bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic analysis and ecological and physical study of hydraulic Alas-Singkil river Southeast Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Ziana  , Azmeri  , Yulianur A , Meilianda E
Published: February 2021

The problem of flooding that occurs around the Lawe Alas-Singkil, Aceh Province is the conservation function of the area from upstream to downstream needs serious attention. The area around the watershed is degraded due to several factors. This factor is closely related to illegal logging, exploitation of nature with mineral mining to the conversion of area functions. This study aims to identify the existing conditions of the riverbanks, how the relationship between community social activities and the banks of the Alas-Singkil River, and to study the physical conditions of the river from upstream to downstream. The study method in this research includes a literature study, hydrological conditions of the Alas-Singkil Watershed, field surveys, identification of existing conditions, and study of the ecology and physicality of the river. Survey the condition of flora and fauna in the study area and the economic and social activities of the community. The results of the study on the hydrological conditions of the Alas-Singkil watershed with an area of 10,090.13 km2 and a river length of 316.26 km, in the upstream form of mountains and natural forests where deforestation has occurred due to forest conversion to cocoa plantations, planting of corn on the hills and so on, The maximum annual daily rainfall is high (151-300 mm), so the potential for flood disaster is even greater. In the rainy season, large amounts of water cause mountains or hills in Southeast Aceh to melt and become a flash flood disaster. Many of the rivers in the middle and downstream have turned into plantations and rice fields and some are still swamps. The condition of the river in the Alas-Singkil watershed generally occurs silting or sedimentation in the river body, the existing condition of the Alas-Singkil riverbank, where there are still many settlements on the riverbanks. The downstream Krueng Singkil is experiencing more frequent flooding, either due to the overflow of Krueng Singkil in the upstream part and the blocked river flow and rising tides. The frequency of inundation and flood disasters in Singkil City reaches 3 to 4 times each year with an inundation height of 0.5-3.0 meters. It is necessary to repair the riverbanks by using vegetation components found on the banks of the Alas-Singkil River and overcoming floods in the upstream and downstream rivers to protect the ecosystem and people living on the riverbanks. The solution that can be done is to restore the conservation function of the area around the Lawe Alas watershed. and built channel diversion flood from the Lae Soraya river in the village of Gelombang directly to the sea.
The implementation of K-Means clustering in kovats retention index on gas chromatography
Authors: Noviandy T R , Maulana A , Sasmita N R , Suhendra R , Muslem  , Idroes G M , Paristiowati M , Helwani Z , Yandri E , Rahimah S , Muhammad  , Irvanizam  , Idroes R
Published: February 2021

In this study, the retention index data of 146 compounds that are found in coal and petroleum-derived liquid fuels were grouped using the K-means clustering method, and the similarities between each cluster were analyzed. The psycho-chemical properties of each compound in the cluster were identified and compared with other clusters. Each compound’s retention index is grouped based on the similarity between the column polarity and heating rate of one compound to another. Based on the results of tests carried out on nine differentk values, it is known that the grouping with the value of k = 3 is the best determined from the obtained silhouette score = 0.568, where this score is higher than the score obtained on the other k values. The results of clustering with k = 3 obtained three clusters, namely cluster C1, cluster C2, and cluster C3. Cluster C1 and cluster C2 consist of chemical compounds that have a relatively low carbon number and molecular mass, but in cluster C2 the molecular mass of the compound is lower than in cluster C1. In contrast, the C3 cluster consists of chemical compounds that have a relatively high carbon number and molecular mass.
The geological economic of sand quarry resources in Jantho, Aceh Besar
Authors: Rais A , Irham M , Adrian F , Deli A
Published: February 2021

Jantho, the Great Aceh district, is rich in its natural resources, which can benefit people. With the increasing need for humankind to increase minerals in both quantity and type, the knowledge about exploiting minerals into the material of high economic value also increases. Therefore, the research on sand quarry resources’ economic potential needs to be carried out to estimate sand resources and their geological economy. This research was conducted in the area of Jantho with the scope of study covering characteristic lithology analysis, calculation of sand resources, and study of geological condition based on field data analysis and data derived from the literature. In estimating the resources, the contour method was used, and for the economic value, the sieve analysis method was employed. The result informed that sand resources are very economical when the sand is classified based on its type and size. The results also show that economically sand resources are four times more profitable when it is categorized based on type and size than when it is sold in the form of no sorting.
Identification of coal layer using gravity method in Lam Apeng Aceh Besar
Authors: Darisma D , Hakim L , Marwan
Published: February 2021

Aceh has a coal potential of around 450 million tonnes. One of the areas identified as having coal potential is Lam Apeng, Aceh Besar. In this study, the gravity method is used to model coal layers that are different from other layers based on rock density. The data used are 99 points with a space of 50 m and a coverage area of 450×450 m. From the results of the data corrected to become a complete anomaly Bouger (CBA), it was obtained a trend with a higher gravity value towards the northeast and the lower towards the southwest of the study area. CBA data are filtered using the moving average technique to obtain regional anomalies (associated with deep structures) and residual anomalies (associated with shallow structures). Regional anomalies and residual anomalies also show the same trend as CBA. Based on the 2D modeling results of the L-L ‘section, there are three different rock layers, namely alluvium layer with density 2 gr/cm3, sandy tuff layer with density 2.3 gr/cm3, and coal layer. There are three coal layers with different density values, namely layer A with density 1.68 gr/cm3, slope 125° and layer thickness 2-4 m; layer B with density 1.71 gr/cm3, slope ± 120°, and layer thickness 7-8 m; and layer C with density 1.7 gr/cm3, slope ± 120°, and thickness 4-6 m.
The over-height vehicle detection using the computer vision method
Authors: Iqbal T M , Arnia F , Muharar R
Published: February 2021

Over-height vehicles are not only threats for the over-height vehicles themselves, but they also bring about a hazard to the tunnels they pass in, and to other drivers on the road way when a clash happens with a low clearance structure. Therefore, it is needed an over-height detection system which is affordable yet also reliable. Nowadays, there are the over-height detection system using laser and infrared. However, they are quite pricy. In this research a computer vision-based system is proposed to detect the height of vehicles and provide a warning for the over-height vehicles. The height determination was conducted using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and blob detection. The GMM is used to detect the vehicle and the blob detection is applied to produce the vehicle coordinates which determines the direction of movement and the over-height vehicle. The over-height vehicles are detected by using 5 (five) variance total frames within 3 (three) conditions. The accuracy of the test proves that the method is reliable in determining the height of vehicles, achieving 100% accuracy of the detected vehicles. The significance of this work is the design of a vision-based method which can determine the height of the vehicles and is a low-cost alternative to the current costly laser and infrared detection systems.
The Hamiltonian in the unidirectional surface wave propagation
Authors: Fadhiliani D , Qausar H , Ramli M , Rizal S , Syafwan M
Published: February 2021

Unidirectional surface water waves used in this study were obtained from the Benjamin Bona Mahony (BBM) equation. The BBM wave research is carried out by observing the envelope of BBM wave groups that involve following the Nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) Equation. Soliton on Finite Background (SFB) is an excellent NLS solution for describing the dynamics of wave propagation. It is known that there are modulation instability and phase singularity phenomena which can significantly affect the amplitude of the wave in its propagation. Hamiltonian contains potential energy which can explain the singularity and amplitude dynamics of the phase. Hamiltonian equations using the displaced phase-amplitude variables have been obtained and are presented in this article.
Friction and wear characteristics of silicon nitride ceramics under dry friction condition
Authors: Yao Jinmei , Wu Yuhou , Sun Jian , Tian Junxing , Zhou Peng , Bao Zhigang , Xia Zhongxian , Gao Longfei
Published: February 2021

In order to reveal the friction properties and improve the wear resistance of silicon nitride ceramic materials, a calculation model of static friction coefficient of silicon nitride ceramic is established. The influence law of contact surface roughness on friction coefficient under different contact load and friction speed is analyzed. The test and the results verification are carried out by using Friction Wear Testing Machine. Then the dry friction process of silicon nitride ceramic is simulated based on UDEC, and the wear failure form is analyzed. In the dry friction process of silicon nitride ceramics, the coefficient of friction is directly proportional to the contact surface roughness, inversely proportional to the contact load, and directly proportional to the friction speed. There is a critical value for the roughness of friction sub-contact surface. Silicon nitride ceramics can self-lubricate by friction when the contact surface roughness is less than this critical value. In the dry friction process, the oxidation of SiO2 has little effect on the friction. The wear surface of silicon nitride ceramics consists of shear failure units and tensile failure units, and their formation is related to the surface roughness. The results play an important role in revealing the frictional properties of engineering ceramics such as silicon nitride, as well as helpful to improve the wear resistance and service life of ceramic materials.
Research on evolution of tilted eutectic structure based on phase field simulation
Authors: Mo Jian , Li Xiang-Ming , Luo Lei , Peng Bing-Bing
Published: February 2021

The phase field model is established for the eutectic growth system in this paper, and the finite difference method is used to solve the model. The evolution of tilted eutectic interface morphology under isothermal solidification and directional solidification conditions, respectively, was investigated. The effects of solid-solid interface anisotropy, solid-liquid interface anisotropy, eutectic spacing and pulling speed on the evolution of the tilted eutectic structure were simulated to reveal the growth mechanism of the tilted eutectic structure. It is found that under isotropic and directional solidification conditions, eutectic growth is influenced by both of the direction of heat flow and the solid-liquid interface anisotropy. When the solid-solid interface anisotropy is small, the direction of heat flow dominates the growth direction of eutectic structure, and as the solid-solid interface anisotropy increases, the growth direction of eutectic structure starts to tilt. Two kinds of instability phenomena, bifurcation or merger and fault line, are also found in the eutectic growth.
Role of Joule heating in the electro-induced metal-insular transition of a composite film filled with VO2
Authors: Sun Xiaoning , Qu Zhaoming , Yuan Yang , Yuan Jianghang , Cheng Erwei , Wang Pingping , Hu Jianwei , Wang Qingguo
Published: February 2021

Vanadium dioxide is a typical representative of a strong electronic correlation system. Triggered by stimuli such as heat and electric fields, VO2 can undergo a reversible transition from insulating to metallic phase and has therefore attracted attention of many researchers. In this work, a hydrothermal method was used to prepare nano-VO2 particles with phase transition. According to the phenomenology, finite element simulation and theoretical calculation models of the electro-induced phase transition (E-MIT) in the VO2-filled Polyethylene glycol were established. Electrode-gap effect on the phase-transition voltage of E-MIT was discussed. Furthermore, the phase transition and heat distribution processes were analyzed. The results revealed that high-temperature conductive channels are formed in the VO2 structure during the electro-induced phase transition. Moreover, position of these channels is determined by the high-voltage edge effect of the electrode and the heat dissipation effect of the material. The ideal adiabatic E-MIT process was also evaluated. The phase change voltage curve of the theoretical model was well matched with the simulation model. The results reveal that the temperature in the channel is significantly lower than the typical phase change temperature when a phase transition occurs. In addition, owing to an applied voltage, the resistance of the VO2 composite material can drop suddenly even if the temperature rise is small. The analysis results verified that Joule heating is an important factor in the electro-induced phase transition of VO2-filled polymers. The experimental results are helpful in understanding the E-MIT mechanism of VO2 composite materials and the subsequent application of these materials.
Functional response of an Austrian forest soil to N addition
Authors: Hood-Nowotny Rebecca , Schmittner Kathrin , Ziss Elizabeth , Leitner Simon , Watzinger Andrea , Gorfer Markus , Djukic Ika , Dirnböck Thomas
Published: February 2021

Elevated atmospheric reactive nitrogen (NR) deposition is considered one of the key components of human induced global change, threatening biodiversity and possibly altering carbon sequestration, one of the forest’s key ecosystem services. Carbon sequestration is the net result of plant production and of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. Ignoring the impact of N deposition on plant growth, decomposition or any major physical, biological or anthropogenic process that alters the rate of conversion of soil organic matter to atmospheric CO2 (decomposition) will have profound implications for the global C budget and consequently climate change. Soil nitrogen cycling is predicted to change as a result of increased atmospheric N deposition and mineralization due to temperature increases. However, experimental results on the effects of increased N input on SOM decomposition in the field are inconsistent, reporting positive, negative and neutral responses of SOM to N input. We set out to test the impacts of elevated reactive nitrogen NR addition, specifically on the soil processes in the field, independently of forest production effects. Using a suite of conventional, natural abundance and isotope pool dilution methods in situ, we traced C and N transformations of soil microbial and gaseous pools and monitored concomitant changes in gross mineralization and nitrification rates, as well as enzymatic activity. Over a number of growing seasons in a spruce dominated Austrian forest we found evidence to suggest N addition significantly reduces gross N mineralization rates and enzyme activity, in-line with an emerging consensus that N deposition reduces soil fungal abundance and activity, ultimately resulting in greater stocks of soil organic carbon. Simulated elevated nitrogen deposition decelerated SOM decomposition and consequently increased soil carbon storage, an N input effect on soil processes independent of the effect of N on tree growth and forest production.
Copper micro/nanoparticles based catalytic conversion of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-nitrobenzoic acid
Authors: Giri Rutuja , Yadwade Rachana , Ankamwar Balaprasad
Published: February 2021

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have generated a great deal of interest in recent years, especially in catalysis are one of the promising materials in the advancement of copper-based technological applications. We synthesized copper nanoparticles through chemical reduction method using L- ascorbic acid at two different quantities and their spherical and flower like morphologies revealed by FE-SEM. This study also augmented with the catalytic conversion of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-nitrobenzoic acid using stated copper nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst. Kinetic studies on the conversion of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde to 4-nitrobenzoic acid with time intervals of 30 min up to 180 min revealed the time required for the completion of the reaction. 1H NMR corroborated the product so obtained by the use of CuNPs as a catalyst, and ATR-IR analysis. A simple method of melting point exploited here to confirm the final product is a value-added. Thus, this simple analytical tool can boost the morale of researchers with limited resources in graduate and post-graduate laboratories.
Education in the Anthropocene
Authors: Gough Annette
Published: February 2021

The term “Anthropocene” was coined in 2000 by Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer to denote the present time interval as a new epoch of geological time dominated by human impact on the Earth. The starting date for the epoch is contentious—around the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (ca. 1800 ce), at the start of the nuclear age, or some other time, both earlier and later than these dates. The term itself is also contentious because of its humanist and human supremacy focus, and the way it hides troublesome differences between humans (including gender and cultural differences) and the intimate relationships among technology, humans, and other animals. Endeavors such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aim to achieve gender equality by empowering women to participate in society. However, within this goal is the assumption that women and “other marginalized Others” can be assimilated within the dominant social paradigm rather than questioning the assumptions that maintain the subordination of these social groups. The goals also overlook the divergent impacts on women around the globe.

Education in an Anthropocene context necessitates a different pedagogy that provides opportunities for learning to live in and engage with the world and acknowledges that we live in a more-than-human world. It also requires learners to critique the Anthropocene as a concept and its associated themes to counter the humanist perspective, which fails to consider how the nonhuman and material worlds coshape our mutual worlds. In particular, education in the Anthropocene will need to be interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, or cross-disciplinary; intersectional; ecofeminist or posthumanist; indigenous; and participatory.
Burch, Hobart A.
Authors: Logan Sadye L. M.
Published: February 2021

Hobart A. Burch (1932–2012) was a productive scholar whose career was distinguished by his commitment to creating a just and equal world. His career spanned several interrelated areas with the emphasis on policy and program development.
Does half a millimetre matter? Root hairs for yield stability. A commentary on ‘Significance of root hairs for plant performance under contrasting field conditions and water deficit’
Authors: Wissuwa Matthias , Kant Josefine
Published: February 2021

This article comments on:

M. Marin, D. S. Feeney, L. K. Brown, M. Naveed, S. Ruiz, N. Koebernick, A. G. Bengough, P. D. Hallett, T. Roose, J. Puértolas, I. C. Dodd and T. S. George, Significance of root hairs for plant performance under contrasting field conditions and water deficit, Annals of Botany, Volume 128, Issue 1, 30 June 2021, Pages 3–18, 10.1093/aob/mcaa181
Techniques of Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Review
Authors: Person Hélène , Mojallal Ali , Braye Fabienne , Shipkov Hristo
Published: February 2021

Background

Different methods of performing full abdominoplasty and umbilical hernia (UH) repair simultaneously have been proposed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to review and compare UH repair outcomes and umbilical stalk survival.

Methods

A literature research was performed through 28 December 2019. Other hernia repairs and mini-abdominoplasty (without umbilical transposition) were excluded. The primary outcomes analyzed were rates of UH recurrence, mesh infection, and umbilical necrosis.

Results

Six studies were included (5 retrospectives series, 1 case report). Hernia was repaired by an open approach (3 studies, 28 patients) or a laparoscopic approach (3 studies, 67 patients). UH repair consisted of mesh placement in the intraperitoneal or retromuscular/preperitoneal plane, or suture technique in the intraperitoneal plane. No hernia recurrence, mesh infection, or umbilical necrosis was described.

Conclusions

Both open and laparoscopic approaches to simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair seem to be safe based on the rates of umbilical stalk vascularization, hernia recurrence, and mesh infection. However, more well-designed studies are needed to prove this hypothesis.

Level of Evidence: 4
Long-term Outcomes of Ophthalmic and Retinal Artery Occlusion After Cosmetic Facial Filler Injection
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong , Woo Se Joon
Published: February 2021

Background

Ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) and retinal artery occlusion (RAO) after facial filler injection have become increasingly significant due to the growth in cosmetic injection procedures for aesthetic purposes.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term visual outcomes and complications of cosmetic facial filler–related OAO and RAO.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective case series included 17 eyes of 16 filler-related OAO or RAO patients with a follow-up period of 1 year or longer. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and long-term complications.

Results

The mean [standard deviation] age at diagnosis was 31.7 [9.7] years; all the patients were female. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 [2.4] years. The mean BCVA was 2.34 and 2.41 logMAR at the initial and final visits, respectively, which indicates sustained long-term visual impairment. Ocular complications included retinal atrophy and degeneration (100.0%), optic atrophy and blindess (no light perception) (82.4%), strabismus (80.0%), retinal fibrous membrane (68.8%), posterior synechiae (35.3%), neovascularization (29.4%), iris atrophy and cataract (23.5%), corneal opacity and phthisis bulbi (17.6%), visual field defect and iris defect (11.8%), ophthalmoplegia (7.7%), and pupillary block (5.9%). Extraocular complications of brain infarction and depression were found in 25.0%, whereas skin necrosis was found in 13.3% of patients.

Conclusions

Facial filler–related OAO or RAO resulted in long-term poor visual outcome, and most of the patients experienced irreversible visual impairment with no light perception despite various treatments. Various long-term ocular and extraocular complications were observed, which should be monitored for a long-term follow-up period. Our findings suggest that prevention should be emphasized more than treatment.

Level of Evidence: 4
Understanding Long-term Evolution and Predictors of Sequelae of Ebola Virus Disease Survivors in Guinea: A 48-Month Prospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study (PostEboGui)
Authors: Diallo Mamadou Saliou Kalifa , Toure Abdoulaye , Sow Mamadou Saliou , Kpamou Cécé , Keita Alpha Kabinet , Taverne Bernard , Peeters Martine , Msellati Philippe , Barry Thierno Alimou , Etard Jean-Francois , Ecochard René , Delaporte Eric ,   PostEboGui Study Group, Ayouba Ahidjo , Baize Sylvain , Bangoura Kaba , Barry Alimou , Barry Moumié , Cissé Mamoudou , Cissé Mohammed , Delaporte Eric , Delfraissy Jean-François , Delmas Christelle , Desclaux Alice , Bella Diallo Saliou , Safiatou Diallo Mamadou , Sadjo Diallo Mariama , Étard Jean-François , Etienne Cécile , Faye Ousmane , Fofana Ibrahima , Granouillac Bruno , Izard Suzanne , Kassé Djenaba , Kabinet Keita Alpha , Keita Sakoba , Koivogui Lamine , Kpamou Cécé , Lacarabaratz Christine , Levy Marchal Claire , Levy Yves , Magassouba N’Fally , March Laura , Mendiboure Vincent , Msellati Philippe , Niane Harissatou , Peeters Martine , Pers Yves-Marie , Raoul Hervé , Lamine Sacko Sidi , Savané Ibrahima , Saliou Sow Mamadou , Taverne Bernard , Touré Abdoulaye , Amara Traoré Fodé , Traoré Falaye , Youla Yamoussa , Yazdanpanah Yazdan
Published: February 2021

Background

Longitudinal analyses are needed to better understand long-term Ebola virus disease (EVD) sequelae. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of sequelae and to identify risk factors associated with symptom occurrence among EVD survivors in Guinea.

Methods

We followed 802 EVD survivors over 48 months and recorded clinical symptoms with their start/end dates. Prevalence, incidence, and duration of sequelae were calculated. Risk factors associated with symptom occurrence were assessed using an extended Cox model for recurrent events.

Results

Overall, the prevalence and incidence of all symptoms decreased significantly over time, but sequelae remained present 48 months after Ebola treatment center discharge with a prevalence of 30.68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.40–39.96) for abdominal, 30.55% (95% CI 20.68–40.41) for neurologic, 5.80% (95% CI 1.96–9.65) for musculoskeletal, and 4.24% (95% CI 2.26–6.23) for ocular sequelae. Half of all patients (50.70%; 95% CI 47.26–54.14) complained of general symptoms 2 years’ postdischarge and 25.35% (95% CI 23.63–27.07) 4 years’ post-discharge. Hemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR], 2.70; P = .007), neurologic (HR 2.63; P = .021), and general symptoms (HR 0.34; P = .003) in the EVD acute phase were significantly associated with the further occurrence of ocular sequelae, whereas hemorrhage (HR 1.91; P = .046) and abdominal (HR 2.21; P = .033) symptoms were significantly associated with musculoskeletal sequelae.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insight into the long-term clinical complications of EVD and their significant association with symptoms in the acute phase, thus reinforcing the importance of regular, long-term follow-up for EVD survivors.
The rise of self-employment in the UK: entrepreneurial transmission or declining job quality?
Authors: Henley Andrew
Published: February 2021

The UK has experienced very significant growth in self-employment since the financial crisis. The self-employed are at higher risk of income volatility while facing lower levels of social insurance. Individual transitions into self-employment may be driven by a range of factors, both ‘pull’ and ‘push’. This paper proposes a re-evaluation of the evidence on whether private sector business organizations stimulate entrepreneurial transmission amongst their employees. In the UK context rising self-employment may reflect the consequences of flexibilization and falling job quality, rather than outright job loss. Previous research has focused mainly on the subjective notion of job satisfaction to identify the level of attachment the future self-employed have to their current employer. Quantitative analysis is undertaken using large scale British longitudinal survey data. The paper extends this work to show that organizational (dis)attachment is evidenced in a range of extrinsic indicators of job quality, providing explanatory information beyond intrinsic job satisfaction. Specifically, the paper shows that the impact of training on self-employment entry depends asymmetrically on the source of that training. Finally, the paper argues that reduced attachment provides an alternative explanation for any ‘entrepreneurial transmission’ effect, through which employees, particularly those in smaller organizations, are more likely to enter self-employment. However, anticipated improvement in the experience of work from choosing self-employment is seen to be somewhat illusory, speaking to growing concerns about the impact of the growth of the gig economy.
Political Activism and the Provision of Dynamic Incentives: Growing the Pie in the Battle for Redistribution
Authors: Camous Antoine , Cooper Russell
Published: February 2021

This paper studies the determination of income taxes in a dynamic setting with human capital accumulation. The goal is to understand the factors that support an outcome without complete redistribution, given a majority of relatively poor agents and the inability to commit to future taxes. All agents agree ex ante that limiting tax and transfers is beneficial but a majority favours large redistribution, ex post, at the time of the vote. In a political influence game, group activism limits the support for expropriatory taxation and preserves incentives. In some cases, the outcome corresponds to the optimal allocation under commitment.
Differences in life expectancy between men and women after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Hernandez-Vaquero Daniel , Rodriguez-Caulo Emiliano , Vigil-Escalera Carlota , Blanco-Herrera Oscar , Berastegui Elisabet , Arias-Dachary Javier , Souaf Souhayla , Parody Gertrudis , Laguna Gregorio , Adsuar Alejandro , Castellá Manel , Valderrama José F. , Pulitani Ivana , Cánovas Sergio , Ferreiro Andrea , García-Valentín Antonio , Carnero Manuel , Pareja Pilar , Corrales José A. , Blázquez José A. , Macías Diego , Fletcher-Sanfeliu Delfina , Martínez Daniel , Martín Elio , Martín Miren , Margarit Juan , Hernández-Estefanía Rafael , Monguió Emilio , Otero Juan , Silva Jacobo
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Some researchers have observed an increased number of deaths during the follow-up of young patients who undergo aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic stenosis, suggesting that this procedure does not restore their life expectancy. Our goal was to confirm these findings and explore sex-based differences.

METHODS

All patients between 50 and 65 years of age who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement in 27 Spanish centres during an 18-year period were included. We compared observed and expected survival at 15 years of follow-up and estimated the cumulative incidence of death from a competing risks point of view. We stratified by sex and analysed if being a woman was an independent risk factor for death.

RESULTS

For men, the observed survival at 10 and 15 years of follow-up was 85% [95% confidence interval (CI) 83.6%–86.4%] and 72.3% (95% CI 69.7%–74.7%), respectively whereas the expected survival was 88.1% and 78.8%. For women, the observed survival at 10 and 15 years was 85% (95% CI 82.8%–86.9%) and 73% (95% CI 69.1%–76.4%), whereas the expected survival was 94.6% and 89.4%. At 15 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of death due to the disease in men and women was 8.2% and 16.7%, respectively. In addition, being a woman was an independent risk factor for death (hazard ratio = 1.23 (95% CI 1.02–1.48; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

After the aortic valve replacement, men and women do not have their life expectancy restored, but this loss is much higher in women than in men. In addition, being a woman is a risk factor for long-term death. Reasons for these findings are unknown and must be investigated.
What is Fascism and Where does it Come From?
Authors: Eley Geoff
Published: February 2021

How might histories of fascism in interwar Europe help us today? Languages of ‘fascism’ are now constantly in play – as warning and slogan; as emotional rallying-point; as rhetorics of recognition and abuse; as a boundary of legitimate politics – but rarely as carefully informed argument. For effective politics, we need historically grounded analysis that can avert tendentious and direct linkages that may be emotionally satisfying, but stop short of showing how fascism builds its appeal. What makes it seem a desirable ‘extra-systemic’ solution, as an alternative to the practices of democratic constitutionalism? What kind of crisis brings fascism onto the agenda?
Heat Waves, Climate Change, and Economic Output
Authors: Miller Steve , Chua Kenn , Coggins Jay , Mohtadi Hamid
Published: February 2021

Climate change is likely to affect economies not only through warming, but also via an increase in prolonged extreme events like heat waves. However, the impacts of heat waves on economic output are not well captured by standard empirical approaches that ignore when hot days occur. Using a global dataset spanning 1979–2016, we show agricultural losses from past heat waves are up to an order of magnitude larger than suggested by standard approaches. Combining these estimates with a suite of climate models implies that by the end of the century, climate damages in agriculture may be 5–10 times larger than is predicted by a focus on mean temperature shifts alone. These findings have important implications for targeting and evaluating climate adaptation efforts.
O Brother, Where Start Thou? Sibling Spillovers on College and Major Choice in Four Countries
Authors: Altmejd Adam , Barrios-Fernández Andrés , Drlje Marin , Goodman Joshua , Hurwitz Michael , Kovac Dejan , Mulhern Christine , Neilson Christopher , Smith Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Family and social networks are widely believed to influence important life decisions, but causal identification of those effects is notoriously challenging. Using data from Chile, Croatia, Sweden, and the United States, we study within-family spillovers in college and major choice across a variety of national contexts. Exploiting college-specific admissions thresholds that directly affect older but not younger siblings’ college options, we show that in all four countries a meaningful portion of younger siblings follow their older sibling to the same college or college-major combination. Older siblings are followed regardless of whether their target and counterfactual options have large, small, or even negative differences in quality. Spillover effects disappear, however, if the older sibling drops out of college, suggesting that older siblings’ college experiences matter. That siblings influence important human capital investment decisions across such varied contexts suggests that our findings are not an artifact of particular institutional detail but a more generalizable description of human behavior. Causal links between the postsecondary paths of close peers may partly explain persistent college enrollment inequalities between social groups, and this suggests that interventions to improve college access may have multiplier effects.
NAPP PHARMACEUTICAL HOLDINGS LTD v DR REDDY’S LABORATORIES (UK) LTD
Authors:   Patents Court
Published: February 2021

H1 Patents – European Patents – Interim injunctions – Cross-undertaking in damages –Application to fortify cross-undertaking after injunction discharged – Jurisdiction – Discretion
DIRAMODE S.A. v TURNHAM
Authors:   Appointed Person (Trade Marks)
Published: February 2021

H1 Trade marks – Opposition proceedings – Word marks – PINKIES – Descriptiveness – Assessment of likelihood of confusion – Weight to be given to conceptual differences – Appeal to Appointed Person
DETERMINATION OF RA-226, TH-232, K-40 AND CS-137 ACTIVITIES IN SOILS AND BEACH SANDS AND RELATED EXTERNAL GAMMA DOSES IN ARIKLI MINERALIZATION AREA (AYVACIK/TURKEY)
Authors: Top Gülcan , Örgün Yüksel , Ayazlı Ismail Ercüment , Belivermiş Murat , Karacık Zekiye , Kampfl Györgyi
Published: February 2021

Uranium mineralization areas may jeopardize public health and surrounding natural life. In the current study for radioactivity and geochemical analyses, 43 soil, 5 rock and 10 beach sand samples were collected in and around Arıklı (Ayvacık, Turkey) uranium mineralization area. Radioactivity levels in the soils (up to Ra-226: 629, Th-232: 240, K-40: 3669 Bq/kg) were found higher than the that of beach sands. Besides, radioactivity of the beach sand samples is found at normal levels (avg: Ra-226: 31, Th-232: 31, K-40: 542 Bq/kg) when compared to worldwide average soil. Dose values indicate that the region have ~three times higher average gamma radioactivity than the corresponding world average although measured gamma doses ranged up to 687 nGy/h. The high measured values are related to uranium mineralization, alteration zones, faults and Arıklı tuff.
Homocysteine-induced neural tube defects in chick embryos via oxidative stress and DNA methylation associated transcriptional down-regulation of miR-124
Authors: Wang Rui , Han Zhong-Ji , Song Ge , Cui Yi , Xia Hong-Fei , Ma Xu
Published: February 2021

Although moderate homocysteine (HCY) elevation is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs), the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate that whether HCY-induced NTDs were associated with oxidative stress and methyl metabolism in chick embryos. The potential role of miR-124 in neurogenesis was also investigated. In this study, increased intracellular oxidative species and alterations in DNA methylation were observed following HCY treatment. This alteration coincided with decreases of Mn superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as the expression of anti-rabbit DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 and 3a. In addition, HCY induced significant decreases of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) (P < 0.05). N-acetyl-L-cysteine and choline ameliorated global DNA hypomethylation induced by HCY. MiR-124 levels were significantly suppressed by HCY (P < 0.05), while elevated by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC). MiR-124 knockdown resulted in spina bifida occulta. Our research suggests that HCY-induced NTDs were associated with oxidative stress and methyl metabolism in chick embryos. MiR-124 down-regulation may occur via epigenetic mechanisms and contribute to HCY-induced NTDs in chick embryo models.
Increasing temperature alters the within-host competition of viral strains and influences virus genetic variability
Authors: Alcaide Cristina , Sardanyés Josep , Elena Santiago F , Gómez Pedro
Published: February 2021

Environmental conditions can affect viral accumulation, virulence and adaptation, which have implications in the disease outcomes and efficiency of control measures. Concurrently, mixed viral infections are relevant in plants, being their epidemiology shaped by within-host virus–virus interactions. However, the extent in which the combined effect of variations in abiotic components of the plant ecological niche and the prevalence of mixed infections affect the evolutionary dynamics of viral populations is not well understood. Here, we explore the interplay between ecological and evolutionary factors during viral infections and show that isolates of two strains of Pepino mosaic potexvirus coexisted in tomato plants in a temperature-dependent continuum between neutral and antagonistic interactions. After a long-term infection, the mutational analysis of the evolved viral genomes revealed strain-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were modulated by the interaction between the type of infection and temperature. These results suggest that the temperature is an ecological driver of virus-virus interactions, with an effect on the genetic diversity of individual viruses that are co-infecting an individual host. This research provides insights into the effect that changes in host growth temperatures might have on the evolutionary dynamics of viral populations in mixed infections.
Physiological Races and Virulence Dynamics of Setosphaeria turcica in Northeast China
Authors: Ma Zhoujie , He Shidao , Liu Bo , Wang Suna , Huang Yufei , Yao Yuan , Sun Yangqiu , Gao Zenggui
Published: February 2021

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by Setosphaeria turcica, is an important foliar disease in corn. Since 2005, the damage from NCLB has increased in Northeast China, probably from the emergence of new physiological races. In this study, 883 single conidial isolates of S. turcica were obtained from 12 sites across three provinces of Northeast China between 2007 and 2017. The virulence of the isolates was evaluated in five corn lines (B37, B37Ht1, B37Ht2, B37Ht3, and B37HtN). Sixteen physiological races (0, 1, 2, 3, N, 12, 13, 1N, 23, 2N, 3N, 123, 12N, 13N, 23N, and 123N) were obtained, depending on their resistance or susceptibility. Three races (0, 1, and 2) were most prevalent, with frequencies of 40.5, 19.6, and 11.3% in all isolates, respectively. Races varied across provinces and years. Virulence to more than one Ht resistance genes occurred in 21.5% of isolates, with 8.5% virulent to three or more genes. Overall, 41% of isolates were avirulent to all Ht genes, 36% were virulent to Ht1, 28% to Ht2, 11% to Ht3, and 16% to HtN. Isolates from Heilongjiang had a greater frequency of virulence to Ht2 and Ht3, whereas isolates from Jilin and Liaoning were more frequently virulent to Ht1 and HtN, respectively. The frequency of isolate virulence to Ht2 ranged from 8% in 2009 to a maximum of 29% in 2015, and in 2015, isolates were more virulent to Ht2 than Ht1. This study will help growers to purposefully select commercial hybrids with multiple effective Ht resistance genes, and reduce the utilization of Ht1 and Ht2 genes in the process of corn production to strengthen NCLB control.
Assessing the Effect of Phenotyping Scoring Systems and SNP Calling and Filtering Parameters on Detection of QTL Associated with Reaction of Brassica napus to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Shahoveisi Fereshteh , Oladzad Atena , del Río Mendoza Luis E. , Hosseinirad Seyedali , Ruud Susan , Rissato Bruna
Published: February 2021

The polyploid nature of canola (Brassica napus) represents a challenge for the accurate identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL). In this study, combinations of eight phenotyping scoring systems and six SNP calling and filtering parameters were evaluated for their efficiency in detection of QTL associated with response to Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, in two doubled haploid canola mapping populations. Most QTL were detected in lesion length, relative areas under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC) for lesion length, and binomial-plant mortality data sets. Binomial data derived from lesion size were less efficient in QTL detection. Inclusion of additional phenotypic sets to the analysis increased the numbers of significant QTL by 2.3-fold; however, the continuous data sets were more efficient. Between two filtering parameters used to analyze genotyping-by-sequencing data, imputation of missing data increased QTL detection in one population with a high level of missing data but not in the other. Inclusion of segregation-distorted SNPs increased QTL detection but did not impact their R2 values significantly. In all, 12 of 16 detected QTL were on chromosomes A02 and C01, and the rest were on A07, A09, and C03. Marker A02-7594120, associated with a QTL on chromosome A02, was detected in both populations. Results of this study suggest that the impact of genotypic variant calling and filtering parameters may be population dependent while deriving additional phenotyping scoring systems such as rAUDPC datasets and mortality binary may improve QTL detection efficiency.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Effect of treatment with Victoza® on cafeteria induced‐obese rats.
Authors: Scomparin Dionizia , Xavier João , Mendonça Felipe , da Silva Makcine , Lima Priscila , Kanunfre Carla
Published: February 2021

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that individuals develop cardiovascular health, diabetes and others complicationsThe dramatic rise in the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased mortality, morbidity as well as public health care expenses worldwide. The GLP1 is a class of incretins secreted by intestine that improve insulin secretion. The objective was evaluating the effect of treatment with Victoza® on cafeteria induced‐obese rats. The rats were divided in two groups: Control (animals that received chow diet) and DIET (animals that to 30th received cafeteria diet until 90th). Ten days before de experimental process the animals was divided in two groups again: CON GLP1 and DIET GLP1 (animals DIET that received subcutaneous injections of Victoza® 0,0077 mg/day during 10 days).The weight of fats are showed in table 1.

Fats
Normal Con
Normal Diet
Con GLP1
Diet GLP1

Retroperitoneal fat pad
8,01±0,93*
11,93±1,34
6,14±0,52
12,9±1,36

Periepidydimal fat pad
5,31±0,66*
10,92±1,16
4,66±0,50
10,46±1,36

mesenteric fat pad
4,06±0,46*†
9,64±1,42
2,64±0,33
6,21±1,0

The blood data showed that the cafeteria diet caused increased blood glucose levels, showed in figure 1.

image

The cafeteria diet also promoted increased triglycerides and treatment with Victoza® decreased in the Con GLP1 and Diet GLP1 groups being more significant in the diet group.

image

Preliminary results showed treatment with Victoza® caused an increase in basal NO production of peritoneal macrophage for both control and diet groups, in opposites reduce the basal ROS production. In conclusion ours results showed that treatment of Victoza® causes reduction in glycemia and triglycerides and alters macrophages functions.These findings are of great importance since obesity is the major risk factor for several chronic diseases.
Association Between Postoperative Fever and Readmission Rates in Lumbar Fusion Patients
Authors: Stricsek Geoffrey P. , Montenegro Thiago S. , Gonzalez Glenn A. , Singh Akash , Harrop Catriona , Harrop James
Published: February 2021

Study Design:

This is a retrospective observational study.

Objective:

This study evaluates the impact of postoperative fever on the rate of readmission among lumbar fusion patients.

Summary of Background Data:

Postoperative fever is a common event across surgical specialties that often triggers an extensive work-up that can significantly increase hospital costs and length of stay, although the results are usually negative for infection. There is a paucity of literature studying postoperative fever in lumbar fusion patients.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all the patients who underwent elective posterior lumbar spinal fusion from January, 2018 to November, 2018 was conducted. Fever was defined as a temperature >100.4ºF. Patients were categorized into 4 groups based on their highest recorded temperature postoperatively. The association between demographic variables, tests ordered per patient, length of stay, and readmission rates per group were analyzed using a t test, and 1-way analysis of variance for continuous outcomes, and the Fisher exact test for categorical variables.

Results:

Of 107 patients, 58% had no fever recorded, 17.75% had temperatures between 100.5 and 100.90ºF, 18.69% temperatures between 101 and 101.90ºF, and 4.67% of patients temperatures equal or higher than 102.0ºF. The number of tests per patient increase with the range of temperatures analyzed (P<0.01), but the rate of readmission of all the 4 groups are not significantly different (0.107). There is no significant difference in the number of febrile episodes per day between patients who were and who were not readmitted (0.209).

Conclusions:

A diagnostic testing policy guided by clinician assessment of symptoms and physical exam may limit unnecessary testing and reduce hospital length of stay and cost without sacrificing patient safety.