bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nonparametric approach to understanding poverty in the Philippines: Evidence from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey
Authors: Rivera John Paolo Rosales
Published: August 2022

Determining the poverty threshold using a meaningful measure is complex. In this study, we deviated from usual techniques. Instead, we employed a nonparametric approach in conducting a comparative analysis. Using the Philippine Family Income and Expenditure Survey, we estimated national and regional Epanechnikov kernel densities to understand how poverty evolved from 2000 to 2015. Results indicated that improvements in Philippine poverty incidence are attributable to various government poverty alleviation programs and to improvements in the country's economic performance. The consolidated picture of poverty generated prompted a pluralistic approach to poverty alleviation such as attention on agricultural reform and rural development; national industrialization policy; supportive trade, financial, and investment policies; and robust social protection policies. All of which require stakeholder coordination.
Effects of fertilizers and soil amendments on the degradation rate of allyl isothiocyanate in two typical soils of China
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Jie , Cao Aocheng , Tang Xiujun , Chen Xinhua , Fang Wensheng , Li Yuan , Yan Dongdong , Wang Qiuxia
Published: August 2022

Background

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a soil fumigant that protects plants against soil‐borne pathogens, weeds and insects when present in the root‐zone. However, the degradation of AITC under different fertilizers and soil amendments affects its emission and pest control efficacy. Degradation rates of AITC in soil amended with organic and inorganic fertilizers, zeolite and biochar were determined in the laboratory to improve its field applications.

Results

The degradation half‐lives of AITC were 24.4 and 35.4 h in Fangshan and Yongzhou soils, respectively, without any added fertilizer or soil amendment. Nitrogen fertilizer and organic fertilizer accelerated the degradation rate of AITC, while phosphorus fertilizer had the opposite effect. The degradation rate of AITC on adding unsterilized chicken manure was over 3.5 and 1.1 times higher than that of sterilization in Fangshan and Yongzhou soil. Inorganic and organic fertilizers affected the degradation of AITC by affecting soil microbial activity on the basis of CO2 cumulative release. The degradation rate of AITC increased more than 0.4 times in response to zeolite, but this was independent of particle size. The AITC degradation rate increased 1.0–2.6 and 0.3–9.7 times in response to biochar made from corn stalk and pine wood, respectively. Cow manure biochar manufactured at different pyrolyzation temperatures had different effects on the degradation rate of AITC.

Conclusion

Soil type, fertilizers and soil amendments differentially affect the degradation rate of AITC by changing soil physicochemical characteristics, microorganisms, etc., which shows great potential in reducing AITC emissions and increasing pest control efficacy when AITC is applied commercially. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of Multi‐Orbitals and Hund's Coupling Induced Pseudogap on Specific Heat Jump in Iron‐Pnictide High Tc Superconductors
Authors: Ahalawat Madhavi , Rani Luxmi , Ajay
Published: August 2022

A three‐orbital per site theoretical model study is attempted to analyze the nature of specific heat in iron‐based superconductors. Based on recent experimental data, it is found that the five Fe 3d orbitals, Hund's coupling, and intra‐ and inter‐electron orbital correlations play a significant role in the electronic properties of these systems. Thus, in the present work, a model Hamiltonian containing hopping between orbitals, Hund's coupling, and intra‐ and inter‐orbital Coulomb interactions is employed for iron pnictide. Employing Green's function technique within Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) mean‐field approximation, expressions of superconducting energy gap parameter and quasiparticle energies are obtained. Considering these parameters, specific heat is calculated and its variation with temperature and other parameters of the model Hamiltonian is analyzed. Also, a pseudogap (PG) parameter, arising out of multi‐orbitals’ Hund's coupling, as supported by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy experiments, is introduced. The expression of specific heat is numerically analyzed to pinpoint its variation below and above the transition temperature (T
c). Self‐consistent numerical analysis of the specific heat jump as a function of multi‐orbital hopping, electron interactions, and Hund's coupling in terms of PG parameter is shown in detail. Finally, the outcomes are compared with recent theoretical and experimental data available on specific heat variations in iron superconductors like LaOFeAs system.
Comparison between thermodilution and Fick methods for resting and exercise‐induced cardiac output measurement in patients with chronic dyspnea
Authors: Desole Susanna , Obst Anne , Habedank Dirk , Opitz Christian F. , Knaack Christine , Hortien Franziska , Heine Alexander , Stubbe Beate , Ewert Ralf
Published: August 2022

Studies comparing thermodilution (TD) and the direct Fick method (dFM) for cardiac output (CO) measurement are rare. We compared CO measurements between TD (2–5 cold water injections), the dFM, and indirect Fick method (iFM) at rest and during exercise, and assessed the effect of averaging different numbers of TD measurements during exercise. This retrospective study included 300 patients (52.3% women, mean age 66 ± 11 years) having pulmonary hypertension (76.0%) or unexplained dyspnea. Invasive hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters were measured at rest (supine; n = 300) and during unloaded cycling (semi‐supine; n = 275) and 25‐W exercise (semi‐supine; n = 240). All three methods showed significant differences in CO measurement (ΔCO) at rest (p ≤ 0.001; ΔCO > 1 L/min: 45.0% [iFM vs. dFM], 42.0% [iFM vs. TD], and 45.7% [TD vs. dFM]). ΔCO (TD vs. dFM) was significant during unloaded cycling (p < 0.001; ΔCO > 1 L/min: 56.6%) but not during 25‐W exercise (p = 0.137; ΔCO > 1 L/min: 52.8%). ΔCO (TD vs. dFM) during 25‐W exercise was significant when using one or two (p ≤ 0.01) but not three (p = 0.06) TD measurements. Mean ΔCO (TD [≥3 measurements] vs. dFM) was −0.43 ± 1.98 and −0.06 ± 2.29 L/min during unloaded and 25‐W exercise, respectively. Thus, TD and dFM CO measurements are comparable during 25‐W exercise (averaging ≥3 TD measurements), but not during unloaded cycling or at rest. Individual ΔCOs vary substantially and require critical interpretation to avoid CO misclassification.
Ecofriendly Active Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Agarose/D‐glucose/Piper Betle Linn. Leaf Extract Films as Potential Packaging Materials
Authors: Nguyen Thuong Thi , Kim Sang Hoon , Bui Quynh Thi Phuong , Thuc C. N. Ha
Published: August 2022

The present study aimed at developing ecofriendly active films from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), agarose, D‐glucose and Piper betle Linn. leaf extract (PBLLE) using a solution casting method. Agarose, D‐glucose and PBLLE have been found to exhibit excellent compatibility with the PVA‐matrix and thus support desired changes in the film characteristics. The co‐addition of agarose and D‐glucose to PVA gave rise to water‐resistance as well as flexibility of the PVA‐based films. The incorporation of PBLLE imparted active functions to the PVA/agarose/D‐glucose film, such as the ability to scavenge DPPH radicals and strong antibacterial activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. Moreover, significant improvement in both mechanical strength and flexibility of the PVA/agarose/D‐glucose films was obtained upon the addition of a sufficient amount of PBLLE. A PBLLE/PVA ratio of 1.5 was found to promote a more than 1.5‐fold increase of the elongation at break. Increasing PBLLE content in the films enhanced the UV absorption in the 300–450 nm range. Characterization results show that the PVA/agarose/D‐glucose/PBLLE films possess interesting properties for UV‐protective and active packaging applications.
Antileishmanial and Anti‐Chikungunya Activity of Cu(I)‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Fontes Josielle V. , Santos Igor A. , Rosa Letícia B. , Lima Rochanna L. A. , Jardim Ana C. G. , Miguel Danilo C. , Abbehausen Camilla
Published: August 2022

Neglected tropical diseases such as Leishmaniasis and Chikungunya fever are worldwide public health challenges mainly affecting tropical and subtropical countries. One cationic [Cu(I)(NHC)2]+ (4) and two neutral [Cu(I)(NHC)Cl] complexes, where NHC=1,3‐bis(mesityl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene (IMes) (5) or 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene (IPr) (6), had their in vitro activity evaluated towards Leishmania amazonensis and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The compound (6) inhibited 95 % of L. amazonensis infection in RAW macrophages at 10 μM and 90 % of the CHIKV replication at 2 μM in BHK‐21 cells. Otherwise, the other compounds showed higher cytotoxicity in BHK‐21 and RAW or lower antiparasitic or antiviral activities. The best activity of compound 6 can be explained by slower ligand exchange with solvent molecules measured by 1H NMR technique and the best hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (log P=−0.684±0.055) in the series determined by shake flask method. Antioxidant activity measured by reduction of DPPH revealed a moderate redox ability of all complexes. The binding constant of (6) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) represents the weakest in the series (103). The chemical and in vitro evaluation reported here represent a novel application and chemical insights for the design of [Cu(I)(NHC)L] metallodrugs for these infectious diseases.
Correlation of Microstructure with Anisotropy of Low‐Temperature Toughness in Two API X70 Pipeline Steels
Authors: Shin Seung-Hyeok , Oh Dong-Kyu , Yoon Young-Chul , Hwang Byoungchul
Published: August 2022

This study aims to investigate the correlation between the microstructures and the anisotropy of low‐temperature toughness for two high‐strength API X70 pipeline steels fabricated at different coiling temperatures. The microstructures are characterized using an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and an electron backscattered diffraction analysis, with tensile and Charpy V‐notch impact tests also conducted on the steel specimens in various directions relative to the rolling direction. Some pearlites formed by a higher coiling temperature increase the ductile‐to‐brittle transition temperature (DBTT) by 38 °C in the T–L (transverse‐longitudinal) direction. On the other hand, the DBTT of the specimens with the T–L and L–T (longitudinal–transverse) directions (−106.6 and −109.3 °C, respectively) exhibits excellent low‐temperature toughness, but the specimen with the D–D (diagonal–diagonal) direction shows the highest DBTT (−65.2 °C). The resulting anisotropy in the low‐temperature toughness of the API X70 pipeline steel is discussed from the standpoint of an orientation distribution function analysis in this study. It is suggested the anisotropy of the low‐temperature toughness is mainly attributed to the texture components of RD (rolling direction) fibers originating from deformed austenite.
Typification of Linnaean names in the Grewioideae (Malvaceae)
Authors: Dorr Laurence J.
Published: August 2022

Types are designated for five species of Grewioideae (Malvaceae) described by Linnaeus. These include three lectotypes and one neotype of names of Corchorus species and one lectotype of the name of a Triumfetta species. Three of the lectotypes are illustrations and one is a specimen in Linnaeus's herbarium. In addition, an epitype for T. lappula is designated to facilitate the interpretation of the lectotype specimen, which lacks flowers that are diagnostic for the unambiguous application of the name.
Effect of pandemic‐related debris on wildlife
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: August 2022

Georgina Mills reports on a study that used citizen science to assess the impact of litter from Covid‐19 on wildlife
An objective study into the effects of an incline on naturally occurring lameness in horses
Authors: Bailey James , Redpath Adam , Hallowell Gayle , Bowen Mark
Published: August 2022

Background

The clinical examination of lame horses in real world settings often requires the use of sloped surfaces.

Objectives

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of uphill and downhill locomotion on asymmetry in horses with naturally occurring lameness affecting forelimbs and hindlimbs.

Methods

Ten horses (8–19 years) with forelimb lameness and eight horses (7–16 years) with hindlimb lameness were fitted with inertial sensors at the poll, withers, sacrum and both tuber coxae. Data were collected whilst the horses were trotted in hand on a level surface (<0.7%), as well as up and down a minor slope of 2.4%. Data were collected for a minimum of 25 strides at each incline type. Effect of incline was compared using a repeated measures ANOVA and, where significant, a subsequent Bonferroni's multiple comparisons.

Results

Of the horses with hindlimb lameness, there were reductions in asymmetry seen during downhill locomotion when compared with trotting on the flat (flat: 6.6 ± 4.4 mm to downhill: 1.9 ± 2.9 mm; p = 0.015) and when compared with uphill locomotion (8.4 ± 4.3 mm; p = 0.007). Horses with forelimb lameness showed no significant difference in asymmetry. However, there were considerable changes in poll asymmetry (>20 mm) among conditions in individual horses. Two horses with hindlimb lameness and two horses with forelimb lameness switched asymmetry between left and right by changing incline.

Conclusions

These results confirm that incline can be an influential factor in the assessment of lame horses. Further work is justified to elucidate the types of pathology associated with the most relevant changes in asymmetry which would allow the use of an incline to prioritise a list of differential diagnoses.
Metastatic mammary tubulopapillary carcinoma in a captive black jaguar (Panthera onca)
Authors: Bastos Lopes Carlos Eduardo , Reis Ana Carolina , dos Santos Carneiro Lacerda Maira , Coelho Lopes Marcelo , Oliveira dos Santos Daniel , Vilardo Lóes Moreira Matheus , Dantas Cassali Geovani , Ferreira Enio , Ecco Roselene
Published: August 2022

A 12‐year‐old female captive jaguar (Panthera onca) developed sudden severe respiratory distress and died close to the onset of clinical signs. The animal underwent mastectomy to remove neoplasms in the mammary glands 2 years prior to death. During the post‐mortem examination, multiple nodules were found in the remaining left inguinal mammary glands. Similar lesions were found in other organs. Microscopically, neoplasms were characterised by a tubulopapillary pattern with papillary projections into the central lumen of newly formed tubules (tubulopapillary mammary carcinoma). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and high molecular weight cytokeratin on the mammary tissue site and a metastatic site was performed with positive results. IHC for Ki‐67 was performed in the mammary lesion with positive labelling in 50% of the cells. In captive felids, malignant neoplasms may be aggressive with limited therapeutic options. Thus, attention is needed in anticipating arising tumours to support the use of control therapies and the long‐term preservation of captive jaguars.
Science‐statealliances and climate engineering: A ‘longue durée’ picture
Authors: Schubert Julia
Published: August 2022

Since the early 2000s, proposals to deliberately modify the Earth's climate have gained political traction as a controversial last resort measure against dangerous global warming. The article provides a ‘longue durée’ picture of such climate engineering proposals. It traces their historical trajectory from the late 1950s to their most recent arrival on mainstream climate policy agendas. This perspective suggests that the history of climate engineering unfolds not only along historically specific modes of understanding climatic change. It also corresponds to changing alliances between climate science and the state. By bringing together historical scholarship with contributions from sociology and science policy studies, the article sheds new light on the rise of climate engineering proposals. It recontextualizes these proposals within the bigger history of the political cultivation of climate science. This perspective highlights how deeply entwined efforts to understand and efforts to govern climatic change have always been.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Ideas and Knowledge

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge

The Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
Alternative splicing: An efficient regulatory approach towards plant developmental plasticity
Authors: Muhammad Sajid , Xu Xiaoli , Zhou Weijun , Wu Liang
Published: August 2022

Alternative splicing (AS) is a gene regulatory mechanism that plants adapt to modulate gene expression (GE) in multiple ways. AS generates alternative isoforms of the same gene following various development and environmental stimuli, increasing transcriptome plasticity and proteome complexity. AS controls the expression levels of certain genes and regulates GE networks that shape plant adaptations through nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD). This review intends to discuss AS modulation, from interaction with noncoding RNAs to the established roles of splicing factors (SFs) in response to endogenous and exogenous cues. We aim to gather such studies that highlight the magnitude and impact of AS, which are not always clear from individual articles, when AS is increasing in individual genes and at a global level. This work also anticipates making plant researchers know that AS is likely to occur in their investigations and that dynamic changes in AS and their effects must be frequently considered. We also review our understanding of AS‐mediated posttranscriptional modulation of plant stress tolerance and discuss its potential application in crop improvement in the future.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA‐Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation
Antimicrobial Biosurfactants Towards the Inhibition of Biofilm Formation
Authors: Anjos Inês , Bettencourt Ana F. , Ribeiro Isabel A. C.
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, infections associated with urinary tract medical devices, have become a common health issue. The fact that their surfaces are prone to microbial colonization and biofilm formation is certainly a problem. As a result, these medical devices usage can be a source of extreme concern, especially for critically ill patients. Urinary tract related infections are among the most frequent HAIs comprising 27% in Europe and 36–40% in the USA. Among multiple strategies to fight those infections, biosurfactants as glycolipids can be a valuable tool for biofilm inhibition or disruption. In particularly, multiple in vitro studies concerning sophorolipids and rhamnolipids confirms the antimicrobial activity of those compounds. Further, sophorolipids or rhamnolipids potential role to prevent biofilm associated infections, using different surfaces like medical grade silicone as an example of common material used in catheters and stents fabrication, shows the capacity of those biosurfactants in reducing the adhesion and biofilm formation. Overall, sophorolipids and rhamnolipids due to their multiple antimicrobial/anti-adhesive effects might be an interesting approach to fight urinary tract medical devices associated infections.
Learning from Our Mistakes: Applying Vascular Stent Technologies to the Urinary Tract
Authors: Yachia Daniel
Published: August 2022

The aim of this chapter is to clarify certain points which are confusing many if not most of our urologist colleagues on the subject of “stents and stenting the urinary tract”. Another point of confusion in urology is the term of “chronic obstruction” describing an obstruction necessitating long-term stenting. Which stent to use? For how long? Before using a permanent stent along the urinary tract we should think hard about what may happen to a ureter or urethra implanted with a permanent metallic mesh stent. This is especially important when something goes wrong like when the stent lumen becomes obliterated by hyperplastic or malignant tissues, the stent wires fracture, or tissue coverage over the stent wires is incomplete and the resulting stone formation on the wires, ureteral or urethral perforations etc. By adopting the vascular stent technologies in urinary tract design stents, we were hoping that taking a single stent shape, changing its length and caliber they could be used all along the urinary tract. Then asking ourselves, why the results were less than what we were expecting. Here I would like to quote a sentence attributed to Albert Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.
Designing Online Learning Communities
Authors: Cleveland-Innes M. , Hawryluk J.
Published: August 2022

Higher education course design is moving increasingly toward constructivist, collaborative approaches for higher-order learning. A community-based approach to learning fits both this type of pedagogy and preferred learning outcomes related to critical thinking and metacognition. This is particularly necessary when moving such learning online, and the need for a community is even more important for engagement and motivation than in-person learning, where community and connection is often created organically. Online learning communities can be effectively created using the community of inquiry theoretical framework, as it intentionally makes space for learners to express their teaching, social, and cognitive presences. To support the design of effective online learning experiences, how each presence fits into the constructivist and inquiry-based approaches is explained in this chapter. As well, applications are suggested. Finally, assessment approaches are provided that are in line with the tenets of constructivism, inquiry-based learning, and hence the community of inquiry.
Goldstino condensation?
Authors: Kallosh Renata , Linde Andrei , Wrase Timm , Yamada Yusuke
Published: August 2022

Abstract

It was argued in [1] that the Volkov-Akulov (VA) model as well as similar models in supergravity and the related KKLT model in string theory, suffer from tachyonic instabilities due to goldstino condensation. The authors of [1] constructed a specific model with two unconstrained interacting chiral superfields with linearly realized supersymmetry which has an unstable vacuum. They claimed that this model becomes equivalent to the VA model in the UV limit. We show that the UV limit of their model is discontinuous, and the vacuum instability of the model proposed in [1] is not relevant to the VA model, to related models in supergravity, and to the KKLT construction.
Bounding violations of the weak gravity conjecture
Authors: Henriksson J. , McPeak B. , Russo F. , Vichi A.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The black hole weak gravity conjecture (WGC) is a set of linear inequalities on the four-derivative corrections to Einstein-Maxwell theory. Remarkably, in four dimensions, these combinations appear in the 2 → 2 photon amplitudes, leading to the hope that the conjecture might be supported using dispersion relations. However, the presence of a pole arising in the forward limit due to graviton exchange greatly complicates the use of such arguments. In this paper, we apply recently developed numerical techniques to handle the graviton pole, and we find that standard dispersive arguments are not strong enough to imply the black hole WGC. Specifically, under a fairly typical set of assumptions, including weak coupling of the EFT and Regge boundedness, a small violation of the black hole WGC is consistent with unitarity and causality. We quantify the size of this violation, which vanishes in the limit where gravity decouples and also depends logarithmically on an infrared cutoff. We discuss the meaning of these bounds in various scenarios. We also implement a method for bounding amplitudes without manifestly positive spectral densities, which could be applied to any system of non-identical states, and we use it to improve bounds on the EFT of pure photons in absence of gravity.
“Flexible nature of fixation” in syndesmotic stabilization of the inferior tibiofibular joint affects the radiological reduction outcome
Authors: Hennings Robert , Fuchs Carolin , Spiegl Ulrich J. , Theopold Jan , Souleiman Firas , Kleber Christian , Ahrberg Annette B.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Fibular mobility after suture button stabilization (SBS) of inferior tibiofibular joint (syndesmosis) injuries has been described. This effect is called the “flexible nature of fixation (FNF).” In this study, we aimed to quantify FNF in syndesmotic stabilization.

Methods

Postoperative bilateral computed tomography (CT) of ankle fractures with syndesmosis stabilization by SBS or syndesmotic screw (SYS) was retrospectively analyzed. The transverse offset (TO) and vertical offset (VO) were defined by evaluating the drill channels. The reduction outcome was evaluated by the side-to-side difference between the clear space and the anterior tibiofibular distance (antTFD). The calculated anterior tibiofibular distance (cal-antTFD) was calculated by subtracting the TO from the validated antTFD. Subsequently, a reevaluation of the reduction outcomes after SYS or SBS stabilization was performed using cal-antTFD.

Results

Sixty patients (44 with SBS and 16 with SYS stabilization) were analyzed. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities for TO and VO were excellent (α > 0.92). SYS stabilization showed lower mean TO (− 0.02 mm; SD 0.14) and VO (0.11 mm; SD, 0.29 mm) than SBS stabilization (TO 1.16 mm, SD 1.4 mm; VO 0.2 mm, SD 0.8 mm; p = 0.001). The rate of malreduction according to cal-antTFD was higher than that of antFTD (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

The presented method, which evaluates the position of the tibial to the fibular drill channel, allowed the quantification of the “FNF.” The often described difference in the dynamic stabilization of SBS compared to the rigid stabilization by SYS could be objectified. Considering cal-antTFD illustrates that FNF potentially reduces the rate of malreduction in SBS stabilization.
Impacts of the PMIP4 ice sheets on Northern Hemisphere climate during the last glacial period
Authors: Izumi Kenji , Valdes Paul , Ivanovic Ruza , Gregoire Lauren
Published: August 2022

This study comprehensively investigates the impacts on the mean state of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) climate, particularly atmospheric circulation over the Northern Hemisphere associated with the different Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project Phase 4 (PMIP4) ice sheets, ICE-6G_C, GLAC-1D, and PMIP3, using the coupled atmosphere–ocean–vegetation model HadCM3B-M2.1aD. The simulation with PMIP3 ice sheets is colder than either of the two PMIP4 ice sheets mainly because of the larger area of land ice impacting surface albedo. However, changes in the circulation impact sea ice cover resulting in the GLAC-1D simulation being almost as cold. Although the PMIP4 ice sheets also induce different responses in the atmospheric circulation, some common features are identified in all simulations, including strengthening and lateral expansion of the winter upper-level North Atlantic jet with a large southwest-northeast tilt and summertime North Pacific jet, a southward shift of the wintertime Icelandic Low and Azores High and the summertime Pacific High. Compared to terrestrial-ocean reconstructions, all the PMIP4 ice sheet experiments overestimate the LGM cooling and wet conditions. The simulation with the ICE-6G_C ice sheet provides the closest reproduction of LGM climate, while the simulation with the PMIP3 ice sheet shows the coldest LGM climate state. Our study shows that in order to "benchmark" the ability of climate models to realistically simulate the LGM climate, we need to have reliable boundary conditions to ensure that any model biases are caused by model limitations rather than uncertainty about the LGM boundary conditions.
Limited impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer care in the Netherlands in 2020
Authors: Meijer Joyce , Elferink Marloes A. G. , Vink Geraldine R. , Sijtsma Femke P. C. , Buijsen Jeroen , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Tanis Pieter J. , Wumkes Miriam L. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Siesling Sabine ,   On behalf of the COVID and Cancer-NL Consortium
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the health services worldwide. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on colorectal cancer (CRC) care in the Netherlands in 2020.

Methods

CRC patients, diagnosed in 2018–2020 in the Netherlands, were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). The year 2020 was divided in four periods reflecting COVID-19 developments in the Netherlands (pre-COVID, 1st peak, recovery period, 2nd peak) and compared with the same periods in 2018/2019. Patient characteristics and treatment were compared using the Chi-squared test. Median time between diagnosis and treatment, and between (neo)adjuvant therapy and surgery were analyzed by the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

In total, 38,021 CRC patients were diagnosed in 2018/2019 (n = 26,816) and 2020 (n = 11,205). Median time between diagnosis and initial treatment decreased on average 4 days and median time between neoadjuvant radiotherapy and surgery in clinical stage II or III rectal cancer patients increased on average 34 days during the three COVID-19 periods compared to the same periods of 2018/2019. The proportion of colon cancer patients that underwent elective surgery significantly decreased with 3.0% during the 1st peak. No differences were found in the proportion of patients who received (neo)adjuvant therapy, systemic therapy, or no anti-cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Only minor changes in the care for CRC patients occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly during the 1st peak. In conclusion, the impact on CRC care in the Netherlands was found to be limited. However, long-term effects cannot be precluded.
Bowel stimulation before loop ileostomy closure to reduce postoperative ileus: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garfinkle Richard , Demian Marie , Sabboobeh Sarah , Moon Jeongyoon , Hulme-Moir Michael , Liberman A. Sender , Feinberg Stan , Hayden Dana M. , Chadi Sami A. , Demyttenaere Sebastian , Samuel Louise , Hotakorzian Nevart , Quintin Laurence , Morin Nancy , Faria Julio , Ghitulescu Gabriela , Vasilevsky Carol-Ann , Boutros Marylise ,   Bowel Stimulation Research Collaborative, Jarvis John , Herd Andrew , Moot Andrew , Rajaratnam Siraj , Nisbet Sherry , Charlebois Patrick , Lee Lawrence , Stein Barry , Stotland Peter , Hameed Usmaan , Bhama Anuradha R , Quereshy Fayez , Tataryn Donna
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative bowel stimulation on the development of postoperative ileus (POI) after loop ileostomy closure.

Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (NCT025596350) including adult (≥ 18 years old) patients who underwent elective loop ileostomy closure at 7 participating hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a centralized computer-generated sequence with block randomization to either preoperative bowel stimulation or no stimulation (control group). Bowel stimulation consisted of 10 outpatient sessions within the 3 weeks prior to ileostomy closure and was performed by trained Enterostomal Therapy nurses. The primary outcome was POI, defined as an intolerance to oral food in the absence of clinical or radiological signs of obstruction, on or after postoperative day 3, that either (a) required nasogastric tube insertion; or (b) was associated with two of the following: nausea/vomiting, abdominal distension, or the absence of flatus.

Results

Between January 2017 and November 2020, 101 patients were randomized, and 5 patients never underwent ileostomy closure; thus, 96 patients (47 stimulated vs. 49 control) were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat protocol. Baseline characteristics were well balanced in both groups. The incidence of POI was lower among patients randomized to stimulation (6.4% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.034; unadjusted RR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.078–0.87). Stimulated patients also had earlier median time to first flatus (2.0 days (1.0–2.0) vs. 2.0 days (2.0–3.0), p = 0.025), were more likely to pass flatus on postoperative day 1 (46.8% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.022), and had a shorter median postoperative hospital stay (3.0 days (2.0–3.5) vs. 4.0 days (2.0–6.0), p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Preoperative bowel stimulation via the efferent limb of the ileostomy reduced POI after elective loop ileostomy closure.
Estimation of unrecorded groundwater abstractions in Jordan through regional groundwater modelling
Authors: Gropius M. , Dahabiyeh M. , Al Hyari M. , Brückner F. , Lindenmaier F. , Vassolo S.
Published: August 2022

Jordan suffers from water scarcity and groundwater covers the majority of Jordan’s water supply. Therefore, there is an urgent need to manage this resource conscientiously. A regional numerical groundwater flow model, developed as part of a decision support system for the country of Jordan, allows for quantification of the overexploitation of groundwater resources and enables determination of the extent of unrecorded agricultural groundwater abstraction. Groundwater in Jordan is abstracted from three main aquifers partly separated by aquitards. With updated geological, structural, and hydrogeological data available in the country, a regional numerical groundwater flow model for the whole of Jordan and the southernmost part of Syria was developed using MODFLOW. It was first calibrated for a steady-state condition using data from the 1960s, when groundwater abstraction was negligible. After transient calibration using groundwater level measurements from all aquifers, model results reproduce the large groundwater-level declines experienced in the last decades, which have led to the drying out of numerous springs. They show a reversal of groundwater flow directions in some regions, due to over-abstraction, and demonstrate that documented abstractions are not sufficient to cause the observed groundwater-level decline. Only after considering irrigation water demand derived from remote sensing data, the model is able to simulate these declines. Illegal abstractions can be quantified and predictive scenarios show the potential impact of different management strategies on future groundwater resources.
Russian coal in a changing climate: risks and opportunities for industry and government
Authors: Martus Ellie , Fortescue Stephen
Published: August 2022

As one of the world’s major coal-producing and exporting states, Russia is central to discussions on the future of the industry in the context of global climate change. This is a question that has become particularly salient in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Yet despite this, Russia remains understudied in the literature. As a result, we know little about the extent to which Russia is likely to contribute to the alleviation of coal-driven climate change or to its exacerbation. This analysis seeks to examine this question from the perspective of the coal industry, by exploring whether and how Russia’s coal companies incorporate the vulnerabilities and risks around climate change into their corporate presence and behaviour, and how this aligns with broader government policy on the coal industry. Drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, including corporate reporting, government documents, and media commentary, this analysis identifies two central narratives emerging from coal companies. The first is focused on the risks around climate change, primarily in relation to reputation, increased regulation, and access to markets that a climate-driven global shift away from coal might entail. The second narrative acknowledges the potential opportunities around technology and ‘green coal’. Within government, both the pro-coal and coal-sceptic lobby recognise the significance of climate change; however, it is used purely instrumentally in policy debates. The coal sceptics employ climate to highlight risks around global reductions in coal demand but are unable to challenge government support for the industry. Ultimately, our findings suggest that both company behaviour and government policy in Russia remain strongly pro-coal, and that it will take a significant drop in global demand for that to change. We conclude that, before the invasion of Ukraine, selling as much coal as possible was a greater government priority than climate change policy, and the invasion is unlikely to shift the balance the other way.
Regular measurements of EMF in a representative Norwegian city—constant exposure over time despite introduction of new technologies
Authors: Markussen Atle C. , Sjoemoen Tone-Mette , Unander Edith Helene , Klaeboe Lars
Published: August 2022

The rapid growth of the wireless communication industry has resulted in the installation of numerous of base stations, everywhere in our surroundings. The population is exposed to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields of varying frequency and strength. This, and introduction of new systems have risen public concerns regarding potential health effects from this RF-EMF exposure. The purpose of this project is to get an overview of any changes in exposure when new technologies are introduced. From June 2013 to October 2019, measurements were made at 16 measurement points in Kristiansand and surrounding areas in the same order, on the same day of the week and at the same time of day. The measurements are performed on the frequency bands 390, 450, 800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2400, and 2600 MHz. When we summed up the exposure for all the frequency bands relative to the limit values in a measuring point, the total values per measuring point showed that the exposure outdoors in most cases is less than 1‰ of the limit value. In 2017, a temporary increase was registered for most measurement points, but during 2018 the levels returned to the levels registered before 2017. During the increase, the levels were still low, around 3‰ of the limit values. The increase may be due to the fact that two mobile operators during this period made a comprehensive reconfiguration of their networks. The measurements presented in this report show that the exposure of the population is low, thousandths of the limit values, and relatively constant over time even though new technologies are introduced.
Models as Fundamental Entities in Set Theory: A Naturalistic and Practice-based Approach
Authors: Antos Carolin
Published: August 2022

This article addresses the question of fundamental entities in set theory. It takes up J. Hamkins’ claim that models of set theory are such fundamental entities and investigates it using the methodology of P. Maddy’s naturalism, Second Philosophy. In accordance with this methodology, I investigate the historical case study of the use of models in the introduction of forcing, compare this case to contemporary practice and give a systematic account of how set-theoretic practice can be said to introduce models as new entities. In conclusion, I argue for a view that takes both sets and models to be fundamental entities in set theory.
A decision support tool for the selection of 15 N analysis methods of ammonium and nitrate
Authors: Jia Mengru , Bol Roland , Kooijman Annemieke , Wessel Wim W. , Tietema Albert
Published: August 2022

The stable nitrogen isotope (15 N) analysis of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3–) is widely used in ecological research, providing insights into N cycling and its underlying regulating mechanisms in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To date, a large number of methods have been developed for the preparation and measurement of 15 N abundance of NH4+ and NO3– in liquid environmental samples at either natural abundance or enriched levels. However, these methods are all subject to certain specific advantages and limitations, and ecologists might be looking for an efficient way to select the most suitable methods in face of shifting sampling and analytical conditions. Based on our extensive review of these 15 N analysis methods we developed a decision support tool (DST) to provide quick and proper guidance for environmental researchers in finding the optimal method for preparing their liquid samples for 15 N analysis in NH4+ or NO3–. The DST is a decision tree based on several key criteria that users need to take into account when choosing the preferred sample preparation method for their samples. The criteria concern: the sample matrix, the 15 N abundance and the concentration of the target N species, the contamination by other N-containing chemicals, the isotopic fractionation, the availability of equipment, concerns about toxicity of reagents, and the preparation time. This work links field-scale experiments and laboratory 15 N analysis. Potential applications of our decision trees include 15 N studies ranging from natural abundance to tracer level in a wide range of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Bridging Conceptual Divides Between Colonial and Modern Worlds: Insular Narratives and the Archaeologies of Modern Spanish Colonialism
Authors: Senatore Maria Ximena
Published: August 2022

Narratives embedded in studies of modern Spanish colonialism have conspired against a deep understanding of colonialism as a global and current issue and have influenced or limited the directions for research. By focusing on particular narratives that separate and disconnect the realities of the colonies from those of the Iberian Peninsula, this article discusses the conceptual divide between the study of colonial and early modern realms, and the tenuous connections between the archaeology of Spanish colonialism developed in America and in the Iberian Peninsula. This paper attempts to counter those insular narratives by offering a view on how even remote settlements in Ibero-America show connections that tell stories of sixteenth-century Spain and pose questions that often cannot be answered due to the lack of shared perspectives between the study of modern Spanish colonialism in America and the Iberian Peninsula. To illustrate this view, a case study focused on Ciudad del Nombre de Jesús settled during the failed Spanish plan for the fortification of the Strait of Magellan at the end of the sixteenth century is provided. The interpretation of the results of archaeological and historical lines of research allows the establishment of material connections among individuals, stories and places of the Iberian Peninsula and America. The implication of this case contributes to considering the role that archaeology can play in questioning the enduring effects of modern Spanish colonialism.
The Bio Economic Seaweed Model (BESeM) for modelling tropical seaweed cultivation – experimentation and modelling
Authors: van Oort P. A. J. , Rukminasari N. , Latama G. , Verhagen A. , van der Werf A.K.
Published: August 2022

The Bio Economic Seaweed Model (BESeM) is a model designed for modelling tropical seaweed cultivation. BESeM can simulate the common tropical seaweed cultivation system with multiple harvests per year, clonal reproduction and labour intensive harvesting and replanting activities. Biomass growth is modelled as a sigmoid, with growth being initially exponentially and eventually flattening off towards a maximum weight per plant or per square meter (wf,max). To estimate the latter, longer duration experiments than normal are needed – in the order of 100 days rather than 45 days. Drying (on platforms on the beach) is simulated as well as increase in harvested chemical concentration over time since planting, for harvested chemicals such as agar extracted from Gracilaria or carrageenan extracted from Kappaphycus or Euchema. BESeM has a limited number of parameters which makes it easily amenable to new sites and species. An experiment is presented for a site in Indonesia in which Gracilaria was monitored for 120 days in 6 nearby sites and from which BESeM model parameters were estimated. A simulation example is presented which illustrates how BESeM can be used to find the optimum combination of replanting weight and harvest cycle length (in days) for maximising gross and net farm income.
Navigation Algorithm-Agnostic Integrity Monitoring based on Solution Separation with Constrained Computation Time and Sensor Noise Overbounding
Authors: Bosdelekidis Vasileios , Bryne Torleiv H. , Sokolova Nadezda , Johansen Tor A.
Published: August 2022

Integrity monitoring (IM) in autonomous navigation has been extensively researched, but currently available solutions are mainly applicable to specific algorithms and sensors, or limited by linearity or 'Gaussianity' assumptions. This study investigates a Solution Separation (SS) based framework for universal IM, scalable to multi-sensor fusion as each hypothesis assumes a whole sensor measurement set as faulty. Architecturally we consider that: 1) multi sensor systems must account for various sensor noise models which lead to inconsistent estimates of uncertainties, 2) a module must be able to detect sensor failure or sensor noise mismodeling and suggest better bounds for the error, without being constantly conservative, 3) some algorithms are computationally heavy to monitor in the SS setting or the provided covariances cannot be interpreted in IM. A hybrid SS architecture can be practical, where some solutions are evaluated with a navigation algorithm with known characteristics, although the all-sensor-in solution is evaluated with the monitored algorithm. Experiments are run on filter and smoothing-based navigation algorithms. In addition, we experiment with hybrid SS monitoring and time-correlated noise to evaluate the appropriability of our framework in the context of the above-mentioned requirements. This is a novel framework in the IM domain, directly integrable in existing navigation solutions and, in our opinion, it will facilitate the quantification of the effect of different sensors in navigation safety.
EFIX: Exact fixed point methods for distributed optimization
Authors: Jakovetić Dušan , Krejić Nataša , Krklec Jerinkić Nataša
Published: August 2022

We consider strongly convex distributed consensus optimization over connected networks. EFIX, the proposed method, is derived using quadratic penalty approach. In more detail, we use the standard reformulation—transforming the original problem into a constrained problem in a higher dimensional space—to define a sequence of suitable quadratic penalty subproblems with increasing penalty parameters. For quadratic objectives, the corresponding sequence consists of quadratic penalty subproblems. For generic strongly convex case, the objective function is approximated with a quadratic model and hence the sequence of the resulting penalty subproblems is again quadratic. EFIX is then derived by solving each of the quadratic penalty subproblems via a fixed point (R)-linear solver, e.g., Jacobi Over-Relaxation method. The exact convergence is proved as well as the worst case complexity of order $${{\mathcal {O}}}(\epsilon ^{-1})$$

O
(

ϵ

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1

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for the quadratic case. In the case of strongly convex generic functions, the standard result for penalty methods is obtained. Numerical results indicate that the method is highly competitive with state-of-the-art exact first order methods, requires smaller computational and communication effort, and is robust to the choice of algorithm parameters.