bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using effective temperature as a measure of the thermal scattering law uncertainties to UOX fuel calculations from room temperature to 80°C
Authors: Noguere Gilles , Xu Shuqi
Published: November 2022

The effective temperature Teff is an important physical quantity in neutronic calculations. It can be introduced in a Free Gas Model to approximate crystal lattice effects in the Doppler broadening of the neutron cross sections. In the last decade, a few research works proposed analytical or Monte-Carlo perturbation schemes for estimating uncertainties in neutronic calculations due to thermal scattering laws. However, the relationship between the reported results with Teff was not discussed. The present work aims to show how the effective temperature can measure the impact of the thermal scattering law uncertainties on neutronic calculations. The discussions are illustrated with Monte-Carlo calculations performed with the TRIPOLI-4® code on the MISTRAL-1 benchmark carried out in the EOLE facility of CEA Cadarache (France) from room temperature to 354 K (80°C). The uncertainty analysis is focused on the impact of the thermal scattering laws of H2O and UO2 on the neutron multiplication factor keff for UOX fuel moderated by water. When using the H2O and UO2 candidate files for the JEFF-4 library, the variation range of Teff leads to a keff uncertainty of 2.3 pcm/K, on average. In the temperature range investigated in this work, Teff uncertainties of ±20 K for H2O and ±10 K for UO2 give uncertainties on the multiplication factor that remains close to ±50 pcm. Such a low uncertainty confirms the improved accuracy achieved on the modelisation of the latest thermal scattering laws of interest for light water reactors. In the future evaluated nuclear data libraries, uncertainty budget analysis associated with the low neutron energy scattering process will be a marginal contribution compared to the capture process.
Action Coalition to Save Indonesia in the Indonesian National Political Constellation
Authors: Rahman Abdul , Nurlela  , Ramli Mauliadi
Published: November 2022

The method used is a library research method by browsing library sources in the form of books, journals and online media sites. Data were analyzed by comparing one information with another, then analyzed using relevant social theories. The results of the study show that the main purpose of the establishment of KAMI is to save Indonesia from bankruptcy because the government is considered to have failed in overcoming corruption, rising prices of basic commodities, and the covid 19 outbreak. noisy national politics as well as disrupting the performance of the government, which is struggling to overcome the COVID-19 outbreak and maintain economic stability. The KAMI movement received support from civil society, especially groups that were against the government, but on the other hand it also received opposition from the state and several elements of society. This can be seen from the rejection of KAMI figures in various regions, as well as being opposed by Jokowi-Maruf volunteers who are members of the Indonesian Homeland Density (KITA).
Underage Marriage Phenomenon in Banyoneng Laok Village, Geger District, Bangkalan Regency
Authors: Sumriyah  , Munir Mishbahul , Windayani Ayu
Published: November 2022

Underage marriage is a marriage carried out by a man or woman whose age has not reached theage of marriage. The marriage age is regulated in Article 7 point 1 of Law No. 16 of 2019 concerning amendments to Law no. 1 of 1974 concerning marriage. It is stated that marriage is only permitted if a man and a woman have reached the age of 19 years. Determining the minimum age of marriage is very necessary to create benefit and harmony in the family, in which marriage is a legal event that will change the position, rights, and obligations of a person. This researchused the empirical juridical method using primary and secondary data. This study analyzed the effect of underage marriage on family harmony and aimed at minimizing underage marriage. The results obtained that underage marriage gives a high impact on family harmony due to the unstable emotions, family economic factors, the unreadiness to run the family and these lead to divorce. Meanwhile, the efforts administered to minimize underage marriages were massive data collection, providing advice, providing legal counseling, the obligation to attend pre-marital education, strict marriage registration, and administration, as wellthe suspension of marriage certificates.
Synthesis of α-Sulfoximino Tetrazoles via Azido-Ugi Four-Component Reaction
Authors: Nandi Ganesh Chandra , Jesin C. P. Irfana , Kataria Ramesh
Published: November 2022

The sulfoximine-based tetrazoles have been synthesized via azido-Ugi four-component reactions of sulfoximines, isocyanides, aldehydes, and TMS-azide in MeOH at 70 °C in the presence of InCl3. Replacement of sulfoximines with sulfonimidamides (SIA) has delivered the corresponding SIA-based tetrazole. Interestingly, SIA also acts as a surrogate amine to furnish the corresponding aminotetrazole as a by-product.
The Relationship between Age and Pulp Cavity Size Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Zahid Hurraia , Nausheen Neelofar , Nisar Pashmina , Salam Sobia , Ali Asma , Siddique Abu Bakar , Ullah Irfan
Published: November 2022

Introduction This study aims to determine the relationship between chronological age and pulp cavity size and determine which type of tooth has a strong relationship between age and pulp cavity size.

Materials and Methods Cone-beam computed tomography images from 200 patients aged between 18 and 55 years were analyzed. The software program (version 2.21) exported the images in the DICOM format, and the MIMICS software program (version 10.01) was used to calculate. The relationship between chronological age and pulp cavity size and determination of which type of tooth strongly relates to age and pulp cavity size were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient and Linear regression model.

Results A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The minimum age recorded was 18 years, and the maximum period recorded was 55 years. The mean age was 35 years. The relationship between chronological age and pulp cavity size was statistically significant. Maxillary central incisor and mandibular first molar showed a strong relationship between chronological age and pulp cavity size.

Conclusions In this study, the pulp cavity size of both maxillary central incisor and mandibular first molar showed a statistically significant correlation with age. The correlation between right and left is strong. So, maxillary central incisor and mandibular first molar is a valuable index for human age estimation with reasonable precision and accuracy.
Quenching of oxygen-related defects in graphene oxide nanohybrid: Highly selective room-temperature ethanol sensor
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Singh Mandeep , Casotto Andrea , Arachchige Hashitha M. M. Munasinghe , Sangaletti Luigi , Comini Elisabetta
Published: November 2022

The presence of surface defects, such as epoxy and carbonyl groups, is known to control the charge-carrier transport in graphene oxide (GO). In addition, these surface entities also provide an opportunity to synthesize novel hybrid (NH) materials via chemical bonding. These hybrid materials are particularly interesting for sensing as they offer novel properties like larger surface area and improved physical/chemical properties. Herein, we are proposing a novel SiO2@GO–NH based room-temperature (RT) ethanol sensor. The NH is realized from solution-route by following the sol–gel chemistry of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The attachment of SiO2 with the GO network occurs via the formation of Si–O–C bonds, which also leads to the reduction in the atomic percentage of electron-withdrawing groups. This reduction results in the improvement in electron charge transport in GO, which leads to the RT detection of ethanol. Specifically, the charge transport in NH is found to be dominated by a field-driven temperature-independent 2D variable-range hopping mechanism. While the ethanol sensing mechanism is found to be governed by two processes, i.e., via direct interaction of ethanol with NH and interaction with chemisorbed oxygen ions on the Pt/Si@GO–NH interface. Detailed observations reveal that the SiO2–GO NH has great potential to be used as a biomarker for food quality control.
Glutathione-sensitive nanoparticles enhance the combined therapeutic effect of checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitor and cisplatin in prostate cancer
Authors: Peng Shirong , Zhang Xinyu , Huang Hao , Cheng Bisheng , Xiong Zhi , Du Tao , Wu Jun , Huang Hai
Published: November 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignant tumor among males. Traditional treatments for PCa, which include surgery and endocrine therapy, have shown limited success, and more effective therapies are needed. Cisplatin (DDP) is an approved chemotherapeutic drug that causes DNA damage in cancer, whereas AZD7762, an inhibitor of CHK1, can significantly inhibit DNA repair. The effective therapeutic combination of cisplatin and the DNA damage response inhibitor AZD7762 has been considered to be a potential solution to the resistance to cisplatin and the adverse reactions that occur in many cancers. However, the co-transmission of cisplatin and AZD7762 and the unsatisfactory tumor-targeting efficacy of this therapy remain problems to be solved. Here, we confirmed the combined therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin and AZD7762 in PCa. Furthermore, we show that the glutathione-targeted Cys8E nanoparticles we synthesized, which have high drug-loading capacity, remarkable stability, and satisfactory release efficiency, enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of this treatment and reduced the required dosages of these drugs both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we propose combination therapy of cisplatin and AZD7762 for PCa and facilitate it using Cys8E nanoparticles, which allow for better drug loading release, higher release efficiency, and more accurate tumor-targeting efficacy.
A culturally safe referral service for at-risk mothers and infants in marginalised, Aboriginal, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families
Authors: Booth Anna T. , McIntosh Jennifer E. , Sri Lakshmi , Decrea Sarah , Lee Jamie , Ralfs Claire
Published: November 2022

This case study describes the development and implementation of a replicable early assessment and referral service for mothers experiencing minority group disadvantage and family violence in the perinatal period. The service aims to mitigate harms for at-risk mother-infant dyads that can lead to involvement in statutory child protection systems. In doing this, the service follows a culturally safe, restorative practice approach to supporting vulnerable families, which emphasises the relationship between worker and client to create a nurturing environment for change. The service model has been developed and refined since 2018 to now, involving stakeholders from the service team, the not-for-profit community organisation, and a university partner organisation, who provided evidence enrichment and support for clinical skill development. To date: the model has provided practitioners with structured and evidence-based ways of creating shared understandings with clients to prioritise cultural and relational needs; achieved culturally safe ways of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families; improved practitioners’ confidence in detecting risk in parent-infant relationships; promoted effective communications with external providers; and enhanced therapeutic outcomes for vulnerable families at risk of entry into statutory child protection systems. The model may be suitable for uptake by practitioners and services seeking to improve cultural safety and therapeutic outcomes for diverse and vulnerable families. We share reflections on the scope and function of the model of care with reference to potential for broader application.
Soil nutritional status in KwaZulu-Natal drives symbiotic interactions and plant performance in
Authors: Ngcobo N. G. , Aremu A. O. , Pérez-Fernández M. A. , Magadlela A.
Published: November 2022

Context Cancer bush (Lessertia frutescens L.) is a multipurpose medicinal legume endemic to southern Africa, reported to grow in a variety of soils, from very poor to fertile ones. However, there is limited knowledge on how L. frutescens is able to thrive in diverse soils and, particularly, nothing has been reported on the benefits from the microbe symbiosis, plant growth and acclimation to low nutrient soils. Aims Therefore, this study examined the effect of soil nutrient deficiency in plant–microbe symbiosis, nitrogen (N) nutrition and associated plant performance of L. frutescens plants, growing in four different impoverished soils from the KwaZulu-Natal region. Methods Experimental soil samples collected from four geographical distinct KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) locations (Hluhluwe, Izingolweni, Bergville and Ashburton) representing grasslands and savanna were used as natural inoculum and growth substrate. Key results Soil analysis showed significant differences in soil pH, exchange acidity, total cations, organic carbon (C), phosphorus (P) and N related to differences in the soil provenance. L. frutescens root nodules were dominated by Bacillus sp. in all soil treatments, except in plants grown in Bergville soil that did not nodulate. In all, 68–90% of total plant N concentration was reduced from atmospheric N. L. frutescens plants also relied on soil-available N for growth. Hluhluwe and Ashburton soil-grown plants showed a significantly higher biomass than did other soil-grown plants. Conclusions These current findings demonstrated that L. frutescens root nodules were dominated by bacteria characterised as phospho-bacteria and N2-fixing bacteria in these impoverished soils. This enabled L. frutescens to fix atmospheric N and assimilate soil available N to reduce energy demand. Implications These strategies may collectively contribute to L. frutescens resilience in nutrient-deficient savanna and grassland ecosystems.
Plants and redox potential: iron-rich clay minerals as redox active compounds in soils
Authors: Bruneau Marion , Brendlé Jocelyne , Pluchon Sylvain , Arkoun Mustapha
Published: November 2022

Redox potential is an important soil property for plant growth, nutrition and development that is still not widely considered by agronomists, even though many studies have found that cultivated soils tend to oxidise over time and the soil redox potential becomes non-optimal for plant development. The objective of this literature review is to identify a type of material that can be used as amendment and allowed to regulate soil redox potential. An extensive study was conducted to investigate the influence of redox potential on soils and plants. Then, a focus on clay minerals that can be used for crop management as a regulator of redox potential in soils was realized. Soil redox potential has been shown to have a strong impact on the growth and development of microorganisms (pathogenic, beneficial or neutral), on nutrient solubility and availability, on the solubility and toxicity of many pollutants (heavy metals, organics) and on the degradation of organic matter. Clay minerals could be used to regulate the soil redox potential. Indeed, some clay minerals have redox properties due to their iron-rich composition, that can potentially regulate the redox potential of soils. This review has shown that the study of the redox potential of soils is essential in soil management due to its strong influence on plant growth and development. In addition, iron-rich clay minerals appear to be very attractive materials for applications as a regulator of the redox potential of soils.
Simultaneous multidimensional impacts of active learning revealed in a first implementation in the MENA region
Authors: Ibrahim Alaa I. , Sulaiman Nidhal , Ali Issam
Published: November 2022

Enhancing science education in developing countries has been a focal point of many studies and efforts, but reform has mainly been driven by top-down approaches that often face impediments. A shift to active learning pedagogies can potentially address these challenges, but it has thus far been predominantly implemented and understood in developed countries. Thanks to the growing accessibility of open education resources and ubiquitous technologies, education reform can now be carried out from the bottom up. Here, we present the results of a two-year implementation of active learning in five core physics and astronomy courses comprising 2,145 students from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Simultaneous improvements are observed in both students’ performance and their perception of the quality of learning; means improved by 9% (0.5 SD) and 25% (1.5 SD), respectively. Moreover, the performance gap between students in the bottom quartile and those in the top quartiles was narrowed by 17%. The failure rate was reduced to a third of that in traditional classes; this is 36% better than the results in developed countries, indicating a greater need for active pedagogies by MENA students. Our findings reveal a multidimensional positive influence of active learning, the viability of its grassroots implementation with open resources, and its sustainability and reproducibility. We suggest that wider implementation can boost education-driven economic growth by 1% in per capita gross domestic product [GDP], substantially cut costs of repeating courses, and produce a more competent STEM workforce—all of which are urgently needed to stimulate development and growth.
“By whom was I left behind?”
Authors: Yang Yang
Published: November 2022

Applying Bamberg’s (2012) practice-oriented analytical framework for
narrative identity as produced through specific linguistic behaviours, this research focuses on the context-specific construction
of multiple identities in the accounts of Chinese leftover women (sheng nü). It also seeks to investigate how
they negotiate selves and handle struggles in both the storyworld and the storytelling-world by examining the trinity of form,
content and context narrated in seven semi-structured interviews. This research reveals that these unmarried Chinese women attempt
to narrate a positive positioning of self. They deconstruct the socially ascribed leftover identity but renegotiate a gendered
self as either invisible or visible women integrated within an agentic ‘excellent’ (youxiu) self, albeit somehow
disrupted within the diverse embedding of patriarchal cultural accounts.
Multidirectional strain-induced thermoelectric figure of merit enhancement of zigzag bilayer phosphorene nanoribbons
Authors: Sodagar Shima , Karbaschi Hossein , Soltani Morteza , Amini Mohsen
Published: November 2022

We have theoretically investigated strain-induced thermoelectric power generation properties of zigzag bilayer phosphorene nanoribbon. Since energy bandgap size and edge state dispersion play a significant role in the thermoelectric properties of such a structure, we have investigated the effect of strain in different directions on these two quantities. We have shown that by applying both tensile and compressive strains in different directions, it is possible to properly tune the energy bandgap size and adjust the edge state dispersion. We have also selected strain combinations in different directions that simultaneously increase the size of the energy bandgap and decrease the dispersion of the edge state. It has shown that with such combinations of strains, the maximal figure of merit has been improved by about two times compared to the pristine case.
Interface layer modulation of an all-inorganic perovskite solar cell to study the carrier transport mechanism
Authors: Dehingia Anurag , Das Ujjal , Roy Asim
Published: November 2022

Over the past decade, organic halide perovskite has been an excellent absorber in solar cells. However, their stability issues have forced the research community to search for purely inorganic perovskites. In this work, we designed a perovskite solar cell based on a purely inorganic Cs0.8Rb0.2SnI3 absorber layer with inorganic carrier transport layers using SCAPS-1D simulation software. Using this exemplary architecture, we have discussed different carrier movement mechanisms in the conduction and valence bands through the interfaces of the absorber and carrier transport layers by instigating two interface layers. Our results illustrate the variation in device performance with the electron affinities and diffusion lengths. In addition, the study demonstrates a positive impact of Rb doping in CsSnI3 based perovskite solar cells. The absorber thickness and defect density optimization are also executed to maximize the solar cell performance. The optimized electron affinities of the interface layers are found to be 4.1 and 4.3 eV, respectively. The final model of the device has achieved a photo-conversion efficiency of 23% with a short circuit current of about 30 mA cm−2. The optimized model covers the entire visible solar spectrum with a quantum efficiency of >90%.
A silicene-based plasmonic electro-optical switch in THz range
Authors: Emami-Nejad Hamed , Mir Ali , Farmani Ali , Talebzadeh Reza
Published: November 2022

The first design and simulation of a silicene-based optical switch in the frequency range of 20 to 50 THz are presented. Silicene is a monolayer of silicon atoms stacked together in the shape of a honeycomb that has outstanding features such as compatibility with current technology, strong spin-orbital coupling, and attractive optical properties. The proposed switch consists of a silicene waveguide encapsulated between layers of

A

l

2

O

3

which transmits the input signal by emitting surface plasmon polaritons. To control the ON and OFF switching modes using impurities and DC voltage, we change the chemical potential of silicene. The main advantages of the proposed switch over similar graphene types are fewer losses, broadband frequency range, more compatibility with current technology, and also due to the encapsulation of silicene between

A

l

2

O

3

,

the waveguide is isolated from the environment. Also, Q-factor, insertion loss, and extinction ratio for the proposed switch are 189, 0.39 dB, and 51 dB, respectively.
Self-assembled perfect absorber for laser-driven flyer
Authors: Huang Xin , Ji Xiangbo , Qin Wenzhi , Wang Yao , Wang Liang , Hou Yidong , Gao Fuhua
Published: November 2022

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a high-performance laser-driven flyer (LDF) by introducing a perfect absorber in the ablation layer to improve the energy utilization efficiency, where the perfect absorber is composed of a layer of silver nano-triangular array, a dielectric layer, and a layer of silver film. The perfect absorber was realized by the simple and low-cost colloid lithography technique, and the maximal absorbance can reach to about 95% at 1064 nm under an optimization condition. The in-depth electromagnetic simulation indicates that the perfect absorber can greatly improve the energy absorbance in the ablation layer at the beginning of laser illumination, and thus the temperature and pressure of the subsequently generated plasma. In experiment, this improved plasma was used to launch a 25 µm thick

Al

flyer, and the flyer velocity was measured using a photonic Doppler velocimetry. A maximum speed of about 2140

m

s

−
1

was achieved in experiment, which is about 1.3 times larger than that (1650

m

s

−
1

) of pure

Al 

foil flyers. The extracted transient accelerated speed indicates that the absorber improved LDF owns higher accelerated speed at the beginning 20 ns, especially for the beginning 5 ns. The striking experiment indicates that the flyers formed in the improved LDF own a larger averaged striking depth, and some flyers give a striking depth in 80 µm that is twice larger than that formed in the normal LDF. The electromagnetic properties of the perfect absorber, the transient speed of flyer, and the striking morphology have been systematically investigated.
Contributions to the nucleon form factors from bubble and tadpole diagrams*
Authors: Gao Z. Y. , Wang P. , Yang M. Y.
Published: November 2022

The nonlocal chiral effective theory is applied to investigate the electromagnetic and strange form factors of nucleons. The bubble and tadpole diagrams are included in the calculation. With the contributions from bubble and tadpole diagrams, the obtained electromagnetic form factors are close to the results without these contributions as long as the low energy constants

and

are properly chosen, while the magnitudes of strange form factors become larger. The electromagnetic form factors are in good agreement with the experimental results, while the magnitudes of strange form factors are larger than the lattice data.
Detection of low-energy charged particles by channel electron multipliers
Authors: Newson D.M. , Shipman M. , Brawley S.J. , Kadokura R. , Babij T.J. , Cooke D. , Leslie D.E. , Laricchia G.
Published: November 2022

Experimental determinations of the detection efficiency for positrons impacting a channel electron multiplier with incident energies between 0–1400 eV are presented. A log-normal dependence with energy is established and used to compute the positron-to-positronium detection efficiency ratio as a function of positronium energy, as required for determining quantities involving the ratio of positron and positronium rates. A log-normal energy-dependence is also observed in results of previous work with electrons, protons and ions.
High stability microfiber Sagnac loop liquid refractive index sensor with FBG mode selecting
Authors: Li Lijun , Jia Congying , Xu Tianzong , Ma Qian , Sun Jianhong
Published: November 2022

As a high-resolution sensor, it is very important to improve the spectral stability of microfiber Sagnac loop interferometer. A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) mode selecting method is proposed and demonstrated. The method can filter out some cladding modes by FBG in the Sagnac loop and make working modes energy more concentrated, which shows that the interference spectrum becomes more uniform. At the same time, the sensitivity and linearity of the sensor can be improved slightly by this method. In our experiment, the resolution of sensor can get 1.41 × 10-5 ∼ 7.49 × 10-6 in the liquid refractive index range of 1.3330∼1.38481. Moreover, this method can effectively improve the spectral stability of the interferometer, which shows that the dip wavelength absolute error of time fluctuation is improved from ±0.358 nm to 0.021 nm and
from ±0.116 nm to 0.000 nm at 1536.6 nm and 1559.9 nm initial dip wavelength, respectively. This method also has advantages of compact structure, good mechanical properties, and easy preparation. On this basis, the FBG also can be replaced by various modes filters to develop more multifunctional high stability interferometers according to the detection needs.
Surface metrology as a tool in surfboard manufacturing to assess machinability of expanded polystyrene blanks via CNC milling
Authors: Mielke H G , Costa H L , Amado F D R , Amaral F A D
Published: November 2022

Although most of the current surfboards are manufactured industrially, the use of rigorous surface metrology is scarce to control the surface finish of CNC-milled expanded polystyrene (EPS) blanks. The present study aimed to evaluate the surface finish of EPS blanks machined by a CNC milling machine with a diamond disc tool, designed for surfboard manufacturing. Four EPS blanks of different brands and densities were characterized, machined at two feed rates: (a) 10 m min−1 and (b) 5 m min−1, and the quality of the surface finish was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy as well as a confocal laser scanning microscope were used to evaluate the surface morphology. A range of topographical parameters was proposed and assessed. The structural characteristics of the EPS blanks demonstrated that the machined material is easily mouldable, not causing damage to the tool, thus requiring little maintenance for tool periodic replacement. The use of confocal microscopy proved to be efficient for the evaluation of the quality of the surface finish of EPS blanks and a set of topographical parameters was chosen. The higher density blanks showed better surface finish after machining at the feed rate of 5 m min−1, while the lower density blank had a better surface finish when machined at the feed rate of 10 m min−1. The parameters Sq, Sz, Sdq, Spk and Svk could not differentiate well the quality of the machined EPS surfboards under different conditions due to the large deviations of the measured values, probably resulting from the occurrence of through-bead cutting and bead removal. The parameters Ssk and Sku could detect problems in the surface morphology resulting from machining EPS blanks, enabling to differentiate between the through-bead cutting and bead removal mechanisms. When bead removal occurred significantly, Ssk values became more negative and Sku values were lower than 3.
Planets in a Room
Authors: Giacomini Livia , Aloisi Francesco , De Angelis Ilaria , Capretti Stefano , Postiglione Adriana
Published: November 2022

A DIY planetary projector has seeded a new community
Weighing forests from space
Authors: Quegan Shaun
Published: November 2022

Shaun Quegan discusses the upcoming ESA BIOMASS mission, charged with monitoring the health of Earth's forests.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios: associations with mortality in a haemodialysis cohort
Authors: Mayne Kaitlin J , Lees Jennifer S , Rutherford Elaine , Thomson Peter C , Traynor Jamie P , Dey Vishal , Lang Ninian N , Mark Patrick B
Published: November 2022

Background

Lymphocyte ratios reflect inflammation and have been associated with adverse outcomes in a range of diseases. We sought to determine any association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mortality in a haemodialysis cohort, including a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection subpopulation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of adults commencing hospital haemodialysis in the West of Scotland during 2010–21. NLR and PLR were calculated from routine samples around haemodialysis initiation. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to assess mortality associations.

Results

In 1720 haemodialysis patients over a median of 21.9 (interquartile range 9.1–42.9) months, there were 840 all-cause deaths. NLR but not PLR was associated with all-cause mortality after multivariable adjustment [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for in participants with baseline NLR in quartile 4 (NLR ≥8.23) versus quartile 1 (NLR <3.12) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–2.00]. The association was stronger for cardiovascular death (NLR quartile 4 versus 1 aHR 3.06, 95% CI 1.53–6.09) than for non-cardiovascular death (NLR quartile 4 versus 1 aHR 1.85, 95% CI 1.34–2.56). In the COVID-19 subpopulation, both NLR and PLR at haemodialysis initiation were associated with risk of COVID-19-related death after adjustment for age and sex (NLR: aHR 4.69, 95% CI 1.48–14.92 and PLR: aHR 3.40, 95% CI 1.02–11.36; for highest vs lowest quartiles).

Conclusions

NLR is strongly associated with mortality in haemodialysis patients while the association between PLR and adverse outcomes is weaker. NLR is an inexpensive, readily available biomarker with potential utility in risk stratification of haemodialysis patients.
What is the Next Big Thing in Data Centres?
Authors: Booth John
Published: November 2022

The regulations surrounding data centres are fast evolving. John Booth, Managing Director of Carbon3IT Ltd, and Vice Chair of the BCS Green IT SG, explores and explains what IT professionals need to know.
Technology and More: What the Internet Owes the UK
Authors: Sharpe Richard
Published: November 2022

Richard Sharpe, from the Archives of IT, explores the internet’s history and finds that, though being a very international entity today, the global network of networks has its early roots planted firmly in UK soil.
An Insider’s View: What it Feels Like to be Hacked
Authors: Roosen Kurt
Published: November 2022

In 2019, a bank in the Isle of Man was the subject of a major incursion into its systems, which led to an exfiltration of data on a large scale. Kurt Roosen FBCS, Head of Innovation for Digital Isle of Man, who was the Head of IT for the bank at the time, shares his experiences and the lessons learned.
Legacy Applications Causing the IT Industry Headaches
Authors: Mangan Ryan
Published: November 2022

As the number of legacy applications continues to grow, the associated technical migraines are gaining in strength. Ryan Mangan FBCS CITP, cloud and end-user computing technologist, assesses organisations’ painkiller options.
Linking Traffic Systems and Sensors Through Standards
Authors: Cornwell Ian
Published: November 2022

Road traffic management is getting smarter and adapting to the arrival of the connected vehicle, writes Ian Cornwell of Mott MacDonald.
Consistency in responses to conspecific advertisement calls with various signal-to-noise ratios in both sexes of the Anhui tree frog
Authors: Wang Zhiyue , Ma Haohao , Chen Cheng , Sun Ruolei , Liu Kai , Zhang Baowei , Fang Guangzhan
Published: November 2022

Environmental noise has a significant negative impact on acoustic communication in most situations, as it influences the production, transmission, and reception of acoustic signals. However, how animals respond to conspecific sounds when there is interference from environmental noise, and whether males and females display convergent behavioral responses in the face of noise masking remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of conspecific male advertisement calls with different signal-to-noise ratios on male–male competition and female choice in the Anhui tree frog Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae using playback and phonotaxis experiments, respectively. The results showed that (1) female Anhui tree frogs preferentially selected the conspecific calls with higher SNR compared to calls with lower SNR; (2) males preferentially responded vocally to the conspecific calls with higher SNR compared to calls with lower SNR; and (3) males’ competitive strategies were flexible in the face of noise interference. These results suggest that preferences of both sexes converge in outcome, and that male competitive strategies may depend on predictable female preferences. This study will provide an important basis for further research on decision-making in animals.
Disciplinary Roots of 300 Top-Ranked Scientific Contributors to Gerontology: From Legacy to Enriching Our Discovery
Authors: Ferraro Kenneth F
Published: November 2022

Gerontology is viewed by many as a multidisciplinary field of inquiry, but which disciplines have had the greatest impact on research in the field? Combining data from a composite score incorporating multiple citation indicators with information on the highest degree, we examine the disciplinary origins of the 300 top-ranked scholars in gerontology. Despite efforts for gerontology to be distinct from geriatrics, more than 30 percent of the most influential scholars in gerontology during the past 6 decades hold a degree in medicine. Other fields of the leading contributors to gerontology include psychology, sociology, biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Although the disciplinary origins of gerontology will likely shift in the coming decades, we conclude that biomedical sciences are likely to remain core to the development of gerontology. To build on the scientific contributions of leading scholars in gerontology, future research should reflect conceptual precision and scientific innovation while prioritizing methodological rigor and transparency.
What the Phage: a scalable workflow for the identification and analysis of phage sequences
Authors: Marquet Mike , Hölzer Martin , Pletz Mathias W , Viehweger Adrian , Makarewicz Oliwia , Ehricht Ralf , Brandt Christian
Published: November 2022

Phages are among the most abundant and diverse biological entities on earth. Phage prediction from sequence data is a crucial first step to understanding their impact on the environment. A variety of bacteriophage prediction tools have been developed over the years. They differ in algorithmic approach, results, and ease of use. We, therefore, developed “What the Phage” (WtP), an easy-to-use and parallel multitool approach for phage prediction combined with an annotation and classification downstream strategy, thus supporting the user's decision-making process by summarizing the results of the different prediction tools in charts and tables. WtP is reproducible and scales to thousands of datasets through a workflow manager (Nextflow). WtP is freely available under a GPL-3.0 license (https://github.com/replikation/What_the_Phage).
International relations: the ‘how not to’ guide
Authors: Drezner Daniel W. , Narlikar Amrita
Published: November 2022

In the century of International Affairs' existence, there have been a lot of catastrophic critical junctures when a different policy decision, underpinned by an alternative epistemic framing, might have led to a more peaceful and prosperous world. In this special issue, we consider the well-intentioned efforts of humanity over the past century that turned out badly. Much of foreign policy analysis seeks to replicate successes; we humbly ask whether it might make more sense to examine how to avoid disastrous failure. In this introductory article we develop a concrete definition of policy failure and provide a motivation for why the study of failures is relevant for the coming century. We suggest a Hippocratic Oath for policy-minded scholars, and advance guidelines to help go beyond Barack Obama's ‘Don't do stupid shit’ injunction and also guard against potential policy paralysis. Finally, we offer conclusions derived from the other articles in this special issue that are relevant for both the study and practice of international relations. Armed with these insights, practitioners—and the researchers who advise them—may stand a better chance of avoiding some of the worst pitfalls of international relations; occasionally, together, we may even get some things right.
Satellites and Lorenz knots
Authors: de Paiva Thiago , Purcell Jessica S
Published: November 2022

We construct infinitely many families of Lorenz knots that are satellites but not cables, giving counterexamples to a conjecture attributed to Morton. We amend the conjecture to state that Lorenz knots that are satellite have companion a Lorenz knot, and pattern equivalent to a Lorenz knot. We show this amended conjecture holds very broadly: it is true for all Lorenz knots obtained by high Dehn filling on a parent link, and other examples.
Captive Rearing Success and Critical Thermal Maxima ofBombus griseocollis(Hymenoptera: Apidae): A Candidate for Commercialization?
Authors: Christman Morgan E , Spears Lori R , Koch Jonathan B U , Lindsay Thuy-Tien T , Strange James P , Barnes Cody L , Ramirez Ricardo A
Published: November 2022

Commercialized bumble bees (Bombus) are primary pollinators of several crops within open field and greenhouse settings. However, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863) is the only species widely available for purchase in North America. As an eastern species, concerns have been expressed over their transportation outside of their native range. Therefore, there is a need to identify regionally appropriate candidates for commercial crop pollination services, especially in the western U.S.A. In this study, we evaluated the commercialization potential of brown-belted bumble bees (Bombus griseocollis De Geer, 1773), a broadly distributed species throughout the U.S.A., by assessing nest initiation and establishment rates of colonies produced from wild-caught gynes, creating a timeline of colony development, and identifying lab-reared workers’ critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and lethal temperature (ecological death). From 2019 to 2021, 70.6% of the wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes produced brood in a laboratory setting. Of these successfully initiated nests, 74.8% successfully established a nest (produced a worker), providing guidance for future rearing efforts. Additionally, lab-reared workers produced from wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes had an average CTMax of 43.5°C and an average lethal temperature of 46.4°C, suggesting B. griseocollis can withstand temperatures well above those commonly found in open field and greenhouse settings. Overall, B. griseocollis should continue to be evaluated for commercial purposes throughout the U.S.A.
Risk Factors Associated With Antimicrobial Resistance and Adverse Short-Term Health Outcomes Among Adult and Adolescent Female Outpatients With Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Trautner Barbara W , Kaye Keith S , Gupta Vikas , Mulgirigama Aruni , Mitrani-Gold Fanny S , Scangarella-Oman Nicole E , Yu Kalvin , Ye Gang , Joshi Ashish V
Published: November 2022

Background

Increasing antimicrobial resistance makes treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) difficult. We compared whether adverse short-term outcomes among US female patients were more common when initial antimicrobial therapy did not cover the causative uropathogen.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from female outpatients aged ≥12 years, with a positive urine culture and dispensing of an oral antibiotic ±1 day from index culture. Isolate susceptibility to the antimicrobial initially dispensed, patient age, and history of antimicrobial exposure, resistance, and all-cause hospitalization within 12 months of index culture were evaluated for associations with adverse outcomes during 28-day follow up. Outcomes assessed were new antimicrobial dispensing, all-cause hospitalization, and all-cause outpatient emergency department/clinic visits.

Results

Of 2366 uUTIs, 1908 (80.6%) were caused by isolates susceptible and 458 (19.4%) by isolates not susceptible (intermediate/resistant) to initial antimicrobial treatment. Within 28 days, patients with episodes caused by not susceptible isolates were 60% more likely to receive a new antimicrobial versus episodes with susceptible isolates (29.0% vs 18.1%; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.1; P < .0001). Other variables associated with new antibiotic dispenses within 28 days were older age, prior antimicrobial exposure, or prior nitrofurantoin-not-susceptible uropathogens (P < .05). Older age, prior antimicrobial-resistant urine isolates, and prior hospitalization were associated with all-cause hospitalization (P < .05). Prior fluoroquinolone-not-susceptible isolates or oral antibiotic dispensing within 12 months of index culture were associated with subsequent all-cause outpatient visits (P < .05).

Conclusions

New antimicrobial dispensing within the 28-day follow-up period was associated with uUTIs where the uropathogen was not susceptible to initial antimicrobial treatment. Older age and prior antimicrobial exposure, resistance, and hospitalization also identified patients at risk of adverse outcomes.
Postpartum depression and major depressive disorder: the same or not? Evidence from resting-state functional MRI
Authors: Cheng Bochao , Guo Yi , Chen Xijian , Lv Bin , Liao Yi , Qu Haibo , Hu Xiao , Yang Haoxiang , Meng Yajing , Deng Wei , Wang Jiaojian
Published: November 2022

Background

Although postpartum depression (PPD) and non-peripartum major depressive disorder (MDD) occurring within and outside the postpartum period share many clinical characteristics, whether PPD and MDD are the same or not remains controversial.

Methods

The current study was devoted to identify the shared and different neural circuits between PPD and MDD by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 77 participants (22 first-episodic drug-naïve MDD, 26 drug-naïve PPD, and 29 healthy controls (HC)).

Results

Both the PPD and MDD groups exhibited higher fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in left temporal pole relative to the HC group; the MDD group showed specifically increased degree centrality in the right cerebellum while PPD showed specifically decreased fALFF in the left supplementary motor area and posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG_L), and specifically decreased functional connectivities between pMTG and precuneus and between left subgeneual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC_L) and right sgACC. Moreover, sgACC and left thalamus showed abnormal regional homogeneity of functional activities between any pair of HC, MDD, and PPD.

Conclusions

These results provide initial evidence that PPD and MDD have common and distinct neural circuits, which may facilitate understanding the neurophysiological basis and precision treatment for PPD.
Molecular Epidemiology of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum Phylotype I Strains in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region and Their Relatedness to African Strains
Authors: Cellier Gilles , Nordey Thibault , Cortada Laura , Gauche Mirana , Rasoamanana Hasina , Yahiaoui Noura , Rébert Emeline , Prior Philippe , Chéron Jean Jacques , Poussier Stéphane , Pruvost Olivier
Published: November 2022

The increasing requirement for developing tools enabling fine strain traceability responsible for epidemics is tightly linked with the need to understand factors shaping pathogen populations and their environmental interactions. Bacterial wilt caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is one of the most important plant diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. Sadly, little, outdated, or no information on its epidemiology is reported in the literature, although alarming outbreaks are regularly reported as disasters. A large set of phylotype I isolates ( n = 2,608) was retrieved from diseased plants in fields across the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) and Africa. This collection enabled further assessment of the epidemiological discriminating power of the previously published RS1-MLVA14 scheme. Thirteen markers were validated and characterized as not equally informative. Most had little infra-sequevar polymorphism, and their performance depended on the sequevar. Strong correlation was found with a previous multilocus sequence typing scheme. However, 2 to 3% of sequevars were not correctly assigned through endoglucanase gene sequence. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed four groups with strong phylogenetic relatedness to sequevars 31, 33, and 18. Phylotype I-31 isolates were highly prevalent in the SWIO and Africa, but their dissemination pathways remain unclear. Tanzania and Mauritius showed the greatest diversity of RSSC strains, as the four DAPC groups were retrieved. Mauritius was the sole territory harboring a vast phylogenetic diversity and all DAPC groups. More research is still needed to understand the high prevalence of phylotype I-31 at such a large geographic scale.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: advances in molecular profiling and targeted therapy
Authors: Jungels Christiane , Pita Jaime Miguel , Costante Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) are rare cancers with a globally very poor prognosis, because of their immensely aggressive behaviour, resulting in predominantly advanced stage of disease at diagnosis. Response to available therapies is still disappointing. Aim of the present review is to illustrate the diverse new strategies under investigation, to improve the poor outcome of these patients.

Recent findings

Applying molecular analysis in ATC is unravelling potentially actionable targets of therapy. If a mutation of BRAF V600E is found, a combination of Dabrafenib and Trametinib is the recommended treatment. In the presence of another druggable mutation, a specific targeted therapy may be proposed. In the absence of druggable mutations, immunotherapy is an alternative approach, especially in case of significant PD-L1 expression.

The molecular profiling of tumour samples is elucidating the genetic alterations involved in ATC development, and new preclinical models are under study to define innovative approaches for individualized treatment of such patients. Hopefully this approach could improve ATC prognosis.