bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between periodontitis and lung function: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2012
Authors: Chen Hongru , Zhang Xiaofei , Luo Jia , Dong Xue , Jiang Xiubo
Published: November 2021

Background

We aimed to explore the association between periodontitis and lung function in the United States.

Methods

The data was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009 to 2012. Periodontitis was defined following the CDC/AAP (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of periodontology) classification. Lung function measurements included forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio. Linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to explore the association between periodontitis and lung function measurements. Restricted cubic spline was used to assess the dose–response relationships between the mean attachment loss (AL), the mean probing depth (PD) and spirometry‐defined airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC <0.7).

Results

A total of 6313 adults aged 30 years or older were included. Compared to those with non‐periodontitis, the multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of airflow obstruction for moderate and severe periodontitis were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.75) and 1.47 (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.01), the β coefficients of FEV1 for moderate and severe periodontitis were ‐130.16 (95% CI: ‐172.30 to ‐88.01) and ‐160.46 (95% CI: ‐249.94 to ‐70.97), the β coefficients of FVC for moderate and severe periodontitis were ‐100.96 (95% CI: ‐155.08 to ‐46.85) and ‐89.89 (95% CI: ‐178.45 to ‐1.33), the β coefficients of FEV1/FVC for moderate and severe periodontitis were ‐0.01 (95% CI: ‐0.02 to ‐0.01) and ‐0.02 (95% CI: ‐0.03 to ‐0.01). In stratified analyses, the multivariate‐adjusted ORs of airflow obstruction for the moderate and severe periodontitis were 1.27 (95% CI: 0.84 to 1.93) and 2.31 (95% CI: 1.10 to 4.83) in former smokers, 1.84 (95% CI: 1.03 to 3.30) and 1.79 (95% CI: 1.02 to 3.16) in current smokers, with no significant association observed in never smokers. Mean clinical AL and mean PD were negatively associated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC in never, former, and current smokers. Dose‐response relationship analysis showed that the risk of airflow obstruction increased with increasing mean clinical AL and mean PD, and showed a non‐linear dose‐response relationship.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that moderate and severe periodontitis might be associated with the decline of lung function in the United States of America.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein expression predicts disease severity in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients
Authors: Jang Tyng‐Yuan , Huang Chung‐Feng , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Ching‐I , Dai Chia‐Yen , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Hsu Po‐Yau , Wei Yi‐Ju , Hou Nai‐Jen , Liang Po‐Cheng , Lin Yi‐Hung , Wang Chih‐Wen , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Zu‐Yau , Huang Jee‐Fu , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: November 2021

The role of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) in the prediction of disease severity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains elusive. This study evaluated the performance of WFA+‐M2BP in predicting fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. A total of 80 patients with biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were enrolled. Serum WFA+‐M2BP levels were measured using standard methods. The fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index was also measured. The mean values of WFA+‐M2BP were 1.0, 1.0, 0.8, and 2.2 in Metavir fibrosis stage F0, F1, F2, and F3‐4, respectively (linear trend p = 0.005). The optimal cut‐off value of WFA+‐M2BP in predicting advanced fibrosis (F3‐4) was 1.37 cut‐off index (COI), yielding the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and accuracy of 75.0, 79.4, 39.1, 94.7, and 78.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Combining WFA+‐M2BP with FIB‐4 significantly increased the diagnostic performance for advanced fibrosis, yielding specificity, PPV, and accuracy of 100, 100, and 93%, respectively. The significant factors predicting advanced liver fibrosis in the multivariate regression analysis were WFA+‐M2BP ≥ 1.37 COI (OR/confidence interval [CI]: 9.49/1.63–55.21, p = 0.01) and FIB‐4 ≥ 2.80 (OR/CI: 38.18/4.89–297.93, p = 0.001). Monitoring WFA+‐M2BP is suitable for noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis in NASH patients, particularly in combination with FIB‐4.
Effective aspects of Jacobson radicals of rings
Authors: Wu Huishan
Published: November 2021

This paper studies effective aspects of Jacobson radicals of rings and their applications from the viewpoint of reverse mathematics. First, we propose four radicals of rings, showing that the first order (resp., second order) left and right Jacobson radical coincide in (resp., ). Second, we study Jacobson radicals in left (resp., right) local rings and show that the second order left and right Jacobson radical of left (resp., right) local rings coincide within . Third, we apply our results about Jacobson radicals of rings and local rings to study properties of left (resp., right) strongly indecomposable modules; furthermore, we study effective aspects of typical lemmas and theorems related to strongly indecomposable modules, and show that proves the Fitting Lemma as well as the Krull‐Schmidt‐Azumaya Theorem and that proves the Krull‐Schmidt Theorem.
Crowding‐in and crowding‐out effects of corporate philanthropy on R&D investment
Authors: Zhang Shuxia , Xu Liping , Liu Ning
Published: November 2021

Using a sample of Chinese‐listed firms over the period 2007–2018, this study investigates the effect of corporate philanthropy (CP) on research and development (R&D) investment and the mechanisms involved. The results show that an inverted U‐shaped relationship exists between CP and R&D investment, suggesting that CP first has a crowding‐in effect and then a crowding‐out effect on R&D investment. Further mechanism analysis shows that the crowding‐in effect of CP on R&D investment is partly realized through the path of obtaining government subsidies and mitigating financing constraints, and the crowding‐out effect is partly the result of agency conflicts and resource allocation.
Impact of Polymerization Process Parameters on Improved Comonomer Incorporation Behavior in Ziegler‐Natta Catalysis
Authors: Göpperl Lukas , Pernusch Daniel , Schwarz Julia , Paulik Christian
Published: November 2021

Ziegler‐Natta (ZN) based co‐polymerization processes for the production of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) generally give rise to a non‐uniform incorporation distribution of the comonomer. It has been shown that lowering the titanation temperature during catalyst synthesis can increase the evenness of this distribution. However, polymerization process parameters also affect the resulting incorporation distribution. To investigate these factors, a ZN system using a variety of comonomer‐types, at various ‐concentrations and polymerization temperatures is studied. The molecular properties of the polymer samples obtained are analyzed by high‐temperature size‐exclusion chromatography (HT‐SEC). It is shown that a more uniform incorporation distribution of the comonomer can be achieved by lowering either the polymerization temperature or the comonomer concentration, and that lowering both increases the effect.
Scalable multiple linear model RTDA controller formulation for constrained nonlinear processes
Authors: Haseena B. A. , Srinivasan K.
Published: November 2021

Robustness, tracking, disturbance rejection and overall aggressiveness (RTDA) controller is a next generation control strategy with good robustness, tracking, and regulatory performance. This article proposes a scalable multiple linear model based RTDA (M‐RTDA) control scheme to handle nonlinear processes with or without constraints effectively. Multiple linear models at different operating regions are used to represent the nonlinear dynamics of the system. The optimal local linear models are identified using the gap metric based technique. The linear model and the corresponding RTDA controller at each operating region are combined to get a model‐controller unit. The output of each model controller unit is integrated using a fuzzy scheduling technique to ensure bumpless transfer. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated through simulation using nonlinear benchmark processes like pH neutralization and continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) process with constraints. The block diagram representation of the scalable M‐RTDA controller is developed, and the step‐by‐step procedure (algorithm) to implement the proposed concept is discussed. The proposed scalable multiple linear model scheme is easily reconfigurable as per the performance/operator requirement without affecting the other local RTDA controllers. The qualitative and quantitative performances are compared with the results of the direct extended multiple model based RTDA (DE‐RTDA) controller and dynamic matrix controller(DMC).
Laboratory study of an innovative concept to control aphid pests and mosquito vectors of pathogens to humans
Authors: Darriet Frédéric
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

A great number of areas favourable for the proliferation of mosquitoes are found in farmland, the most favourable being market gardens and rice paddies. The only means of limiting crop pests (AGRI) and mosquito vectors of human pathogens (AC = antivectorial control) in agricultural environments consists of incorporating systemic or translaminar insecticides into fertilizers (AGRIAC). The plant used in this study was the chili pepper (Capsicum chinensis). Experiments were carried out with Myzus persicae aphid pests and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Fertilizers were applied in association with thiacloprid, cyromazine, azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) + Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) insecticides. Chili pepper seedlings were dried to assess the amount of insecticide in their tissues.

RESULTS

NPK + thiacloprid and NPK + azadirachtin remained efficient against aphids for 28 days, whereas Bti + Bs had to be added to both mixtures to make them efficient against Ae. albopictus larvae. NPK + cyromazine remained active against both aphids and mosquitoes for 15 days. The search for insecticide residues in chili pepper showed that untreated plants displayed natural toxicity to Ae. albopictus larvae. The toxic effects induced by the capsaicinoid compounds inside the plant add up to the insecticide action of thiacloprid, cyromazine and azadiractin.

CONCLUSION

The AGRIAC concept allows for an innovative vector control method that can manage aphid pests and mosquitoes while providing plants with the needed fertilizer.
Novel meta‐diamide insecticide, broflanilide, suppresses the population of common cutworm Spodoptera litura through its lethal and sublethal effects
Authors: Shen Ning , Liu Huai‐Yu , Mou Tong‐Yu , Ma Yi‐Bo , Li Yao , Song Zi‐Jiao , Tang Tao , Han Zhao‐Jun , Zhao Chun‐Qing
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Broflanilide has been registered in China for the control of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera pests, and is widely used to control the target pests at lethal and sublethal levels. The lethal and sublethal effects of broflanilide on the common cutworm (CCW) Spodoptera litura Fabricius, a representative Lepidopteran pest in agricultural crops, were examined to explore its ecological influence on pests.

RESULTS

In F0, broflanilide had little influence on the hatchability of eggs, but significantly reduced the neonate survival rate. The lethal activity of broflanilide towards third‐instar larvae and adults was 0.13 mg kg–1 (LD50) and 3.59 mg L–1 (LC50) respectively at 48 h. After being treated with a sublethal dose (LD10 and LD30) of broflanilide, the duration of third‐ to sixth‐instar larvae and the mean fecundity of reproductive females were significantly increased, but pupation rate, weight of pupae and life‐cycle rate were significantly decreased. In F1, the duration of F1 larvae and the doubling time were prolonged, whereas the rates of pupation and the life cycle were decreased by 14.92% and 18.00%, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase and net reproductive rate in the sublethal group were lower than in the control group. The relative fitness of F1 treated by LD10 and LD30 was 0.81 and 0.66, respectively.

CONSLUSION

Broflanilide not only has highly lethal activity, but also suppresses the population growth and progeny of CCW, as a critical factor for guidelines of its usage in the field.
Contrasting dedicated model transformation languages versus general purpose languages: a historical perspective on ATL versus Java based on complexity and size
Authors: Höppner Stefan , Kehrer Timo , Tichy Matthias
Published: November 2021

Model transformations are among the key concepts of model-driven engineering (MDE), and dedicated model transformation languages (MTLs) emerged with the popularity of the MDE pssaradigm about 15 to 20 years ago. MTLs claim to increase the ease of development of model transformations by abstracting from recurring transformation aspects and hiding complex semantics behind a simple and intuitive syntax. Nonetheless, MTLs are rarely adopted in practice, there is still no empirical evidence for the claim of easier development, and the argument of abstraction deserves a fresh look in the light of modern general purpose languages (GPLs) which have undergone a significant evolution in the last two decades. In this paper, we report about a study in which we compare the complexity and size of model transformations written in three different languages, namely (i) the Atlas Transformation Language (ATL), (ii) Java SE5 (2004–2009), and (iii) Java SE14 (2020); the Java transformations are derived from an ATL specification using a translation schema we developed for our study. In a nutshell, we found that some of the new features in Java SE14 compared to Java SE5 help to significantly reduce the complexity of transformations written in Java by as much as 45%. At the same time, however, the relative amount of complexity that stems from aspects that ATL can hide from the developer, which is about 40% of the total complexity, stays about the same. Furthermore we discovered that while transformation code in Java SE14 requires up to 25% less lines of code, the number of words written in both versions stays about the same. And while the written number of words stays about the same their distribution throughout the code changes significantly. Based on these results, we discuss the concrete advancements in newer Java versions. We also discuss to which extent new language advancements justify writing transformations in a general purpose language rather than a dedicated transformation language. We further indicate potential avenues for future research on the comparison of MTLs and GPLs in a model transformation context.
The emergent past: past natural and human disturbances of trees can reduce their present resistance to drought stress
Authors: Pretzsch Hans
Published: November 2021

Forest tree growth is primarily explained, modelled, and predicted depending on current age or size, environmental conditions, and competitive status in the stand. The accumulated size is commonly used as a proxy for a tree's past development. However, recent studies suggest that antecedent conditions may impact present growth by epigenetic, transcriptional, proteomic, or metabolic changes alongside physiological and structural properties. Here, I analysed the ecological memory effect embedded in the xylem as a tree-ring structure. I used 35 mature Norway spruces (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and 36 European beeches (Fagus sylvatica L.) of the Kranzberg Forest water retention experiment KROOF in South Germany to scrutinise how their past development determines the growth of control plots and plots with 5-year water retention. I hypothesised that the current size and growing conditions determine tree growth and drought stress resistance. Metrics quantifying the trees’ recent and past growth, and correlation and linear mixed models with random effects revealed the following ecological memory effects. (1) For both species, the progressive growth course, low inter-annual growth variation in the long term, and low growth deflections in the recent past increased the growth resistance to drought. (2) The correlation between the past growth metrics and current stress reactions revealed that legacy effects could reach back 5–30 years; I found short- and long-term ecological memory. (3) Parameters of model prediction of the basic model with only size as a predictor of tree growth could be improved. The results suggest differences in the internal stem structure and ring pattern cause-specific differences in the trees' functioning and growth. I conclude that a long-term progressive increase and low variation in ring width may improve water conduction and reduce embolism in both species. Annual growth variation and low growth events in the recent past may have primed the morphology and allocation of the Norway spruce to better resist drought. The strong reduction in current growth, drought resistance by irregular growth, and past growth disturbances reveal a memory effect embedded in the tree ring pattern, suggesting further exploration and consideration in tree monitoring, growth modelling, and silvicultural prescriptions.
Heavy metal concentrations in floodplain soils of the Innerste River and in leaves of wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) growing within and outside the floodplain: the legacy of historical mining activities in the Harz Mountains (Germany)
Authors: Steingräber Louisa F. , Ludolphy Catharina , Metz Johannes , Germershausen Lars , Kierdorf Horst , Kierdorf Uwe
Published: November 2021

We studied heavy metal levels in floodplain soils of the Innerste River in northern Germany and in the leaves of wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) growing within and in adjacent areas outside the river floodplain. Heavy metal contamination of the Innerste floodplain is a legacy of historical metal ore mining, processing, and smelting in the Harz Mountains. The heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) contents of previously studied soil samples from eleven floodplain sites along the Innerste River were re-analyzed statistically, and the levels of these metals in blackberry leaves were determined at five sites. Mean concentrations in the floodplain soils were elevated by factors of 4.59 to 28.5 for Cd, 13.03 to 158.21 for Pb, 5.66 to 45.83 for Zn, and 1.1–14.81 for Cu relative to the precautionary limits for soils stipulated by the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance. Cadmium, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni levels in floodplain soils decreased markedly downstream, as did the concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Ni in the leaves of blackberries from within the floodplain. Levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn in leaves of blackberries from within the floodplain significantly exceeded those of specimens from outside the floodplain. The findings of our study highlight the potential of wild blackberry as a biomonitor of soil pollution by Cd, Pb, and Zn and corroborate the massive heavy metal contamination of floodplain soils along the Innerste River observed in previous studies.
Cross-country differences in drivers of female necessity entrepreneurship
Authors: Sendra-Pons Pau , Belarbi-Muñoz Sara , Garzón Dolores , Mas-Tur Alicia
Published: November 2021

This paper analyzes the drivers of female necessity entrepreneurship using a sample of 59 countries, with data sourced from the 2018–2019 global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM). It develops a theoretical framework describing how post-secondary education, startup skills, fear of failure, knowing another entrepreneur, entrepreneurial intentions, and hiring expectations act as drivers of female necessity entrepreneurship. Using qualitative comparative analysis, two models are tested to explain the presence and absence of female necessity entrepreneurship. This outcome is measured using the GEM indicator of total early-stage entrepreneurial activity.
Bilateral Fetal Hydronephrosis presenting with Complete Penoscrotal Transposition at Birth: What to tell the Prospective Parents?
Authors: Patwa Payal , Sharma Charu , Shekhar Shashank , Jhirwal Manisha
Published: November 2021

Complete penoscrotal transposition (PST) is a rare clinical entity that is commonly associated with urogenital abnormalities. Most reported cases of PST are sporadic. We report a case of a 38 weeks pregnancy with bilateral fetal hydronephrosis, distended bladder and anhydramnios who delivered a baby with complete PST. This case report highlights the possible prenatal diagnosis, intervention and counseling of prospective parents.
Generalized commutative quaternions of the Fibonacci type
Authors: Szynal-Liana Anetta , Włoch Iwona
Published: November 2021

Quaternions are a four-dimensional hypercomplex number system discovered by Hamilton in 1843 and next intensively applied in mathematics, modern physics, computer graphics and other fields. After the discovery of quaternions, modified quaternions were also defined in such a way that commutative property in multiplication is possible. That number system called as commutative quaternions is intensively studied and used for example in signal processing. In this paper we define generalized commutative quaternions and next based on them we define and explore Fibonacci type generalized commutative quaternions.
Transdiagnostic Behavioural Intervention for Children with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Kishida Kohei , Ishikawa Shin-ichi , Ubara Ayaka , Abe Nozomi , Arai Honami
Published: November 2021

There is increasing support for the efficacy of transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural interventions for anxiety and depression. However, little is known about the applicability of transdiagnostic behavioural interventions for children younger than 12 years old. This study was conducted to examine the feasibility and potential efficacy of Streamlined Transdiagnostic Intervention for Anxiety and Depression (STREAM) for children with anxiety and/or depressive disorders using a randomised controlled design with a wait-list control (WLC) condition and blind-assessments. Of the 22 potential participants, 16 Japanese children (M = 9.81; SD = 0.75; range 9–12 years) with principal anxiety or depressive disorder were eligible and enrolled. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to the STREAM or WLC condition. The dropout rates were 0% for both the conditions at post-assessment. Mixed model analyses showed that, although there were no significant interactions at post-assessment between both the conditions, both anxiety and depressive disorders significantly improved at 3 months compared with pre-assessment for the combined condition (the STREAM and WLC conditions). Therefore, this study demonstrated the feasibility of the STREAM in the Japanese clinical setting and potentially supported its efficacy for children with anxiety and depressive disorders at the follow-up assessment.
Lack of trade-offs in host offspring produced during fecundity compensation
Authors: Davis A.A. , Vannatta J.T. , Gutierrez S.O. , Minchella D.J.
Published: November 2021

Host–parasite coevolution may result in life-history changes in hosts that can limit the detrimental effects of parasitism. Fecundity compensation is one such life-history response, occurring when hosts increase their current reproductive output to make up for expected losses in future reproduction due to parasitic infection. However, the potential trade-offs between this increase in quantity and the quality of offspring have been relatively unexplored. This study uses the trematode, Schistosoma mansoni, and its snail intermediate host, Biomphalaria glabrata, to better understand how this host life-history response, fecundity compensation, impacts host reproduction. Measures of host reproductive output as well as offspring hatching success and survival were collected to assess the reproductive consequences of infection. Infected snails exhibited fecundity compensation by increasing the number of eggs laid and the overall probability of laying eggs compared to uninfected snails. Parental infection status did not play a significant role in hatching or offspring survival to maturity. Offspring from a later reproductive bout demonstrated a higher hatching success rate. Overall, the lack of an apparent trade-off between quantity and quality of offspring suggests that infected parental snails invest more resources towards reproduction not only to increase reproductive output, but also to maintain the fitness of their offspring, possibly at the expense of their own longevity.
A WILD BOOTSTRAP FOR DEPENDENT DATA
Authors: Hounyo Ulrich
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces a novel wild bootstrap for dependent data (WBDD) as a means of calculating standard errors of estimators and constructing confidence regions for parameters based on dependent heterogeneous data. The consistency of the bootstrap variance estimator for smooth function of the sample mean is shown to be robust against heteroskedasticity and dependence of unknown form. The first-order asymptotic validity of the WBDD in distribution approximation is established when data are assumed to satisfy a near epoch dependent condition and under the framework of the smooth function model. The WBDD offers a viable alternative to the existing non parametric bootstrap methods for dependent data. It preserves the second-order correctness property of blockwise bootstrap (provided we choose the external random variables appropriately), for stationary time series and smooth functions of the mean. This desirable property of any bootstrap method is not known for extant wild-based bootstrap methods for dependent data. Simulation studies illustrate the finite-sample performance of the WBDD.
Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus genotypes and subgenotypes in ethnic minority populations, Yunnan province, China
Authors: Dong Zhe , Li Jiang-Rong , Zhao Zhi-Xian , Xu Lin , Yu Wen , Kang Wen-Yu , Li Qiong-Fen
Published: November 2021

The aim of our study was to determine the distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and subgenotypes in ethnic minorities in Yunnan province to provide evidence supporting the theoretical basis for hepatitis B prevention and control. We obtained serum samples and demographic data from 765 individuals reported by Yunnan province who had either acute or chronic HBV infection and were from one of 20 ethnic minority populations: Achang, Bai, Brown, Tibetan, Dai, Deang, Dulong, Hani, Hui, Jingpo, Lahu, Yi, Lisu Miao, Naxi, Nu, Pumi, Wa, Yao, or Zhuang people. We sequenced the HBV DNA and determined the genotypes and subgenotypes of the isolated HBVs. We mapped the genotype and subgenotype distribution by ethnic minority population and conducted descriptive analyses. There were four genotypes among the 20 ethnic groups: genotype B (21.3% of samples), C (76.6%), D (1.8%) and I (0.3%). The most common subgenotype was C1. There were no genotype differences by gender (P = 0.954) or age (P = 0.274), but there were differences by region (P < 0.001). There were differences in genotype distribution (P < 0.001) and subgenotype distribution (P = 0.011) by ethnic group. Genotype D was most prominent in Tibet and most HBV isolates were C/D recombinant viruses. The only two genotype I virus isolates were in Zhuang people. Susceptibility and geographic patterns may influence HBV prevalence in different ethnic populations, but additional research is needed for such a determination.
Delayed Impacts of Arctic Sea‐Ice Loss on Eurasian Severe Cold Winters
Authors: Jang Yeon‐Soo , Jun Sang‐Yoon , Son Seok‐Woo , Min Seung‐Ki , Kug Jong‐Seong
Published: November 2021

This study suggests a possible mechanism of how the Arctic sea‐ice loss can influence the mid‐latitude climate in the Eurasian continent. It is shown that the low sea‐ice concentration over the Barents‐Kara‐Laptev Seas in autumn typically leads to cold Eurasian in winters. It is demonstrated that the Arctic‐to‐midlatitude connection depends on the state of late autumn atmospheric circulation. When the autumn sea‐ice reduction is accompanied by anticyclonic circulation over northern Eurasia, Eurasia becomes anomalously cold in the early winter. However, when cyclonic circulation is dominant, Eurasian cold anomalies appear in the late winter. This seasonally delayed response is further found to be related to the wind‐driven sea‐ice drift that causes warm anomalies over the Barents‐Kara Seas in the following winter. These observational results are confirmed by model simulations, indicating that the recent Eurasian cold winters could be linked to their forced response to the Arctic sea‐ice loss.
Remote drain inspection framework using the convolutional neural network and re-configurable robot Raptor
Authors: Melvin Lee Ming Jun , Mohan Rajesh Elara , Semwal Archana , Palanisamy Povendhan , Elangovan Karthikeyan , Gómez Braulio Félix , Ramalingam Balakrishnan , Terntzer Dylan Ng
Published: November 2021

Drain blockage is a crucial problem in the urban environment. It heavily affects the ecosystem and human health. Hence, routine drain inspection is essential for urban environment. Manual drain inspection is a tedious task and prone to accidents and water-borne diseases. This work presents a drain inspection framework using convolutional neural network (CNN) based object detection algorithm and in house developed reconfigurable teleoperated robot called ‘Raptor’. The CNN based object detection model was trained using a transfer learning scheme with our custom drain-blocking objects data-set. The efficiency of the trained CNN algorithm and drain inspection robot Raptor was evaluated through various real-time drain inspection field trial. The experimental results indicate that our trained object detection algorithm has detect and classified the drain blocking objects with 91.42% accuracy for both offline and online test images and is able to process 18 frames per second (FPS). Further, the maneuverability of the robot was evaluated from various open and closed drain environment. The field trial results ensure that the robot maneuverability was stable, and its mapping and localization is also accurate in a complex drain environment.
DEspRhigh neutrophils are associated with critical illness in COVID-19
Authors: deKay Joanne T. , Emery Ivette F. , Rud Jonathan , Eldridge Ashley , Lord Christine , Gagnon David J. , May Teresa L. , Herrera Victoria L. M. , Ruiz-Opazo Nelson , Riker Richard R. , Sawyer Douglas B. , Ryzhov Sergey , Seder David B.
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection results in a spectrum of outcomes from no symptoms to widely varying degrees of illness to death. A better understanding of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent, often excessive, inflammation may inform treatment decisions and reveal opportunities for therapy. We studied immune cell subpopulations and their associations with clinical parameters in a cohort of 26 patients with COVID-19. Following informed consent, we collected blood samples from hospitalized patients with COVID-19 within 72 h of admission. Flow cytometry was used to analyze white blood cell subpopulations. Plasma levels of cytokines and chemokines were measured using ELISA. Neutrophils undergoing neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation were evaluated in blood smears. We examined the immunophenotype of patients with COVID-19 in comparison to that of SARS-CoV-2 negative controls. A novel subset of pro-inflammatory neutrophils expressing a high level of dual endothelin-1 and VEGF signal peptide-activated receptor (DEspR) at the cell surface was found to be associated with elevated circulating CCL23, increased NETosis, and critical-severity COVID-19 illness. The potential to target this subpopulation of neutrophils to reduce secondary tissue damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection warrants further investigation.
Corneal ectasia in mothers of Down syndrome children
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Asgari Soheila , Panahi Parsa , Mehravaran Shiva , Fotouhi Akbar , Ambrósio Renato
Published: November 2021

In this study, corneal findings regarding keratoconus (KC) and early KC among mothers with Down syndrome children (MDS) and a group of age-at-delivery-matched mothers with normal children (MNC) were compared. KC was diagnosed based on the presence of a clinical sign and at least one abnormal tomographic or biomechanical criterion. Early KC was defined as having no clinical sign in the presence of at least one abnormal tomographic or biomechanical criterion. The normal subgroups in each group were compared in terms tomographic and biomechanical parameters. In MDS and MNC, the prevalence rates were 6.5% and 1.6% for KC (P = 0.047), and 30.9% and 14.3% for early KC (P = 0.014), respectively. Comparison between the two normal subgroups showed significant differences in mean index of height asymmetry, irregularity index, anterior asphericity, pentacam random forest index, corneal stiffness parameters at first applanation, deformation amplitude ratios, integrated radius-1 mm, highest concavity deflection amplitude, biomechanical corrected IOP, peak distance, and radius (all P < 0.05). This study showed that MDS are more likely to have KC and also to have thinner, steeper and softer corneas compared to MNC. This results support the need for further work for determining the risk of delivering a child with DS.
Tuning of the elastic modulus of a soft polythiophene through molecular doping
Authors: Zokaei Sepideh , Kim Donghyun , Järsvall Emmy , Fenton Abigail M. , Weisen Albree R. , Hultmark Sandra , Nguyen Phong H. , Matheson Amanda M. , Lund Anja , Kroon Renee , Chabinyc Michael L. , Gomez Enrique D. , Zozoulenko Igor , Müller Christian
Published: November 2021

Molecular doping of a polythiophene with oligoethylene glycol side chains is found to strongly modulate not only the electrical but also the mechanical properties of the polymer.
Beyond Recognition: Visual Contributions to Verbal Working Memory
Authors: Nittrouer Susan , Lowenstein Joanna H.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

It is well recognized that adding the visual to the acoustic speech signal improves recognition when the acoustic signal is degraded, but how that visual signal affects postrecognition processes is not so well understood. This study was designed to further elucidate the relationships among auditory and visual codes in working memory, a postrecognition process.

Design:

In a main experiment, 80 young adults with normal hearing were tested using an immediate serial recall paradigm. Three types of signals were presented (unprocessed speech, vocoded speech, and environmental sounds) in three conditions (audio-only, audio–video with dynamic visual signals, and audio–picture with static visual signals). Three dependent measures were analyzed: (a) magnitude of the recency effect, (b) overall recall accuracy, and (c) response times, to assess cognitive effort. In a follow-up experiment, 30 young adults with normal hearing were tested largely using the same procedures, but with a slight change in order of stimulus presentation.

Results:

The main experiment produced three major findings: (a) unprocessed speech evoked a recency effect of consistent magnitude across conditions; vocoded speech evoked a recency effect of similar magnitude to unprocessed speech only with dynamic visual (lipread) signals; environmental sounds never showed a recency effect. (b) Dynamic and static visual signals enhanced overall recall accuracy to a similar extent, and this enhancement was greater for vocoded speech and environmental sounds than for unprocessed speech. (c) All visual signals reduced cognitive load, except for dynamic visual signals with environmental sounds. The follow-up experiment revealed that dynamic visual (lipread) signals exerted their effect on the vocoded stimuli by enhancing phonological quality.

Conclusions:

Acoustic and visual signals can combine to enhance working memory operations, but the source of these effects differs for phonological and nonphonological signals. Nonetheless, visual information can support better postrecognition processes for patients with hearing loss.
Empirical analyses of excavation method and tunnel support system based on engineering geology of Tunnel No.8 at Jakarta – Bandung high-speed railway, West Bandung, Province of West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Ayu Oktarina Ika Medika , Pramumijoyo Subagyo , Indrawan I Gde Budi
Published: November 2021

The Chinese Basic Quality (BQ) system was used to determine the rock mass classes and design tunnel support system of the Tunnel No.8 of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway. As the BQ system is newly applied for tunnelling project in Indonesia and remains poorly understood, this research aims to determine rock mass classes at the tunnel construction site and propose the tunnel excavation method and support system alternative based on more widely used rock mass classifications of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) standard. Surface engineering geological mapping and evaluation of drill core samples were carried out to obtain accurate interpretation of subsurface engineering geological conditions, particularly the rock mass classes at the tunnel elevation. The results show that the tunnel construction area consists of very poor to fair classes of andesite breccia, tuff lapilli, and tuffaceous sandstone. The full-face method with auxiliary bench cut and multiple-bench cut method are to be applied at the tunnel sections consisting of rock mass classes CI and DII, respectively. The proposed tunnel support system is a combination of shotcrete, rock bolt, steel rib, and invert.
Effects of Liquid Wastes from Tofu Industries on Water Quality in Parangan River, Magelang District, Central Java-Indonesia
Authors: Widyaningrum Wiwik , Widyastuti Margaretha
Published: November 2021

Continued entries of liquid wastes generated by tofu industries into nearby rivers might deteriorate the water quality if disposed of without prior treatments. The research objectives were to determine the liquid waste quality from tofu productions near Parangan River (Magelang, Indonesia), assess the river water quality and investigate the effects of the liquid waste on pollution load and water quality status. With this information, the research can help determine pollutant load allocation in the river and provide the basis for formulating water quality management policies if it is not contaminated or pollution controls if otherwise. This research employed purposive sampling, direct measurements in the field, laboratory tests, descriptive-comparative analysis, mass balance and pollution index method. The results showed that the pH, temperature, COD, BOD, TSS and ammonia levels of the liquid wastes had surpassed their maximum permissible levels. Similarly, the river’s COD, BOD and ammonia contents did not meet the water quality standards. With BOD, a pollution load indicator, exceeding the total maximum daily load, the water quality statuses at monitoring points S2, S3 and S4 were categorised into slightly polluted. It means that the liquid waste generated by the tofu industries has detrimental effects on the water quality of the Parangan River.
An overview of Persian Gulf environmental pollutions
Authors: Khazali Majid , Taghavi Lobat
Published: November 2021

Aquatic environments are among the most vulnerable habitats that affect all Organisms. The Persian Gulf is home to numerous plant and animal species, and the biological safety is at risk due to its numerous human activities. Traffic of numerous oil and commercial vessels in the area, waste water, desalination, proximity of numerous industrial, refinery and petrochemical units to shores and rivers, oil rigs, fishing, and tourism activities are potential hazards to the environment and should lead to severe chemicals and physicals pollution into the Persian Gulf ecosystem. All this while the Persian Gulf is highly vulnerable due to various natural in the reason of such as low water circulation due to isolation, high evaporation, and low water depth. In this article, previous studies on the status of pollutants in the Persian Gulf have been reviewed. Much of the research on Persian Gulf pollution has focused on hydrocarbons and heavy metals. However, according to recent research, the amounts of these pollutants have been lower than the allowed levels. Also, further research into the impacts of plastics and microplastics on the Persian Gulf ecosystem should be undertaken.
Numerical modelling of geocell reinforced slope by use of plastic bottle waste
Authors: Diansyah Afif Agri , Faris Fikri , Rifa’i Ahmad , Meidudga Roberth Evander
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, waste management should be one of the focuses in controlling a healthy and sustainable environment. It is undeniable that plastic bottle waste has covered the earth’s surface. One of the solutions to reduce the polluting impact is to use it as a geocell in the geotechnical field. The previous researchers more study about slope reinforcement using fabricated geocell. In this study, geocell is made by utilizing plastic bottle waste. Slope stabilization using geocell is a kind of internal stabilization. Other kinds of slope stabilization, such as using sheet piles and gravity walls, are external stabilization. The purpose of this study is to obtain an overview of the effect of the geocell reinforced slope. From experimental studies using plate load test, results obtained that geocell reinforce soil can increase the bearing capacity of the soil. Numerical modelling uses PLAXIS 2D modelled geocell reinforce slope as a slab that can spread the load widely over the reinforced area, also known as beam model. Young’s modulus of geocell-soil composite is obtained from experimental studies, empirical equation and validated using axisymmetry in PLAXIS 2D. The results of this study, generally geocell reinforce slope can restrain the slope from failure deformation by redistributing the loads in a large area. The significant effect is shown in sandy soil with a high improvement factor (IF), different to the reinforcement in clayey soil with a low improvement factor (IF). It implies that plastic bottle waste can be used as a geocell which can increase its economic value. Since it is applicable, it can reduce the pollution caused by plastic bottle waste.
Factors influencing the compliance of workplace safety culture in the government linked company (GLC)
Authors: Mat Isa Abdul Aziz , Wahab Warishah Abdul , Omar Rohayu Che , Mohd Nordin Mohd Zaid , Taha Hairin , Roslan Rasyikin
Published: November 2021

This research focused on five factors; the management commitments towards safety, availability of safety rules and procedures, safety communication and feedback, the effectiveness of safety training, and the acquisition of safety knowledge that contributes to compliance of safety culture in the government-linked companies (GLC), by exploring various dimensions by which converge into achieving organizational safety performance outcomes. The importance of safety performance in the GLC is to ensure the employees have the right safety culture, a safe working environment, and comply with safety rules and procedures. The contribution of the findings of this study may provide knowledge of existing safety management practices in Malaysia’s Government Linked Company (GLC) and facilitate the organizations in evaluating the importance of safety management on their performance. This study also emphasizes the relationship between the five factors mentioned towards the compliance of safety culture in the organization. Besides that, it also provides an empirical review on which components of safety management practices have a better relationship with the organizational safety culture. Based on the results obtained, there is a positive correlation between management commitments towards safety, availability of safety rules and procedures, safety communication and feedback, the effectiveness of safety training, and acquisition of safety knowledge with regards to employees’ safety compliance towards a better safety culture in the organization.
COVID-19 and Gender Role in Unemployment: How Women in Special Capital Region of Jakarta is Less Likely to be Unemployed During Economic Disturbance
Authors: Rahman Jamal Habibur , Mumtaza Faradisa Hilya , Putra Rahmatullah Tri Nanda , Kintoro Fachrurizal Sai , Rahayuli Rezis , Nur’aini Anisa Octa , Ramadhani Nurul , Rostika Mya Dwi , Tristan Abraham Cardenas , Putri Ratih Fitria
Published: November 2021

The gender gap that occurs in Special Capital Region of Jakarta, between men and women has an impact on aspects of employment related to labor absorption. Increasing the number of optimal employment opportunities, both in terms of productivity and efficiency, can determine the success of economic development in a region. This study was conducted to see how likely it is that women are unemployed, in relation to the employment aspect in Special Capital Region of Jakarta which is based on secondary data from BPS and analyzed with a descriptive quantitative approach. The results showed that the open unemployment rate (TPT) in Special Capital Region of Jakarta in 2019-2020 experienced a significant increase in 2020, namely 4.86% for men and 4.5% for women. Different results are shown in the variable labor force participation rate (TPAK), which tends to experience a fluctuating trend with the participation rate of men being higher than women. In general, the COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on employment, which in turn has an impact on unemployment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate was dominated by men, due to the high wages of men compared to women. In addition, women’s labor force participation rates are relatively low compared to men’s, causing women to have little chance of being unemployed. Female workers have higher resilience than male workers, this is due to the higher saturation of women in informal economic activities with entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial activities tend to have more resilience than formal workers because there is no risk of termination of employment from the employer.
Spatial pattern analysis of land cover changes using Fragstat in Kendal Delta, Kendal Regency, Central Java
Authors: Fitri Hastari Nur Rizki , Ningrum Esya Rachma , Setyowati Puspasari , Nadia Hayyun , Putra Qooi Insanu , Lutfiana Sofia , Akbar Muhammad Rois , Lestari Heni Dwi , Ramadhan Muhammad Fauzan , Budiman Lucia Sandra , Haryono Eko
Published: November 2021

The northern coastal plains of Kendal Regency are deltaic landform whose processes are strongly influenced by fluvial (fluvial dominated deltas). The area of land in the Kendal Delta area continues to experience changes due to regional developments that occur as Kendal Regency is designated as one of the national activity center in terms of strategic and industrial economies. Various developments can trigger various land conversions so that studies are needed to identify changes occurring. The purpose of this study is to identify land cover patterns based on geomorphological aspects and analyzed land cover changes based on landscape structures in Delta Kendal in 1989 and 2021. Changes in the Kendal Delta landscape structure were analyzed using landscape metrics approach. The results showed that the land cover pattern in the Kendal Delta from 1989 to 2021 has a change. Based on the calculation from landscape metrics, land cover in Delta Kendal that has a relatively high patch density tends to have a high level of interference, and vice versa. In general, there is a relationship if there is an increase in the value of PD and ED, there will be a decrease in the value of MNN and IJI.