bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel regression method for the analysis of multireader multicase‐free‐response receiver operating characteristics studies
Authors: Liu Xueqing , Sun Jiarui , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: April 2022

In diagnostic radiology, the multireader multicase (MRMC) design and the free‐response receiver operating characteristics (FROC) method are often used in combination. The cross‐correlated data generated by the MRMC‐FROC study leads to difficulties in the corresponding analysis, and the need to include covariates in the model further complicates the subsequent analysis. In this paper, we propose a regression approach based on three new measures with good interpretability. The correlation structure of the original test results is taken directly into account in the estimation procedure. The proposed method also allows the inclusion of continuous or discrete covariates. Consistent and asymptotically normal estimators are derived for the new measures. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the regression approach performs well under a wide range of scenarios. We also apply the proposed regression approach to a diagnostic study of computer‐aided diagnosis in lung cancer.
A Digital Therapeutic for Management of Psychosocial Aspects of Psoriasis: A Pre-Post Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Fortune D. G. , Ravnkilde V. , Ryan S. , Ramsay B. , Clough S. , Richards H. L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite the psychosocial challenges of living with psoriasis many patients may not be able to access appropriate services to manage these challenges. Mobile health interventions may be helpful as a means to support patients in managing the impact of their condition.

Objective

To conduct a preliminary examination of the feasibility and acceptability of a bespoke psoriasis-specific digital therapeutic solution (hereafter termed Allay), and to provide initial data on psychological changes pre-post.

Methods

Phase one proof of concept pre-post study. Eligible patients were provided with Allay on their smartphone and assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks on a range of indices of well-being. Participants experiences on usability were collected by telephone interview at 4 weeks, 8 and 12 weeks.

Results

Out of 66 participants recruited, 59 persisted in using Allay after the familiarisation phase, and 34 participants completed the 12 weeks programme. Participants showed a statistically significant improvement between induction and the end of the 12 weeks programme on Quality of life, Resilience, Perceptions of ‘Overall impact’ of psoriasis, and ‘Emotional impact’. There was a significant change over the course of using Allay for symptoms of depression but not anxiety. While there was an interaction effect of changes in severity of psoriasis symptoms over the course of the study for dermatology-specific measures, there was no interaction between such changes in psoriasis symptoms and changes in depression, resilience or beliefs in emotional impact.

Conclusions

Study results suggest that the use of Allay as an adjunct to medical management of psoriasis may help patients improve resilience, mood, beliefs about their condition and enhance their quality of life. Given that this is a phase one proof of concept study, and our rates of attrition further research is necessary to examine comparative effectiveness and stability of these findings.
Effects of Preparation and Activation Manner on Surface Area of Hierarchical Porous Carbons Derived from Nut (Euryale ferox) Shell
Authors: Yu Wenhe , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Chenqi , Meng Kaiyue , Wu Xiaowen , Min Xin , Huang Zhaohui , Fang Minghao , Liu Yangai , Mi Ruiyu
Published: April 2022

Hierarchical nano‐micro carbon spheres porous carbon composites are successfully synthesized derived from Euryale ferox shells by the in‐situ decoration of the porous carbon with carbon spheres from carboxymethyl cellulose under the activation of KOH. Effects of fabrication and activation manner on surface area of porous carbons were investigated. The influence of activation temperature, impregnation ratio and modifier were analyzed. The specific surface area, pore volume and average pore diameter of porous carbon was characterized by N2 adsorption isotherms. Porous carbon produced at 800 °C with an impregnation ratio of 3, 2 hours of carbonization time, 20 hours immersion time has been found 2506 m2 g−1, 1.515 cm3 g−1 and 2.4 nm of the optimum specific surface area, pore volume and average pore diameter, respectively. The result of Fourier‐infrared spectroscopy analysis of the prepared porous carbon confirmed that it has abundant functional groups on the surface. The scanning electron micrographs of the prepared porous carbon indicated that a well‐developed pore structure was formed during the experiment.
Single‐Atom Tailored Hierarchical Transition Metal Oxide Nanocages for Efficient Lithium Storage
Authors: Sun Baoyu , Zheng Wei , Xie Bingxing , Kang Cong , Zhu Jiaming , Kong Fanpeng , Xiang Lizhi , Cui Can , Lou Shuaifeng , Du Chunyu , Zuo Pengjian , Xie Jingying , Yin Geping
Published: April 2022

Mitigating the mechanical degradation and enhancing the ionic/electronic conductivity are critical but challengeable issues toward improving electrochemical performance of conversion‐type anodes in rechargeable batteries. Herein, these challenges are addressed by constructing interconnected 3D hierarchically porous structure synergistic with Nb single atom modulation within a Co3O4 nanocage (3DH‐Co3O4@Nb). Such a hierarchical‐structure nanocage affords several fantastic merits such as rapid ion migration and enough inner space for alleviating volume variation induced by intragrain stress and optimized stability of the solid‐electrolyte interface. Particularly, experimental studies in combination with theoretical analysis verify that the introduction of Nb into the Co3O4 lattice not only improves the electron conductivity, but also accelerates the surface/near‐surface reactions defined as pesudocapacitance behavior. Dynamic behavior reveals that the ensemble design shows huge potential for fast and large lithium storage. These features endow 3DH‐Co3O4@Nb with remarkable battery performance, delivering ≈740 mA h g−1 after ultra‐long cycling of 1000 times under a high current density of 5 A g−1. Importantly, the assembled 3DH‐Co3O4@Nb//LiCoO2 pouch cell also presents a long‐lived cycle performance with only ≈0.059% capacity decay per cycle, inspiring the design of electrode materials from both the nanostructure and atomic level toward practical applications.
Highly Selective Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO Over Ru‐Modified Bi2MoO6
Authors: Ren Guangmin , Liu Sitong , Li Zizhen , Bai Hongcun , Hu Xiude , Meng Xiangchao
Published: April 2022

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is a promising strategy for sustainable development. Optimizing the structure of photocatalysts to facilitate the separation of electron–hole pairs for improved performance is not only highly desirable but also challenging. Aiming to improve the photocatalytic reduction of CO2, Ru is selected and applied to modify Bi2MoO6. Compared to pure Bi2MoO6, Ru‐Bi2MoO6 exhibits substantially excellent photocatalytic activity in CO2 reduction with CO generation of 142.77 μmol−1 g−1 and selectivity of 100% under simulated sunlight. The enhancement might be attributed to the following: 1) Ru0 acting as an electron acceptor facilitates unique interaction and activation with CO, 2) Ru4+ doping enhances light absorption with addition impure energy levels within the bandgap, 3) ultrathin layers is in favor of improving the specific surface area and providing more exposed sites for CO2 adsorption and activation, and 4) interfaces between Ru and Bi2MoO6 accelerate charge transfer and separation, and electrons and holes are efficiently transferred to Ru and Ru4+, respectively, facilitating the reduction and oxidation reactions. This work provides a new approach to improve photocatalytic CO2 abatement and further presents valuable new insights into the design modification of photocatalytic systems.
Phylogenetic analysis ofEimeria tenellaisolated from the litter of different chicken farms in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Mohammad Zahangir , Dey Anita Rani , Rony Sharmin Aqter , Parvin Shahnaz , Akter Shirin
Published: April 2022

Background

Eimeria tenella is the most pathogenic intracellular protozoan parasite of sevenEimeriaspecies causing chicken coccidiosis around the world. This species is particularly responsible for caecal coccidiosis leading to serious morbidity–mortality and financial loss in poultry production.

Methods

The present study explored the genetic diversity ofE. tenella. Litter slurry was collected from 18 broiler farms located in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. Litter samples were processed for oocyst isolation–identification using parasitological techniques followed by genomic DNA extraction from sporulated oocysts. For molecular analysis, theinternaltranscribedspacer1gene ofE. tenellawas amplified using species‐specific primers and sequenced. After editing and alignment, 263 bp sequences were used for analysis.

Results

Genetic analysis showed seven distinct genotypes and detected six single nucleotide polymorphisms among the 18E. tenellaisolates. The nucleotide and genotype diversity were 0.00507 and 0.8235, respectively. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with 66 sequences (seven studied genotypes and 59 reference sequences from GenBank database). The neighbour‐joining tree represented that the studiedE. tenellaisolates were grouped with referenceE. tenellaisolates with strong nodal support (100%) and the nucleotide sequences ofE. tenella,E. necatrix,E. acervulina,E. brunetti,E. maxima,E. mitisandE. praecoxformed separate clusters without any geographical boundaries.

Conclusions

This is the first study on the genetic analysis ofE. tenellafrom Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. These findings will provide baseline data on the species conformation and genetic variations ofE.tenella. Further extensive investigation will be needed to reveal the population genetic structure of this parasite and thus will facilitate the planning of effective control strategies.
The use of a whole inactivated PRRS virus vaccine administered in sows and impact on maternally derived immunity and timing of PRRS virus infection in piglets
Authors: Martín‐Valls Gerard Eduard , Mortensen Preben , Clilvert Hepzibar , Li Yanli , Cortey Martí , Sno Melanie , Barna Timea , Terré Marisa , Guerra Nicolas , Mateu Enric
Published: April 2022

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccination is usually based on administering periodically PRRS modified live virus (MLV) in sows throughout their life. Using this schedule, transfer of maternally derived antibodies to the offspring is limited. The aim of the present study was to test the concept of priming with an MLV and boosting with a commercial inactivated virus vaccine in sows to reduce PRRSV incidence and improve productivity.

Methods

On two farms, all the sows were vaccinated with a MLV vaccine at week 8 of gestation. Then two groups were designated, one group was re‐vaccinated in the third week prior to farrowing and using a commercial inactivated vaccine (the PG group). The second group was the control group (C). Assays for PRRSV infection and productive parameters were evaluated.

Results

For both farms, the incidence of PRRSV was lower at 6 weeks of age in PG than in C (p < 0.05). At weaning the proportion of PRRSV seropositive piglets was higher for PG as well (p < 0.05). The litters from C sows from both farms showed a higher pre‐weaning mortality (odds ratio, C vs. PG = 1.18 ± 0.09;p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Administration of the vaccine in sows before farrowing was safe and associated with reduced incidence of PRRSV in piglets up to 6 weeks of age.
Synthesis and Redox Chemistry of a Homoleptic Iron Arsenic Prismane Cluster
Authors: Riesinger Christoph , Dütsch Luis , Scheer Manfred
Published: April 2022

The redox chemistry of the homoleptic iron prismane cluster [{Cp*Fe}3(μ3,η4:4:4‐As6)] (A, Cp*=C5Me5) is investigated both electrochemically and synthetically. While its first oxidation leads to the diamagnetic species [{Cp*Fe}3(μ3,η4:4:4‐As6)][X] ([1][TEF], [1][FAl], [TEF]−=[Al{OC(CF3)3}4]−, [FAl]−=[FAl{O(1‐C6F5)C6F10}3]−), the second oxidation yields the paramagnetic [{Cp*Fe}3(μ3,η4:4:4‐As6)][TEF]2 ([2][TEF]2). The reduction of A leads to the monoanionic compound [K@[2.2.2]‐cryptand][{Cp*Fe}3(μ3,η4:4:4‐As6)] ([K@crypt][3]), while a second reduction could only be traced spectroscopically. All compounds were comprehensively characterized, revealing the structural changes accompanying the described redox processes. All findings are supported by spectroscopic as well as computational studies.
Introduction: Game History and the Local
Authors: Swalwell Melanie
Published: April 2022

Locality has largely been left out of game history. That many histories have been written by journalists and ‘insiders’, largely accepting the game industry’s ‘global’ rhetoric, has no doubt contributed to this situation. An appreciation of socio-cultural and geographic specificity is important to develop if other histories are to be told. But the local also needs to be critically situated if it is not to simply become a new orthodoxy, celebrated for its own sake. This chapter critiques game history’s silence with respect to locality, poses questions about the critical potential of locality for game history, and surveys the different figures of locality that are brought together in the anthology.
Closing Thoughts
Authors: Marcus Pamela M.
Published: April 2022

Most researchers believe that earlier detection due to cancer screening has led to some reduction in cancer mortality, though there is widespread disagreement as to the degree of its impact. There is general agreement, however, that cancer screening programs impact health care spending and availability of resources yet benefit only a few of those who are screened. There is less agreement regarding what constitutes benefit and harm, and even less regarding the acceptable ratio of harm to benefit. The predominant feeling among individuals in the general public is that cancer screening is important and worthwhile, an assumption that in reality is often tenuous. Appreciation of the material presented in this primer is key to making informed decisions about cancer screening practices.
Digitales Lernen – Welche Rolle spielt die Privatheit der Daten von Schüler:innen bei der Nutzung von Lernsoftware?
Authors: Meinert Judith , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: April 2022

Die Nutzung von Smartphones und Tablets ermöglicht auch den Zugang zu Applikationen zum Lernen und Vertiefen von Schulinhalten. Allerdings werden dabei zwangsläufig eine große Anzahl persönlicher Daten gesammelt. Hierbei kann es sich um demografische Daten, administrative Informationen, Daten aus Interaktionen und individuelle Daten wie das Vorwissen oder Testergebnisse handeln. Da die Funktionsweise solcher Lernsysteme oftmals intransparent ist, stellt sich die Frage, inwiefern Kinder und Jugendliche die Bedrohung ihrer Privatheit in horizontaler (durch die Einblicke von Lehr:innen, Eltern und Mitschüler:innen in sensible Leistungsdaten) und vertikaler (durch die kommerzielle Nutzung und Weitergabe an Unternehmen) Hinsicht wahrnehmen. Im Rahmen einer empirischen Befragung von Schüler:innen sowie von Lehrkräften und Eltern wird deshalb untersucht, in welchem Umfang Lernsoftware in den Schulen und Zuhause genutzt wird, und, ob Kenntnisse über potenzielle Bedrohungen der persönlichen Daten durch die Speicherung und Weitergabe bei der Nutzung von Lernsoftware existieren und welche Schutzmaßnahmen im Zuge dessen ergriffen werden, um die eigenen Daten zu schützen.
Ausprägungen von Uploadfiltern
Authors: Steinebach Martin
Published: April 2022

Uploadfilter sind in der jüngeren Vergangenheit Gegenstand von zahlreichen Diskussionen geworden, die teilweise verschiedene Aus-prägungen dieser Systeme vermischen und oft nur unzureichend auf die Herausforderungen und Limitierungen eingehen. In diesem Beitrag soll daher das Thema strukturiert werden, um die Möglichkeiten und Risiken, die bei einem Einsatz von Uploadfiltern entstehen, zu strukturieren. Diese Filter können entweder Inhalte wiedererkennen, was vergleichsweise einfach ist und niedrige Fehlerraten aufweist, oder sie sollen auch Ähnlichkeit erkennen können, wodurch die Fehler ansteigen. Wiedererkennen ist eine beispielsweise Aufgabe bei Urheberrechtsverletzungen, Ähnlichkeit bei Hate Speech. Die Fehlerraten reichen dabei vom Promille bei zu zweistelligen Prozenten und haben dadurch deutliche Auswirkungen auf die Praktikabilität und Auswirkungen der Lösungen. So kann ein autonomer Einsatz in sozialen Medien zu einer hohe Anzahl Fehleinschätzungen führen, was wiederum manuelle Kontrolle erfordert.
Subleading bounds on chaos
Authors: Kundu Sandipan
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Chaos, in quantum systems, can be diagnosed by certain out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs) that obey the chaos bound of Maldacena, Shenker, and Stanford (MSS). We begin by deriving a dispersion relation for this class of OTOCs, implying that they must satisfy many more constraints beyond the MSS bound. Motivated by this observation, we perform a systematic analysis obtaining an infinite set of constraints on the OTOC. This infinite set includes the MSS bound as the leading constraint. In addition, it also contains subleading bounds that are highly constraining, especially when the MSS bound is saturated by the leading term. These new bounds, among other things, imply that the MSS bound cannot be exactly saturated over any duration of time, however short. Furthermore, we derive a sharp bound on the Lyapunov exponent λ2 ≤ $$ \frac{6\pi }{\beta } $$

6
π

β

of the subleading correction to maximal chaos.
Boosted decision trees in the era of new physics: a smuon analysis case study
Authors: Cornell Alan S. , Doorsamy Wesley , Fuks Benjamin , Harmsen Gerhard , Mason Lara
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Machine learning algorithms are growing increasingly popular in particle physics analyses, where they are used for their ability to solve difficult classification and regression problems. While the tools are very powerful, they may often be under- or mis-utilised. In the following, we investigate the use of gradient boosting techniques as applicable to a generic particle physics problem. We use as an example a Beyond the Standard Model smuon collider analysis which applies to both current and future hadron colliders, and we compare our results to a traditional cut-and-count approach. In particular, we interrogate the use of metrics in imbalanced datasets which are characteristic of high energy physics problems, offering an alternative to the widely used area under the curve (auc) metric through a novel use of theF-scoremetric. We present an in-depth comparison of feature selection and investigation using a principal component analysis, Shapley values, and feature permutation methods in a way which we hope will be widely applicable to future particle physics analyses. Moreover, we show that a machine learning model can extend the 95% confidence level exclusions obtained in a traditional cut-and-count analysis, while potentially bypassing the need for complicated feature selections. Finally, we discuss the possibility of constructing a general machine learning model which is applicable to probe a two-dimensional mass plane.
Brownian Motion, Martingales and Itô Formula in Clifford Analysis
Authors: Bernstein Swanhild , Legatiuk Dmitrii
Published: April 2022

Clifford analysis has been the field of active research for several decades resulting in various methods to solve problems in pure and applied mathematics. However, the area of stochastic analysis has not been addressed in its full generality in the Clifford setting, since only a few contributions have been presented so far. Considering that the tools of stochastic analysis play an important role in the study of objects, such as positive definite functions, reproducing kernels and partial differential equations, it is important to develop tools for the study of these objects in the context of Clifford analysis. Therefore, in this work-in-progress paper, we present further steps towards stochastic Clifford analysis by studying random variables, martingales, Brownian motion, and Itô formula in the Clifford setting, as well as their applications in Clifford analysis.
Stress State in the Source Region of Mw2.2 Earthquake in a Deep Gold Mine in South Africa Determined from Borehole Cores
Authors: Yabe Yasuo , Abe Shuhei , Hofmann Gerhard , Roberts Dave , Yilmaz Halil , Ogasawara Hiroshi , Ito Takatoshi , Funato Akio , Nakatani Masao , Naoi Makoto , Durrheim Raymond
Published: April 2022

In December 2007, an Mw2.2 earthquake occurred in a gabbroic dike at 3.3 km depth in a deep gold mine in South Africa. The fore- and aftershock activity was analyzed in an effort to understand the preparation and generation processes of earthquakes; these findings have already been published. The present paper focuses on the stress state in the source region of the mainshock. A 90-m-long borehole across the mainshock fault was drilled ~ 1.5 years after the mainshock and logged by an optical televiewer. The fault can be identified by severe damage to the borehole wall at the point where the borehole intersected the aftershock cluster. Except for a 10-m section in the hanging wall of the fault, borehole cores were fully recovered. Borehole breakout (BO) and core disking (CD) were found to occur. Two stress measurement techniques [Deformation Rate Analysis (DRA) and Diametrical Core Deformation Analysis (DCDA)] were applied to the borehole cores. By combining their results with occurrence criteria for BO and CD, the principal stress state in the source region of the mainshock was determined. The principal directions in the hanging wall of the fault were nearly identical to the virgin stress state, while it was significantly disturbed in the footwall. The vertical stresses were 106 MPa and 40 MPa in the hanging wall and footwall, respectively. The significant difference in the vertical stress between the two sides of the fault can be explained by the stress redistribution associated with a nonuniform slip on a nonplanar fault.
Vertrauen als Grundlage einer erfolgreichen institutionellen Risikokommunikation
Authors: Renn Ortwin
Published: April 2022

Der Erfolg der Krisen- und Risikokommunikation einer Institution beruht auf einer offenen und dialogorientierten Kommunikationspolitik sowie auf einer Kongruenz zwischen den Erwartungen, die ihr gegenüber gehegt werden, und deren Erfüllung. Zentral für die Verständigung mit anderen Akteuren und mit der Bevölkerung ist ein gegenseitiges Vertrauensverhältnis. In diesem Beitrag werden Faktoren beschrieben, die maßgeblich dafür verantwortlich sind, ob und in welchem Ausmaß Institutionen eine Vertrauensbasis und Glaubwürdigkeit schaffen können. Es wird diskutiert, wie eine vertrauensvolle Risikokommunikation auch in Krisenzeiten gelingen kann.

Gelingende Risikokommunikation ist an ein Verfahren gebunden, das Glaubwürdigkeit und Kompetenz durch Offenheit der Ergebnisse, überzeugende Vermittlung von wissenschaftlicher Evidenz, den Einbezug pluraler Werte und Kriterien sowie die Synthese von System- und Orientierungswissen vermittelt. Angesichts der Unsicherheit von Wissen und der Unübersichtlichkeit der Kommunikationsvorgänge in der Gesellschaft ist diese Aufgabe nicht leicht zu erfüllen. Trotz dieser Schwierigkeiten können Institutionen der Risikobewertung und -regulierung durch geschickte Koalitionsbildung mit Organisationen und Gruppen mit hohem Vertrauenspotenzial, durch transparente, ergebnisoffene Formen der Kommunikation und durch die Einbindung von Stakeholdern und betroffenen Individuen in das Risikomanagement Vertrauen aufbauen und über die Zeit verstetigen.
Beyond Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol: chemical differentiation of cannabis varieties applying targeted and untargeted analysis
Authors: Monti Manuela Carla , Frei Priska , Weber Sophie , Scheurer Eva , Mercer-Chalmers-Bender Katja
Published: April 2022

Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) is commonly chemically classified based on its Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content ratios. However, the plant contains nearly 150 additional cannabinoids, referred to as minor cannabinoids. Minor cannabinoids are gaining interest for improved plant and product characterization, e.g., for medical use, and bioanalytical questions in the medico-legal field. This study describes the development and validation of an analytical method for the elucidation of minor cannabinoid fingerprints, employing liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The method was used to characterize inflorescences from 18 different varieties of C. sativa, which were cultivated under the same standardized conditions. Complementing the targeted detection of 15 cannabinoids, untargeted metabolomics employing in silico assisted data analysis was used to detect additional plant ingredients with focus on cannabinoids. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate differences between varieties. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the ability of targeted and non-targeted metabolomics using the mentioned techniques to distinguish cannabis varieties from each other by their minor cannabinoid fingerprint. Quantitative determination of targeted cannabinoids already gave valuable information on cannabinoid fingerprints as well as inter- and intra-variety variability of cannabinoid contents. The untargeted workflow led to the detection of 19 additional compounds. PCA of the targeted and untargeted datasets revealed further subgroups extending commonly applied phenotype classification systems of cannabis. This study presents an analytical method for the comprehensive characterization of C. sativa varieties.

Graphical abstract
Investigating the sense of agency and its relation to subclinical traits using a novel task
Authors: Penton Tegan , Wang Xingquan , Catmur Caroline , Bird Geoffrey
Published: April 2022

Tasks measuring the sense of agency often manipulate the predictability of action outcomes by introducing spatial deviation. However, the extent to which spatial predictability of an outcome influences the sense of agency when spatial deviation is controlled for remains untested. We used a novel task to investigate the effect of several factors (action–outcome contingency, spatial deviation, and spatial predictability when controlling for spatial deviation of action outcomes) on the sense of agency. We also investigated trait predictors of metacognition of agency—the degree to which participants’ confidence in their agency judgements corresponds to the accuracy of those judgements. Initial and replication samples completed contingency, deviation, and predictability versions of the task. Across samples, participants’ sense of agency was impacted by action–outcome contingency and spatial deviation of action outcomes. Manipulation of the spatial predictability of action outcomes did not reliably impact the sense of agency. Metacognition of agency was related to alexithymic traits—higher alexithymia scores were associated with reduced metacognition of agency.
Moisture absorption and spectroscopic studies of epoxy clay nanocomposite
Authors: Muralishwara K. , Sudhakar Y. N. , Kini U. Achutha , Sharma Sathyashankara , Gurumurthy B. M.
Published: April 2022

Epoxy resins are prone to serious moisture absorption inspite of their inherent advantages, which can be mitigated by the incorporation of montmorillonite nanoclay that provide tortuous path to flow of moisture. Moisture absorption studies of epoxy clay nanocomposites is carried out, to analyse the effect of nanoclay content, immersion media and immersion temperature. Nanocomposites prepared in 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt% using magnetic stirring and ultrasonication and neat epoxy specimen were immersed in distilled water and artificial seawater maintained at 28 and 38 °C till saturation. Fick’s and Langmuir’s models were applied to calculate the kinetic parameters from the water absorption graphs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) characterizations were performed. Diffusivity is least for nanocomposite containing 0.5 wt% nanoclay at both temperatures in both medium. However, it is least when the medium is distilled water. As the temperature of immersion medium increases, the diffusivity also increases. Saturation moisture uptake increased with increase in nanoclay content, because of the residual hydrophilic nature of nanoclay. AFM and XRD analysis revealed better dispersion and exfoliated structure of nanoclay respectively at 0.5 wt% loading. FTIR spectroscopy was applied to identify the chemical bonds that helped in proposing the reaction mechanism of the nanocomposite synthesis. Spectra comparison of dry and wet specimens complimented the moisture absorption data by showing lower infrared transmittance in wet specimens. With Increase in nanoclay content, the transmittance decreased corresponding to increase in saturation moisture uptake for distilled water immersed specimens. SEM–EDX analysis distinguished between the cations entered from the artificial seawater and cations that were still present in the nanoclay.
Robust perceptual-load-dependent audiovisual integration in adult ADHD
Authors: Schulze Marcel , Aslan Behrem , Jung Paul , Lux Silke , Philipsen Alexandra
Published: April 2022

We perceive our daily-life surrounded by different senses (e.g., visual, and auditory). For a coherent percept, our brain binds those multiple streams of sensory stimulations, i.e., multisensory integration (MI). Dependent on stimulus complexity, early MI is triggered by bottom–up or late via top–down attentional deployment. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with successful bottom–up MI and deficient top–down MI. In the current study, we investigated the robustness of the bottom–up MI by adding additional task demand varying the perceptual load. We hypothesized diminished bottom–up MI for high perceptual load for patients with ADHD. 18 adult patients with ADHD and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy controls participated in this study. In the visual search paradigm, a target letter was surrounded by uniform distractors (low load) or by different letters (high load). Additionally, either unimodal (visual flash, auditory beep) or multimodal (audiovisual) flanked the visual search. Linear-mixed modeling was used to investigate the influence of load on reaction times. Further, the race model inequality was calculated. Patients with ADHD showed a similar degree of MI performance like healthy controls, irrespective of perceptual load manipulation. ADHD patients violated the race model for the low load but not for the high-load condition. There seems to be robust bottom–up MI independent of perceptual load in ADHD patients. However, the sensory accumulation might be altered when attentional demands are high.
Neurological update: consult the neurosurgical oracle for a standard operating procedure
Authors: Goedemans Taco , Verberk Janneke D. M. , van den Munckhof Pepijn , Buis Dennis R. , Vandertop W. Peter , de Korte Antonius M.
Published: April 2022

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) contain general instructions and principles to standardize care, to improve effective and safe healthcare. Developing new, or updating current, SOPs is, however, challenging in fields where high-level evidence is limited. Still, SOPs alone have been shown to result in less complications. In this narrative review, we describe the process of creating a consensus-based SOP that is pragmatic for clinical practice since it can be created regardless of the current level of evidence. Through live audience engagement platforms, a group of experts will be able to both anonymously respond to a created questionnaire, and (subsequently) discuss the results within the same meeting. This modified Digital Delphi method as described here can be used as a tool toward consensus-based healthcare.
Transcriptomic and proteomic data provide new insights into cold-treated potato tubers with T- and D-type cytoplasm
Authors: Szajko Katarzyna , Sołtys-Kalina Dorota , Heidorn-Czarna Małgorzata , Smyda-Dajmund Paulina , Wasilewicz-Flis Iwona , Jańska Hanna , Marczewski Waldemar
Published: April 2022

Main conclusion

Tuber-omics in potato with the T- and D-types of cytoplasm showed different sets of differentially expressed genes and proteins in response to cold storage.

For the first time, we report differences in gene and protein expression in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers possessing the T- or D-type cytoplasm. Two F1 diploid reciprocal populations, referred to as T and D, were used. The pooling strategy was applied for detection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in tubers consisting of extreme chip colour after cold storage. RNA and protein bulks were constructed from contrasting phenotypes. We recognized 48 and 15 DEGs for the T and D progenies, respectively. DEPs were identified in the amyloplast and mitochondrial fractions. In the T-type cytoplasm, only 2 amyloplast-associated and 5 mitochondria-associated DEPs were detected. Of 37 mitochondria-associated DEPs in the D-type cytoplasm, there were 36 downregulated DEPs in the dark chip colour bulks. These findings suggest that T- and D-type of cytoplasm might influence sugar accumulation in cold-stored potato tubers in different ways. We showed that the mt/nucDNA ratio was higher in D-possessing tubers after cold storage than in T progeny. For the D-type cytoplasm, the pt/nucDNA ratio was higher for tubers characterized by dark chip colour than for those with light chip colour. Our findings suggest that T- and D-type cytoplasm might influence sugar accumulation in cold-stored potato tubers in different ways.
Functional traits of plants and pollinators explain resource overlap between honeybees and wild pollinators
Authors: Cappellari Andree , Bonaldi Giovanna , Mei Maurizio , Paniccia Dino , Cerretti Pierfilippo , Marini Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

Managed and wild pollinators often cohabit in both managed and natural ecosystems. The western honeybee, Apis mellifera, is the most widespread managed pollinator species. Due to its density and behaviour, it can potentially influence the foraging activity of wild pollinators, but the strength and direction of this effect are often context-dependent. Here, we observed plant–pollinator interactions in 51 grasslands, and we measured functional traits of both plants and pollinators. Using a multi-model inference approach, we explored the effects of honeybee abundance, temperature, plant functional diversity, and trait similarity between wild pollinators and the honeybee on the resource overlap between wild pollinators and the honeybee. Resource overlap decreased with increasing honeybee abundance only in plant communities with high functional diversity, suggesting a potential diet shift of wild pollinators in areas with a high variability of flower morphologies. Moreover, resource overlap increased with increasing trait similarity between wild pollinators and the honeybee. In particular, central-place foragers of family Apidae with proboscis length similar to the honeybee exhibited the highest resource overlap. Our results underline the importance of promoting functional diversity of plant communities to support wild pollinators in areas with a high density of honeybee hives. Moreover, greater attention should be paid to areas where pollinators possess functional traits similar to the honeybee, as they are expected to be more prone to potential competition with this species.
Testing tests before testing data: an untold tale of compound events and binary dependence
Authors: Serinaldi Francesco , Lombardo Federico , Kilsby Chris G.
Published: April 2022

In any statistical investigation, we deal with the applications of probability theory to real problems, and the conclusions are inferences based on observations. To obtain plausible inferences, statistical analysis requires careful understanding of the underlying probabilistic model, which constrains the extraction and interpretation of information from observational data, and must be preliminarily checked under controlled conditions. However, these very first principles of statistical analysis are often neglected in favor of superficial and automatic application of increasingly available ready-to-use software, which might result in misleading conclusions, confusing the effect of model constraints with meaningful properties of the process of interest. To illustrate the consequences of this approach, we consider the emerging research area of so-called ‘compound events’, defined as a combination of multiple drivers and/or hazards that contribute to hydro-climatological risk. In particular, we perform an independent validation analysis of a statistical testing procedure applied to binary series describing the joint occurrence of hydro-climatological events or extreme values, which is supposed to be superior to classical analysis based on Pearson correlation coefficient. To this aim, we suggest a theoretically grounded model relying on Pearson correlation coefficient and marginal rates of occurrence, which enables accurate reproduction of the observed joint behavior of binary series, and offers a sound simulation tool useful for informing risk assessment procedures. Our discussion on compound events highlights the dangers of renaming known topics, using imprecise definitions and overlooking or misusing existing statistical methods. On the other hand, our model-based approach reveals that consistent statistical analyses should rely on informed stochastic modeling in order to avoid the proposal of flawed methods, and the untimely dismissal of well-devised theories.
Clinical pathways for the management of low back pain from primary to specialised care: a systematic review
Authors: Murphy Cathriona , French Helen , McCarthy Geraldine , Cunningham Caitriona
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Clinical pathways for low back pain (LBP) have potential to improve clinical outcomes and health service efficiency. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence for clinical pathways for LBP and/or radicular leg pain from primary to specialised care and to describe key pathway components.

Methods

Electronic database searches (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE) from 2006 onwards were conducted with further manual and citation searching. Two independent reviewers conducted eligibility assessment, data extraction and quality appraisal. A narrative synthesis of findings is presented.

Results

From 18,443 identified studies, 28 papers met inclusion criteria. Pathways were developed primarily to address over-burdened secondary care services in high-income countries and almost universally used interface services with a triage remit at the primary-secondary care boundary. Accordingly, evaluation of healthcare resource use and patient flow predominated, with interface services associated with enhanced service efficiency through decreased wait times and appropriate use of consultant appointments. Low quality study designs, heterogeneous outcomes and insufficient comparative data precluded definitive conclusions regarding clinical- and cost-effectiveness. Pathways demonstrated basic levels of care integration across the primary-secondary care boundary.

Conclusions

The limited volume of research evaluating clinical pathways for LBP/radicular leg pain and spanning primary and specialised care predominantly used interface services to ensure appropriate specialised care referrals with associated increased efficiency of care delivery. Pathways demonstrated basic levels of care integration across healthcare boundaries. Well-designed randomised controlled trials to explore the potential of clinical pathways to improve clinical outcomes, deliver cost-effective, guideline-concordant care and enhance care integration are required.
Children’s ADHD and Dysregulation Problems, DAT1 Genotype and Methylation, and their Interplay with Family Environment
Authors: Marzilli Eleonora , Cerniglia Luca , Tambelli Renata , Cimino Silvia
Published: April 2022

Background

International literature has underlined the complex interplay between genetic and environmental variables in shaping children’s emotional-behavioral functioning.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the dynamic relationship between children’s Dopamine Transporter (DAT1) genotype and methylation, and maternal and paternal affective environment, on children’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) problems and dysregulation problems.

Method

In a community sample of 76 families with school-aged children, we assessed children’s DAT1 genotype and methylation, their own ADHD problems and dysregulation profile (CBCL 6–18 DP), and maternal and paternal psychopathological risk, parenting stress, and marital adjustment. Hierarchical regressions were carried out to verify the possible moderation of children’s genotype on the relationship between children’s methylation and psychopathological risk, parental environment and children’s methylation, and parental environment and children’s psychopathological risk.

Results

The levels of methylation at M1 CpG significantly predicted ADHD problems among children with 10/10 genotype, whereas high levels of methylation at M6 CpG predicted low ADHD problems for children with 9/x genotype. High levels of methylation at M3 CpG were associated with high scores of CBCL DP. DAT1 genotype moderated the relationship between maternal and paternal variables with children’s methylation and psychopathological risk. The scores of maternal and paternal Dyadic Adjustment Scale showed indirect effects on children’s methylation and psychopathological risk in relation to those exerted by risk factors.

Conclusion

Our study has supported the emerging evidence on the complex nature of children’s emotional-behavioral functioning and the associated risk and protective factors, with important implications for the planning of preventive programs.
“In and Out of Crisis”: Life Course Criminalization for Jefas in the Barrio
Authors: Maldonado-Fabela Katherine L.
Published: April 2022

Scholars have documented how violence, criminalization, and other forms of control impact the life trajectories of criminalized women. Less research exists on the ways that processes of criminalization affect the health of mothers across the life course. This study examines how the legal constructions of criminalized labels such as gang affiliation, are a process of long-term violence and threat of violence and second, how short and long-term criminalization affects family health–what I refer to as life course criminalization. This qualitative study is based on photo elicitation life history testimonios with 13 gang affiliated, system-impacted Chicana/Latina mothers from South Central Los Angeles, California and connects life course theory with feminist abolitionist decolonial perspectives. It documents how crises perpetuated by multi-institutional violence and other forms of violence influence relations between legal, social, and health related experiences for system-impacted mothers and their families. Through their testimonios they show the intergenerational mechanisms that connect the body’s health, family surveillance, and criminalization processes to survival, and spiritual resistance.
Fluoride levels in river water from the volcanic regions of Cauca (Colombia)
Authors: Revelo-Mejía Inés A. , Gutiérrez-Idrobo Robinson , López-Fernández Vilma A. , López-Rosales Alejandra , Astaiza-Montenegro Francy C. , Garcés-Rengifo Leomary , López-Ordoñez Paola A. , Hardisson Arturo , Rubio Carmen , Gutiérrez Ángel J. , Paz Soraya
Published: April 2022

Fluoride concentrations of 0.5 mg/L in drinking water are considered useful for dental caries prevention. However, fluoride concentrations higher than 1.2 mg/L in water can pose a risk of dental fluorosis due to high exposure to fluoride. The objective is to determine the fluoride concentration in water from aqueducts of different Colombian municipalities of Cauca (Popayán, Coconuco, and Puracé) to assess the fluoride dietary intake from the consumption of this water. A total of 66 water samples have been taken from Popayán, Coconuco, and Puracé. Fluoride content was determined by fluoride ion-selective electrode (ISE) potentiometry. The fluoride concentrations recorded in Coconuco and Puracé water were ≤ 0.002 mg/L. The mean fluoride content recorded in the Popayán water was 0.42 mg/L, with its highest concentration in Cauca River water (0.83 mg/L). Considering the admissible intake values, the water from Popayán confers remarkable fluoride intakes, especially in children with high percentages of contribution to the admissible daily intake (46.7% to 7- to 12-month children and 41.5% to 1- to 3-year children). The fluoride content in the water of Coconuco and Puracé does not reach an optimal value (< 0.5 mg/L) for the protective effect against dental caries, while the water of the main Cauca River basin does reach the optimal value. Likewise, the intake of fluoride from the consumption of the analyzed water does not confer any health risk. However, the implementation of monitoring systems for fluoride levels is recommended in order to safeguard the consumer’s health.
CADA: a teacher-facing learning analytics dashboard to foster teachers’ awareness of students’ participation and discourse patterns in online discussions
Authors: Kaliisa Rogers , Dolonen Jan Arild
Published: April 2022

Despite the potential of learning analytics (LA) to support teachers’ everyday practice, its adoption has not been fully embraced due to the limited involvement of teachers as co-designers of LA systems and interventions. This is the focus of the study described in this paper. Following a design-based research (DBR) approach and guided by concepts from the socio-cultural perspective and human-computer interaction (HCI), we design, test, and evaluate a teacher-facing LA dashboard, the Canvas Discussion Analytics Dashboard (CADA), in real educational settings. The goal of this dashboard is to support teachers’ roles in online environments through insights into students’ participation and discourse patterns. We evaluate CADA through 10 in-depth interviews with university teachers to examine their experiences using CADA in seven blended undergraduate and graduate courses over a one-year period. The findings suggest that engaging teachers throughout the analytics tool design process and giving them control/agency over LA tools can favour their adoption in practice. Additionally, the alignment of dashboard metrics with relevant theoretical constructs allows teachers to monitor the learning designs and make course design changes on the fly. The teachers in this study emphasise the need for LA dashboards to provide actionable insights by moving beyond what things are towards how things should be. This study has several contributions. First, we make an artefact contribution (e.g. CADA), an LA dashboard to support teachers with insights into students’ online discussions. Second, by leveraging theory, and working with the teachers to develop and implement a dashboard in authentic teaching environments, we make an empirical, theoretical and methodological contribution to the field of learning analytics and technology enhanced learning. We synthesise these through practical design and implementation considerations for researchers, dashboard developers, and higher education institutions.