for the excessive increase in medical consumption. Previous studies suggest the moral hazard or adverse selection of Fee-For-Service Health Insurance (FFS) policyholders as the source of the problem. However, this paper focuses on the moral hazard of medical institutions using Korea Health Panel (KHP) Data version 1.5 from year 2008–2016. This study finds the medical usage difference between FFS holders and non-holders were greater for clinics and local hospital visits than the visits to general hospitals or special hospitals. This implies that supply-side contributes to the ex-post moral hazard of health insurance.
A Monte Carlo study on burnup treatment in sodium-cooled reactor with Th fuel
Authors: Korkmaz M. E. , Arslan N. K.
Published: August 2021

Sodium Cooled Reactors is one of the Generation-IV plants selected to manage the long-lived minor actinides and to transmute the long-life radioactive elements. This study presents the comparison between two-designed SFR cores with 600 and 800 MWth total heating power. We have analyzed a conceptual core design and nuclear characteristic of SFR. Monte Carlo depletion calculations have been performed to investigate essential characteristics of the SFR core. The core calculations were performed by using the Serpent Monte Carlo code for determining the burnup behavior of the SFR, the power distribution and the effective multiplication factor. The neutronic and burn-up calculations were done by means of Serpent-2 Code with the ENDF-7 cross-sections library. Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor core was taken as the reference core for Th-232 burnup calculations. The results showed that SFR is an important option to deplete the minor actinides as well as for transmutation from Th-232 to U-233.
Large eddy fire simulation applications from nuclear industry
Authors: Sharma P. K. , Verma V. , Chattopadhyay J. , Vinod G.
Published: August 2021

A computational study has been carried out for predicting the behaviour of a pool fire source using the field-model based code Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). Time dependent velocity and temperature fields are predicted along with the resulting changes in the plume structure and its width. Firstly, a grid study was performed to find out the best grid size for this purpose. Then calculations were done which showed a very good agreement with earlier reported experimental based correlations for the temperature of the plume region. These studies have been extended to use this field-model based tools for modelling particular separate effect phenomena like puffing frequency and to validate against experimental data. There are several applications in nuclear industry like room fires, wildland fires, smoke or ash disposal, hydrogen transport in nuclear reactor containment, natural convection in building flows etc. In this paper the use of FDS with the advanced Large Eddy Simulation (LES) based CFD turbulence model is described for various applications: Fire simulation for Alpha storage, Bhabhatran teletherapy, pool fire for transport casks, fire PSA of a representative NPP, exhaust air fan buildings of a process plant and smoke dispersion in large fires around NPPs.
The Rise of Germany in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries and Sustaining Democracy
Authors: Yu Guanghua
Published: August 2021

This article examines the rise of Germany from the nineteenth century to explain that it is open access in the economic sphere, as well as institutional building related to the protection of property rights, contract enforcement, financial markets, rule of law, and human resource accumulation that determine economic and human development. The case of Germany is not very consistent with the logic of the open access orders of North et al. or the theory of extractive political institutions of Acemoglu and Robinson along the line of contestation and inclusiveness. The case of Germany is, however, able to support the research of Przeworski and Limongi that economic development is more likely to sustain democracy. Germany is certainly not the only case in explaining that stable democracy is not the cause but rather the consequence or outcome of lengthy economic development. The historical evidence from South Korea and Taiwan similarly supports the position that democracy is the outcome of economic and political development. This article, however, does not examine whether western values of human equality and human freedom are essential in economic and human development. They are very likely to be so as human equality is the precondition of open access in the economic sphere and human freedom is closely integrated with the interconnected institutions examined in this article. Future research may investigate the roles of these values in different political systems regardless of whether a political system is under the rule of one party, by a dominant party, or through the utilization of a multiparty system.