bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tool selection based on rigidity in young children: a comparative approach (Selección de herramientas en función de su rigidez con niños preescolares: un enfoque comparativo)
Authors: Manrique Héctor M. , Hernández-Gálvez Yurena , Hernández-Cabrera Juan , Álvarez Carlos J.
Published: January 2022

Fifty-one 23-to-55-month-old-infants faced two apparatuses that required the use of a rigid (box apparatus) or flexible (hose apparatus) stick-like tool to retrieve a toy stuck inside. Before attempting the extraction, however, they had to pick the only one tool (of three) on display that had the appropriate rigidity/flexibility to be effective. To inform their decisions, they could either manipulate the three tools themselves (haptic information) or observe the experimenter bending and unbending them for just five seconds each (visual information) before selection. Children found more difficulties in selecting appropriate flexible tools, as compared to rigid ones. Moreover, infants’ own haptic inspection of each tool did not significantly improve their selection accuracy, which indicates that observing the experimenter’s demonstration conveyed all the information required to make correct choices.
FORC analysis of magnetically soft microparticles embedded in a polymeric elastic environment
Authors: Borin Dmitry Yu , Vaganov Mikhail V
Published: January 2022

First-order reversal curve (FORC) analysis allows one to investigate composite magnetic materials by decomposing the magnetic response of a whole sample into individual responses of the elementary objects comprising the sample. In this work, we apply this technique to analysing silicone elastomer composites reinforced with ferromagnetic microparticles possessing low intrinsic coercivity. Even though the material of such particles does not demonstrate significant magnetic hysteresis, the soft matrix of the elastomers allows for the translational mobility of the particles and enables their magnetomechanical hysteresis which renders into a wasp-waisted major magnetization loop of the whole sample. It is demonstrated that the FORC diagrams of the composites contain characteristic wing features arising from the collective hysteretic magnetization of the magnetically soft (MS) particles. The influence of the matrix elasticity and particle concentration on the shape of the wing feature is investigated, and an approach to interpreting experimental FORC diagrams of the MS magnetoactive elastomers is proposed. The experimental data are in qualitative agreement with the results of the simulation of the particle magnetization process obtained using a model comprised of two MS particles embedded in an elastic environment.
Transonic Accretion and Winds Around Pseudo-Kerr Black Holes And Comparison with General Relativistic Solutions
Authors: Bhattacharjee Abhrajit , Chakrabarti Sandip K. , Debnath Dipak
Published: January 2022

Spectral and timing properties of accretion flows on a black hole depend on their density and temperature distributions, which in turn come from the underlying dynamics. Thus, an accurate description of the flow which includes hydrodynamics and radiative transfer is a must to interpret the observational results. In the case of non-rotating black holes, a pseudo-Newtonian description of surrounding spacetime enables one to make significant progress in predicting spectral and timing properties. This formalism is lacking for spinning black holes. In this paper, we show that there exists an exact form of a “natural” potential derivable from the general relativistic (GR) radial momentum equation. Use of this potential in an otherwise Newtonian set of equations allows to describe transonic flows very accurately as is evidenced by comparing with solutions obtained from the full GR framework. We study the properties of the critical points and the centrifugal pressure supported shocks in the parameter space spanned by the specific energy and angular momentum, and compare with the results of GR hydrodynamics. We show that this potential can safely be used for the entire range of Kerr parameter −1 < a < 1 for modeling of observational results around spinning black holes. We assume the flow to be inviscid. Thus, it is non-dissipative with constant energy and angular momentum. These assumptions are valid very close to the black hole as the infall timescale is much shorter as compared to the viscous timescale.
Vulnerability curves for masonry buildings affected by hyperconcentrated flows as natural disaster risk management tools for the quantification of material damage
Authors: Jara A , Quispe T Y , Castillo L F
Published: January 2022

The damage assessment caused by floods, earthquakes, hurricanes among others phenomenons in the world are analyzed with methodologies such as “Vulnerability curves”. In Peru, disasters caused by hyperconcentrated flows are alarming due to a climatic variability such as the “El Niño Costero” phenomenon. Therefore, this research has developed vulnerability curves for 1 and 2-story confined masonry buildings in Urb. San Idelfonso, Ica - Peru; linking the variables: flow depth, associated with the event produced by heavy rains at the top of the “Quebrada Cansas” caused by the “El Niño Costero” phenomenon in 2017, and the percentage of the damage based on the methodology of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), whose formula is the repair value and total building value. The monetary amounts and items of the buildings are obtained from the RM 415-2017-VIVIENDA of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation of Peru. The process consisted of hydrological modeling in HEC-HMS, hydraulic modeling in FLO-2D, damage percentage estimate and vulnerability curves production. Finally, the vulnerability curves for hyperconcentrated flows were contrasted with similar studies regarding curves for flooding and debris flow. The results of the investigation showed that the “El Niño Costero” phenomenon in 2017 had an economic impact of at least 1.3 million soles in Urb. San Idelfonso. In addition, at least 24 buildings had a complete damage and 21 buildings an extensive damage.
Functional properties of NiTi nanofilm/Kapton composite
Authors: Sibirev A V , Alchibaev M V , Palani I A , Jayachandran S , Sahu A , Belyaev S P , Resnina N N
Published: January 2022

The aim of the paper was to study the one-way and two-way shape memory effects in the NiTi nanofilm/Kapton composite. 500 nm film of the Ni50Ti50 alloy was deposited to Kapton by flash evaporation. After deposition, the NiTi layer was amorphous and the sample was held at a temperature of 350 - 400 °C for two hours in vacuum to crystallize the NiTi layer. As deposited sample as well as samples after heat treatment were bent around the mandrel with various diameters at room temperature and subjected to heating – cooling – heating through a temperature range of the martensitic transformations. It was shown that as-deposited sample did not demonstrate the recoverable stain variation. At the same time, the heat treated sample demonstrated the one-way shape memory effect on heating and a maximum recoverable strain was found to be 2 %. The two-way shape memory effect was not observed on further cooling and heating.
Influence of the initial structural-phase state on inelastic and plastic strains behavior in coarse-grained samples of the Ti49.3Ni50.7 (at.%) alloy
Authors: Zhapova D Yu , Lotkov A I , Grishkov V N , Gusarenko A A , Rodionov I S
Published: January 2022

The paper presents the experimental results of studies of the temperature dependence of inelastic and plastic strains during torsion of coarse-grained samples of the Ti49.3Ni50.7 (at.%) alloy. Investigations of the deformation behavior of the test alloy samples in the martensitic, two-phase and high-temperature states have been carried out. It is shown that the value of the summary inelastic strain reaches a maximum value of ∼ 18% under deformation of the samples in the martensitic and two-phase state, as well as in the temperature range of pre-transition phenomena.
Nucleation centers for martensite with habitus {110} in the shape memory alloys
Authors: Kashchenko M P , Kashchenko N M , Chashchina V G
Published: January 2022

The dynamic theory of martensitic transformations (MT) considers the formation of habit planes of martensite crystals as a consequence of the propagation of a controlling wave process (CWP). The general ideology makes it possible, by comparing the observed habits with calculations of the elastic fields of defects (as a rule, dislocations), to identify nucleation centers. In a number of cases (In-Tl alloys, Ni50Mn50 alloys, Heusler alloys …) under MT in the shape memory alloys, {110} habits are observed (in the basis of the initial cubic phase), which often have a fine twin structure with twin boundaries of the same type. This highly symmetric structure is described by the CWP containing longitudinal waves (both relatively long-wavelength ℓ and short-wavelength s) propagating along the 4-order symmetry axes. In this paper, it is shown that such habits are associated with rectilinear segments of dislocation loops with directions Λ along <001> and Burgers vectors along <010> (or <110>) orthogonal to Λ, both for sliding and for prismatic loops. The tetragonality, the relative volume change during the MT, and the dependence of the start temperature M
s on changes in the concentration of alloy components are also briefly discussed.
Soil plasticity and standard proctor compaction characteristics of stabilized Kota Kinabalu clay using biomass silica (SH-85)
Authors: Vitales V V , Amaludin A E , HO Y , Amaludin N A
Published: January 2022

In the Pan Borneo Highway (PBH) project, the occurrence of clay soils is likely to increase construction costs, due to its low shear strength and high compressibility characteristics. In recent years, the use of non-traditional stabilizers e.g., Biomass Silica (SH-85) compound is becoming more prevalent. This study aims to determine the soil plasticity behaviour and to ascertain the Standard Proctor Compaction characteristics of clay soil by mixing it with varying dosages of SH-85. After soil classification was carried out, the Initial Lime Consumption Test was performed to estimate the suitable SH-85 dosage. The compound was mixed with the soil at concentrations of 3, 6, 9 and 15% (by soil sample weight). Moreover, Atterberg Limits test was also carried out to determine the change in soil plasticity. Subsequently, the compaction tests were performed to obtain the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) on the natural and stabilized soil. The trend of test results show that the OMC increases with increasing SH-85 dosages, while reducing the overall MDD values. The optimal quantity of SH-85 to achieve good compactibility was discovered to be 9%, producing a stabilized mix with a strength gain of +366% compared to the natural soil.
Shredder machine for plastic recycling: A review paper
Authors: Wong J H , Gan M J H , Chua B L , Gakim M , Siambun N J
Published: January 2022

Plastic pollution has become a global concern due to poor plastic waste disposal management. As an alternative, independent recycling efforts are necessary. A Plastic shredder machine is a preliminary machine used to cut plastic waste into small pieces before turning it into useful products. The concept design of the shredder machine that is currently available is fairly similar. The shaft and blades are the critical components in the shredder machine that determines its performance. The geometry and orientation of the blades that were fitted into the single or double-shafts were found to directly affect the shredding performance. Therefore, this article aims to review the various geometry and orientations of the blades that give direct effect on the shredding performance, as well as identifying the research gaps related to the shredder machine for plastic waste materials
A review on the development of electro-carburisation process
Authors: On S C , Bahrin S A , Gakim M , Liew W Y H , Tamiri F M , Siambun N J
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to review the early development of electro-carburisation technology and the research findings related to the electro-carburisation process. In general, conventional liquid carburisation of steel using a molten cyanide bath is carried out to improve the performance of mild steel, however this process produces toxic cyanide waste. Thus, other alternatives for liquid carburisation are necessary. Electro-carburisation process using carbonate-base molten salt, under a CO2 environment was developed as one of the alternatives to liquid carburising. Metal to be treated is exposed to the carbon-rich liquid in the molten cyanide bath and electro-carburisation. However, the metal is simply immersed inside the cyanide bath during conventional liquid carburising, while connected to the cathode in the electro-carburisation. The electro-carburisation involves a diffusion of carbon atoms into the surface of the metal which enhance the surface hardness of the metal. The effects of electrolysis parameters to the surface hardness and case hardening of treated metal have been reported in several journals. This article summarises the research findings. Apart from that, the quenching process and heat treatment post quenching also plays an important role in the quality of the carburised metal, therefore also reviewed in this article.
Methane hydrogen laminar burning velocity blending laws in horizontal open-ended flame tube rig
Authors: Amaludin N A , Morrow M , Woolley R , Amaludin A E
Published: January 2022

Different fuel properties and chemical kinetics of two different fuels would make it challenging to predict the combustion parameters of a binary fuel. Understanding the effect of blending methane and hydrogen gas is the main focus of this paper. Utilizing a horizontal tube combustion rig, methane-hydrogen fuel blends were created using blending laws from past literature, over a range of equivalence ratios from 0.6 – 1.2 were studied, while keeping one combustion parameter constant, the theoretical laminar burning velocity. The selected theoretical laminar burning velocity for all the mixtures tested were kept constant at 0.6 ms−1. Different factors affected the flame propagation across the tube, including acoustic pressure oscillations, heat loss from the rig, and obvious difference in hydrogen percentage in the fuel blends. The average experimental laminar burning velocity of all the flames was 0.368 ms−1, compared to the expected value of 0.6 ms−1. In an attempt to keep the theoretical laminar burning velocity constant for different mixtures, it was discovered that this did not promise the same flame propagation behaviour for the tested mixtures. Further experimentation and analysis are required in order to better understand the underlying interaction of the fuel blends.
Measurement of scattered rays from different materials using an inorganic scintillator based optical fiber sensor and its application in radiotherapy
Authors: Xie Tianci , He Bo , Shi Qieming , Qian Jinqian , Hao Wenjing , Li Song , Lewis Elfed , Sun Weimin
Published: January 2022

Measurements using an Optical Fiber OFS including an inorganic scintillator placed on the surface of a phantom show that the particle energy distribution inside the phantom remains unchanged. The backscattered intensity measured using an Optical Fiber Sensor (OFS) exhibits a linear relationship with the total radiation dose delivered to the phantom, and this relationship shows that the OFS can be used for indirect dose measurement when located on the surface of the phantom i.e. that arising from the energetic backscattered electrons and photons. Such a device can therefore be used as a clinical in-vivo dosimeter, being located on the patient’s body surface. In addition, the measurement results for the same OFS located inside and outside the radiation field of a compound water based phantom are analyzed. The differences in measurement of the fluorescence signal in response to various tissue materials representing bone or tumor tissue in the irradiation field are strongly related to the material’s ability to block the scattered rays from the water phantom, as well as the scattered x-rays generated by the material located within the phantom.
Design of a scalable, flexible, and durable thermoelectric cooling device for soft electronics using Kirigami cut patterns
Authors: Rosenberg Z B , Weiner N C , Shahariar H , Li B M , Peavey J L , Mills A C , Losego M D , Jur J S
Published: January 2022

A flexible, soft thermoelectric cooling device is presented that shows potential for human cooling applications in wearable technologies and close-to-body applications. Current developments lack integration feasibility due to non-scalable assembly procedures and unsuitable materials for comfortable and durable integration into products. Our devices have been created and tested around the need to conform to the human body which we have quantified through the creation of a repeatable drape testing procedure, a metric used in the textile industry. Inspired by mass manufacturing constraints, our flexible thermoelectric devices are created using commercially available materials and scalable processing techniques. Thermoelectric legs are embedded in a foam substrate to provide flexibility, while Kirigami-inspired cuts are patterned on the foam to provide the drape necessary for mimicking the performance of textile and close to body materials. In total, nine different configurations, three different fill factors and three different Kirigami cut patterns were fabricated and inspected for thermal characterization, mechanical testing, flexibility and drape. Our studies show that adding Kirigami patterns can increase the durability of the device, improve the flexibility, decrease the drape coefficient, and have <1% of impact on cooling performance at higher fill factors (>1.5%), reaching temperature differences up to 4.39 °C ± 0.17 °C between the hot and cold faces of the device. These thermoelectric cooling devices show great flexibility, durability, and cooling for integration into soft cooling products.
Geriatric medicine and health care for older people in Australia
Authors: Le Couteur David G , Flicker Leon , Hilmer Sarah N
Published: January 2022

Aged care coverage in Australia is universal but fragmented and has been challenged by government policy to deregulate aged care and open it up to market forces. A recent inquiry into aged care (Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety) documented the outcome of this policy—substandard care at most levels. The provision of services to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have high prevalence of frailty and cognitive impairment, was also identified as inadequate. The effects of yet to be implemented changes in policy and funding in response to this report remain to be seen. Despite this policy backdrop, geriatricians have contributed to a steady growth in medical services and interventions focussed on specific geriatric issues such as dementia, falls, polypharmacy and orthogeriatrics. These are often driven by, or in collaboration with researchers, and aim to generate research data as well as provide patient care. The numbers of academic geriatricians and other aged care health professionals is increasing, and the training of specialist geriatricians now includes a significant research component.
Effectiveness of a community-based intervention (Konga model) to address the factors contributing to viral load suppression among children living with HIV in Tanzania: a cluster-randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Kihulya Mageda , Katalambula Leornard K , Kapologwe Ntuli A , Petrucka Pammla
Published: January 2022

This study aims to test the effectiveness of a community-based intervention (Konga model) to improve viral-load suppression in children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and enrolled in care and treatment centers in Tanzania mainland. The study will be a cluster-randomized clinical trial study designed with both intervention and control arms. The study will involve 268 children with a viral load of >1000 copies/ml who are aged between 2 and 14 years. The children will be randomly allocated into the intervention and control arms. The intervention will include three distinct activities: adherence and retention counseling, psychosocial support, and comorbidity screening (i.e. tuberculosis). The outcome of the study will be assessment of the success of the intervention to increase medication adherence with the immediate result of reducing the viral load below 1000 copies/ml. Descriptive statistics will be used to calculate the mean, median, standard deviation, and interquartile range of continuous data. We will use frequencies and percentages to summarize categorical data. As for the primary outcome (proportion of HIV-infected children with viral suppression), we will compare the proportion of successful participants in the intervention and control arms. Proportions and tests for different proportions will be used as a measure of improvement. All statistical tests will be two-sided and P < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Simultaneous HPLC Determination of Arbutin, Niacinamide and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid in Whitening Cream Products in the Presence of Parabens
Authors: Permana Benny , Hasanah Mutiara , Tursino
Published: January 2022

Arbutin, niacinamide and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (a new generation of vitamin C derivatives) are compounds that have a whitening effect on skin and are widely used in whitening cream products wherein parabens such as methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben are also often added as preservatives. This study aims to develop a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that can be used to determine arbutin, niacinamide and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid simultaneously in whitening cream products without interference from the parabens. The optimum conditions for the HPLC system were obtained using ODS-3 RP-C18 Inertsil column, mobile phase consisting of a mixture of aquabides, methanol and acetonitrile with gradient elution mode. Detection was carried out using a UV detector at 220 nm. Validation studies demonstrated a good linearity for all analytes over each range concentration with a correlation coefficient >0.999 and Vx0 < 2%. The accuracy test also met the requirements with the recoveries being 96.93–99.55%, 98.60–99.73% and 97.88–100.63% for arbutin, niacinamide and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision test gave a relative standard deviation (% RSD) of <2% along with a HorRat value of <2 for all analytes. The results of this study indicate that the developed HPLC method has a good selectivity, linearity, accuracy and precision. Due to its simplicity, the method can be used to analyze arbutin, niacinamide and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid in the presence of parabens in whitening cream products simultaneously.
Association of urinary albumin:creatinine ratio with incident frailty in older populations
Authors: Liu Mengyi , He Panpan , Zhou Chun , Zhang Zhuxian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Huan , Liu Chengzhang , Nie Jing , Liang Min , Qin Xianhui
Published: January 2022

Background

The longitudinal relationship of albuminuria with incident frailty remains unknown. Therefore we aimed to evaluate the relation of albuminuria with the risk of incident frailty in older adults.

Methods

A total of 1115 participants ≥65 years of age (average age 80.3 years) who were free of frailty in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were included. The outcome was incident frailty, defined as a frailty index ≥0.25 during follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of the urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) with frailty.

Results

During a median follow-up duration of 5.3 years, 295 (26.5%) participants developed incident frailty. Overall, the UACR was significantly positively associated with the risk of incident frailty (P for trend = 0.005), with a significantly higher risk of incident frailty in participants in the quartile 4 of UACR {≥13.43 mg/g; hazard ratio [HR] 1.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–2.37]} compared with those in quartile 1 (<0.73 mg/g). Consistently, when UACRs were assessed as clinical categories, compared with participants with UACR <10 mg/g, those with UACR ≥30 mg/g had a higher HR of incident frailty [HR 1.61 (95% CI 1.17–2.20)]. Accounting for the competing risk of death also did not substantially change the results. In addition, a stronger positive association between UACR and incident frailty was found in those with a higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (hs-CRP) (P for interaction = 0.045).

Conclusion

Albuminuria was positively associated with the risk of incident frailty, particularly in those with higher hs-CRP, emphasizing the importance of managing both albuminuria and inflammation for primary prevention of frailty.
“It Was the Worst of Times, It Was the Worst of Times”: Brexit and Literary Mood in Ali Smith’s Autumn
Authors: Adam Sibyl
Published: January 2022

Ali Smith’s Autumn is widely regarded as one of the most significant Brexlit novels to be published since the UK voted to leave the European Union in a referendum on 23 June 2016. This article analyzes the novel’s use of mood, which is generated simultaneously through representations of collective emotional reactions, an innovative temporal structure, and through a reworking of the state-of-the-nation novel tradition. The relationship between the nation and the novel is developed through temporality, where historical and contemporary collective feelings of crisis unify the nonchronological narrative sequence. This article makes an intervention into discussions of Brexlit by foregrounding the use of mood as a regulator of multiple temporalities and nonchronological structural engagements with time as more useful than conventional realism in conveying the national impact of Brexit.
Limited dynamic triggering in the Utah region, USA
Authors: Guenaga David L , Alfaro-Diaz Richard A , Velasco Aaron A
Published: January 2022

The state of Utah, USA, experiences around 3800 catalogued earthquakes per year, highlighting that the region is seismically active and susceptible to earthquakes. Following the 2002 Denali Fault (M7.9) earthquake in Alaska, the region showed an elevated seismicity rate for 3 weeks following the passage of high amplitude surface waves, suggesting that the region may be particularly susceptible to dynamic triggering. With over 23 396 faults and each fault presenting a potential fault for triggering, we systematically search for dynamic triggering throughout the state of Utah caused by large, global earthquakes with M ≥ 7. Specifically, we analyse earthquake catalogues and all available waveform data to determine statistical increases of seismicity rate following the passage of seismic arrivals. While we find instances of dynamic triggering, our results show that these events occur sparsely in the region. In total, less than 20 per cent of the 273 main shocks that occur from 2000 to the end of 2017 show a statistical indication of dynamic triggering throughout the Utah region, highlighting that dynamic triggering is limited for stresses created by transient signals from global M ≥ 7 earthquakes, with the exception being the Denali Fault (M7.9), Alaska earthquake (i.e. an instance of significant triggering).
Clinical Utility of Germline Genetic Testing in Japanese Men Undergoing Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Akamatsu Shusuke , Terada Naoki , Takata Ryo , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Shimatani Kimihiro , Momozawa Yukihide , Yamamoto Michio , Tada Harue , Kawamorita Naoki , Narita Shintaro , Kato Takuma , Nitta Masahiro , Kandori Shuya , Koike Yusuke , Inazawa Johji , Kimura Takahiro , Kimura Hiroko , Kojima Takahiro , Terachi Toshiro , Sugimoto Mikio , Habuchi Tomonori , Arai Yoichi , Yamamoto Shingo , Matsuda Tadashi , Obara Wataru , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Inoue Takahiro , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Ogawa Osamu
Published: January 2022

Background

Multiple common variants and also rare variants in monogenic risk genes such as BRCA2 and HOXB13 have been reported to be associated with risk of prostate cancer (PCa); however, the clinical setting in which germline genetic testing could be used for PCa diagnosis remains obscure. Herein, we tested the clinical utility of a 16 common variant–based polygenic risk score (PRS) that has been developed previously for Japanese men and also evaluated the frequency of PCa-associated rare variants in a prospective cohort of Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy.

Methods

A total of 1336 patients undergoing first prostate biopsy were included. PRS was calculated based on the genotype of 16 common variants, and sequencing of 8 prostate cancer–associated genes was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction based target sequencing. PRS was combined with clinical factors in logistic regression models to assess whether addition of PRS improves the prediction of biopsy positivity.

Results

The top PRS decile was associated with an odds ratio of 4.10 (95% confidence interval = 2.46 to 6.86) with reference to the patients at average risk, and the estimated lifetime absolute risk approached 20%. Among the patients with prostate specific antigen 2-10 ng/mL who had prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging, high PRS had an equivalent impact on biopsy positivity as a positive magnetic resonance imaging finding. Rare variants were detected in 19 (2.37%) and 7 (1.31%) patients with positive and negative biopsies, respectively, with BRCA2 variants being the most prevalent. There was no association between PRS and high-risk rare variants.

Conclusions

Germline genetic testing could be clinically useful in both pre- and post-PSA screening settings.
How do community pharmacists in Trinidad perceive knowledge and practice of asthma care?
Authors: Jankie Satish , Stuart Arlene Rachel Villarroel , Mohammed Saeed Rashaad , Sewdass Keshav , Sakhamuri Sateesh , Pereira Lexley Maureen Pinto
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study assessed recommendations for asthma care that community pharmacists in Trinidad offer to adult and adolescent asthma patients.

Methods

A convenience study was conducted in community pharmacies in Trinidad, utilising a 17-question survey, delivered electronically via email by clicking a survey link, which ensured that all responses were anonymous.

Key findings

There were 210 responses, and the majority (54.2%) believed that inhaled salbutamol was the treatment for mild intermittent asthma. Many (65.2%) demonstrate inhaler technique to new patients. Recommendations for using peak flow metres (46.2%) or asthma diaries (48.6%) were poor, and 68.1% dispense prednisolone without a prescription.

Conclusion

Continuing education on asthma management for community pharmacists in Trinidad can optimise disease outcomes and make them partners in patient care.
“An Extra Variable to Consider”—Vaccine-Induced Seropositivity and Adolescent HIV Vaccine Clinical Trials
Authors: Fatola Omolayo , Corneli Amy , Perry Brian , Hanlen-Rosado Emily , Nsonwu Adora , Constantine Evangelia P , Thompson Amelia B
Published: January 2022

Our study explores the understanding of vaccine-induced seropositivity (VISP) and its potential impact on US adolescents’ and caregivers’ willingness to participate in adolescent HIV vaccine clinical trials. Findings from in-depth interviews suggest that addressing concerns about VISP will be essential for future pediatric HIV vaccine trials in the United States.
Proto-neutron star evolution with improved charged-current neutrino–nucleon interactions
Authors: Pascal A , Novak J , Oertel M
Published: January 2022

We perform simulations of the Kelvin–Helmholtz cooling phase of proto-neutron stars with a new numerical code in spherical symmetry and using the quasi-static approximation. We use for the first time the full set of charged-current neutrino–nucleon reactions, including neutron decay and modified Urca processes, together with the energy-dependent numerical representation for the inclusion of nuclear correlations with random phase approximation. Moreover, convective motions are taken into account within the mixing length theory. As we vary the assumptions for computing neutrino–nucleon reaction rates, we show that the dominant effect on the cooling time-scale, neutrino signal, and composition of the neutrino-driven wind comes from the inclusion of convective motion. Computation of nuclear correlations within the random phase approximation, as compared to mean field approach, has a relatively small impact.
Modelling the γ-ray pulsar wind nebulae population in our galaxy
Authors: Fiori M , Olmi B , Amato E , Bandiera R , Bucciantini N , Zampieri L , Burtovoi A
Published: January 2022

Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) represent the largest class of sources that upcoming γ-ray surveys will detect. Therefore, accurate modelling of their global emission properties is one of the most urgent problems in high-energy astrophysics. Correctly characterizing these dominant objects is a needed step to allow γ-ray surveys to detect fainter sources, investigate the signatures of cosmic ray propagation, and estimate the diffuse emission in the Galaxy. In this paper, we present an observationally motivated construction of the Galactic PWNe population. We made use of a modified one-zone model to evolve for a long period of time the entire population. The model provides, for every source, at any age, a simplified description of the dynamical and spectral evolution. The long-term effects of the reverberation phase on the spectral evolution are described, for the first time, based on physically motivated prescriptions for the evolution of the nebular radius supported by numerical studies. This effort tries to solve one of the most critical aspects of one-zone modelling, namely the typical overcompression of the nebula during the reverberation phase, resulting in a strong modification of its spectral properties at all frequencies. We compare the emission properties of our synthetic PWNe population with the most updated catalogues of TeV Galactic sources. We find that the firmly identified and candidate PWNe sum up to about 50 per cent of the expected objects in this class above threshold for detection. Finally, we estimate that Cherenkov Telescope Array will increase the number of TeV-detected PWNe by a factor of ≳3.
Evolutionary inference and statistical constraints on Algols including SD2-type near contact binaries
Authors: Wang Z H , Zhu L Y , Yue Y F
Published: January 2022

Algol-type binaries (Algols) have aroused extensive interests due to the idiosyncratic evolutionary stages of both components. To better understand the evolutionary properties of such characteristic population, we collected mostly double-lined samples and performed systematic work concentrated on their physical constraints. It is found that orbital period cut-off for the OB and AF type Algols are P(OB) > 0.482 d, P(AF) >0.358 d; constraints on mean density and surface gravity of the secondary components are $\overline{\rho }_2$(OB) < 0.144 ρ⊙, $\overline{\rho }_2$(AF) < 0.26 ρ⊙, log g2(OB) < 4.719 cgs, and log g2(AF) < 4.517 cgs. Limitations of a(OB) $\gt 3.48\, {\rm R}_{\odot }$ and a(AF) $\gt 2.29\, {\rm R}_{\odot }$ have been deduced from the a–P relation. Moreover, statistical analysis of secular period changes reveal that Algols with higher f1 and relevant shorter period generally show weak period change. It hints that there is some connections between f1 and orbital evolution. Systems with lower f1 have the chance to evolve from classic Algols to SD2-type near contact binaries (NCBs); systems with higher f1 obey the evolutionary channel from SD2-type NCBs to CBs. However, it seems that SD2-type NCBs could not evolve towards classic Algols. As a natural lab, Algols are producing peculiar stellar experimental samples via complicated astrophysical processes, which will enhance our understanding on the physical properties and evolution of such binary populations.
Complementary Bureaucracy: Reimagining Weberian Impersonalism with Indigenous Relationality
Authors: Althaus Catherine
Published: January 2022

Weber’s ideal-type bureaucracy demands impersonalism premised on assumptions regarding egalitarianism and polity scale, explaining why it is able to excel with large-scale population policymaking. Transport, national infrastructure, taxation, and defense are classic success examples of what is called the actions of government that are done “to” and “for” the polity. However, government fails in important areas of action done “with” citizens and communities, such as health, education, and justice, which do not fit one-size-fits-all approaches. Calls to personalize policy delivery chafe at Weberian bureaucracy and inevitably will do so until form change is recognized as necessary. One way forward may be found in Indigenous worldviews and clan governance concepts of relationality. This article uses William Ouchi\'s organizational form arguments that privilege clans alongside markets and hierarchies, as well as illustrative examples of Indigenous public service leadership, to propose a new conceptual approach—complementary bureaucracy—to demonstrate clan approaches that provide rich practical and theoretical opportunities to engage in bureaucratic personalism. Taking the best of impersonalism and relationality helps meet modern societal needs, building off the wisdom of governance practices that have served this planet’s oldest enduring civilizations.
Factors associated with non-pharmaceutical interventions compliance during COVID-19 pandemic: a Portuguese cross-sectional survey
Authors: Santos João Vasco , Gomes da Costa Joana , Costa Eduardo , Almeida Sara , Cima Joana , Pita-Barros Pedro
Published: January 2022

Background

The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) is one of the main tools used in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response, including physical distancing, frequent hand washing, face mask use, respiratory hygiene and use of contact tracing apps. Literature on compliance with NPI during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited.

Methods

We studied this compliance and associated factors in Portugal, between 28th October 2020 and 11th January 2021 (Portuguese second and third waves of the pandemic), using logistic regressions. Data were collected through a web-based survey and included questions regarding NPI compliance, COVID-19-related concerns, perception of institutions’ performance, agreement with the measures implemented and socio-demographic characteristics.

Results

From the 1263 eligible responses, we found high levels of compliance among all COVID-19 related NPI, except for the contact tracing app. Females and older participants showed the highest compliance levels, whereas the opposite was observed for previously infected participants. There was heterogeneity of COVID-19 NPI compliance across Portuguese regions and a clear gradient between concern, government performance’s perception or agreement and compliance.

Conclusions

Results suggested areas for further study with important implications for pandemic management and communication, for future preparedness, highlighting other factors to be accounted for when recommending policy measures during public health threats.
African Americans and Law Enforcement: Tackling a Foundational Component of Structural Reform—Union Disciplinary Procedures
Authors: Hodge David R , Clintonia Boddie Stephanie
Published: January 2022

Despite numerous high-profile deaths of African Americans at the hands of law enforcement, little attention has been paid to the issue of police reform in the social work literature. To address this gap, this article focuses on a topic that has been singled out as the most important area of potential reform: restructuring the disciplinary provisions embedded in the contracts negotiated between police unions and municipalities. These provisions frequently shield problematic officers from public accountability by hindering their identification, sanctioning, and dismissal. Given that collective bargaining agreements are typically negotiated behind closed doors, social workers can play an essential role by advocating for public negotiations between municipal and union leaders, so provisions that obstruct public accountability for unfit officers can be identified and eliminated. The article concludes by delineating three alternative models to the status quo—increased neighborhood policing, disbanding or defunding police departments, and police abolition zones—and notes that no model can be successful if those who abuse their power cannot be removed from their positions of public trust. The authors suggest that social workers collaborate with African American residents in a given community to ensure that their preferences regarding community justice are enacted in a manner that reflects their aspirations.
Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum Bacterial Infection Induces Organ-Specific Callose and Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Banana
Authors: Mustafa Abubakar Sadik , Tugume Benison , Ssenku Jamilu E. , Ssemanda Paul , Athman Shahasi Y. , Oryem-Origa Hannington , Kubiriba Jerome , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P. , Tugume Arthur K.
Published: January 2022

Xanthomonas campestris pv . musacearum ( Xcm) bacteria cause banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW), the most destructive disease of bananas in East and Central Africa. During early stages of infection in susceptible banana cultivars, incomplete systemic movement of Xcm limits bacterial colonization in the upper organs. The mechanistic basis of this delayed movement is unknown. We hypothesized that Xcm infection triggers basal pattern-triggered immune (PTI) responses whose spatial and temporal variability along the banana's anatomical structure accounts for initially limiting Xcm in upper organs. Hence, we examined PTI responses such as callose deposition and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in different organs in response to Xcm infection in BXW-susceptible Kayinja and Mbwazirume banana cultivars and wild resistant progenitor Musa balbisiana. Xcm-induced callose increased and peaked at 14 days postinoculation (dpi) and 28 dpi as assessed by fluorescence microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The levels of Xcm-induced H2O2 and callose were highest in the pseudostems and corms, respectively, and were independent of host susceptibility or resistance to BXW.  H2O2 production showed a biphasic transient pattern with an initial increase at 1-hour post Xcm inoculation (hpi), followed by a decline 3 to 6 hpi and then a second increase by 12 hpi. Our findings point to organ-specific responses to Xcm infection in bananas. The corm, which doubles as a subterranean perennating organ and interface between mother plants and lateral shoots, was the most responsive organ in callose production, whereas the pseudostem was the most responsive organ in H2O2 production, suggesting the significance of these organs in banana response to BXW.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Teaming up in primary care
Authors: Everett Christine M. , Docherty Sharron L. , Matheson Elaine , Morgan Perri A. , Price Ashley , Christy Jacob , Michener Lloyd , Smith Valerie A. , Anderson John B. , Viera Anthony , Jackson George L.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Increased demand for quality primary care and value-based payment has prompted interest in implementing primary care teams. Evidence-based recommendations for implementing teams will be critical to successful PA participation. This study sought to describe how primary care providers (PCPs) define team membership boundaries and coordinate tasks.

Methods:

This mixed-methods study included 28 PCPs from a primary care network. We analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics and interview data using content analysis.

Results:

Ninety-six percent of PCPs reported team membership. Team models fell into one of five categories. The predominant coordination mechanism differed by whether coordination was required in a visit or between visits.

Conclusions:

Team-based primary care is a strategy for improving access to quality primary care. Most PCPs define team membership based on within-visit task interdependencies. Our findings suggest that team-based interventions can focus on clarifying team membership, increasing interaction between clinicians, and enhancing the electronic health record to facilitate between-visit coordination.
Survival Without Severe Neonatal Morbidity in Very Preterm Twins According to Planned Mode of Delivery
Authors: Korb Diane , Goffinet François , Sentilhes Loïc , Kayem Gilles , Sénat Marie Victoire , Azria Elie , Schmitz Thomas ,   for the JUmeaux MODe d’Accouchement (JUMODA) Study Group and the Groupe de Recherche en Obstétrique et Gynécologie (GROG)*
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To assess survival to discharge without severe neonatal morbidity by planned mode of delivery for twins born before 32 weeks of gestation.

METHODS:

The JUMODA (JUmeaux MODe d’Accouchement) study was a French national prospective, population-based, cohort study of twin deliveries conducted from February 2014 to March 2015. This planned secondary analysis included diamniotic twin pregnancies from 26 0/7 through 31 6/7 weeks of gestation. Exclusion criteria included contraindications to vaginal delivery and situations for which planned cesarean delivery is favored, and neonatal prognosis depends largely on the underlying pathology rather than the planned mode of delivery. The primary outcome was survival to discharge without severe neonatal morbidity (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade 3 or grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, stage 2 or stage 3 necrotizing enterocolitis). The association between planned mode of delivery and primary outcome was assessed by multivariate Poisson regression model. A propensity-score approach with inverse probability of treatment weighting also was performed to control for indication bias. Subgroup analyses according to birth order and sensitivity analyses limited to spontaneous preterm births only were performed.

RESULTS:

Among 424 very preterm twin pregnancies, 192 (45.3%) had a planned cesarean delivery and 232 (54.7%) had a planned vaginal delivery. Survival to discharge without severe morbidity did not differ in the two groups: 308 of 384 (80.2%) after planned cesarean and 375 of 464 (80.8%) after planned vaginal delivery (crude relative risk 0.99; 95% CI 0.91–1.15; adjusted relative risk 1.02; 95% CI 0.93–1.11). After applying inverse probability of treatment weighting, planned cesarean delivery still was not associated with higher survival to discharge without severe neonatal morbidity than planned vaginal birth (relative risk 1.11; 95% CI 0.84–1.46). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed similar results.

CONCLUSION:

Planned cesarean delivery for very preterm twins is not associated with higher survival to discharge without severe neonatal morbidity than planned vaginal delivery. These results suggest that very preterm delivery should not be considered a per se indication for planned cesarean in twin pregnancies.